Making A Difference

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 29 – 31 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 25 – 28; Psalms 116 – 118; Proverbs 24)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Micah 6:8

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0524 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Soulwinning in 2 Chronicles“

“And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.” (2Chronicles 31:20-21)

I think one of the main reasons that God wants us to daily spend time in His word is because that it serves to remind us daily of the basic truth that God will bless those who seek Him and serve Him.  As we have been reading in these historical books, we have seen over and over again the blessings of God upon the godly kings; and conversely the judgment of God upon the wicked.  Of course, none of the kings were perfect: all made mistakes; but when they sought the Lord for forgiveness, God would always respond in mercy.  Even the bad kings that humbled themselves before God would receive mercy.  As we look today at the life of Hezekiah we see the same principle in place.  Hezekiah “wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God…with all his heart”, and God prospered him.

Child of God, the same applies to you and me today.  I am not trying to over-simplify the Christian life, but the principles of succeeding in life are really very easy to understand.  Find out what the will of God is for your life; and then fulfil it with all of your heart.  Give it everything you’ve got.  Live for God!  I’m not saying that every day is going to be amusement parks and sunshine; but you will have that abundant life Jesus spoke of in John 10:10.  It’s your choice:  live for God, and your life will be blessed of God; live for self, and you will look back with regret.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:1-3)

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 25 – 28 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 22 – 24; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Isaiah 51:11

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0523 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from today’s reading passage – “The Key to Prosperity“; and “Plenty More Where That Came From“

“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16)

There is a lot of practical truth that we can glean from these Bible passages about the kings of Judah and Israel. In today’s reading, we learned about several kings: some of them good; and some not so good. In chapter 26, we read about a very good king, Uzziah, that was tremendously used of the Lord to strengthen the southern Kingdom of Judah. Early in his reign as king, he sought the Lord, and the Scripture tells us that God made him to prosper. He did a lot of wonderful things, and because he was submissive to the will of God, God blessed him and the nation mightily. I wish that was the end of the story; but unfortunately, the Bible goes on to tell us that Uzziah’s heart became lifted up with pride. He one day decided that he was going to go into the temple himself to offer incense upon the altar of incense. Now that was a job that was exclusively reserved for the priests. Sadly, Uzziah felt that he was so great that he could do whatever he wanted to do, even bypass God’s clear instructions regarding the worship in the temple. The priests immediately withstood him and rebuked him for usurping their God given role. He became furious with the priests. “Who are you to tell me what to do?” “Don’t you know who I am?” “I am the king, and I will do whatever I please” This was Uzziah’s attitude. God’s judgment immediately fell on Uzziah, and he became leprous in his forehead. He realized then that he had crossed the line, but it was too late.

We see this type of thing all too often in the Scripture, and we also see in the lives of Christians today. Many times, when a person first trusts the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, he is very humble. He is moldable, teachable, and can easily be corrected. However, as he grows in the Lord and is obedient to the principles found in the Word, God will prosper him. This prosperity will often bring about pride. Sometimes, it is so subtle that he does not even realize it. He takes the credit for the blessings that were given to him by the Lord. He begins to know more than his teachers, and he begins to pick and choose what he will obey, and what he will not. He begins to gradually seize control of his life away from God’s control. He slowly becomes his own God again, calling his own shots. When he gets to this place God will have to bring judgment in order to bring him back down to earth.

This does not have to happen. We can stay humble. We can continue to lean on the Lord, and not our own understanding. We can stay teachable, and moldable. We can continue to obey the Word of God, and the authorities that God has placed in our lives. We don’t have to head down this road that leads to self-destruction. Watch out for pride. It was Satan’s downfall; it was Eve’s also. Remember, she wanted to be as God, knowing good and evil. Pride is a big part of our flesh that must be put to death on a daily basis.

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13)

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10)

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23)

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 21 – 24 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 19 – 21; Psalms 106 – 110; Proverbs 22)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Isaiah 40:31

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0522 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Too Dependent on the Preacher“

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 18 – 20 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 16 – 18; Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Proverbs 27:15

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0521 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Keep Your Eyes on the Lord“

A Bible Study Of Women In The Bible

Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover

“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22)

Gold.  It is a valuable metal that we treasure.  It will still buy things when the dollar fails.  We melt it into many shapes and use it to adorn our bodies.  Much gold was used in the Tabernacle, and the entire Ark of God was overlaid with it.  It seems unlikely that someone would take such a precious metal and put it on a pig’s nose.  Pigs are dirty.  They roll in the mud all day.  Their noses are in the slop the farmers feed them.  At times there is even pig snot running out.  I know, not a pretty sight.  But under all that mess is a fine jewel waiting to be cleaned up and treasured.

What is discretion?  The ability or power to decide responsibly; the freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit; the quality of being discreet; prudence; tactfulness; the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight.

It sounds like a good quality to have, but remember this woman doesn’t have this quality.  Her beauty makes her seem as if she’s full of grace.  But she is a foolish woman and is compared to a swine wallowing in the mire of filthy lusts.   In other words,  you can’t judge a person on how they look.

We look in the mirror every morning to make sure our outside appearance is just right.   We check our hair.   We brush our teeth and make sure there is no leftover spinach on them.  We spend much money on make-up so our faces look just right.  We make sure our clothing matches and fits right.  If we walk by a mirror during the day or visit the ladies room we check ourselves to make sure all is still well.  Well, how much more do we need to check the inside of us so we don’t find ourselves in the nose of a pig.  The Bible is a perfect mirror to check how we’re doing on  the inside.  There is an answer to any situation or problem we face each day in the Word of God.  There are many lessons to learn about our attitudes, and regarding how we should conduct ourselves.

