D.V.

D.V. (Deo volente) is the Latin abbreviation for, “God Willing.” I came across it some years ago while reading A.W. Pink’s little book, Letters of A.W. Pink. It often pops up in his correspondence.

The Will of God, for some, is a gradual thing. That is, they somehow seem to have fallen into the flow of it. They cannot pinpoint a day or hour but are assured there was a day and an hour. And their godly lives attest to this fact.

 For others, doing God’s Will was a crisis that became a process. Their thousand mile journey started with a first step. And they can tell you the time and the place they launched out.

Neither of these two is more spiritual than the other; the only important thing in both cases is that the Will of God is being carried out in their daily lives. The Lord’s Will is basically, “Doing the next thing. The Will of God is an ongoing matter. It primarily has to do with “doing.”

Many are confused in seeking God’s Will. They, like Elijah of old, are looking for a “great and strong wind…earthquake… or fire.” Not realizing God is in the “small,” insignificant things of life. You know, like doing dishes, mowing the lawn, finishing homework, etc.

All the above mentioned, along with a hundred and one other things we consider drudgery, are to be found in God’s will for our lives. Once we cease to anticipate the spectacular in our lives we can then see, accept, and enjoy life as it really is: LIFE!

The Possible and Impossible

We are plainly told, “With God nothing shall be impossible.” Yet, when Jesus prayed, “Father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me,” it was not done. In this case, the impossible was not possible.

Jesus told His followers, “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” Yet, when James and John requested of Him that they be able to sit next to Him on His throne in the Kingdom, it was denied them. Why? Because, says our Lord, “Ye know not what ye ask.” He went on to say, “It shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.”

God has a pre-ordained plan for each life. To go contrary to this plan, and ask Him to do the impossible on your behalf, is an impossibility. The impossible is only possible in the will of God.

Keeping Your Spiritual Sanity

It’s all so simple when starting out in your Christian life. You take for granted all of God’s people believe like you, and the particular church or denomination you are associated with. But, gradually, and to your surprise, you realize this is not so. You discover that within Christendom, there are Calvinists, Arminians, Dispensationalists, Reformed, etc. These are found within the walls of churches such as Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Nazarene, and many others. All of which say their doctrine and teachings are the closest to the truth of the Scriptures. Some go so far as to say they are the only ones who are right, tagging all others as apostates and heretics.

If you are familiar with Church history, you realize this has always been the case, for the most part. And why is this? It’s very simple when you think about it. The problem derives from the fact that, although we have an infallible Bible, we ourselves are still fallible. Possessing the infallible doesn’t make us so. Throughout history, Christians have had heated disagreements on minor subjects, but all seem to have agreed on the cardinal doctrines of the Faith. The fall of man, the New Birth, the blood of Christ, the Resurrection, and His coming a second time were basic tenets which all believers adhered to. With so many different voices in the world of religion, if we are going to keep our spiritual sanity, let us major on these basic beliefs.

Someone told me of an old evangelist who said while preaching, that only Fundamentalists would be in Heaven. At my advanced age, I can still blush. And I did, when I heard that statement. How embarrassing to hear such ignorance displayed, no matter what group one may belong to.

In a family, some can be more right than others, but that doesn’t make the others any less kin.

A Word About Words

Job, I think, was expressing to both writer and speaker the power of words when he said, “How forcible are right words!” It could be, the thing making him aware of this was something he said later on, “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!” Someone has said, “Of our unspoken words we are master; of our spoken words we are servant; of our written words we are slaves.”

As a writer, I claim C.S. Lewis as my main mentor more than any other person. Though posthumously, Lewis has taught me three great truths, each from his own life and writings, the first being his intellectual humility. Second, brevity is best, most of the time; and lastly, simplicity is life’s most becoming garb, as another has put it. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. told a great revival crowd in Chicago in the forties that he was going to bring a simple message that evening, because he felt the intellects among them needed a rest.

It must have been difficult for many of the great intellectuals of Jesus’ day to listen to the Sermon on the Mount. It was so very plain. Is it any wonder we’re told, “The common people heard Him gladly.” He didn’t try to impress by flexing His intellectual muscle. He knew in Himself He could, and that was enough. It was there, if and when He needed it. But He would not sacrifice the sheep for the giraffes; He put the feed on the bottom, where both could get it. The only way the higher- up couldn’t get it would be by refusing to bow his proud neck.

Paul, one of the world’s great thinkers and intellects, wrote, “I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.”  I doubt seriously the Apostle would have used uncommon words in speaking to common people, without first explaining their meaning. Polished words are like the curl on a pig’s tail, they’re pretty, but they don’t give you anymore pig!”

The Con Artist

One of the old-time con man’s tricks was to focus attention on his left hand while doing something different with his right. I’m noticing more and more Christians emphasizing on the one hand, the fact that their lifestyle is not sinful, while on the other hand, living one that is shameful.

Somewhere along the road, this generation has lost all sense of shame. Whether dress, speech, or manners, they seem to not know the meaning of the word embarrassed. Jeremiah, speaking of this sort said, “…neither could they blush.” We need a new group among God’s people who can once again get red- faced at such things as immodesty, immorality, and intemperance. No longer are we shocked by anything.

Shamefacedness is an invaluable characteristic in the life of a child of God. Our ability to feel shame is what distinguishes us from beasts. As George MacDonald writes, “The beast does not know that he is a beast, and the nearer a man gets to being a beast the less he knows it.”       

O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over [our] head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

                                                 

Twin Lies

Until recently, I didn’t realize that we Christians have two sins we hold in good standing. They are what you would call, “respectable sins.” Since most of us commit them, and they are done in “good taste,” we wink at them, giving them a pass. But I’m not sure God does.

They are twin sins, like Siamese twins--always connected together. They are committed in order and almost simultaneously, as in thunder and lightning. This duet goes something like this: “How are you? and the second answers, “Just fine.” Now, granted, I’m not speaking of every case, but, generally, we all know the truth of what I’m speaking of.

