The Hidden Monster Within

“And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?”
(1Sam.18:7-8)

THOUSANDS OR TENS OF THOUSANDS

Why would not a man or woman, used of God, not be satisfied with being just that, used of God? Why not be content with your “thousands?” Why does one always have to do things bigger and better than those who excel him or her? The answer is simple, it is that hidden green-eyed-monster within, ENVY! Which, we are told, causes rottenness to the bones; and is a work of the flesh.

LESS I FORGET

“And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?” How soon Saul forgot this. Amazing how a little God-given success can dull the memory. We need to be reminded from time to time, as Samuel reminded Saul. “And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

TRUE HUMILITY

We hear a lot of talk today from the syrupy-saints crowd, about humility. How about we start here? Lets all begin to pray God will use and bless a brother or sister, doing the same work, greater than we ourselves. Rejoicing when we hear they have slain their tens of thousands while we have slain our thousands.

Optimism/Pessimism...And One Other

POPULAR TERMS DO NOT ALWAYS PROVE TO BE TRUE

The terms optimist and pessimist are much used today. The latter being frowned upon by all. The non-religious world along with the religious New Agers, as well as many professing Christians, pride themselves in their optimism. But I’m afraid that horse will come up short in life's race, once thoroughly checked out.

THE NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE

If the battery on you car ever died out then you know it will not start with only the positive cable; it takes the negative also. There is a balance. In the Ten Commandments there are more negative commands than positive. “Thou Shalt,” should always be balanced out with “Thou Shalt Not.”

WHAT FEW SEEM TO REALIZE-THEY DON’T STOP TO THINK

An optimist can be, and is, resented as much as the pessimist, if his or her expectations do not come to pass. No one, in the end, tolerates one who gives a false hope. Wants and desires don’t make it so, no matter how sincere one may be. To see things the way you wish they were is commendable, but it is not life.

THE ALTERNATIVE-YOU CAN INCORPORATE THE TWO IN ONE

There is the optimist, there is the pessimist, but there is one more, THE REALIST. He or she sees things the way they actually are. It is fact with them, nothing fictional! Among the false prophets you’ll find both optimist and pessimist, but not a realist. That should tell us something.


                

Giving Credit

"I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

John 4:38

GIVING CREDIT TO WHOM CREDIT IS DUE

It is difficult to resist taking credit that in reality belongs to another. In such cases even the Spiritual man or woman finds, “the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” And for the carnal person, it is almost impossible to give up the spotlight for another.

CHILDBIRTH WITHOUT PAIN

There are people who walk into hospitals and steal babies whom the mother of the child went through great suffering to deliver. Many of God’s dear people have gone through untold agony and paid a tremendous price for what someone else got recognition for.

THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

For the most part the whole of the Old Testament was preparatory for the New. All the prophets up to John the Baptist plowed and planted for the Disciples of our Lord. Even Phillip’s revival success in Samaria was due to our wearied Lord, going out of His way to lay the groundwork for that event.

IF NOT NOW-LATER

For you who have stood in the wings while someone else stole the spotlight, you can be sure, your time will come. For all those who love the glare of the lights, Jesus tells us, “They have their reward.” Soon, maybe sooner than any of us think, God will say to you in the back row to take a seat in the front. And the one whose seat you take will be asked to move to the back row.

A Question For Every Christian

A THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION

In the classic movie, “The Wind and the Lion,” toward the end of the movie, the character that plays Sean Connery’s side-kick makes this statement to him: “We have lost all.” To which Connery’s character replies, “Is there not anything in your life worth losing everything for?”

THE WORTH OF LOSING

Three times in two verses the Apostle Paul tells us that he had lost all things for the sake of Christ (Phil.3:7-8). I think if Paul were still among us today, he would have said a hearty “Amen”

THE TESTIMONY OF MANY AT LIFE'S END

How sad to see Carnal Christians hold to their own plans and desires, knowing they will never come to fruition. The testimony of such pitiful people at their end is always, “I lived an unfulfilled life.” I’m reminded of martyred missionary Jim Elliott’s words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”

THE QUESTION STILL REMAINS 

Let me ask you the question “Is there not anything in your life worth losing everything for?”