Read and study your Bible everyday.  Ask God to show you something from His Word.  Take a hard look at yourself and change those things that God is impressing on you.  Use your good common sense.  Get out of the pig’s nose and let God shine you up.

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 13 – 17 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 13 – 15; Psalms 96 – 100; Proverbs 20)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0520 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from this passage – “Asa – He Started Well But Finished Poorly“; and “Don’t Shoot the Messenger”

“Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.” (2 Chronicles 13:18)

“And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.” (2 Chronicles 14:11)

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. … For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:7, 9)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In our reading today we learn about two kings of Judah, Abijah and Asa. In chapter thirteen we see that King Abijah and the people of Judah relied upon the Lord in a war between themselves and the northern kingdom of Israel, and the Lord gave them a great victory. In chapter 14, we see King Asa, the son of Abijah, in a war with the Ethiopians. Asa, like his father before him, also “rested” in the Lord, and the Lord delivered the Ethiopians into his hand. However, when we get to chapter 16, we discover that King Asa paid the Syrians to help him in another conflict with the northern kingdom. He “relied” upon the Syrians, instead of trusting in God.

As you might expect, God was not at all pleased with Asa for not trusting in Him to bring the victory against the enemy. God sends Hanani, the “seer” (prophet), to Asa to rebuke Asa, but Asa becomes very angry and throws the prophet into prison. The Bible goes on to report that Asa became “diseased in his feet”, but again, instead of going first to the Lord, Asa trusted in the physicians. He died two years after he contracted this “exceeding great” disease. (See Note Below)

There is a lot that we can glean from this passage. Too many times Christians are trusting in the philosophies of the world, or the security of their possessions, instead of trusting in the Lord. Many times, we are given clear instruction from God, but we hesitate our obedience because it goes against human reasoning. We need to be very careful to obey the principles of the Word of God, even when they do not seem to make sense to us, humanly. We must walk and live by our faith in God; and we need to continue down that pathway of faith. Asa started out walking by faith, but eventually he started walking by sight, forsaking the faith that he once possessed. We can trust God. He has never let us down, and He never will forsake us.

Note – there is nothing wrong with going to physicians, after you have prayed to the Lord. The Lord uses physicians, but our trust needs to be in Him, not the physicians.

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 9 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 10 – 12; Psalms 91 – 95; Proverbs 19)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 121

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0519 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 6 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 7 – 9; Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 119:105

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell– “Launch Out“

Read the “0518 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from this morning’s passage – “Forgive”  & “The Fire Came Down From Heaven“

“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:12-15)

I had just finished doing some work around the house, and sat down outside on the deck to take a break. I got notified a few days before this, that my work was out of work so I was out of work. I had submitted a claim to Unemployment, and was considering a plan of action in my hunt for another job. So, I’m sitting there, and my eye catches a squirrel coming over to the deck. He made his way to the top of the railing, about 7 feet away from me, and started to eat an acorn. Did you know that squirrels have fairly large claws? I could see his clearly as I watched him devour the last bit of nut. Then he stared at me with his black beady eyes. Oh great! He’s going to jump and dig his claws into my leg, bite me, and then I’ll have to go to the hospital and get rabies shots. The squirrel started to scamper across the railing, stopping every yard or so to check on me: eying up his target. He didn’t jump on me, but made his way to the end of the railing where we have this large river rock with a hollow in it. It was almost like a bowl. And the squirrel started drinking the rainwater out of it. The more I thought about what just happened, the more I rejoiced in my heart. The Lord led this squirrel to a hidden acorn to eat. The Lord supplied the rain the night before, filling the hollow, and giving the squirrel water to drink. He will supply all my needs also. When the right job comes along, it will come from God, and in His timing.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.” (Psalm 103).

Thank You, Lord, for everything that You have given us.

Peace. (Psalm 69:30).

Today’s Reading – 2 Chronicles 1 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 4 – 6; Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“

Read the “0517 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Just Ask Him“

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 28 – 29 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Acts 1 – 3; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 92:1

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“

Read the “0516 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Preparing for the Next Generation“

“Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. … O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.” (1 Chronicles 29:14, 16)

In our reading today, we see King David making all of the final preparations for the building of the temple and for the transition of power to his son, Solomon. David wanted to build the temple himself, but because of the blood that he had shed through the many battles he fought for Israel, God would not permit it. It was God’s will for Solomon to build the House of God. However, this did not stop David from doing everything he could to prepare for the construction. David prepared for it, planned it, and provided all of the materials and manpower that would be necessary for Solomon to finish it.

Notice, however, in the verses above, David’s prayer to God. Though David had been very busy doing the work necessary for the preparation of the Temple, he still gave all of the glory to the Lord, and did not attempt to steal any of the praise that was due to the Lord. David was willing and faithful to obey and serve the Lord, but in the end it was God who worked through David. Notice that David said that all of the materials that were given to build the temple had been given to them in the first place by the Lord.

Everything we have, we were given by the Lord. Everything we do, we do because the Lord has equipped us, and enabled us to do it. Everything we are, we are because of the Lord. He deserves all of the praise, honor, and glory. I often tell our church, when we mess up it’s our fault; but when we get things right, it is simply because we got out of God’s way, and let Him work through us.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalms 29:2)

“Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.” (Psalms 66:2)

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 26 – 27 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 21,  Psalm 71 – 75; Proverbs 15)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 89:1

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“

Read the “0515 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.“ (1 Chronicles 26:12)

In today’s passage we see the list of countless names of people who labored behind the scenes in the temple, and in the kingdom during the reign of David. When we think of the temple, we think of Solomon primarily, because it was he whom God chose to assemble it; or we may think of David, because he was the one who made most of the preparations for it. However, we can see from these passages that there were literally thousands of people laboring behind the scenes that made the ministry that went on in the temple possible, as well as in the rest of the kingdom.

