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1. "We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord..." (2 Cor. 4:5)
Two guest speakers were asked to speak to a student body regarding Abraham Lincoln. After the first speech, the unanimous consensus of the student body was, "Our speaker was a great speaker." After the second speech, the consensus was, "Abraham Lincoln was a great man." We ask, "Which one did his job?"
Let us not exalt or glorify ourselves in our preaching, but the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. "And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Rom. 8:10)
A boy while flying a kite was so successful that the kite went out of sight. He stood in the field with a cord in his hand that bent upwards into the sky. Someone asked him how he knew the kite was there, and he let them put their hand on the string. They could feel the pull of the unseen kite. Similarly, although the world cannot visibly see Christ in us, they can recognize His invisible power in every phase of our lives. They are forced to admit that we, as Christians, have something which they do not possess.
Let us truly have Christ, the hope of glory, within us.
3. "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." (2 Tim. 4:8)
"Clarence Darrow was a great criminal lawyer, and probably the most famous attorney in the country at the peak of his career. He was also an opponent of Christianity and a defender of Darwin's theory of evolution. His most famous case was probably his defense of evolution in the Scopes trial held in Dayton, Tennessee, otherwise known as 'The Monkey Trial.' Mr. Darrow grew old, as all men invariably do, and, when he was 75, was quoted in the newspapers as saying: 'If I were a young man with my life ahead of me, I think I'd chuck it all, the way things are now. I certainly have no encouragement for young bloods that are just starting out looking for jobs. The sooner they jump out of windows, the sooner they will find peace.' Darrow had all the best as to an earthly career, but at the last decided that life was not worth living. He died with nothing to look forward to for himself, and with no word of encouragement for those who were following after him. Darwin and Darrow produce despair." (From Jere Frost)
Let us not follow Darrow or Darwin, but the beloved apostle Paul as he followed Christ.
4. "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits." (1 Cor. 15:33)
Two men who were friends both purchased parrots for pets. It turned out that one of the parrots was accustomed to singing spiritual songs, while the other used many curse words. The owners thought if they would place the parrot which sang spiritual songs with the one that cursed, the bad habit would be corrected. It turned out in the end that the opposite happened. The good parrot began to also use curse words!
Often Christians think they can associate with wicked people and not be affected. Some even think they need to get involved with evil people so that they can convert them. To the contrary, one does not need to jump into quicksand in order to get someone out of quicksand.
Let us not be deceived. Evil companionships corrupts good morals.
5. "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God; through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom. 7:24-25)
Some scholars think that Paul, in the above verse, was alluding to the barbaric practice of the Romans, and others before them, who strapped a dead body to a prisoner who was captured in battle. The dead body hindered the prisoner from escaping as he was marched off to captivity. Verse 24 can literally be translated, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this dead body?" Of course, Paul was making a spiritual application, and was asking, "Who will deliver me from the bondage of sin which shackles and condemns?"
Paul answers his own question in verse 25. Deliverance from the wretched, miserable state of sin comes through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the Redeemer, Savior, and Deliverer.
Let us thank God that we have deliverance and salvation through Christ.
6. "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." (1 Cor. 9:27)
Vince Lombardi, the legendary coaching genius who was the only man to ever coach three consecutive world championship football teams, once said, "I've never known a man worth his salt who, in the long run, deep down in his heart, did not appreciate the grind and the discipline. There is something in good men that truly yearns for and needs discipline."
Let us discipline our bodies and bring them into subjection to the will of Christ.
7. "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you." (Acts 7:51)
In ancient cultures, the ox was commonly used to plow fields and pull carts. These animals were hard to handle under the best of circumstances. When an angry ox stiffened the muscles of his powerful neck, it was difficult or impossible to guide him. Those ancient people began to use the term "stiff-necked" to refer to people who were stubborn and self-willed like the oxen. It is so used in the word of God.
Let us not be stubborn or self-willed, but humbly yield to the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
8. "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13)
A mother sought the pardon of her son from the Emperor Napoleon. Napoleon said that it was the boy's second offense, and justice demanded his death. "I don't ask for justice, but plead for mercy," the mother responded. "But he does not deserve mercy" said the Emperor. "It would not be mercy if he deserved it," cried the mother. "Well, then, I will have mercy," said the Emperor, and he gave full pardon to the son.
Let us show mercy to others because we will receive judgment without mercy if we show no mercy.
9. "For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Rom. 3:22-26)
The phrase "at the present time" distinguishes the present age from time past. God has now demonstrated His righteousness through the offering of Christ. Divine justice requires the condemnation and punishment of all who sin. On what basis, therefore, can the Divine justice be maintained, and the sinner be justified? Only through the sacrifice of Christ and faith in Him. The sinner through faith in Christ, is freed from the penalty of his sins. Christ died in his stead. Death has paid for sin, but the sinner is not required to die. God remains just (the penalty is paid) and the sinner is justified when he accepts Christ's death as a substitute for his own.
Let us give thanks to God for His unspeakable gift.
10. "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isa. 64:6)
Let us suppose that a plane crashes into the water with three men aboard, and there is no boat, ship, or land within hundreds of miles. One of the men is able to swim only a few hundred feet. The second can manage to stay afloat an hour or two. The third is a world champion long-distance swimmer. What is the fate of the three?
It doesn't matter if the third is a great swimmer or not. He is in the same fate as the other two. The first will drown in twenty minutes; the second in an hour or two; and the third in fifteen hours. All three need a savior, for without one, all three will drown.
So it is with all men. Being a good moral person alone amounts to nothing more than filthy rags. We all are sinners, and without a Savior are doomed to destruction.
11. "For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." (1 Thess. 1:8)
Some have a bad attitude concerning personal work. They are too quick to say, "It won't do any good," or "No one is interested." There is a story told of two salesmen who in the late 1800's were sent from this country on separate missions to Africa to view the possibilities of selling shoes. One salesman wrote back to the company and said that the prospects for selling shoes in that country was absolutely no good because everyone went barefooted. The other salesman wrote back and said that the prospects for selling shoes there was fantastic because everyone needed shoes!
Let us sound forth the word of the Lord, preaching it in season and out of season.
12. "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Prov. 16:32)
The expression, "Fly off the handle," is used when one quickly loses his temper. The original expression comes to us from the use of tools. After tools have set in the shed for months, the wooden handle becomes dry and shrinks. When various tools such as an ax are used, the iron can easily fly off the handle because of the shrunken wood. When the blade of an ax flies off the handle, it is very dangerous to the user and everyone standing nearby. Similarly, when one, "flies off the handle" (has a violent explosion of anger), it endangers everyone.
Let us learn to rule our spirits.