I'm Almost Persuaded...I Guess

THINK! THINK! THINK!

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Associated with arriving at this blissful and peaceful place of total confidence, is the use of the mind. To come to this point, you must be one who thinks things through. To go by your feelings, others’ opinions, or any other substitute, will only end in your being tossed about. It is not sufficient to be almost; you must be altogether persuaded, to have settledness and stability of soul.

TWO OPPOSITE OPINIONS

The background of our text, as found in the fourteenth chapter of Romans, concerns minor, or secondary, things in the Christian life. Those gray areas, if you please. Contrary to what some, whom Paul describes as “somewhats” say, no individual or group has a corner on all the truth. Two Christians, holding two completely different viewpoints, may be fully persuaded theirs is right. It is here the tug-of-war begins. Or as some call it, a “Mexican stand-off.”

TO EACH HIS OWN

Is there a right or wrong concerning these questionable things? Is one worse off if he does, and the other better off if he doesn’t? No! For God has received them both, and they are each accountable to Him. God (unlike us) knows that culture and upbringing, as well as temperament, play a large part in how we come to our conclusions in shaded areas. Like it or not, although all the Scriptures are inspired, they still have a “human-flavoredness.” And so we conclude, the issue is not “to do or not to do,” but rather, “to be and let be.”

“Intellectual stimulation ceases when all around you think just like you.” (rds)

Neither Rhyme or Reason

“I applied mine heart to know... the reason [of things]”

THE MEANING OF THE TERM

We’re told the little aphorism I entitled this article began as far back as the year 1475 in France. To we English speaking people it has come to mean something that doesn’t make sense, without any reasonable human explanation.

NO...KNOW-IT-ALLS

There is a segment of Christianity who teach that the Bible has the answer to every one of life’s problems. This is true in many cases, but not in all. For anyone to say or believe this, he or she would have to be immature in the faith or much ill-informed. And in some cases, I’m sure, pride has crept in. Most of us like to be known as having all the answers. Spiritual superiority, you know.

FILL-IN THE BLANK

The fact is, the Word of God does not give us the answer to everything that happens in one’s life. If each of God’s reasons were made known to us, there would be no need for faith. The purpose for Romans 8:28 is to fill in the blank when there is no apparent reason. To be sure, when no reason is revealed to us, still, THERE IS A REASON!

BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND

The prayer God is pleased with, I’m sure, is, “Lord, I do not ask thee to explain the reason to me, just help me to accept your silence as a sufficient answer.” As someone has said, “He who demands a reason from God is not in a fit state to receive one.” The song says, “I’ll ask the reasons—He’ll tell me why, When we talk it over in the by and by.” Some things we’ll just have to wait for till we get home. By God’s grace I’m willing. Are you?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

Adult Christian Children

Dear Chistian Parents,

I wanted you Christian parents of grown Christian children to hear this message by my son Andrew. It is brief, but full of encouragement for those of us who have prodigal sons and daughters.

rds

http://www.buzzsprout.com/3449/460983-a-christian-heritage-is-hard-to-shake

Things That Really Matter

RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS 

I was reading a quote by a ninety-year-old man some time ago. He said, “There are some things I haven’t made up my mind about yet.” Some, especially among the younger generation, should take this aged one’s words as good advice. You do not have to cross all your “t’s” and dot all your “i’s” on minor subjects. In fact, you can go a lifetime with these kind of unsettled conclusions. There is no rush to settle things that have been unsettled among great minds for centuries.