In a local church, we sometimes think that it is primarily the pastor who makes everything happen. While the office of the pastor is an important position, he is just one member of a body made up of many. He may be the most visible, but there are so many other people whose participation is necessary in order to accomplish the work of God. Our church is small in number, but even in a church our size, there are many people laboring, some completely behind the scenes, who are vital parts of the ministry. Think with me for a moment about all of the different duties that must be performed in order for our church to function as it should. There are soul winners who get the message of the gospel to the community; disciplers who mentor and instruct those who have trusted Christ; there are Sunday School teachers, ushers, greeters, audio/vidio people, choir members, song leaders, musicians, bus drivers and workers, maintenance people, and administrators. These people and the work that they do are all important to the cause of Christ.

Romans 12 talks about some of the gifts given to us by the Lord that are to be used by us in His service:

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4-8)

1 Corinthians 12 also instructs regarding the different members of the body, though many of the individual gifts spoken of in this chapter were sign gifts that were given to believers during the transitional period in the first century, and are no longer available today:

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

” For the body is not one member, but many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14)

“But now are they many members, yet but one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:20)

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

God has something to do for everyone in the local church. I was recently criticized for preaching too much about what we need to do for the Lord, but as I see it, there is a lot that needs to be done. Yes, it is God which works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, but we still need to be submissive and obedient to His plan for our life. We often quote from Ephesians 2:8 & 9 regarding the fact that it is solely through the grace of God that we are saved, but the next verse teaches us that we are saved and equipped to work.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Christian, let me encourage you to find out what your unique gifts are, and also admonish you to use those gifts for the glory of the Lord Jesus, in the service of the local church.

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” (Philippians 1:27)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 23 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 19 – 20; Psalms 66 – 70; Proverbs 14)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 61:1 – 3

Read a great article by Pastor  Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“

Read the “0514 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “The Hope for the Future“

A Study Of Women In The Bible

Dorcas, A Woman Who Used Her Talent For God.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”     (Acts 9:36)

” Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”    (Act 9:39)

Dorcas was just a regular woman, who had a talent for making clothing.  We know she was a Godly lady because she was the only woman who was called a disciple, a follower of Jesus.  Dorcas not only wanted to follow Christ, she also wanted to serve him.  So, she did that which came naturally to her, she made clothing and gave it to the poor.  Dorcas knew what made her Lord happy, and that was to take care of this group of people.  She served the Lord with all of her heart by serving people.

With this in mind, I would like to take time to talk about “Warm Weather Dressing.”  It alway amazes me that the hotter the weather becomes, the less clothing we wear.  As Christian ladies, we should always dress modestly.  We are responsible, not only for dressing ourselves in modest clothing, but also for dressing our children.  Hot weather does not give us an open invation to expose all that we have.

The following is a look at the downfall of women’s clothing in America.  WARNING: You may not like what your about to read!

THE DOWNFALL OF DRESSING MODESTLY

Women were content with the role God had given them. Keepers of the home, submitted to their husbands and had no desire to be unfeminine in any way.

They wore their hair long, covered neck-lines, arms and legs.

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 19 – 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 17 – 18; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 55:17

Read a great article by Pastor  Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“

Read the “0513 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “The Place of Sacrifice“

“Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee. … Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 22:16, 19 KJV)

“Busy” is a word that has almost become a bad thing in the day that we are living in. Most of us are already very busy people. The demands of living in the 21st century have caused us to work longer hours in order to just survive; and then we have the needs of our families, and the upkeep of our homes to consider. We are already very busy people, and the thought of becoming busier does not put a smile on our faces.

Here in this passage, David encourages Solomon and the people of Israel to “get busy” building the temple of God. David had actually already done most of the work: he provided all of the materials, and had done all of the planning and preparations. He also cleared out of the country all of the enemies that had been a threat to them. The people now had nothing else to do, but build the House of God. Everything was prepared; everything was ready. There was nothing that could stop them from fulfilling the will of God.

I believe that we can see a parallel from this passage to the will of God for us today. We are living in a time where God wants us to “be doing” as well. We are commanded to communicate the love of the Saviour through the preaching and teaching of the Truth of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Everything has been provided for us. The Son of God has already provided His shed blood to atone for the sins of all men. By the way, I did mean it when I said, “all men”:

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9)

He has also given us a complete and perfect copy of His Word, which declares His will to us; and He also has given us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Who guides us into all truth. (John 16:3) He also has promised to individually equip (gift) each believer in the specific task that he gives us as part of His overall plan.

There is absolutely no reason, no excuse, for not “getting busy”, and abounding in the work of God. Have you found God’s particular plan for your life within His overall commission to all believers? If you haven’t yet, get busy in your local church, studying the Scripture, praying, and winning souls. Those are good places to start. Ask your pastor or Sunday School teacher what you could do to help the cause of Christ within your community. As you yield yourself to these fundamental things, God will begin to mold you and direct you into a specific area of service.

If you do already know what God has specifically called you to do, “get busy”. Re-commit yourself to give the cause of Christ 110% effort on your part.