13. "...Let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." (Heb. 12:1)
The setting was a cold January morning in a little town in Wisconsin, on the southern shore of Lake Superior. It happened to be the Saturday when they had their annual dog sled derby on the ice. A one-mile course had been staked out by sticking little fir trees in the ice. The whole course was easily visible because of the steep slope of the shore. It was a youngsters' meet and the contenders ranged all the way from large boys with several dogs and big sleds to one little fellow who didn't seem over five with a little sled and one small dog. They took off at the signal and the little fellow with his one dog was quickly outdistanced--he was hardly in the race. All went well with the rest until, about halfway around, the team that was second started to pass the team then in the lead. They came too close and the dogs got in a fight. As each team came up the dogs joined the fight. None seemed to be able to steer clear of it. Soon, from our position about a half mile away, there was just one big black seething mass of kids and sleds and dogs. None but the little fellow with his one dog managed to stay clear, and was the only one to finish the race. As I reflect on the many vexing problems and the stresses of our times that complicate their solutions, this simple scene from long ago comes vividly to mind, and I draw the obvious moral: No matter how difficult the challenge or how impossible or hopeless the task may seem, if you are reasonably sure of your course, just keep on going! (James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, Tyndale House Publishers, 1988, p. 159)
Let us continue patiently and steadily in our course toward eternal life.
14. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)
Someone, who had put one of those humming bird feeders into his yard, told this story about a particular humming bird. At first, several humming birds used the feeder. Later, however, one humming bird began to guard the feeder and chase all other birds away. The little bird sat days on end guarding his self-claimed feeder, so much so that he became a slave to it. He could go nowhere and do nothing but sit and guard his feeder. Thus, what was supposed to be an aid became a hindrance to this one bird. Isn't this the case with many of us when we become overly occupied with things which hinder us in our service to the Lord? The owner of the feeder decided to bring the bird feeder inside so that the humming bird could once again run free.
Let us free ourselves of all slaving hindrances and truly put the kingdom of God and His righteousness first in our lives.
15. "Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
It's been said that when attempting to boil a frog, if you start by boiling the water and put the frog in the boiling water, it will jump out. If, however, you begin by placing the frog in water that's room temperature, and then slowly increase the heat, the frog fails to recognize the gradual change in water temperature. Before the frog knows it, the water temperature is greater than it can bear, and it dies.
I wouldn't suggest harming a poor frog in that manner, but the lesson is obvious. In a slow, subtle, undetectable manner, we can be choked with the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life.
Let us not let anything choke our spirituality and thereby destroy us.
16. "...In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess. 5:18)
Here are Matthew Henry's, the well known Bible scholar, comments after he had been robbed. "Let me be thankful; first, because I was never robbed before; secondly, because although the thief took my wallet, he did not take my life; thirdly, because although he took my money, it wasn't much; and, fourthly, because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed."
Let us give thanks in all things.
17. "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." (Matt. 24:37-39)
The Pearl Harbor attack demonstrated that not only were an Admiral and General unprepared, but the whole nation as well. Nearly everyone, in their satisfaction with the trivia of everyday living, ignored all the evidence that an attack was coming. In spite of all the evidence, people were astonished when the attack came.
The Bible repeatedly informs us regarding the Second Coming of Christ. Men are warned to flee from the wrath to come. They are warned that sudden destruction will overtake them. It will come as suddenly as the blinking of an eye, and unexpectedly as a thief in the night. In spite of all the warnings, men continue to be preoccupied with their everyday trivia. When the Lord comes, they will be awakened with a blow far more destructive than Pearl Harbor.
Let us not let that day take us unawares.
18. "...But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God." (1 Pet. 4:16 NASV)
Let us proudly wear the name "Christian," but more importantly, let us live the lifestyle exemplified by that name.
When Walter P. Paepeke started a carton company and called it the Container Corporation of America, his attorney said it was "a big name for such a small company." Mr. Paepeke's reply was, "We'll take the name and grow into it."
Let us take the name "Christian" and grow into what it represents.
19. "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Tim. 3:10-11)
Dr. Glenn Olds, former President of Kent State University, recalled the sight of Mt. Rushmore as he hitch-hiked cross-country in 1941 during his junior year. From 10 miles back, he recognized Washington and Lincoln. But in the middle was a figure that looked like Adolf Hitler. Once close, instead of hair combed over a forehead, the young man saw cable wires, instead of a moustache, he saw a scaffolding. The image stuck, and he made this note in his journal: "What was Adolf Hitler at 10 miles away was Thomas Jefferson under construction."
The experience is true to life. Almost every major problem at a distance looks bad; however, up close, it can be seen as something under construction or repair.
Let us endure afflictions as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
20. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." (Eph. 6:2-3)
A man stopped at the flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived 200 miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a girl sitting on the curb sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother, but I only have 75 cents and a rose costs $2." The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I will buy you a rose for your mother." He placed his FTD order of flowers to his mother and bought a rose for the girl. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride. She responded, "Yes, please, if you could. Take me to my mother," and she directed him to a cemetery where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave. The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up the flowers and drove the 200 miles to his mother's home.
Let us honor our parents.
21. "But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out." (Num. 32:23)
A wealthy widower deeded all his property to an only son and his wife on the condition that he would be allowed to live in the country with them for the rest of his life. After a few years, when the inheritance had been spent, the daughter-in-law got tired of having the elderly gentleman around and told her husband he would have to leave. The son agreed and broke the news to his father. A short time later he and the feeble old man walked down the dusty road to a state- supported home for senior citizens. Being very unsteady on his feet, the father finally asked if he could rest for a few moments on a sawed-off stump to regain his strength for the last mile of the journey. As he sat there, he suddenly put his head in his hands and began to sob. The son, pricked in his conscience, tried to make excuses. Finally his dad controlled himself enough to say, "I'm not crying so much because I'm going to this lonely home for the poor and unfortunate. I'm weeping because of my own sins. Forty years ago, I walked down this road with my father and brought him to the very same place. I am now seeing the results of the evil deeds I have sown!"
Let us do to others as we would have them do to us.
22. "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Tim. 2:5)
"In the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Ben Johnson of Canada won the one-hundred-meter dash, setting a new Olympic record and a new world record. Our American contender, Carl Lewis, came in second, and most were shocked that he hadn't won the gold. After the race, the judges learned that Johnson had an illegal substance in his body. He ran the race illegally, so the judges took away his medal. Though he ran faster and made an unforgettable impression, he did not deserve the reward. Though the world and even our fellow Christians may be impressed with and applaud our deeds, let's not forget that God is the final judge!" (Charles R. Swindoll, Hope Again, p. 34.)
Let us continue to serve God in the way He has ordained in His word.
23. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
In all plants and trees leaves use up the nutrients in the process of photosynthesis. As the leaves consume nutrients in the sap, a suction is formed, which draws more sap from the roots. Without the sap, the leaves and branches would die, but the continual flow of this sap comes only as it is used up by the work of the leaves.
Let us continue to be diligent in our service to the Lord so that we can abide in His love.