DOG HOUSES ARE CRAMPED PLACES-THERE'S LITTLE SPACE TO MOVE AROUND IN

Don’t let some dogmatist dog you into taking a position that both your conscience and convictions are not convinced of. Remember, a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Paul tells us concerning questionable things, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." If we would major on things that matter we would all be a whole lot better off. As Dr. M.R. DeHaan used to say, "Far too many of us arguing our position creates more friction than light!

The Worth of the Wait

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”

ADAM’S KIN

From my observation through the years I do not think many, if any, of Adam’s posterity are born with an innate bent toward patience. It seems this virtue is acquired, as Paul says, through the tribulations of life. We just naturally want it yesterday. Possibly, the very worst pit into which one can fall is what has been called the mire of despondency and to sink even deeper as time passes, making it impossible to work one’s way out. That is, (unless God comes to our aid) the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

DAVID IS OUR EXAMPLE

But, thank God, He does hear our cry. As in David’s case, He stoops when we are at our lowest and brings us up out of the horrible pit. But more often than not, it is not instantaneous. We do not, so to speak, go from here to there. What I mean is going immediately from the bottom to the top; most of the time, it is a slow process. As the words of the gospel song goes, at times He removes our mountains one stone at a time. If we will just be patient, we’ll notice our mountainous problem is getting smaller with time. Just like with a wound, so with our dire circumstance, “Time heals everything!”

Keep Driving the Old Clunker

JUNKYARD CARS

Many of us entered the Christian life with dented fenders, smashed in grills, and cracked windshields. It’s to you that this article is dedicated. I trust it will be as great a blessing to you as it was to me, who is also among the ranks of those unfortunate ones.

A QUOTE BY C.S. LEWIS

If you are a nice person—if virtue comes easily to you—beware! Much is expected from those to whom much is given. If you mistake for your own merits what are really God’s gifts to you through nature, and if you are contented with simply being nice, you are still a rebel: and all those gifts will only make your fall more terrible, your corruption more complicated, and your bad example more disastrous. The Devil was an archangel once; his natural gifts were as far above yours as yours are above those of a chimpanzee.

But if you are a poor creature—poisoned by a wretched upbringing in some house of vulgar jealousies and senseless quarrels—saddled, by no choice of your own, with some loathsome sexual perversion--nagged day in and day out by an inferiority complex that makes you snap at your friends—do not despair. He knows all about it. You are one of the poor whom He blessed. He knows what a wretched machine you are trying to drive. Keep on. Do what you can. One day (perhaps in another world, but perhaps far sooner than that) He will fling it on the scrap-heap and give you a new one. And then you may astonish us all—not least yourself: for you have learned you’re driving in a hard school. (Some of the last will be first and some of the first will be last.)

I MADE MY CHOICE-HOW ABOUT YOU?

Years ago I made a conscious decision that I was going to drive my old clunker right up to the Gates of Glory, then trade it in for a shiney new one. What about you, my friend?

Don't Go Back

“...how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Gal.4:9

ONE OF MY EARLIEST MENTORS

I was taught as a novice that, “A text taken out of context is a pretext.” This is true, if it is done to deceive or to prove one’s personal preference. But it is not so, if you are applying the scriptures in a practical way to

“instruct in righteousness.” The latter is our intent.

AN OSWALD CHAMBERS SAYING

One of my favorite axioms by this godly man is, “Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.”

PAUL’S SEARCHING QUESTION

Why do you [we], who know the Lord, like the Jews, who went back to a legalistic system, return to, not only a weak way of life, but one that doesn’t enrich but leaves us begging for the blessings we once experienced.

RETURNING TO PRISON AND OUR CHAINS

Something is drastically wrong with a free man or woman who desires to be in bondage again once liberated. The book of Hebrews is all about those who desired to “go back,” rather than “go on.” Every child of God needs to keep before them the words of the gospel song, “It’s too late now to turn back...there’s nothing to turn back to.”

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?