Today’s Reading –  1 Chronicles 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 15 – 16;Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 51

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Unbelieving Believers“

Read the “0512 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 13 – 15 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 13 – 14; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 48:1 & 2

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Choose an Accountibility Partner“

Read the “0511 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “God’s Will, God’s Way“

Good morning. Proverbs 11:30 tells us that,

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

Why are these two statements in the Bible? They go together hand in hand. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. According to Isaiah 64:6, our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. The only one who was ever righteous, is the Lord Jesus Christ. When we got saved, God gave us the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. We, those who are saved are the righteous. Not of our own righteousness, but Christ’s. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: the righteous will tell others about the salvation they received through the Lord Jesus Christ: giving life to others: bearing fruit. Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”

And Jesus commands us to go out into the world and preach the Gospel: he that winneth souls is wise…

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” [They have a choice!] (Mark 16:15-16)

“Then opened he [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:45-49)

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)

Jesus gave us the power to go. Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

We need to go! We must go! God made it easy for a person to get saved. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:13-17)

Do it. He that winneth souls is wise. Do it for Jesus. Do it because you love the Lord, and want to obey His command. Do it to keep people from joining the devil in Hell. Do it for yourself: Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

The whole problem is the doctrine of predestination which is found in Romans chapter 8. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:26-31)

I believe in predestination. But I had to choose. And here is what Hyper-Calvinists do not understand: because God is all-knowing, He knew that I would receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour, and He sent people throughout my life to tell me about Jesus. But I still had to choose.

Let me ask my Hyper-Calvinist friends out there in cyberspace, how do you know if someone is predestined to go to Heaven unless you ask them: tell them about Jesus: give them a chance to choose? And let me ask you, Christian, how are your feet: are they beautiful, or are they ugly and stink? He that winneth souls is wise.

Peace! (Romans 10:13-15)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 11 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 11 – 12; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 47:1

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Choose an Accountibility Partner“

Read the “0510 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “God Spotted Him First“

“Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” (1 Chronicles 12:33)

“ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8)

1 Chronicles 11 and 12 tell us about all of the brave and mighty men that recognized the call of God upon David, and followed him as he lead the people of God. In a previous post from this passage, I discussed the fact that it took a long time for the nation of Israel to realize that God’s hand was upon David. It actually took about twenty years from the time that God Samuel anointed David to the time that the people anointed him as their king. However, there were some men from all of the tribes of Israel that God raised up to follow David, and these men were known as “David’s Mighty Men”. They were strong, brave, and well trained and equipped for the battles. They were also fiercely loyal to David, because they knew that David was God’s anointed.

1 Chronicles 12:33 contains an interesting description about the men of Zebulun that followed David. It says, “they were not of double heart”. That is a great phrase. It means that these men were not wishy-washy in what they believed and where they stood. They were completely committed to their cause. They loved and served David because they knew that he was the man ordained of God to lead the people, and they were not ashamed of him.

In this passage, David is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. As Christians, we serve Christ, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Our loyalties ought not be divided. We need to fully commit and surrender  to the Lord. Let’s not be double-hearted, or double-minded. Let us yield to Him completely, wholly. There are so many things in this world that lure our loyalty away from the Lord. We need to be more like these men of Zebulun, completely devoted to our King.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 9 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 9 – 10; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 34:6

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Choose an Accountibility Partner“

Read the “0509 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Who are the Nethinims?“

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 7 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 7 – 8; Psalms 36 – 40; Proverbs 8)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 34

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Stop Worrying“

Read the “0508 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 5 – 6; Psalms 31 – 35; Proverbs 7)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 25

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Stop Worrying“

Read the “0507 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “A Large Family of Ministers“

A Study Of Women In The Bible

The Proverbs 31 Woman

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” (Proverbs 31:28)

I know, I know.  Your saying to yourself, “Oh no! Not the Proverbs 31 woman!!  How can we live up to her standards?  She’s perfect.”  Well lets take a look at her verse by verse and I think you’ll see that it’s not as hard as you think.

I want to start with verse 28.  “Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also..”  This verse is the goal.  This is where we want to be.  With Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, we, as mothers, want to strive to do our best in raising our children.  We want to keep that close relationship with our children throughout our lives.  If we are not moms yet, this is a good place to start.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”  (Proverbs 31:10-12)

Here we see that a virtuous woman is priceless.  She is compared to a fine jewel.  When owning something of great value, it’s greatly taken care of.  In return, it always shines and looks it’s best.  Remember, one person’s best is not anothers.  Her husband trusts her.  She doesn’t waste his money and takes care of the things they have.  ”She will do him good”.   She doen’t speak evil of him but builds him up.  She cares for him as an example to her daughters or other young ladies.   She is proud of what he does, even if it’s not up to her standards.   There you go.  Three verses down.  Not hard.  Did you pass?

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”  (Proverbs 31:13-14)

In Bible times, most women made clothing for their family.  There were no JC Pennys or Walmarts.  But even if you don’t make your clothing, (and I don’t know many who do) we still are thrifty in what we do buy.  I know many women: Pastors’ wives, Missionary wives, myself and others, who go to Good Will and other second hand clothing stores.  Many women exchange clothing, especially for the children.  And how many of us will go to more than one food store to save on our food bill.  And what about COUPONS!!  How ya doin?  Two more verses gone.  Not as bad as you thought, right?

“She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”   (Proverbs 31:15)

Now don’t throw tomatoes yet.  This woman got up early and made her family breakfast and lunch.  We get too busy in life that we find ourselves getting to bed late.  Because of this, we are running out the door with coffee in hand and a piece of toast in our mouth.  Our kids are rushing around and grab whatever, if anything.  Life is like a zoo in the morning.  God never intended us to be so busy that we negelect our family.  If you have a tomato in your hand about now, why not examine  your busy life, and get rid of things that are keeping you too busy.  I do understand about women having to work.  I was a single and a married working mom and I know about the mistakes of being too busy for my family.  Are you still with me?  Put your tomato back in the refrigerator and have it with your lunch.

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”     (Proverbs 31:16)

The Proverbs 31 woman, bought a home and took care of it.  Buying the land and planting on it, made it useable and more valuable.  Even if you don’t “own” it, you’re still paying for it.  You thought about the cost and made sure you could afford it.  She fixes and takes care of it herself, so not to go into debt.  Not bad.  This one was easy.