24. "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving..." (Col. 4:2)
Please consider this old illustration regarding prayer:
"Two preachers' wives sat mending their husbands' pants. One said to the other, 'My poor John, he is so discouraged in his church work. He said just the other day he was considering resigning. It seems that nothing goes right for him.' The other replied, 'Why, my husband was saying just the opposite. He is so enthused, it seems like he is closer to the Lord than ever before.' A hushed silence fell as they continued to mend the trousers: ONE PATCHING THE KNEES AND THE OTHER THE SEAT."
Let us always pray and not lose heart.
25. "...Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Pet. 2:24)
History records that during the early days of the Civil War, a young Union soldier was arrested on charges of desertion. Unable to prove his innocence, he was condemned and sentenced to die a deserter's death. His appeal found its way to the desk of Abraham Lincoln. The president felt mercy for the soldier and signed a pardon. The young soldier returned to service, fought the entirety of the war, and was killed in the very last battle. Found within his breast pocket was the signed letter of the president. Close to the heart of the soldier were his leader's words of pardon. He found the courage to serve because of the one who had been good to him.
Let us find courage to live for righteousness because of the One who has provided pardon for us.
26. "I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments." (Psalm 119:60)
Early one morning fire broke out in a house on a narrow street. The alarm was sounded by a policeman on duty. Before the fire engines could get to the scene, however, flames were leaping high into the air. Suddenly, a young man appeared at an upper window in his pajamas. Firemen quickly placed a ladder against the burning building. But, to the dismay of all, he refused to come down, shouting back that he had to get dressed first. The firemen pleaded, "Come as you are! Come as you are!" but to no avail. Abruptly, the stairs gave way and the roof fell in. The man had waited too long and was buried beneath the ruins.
How much greater tragedy awaits all who refuse to "flee from the wrath to come." Let us not delay, but make haste to keep the commandments of God.
27. "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" (Matt. 15:8-9)
From the above passage, please consider that people are hypocrites when they worship God after the commandments of men. They are hypocrites when they worship God after man's commandments because if they truly loved and honored God as they claim, they would worship Him precisely as He directs. Though they strongly claim honor and respect toward Him, when they teach as doctrines the commandments of men, God Himself calls them "hypocrites."
Let us not be hypocrites before God. Let us boldly reject all traditions and doctrines of men, and worship and serve Him in accord with His truth.
28. "Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God." (Eccl. 8:12-13)
An Atheist farmer often ridiculed people who believed in God. He wrote the following letter to the editor of a local newspaper: "I plowed on Sunday, planted on Sunday, cultivated on Sunday, and hauled in my crops on Sunday; but I never went to church on Sunday. Yet, I harvested more bushels per acre than anyone else, even those who are God-fearing and never miss a service."
The editor printed the man's letter and then added this remark: "God doesn't always settle His accounts in October."
Things will always be well with those who fear God, but not so with the wicked.
29. "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance..." (Rom. 5:3)
In the pictures of the ancient Roman method of threshing grain, one man is always seen stirring up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers instead of wheels. Rough bits of iron were attached to these cylinders to help separate the husks from the grain. This simple cart was called a "tribulum" from which we get our word "tribulation."
When great afflictions come, we often think of ourselves as being torn to pieces under the cruel pressures of adverse circumstances. Remember, no thresher ever used his tribulum for the mere purpose of tearing up the sheaves but to disclose the precious grain. Likewise, God tries the righteous, but He never puts them under the pressure of sorrow and disappointment needlessly.
Let us be patience in tribulation.
30. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her..." (Eph. 5:25)
An older couple were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. The husband was asked what the secret was to his successful marriage. As the elderly are accustomed to do, the old gentleman answered with a story. His wife, Sarah, was the only girl he ever dated. He never had time to date until Sarah swept him off his feet. Before he knew it she had managed to get him to ask her to marry him.
After they had said their vows on their wedding day, Sarah's father took the new groom aside and handed him a small gift. He said, "Within this gift is what you really need to know to have a happy marriage." The nervous young man fumbled with the paper and ribbon until he got the package unwrapped. Within the box lay a large gold watch. With great care he picked it up. Upon close examination he saw etched across the face of the watch a prudent reminder he would see whenever he checked the time, words that, if heeded, held the secret to a successful marriage. They were, "Say something nice to Sarah." (From Morris Chalfant)
Let us say something nice to our companions day by day.
31. "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24)
In certain locations, the contour of hills gives an illusion that the law of gravity is amiss. Near Los Angeles is a hill where hundreds of motorists stop their cars, shut off the engines, release the brakes and seemingly roll up hill. However, a level placed on the ground where the cars "roll up hill," will show immediately that the cars are actually rolling down hill. The eye can be deceived; the level cannot.
God has given us a similar measuring instrument: His holy word. His word establishes the true aspects of the matter and reveals whatever unevenness or distortion is involved. There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.
Let us not make judgments on the basis of appearance, but on God's infallible truth.
32. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God..." (Phil. 4:6)
When the Crystal Palace Exhibition opened in 1851, people flocked to London's Hyde Park to behold the marvels. One of the greatest marvels back then was steam. Steam plows were displayed. Steam locomotives. Steam looms. Steam organs. Even a steam cannon.
Of all the great exhibits that year, the first-prize winner was a steam invention with seven thousand parts. When it was turned on, its pulleys, whistles, bells, and gears made a lot of noise, but, ironically, the contraption didn't do a thing. It had seven thousand moving parts making a lot of commotion, but having no practical use.
Perhaps our lives are somewhat like that worthless machine. We seem to be running in every direction, worried about this and that, and making a lot of noise, but accomplishing nothing. Let us stop being anxious about a lot of things that don't really matter, and focus on things which are truly important.
33. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Heb. 11:6)
A tight rope was stretched across Niagra Falls. A crowd had gathered and a man pulled a unicycle out of a box and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention! Let me see a show of hands: how many of you believe that I can ride across the Falls on this unicycle and safely reach the other side?" The crowd, eager to see the feat, raise their hands and respond enthusiastically, "We do! We do!" The man replies, "Wait! That's not all! Another show of hands: how many of you believe I can ride safely across while balancing someone on my shoulders?" The crowd wave their hands and shout, "We do! We do!" The man says, "Great! Now, one more question: which one of you volunteer to be the one on my shoulders?" There was great silence as the hands quickly dropped.
If we truly believed that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, we would be diligently seeking Him. Let us seek Him with all our being.
34. "...I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Tim. 3:15)
There is a restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia named, "Church of God Grill." Someone called and asked about their unusual name and the reply was, "We had a little mission down here, and we started selling chicken dinners after church on Sunday to help pay the bills. People liked the chicken, and we did such a good business, that eventually we cut back on the church service. After a while, we just closed down the church altogether, and kept on serving the chicken dinners. We kept the name we started with, and that's 'Church of God Grill.'"
