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401. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Rom. 1:16)
The gospel is not "a" power (as though it is one among many), but is "the" power (the one and only power) by which God moves men to salvation. The word "power" in Rom. 1:16 is from the Greek word "dunamis" from which we get our words "dynamo," "dynamic," and "dynamite." Like dynamite, the gospel is God's power to blast men out of their complacency and indifference, and move them toward eternal salvation. The Hebrew writer said, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb. 4:12 NASV).
402. "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Rom. 12:3)
Alex Haley, the author of Roots and other books, had a picture in his office which showed a turtle sitting atop a fence post. The picture was there to remind him: "If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help." Mr. Haley said, "Anytime I start thinking, 'Isn't this marvelous what I've done!,' I look at that picture and remember how the turtle - me - got up on that post."
1 Pet. 5:5 says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
403. "...They did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thess. 2:10-12)
In 1877, Percival Lowell heard that an Italian astronomer had seen straight lines crisscrossing the surface of the planet Mars. Lowell spent the rest of his years squinting into the eyepiece of his giant telescope in Arizona, mapping the channels and canals he saw. He was convinced the canals were proof of intelligent life on Mars, possibly an older but wiser race than humanity. About the turn of the century, Lowell's theories had gained wide acceptance.
Now, of course, things are different. Space probes have orbited Mars and landed on its surface. The entire planet has been mapped, and no one has seen a channel or canal of any kind. How could Lowell have "seen" so much that wasn't there? There are two possibilities: (1) He so wanted to see canals that he deceived himself into thinking they were there. (2) We know now that he suffered from a rare eye disease that made him see the blood vessels in his own eyes. The Martian "canals" he saw were nothing more than the bulging veins of his eyeballs. Today, the malady is known as "Lowell's syndrome."
These facts about Mr. Lowell well illustrate how "strong delusion" can similarly come to those who do not love the truth.
404. "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
In Robins Reader, Frank W. Mann Jr. writes: "An enlightening pastime is to make a list of favorite things that impact the senses. It sharpens our appreciation of these golden moments in time. For example, one person's list of ten favorite sounds are: 'A distant train whistle; a mother talking to her new baby; the scrunch of leaves on a bright autumn day; seagulls crying; a hound baying in the woods at night; the absolute silence of a mountain lake at sunset; a cracking fire on a bitter cold day; a stadium crowd singing the national anthem; the screech of an airplane's tires as they touch down; his wife's voice at morning.'"
God gave us our five senses and filled His creation with pleasures for each sense. Our God is good. Let us praise His name and be thankful to Him.
405. "Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe..." (Heb. 12:28 ASV)
"While serving as a missionary in Laos, I discovered an illustration of the kingdom of God. Before the colonialists imposed national boundaries, the kings of Laos and Vietnam reached an agreement on taxation in the border areas. Those who ate short-grain rice, built their houses on stilts, and decorated them with Indian-style serpents were considered Laotians. On the other hand, those who ate long-grain rice, built their houses on the ground, and decorated them with Chinese-style dragons were considered Vietnamese. The exact location of a person's home wasn't what determined his or her nationality; instead, each person belonged to the kingdom whose cultural values he or she exhibited." (By John Hess-Yoder)
The citizens of God's kingdom are likewise distinguished by standards and values. They do not live according to the world's standards, but according to the regulations and values of the heavenly kingdom.
406. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. 4:12)
During the days that Knute Rockne was coaching Notre Dame, a sports columnist in a South Bend newspaper earned the reputation of being the meanest, most cutting writer in the country. The anonymous writer, who knew Notre Dame well, wrote about the team's weaknesses. He pointed out the mistakes of individual players. He told about those who were lazy, about those who broke training and didn't discipline themselves. Of course, this column made the players roaring mad, and they complained to Rockne. He listened with sympathy but said he could not stop the writer. He advised that the only way the players could do so was to go out and play the game so well that they would prove him wrong.
Later, it became known that the writer of the column was Knute Rockne himself. As coach of the team, he was best acquainted with their weaknesses. The critical column was his ingenuous device to develop a better team, and it did. (From Bible Illustrator).
God in His holy word often speaks so sharply that it cuts to the heart. God tells what we need because He loves us and wants us to gain eternal life. He knows that we cannot go to heaven unless we discipline ourselves to obey His rules.
407. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4:31-32)
A recent Sports Illustrated article painted a vivid picture: "A stress fracture begins when the shocks and strains of playing game after game create microscopic cracks in the outer layers of bone usually in the legs and feet. If the pounding continues and those tiny crevices, which often go undetected, aren't allowed to heal, they can enlarge. When the cracks become large enough to cause pain, they are stress fractures."
So it is with our lives. Let us be careful to let our little hurts and disappointments heal so that the tiny cracks do not become debilitating stress fractures. (From The Finishing Touch, by Charles A. Swindoll, p. 86-87)
408. "A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention." (Prov. 15:18)
I have heard that if a rattlesnake is cornered, it can become so frenzied that it will accidentally bite itself with its deadly fangs. In the same way, when a person harbors hatred and resentment in his heart, he is often hurt by the poison of his own malice. He thinks he is injuring his enemies by displaying his wrath, but the real harm is inflicted deep within his own soul.