“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” (Proverbs 31:17)

Though women are known as the weaker vessel,  she is made strong by wisdom and grace, and the fear of God.  A woman should control her own spirit and know how to manage other people.  She should also be a help meet for her husband.  We too can get wisdom by the reading and obeying God’s word.  Do you read your Bible?  We manage our family members everyday.  As far as controlling our spirit, that is where the wisdom of God comes in.  Life can get out of hand.  Something can go wrong, we get caught up in the moment and we react the wrong way.  Keeping our Christian spirit can only come when we stop, think and then react.  The more we learn recognize temptations of Satan, the easier it is to keep ourselves in control.

Still doing ok?

“She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”    (Proverbs 31:18-22)

These five verses have a lot to do with taking care of her family.  She makes sure the things she buys are good.  It doesn’t matter if your rich or not.  If you buy the items you and your family needs from the best of stores or from the flea market, we all do our best.  She goes to bed after the family.  She makes sure all is well before she lays her head down at night.  Easy.  We all check on the kids.  We make sure the “night lights” are on before we go to bed.  I don’t think I know anyone who wouldn’t help someone in a time of need.   And like the ant, we prepare for winter.  We make sure everyone has their hats and gloves.  We take out the heavy blanks for those cold nights.  See, we really aren’t much different then the Proverbs woman are we?

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”    (Proverbs 31:23)

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”   (Proverbs 31:26)

I like this verse.  She speaks kindness.  Again I’ll say, Satan wants to keep our lives in spinning to the point that we can’t tell which side is up.  When this happens we, tend to make mistakes and unkind words can find their way out of our mouths.   Beware of satan.  He is like a lion wanting to destroy us.  Our tounges are like a knife.  They can cut and destroy a person.    OK.  Hang in there.  One more verse to go and you’ve made it.  You can do it!

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”   (Proverbs 31:30)

This verse sums it all up.  Fear the Lord.  You can’t go wrong.  No matter what anyone say or thinks, fear the Lord.  Follow Him.

Well I know you all passed the test.  You all got an A.  Now we know we’re all Proverbs 31 Women.  A daugther of the King of Kings.

Thank You, And I Pray You All Have A Blessed Mother’s Day.  Enjoy Your Family.

1 John 5:13

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 3 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 3 – 4; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 19

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Stop Worrying“

Read the “0506 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “The Prayer of Jabez“

“And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.” (1 Chronicles 5:20)

The beginning section of 1 Chronicles is the largest genealogical portion of Scripture in the Bible. As was stated yesterday, these genealogies are very important, albeit at times, they are not the most exciting passages to read. There are many nuggets of truth, however, nestled in the midst of these genealogies. In a previous post, we discussed the prayer of Jabez from 1 Chronicles 4:9 – 10. This morning I would like to focus on 1 Chronicles 5:18 – 22, which discusses the acquisition of land on the east side of the Jordan River by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Verse 18 tells us that these 44,000 men were brave and very skillful in their military ability; but apparently their numbers and their expertise were not enough to conquer the enemy. They needed God’s help. Notice in verse 20, the Bible tells that they were helped by God, because they put their trust in Him. We also know that it was God’s will for them to go to war against the Hagarites because “the war was of God” (v. 22).

I believe we can learn some things from this passage as we fight the Lord’s battles today”

First, we must be sure that we are fighting God’s battle (doing His will). If we are just working for ourselves, we cannot expect success.

Secondly, we must trust in the Lord to bring us the victory. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

Finally, I believe that we should work at sharpening our skills. These men of Israel were well equipped, and highly trained for the task, and I think that God’s people need to be equipped and trained today in order to serve the Lord effectively. Someone once said that we ought to work like it all depends on us, but we ought also to pray like it all depends on God.

These three tribes were able to drive out the wicked inhabitants of the land, and possess their dwellings all because they trusted in the Lord; and they remained there until the time of the captivity. Why did they eventually lose their land to the Assyrian army? Because they stopped trusting in God. We receive all of the blessings of life because of our dependence upon Him. Let’s not lose them by deciding to live life trusting in the flesh.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 1 – 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 1 – 2; Psalms 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 18:3 & 46

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Stop Worrying“

Read the “0505 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Good morning. In reading Luke 23 and 24 today, we see the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pharisees would not tolerate Jesus anymore. They wanted people to look at them and see how spiritual they were. Jesus had come out, and called them sinners, the same as we all are. They were not going to stand for that. They took Jesus to Pilate, and Pilate had Him crucified.

They were not going to tolerate any other way to heaven except by keeping the Law. They were not going to tolerate the truth that they were hypocrites. They were not going to tolerate the new life that Jesus had for all believers. And I’m sure, if they had a bumper on their chariot, it would have a “tolerance” bumper sticker. I’m seeing more and more of these bumper stickers on cars. I want to get one. Then underneath it I’ll place another bumper sticker that says, “BUT…JOHN 14:6!” John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Because we live in the United States of America, the land of the free, you are free to worship whoever you like. You can worship the moon god, Allah; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can bow down to statues of Mary, and the saints, but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can worship a fat bald guy, but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Or some multi-armed figment of someone’s imagination; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can be a Mormon, and worship a Jesus who is satan’s brother, or for that matter you can even worship satan himself; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. You can worship plants, trees, and shrubbery; but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Why you are so free that you can even bow down before a mirror and worship yourself! But Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him.

As Christians, we tolerate other religions, why is it that they do not tolerate us? Because Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Romans 12: 1 says to make your bodies a living sacrifice, so why blow yourself up? How about those statues you bow down to? Leviticus 26:1-9 tells us: “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.”

HMMmmmm…. could that be why we are having so many problems in America? Maybe we should put the Real God first, and stop worshiping everything but Him, including ourselves. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6).

Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and it’s amazing how much He has tolerated us.