This incident is similar to many congregations and denominations who have over time drifted from their original purpose. Let us, as a church of our Lord, continue to be the pillar and ground of the truth. Let us continue to uphold, defend, and proclaim the truth that souls might be saved.
35. "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You." (Psalm 5:11)
Kaufmann Kohler states in the Jewish Encyclopedia, "No language has as many words for joy and rejoicing as does Hebrew. In the Old Testament thirteen Hebrew roots, found in twenty-seven different words, are used primarily for some aspect of joy or joyful participation in worship. The Hebrew religion exemplified God as the true source of joy and happiness. In contrast to the rituals of other faiths of the East, Israelite worship was essentially a joyous proclamation and celebration."
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4)
36. "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." (Isa. 6:8)
With great regret we announce the death of one of our church's most valuable members, Mr. Someone Else. His shoes will be hard to fill. Whenever there was a job to be done, everyone said, "Let Someone Else do it." Whenever personal work was encouraged, they said, " Let Someone Else set up Bible classes in non-members' homes." When growth was mentioned, it was asked, "Why don't Someone Else bring more people to services?" When visitations were suggested, it was said, "Let Someone Else go visit the sick, poor, and needy." Whenever generous giving was needed, many said, "Let Someone Else make up the difference."
Someone Else was a wonderful Christian, but he could spread himself only so far. People expected far too much from him. Now, since he has gone, who will step forward to do this things that Someone Else always did?
Let us be ready volunteers in the service of the Lord. "Here am I! Send me."
37. "And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:41-42)
According to the National Bureau of Standards, a dense fog covering seven city blocks to a depth of 100 feet is composed of something less than one glass of water. In other words, all the fog covering seven city blocks 100 feet deep, if gathered together and held in a single drinking glass, would be less than one glass of water. This can be compared to our worry or anxiety about worldly matters. If all our worry about earthly things were reduced to its true value, it probably would be worth less than one tenth of one second of our time.
Let us not be worried and trouble about things that don't really matter, but focus on things which are truly important.
38. "...In Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." (Eph. 3:11-12)
We have boldness and confidence in Christ. We are free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-2). We are free from any condemning charges against us (Rom. 8:33-34). We cannot be separated from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35-39). We are assured that all things will work together for good (Rom. 8:28). We have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:21-22). Our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). The good work which God has begun in us will be perfected (Phil. 1:6). We are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20-21). We have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). We can find grace and mercy in the time of need (Heb. 4:16). We are born of God and the evil one cannot touch us (1 John 5:18).
Let us rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
39. "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thess. 2:9-12)
A German motorist, apparently following instructions from his car dashboard satellite-guided navigation system, drove his BMW into the Havel River. Police investigating the mishap say a crucial piece of information was not stored in the satellite-steered navigation system of their BMW. The BMW's map showed the presence of a bridge when it should have indicated a ferry. The satellite accurately indicated the car's precise position, but signaled it could cross on a bridge. Police say the driver placed his complete faith on the electronic system and drove straight into the water.
Let us not be guided by a false or unreliable system, but by God's eternal truth.
40. "...Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Cor 2:11)
Those who have bad allergies oftentimes consult an allergist. The allergist will usually suggest allergy shots which, on the surface, seems ludicrous. Nevertheless, allergy shots are designed to cause the body to tolerate the very thing it will not tolerate. The doctor injects the allergy in very small doses over a long period of time. When the body has tolerated the small dose over time, a larger dose is injected, and still a larger, until, finally, the body of the patient can accept any dose.
The devil works the same way to desensitize the once faithful Christian. For example, a Christian might say: "I would never be an adulterer!" Yes, but will he tolerate watching adultery on television? Will he tolerate fantasizing about adultery? Will he tolerate socializing with women other than his wife? The devil takes a Christian by one small injection at a time, and the types of his injections are endless.
Let us not be ignorant of Satan's devices.
41. "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
Jesus, in his discourse on the bread of life, was showing that the flesh as such could profit nothing. The Spirit alone is the author and source of all life. Jesus continued, "The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life." The whole gist of His discourse refers to the "spirit," not flesh, and the words He employed were to be interpreted in that sense. Furthermore, the words that He spoke are living, life-giving, and dynamic. His words are spiritual, fitted to quicken and nourish the soul. F.F. Bruce noted the following: "The word of human beings, however wise in substance or eloquent in expression, cannot produce spiritual life; this is the prerogative of the Word of God."
Let us study and meditate continually on the words that can impart and sustain spiritual life.
42. "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'" (Luke 12:20)
When John Reynoso escaped from the State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Iowa, he did not take into account that his mother would turn him in. "Prison officials," said Mrs. Reynoso, "escorted my son back to the Penitentiary twenty four hours after his escape." What is truly sad about this situation is that John Reynoso had only twenty-three days left to serve when he fled from a work detail. He now faces an additional five years for his escape.
One might say, "What a fool that man was, risking five years for twenty-three days." Nevertheless, consider how many risk eternal life for that which is infinitely shorter. Many risk the glorious mansions of heaven for "the pleasures of sin for a season." Some would rather "sleep in" on Sunday mornings than worship God as He commanded.
Let us not trade eternal life for "satisfying our own selfish desires." Let us faithfully serve God that we might escape eternal damnation.
43. "Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others." (Eccl. 7:21-22)
Once a man who had been slandered by a newspaper came to Edward Everett and asked him what to do about it. "Don't do anything," Everett advised. "Half the people who bought the paper never saw the article. Half of those who saw it did not read it. Half of those who read it did not understand it. Half of those who understood it did not believe it. And half of those who believed it are of no account anyway."
1 Pet. 2:12 says, "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."
44. "The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness." (Luke 11:34)
The amount of light received and distributed to the body depends on the power and accuracy of the eye that receives it. A diseased eye will prevent the access of light and the darkness becomes profound to those who are accustomed to light.
As always, our Lord's words have their spiritual application. A healthy, ready, unprejudiced spiritual eye is important because it receives and imparts light to the soul. If the spiritual eye is diseased, the soul will be full of darkness.
Let us have due appreciation for our Lord's words by establishing the right attitudes so that we can receive spiritual light and strength continually.
45. Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.'" (Matt. 23:1-3)
A certain fountain pen salesman persuaded a merchant to order 500 dozen pens. He was writing the order in his notebook when suddenly the merchant exclaimed, "Hold on! I'm canceling that order!" Then he turned to wait on a customer. The salesman left the store perplexed and angry. Later, the merchant's bookkeeper asked, "Why did you cancel that fountain pen order?" "Why?" responded the merchant, "because he talked fountain pens to me for half an hour, using a number of forcible arguments, and then booked my order with a lead pencil. His practice did not agree with his instruction."
Let us both practice what we preach and preach what we practice.