More times than not, the first, who questions, “How are you doing?” could care less about the other’s condition. As an old-timer said once to me, when I asked him this question, “Why tell it; nobody cares.” The second little white lie is the answer we give: “I’m doing just fine,” while all the time, we’re hurting from something. True, there are times we can ask in sincerity and truthfully answer in the affirmative. But lets’ make sure when we ask, we are really concerned. And when we answer, let’s be truthful. Lately, when asked this question, my reply is, “By faith, I’m doing great.” And that’s no lie!

God gives you permission to say, “I’m cold.” (Rev.3:16)

                                       Marvin Clanton

Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?

“...and set him [Christ] at his [God’s] own right hand in heavenly places, Far above all...dominion…God...hath raised us up together, and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” When Jesus raised Lazarus, He didn’t leave him in a grave yard. The next time we see this risen saint, he is seated with our Lord. And so it is with us; we are called from the grave, in grace, to be seated with Him in Glory. Our union with Him necessitates this. The text is not a prophecy of the future but a fact of the present. We are seated with Him now in Heavenly places.

Because of this, we are no longer under Satan’s dominion. We have been translated out of his earthly kingdom of darkness into the Heavenly kingdom of God’s dear Son. We have been turned “...from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” We have been delivered “...from this present, evil world.”

Adam lost his dominion power to the devil. We regain it in Christ. We need not run from him but use our God-given authority to make him flee from us. Once we accept, by faith, our Heavenly, God-given position in Christ, we can exercise our rightful authority over the power of darkness, both in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

Satan is not fearful of our vested authority as long as we do not exercise it.

*The Meek Man

Meekness is not weakness. It is primarily an internal virtue. Meekness has to do with our spirit; it’s a heart matter. It is something that God sees. We are told Moses was, “…very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” But I am sure many in his day would have questioned this quality hidden within this man’s man. This was the secret of his power; it was not his might, but his meekness that made him an overcomer.

Meekness is a very strong word. It implies force and strength held in check. The word was used of breaking-in horses, with the idea of energy held firmly in hand. It is controlling the forces of one’s character. The meek person will yield to no man, where eternal principles are involved. But he is strong enough to give way when a matter of purely personal advantage is involved.

Meekness can subdue wild, beastly, situations. Remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a wild ass’ colt!

*Onlookers

If we are not very careful in this game of life, we will spend all our time as spectators rather than participators. Some spend their lives collecting, but never distributing. Like the Dead Sea, it takes, but does not give.  

Each of us has at least one gift, and we are expected to use it, not hide it like the wicked servant. Jesus made this clear to His disciples when He told them, “…freely ye have received, freely give.” There are those with greater gifts than some of us, but our testimony should be to those in need, “…such as I have give I unto thee…”

A long life does not necessarily mean a fruitful one, nor a short one wasted. John the Baptist only had a six month ministry. As someone has so apply said, “The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” 

Heavy Hearts

“I have great heaviness...in my heart.” The apostle who said he was a man “of like passions,” knew what it was like to carry a heavy heart for his kin. We, who are burdened down with concern for our loved ones’ Spiritual condition, will not only find solace from Paul, but other Bible saints.

Godly Esther cried out, “For how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?” Tender-hearted David, speaking of his wayward son, said, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man.” Rahab pleaded, “...show kindness unto my...father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have.” And who can forget the deep anguish of Job, the bereaved father? “Oh that I were as...when my children were about me.”

Our Lord knows what it is to have rebellious children (Isa.1:2); an unfaithful mate, resulting in divorce (Jer.3:8); loved ones who are unbelievers (Jno.7:5); and all the other heartbreaking experiences that may result from family situations. Because of this, we are told we have a High Priest who is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.

If the Lord has any children who are not exercised with spiritual temptations, I am sure that they are poorly qualified to “speak a word in season to them that are weary.” (John Newton)

                                              

The Purpose of Prayer

“As He was praying…when He ceased,  one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray…And He said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father…” A dear evangelist friend, now with the Lord, wrote a popular book years ago entitled, “Prayer-Asking and Receiving.” But this is only one of the many aspects, or should I say, bonuses of prayer. Any and all things resulting from our prayers are to be considered minor in comparison to being in the presence of our heavenly Father.

When we pray, if our main goal and chief desire is in wanting something, rather than “Someone,” then we have missed the real purpose of prayer. God first and foremost longs for fellowship with man, His supreme creation. And He is still seeking for communion with His children, just as He did when “walking in the garden in the cool of the day,” those many years ago.

When Jesus chose the twelve disciples, we’re told the purpose was, “that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Before anything else, Jesus longed just to be with His chosen. This was not only true in His earthly life, but now in heaven also. In His high priestly prayer in John chapter seventeen, His request to God concerning His own was, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” As my wife has often said, “I can understand me wanting to be with Him, but I’ll never understand Him wanting to be with the likes of me.”

Prayer is firstly about relationship, not requests.

The Bottom of the List

The last sin to be acknowledged or confessed in our lives is that of prayerlessness; even if we admit to it then. Samuel says to the Lord’s people, “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.” If it’s a sin not to pray for others, how much more is it not to pray at all? And notice, to not pray is a sin against God.

If we were honest with ourselves we would say with Job, “If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had harkened unto my voice.” It is during those long intervals when God has us wait that we lose our faith. And when this happens, we also lose face. Like the old suffering patriarch, we impulsively say, “…what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?”

Jesus said, “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” If you have fainted during a long night of silence form God, try praying. You’ll find it a good smelling salts. 

You, Too

"In the midst of the throne stood a Lamb as it had been slain.” What a seemingly strange paradox. A Lamb, the perfect picture of gentleness; a throne, the supreme symbol of power. The One in the midst of the other. The Sacrificial Lamb has become the Sovereign Lord.

The homage and worship He receives is not by coercion, but by loving constraint. His subjects are not driven to worship Him as Nero’s servants, against their will. For, our Sovereign has won our wills, and we are drawn to Him by His graciousness.

How wonderful it is to realize that I, too, can stand before Him with my golden vial full of odors. That I, too, may join that Heavenly choir to sing praises to Him. That I, too, can be one of the “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” who say, with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb.” Just to think, I too, may “fall down and worship Him that liveth forever and ever.” Hallelujah! It’s not just “I, too,” but “You, too.”