Peace. (1John 5:12-13)

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 20 – 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Luke 21 – 22; Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Joshua 1:8

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Develop Friendships with Co-Laborers in the Ministry“

Read the “0503 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Have You Found the Book“

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” (2 Kings 20:1)

1 Kings 20 tells us a very interesting story of the prophet Isaiah coming to King Hezekiah and announcing to him that he was about to die. Hezekiah is naturally distraught when he hears the news that his sickness will lead to his death. After all, he was only 39 years old. Who wants to die at 39? He then goes to the Lord and asks him to spare his life, and the Lord graciously adds to him another fifteen years; but I am not sure whether it was good for Hezekiah to spend that additional time on the earth. It may have been better for him, and for the nation had he gone home to Heaven when the Lord first called for him.

Consider three events that happened in the last fifteen years of Hezekiah’s life that would have not happened had he died at 39:

1  He had a son, named Manasseh, in the last 15 years of his life that turned out to be the most wicked king in Judah’s history.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. … So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 33:1-2, 9)

2  He allowed the ambassadors from Babylon to come into Jerusalem, and he showed them all of the kingdom. Babylon would be the nation that would destroy Jerusalem later on, and they would take everything.

3  His heart became lifted up with pride:

“But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 32:25)

To be fair, I must point out that the Bible tells us that Hezekiah did humble himself after this, which would postpone the wrath that God had promised, but even though the judgment was postponed, it would still come, but not until after Hezekiah’s death.

Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings that Israel had in all of the history, but he would have been the greatest by far had his life ended at 39. The kingdom went downhill in the last 15 years.

I do not know how many years I have left, but I pray that I will be yielded to the will of the Lord for the remainder of my life. I want to finish my course by keeping the faith. I am not in a hurry to leave this earth, but when He calls for me, I want to be willing to go. I don’t want to go out fighting his will.

Today’s Reading - 2 Kings 18 – 19 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read - Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Deuteronomy 32:4

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Develop Friendships with Co-Laborers in the Ministry“

Read the “0502 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Spread It Before the Lord“

“Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. … Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?” (2 Kings 18:30, 33 KJV)

“It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. … Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.” (2 Kings 19:4, 28)

In chapters 18 and 19 of 2 Kings we see the city of Judah surrounded by the powerful army of Assyria, not just once, but twice. The first time they came up against Hezekiah and the city of Jerusalem, God caused the Assyrians to become distracted by news of an attack on them in another area, which forced them to temporarily pack up and leave. They soon returned, and once again promised to utterly destroy the city if the people did not surrender to them.

In a previous post on this passage, I focused on the fact that Hezekiah depended completely on the Lord for deliverance from this impossible situation, which God did. This morning, however, I wanted to consider another reason that God delivered the people of Jerusalem, and destroyed the army of Assyria. The Assyrian leader did not merely speak against the people of Jerusalem, he spake against the Lord. Rabshakeh basically said that his army was more powerful than Israel’s God. That’s where he crossed the line. Had he left God out of it, who knows what may have happened, but when Rabshakeh’s “rage” against the God of Israel was announced, God quickly moved in and destroyed him.

God destroyed the Assyrians, not only because of His love for His people, but also because of His own glory. God will not share His glory with anyone, and when the little men of the earth attempt to elevate and exalt themselves above God, He will put them in their place. Isn’t that what happened to Goliath (1 Samuel 17). He “cursed David by his gods”, and he challenged the God of Israel. God took out that giant with a boy and his slingshot. God does not like it when you mess with His children, but God will really get angry when you attack His glory.

“For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.” (Isaiah 48:11)

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 16 – 17 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – Luke 17 – 18; Psalms 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)

Scripture Memorization for May – Romans 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  1 John 4:7 & 8

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Develop Friendships with Co-Laborers in the Ministry“

Read the “0501 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Have It Your Way“

“Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,” (2 Kings 17:5-7)

In 2 Kings 17, we see the destruction of the city of Samaria along with the rest of the northern kingdom of Israel, and the carrying away of God’s people into the land of Assyria. God had warned the people literally for centuries that if they continued to reject Him and His Word, judgment would come. In this chapter we see that God’s patience with these northern tribes had finally come to an end. The warnings were over, and the punishment had finally come.

The passage goes on to explain the sins of the nation. So, God warned them many times not to do these things, and when they didn’t listen, God admonished them to stop and turn back to Him (v 13), but they did not listen (v 14), and then finally He punishes them through the nation of Assyria; and now, to be crystal clear, He explains why He was forced to punish them.

What were they guilty of?

1  They feared other gods (v7) – God was clear that the people were to put no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3), but Israel had tolerated and even encouraged the worship of many false gods. Along with this are many of the other sins listed in this passage including idol / image worship; burning incense in the high places; etc.

2  They walked in the statues of the heathen. (v 8 ) God had given them moral, ceremonial, and civil statutes (laws) to follow, but instead they followed the laws of the heathen nations around them. Israel was set up as a theocracy – a nation governed by the laws of God, but they had thrown God off of the throne, and they were now governing themselves. The immoral customs of the heathen nations became the accepted practice of the day.

3  They sacrificed their own children. Children have a very special place in God’s heart, and when the nation began to promote the sacrifice of children (v 17), God became very angry with them (v 18).

The nation of Israel had everything they needed to live a blessed, prosperous existence in the land that God provided for them, but instead “they sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord” (v 17).

I wonder what God will do to America. We were a nation tremendously blessed of God, but we too have forsaken Him. We have thrown Him out of our schools and our government, and we have allowed all kinds of immoral filth to permeate our society. We have also promoted and tolerated the sacrificing of our own children. Over one million babies are sacrificed every year through the abominable practice of expedient abortions. God is warning our nation to repent, but His warnings are falling on deaf ears. I fear His patience is running out on us just as it ran out on Israel. Wake up America!