46. "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Prov 13:20)
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company." (George Washington)
"Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals." (1 Cor. 15:33 NASV) "I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts." (Psalm 119:63 NKJV)
47. "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being." (1 Cor 10:24)
Dr. Karl Menninger of the Menninger Clinic was asked, "If someone felt a nervous breakdown coming on, what would you suggest that he do?" He replied, "If you feel a nervous breakdown coming on, I would urge you to find somebody else with a problem -- a serious one -- and get involved with that individual, helping him solve his problem. In helping him to solve his problem, in reality, your own problem is going to disappear. You're no longer thinking internally. You're no longer letting things gnaw at your stomach. You're no longer getting disturbed about yourself because you're not thinking about yourself. You're thinking about others."
Let us seek the well being of others and thereby help ourselves.
48. "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." (1 Pet. 5:9)
There is a story about a young man who was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees and said, "Lord, I can't go on; I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room, and then open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed. He did as he was told, and upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. After searching for a very long time, he then spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he said. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the very cross you just brought in!"
When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what others are bearing. We may consider ourselves fortunate. Many of our brethren, in spite of overwhelming hardships and difficulties, continue to faithfully serve the Lord. Let us be encouraged by their examples.
49. "See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven..." (Heb. 12:25)
A former park ranger at Yellowstone National Park tells the story of a ranger leading a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals that he considered the messages on his two-way radio distracting and switched it off. Nearing the tower, the ranger was met by a nearly breathless lookout, who asked why he hadn't responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been seen stalking the group, and the authorities were trying to warn of the danger.
Any time we tune out God's message to us, we put our souls in great danger. Let us give earnest heed and never refuse Him who speaks from heaven through His revelation.
50. "O Israel, return to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity; Take words with you, And return to the LORD. Say to Him, 'Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.'" (Hosea 14:1-2)
Robert Robinson had been converted out of a tempestuous life of sin, and at the age of twenty-three, wrote the hymn, "O Thou Fount Of Every Blessing." Sadly, Robinson wandered far from the faith and, like the Prodigal Son, journeyed into the distant country of carnality. Until one day - when he was traveling by stagecoach and sitting beside a young woman engrossed in her book. She ran across a verse she thought was beautiful and asked him what he thought of it. Bursting into tears, Robinson said, "Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then." (Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories, p. 52 )
Let the backslider return to the Lord our God, and He will graciously forgive.
51. "Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1)
I once heard of a man who, when dying, requested that the above verse be read at his funeral. He then added that he wanted to go into the next world using those words as an humble appeal to His awesome Creator.
We all are sinners and are in need of God's tender mercies and lovingkindness; thus, we need to often, both in life and death, make the identical plea as did king David.
52. "Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great." (Job 2:11-13)
Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child, and the winner of the contest was a four- year-old child whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry." (From A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Jack Canfield)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Rom. 12:15)
53. "And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense, says the LORD." (Jer. 3:10)
A man went inside a telephone booth and dialed the number of a friend. When the connection was made, the friend kept saying, "I can't hear you; speak louder." All his friend could hear was the sound of the roar of the traffic in the background. He then said, "Shut the door so I can hear you."
For us to truly hear God's word and be totally committed to Him, we must shut the door to the outside world. Worldly interests and enticements distract us from serving the Lord. Let us set our minds on and seek first the things above so that we can serve God with the whole heart and not in pretense.
54. "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." (1 Tim. 4:12)
A detergent advertisement depicted a little fellow looking intently at his shadow that fell across his pathway. The slogan underneath the picture read: "That's the only thing we can't wash out!"
As we consider this clever bit of sales promotion, we are reminded of the shadow of influence we cast on others by our example. Wrong attitudes and actions can engrave an impression on the minds of others which are next to impossible to erase. Just as we can leave a permanent mark for evil, we can likewise leave a lasting effect for good.
Let us, therefore, strive to live so that our loving spirit, vibrant faith, and purity of life are never diluted by inconsistency.
55. "...Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord..." (Rom. 12:11)
Henry Ford said, "You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the spark in your eye, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters, they have fortitude, they have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress! With it, there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis."
Let us enthusiastically serve the Lord.
56. "But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned." (Titus 3:9-11)
Let us never wrestle with a pig because both of us will get dirty and the pig likes it.
57. "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." (2 John 9)
In the Northern hill country of India, there are private paths which lead from the main one to the homes that dot the hillside. At some of the junctions, the owners build two posts and a gate. The posts are not connected to any fence. One can easily step around the gate if he so wishes. However, when the posts are strong, the gate heavy, and a padlock secures the gate, it is the owners way of stating that this is his own private path. In other words, his gate says, "No trespassers, please!" And, "Those who disregard the warning will suffer the consequences."
As one thinks about this arrangement, it is exactly the way God deals with us. God has arranged guidelines and laws which we are to observe and respect. If one so desires, he can step around God's laws. Some day, though, he will suffer bitter consequences for disobeying God.
Let us continue to abide in the doctrine of Christ that we might be pleasing to God.
58. "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." (Heb. 13:4)
A man wrote to Dear Abby and said, "Dear Abby: I am in love and am having an affair with two different women. I can't marry them both. Please tell me what to do, but don't give me any of that morality stuff." Abby's answer was a good one. She wrote, "Dear Sir: The only difference between humans and animals is morality. Please write to a veterinarian."
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor..." (1 Thess. 4:3-4)
59. "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Rom. 5:3-4)
There is a story about a old mule who fell into a large well which had no water in it. The farmer said that the mule wasn't worth the trouble it would take to get him out of the well. Also, the well was of no use without water. Thus, he decided to just bury the mule in the well. He called all his friends and neighbors to help him bury the mule. However, every time they threw dirt on the mule, he would "shake it off and step up." They continued throwing dirt and he kept "shaking it off and stepping up." Finally, after many hours of this, the mule stepped out of the well!
When we are battered with things which aggravate and frustrate us, "Shake it off and step up!" Let us remember that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
60. "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." (2 Cor. 4:8-10)
"Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes the solutions; knows about difficulties but believes they can be overcome; sees the negatives but accentuates the positives; is exposed to the worst but expects the best; has reason to complain but chooses to smile." (From William Arthur Ward)
Let us not be discouraged in the face of hardships and difficulties, but continue to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and anticipate the best.
61. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time..." (1 Pet. 5:6)
Shortly after the Civil War had ended, Gen. William T. Sherman's victorious army was scheduled to march in a triumphant parade in a large city. On the night before, Sherman called Gen. Oliver O. Howard to his room and said, "General, you were at the head of one of the divisions that marched with me through Georgia, and you ought rightfully to ride at the head of your division in the parade tomorrow. But I have been asked to let the General who preceded you in command to represent the division. I don't know what to do." Gen. Howard replied, "I think I am entitled to represent my division since I led them to victory." "Yes, you are," said Sherman. "But I believe you are a good man, and I was wondering if you might yield your rights for the sake of peace." "Oh," said Howard, "in that case, I will yield." "All right," said Gen. Sherman. "I will so arrange it, and you will please report to me in the morning at nine. You will be riding with me at the head of the army."