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name togethe (Psl.34:3)

Knowing Your English

“[Jesus} said…let down your nets for a draught…at thy word I will let down the net.”

God has preserved His Word for us in the English; therefore, I do not overly concern myself with the Greek, or Hebrew languages. He will judge me on understanding and acting upon my own native tongue, not on one given to another people.

There can be a vast difference between singular and plural. The variation is to be seen in addition.  My dear friend, Marvin Clanton, used to say about something that was good and he wanted more of, “If one’s good, two’s better!”

Peter was a commercial fisherman, and since he had toiled all night without a catch, nets would not be necessary, only a net, if that. His expertise was a hindrance to his faith. Professionalism is man at his best, but that is not good enough in the Spiritual world.

When we do not expect great things from God and act on it, it is because we do not believe our God is Great!

Voluntary Slavery

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Paul’s “all things” are not all-inclusive, but means all, within bounds. For example, it is still not lawful to have your brother’s wife. All vices are unlawful, but what about virtuous things?

It is well to remember, things that are not expedient or profitable are not necessarily necessary. If indulgence in a good thing becomes injurious to ourselves or others, we are to abandon it. If what we allow destroys our freedom of thought, peace of mind, and general happiness, it should be laid aside.

It is possible to become a voluntary slave. We can do this by creating our own craving for something. And, ultimately, this brings us under the power of what is considered legitimate, thus we become slaves to it, and it becomes our master.

You’re either master, or mastered.

Physicians with Colds

The demands some put upon their ministers, mentors, and those attempting to help them, such as pastors, parents and friends, is both unfair and unkind. Such high expectations are unrealistic as well as unreasonable. The proverb going around in Jesus’ day, “Physician heal thyself,” is part of the record of inspired truth; but the saying is not necessarily true. For example, it’s true the devil said certain things, but that doesn’t make the things he said true.

The fact of the matter is, physicians get sick and can’t heal themselves, but this does not take away from the fact they can still cure others. I’m sure Peter, James, John, and Paul would love to have had some undesirable, inherent weakness cured in their lives, but that did not stop them from offering their expertise to others. Nor did it hinder those who were wise from asking for it.

Let’s not keep a cancer specialist from helping us, simply because he can’t get rid of his cold. When in dire need, we are in no position to make trivial demands. In such situations, we might remind ourselves, “Beggars can’t be choosers.”

 “He saved others; himself he cannot save”   (Matt.27:42)

Tormented by Temptation

None of us is exempt from temptation. Not even our blessed, sinless Lord was excused. It will dog us until we enter our heavenly city of refuge, where nothing that defiles can follow us in. Or to put it another way, until we are, as the Irish say, “Safe Home.”  

Temptation comes in many forms, but has only one objective: to break our fellowship with God. Therefore temptation never comes from God; He tries us, but never tempts us. James tell us, “…every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”  

Our Tempter is a solicitor. And all the wares this street vender peddles are evil. No matter how they appear, even if they’re good and pleasant. Ask Eve if you have any doubts. To be tempted with evil is an agony of soul; but to be tempted with good is even a greater a torture. The devils dainty delicacies are much more difficult to resist than his depraved delights. It’s green grass that lures the sheep to stray, not the parched.

It has always amazed me how that after a temptation is refused, something extraordinarily good always follows it. I agree with C.S. Lewis when he said, “A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later.” “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him…and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him…And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit…”

Trusting Our Guide

“…when he was called to go out…he…obeyed, and went out, not knowing whither he went.” Two great difficulties were involved in this crisis decision. First, much that had been precious in life was to be left behind. Secondly, entering into, and undertaking, this new venture entailed uncertainty as to his future.

Nevertheless, he plunged into this desert journey by faith, being assured that, though he may not know the way, he knew the Guide. And he was confident his Friend would lead him aright.

We who are believers are called “…the children of Abraham,” and, as such, we are told that we’re to “…walk in the steps of that faith,” which our father, Abraham, had. And as we take each step, remembering that God will not show us everything, but He will always show us the next thing.

The faith that enables us to enter into God’s best must first be used to come out.

Winnie’s Good Advice.

As a boy, during the Second World War, I had two heroes, one on each side of the pond, so to speak. On this side, it was General Douglas Mac Arthur, on the other, Winston Churchill.  The latter, in a speech at Harrow School in 1941 said, “Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

I am no super-saint, but I say the truth in Christ, I lie not; I do not know how to quit! I can honestly tell you I have tried on more than one occasion, but never found the “wherewithal” in following through with it. It costs one dearly to do so; but as Ruth, of old, the rewards are worth the price you pay.

People who are constantly re-tracing their steps never get anywhere in life. I often wonder about the lives of those who quit on the Lord. What became of them? There’s no record. All we are told of these quitters is, “From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. All one can do is speculate, and I believe you would be close in guessing they spent their lives in regret.

For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these “It might have been." -John Greenleaf Whittier, "Maud Muller" (1856)

The Evolution of Good and Evil

Far too many Christians have a one-track mind when it comes to the usage of a word. Words, like “The Word,” can have two edges. That is, they can be used in more than one way.  It is not wise to condemn a word by association. To sight just one case, is that despised word, abort. But there are times when it is good and right to use the word. For example, “Because of mechanical problems, the flight was aborted.”

And so it is with the word “evolution.” Rage should not surge through one when it is used in the right connotation. Among its several meanings are, 1. an unfolding; process of development or change. 2. to develop gradually. And so, the scriptures teach there is an evolution in the lives of both saint and sinner.    

As to the latter we are told, “Evil men…shall wax worse and worse.” But of the former, it is written, “As touching brotherly love…ye [should] increase more and more.” And so, as the one gets worse and worse, the other is to be getting, better and better. I have seen the first taking place over the last fifty years, at a rapid pace. But have noticed very little of the second happening, as it relates to the Body of Christ.

Many fear by loving all the brethren they it will be seen by their peers as diluting their convictions; but to the contrary, it will make them more savory. Try it; both you and the recipients will like it. By the way, it never fails!