BONDWOMAN BORN AFTER THE FLESH OR FREE WOMAN BORN AFTER THE SPIRIT?

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.” (Galatians 4:22-23)

“Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” (Galatians 4:31-31)

When looking at being free or bound, we can compare it to being saved or lost. We can also look at it as being saved, but following in the steps of a free or bound women.  In today’s blog, we’re going to look at it both ways, so let’s recap some of the past blogs.

Anna:  Freewoman and stayed free.  She stayed devoted to God even when life turned wrong.

Athaliah:  Bondwoman and stayed bond.   She encouraged her  son Ahaziah, to do wrong and later wanted to kill her grandchildren.

Delilah:  Bondwoman and stayed bond.    She deliberately betrayed her husband.

Miriam:  Freewoman turned bondwoman.  She was greatly used of God but then overstepped her boundaries by trying to usurp her authority over  Moses.

Sarah:  Freewoman turned bondwoman.  She walked ahead of God and made the wrong decision.  She also lied for her husband, laughed at God heartless to her husband’s other son, Isaac.

Rahab:  Bondwoman turned free.  She was a woman with a questionable profession to having her name mentioned in Hebrews 11 “Heroes of the Faith”.

Ruth:  Bondwoman turned free.  She was a Moabite born out of incest who later followed the God of Naomi.

When taking a closer look at the women in the Bible, we can only come to the conclusion, that being, or following, the steps of a free woman is always a better choice.  It’s the one that pleases the Lord.  Which are you?  If you haven’t accepted the  Lord Jesus as your Saviour,  you are a bondwoman.  Or you could be a bondwoman because your not wholly following Him.  Both make you in bondage to sin.   Satan wants us in bondage and he wants us to stay there.  I urge you bondwoman, accept Jesus as your Saviour.  He will free you from sin.  He paid the price.  Only through Jesus Christ can you be free.  Our church’s website will guide you in the way you need to go to be truly free.  If your saved and struggling with something, seek the Lord.  He has the answer.  Turn from going in the wrong direction.  It will only turn to destruction, not only in your life, but also in the life of others.  Confess your wrong  and  seek Godly counsel.  God will forgive you.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12)

And for you ladies who are free and remaining free, beware.  Satan is watching and waiting for you.  Put on your armour everyday.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1Peter 5:8)

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 13 – 14;  Proverbs 29; Psalms 141 – 145

Scripture Memorization for March – John 1:1 – 18

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  1 Timothy 1:17

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Develop Friendships with Co-Laborers in the Ministry“

Read the “0429 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Housecleaning“

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’S people; between the king also and the people.” (2 Kings 11:17)

The northern kingdom of Israel never had the benefit of good leadership, and there is no doubt that the worst leadership team that served them was King Ahab, and Queen Jezebel. Time would not permit me to list here all of the ways that these two had lead their nation away from the will of God, but suffice it to say that they were some evil people. However, their wicked influence did not just impact their own nation, as the southern kingdom of Judah was also affected by the evil that was spewing out of their neighbors from the north. It all started with a good Judaen king named Jehoshaphat who loved the Lord, but unfortunately also had an “affinity” to Ahab. Jehoshaphat and Ahab were friends, so much so that Jehoshaphat’s son, Joram, married Ahab’s daughter, Attaliah. Joram was not a godly man, choosing rather to follow the influence of his wife and father-in-law rather than follow the God of his father. King Joram and Attaliah had a son, Ahaziah, who became the king of Judah, and he was also an evil man. He met an untimely death at the hands of Jehu because of his association with Ahab’s family. When he died, his mother, Attaliah (Ahab’s daughter) seized control of Judah by slaughtering everyone else that would have a claim to the throne, and she actually reigned as queen for 7 years. However, one of the “seed royal”  of Judah was rescued from Attaliah’s attempted assassination, and was secretly protected and raised by Jehoiada the priest; and when Jehoram was old enough, he was revealed to the nation, and was annointed as king. Finally, a good king was back on the throne, and some of the influence from the family of Ahab could be reversed.

The people of Judah had gotten out of the will of God because they allowed an ungodly influence into their land, but now, under the leadership of King Jehoram and Jehoiada the priest, some great things could happen. In 2 Kings 11:17 a covenant was made between the king, the people, and the Lord; and this covenant declared that the people of Judah would once again be “the Lord’s people”, meaning that they were going to remove the influences that had previously pulled them out of the will of God, and they also were going to follow the principles contained in the Word of God.

Notice the results of this decision:

“And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: ” (2 Kings 11:20a)

God gave the people rejoicing and “quiet”, which means they were at peace. Praise the Lord. There was a time when our land enjoyed the peace (quiet) of God. I wish America would follow the example and admonition of Jehoiadah and Jehoram by ridding our land of the ungodly influences, and wholly following the Lord. Maybe then we could be “the Lord’s people” again as a nation, and could also have that wonderful peace that comes with it.

Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 11 – 12;  Proverbs 28; Psalms 136 – 140

Scripture Memorization for March – John 1:1 – 18

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Ephesians 4:32

Read a great article by Pastor Pastor Paul Chappell – “How to Develop Friendships with Co-Laborers in the Ministry“

Read the “0428 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Today’s Passage –2 Kings 4 – 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 9 – 10;  Proverbs 27; Psalms 131 – 135

Scripture Memorization for March – John 1:1 – 18

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Matthew 6:33

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “10 Stretching Experiences of a New Pastor“

Read the “0427 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage  -”God Will Take Care of You“

Congratulations! You have won a FREE trip to Bermuda! Wow, a free cruise? A gift for me? Well not exactly. First you need to drive to King-Of-Prussia, PA to pick up your tickets. Then you need to spend several hours with a high pressure salesman as he explains that the product produced by the company who is giving you the FREE trip is something you just can’t live without. The price for this product that you can’t live without (even though the world has done without it for 6000 years) is more than you can afford. But it is cheaper than your FREE (?) cruise to Bermuda. So you sign the contract, get your tickets, and your off to Bermuda… next week, after you drive to Florida, where the ship is leaving from. And to top everything off, your ship sails right through the Bermuda Triangle, you disappear forever, and you never get to see Bermuda, or enjoy whatever it is you signed the contract to buy.