Gen. Howard's willingness to submit to his commander, and deny himself his rightful place, led to the position of greater honor.
Let us always walk humbly before God and man, and our Father will exalt us in due time.
62. "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." (Psalm 19:7-10)
Several years ago, the Associated Press made an interesting concession. After evaluating 4,000 self-help books, they concluded that the oldest and best of the "how to's" on happiness and contentment are in the original self-help book, the Bible. (Associated Press, Sept. 14, 1992)
"..As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby..." (1 Pet. 2:2)
62. "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD." (Lev. 19:18)
It was on the front pages of newspapers in 1880's, when the Hatfield clan of Virginia feuded with the McCoy clan from across the border in Kentucky. Historians disagree on the cause of the feud which captured the imagination of the nation during a 10-year run. Some say the feud originated from the Civil War tensions: the McCoys sympathized with the Union, the Hatfields with the Confederacy. Others say it began when the McCoys blamed the Hatfields for stealing hogs. As many as 100 men, women and children died. In May 1976, Jim McCoy and Willis Hatfield, the last two survivors of the original families, shook hands at a public ceremony dedicating a monument to six of the victims. Jim McCoy died Feb. 11, 1984, at age 99. He bore no grudges, and had his burial handled by the Hatfield Funeral Home in Toler, KY.
James 5:9 says, "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door."
63. "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:19-21)
Many years ago, while on a visit to America, a wealthy Chinese business man was fascinated by a powerful microscope. Looking through its lens to study crystals and the petals of flowers, he was amazed at their beauty and detail. He decided to purchase one of these devices and take it back to China. He thoroughly enjoyed using it until one day he examined some rice he was planning to eat for dinner. Much to his dismay, he discovered that tiny living creatures were crawling in it. Since he was especially fond of this staple food in his daily diet, he wondered what to do. Finally, he concluded that there was only one way out of his dilemma. He would destroy the instrument that caused him to discover the distasteful fact! So, he smashed the microscope to pieces!
Let us not hate the light, but come to it that we might be pleasing to God.
64. "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." (James 3:5-6)
One evening, while waiting for a bus, a man was standing with a crowd of people looking in the window of a taxidermist shop. In the center of the window was a large owl that attracted the attention of all who passed by. The self-appointed expert began to criticize the job done on it. "If I couldn't do better than that," he said pompously, "I'd find another business. Just look at it. The head is out of proportion, the pose of the body is unnatural, and the feet are pointed in the wrong direction." Just then the owl turned his head and gave the fellow a broad wink. The crowd laughed as the critic embarrassingly slipped away.
"If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well." (James 3:2 NASV)
65. "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matt. 6:26)
Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and hurry so."
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."
(By Elizabeth Cheney)
66. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles; when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you." (1 Pet. 4:3-4)
"When men speak ill of you, so live that nobody will believe them." (Plato)
1 Pet. 2:12 says, "...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."
67. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
The Arctic Tern is one of the most remarkable birds in the world. It migrates farther than any other bird, traveling late in August from its nesting place within the Arctic Circle to its winter "lodgings" in Antarctica and then back to the Arctic Circle again -- an annual round trip of more than 11,000 miles! These small birds make their long trip on nothing but a sense of urgency, direction, and endurance that God has put within them.
Similarly, God has placed within the Christian a power which both directs and drives his life. "...For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:12) "To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." (Col. 1:29)
68. "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Jeris E. Bragan wrote about an old violin-maker who chose the wood for his instruments from the north side of the trees because this was the side that faced the fiercest windstorms. When the storms raged, the trees groaned under the lashings but this is what gave them their strength. As the violin-maker said, "They are simply learning to be violins."
Let us take pleasure in difficulties and hardships because by them we are made strong.
69. "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?'" (Luke 17:15-17)
A man had posted himself in front of an office building with a tray of shoelaces. One executive made it a daily habit to give the unfortunate man 75 cents, but never took the laces. One day the peddler, upon receiving the 75 cents, tapped his departing benefactor on the back and said, "I don't like to complain, Sir, but the laces are now one dollar."
This man was very ungrateful in that he wanted more for free. Let us not be that way. Let us truly be grateful for the blessings which God has given us.
70. "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20)
George W. Martin tells the following true story: "I remember a fellow who once wrote a nasty letter to his father. Since we worked in the same office, I advised him not to send it because it was written in a fit of temper. But he sealed it and asked me to put it in the mail. Instead, I simply slipped it into my pocket and kept it until the next day. The following morning he arrived at the office looking very worried. `George,' he said, `I wish I had never sent that note to my dad yesterday. It hurts me deeply, and I know it will break his heart when he reads it. I'd give 50 dollars to get it back!' Taking the envelope from my pocket, I handed it to him and told him what I had done. He was so overjoyed that he actually wanted to pay me the 50 dollars!"
Let us learn to be slow to wrath, because a quick temper can bring many regrets.
71. "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food." (Job 23:12)
The importance of spending much time with something of great value and beauty is illustrated by a quote from the National Geographic magazine about Carl Sharsmith, an 81 year old guide in Yosemite National Park: "Carl was back at his tent quarters after a long afternoon with tourists. His nose was flaked white and red with sunburn; his eyes were watery, partly from age, but also from hearing again an old question after a half century of summers in California's Yosemite National Park. A lady tourist had hit him with a question where it hurt: 'I've only got an hour to spend at Yosemite,' she declared. 'What should I do? Where should I go?' The old naturalist-interpreter-ranger finally found voice to reply. 'Ah, lady, only an hour.' He repeated it slowly. 'I suppose that if I had only an hour to spend at Yosemite, I'd just walk over there by the river and sit down and cry.'"
A whole lifetime is not long enough to appreciate fully the beauty and value of the Bible. Let us, as Job, treasure God's word more than our necessary food.
72. "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." (Eph. 4:28)
The father of success is named, "Work." The mother of success is named "Ambition." The oldest son is called "Common Sense" and some of the boys are called, "Stability," "Perseverance," "Honesty," "Thoroughness," "Foresight," "Enthusiasm," and "Cooperation." The oldest daughter is named, "Character." Some of the others sisters are, "Cheerfulness," "Loyalty," "Care," "Courtesy," "Economy," "Sincerity," and "Harmony." The baby is named, "Opportunity." Get acquainted with the father and you will soon learn and harmonize with the rest of the family. (Author Unknown)
"...That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..." (1 Thess. 4:11)
73. "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." (John 6:27)
Several years ago the British Weekly printed a letter to the editor: "Dear Sir: I notice that ministers seem to set a great deal of importance on their sermons and spend a great deal of time in preparing them. I have been attending services quite regularly for the past thirty years and during that time, if I estimate correctly, I have listened to no less than 3,000 sermons; but, to my consternation, I discover I cannot remember a single one of them. I wonder if a minister's time might be more profitably spent on something else? Sincerely..."