The Importance of the Second Advent

IT IS PART OF OUR FAITH

Christ’s coming to this earth a second time is an essential doctrine in the Christian’s belief, or should be. As another has stated, “It is not an optional extra.” C.S. Lewis states, “It seems impossible to retain in any recognizable form our belief in the divinity of Christ and the truth of the Christian revelation, while abandoning, or even persistently neglecting the promised return of Christ.”

THE PREEMINENCE OF HIS COMING IN THE BIBLE

The Second Coming of Christ comes second to no other doctrine in scripture. Not even the Atonement! By careful observance, to my dismay, I have found only a small remnant of the elect carry this stimulating hope in their bosom. Most, it seems, have lost the blessing of the “Blessed Hope.” This is rapidly becoming an extinct topic from the pulpits in our day.

THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST

A right belief in Jesus Christ’s teachings involves a climactic appearance of the Son of God  on the stage of human history at some unexpected time. Again,quoting Lewis, “Because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments.” Or better yet, to put it in the Master’s words, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt.24:44) 

NOT WITHOUT HONOUR

"And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.”

Matthew 13:57
“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."  

Mark 6:4

IT SAYS WHAT IT MEANS AND MEANS WHAT IT SAYS

If you happen to be one of those “syrupy sweet” Christians who want nothing to do with negative Bible truths, you will attempt somehow to make the above text say something it does not say. You may even want to correct this writer. But I remind you, I didn’t say it. The greatest authority that ever graced this earth, who always spoke the truth, said it. So, if you have a problem, I suggest you take it up with Him.

JESUS KNEW WHEREOF HE SPAKE

This may have been a proverbial expression of His day, and a general truth.  There could have been exceptions, but He was not one of them. He seemed to be honoured more elsewhere than among those most familiar with Him. They could not accept wisdom dressed in carpenter’s garb. They were too proud to be taught by such like. As with today, they had false standards of what personified greatness.

ARTISTS TEACH US THIS TRUTH

Most of the renowned artists of the past, along with their works, were not recognized or appreciated till their deaths. So it was with our blessed Lord, we’re told many of those closest to Him did not believe on Him, until after His resurrection. And so it was, and always will be. Therefore, it is a wise man or woman who goes to those strangers who will listen, and leave friends and loved ones, who will not listen, with the Lord and His timing. Remembering, you’re not without honour.

No End In View

THE WORDS OF THE WISE MAN

“Of making many books there is no end.” The man who wrote these words ought to know; we are told Solomon was responsible for three thousand proverbs, as well as one thousand and five songs. Interestingly, God used a writer to record for us the truth of the unendingness of some things in life; for no one is more conscious of this than a writer, there always seems to be another book or article to be written.

IT’S LIKE LOOKING OUT OVER THE OCEAN-NO END IN SIGHT

Life is an ongoing experience in which we never seem to catch up. There is always something ahead of us, and once we catch it, something else takes its place in the forefront. We need to reconcile ourselves to the fact that with many things in life there is no end in view. Therefore I’ve taken as one of my philosophical tidbits, “Do the next thing.” This is the only way I can keep what sanity I have left in this fast-paced world. Let’s face it, most of what we deem as permanent is temporal at best. Most things are not nailed down!

LONG DISTANCE RUNNERS ALWAYS KEEP BACK SOME ENERGY IN STORE

Life is a long-distance race; therefore we need to learn to pace ourselves. As my older son so aptly says, “We’re to be in it for the long-haul.”

The Fallacy of a Firm Grip

SAYINGS THAT ARE SCRIPTURAL

“What is that in thine hand?” I realize we must be careful with cliché’s when associating them with Scriptures. They may be true in one instance and not in another. They are always to be taken in their context. One such little saying is, “Let go and let God.” In this case, if we are speaking of Moses letting go of his rod so that God could transform it, then it fits the text.