        

What God Expects

I’ve often said, “Some people have standards so high that even the angels couldn’t keep them.” J At our best, we shall always come up short. But this should not curtail us from giving our best. Doing less than your best is sin. Therefore, I should be the best that I can be.

Some of us are four-cylinder Christians, tormented because we are not an eight-cylinder. The important thing is to stay tuned-up, and make sure we run on all four, if that’s our lot in life. Wanting to be something you’re not keeps you from what you can be. Comparison only brings frustration.

Remember, God blesses a life on the basis of not what we have done, but what we would have done, had we been able. His judgment is according to quality, not quantity; sort, not size (1Cor. 3:13b). God is not a hard taskmaster. It’s the Pharaohs of this life that are always demanding that more work be placed upon the people of God.

Overworked saints lose something that is essential in a believer’s life. Martha would be a good example of this. The Lord is not looking for sweatiness, but sweetness (Ezk.44:18b cp.11Sam.23:1b). The latter is the man or woman who is …”after God’s own heart.”

Jesus said, “She hath done what she could.” Not, what she couldn’t. And this has been spoken of around the world for two thousand years!

Check it Out

I believe in classic Christianity. What I mean by this is what the word itself denotes: “an excellent model; formal; simple; traditional.” In general, churches used to major on the fundamentals of the Faith—the basic things all Christians believed in and adhered to. Now we major on minors, leaving God’s people without a sure foundation, having left the fundamentals.

It can be said of many past fundamental churches that they are no longer classic, but cultic. We could even add, comic to some of them. It staggers the imagination to think of all the things that are being passed off as Scripture to God’s dear children today. The cause of their being duped is not difficult to find. The answer is that the “Berean” breed has become extinct. It says of these noble believers that they “…searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.”

Today would be a good day to start checking out what we believe and what others have, and are, teaching us as being authoritative. Any addition, subtraction, or change to the text doesn’t count for anything! A good rule to always go by is, “WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY?”

A good order of questions is, “What saith the scripture?” Then, “What meaneth this?”

Tough Hide-Tender Heart

You’d think God would have spoiled Job a little after all that he had gone through. But on the contrary, He tells His suffering saint on two occasions, “Gird up now thy loins like a man.” God will not coddle us; He is in the business of making real men and women.

There is no room for self-pity in the presence of God’s crucified Lamb. Anyone can dish it out, so to speak, it’s how much we can take that counts with God. The Lord certainly wants us to have soft hearts, but not so with our hides. They’re to be leather-tough.

To use the excuse that our weak flesh cannot go on, will not cut it. The Spirit is willing; our problem is that we’re not. We are all going to suffer in this life, one way or the other. Peter tells us, “…it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” The former brings reward, the latter regret.

In glory, God will not look at our medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars we received being true to His dear Son.

The Language Barrier

Dry wells cannot satisfy the thirsty; neither can tearless Christian’s parched souls. Many who profess to be followers of Christ have. Jesus wept over a wrecked world; we cannot even weep over our wrecked lives. If some of us would follow Peter’s example and weep bitterly over our sad spiritual condition, we too might experience the blessings of a Pentecost.

Unsanctified tears have no merit with God. Carnal Esau proved this to be so. But tears do have a strong sway when they come from one devoted to the Lord. Concerning Hezekiah God says, “I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears.” There is a gospel song that says, “Tears are a language God understands.” David knew the importance of tears when he penned, “…put thou my tears into thy bottle.” They’re preserved. I wonder what for?

Sometimes we hear the argument from saints with dry sockets, that those who weep over our crushed culture have a different temperament from them. But it doesn’t have anything to do with a different kind temperament, but with a different kind of heart. Anyone familiar with the Apostle Paul’s temperament knows it was completely out of character for him to shed tears. Yet, we are told that when he exchanged his life for Christ’s, he went about weeping night and day for a wounded world. That, my friend, is a profitable exchange, both for us and the hurting!

The Elijah Complex

“…and I, even I only, am left.” So says the discouraged prophet. To which God replies, “I have left me seven thousand…” Through the years I’ve observed the ruination of many good churches and ministries who fell into this isolation syndrome. C.S. Lewis says, “The worst sins of men are spiritual.” And the “I only,” I think, would be one at the top of the list.

You’ll remember that if young Joshua could have had his way, no one would have prophesied in the camp but Moses. But the old man set the younger straight concerning this mistake.  Paul thanked God Christ was preached, even when motives were in question. And our Lord told the disciples to leave alone one who was doing a work in His name. Not join him or promote him, but simply let him alone.

An old Methodist preacher used to say, “If a hound dog comes to town and barks for Jesus, I’m not going to try and stop him.” Let’s face it, all of we Blood bought Believers have a little heresy in us, but it will not keep us from Heaven. We need to be careful not to shut out those whom God has not shut out.  

Defeat at Every Corner

I find many Christians today do not realize we do not fight for the victory, but from victory to victory. We have the “Victor” within us. The battle is not in getting, but in the keeping of the high ground. Our Mighty, Conquering Captain, has already entered the “strong man’s” house, and carried off his armour wherein he trusted.

The only thing, it would seem, that Satan was left with were his “wiles” (tricks, craftiness). You’ll remember this is the tactic the Gibeonites used to win over Joshua, not having sword or spear in hand (Josh 9:4 cp. Verse 22). When they got the Israelites to think their way, they got their way.

In this age in which we live, it would appear that the skirmish is over who is going to control the mind. It’s a psychological warfare, the mind is where the battle is won or lost. Remember, it is not the body that faints first, but the mind (Heb. 12:3,b). It may be beneficial to add this line to the children’s song, “Be careful little mind what you think.”

Every corner the devil ever turned or will turn, Christ meets him with defeat!

The Need of the Needy

“…your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” When theologians use the term “omniscient” in reference to one of God’s attributes, it doesn’t mean much to the average Christian. But when the word is defined and explained, their ears perk up. The poverty-stricken saint takes heart when he or she realizes they have a Father in Heaven who knows their every need. And not only does He know their particular need—whether it be spiritual, psychological, or physical— He has the wherewithal to furnish it.