That letter triggered an avalanche of angry responses for weeks. The value of preaching was belittled and defended by many, but eventually this single letter closed the debate: "My dear Sir: I have been married for thirty years. During that time I have eaten 32,850 meals -- mostly of my wife's cooking. Suddenly, I have discovered that I cannot remember the menu of a single meal. And yet, I received nourishment from every one of them. I have the distinct impression that without them, I would have starved to death long ago. Sincerely..."
74. "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (John 12:25)
"A real Christian is an odd number, anyway. He feels supreme love for One who he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge." (From A.W. Tozer)
He who loves life (who selfishly seeks to please himself) will lose it, but he who hates his life (who denies himself and willingly takes up his cross and follows Christ) will keep his life for the eternal rest.
75. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58)
There is a story of a man who distributed tracts for many years on a street corner. Finally, seeing no visible results, he gave up. When he returned to the same spot two years later, he saw another individual handing out gospel leaflets as he had done. Striking up a conversation, he discovered that the man had become a Christian through a tract given him on that corner about two years earlier. The convert added, "Many times I've come back here to find that earnest worker and thank him, but he never returned. I decided he must have died, and so I've taken his place!" To make a long story short, there are now two Christians handing out tracts on that street corner.
Let us preach the word in season and out of season with all longsuffering and teaching.
76. "But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil." (James 4:16)
There is an old fable that says two geese were about to start southward on their annual autumn migration, when they were entreated by a frog to take him with them. The geese expressed their willingness to do so if a means of conveyance could be devised. The frog produced a long stalk of grass, got the geese to take it by each end, while he clung to it by his mouth in the middle. In this manner the three were making their journey when they were noticed by some men. The men loudly expressed their admiration for the device and wondered who had been clever enough to discover it. Whereupon, the vainglorious frog opened his mouth to say, "It was I," lost his hold, fell to the earth, and was dashed to pieces.
"Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips." (Prov. 27:2)
77. "Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Pet. 3:3-4)
There's an old story about a princess who was unhappy because she was not pretty. A kind old aunt taught her three lessons: (1) Smile at everyone you meet. (2) Look for all the beautiful things you can find. (3) Say something kind to everyone. The princess took the lessons to heart and soon was so popular and so busy that she forgot all about her looks. Instead, she gained a reputation throughout the land as a great beauty. A change in attitude reshaped her whole life.
Let us strive for that inter beauty which is precious in the sight of God.
78. "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ..." (Phil. 1:12-13)
The people who consistently manifest the greatest joy are those who refuse to be discouraged by their circumstances. Someone has said, "If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade." Charles Goodyear's lemon was a prison sentence, resulting from a contempt of court citation. While in prison, Goodyear became an assistant in the kitchen, and while there, he continued to work on an idea. In the process, he discovered a method for vulcanizing rubber. His lemon, a prison sentence, became our lemonade. He produced better tires which meant better travel and a better way of life.
Continued faithfulness to God, in spite of difficult circumstances, will eventually result in manifold blessings.
79. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become 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, holding fast the word of life..." (Phil. 2:14-16)
This evil generation has taken:
The melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of the home,
The togetherness out of family,
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism,
The religion out of school,
The Golden Rule from rulers,
The civility out of behavior,
The refinement out of language,
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
And, the ambition out of achievement.
(Author Unknown)
80. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit,' and, 'a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.'" (2 Pet. 2:20-22)
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, and the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you, and may posterity forget that ye were once our countrymen." (Samuel Adams).
Likewise, if you love wealth greater than the Lord, and the bondage of sin rather than freedom in Christ, depart from us because you are not of us. Crouch down and submit to Satan your master, and may all Christians forget that you were once part of us.
81. "Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." (1 John 3:1)
A number of years ago a story appeared which told of a man who picked up a beautiful rock from a North Carolina stream bed and used it as his cabin doorstop. Years later a geologist who was hiking in the area stopped at the cabin and noticed the doorstop, which he immediately recognized as a huge lump of gold. In fact, it proved to be one of the largest gold nuggets ever found east of the Rockies.
Likewise, the true children of God are in the world, but people of the world do not recognize them because they do not know God.
82. "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." (Col. 3:14)
In Oceanside, California, Mr. Alter's fifth-grade class at Lake Elementary School made headlines when the boys in the class decided by themselves to shave their heads. They did so, without embarrassment, because one of their own, Ian O'Gorman, developed cancer and had undergone chemotherapy. His hair began to fall out. To make their friend feel at home, to feel one with the crowd, all his classmates agreed to shave their heads, with their parents's permission, so that upon his return, Ian would not stand out from the class. No one would know who the "cancer kid" was.
Let us love one another with a pure heart fervently.
83. "...How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets..." (Eph. 3:3-5)
How much time does it take to read from Genesis to Revelation? If you would read the Bible at standard pulpit speed (slow enough to be heard and understood), the reading time would be seventy-one hours. If you would break that down into minutes and divide it into 365 days you could read the entire Bible, cover to cover, in only twelve minutes a day. Is this really too much time to spend reading about God? (From The Almanac of the Christian World, 1991-1992, p. 225)
"Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law." (Psalm 119:18)
84. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13)
In his book, "Written in Blood," Robert Coleman tells the story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion. The doctor had explained that she had the same disease the boy had recovered from two years earlier. Her only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.
"Would you give your blood to your sister Mary?" the doctor asked. Little Johnny hesitated, his lower lip started to tremble, and then he smiled and said, "Sure, for my sister."
Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room--Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy. Neither spoke, but when they met, Johnny grinned. As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm, Johnny's smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube.
With the ordeal almost over, his voice slightly shaky, broke the silence. "Doctor, when do I die?" Only then did the doctor realize why Johnny had hesitated, why his lip had trembled when he'd agreed to donate his blood. He'd thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life. Though, in reality, it was not necessary, he was willing to give his life for his sister. In that brief moment, his love for his sister, caused him to make his great decision.
Let us remember that there was one who laid down His life for us.
85. "A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth..." (Eccl. 7:1)
When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live in such a way so that when you die, the world cries, and you rejoice.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them." (Rev. 14:13 ASV)
86. "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Gal. 5:13)
In his book Open the Door Wide to Happy Living, T. Huffman Harris told of a young man named Eddie who became tired of life, and decided to leap from a bridge into a turbulent river. Jim, a total stranger, saw Eddie being swept downstream and plunged into the water in an effort to save him. Eddie, a good swimmer, noticed the man floundering desperately in the strong current, and knew that without his help he would drown. Something stirred within the heart of Eddie. With all of his strength, he swam over to the man and rescued him. Saving the stranger, who had attempted to save him, brought new hope and meaning to Eddie's life.
Brethren, let us not drown ourselves with the "self-pity attitude" or the "poor-me sentiment," but through love serve one another.