PRYING LOOSE THE FINGERS

This quip is good for we who like to keep a tight grip on people and things. For some of us, it takes God years to pry our fingers loose from what we’re holding to. As long as we keep our firm grip, they, or it, are not God’s. It is only when we open our hand and let go that God can begin His transforming work. And this ceases when we take that item or person up again, as in Moses case.

FROM OUR HANDS TO HIS HAND

“When it’s in your hands, you get what you can produce; when it’s in God’s, you get what He can produce. “ (rds)

Rubbing Shoulders With Wise Men

IT RUBS OFF

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” C.S. Lewis writes, “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” As the old adage says, “You’re known by the company you keep”. Though it is not true of salvation, wisdom can be obtained through osmosis.

THE STORY THE  POOR WISE  MAN

One of my very favorite Bible stories is found in Eccl.9:13-18. There we find a poor wise man, who, when listened to, was the cause of great deliverance in others' lives. In this case it was not wealth but wisdom that emancipated. Wisdom was found in the form of rags rather than riches.

THE SCENT OF WISDOM

Though wisdom has many outfits in its wardrobe, nevertheless, you can recognize it by the fragrance on the garment it wears. It always has the scent of humility upon it. The companions of Christ had more wisdom than all the philosophers of their day.

Has Your Halo Shrunk?

SHRINKAGE OR EXPANSION

Have you noticed your halo getting a little tight lately? Are you concerned with it shrinking? Don’t be! Halos don’t shrink; but what they sit on has been known to expand considerably. “Big heads” dispel, or minimize, any glory the Lord might have placed upon our pate.

HUMBLE HEADS

The “helmet of salvation” is not, “one size fits all.” It was made to fit only one type-- those who have a humble head setting atop their shoulders. Paul was such a one. Says he, “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.”

THINKING OURSELVES SOMEBODIES WHEN WE’RE NOBODIES

It is an awful thing to think ourselves something, when we’re nothing (Gal.6:3). How many of us are like the little woodpecker pecking at the telephone pole. When lightning struck, sending both pole and bird to the ground, the dazed bird was overheard saying, “Man I knew I had power, but not that much!”

“As long as one knows one is proud one is safe from the worst form of pride.”

(C.S. Lewis)

Glass Houses

THE REAL THING

It could truthfully be said of Paul by the people of his day, “What you see is what you get.” Being real was uppermost in his mind, even to the extent of making bear his soul. He tells us he did this, “…lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.” Paul was not a man with a thousand spiritual faces, or a variety of changeable religious garments; he had only one of each.

THE BLESSINGS AND CURSES OF TRANSPARENCY

One advantage of living in a glass house is that it cures you (or should) from throwing stones at others. You can no longer set yourself up as “holier than thou,” since your life is seen by all. Transparency allows everyone to behold every little blemish, and opens you up for criticism by those who hide in their stone monasteries. But it also can be a blessing to those with similar failings. It’s comforting to realize those we esteem highly live in the same kind of skin.

We never need fear genuine people seeing our warts; they are much more forgiving of a fault, than they are of hypocrisy.

Who Knows Better Than God

FOUR DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRAYER

"…they called upon the Lord, and he answered them." Sometimes God answers prayer immediately, as in the case of Daniel (9:21). At other times, there is a delay. This is illustrated in the parable of the widow (Luke 18:1-8). Then, there are occasions when we are simply told, "No." Moses is an example of this (Deut.3:25-27). And who among us has not experienced the answer far exceeding our expectations (Eph.3:20)?

THE FIFTH KIND

But what I want to focus our attention on is a fifth avenue, which is when God answers differently from our request. The Apostle Paul prayed three times for an answer to a specific desire. God answered his petition but not in the way he asked or expected (2 Cor.12:8,9). At such times, we need to realize "Father knows best."

AN EXAMPLE OF THE LAST KIND

God's only Beloved Son followed this rule. He, as Paul, prayed three separate times concerning a particular thing in his life but ended His prayer with, "…nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." This is always the safest and surest way in prayer. Express your will but accept His.