The old gospel song the quartets used to sing down south is theologically correct. It says, “My Jesus Knows Just What I Need.” Many well-intentioned preachers tell God’s people, if their needs are not being met, there is something wrong in their lives. But there seems to be few who will tell you that one’s need may be to have a need (Phil.4:19 cp. verse 12,b). Therefore, when God creates a need in our lives, He has kept His promise by supplying our need. Have you thanked God for supplying  yours?

Snubbing Good Advice

Ahab, like many today, turned his nose up at good advice. The reason was that the one giving it didn’t tell him what he wanted to hear. He was looking for agreement, not advice. He said of Micaiah, “…he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil.” It was for this reason Micaiah earned Ahab’s hatred.

Some people don’t seem to understand, you can’t prophecy good things to bad people. They criticize their advisor for rubbing the cat the wrong way, while all the time refusing of turn the cat around themselves. If one wants to hear good, he or she must of necessity be willing to do good.

It is always a wise thing to seek the counsel of the wise. Only a fool rejects the advice of a person who has already been down the road they’re to travel. Know-it-alls end up finding out they knew nothing at all. They incessantly run into ditches and wonder why they can’t get anywhere on the road of life.

On my way to a speaking engagement, I once went a hundred miles the wrong way, simply because I would not ask for directions. You’ll never get where you want to go by going the wrong way. The sooner you stop and ask the right way the sooner you will arrive at your desired destination.

Cashing Signed Checks

“According to your faith [appropriation] be it unto you.” This principle is found throughout the Bible. It’s not wishing, longing, wanting, or even praying that gets the blessing. It’s appropriation (taking for one’s own). Drab, defeated lives have been transformed by learning the art of appropriating. They turned promises into facts. They stepped out on a promise and trusted God—sink or swim. And those who do never have to experience either.

In the story of the prodigal son, it says of the father, “He divided unto them his living.” The prodigal may have had a lot of faults, but appropriating what his father had given him was not one of them. This was not so with his elder brother. He accused the father of not even giving him a “kid,” to which his father replied, “Son, all that I have is thine.” Yet, he had not appropriated one kid. The difference was not in bestowal, but in appropriation. We must appropriate what God has given (Josh.1:3 and Eph.1:3).

Addendum: Over fifty years ago, my dear friend Mark Andrews, who was instrumental in my becoming a Christian, gave me a little devotional book by F.B. Meyer. One of the chapter tiles was, “The Law of Appropriation.” This one truth kept me from being a spiritual pauper these many years, which is so easy to succumb to.

Jesus and the "Old Timers"

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time…But I say unto you…” Whenever the term “old times” is used, invariably we are referring to the most recent of past generations; to go back further would be speaking of “ancient times.” Every age had its “old times”, and in each of them most of the people felt the previous age was better than the one in which they lived. Nostalgia can be fine, if it doesn’t turn into nonsense. What woman wouldn’t trade a scrub board for a washing machine? And I doubt there is a farmer who would not prefer a tractor to a horse-drawn plow.

The people of Jesus’ day were quoting the “letter” of their father’s teachings about the Law, but left out the spirit. They emphasized only the externals, but our Lord went to the heart of the matter. Jesus exposed the expositors of His day. He was not correcting the Law, only their erroneous interpretation of it. They taught the mechanics, but mechanical things do not have life; hence, no growth. It’s the Spirit that gives life to the letter.

Let us be careful that we do not make the Word of God ineffective by the tradition of the “old timers.” Some people get more upset over me correcting them, than they are of them corrupting the Word. That kind of tradition is tripe!

God’s way is working from the inside out; the traditionalist, from the outside in. But the latter never seems to be able to get past the first layer.

All or Nothing

You can’t departmentalize God; either He is all, or nothing at all in a life. He refuses to be categorized in our file cabinets, only to be brought out and viewed from time to time. As A.W. Tozer says, “God is a jealous Lover.” He is not in the sharing business when it comes to our affections. He will not play second fiddle to anyone.

The Bible describes the people who live their lives apart from God as being dead while they live. Even though they’re enjoying this world’s pleasures, they’re dead men walking. All Prodigals are considered dead until they return to the Father’s House. As George MacDonald writes, “All that is not God is death.”

Singing to the “King”

"And they sing…the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty…thou King of saints.

Some mistakenly think of Jesus as being King at some future date, but this is not what Paul taught. The apostle plainly tells us He is King now, “Now” unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” True, Christ may presently be a King in exile, but as David of old, a King in exile is no less a king. His servants still accept and submit to Him as such; only the rebels reject His Kingship. But Paul goes on to tell us that at His appearing, “He shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

I find, invariably, those who have a problem with Christ’s Lordship, also have difficulty with the doctrine of His Kingship. And naturally so, for you can’t have one without the other. They’re Siamese twins, if you please; they can’t be separated. A king reigns and rules over his subjects and those who will not have it so during His exile, will be dealt with harshly, as Shimei, when David triumphantly returned to his throne. Such people, as John wrote, will be “ashamed before him at his appearing.” Therefore, it is a wise man or woman that accepts Him as their King here and now. Notice I did not say, “Make Him King.” He is already that, whether you acknowledge it or not.

And so, on this Lord’s Day, let us lift our voices with the saints in glory unto Him that they affectionately refer to as “Thou King of saints.” Or as the Psalmist put it in his fourfold admonition, “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises”.

Cosmetic Christianity

I think sometimes that only Christians can out-do Jezebel when it comes to cosmetics! We take the external paint of religion and apply thick coats to our lives, hoping others will not see our run down condition. But no matter how expertly you paint over dry rot, it is still there, and it only gets worse with time. This sad condition is bad enough when you see it in God’s people, but how much worse when preachers leave their calling and become professional cosmetologists.

Jesus sand-blasted superficial spirituality that was no deeper than the outward coat (Matt.23). Contrary to what many think today, when it comes to God, you can’t make it on looks alone! Form without substance is an empty vessel. And people who have nothing in their bucket are of no use to anyone. Thirsty souls care little, and are not impressed with dry buckets, no matter how the outside is decorated. W.W.J.D. bracelets, the wearing of crosses, fish decals on bumper stickers, etc.