Nothing is free, it always costs somebody something. Well we still live in a free country. Then how come I have to pay taxes? You have freedom of speech. Then why is it considered a hate crime when I quote God as saying homosexuality is an abomination? Even the freedom that we have was not free. Others died for those freedoms that are being tossed aside by the Liberal-Nazi-Commi-Socialist government we have in office. Nothing is free. Except…

In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus is about to send His disciples to the people of Israel. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:5-8)

Jesus told them they received the power to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils freely. They should use this power freely to help others.

In 2Kings 5, we have the story of Naaman the leper. God used Elisha the prophet to heal Naaman of his leprosy. Naaman tried to give gold, silver, and clothing to Elisha to say thank you. Elisha would not accept these. Freely he received, so freely he gave. So Naaman started on his journey back to Syria. But Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, did not understand. Gehazi ran after Naaman, and lied to get two talents of silver, and two changes of garments. After Gehazi received the items and returned home…

“But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” (2Kings 5:25-27)

God’s gift of salvation is the only thing that is truly free to us, yet millions refuse to believe this. Ephesians 2:8-9 tell us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Salvation is a free gift: you cannot work for it, you cannot buy it. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Salvation: God gave it; Jesus paid for it, and now offers it freely to you.

Peace! (John 10:7-18)

Pastor Charlie Horton

Today’s Passage –2 Kings 1 – 3 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 7 – 8;  Proverbs 26; Psalms 126 – 130

Scripture Memorization for March – John 1:1 – 18

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Micah 6:8

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “10 Stretching Experiences of a New Pastor“

Read the “0426 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage  -”Commit Thou To Faithful Men“

“And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.” (2 Kings 1:12)

In 2 Kings 2, Elijah passes the mantle on to Elisha, and he is caught up to Heaven. Presmably, 2 Kings 1 is recording an event that took place shortly before the Lord took Elijah home to Heaven. You will remember also that back in 1 Kings 19, Elijah was discouraged, and on the run from Jezebel, and had requested that God take his life from him. He was down and depressed, but not out completely. It appears that though Elijah was discouraged in 1 Kings 19, he had picked himself back up, and was still calling down fire from Heaven right up until the Lord took him home. The ministry can be very discouraging at times, but we must not quit. Elijah didn’t.

In our passage today in 1 Kings 1, Elijah calls down fire from Heaven twice and destroys 1 captain and 50 men that were sent from King Ahaziah to apprehend him. Elijah had previously sent word to the wicked king that his days were numbered, and the king wanted to speak to Elijah personally about it, so he sent an army to get him. Elijah didn’t feel “lead of God” to go, so he called down fire and destroyed the army. The king then sends another captain and another fifty men, and Elijah does the same thing. A third captain and another fifty soldiers are sent, but this time they very humbly beg Elijah to go with them, and Elijah does so. However, the message to the king does not change, and Elijah personally tells Ahaziah that he is about to die. My point is that God was still demonstrating his power, and declaring his message through Elijah right up until the end of his life.

I am thinking this morning about some men of God in our day that are still being used of the Lord in a tremendous way, even though they are well past the retirement years. One preacher I know who is in his eighties, is home today with a body filled with cancer, yet he still calls preachers daily to encourage and counsel them; and every once in a while when he has the strength, he still gets out to preach, calling down the fire of God’s message from Heaven. He is still being mightily used of the Lord. Another man of God I know has had multiple health issues, including a major stroke, but he is still in the pulpit demonstrating the power, and declaring the message of the Lord.

I pray that I will still be in the game like Elijah, and like these men today, at the end of my life. I know my job description may change somewhat, but I do not wish to ever retire. I want to just keep going, doing what I am doing now, right up until the chariots come for me.

Today’s Passage –1 Kings 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 5 – 6; Proverbs 25; Psalms 121 – 125

Scripture Memorization for March – John 1:1 – 18

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Isaiah 51:11

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “10 Stretching Experiences of a New Pastor“

Read the “0425 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Having Itching Ears”

“And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.” (1 Kings 22:4)

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

In this passage of Scripture we can see a picture of one of the big problems afflicting so many Christians today –  we are as they are. In our text today we find King Jehoshaphat of Judah in fellowship and solidarity with King Ahab of Israel. The trouble with this was that Ahab was a very worldly and wicked king. Jehoshaphat was a good man who loved the Lord, and he had no business fellowshipping with Ahab, let alone yoking up with him to do battle against another nation:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11)

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Christians today have the same problem. We are just like the world around us. We are no different – we are as they are. Shouldn’t there be a difference between us and the lost people that surround us, and shouldn’t that difference be clearly visible in our actions and appearance? Please don’t misunderstand. I am not suggesting that we should be unfriendly, and I am not a proponent of isolation. On the contrary, I believe that we should be “in the world”, but just not “of the world”. We have to rub shoulders with the world in order to shine our light before them and communicate the gospel to them, but we do not have to become like them in order to reach them. As the children’s song says, “If you’re saved and you know it, then your life should surely show it”. Your life, your words, your relationships; everything about you should reveal that you are not like you used to be before you trusted Christ, and you are not like the rest of the world.