C.S. LEWIS HAD IT RIGHT

“For most of us the prayer of Gethsemane is the only model. Removing mountains can wait.”

Test Your Spirituality

YOU DECIDE

“Greater works than these shall he do.” There are differing opinions as to what Jesus meant when He spoke these words to His disciples. Therefore, I’ll leave it up to each individual to sort out on their own what they believe the teaching of the text to be.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

What I would like to do, if you will permit me, is to bring out something I feel is beneath the text, which does not appear on the surface. Something, I believe, can be very practical and beneficial to each of us, something that will help us evaluate our Spirituality.

EXALTING THE OTHER AT OUR OWN EXPENSE

Whatever the text may mean, one thing it shows for sure; there was not a drop of envy or jealousy in the life of this Man, Christ Jesus. He was not threatened, nor did He try to stifle these inferior men, who would excel Him in work. Rather, He promoted it, and encouraged them.

THE TRUE MEANING OF LIFE

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. ~Nelson Henderson

Getting Your Feet Wet

PUTTING IN BOTH FEET

“When ye are come to the brink of the water...ye shall stand still in Jordan...[and] as soon as the soles of [your] feet...shall rest in the waters...they shall stand upon an heap...[their] feet...were dipped in the brim of the water...[they] stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan...[they] stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded.”

HE LEADS US HE DOESN’T PUSH US

The song, God Leads His Dear Children Along, can be seen in the saints’ life of faith. Isn’t it blessed how gently He leads us into the deep waters, the midst of Jordan, so to speak? He does not require we jump immediately in the middle but as in Peter’s case, He takes us from the shore out into the deep. This reminds me of Oswald Chambers’ comment: “Every ocean has a shore.”

THE  OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET’S EXPERIENCE

The prophet puts it this way, “He brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the ankles...Again... he brought me through the waters; the waters [were]to the knees...Again he...brought me through; the waters [were] to the loins...Afterward he measured...and it was a river...for the waters were risen, waters to swim in.”

A LITTLE AT A TIME

God starts out by getting our feet wet, and then we end up in the middle of the Jordan. It’s like when I was a boy of seven. At a local pool, I began in the shallow part, but shortly after was swimming in the deep end. I have found in my own spiritual life that this has been the custom. I, trembling, dip my foot of faith in the waters, and before long, I am enjoying a good swim.

IT MUST ALWAYS BE FRESH FAITH-NOT DAY OLD

I also have learned in my experience that each venture requires a fresh faith. Yesterday’s faith is a cancelled check. Therefore, with each new endeavor, we begin all over again by getting our feet wet. And why is this? “For ye have not passed [this] way heretofore.”

O, how I pray that when I see my Lord, I’ll be soaking wet from head to toe!

Thankful Not Boastful

A PRAYER PROBLEM

“I thank thee, that I am not as other men are…even as this publican.” It’s not the first part of this man’s prayer that got him into hot water, but the latter. After all, what godly woman doesn’t thank God she is not a harlot, etc.? And what good Christian man is not thankful he isn’t a drunkard or something worse? The problem with the prayer is not in evaluation but elevation.

ALL ARE MADE FROM THE SAME MOLD

It is not wrong to be thankful you’re not like other men. But it is to think you’re better. We are all cut from the same Adamic “cloth,” and as such, are capable of anything and everything anyone else does. As it is said, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” To be humbly thankful you have not experienced another’s misfortune is one thing; but to be haughty and boastful of this fact is another.

How's Your Multiplication?

5 × 39= 195

This is the minimum amount of stripes Paul bore in his body as a result of being beaten on five different occasions, thirty-nine times each. Historians tell us the Roman whips had several cords attached to the main stem; if so, that would add to the number. When taking into account  he was beaten three times with rods, and once was he stoned, one can only imagine the horrific sight of that mangled body, that had been given over to God for His use, pleasure, and glory. Remember, along with all this, he carried to the grave his thorn in the flesh.

PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

Those earned (I didn’t say, deserved) marks in that precious body, were his credentials to all who would question his devotion to Jesus Christ. As he told his legalistic inquisitors at Galatia, “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” He is one who would not be “carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease!”

AN INGREDIENT NOTICEABLY MISSING IN PAUL’S LETTERS

It is difficult, if not impossible, to find any complaints as to his sufferings anywhere in his thirteen epistles. Rather, you will discover this old warhorse turned the tables on the flesh, the world, and the devil. We see him praising God and glorying in Him in all his afflictions. He found in his weakness, God’s strength, and in his suffering, God’s grace. This seasoned saint believed with all his heart and soul-

  “Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

We're All Guilty Of It

NEVER SAY NEVER

“I could never do that.” Familiar? I guess so. Who among us can plead, “Not guilty” of uttering this common phrase ? Whenever we speak such rubbish you can be assured, whether one likes to admit it or not, it comes from a pharisaical spirit or ignorance as to the power of indwelling sin.

A GOOD EXAMPLE

On at least three different occasions Peter said he had or would never do such and such a thing: 1) let Jesus wash his feet; he did; 2) had never eaten anything unclean; he ate with the Gentile believers; 3) that he would never deny Christ; he did!  He, like us, was surprised at what he was capable of.

THE ROOT PROBLEM

Rather than, “condescending to men of low estate,” and “esteeming the other better than ourselves,” we look on them with contempt. Down deep, unless the Holy Spirit has done a work of grace in our hearts, we think ourselves a notch up from all others, as Peter did when he referred to “all men.”

“BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD THERE GO I”  

Hurry Up/Slow Down/ Win the Race

GOD’S PRINCIPLES

The world and carnal Christians will never understand God’s ways; for example, the way up is down, the way to get is to lose. And so it is with those who desire to be first, win the race, if you please. “The last, says Jesus, shall be first.”

THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT

Getting there first has no guarantee attached to it. John outran Peter to the tomb, getting there ahead of him, but it was the latter who went in and saw where the body had lain. John only “looked in,” but he didn’t go in till after.

OUTSHINING A BROTHER OR SISTER

In the story of Joab sending David a report of Absalom's death, Cushi started running first with the message to king David, but Ahimaaz outran and outshone him by overtaking him and arriving first, but was told by David to, “Turn aside.” No message.

REMEMBER THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE STORY

Jacob was crippled by his God, so that he could no longer keep up with his brother. He had, according to his own testimony to “lead on softly.” Isaiah makes a great statement in his writings, “The lame take the prey.” Like the four lepers in 2 Kings, seven.

The second birth, the second mile, the second veil,  the second Man, are all better than the first.

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Settling It-Is Settling

ALL MUST DO IT...SOONER OR LATER

There comes a time in every saint's life when he or she must ask themselves that all-important question, and answer it honestly, “Am I going to go all the way, no matter what? This comes at different stages in each Christian’s life, but generally at a Red Sea experience, when all human possibilities have been exhausted. It’s not difficult to affirm  positively, “YES!,” when lying on flowery beds of ease. But when the waters are about to cover you, as in David’s case, it’s a different matter.

ONE OF THE GREAT DECLARATIONS OF FAITH

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” James tells us the old patriarch is our example when, so to speak, one’s back is against the wall. Previously, Job’s life was more or less serene. But now the very heavens are falling in on him. And what is his testimony? Out of the ash heap of despair this broken man cries, “Though He multiply my sorrow, increase my pain, and add torment  to my already tormented soul, I will go to my grave clinging to Him. As with Jacob, “I will not let thee go.”

TRUST, NO MATTER WHAT

The words that win God’s heart is, “I’LL TRUST YOU, LORD, NO MATTER WHAT.” “I’ll trust you like Moses at the Red Sea; as Daniel did in the lion's den; like the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace; as Hezekiah did on his sickbed; when shut-in like Joseph; when I lose everything dear, as Naomi; when everything is going against me, as Jeremiah; when my very life is being slowly drained from me, like the woman with the issue of blood; and yes, when suffering on my deathbed, when it seems even YOU have forsaken me, as in your Son’s case, I’ll trust you!”