When it comes to spiritual cosmetics, we ought to heed Paul’s words when he wrote, “For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool…but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be…” The ladies used to have what they called a “vanity table” in their bedrooms. For the most part, I believe they are outdated now. But I am fearful; many of us Christians are still using them.

The First Ways of David

“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David.” The Chronicler seems to be admitting that the latter ways of David were less than exemplary. It can be said of many a good man and woman that their first ways were their best ways, their first love was their best love, and that their first works were their best works. It ought not to be that way, but sad to say, the lives of scores of Christians bear testimony to this frightening truth. It should be, “The best is yet to come.” But I’m sorry to say, numerous saints, referring to the rest of the time they have here on earth admit, “The best has already past.”

The wise man said, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning.” Jesus taught this principle when turning the water into wine. The ruler of the feast said of Him, “Thou hast kept the good wine (cheer) until now.” That is, He kept the best to last. In life, it’s the latter things that seem to be held in remembrance. The last scene of a movie, the end of a book, the last five minutes of a ball game, the conclusion of a sermon, and yes, the end of one’s life on earth. Demas started right but ended wrong; on the other hand, John Mark started out wrong, but ended right. It is generally accepted that outlook has a lot to do with outcome. Therefore, the way one looks at things could determine the way he or she end his or her life.

“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”

Cheering Up Your Companion

"When a man hath taken a...wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business...but he shall be free at home...and cheer up his wife...." A man's first responsibility, says the Lord, is not to his battles or business, but to his beloved.

A good wife is not as concerned with wars and Wall Street as she is with her one and only love. Children come and go, and while they bring joy to her, it's transitory, at best. For, when they fly from the nest, it will be to take their cheer to their mates. But her man will be around long after they leave.

A good cheering up from a husband keeps a wife from giving up.

The Blessings of the Impossible.

I wonder if most of us who are in impossible situations really grasp the great blessings to be found in such dire predicaments. I see two basic, wonderful truths in said quandaries. First, I no longer have to question myself as to what I should, or shouldn’t, do in such cases. For it is out of my hands altogether. And secondly, in these times of the humanly unattainable, God has opportunity to show Himself strong on our behalf, thereby receiving all the praise and Glory due Him!

For in such hopeless circumstances, when all human effort is voided, it is then we can cry out, as David, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work.” Once we move out of the realm of the humanly possible, it is then we can see what the God of the impossible can do. That is, we will then realize all the possibilities of the impossible. But, to see such things, you will need be placed in front of the Red Sea, with Pharaoh and his armies behind you, the mountains and desert on either side of you, and the impassable facing you.

If you want to live your life in the realm of possibilities, fine. But, mark you; you’ll never experience the blessings of the impossible!

Excess Baggage

“Cast out this bondwoman…And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight…And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight…because of thy bondwoman… ”

This was not an easy thing for Abraham to do. It is never easy to “cast out” those things we have become attached to, but which are not in God’s plan for our lives. No matter how affectionate we may have become toward them.

Abraham’s life was a series of “casting out” those things he loved and held dear, but which would have kept him back from God’s best. First, there was his father, then his nephew Lot. This was followed by Hagar and Ishmael. Then was that awful climax, his darling son, Isaac.

As we travel through life, we too are apt to pick-up, as it were, excess baggage. And like Abraham of old, we also have times when we “go down into Egypt.” We may think that extra luggage is a luxury, that is, till we realize we’ll have to “lug” it around everywhere we go. It is then we see it is not something helping us on to God on our pilgrim journey, but rather, is slowing us down.

I’m sure there are many beautiful and expensive pieces of luggage, on overloaded planes that crash.

The Significance of the Insignificant

You may not be able to do big things in a big way, but you can do little things in a great way. My first pastorate was a small one (114 people), but we did everything in a big way. One lady commented, “This is the biggest, littlest church, I’ve ever seen.” As a result of being faithful with a few, God gave us 1000 members in ten years.

Francis A. Schaeffer has a book entitled, No Little People. I’ve often said, “If you’re God’s, there are no little squirts, only big shots.” A little stone can fell a giant, if it is consecrated to God. And a small mustard seed faith can accomplish the unthinkable. As the song says, “Little is much when God is in it.”

Someday in eternity we will find out, to the surprise of many, just how significant the insignificant actually were. God is going to put a name to all those saints who went unrecognized and nameless in this present world. For example, the name of the “little maid” who helped Naaman on to God, all will know, and address her as such.

“And the Lord said…thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” How precious a thought, He knows, and calls me by name.

Within Our Reach

“[H]e be not far from every one of us.” Unlike the heathen gods, our God is Omni-present. True, He’s somewhere (on His throne), but, just as true, He is everywhere (in His universe). He is not a distant Deity, but a present Help. Ask the three Hebrew children about the Fourth Man in the fire.

Unlike the Old Testament high priest within the veil, ours can be touched. The woman with the issue of blood can vouch for this. Our God is never further away than faith’s reach. Faith can bring God to us, or it can take us to Him. What difference does it make as long a He is with us?

Emmanuel—God with us. He is not standing in some elevated pulpit or sitting behind a large mahogany desk; nor is He hid away behind some door marked “Private.” But rather, “He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.”

Are you an “Emmaus” Christian, walking with the Risen Christ and yet sad?

Tired of Being Pushed Around

I’ve known a few bullies in my day. There’s one characteristic they all have: they like to push people around. Because of them, many cower in a corner, spending a lifetime being intimidated by them. Fear strikes the heart of their victims each time they see the bully coming. Oh that we would realize the bully stops pushing, once we push back. If the bully knows he’s in for a fight every time he messes with you, he’ll pass on to easier prey.

God has given us a whole set of armor that we are to battle our “bully from hell” with. There are seven pieces; six are defensive and only one is for offence. How we commend ourselves and those among us, who are beaten by the bully, Beelzebub, and who never give in. But it never crosses the mind of most of us that we are to push back. I do not have to take all the blows from this bully. We are equipped to throw some mighty blows ourselves. Our Lord did, thrice He threw a threefold punch, "It is written." Thereby knocking His opponent out of the ring!