87. "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." (John 8:34)
At the close of an important speech to Congress on January 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt shared his vision of the kind of world he wanted to see after the war in Europe was over. He spoke of four basic freedoms which should be enjoyed by all people: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Of course, World War II exploded far beyond Europe, and the world even today has not achieved Roosevelt's ideals. Even if it did, there is still another freedom desperately needed which the president didn't mention: freedom from the bondage of sin.
Thanks be to God that this vitally important freedom can be obtained. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." (Rom. 6:22)
88. "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." (James 3:6)
Arthur J. Snider, writing in the Chicago Daily News, said, "The average person can see a dot as small as eight-thousandths of an inch in diameter. But this is about 14,000 times larger than most known viruses. Yet these microbes are the cause of at least 500 human diseases, some of which are very serious and can even be fatal. One strain was responsible for what was probably the greatest pestilence civilization has ever experienced -- the flue epidemic of 1918-19. That scourge took more lives than all the years of World War I."
The Bible tells of another small thing that can inflict great harm. It's that "little member" known as the tongue and, unfortunately, there is no vaccine to bring its deadly effects under control. Only we ourselves can control its destructive nature. If we do not control our tongues, our religion is vain.
89. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory..." (Col. 1:27)
"My journey through the darkness has only accelerated. I have become adept at inventing counterfeit lights-bright-colored, flashing lights, pseudo rainbows, artificial sunsets, celluloid stars. More recently I discovered that God is dead, anyway. I am a product of organic evolution, a cosmic accident. A unique moment in a mysterious 30-billion-year process. It is an adventure filled with suspense, cruelty, and meaninglessness. And though I do not know what is ahead never fear, I am on my way! Even today, after reading the morning news and the latest issue of Time Magazine, and even though I acknowledge countless gallons of human tears, the endless cycle of agonizing tragedy, I, along with the world's majority, maintain that Adam made the right decision. Even as I swallow my tranquilizers, rush to my psychiatrist, take that extra drink, endure my third divorce, and watch my children reject all the ideals I tried to pass on, I still say there is hope." (Author unknown)
In a world of confusion, darkness, depression, sorrow, and despair, Christ is our only answer.
90. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Cor. 5:1)
When he was old and asked about his health, John Quincy Adams, speaking of his body said, "Mr. Adams is all right, but the house he lives in is dilapidated, and it looks as if he will have to move out."
Let us continue to keep the faith, knowing that the Great Architect of the universe will someday build us a better house in which to live.
91. "Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy." (Psalm 82:3)
A survivor of the holocaust said, "In Germany they came first for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for me and by that time no one was left to speak up for me."
"Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow." (Isa. 1:17)
92. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13)
It was due to the efforts of Samuel Plimsoll (1824-98), British reformer, that the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876 was passed, requiring all ships to bear a mark known as the Plimsoll mark and indicating the maximum load line. By this act the Board of Trade of England was empowered to detain any vessel deemed unsafe, and the amount of cargo was restricted, thus making the long and perilous ocean voyage of those days much safer. Because of his work, Plimsoll became known as the sailor's friend. The Plimsoll mark, with its gradations and figures, may be seen on the bow of ships near the water line.
God's children have a similar mark, though they may not be able to see it. God will not allow us to be tempted (or tested) beyond our capability, but will with each temptation (or trial) provide a way of escape so that we can bear it.
93. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Gal. 6:9)
It is discouraging to continue to do good and receive no word of thanks and/or see no tangible results. However, we are challenged to keep on doing good because in due time we will reap the eternal reward.
God "...Will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality..." (Rom. 2:6-7)
94. "Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
Brazil is home to a vine plant which forest-dwellers call the "murderer." At first the murderer's slender stem creeps along the ground, but once it meets a vigorous tree, it cleaves to it and begins to climb it. As it climbs, it sends out arm-like tentacles that continue to grow larger and clasp tighter. Within time the once lively tree is killed by the murderer which has completely smothered and strangled it. The murderer, from the summit of the strangled tree, as if in triumph, shoots out a huge, flowery head from which it scatters seed to repeat its work of death all over again.
Like the murderer vine, the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life can choke and smother the spiritual life of a Christian. Let us be on guard less we, too, are choked and strangled by the things of this world.
95. "And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people answered him not a word." (1 Kings 18:21)
Elijah's question is just as forceful and applicable today as it was then. It is important the we make a stand for the Lord. If we drift along with whatever is easy and pleasant, we will someday discover that we are not with the Lord and the Lord is not with us.
Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." (Matt. 12:30)
96. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God..." (Deut. 28:2)
"A small businessman from the old country kept his accounts payable in a cigar box, his accounts receivable on a spindle, and his cash in the cash register. His son said, "I don't see how you can run your business this way. How do you know what your profits are?" The businessman replied, "Son, when I got off the boat, I had only the pants I was wearing. Today your sister is an art teacher, your brother is a doctor, and you're an accountant. I have a car, a home, and a good business. Everything is paid for. So you add it all up, subtract the pants, and there's your profit." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 467)
Count your blessings; name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
97. "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father..." (1 Thess. 1:2-3)
A preacher tried to help a young man who was constantly disturbed and upset about the weakness and faults of the other members of the congregation. He caused a small black mark to show on a large white screen, and asked, "What do you see?" The young man said, "A black mark." The preacher asked, "Is that all you see?" He said, "Yes." The preacher said, "This is your problem. You only see the black marks (the faults) of the other members. You do not see the large white screen (the enormous good) of those members."
It is wrong to focus only on the faults of others. Let us appreciate, commend, praise, and pray for those who continue to do good.
98. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil. 2:3-4)
Dr. James Dobson, in his book, Hide and Seek, spoke of giving a lecture to students which touched on the need of helping others who might have problems. Dr. Dobson said, "Sitting in the audience that same day was another student with the same kind of problems. However, he did not write me a letter. He never identified himself in any way. But three weeks after I left, he hanged himself in the basement of his apartment. One of the four young men with whom he lived called long distance to inform me of the tragedy. The caller, very deeply shaken, said that the dead student's roommates were so unaware of his problems that he hanged there five days before he was missed!"
Let us be genuinely concerned about the problems and needs of our fellow Christians.
99. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt. 6:34)
"No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear." (From Better Than Gold, by Gordon MacDonald, p. 45)
Let us not add the imaginary troubles of tomorrow to the burdens we are already facing today.
100. "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." (Prov. 15:13)
"Of all the virtues, cheerfulness is the most profitable. It makes the person who exercises it happy, and renders him acceptable to all he meets. While other virtues defer the day of recompense, cheerfulness pays down. It is a cosmetic, which makes homeliness graceful and winning; it promotes health, and gives clearness and vigor to the mind; it is the bright weather of the heart, in contrast with the clouds and gloom of melancholy." (By S.G. Goodrich)
"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." (Prov. 17:22)