ISAIAH SAYS IT ALL

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation...Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. “ Isaiah 12:2; 26:3-4

An Appetite For the Divine

TWO KINDS OF APPETITE

There is a fleshly appetite and a soulish one. We are are all familiar with the former, but not so much with the latter. Isaiah speaks of a man’s soul having an appetite. Few there be today, I believe, who have a real hunger for God. It seems many are satisfied with religious junk food. I guess because it’s “fast food,” no need to wait.

JESUS’ DISCIPLES HAD TO LEARN IT AND SO DO WE

On one occasion, Jesus’ disciples were overly concerned with food while our Lord, on the other hand, was taken up with His fellowship with God. His appetite for God was greater than that for food. This is seen in His statement at the time, “But He said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” His was a diet of Deity!  

THE CHURCH-A REFLECTION OF ISRAEL

“They saw God, and did eat and drink.” What a sad experience!  Strange, it affected no permanent transformation. This brief encounter with God satisfied them, but left no desire to go deeper into fellowship with Him. Only a short time later, after eating, they’re seen worshiping the golden calf. Notice the order. By putting the flesh first they ended with carnal worship.

DO YOU AND I HAVE THE SMELL OF GARLIC UPON US?

Many of us, like in Jesus’ parable,“dureth for a while,” and then are drawn away by our taste for other things. The leeks and garlic of Egyptian bondage seem more inviting to some than the sweet manna of wilderness liberty. The mixed multitude never longs for the latter! God’s elect have, as it were, a spiritual “sweet tooth.”

Seeking The Wrong Thing

EXPERIENCE IS NOT THE BEST TEACHER

The book of Proverbs teaches the best way to learn is by instruction; the following book, Ecclesiastes, written by the same man, shows experience is not the best teacher. Ask any child who was told not to touch the stove, lest they get a painful burn, but who was dead set to find out for themselves. I guarantee they’ll testify to the fact I present.

THE OLD PURITANS HAD IT RIGHT

I learned a great truth early in my Christian life from reading the Puritans. It has helped me throughout these many years. “We’re to seek the Apostles teachings, not their experiences.” Not only attempting to emulate Bible characters’ experiences is dangerous, but also saints whose lives we read of in Church history. We all need to read more objectively.

IT’S WHAT THEY SAY, NOT WHAT THEY DO, THAT COUNTS

We cringe at the saying, “Don’t do as I do, but do as I say.” Yet this is exactly what Jesus taught His followers on one occasion. “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” I might add, it is not a question of what would Jesus do, but what did Jesus say?” For example, He drove them out of the Temple with a whip. I wouldn’t recommend that.

The Miraculous

I’VE THOUGHT THE SAME THING MYSELF

“And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

MIRACLES MATTER

The miraculous is an integral part of Christianity. Disregard miracles and you have taken the very life out of it. One good definition of a miracle is, “An observed event that triggers an awareness and awesomeness of God’s presence and power.”

THE NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL

It’s important to point out that God uses the natural when performing the supernatural. Natural things become supernatural when God is associated with them. Things like an axe head, water pots, a barrel, ravens, and a teenage virgin, to name just a few. We see from these examples that generally miracles interrupt, but do not disregard, the usual course of nature. Nevertheless the God of nature is not tied to its laws.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER

We do well to remember, in Bible times, as far as I know, no one ever saw a miracle while looking for one. The supernatural occurred while he or she were busy doing what came naturally. As that blessed man, A.W. Tozer, has written,"Miracles follow the plow."

EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE

Not often will the Lord do His part if we neglect to do ours. But He can and will, if it so pleases Him! And praise His name, “He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”