I want to be like the little bull dog that all the big dogs walked around. They knew they could beat him, but it wasn’t worth the fight! He always left them hurting, and they never came out of it without scars of their own.

“He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day.” (2 Sam. 23:10)

Immediately

“And beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him." There was no time lapse between Peter’s call to Christ for help when sinking, and Jesus saving him. And there is no interval between the time when we ask Him to forgive us for sins committed, and Him doing it.

How little we know of our dear Lord’s love, mercy, and grace. Is this not because we have envisioned Him to be, altogether such a one as ourselves? How prone we are to wallow in our self-righteous pity, sometimes for hours, even days, and with some, years. We like to think “whipping” ourselves over an extended period of time will earn us some kind of justification before God. What a slap in the face to His blessed atonement. Meritorious acts on our part after sinning, in order to win God’s favor, only voids His mercy!

Joseph’s brothers had sinned against him in a despicable way, but they had asked his forgiveness. This he instantly did, graciously granting their request. At a latter time however, they once again asked his forgiveness, in reference to the same incident. Upon hearing this we are told, “And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.” How it must grieve our precious Saviour’s heart when we emulate this type of unbelief in His Word of promise to us.

Beneath the bloody robes of self-affliction for ones sins, is a person whose tyrannical God is of their own making.

Reciting Our Creed

I believe in the sincerity of the saints. That is, we should be without pretense. Our imperfections are no excuse for not doing right, nor are they from displaying genuine sincerity toward God and others.

Joshua and Paul exhort us to have both sincerity and truth. A person can possess one without the other. But, like our legs, you need both if you are to walk straight. A saint should not be a spiritual amputee in such cases.

Unless we can say, in truth, at the end of each prayer to God, “Sincerely yours,” it goes without question we are insincere when we put it at the end of our correspondence with others.

It Won’t Go Away

“He fell on his face, and prayed…again the second time He prayed…and [He] prayed a third time, saying the same words.”
Of the eight commentaries on my bookshelf, none comment on a small portion of a line found in the context of the above quoted scriptures. The phrase is, “This cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it.” No matter how many times you pray about it, it is not going away. It will always be before you, the only thing that will remove it is you drinking it.

Unless we partake of the portion the Lord sets before us, though it is ever so distasteful, then we, as David of old, will give testimony that it is, “ever before me.” It will always be there to haunt us that we chose our will over His. This cup only appears once in a lifetime: Abraham’s crisis was the offering up of Isaac, David’s, when facing his giant and Paul’s was in his accepting his, “Thorn in the flesh.”

Therefore it is of the upmost importance that we, as our Lord told His disciples, “Drink ye all of it.” And praise be unto God, once we have raised this dreaded cup to our lips and consumed its contents, He has promised, “Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus will never have to taste of that cup again. And neither will we, once we have drunk of ours!

"O Happy Day!” ''Tis done: the great transaction's done! I am the Lord's and He is mine."

A Word to Pastors

“In the mouth of two… witnesses every word [shall] be established.” If a bird is to ever get off the ground and soar into the heavenlies, it must have two wings. God has chosen two witnesses to establish his word (Rev.11). This is also seen by the fact that our Lord sent His disciples out, “two by two.”

Joseph told Pharaoh the dream was shown him twice so that he would know it was of God. When God called and said, “Abraham, Abraham,” “Jacob, Jacob,” etc., it was not because they were hard-of-hearing. In any and all situations, a Christian is wise to listen for the second voice. Don’t be fooled by the first knock; Christ always knocks twice.

Because of this, it is important for pastors to have a second voice in their pulpits. I’m afraid, by “hugging” their pulpits, many a pastor is hurting both his people and himself. A second voice is needed to compliment a man’s ministry (not the pastor, but his ministry). Far too many pastors today have an “Elijah” complex, mistakenly thinking they’re the only one.

Pastor, have good men in to fill your pulpit from time to time. Not necessarily “big” names, or your staff, but men who have the anointing oil upon their foreheads. It is not only good for your people, but it’s important for you to be fed from time to time. Plus, you need the rest also. Do not fear quality men will belittle you before your people, believe me, they will love you even more for it. And don’t forget to give a generous love gift, they are worthy of their hire.

The wise man tells us, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”

Then and Now

The poet penned, “For of all sad words of tongue or pen the saddest are these: “It might have been.” We who are plagued by our past can only overcome these four woeful words, “What might have been,” by substituting, “What can be.” God, as well as people, is not as concerned with what was, as they are with what is. It’s not what you were in the past, but what you are right now that counts.

I have a little saying, “Start from where you’re at.” Begin right now, start over this very minute. But, you say, “What if I fail again?” Then start fresh the second you fall. Keep getting up; sooner or later you’ll be walking. The Chinese proverb says, “A thousand mile journey was started with one step.”

It is important not to major on what you could have been, but what you can be!

Simulated Soul Winning

The term “Soul Winning” was regularly used by old-timers such as Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and R.A. Torrey, along with contemporaries like Billy Graham. This, in spite of the fact the phrase is found only once in all the Word of God. We must be careful to not build a doctrinal system on one isolated text (example 2Tim.2:15), rather than a multiple set of proof-texts that give it credence.

Mind you, I am not against the expression, if its true meaning is adhered to. In the Old Testament, “soul” was used to denote the whole man; his body, soul and spirit. It is winning over man in his entirety, not just the spiritual part. Many so-called “soul winners” boast of the notches on their Bibles representing saved souls, but, who embarrassingly avoid telling you of all the lost lives they have left strewn behind them.

Personally, I have come to embrace the word “witness,” over that of soul winner. My reason for this is the fact that the New Testament, especially the book of Acts, uses it repeatedly. Witnessing/soul winning is not something we attempt to do one night a week for a couple of hours. It is not a program, it’s a life. Because of this, I have serious problems with “Visitation Programs.” The early Church went everywhere, everyday, to everyone. Some would sow while others reaped their efforts, but they were all one, and received the same reward. By the way, they were not out to build some kind of empire or reputation for themselves, but did it for the glory of God!

A soul-winner is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.

Thine is the Victory

"Thine O Lord is the...victory." Victory, like salvation, is not something to be earned, but something that is given. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Notice, you could interchange "eternal life" and "victory" in each verse without changing its truth or meaning. Victory, then, like salvation, is a present possession. But, just as one can be saved and not enjoy the benefits, so it is with victory.

A believer is given the victory as well as eternal life at his conversion, by receiving the mighty Victor as his Savior. But we must appropriate this given victory. We have to cash in on it, so to speak, to reap its benefits. The old timers expressed this blessed truth when they would say, "When you fall, shout the victory." There is never a time in the Christian's life that he or she does not have the victory, though they may at times not enjoy it because of not applying it by faith.

In the Olympics, one wins the victory, but his countrymen are the recipients. So it is with Christ and His elect.

Unmasking Fear

Most people are familiar with the saying, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” but how few, I believe, realize this statement, like many others, originated in the Bible. The wise man wrote, “Be not afraid of sudden fear.” How fearful some of us are when confronted with fear itself. Yet, the Scripture tells us we are not to fear when facing our fears.

Nothing so paralyzes as fear. It makes one stand still in his or her tracks—frozen. Or else, it drives us to such despair, we run to our closets of passivity. As a result, we never venture out of our secure places to attempt anything. The devil has a thousand false faces, and most of these are designed to frighten and alarm.

Though we shouldn’t, it is not uncommon for God’s people to fear. Sheep, as you undoubtedly know, are a fearful flock (Lk.12:32,a). It says of His disciples, “…as they followed, they were afraid.” The only remedy this side of Heaven for fear is faith. “Be not afraid,” says our Lord, “Only believe.” This is the sure cure-all for fear.

I do not want engraved on my tombstone,“through fear [was] all [his] lifetime subject to bondage.”

Books and a Bible

The following is a recent e-mail I received from a friend. It is not the only one of its kind that I have gotten over time.

Richard,

I just wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying the book "Spiritual Depression" by Lloyd Jones. The man certainly rings my bell and keeps me engaged with his thought process as well as his insight to the complexities of this life. It seems so simple as he gives explanation to our weakness and struggles and then how to correct it.

I would appreciate very much, and possibly others as well if you would compile a suggested reading list. I truly love books that make me think and then seek God about a particular frailty or fault that I might have, and I especially love books that get me thinking deeper about my Lord.

May the Lord bless you and Salle for this incredible gift that the two of you have so willing given to others. Christians actually thinking ... and challenging others to do the same, what a novel idea in an age when sensitivity to everything has taken on such a new meaning to the younger generations.

Your friend,

The books I read are mostly practical in nature, even the doctrinal ones. They’re books that help me through my pilgrim journey, hence, others benefit from my writings and council. The intent of my articles has never been to persuade one to adhere to my views, but to get them to think for themselves; “Outside the box,” if you please. But, if one is under a totalitarian ministry or blindly follows a self-appointed Guru, I cannot be of any help.

The following is a brief list of books that blessed my life in one way or the other.

1. Spiritual Depression (Its causes and cure. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I read this on a regular basis.

2. Letters of John Newton. The heart surgeon.

3. Sin and Temptation. John Owen. The man who knows you. Packer’s intro. is worth the book.

4. Pursuit of God. A. W. Tozer. Written while on his knees.

5. Mere Christianity. C.S. Lewis. My constant companion.

6. The Life of Christ and also The Life of Paul. James Stalker. Classic! Outstanding!

7. The New Sovereignty. Reginald Wallis. On Lordship.

8. Farewell Sermons. A selection of sermons given in 1662 by non-conformist Puritan pastor’s to their flocks before being put out to scorched pastures. Their number was over 2000. Heart-breaking to read.

9. The Liberty of Obedience. Elisabeth Elliot. Will make you re-think your strict personal standards.

10. Born for Battle. R. Arthur Mathews. Will revolutionize your prayer life.

11. George Mac Donald. C.S. Lewis. Short sayings, but sweet and wise thoughts.

12. Wounded Heroes. Elizabeth R. Skoglund. Brings out the human part of being a Christian. It’s great.

13. Concise Theology. J.I. Packer. Shot and simple. For lay people and any pastor who likes the “cookies on the bottom shelf.”

14. The Blessed Hope. George Eldon Ladd. The “Historic Pre-Millennial view, one people, one coming. This view was held by the early Church fathers. Not to be confused with the modern-day dispensational teaching.

15. The Pilgrim Church. Broadbent, a Brethren layman. A great Church history book. Easy to understand and grasp.

16. Set of 17 small books on N.T. By Charles R. Erdman. Also, The Disciplined Life. He is one of my all-time favorites writers.

17. No Little People and Letters of Francis A. Schaeffer. His letters are for contemporary Christianity.

18. Enjoying Your Best Years. J. Oswald Sanders. For the elderly, but youth should read to understand where you’ll be soon and how to prepare.

19. The Practice the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence. An all-time Classic.

20. Christian Hymns. Banner of Truth. Welsh songs that have real depth. Great with your morning devotions.

21. Things I Have Learned. Bob Jones Sr. Old fashion character.

22. “Allan” Bibles. The very best you can get. Expensive, but old time stitched pages, plus Highland Goatskin leather cover. Will last a life-time. Bring up site on-line.

Some of the above are out of print, but can be found on-line or in a good bookstore.

Blessings

The Meaning of "Deny Thyself"

“And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself... Peter then denied again…” Since the Bible interprets itself, we need not go to any other source. Peter did not deny the existence or presence of Christ, but having any relationship or camaraderie with Him. One can acknowledge the reality of Christ, yet deny Him any recognition or rights to his or her life.

And so it is with self-denial. When Jesus spoke of denying self, He was speaking of refusing the old Adamic nature that we were born with, any and all privileges in one’s life. His opinions, feelings, understanding, reasoning, morals, and wisdom, along with all his other ego-centric assertions, are to be denied him. HE HAS NO RIGHTS!

After these many years of living with the other “Me,” I find the best way to deal with his persuasive pleadings and logical arguments is to simply say, “NO!” then to ask God for His strength and help to keep on saying it.