"A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." (Prov. 29:11) "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Prov. 15:1) "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." (Prov. 25:11)
409. "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled..." (Heb. 12:14-15)
A story is told of two unmarried sisters who had so bitter a ruckus they stopped speaking to each other. Unable or unwilling to leave their small home, they continued to use the same rooms and sleep in the same bedroom. A chalk line divided the sleeping area into two halves, separating doorway and fireplace, so that each could come and go, and get her own meals without trespassing on her sister's domain. In the black of night each could hear the breathing of the foe. For years they coexisted in grinding silence. Neither was willing to take the first step to reconciliation.
Eph 4:26-27 says, "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil."
410. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom. 12:19-21)
In the days of the American Revolutionary War there lived at Ephrata, Pennsylvania, a Baptist pastor by the name of Peter Miller who enjoyed the friendship of General Washington. There also dwelt in that town one Michael Wittman, an evil-minded man who did all in his power to abuse and oppose this pastor. One day Michael Wittman was involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to death. The old preacher started out on foot and walked the whole seventy miles to Philadelphia to plead for this man's life. He was admitted into Washington's presence and at once begged for the life of the traitor. Washington said, "No, Peter, I cannot grant you the life of your friend." The preacher exclaimed, "My friend? He is the bitterest enemy I have." Washington cried, "What? You've walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon." And he did. And Peter Miller took Michael Wittman from the very shadow of death back to his own home in Ephrata -- no longer as an enemy, but as a friend. (From The Grace of Giving, by Stephen Olford)
411. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)
Some shipwrecked men were left drifting aimlessly on the ocean in a lifeboat. As the days passed under the scorching sun, their rations of food and fresh water gave out. The men grow deliriously thirsty. One night while the others were asleep, one man ignored all previous warnings and gulped down some salt water. He quickly died.
Ocean water contains seven times more salt than the human body can safely consume. When one drinks it, he dehydrates because the kidneys demand extra water to flush out the overload of salt. The more salt water one drinks, the thirstier he becomes, and he actually dies of thirst.
When we lust, we become like the man who drank the salt water. We thirst desperately for something that looks like what we want. We don't realize, however, that it is precisely the opposite of what we actually need. When our lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin brings forth death.
412. "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." (Lev. 19:18).
In his book, Lee: The Last Years, Charles B. Flood reports that after the Civil War, Robert E. Lee visited a Kentucky lady who took him to the remains of a grand old tree in front of her house. There she bitterly cried that its limbs and trunk had been destroyed by Federal Artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or, at least, sympathizing with her loss. After a brief silence, Lee said, "Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it!"
It is better to forgive the injustices of the past than to allow bitterness to take root and poison the rest of our lives.
413. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" (Matt. 16:24)
Three military recruiters showed up to address high school seniors. Each recruiter, representing the Army, Navy, and Marines, was given fifteen minutes to speak. The Army and Navy recruiters got carried away, so when it came time for the Marine recruiter to speak, he had just two minutes. He walked up and stood silent for a full sixty seconds, half of his time. Then he said, "I doubt whether there are two or three of you in this room who could even cut it in the Marines, but I want to see those two or three immediately in the dining hall when we are dismissed." He then took his seat.
Later, when he arrived in the dining hall, he was greeted by a large number of students who were interested in becoming Marines. The recruiter knew that commitment comes from appealing to the heroic dimension in every heart. (By W. Frank Harrington)
Likewise, Jesus appeals to the heroic dimension in every heart. Let us deny ourselves, and willingly take up our crosses, and follow Him.
414. "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Eph. 4:25)
A little boy visited his aunt, who reprimanded him for telling a lie. "Do you know," she warned, "what happens to little boys who tell lies?" "No, what, Auntie?" the little boy asked. "Well," she said, "there is a man up in the moon, a little green man with just one eye, who sweeps down in the middle of the night and flies away to the moon with little boys who tell lies and makes them pick up sticks all the rest of their lives. Now you won't tell lies any more, will you, for it's awfully, awfully naughty?" The little boy pondered in his heart, "And, I thought I was a liar!"
Let us always speak the truth. "...All liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Rev. 21:8)
415. "...They did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (2 Thess. 2:10)
Tony Campolo told of taking an airplane from Califonnia to Philadelphia one stormy night. It was late, but when the man in the next seat learned that Campolo was a Christian, he wanted to talk. The man said, "I believe that going to heaven is like going to Philadelphia. You can get there by airplane, train, bus, OR automobile. There are many ways to get to Philadelphia."
Campolo mentioned that when they started descending into Philadelphia, the place was fogged in. The wind was blowing, the rain was beating on the plane, and everyone looked nervous and tight. As we were circling in the fog, I turned to the theological expert and said, "I'm certainly glad the pilot doesn't agree with your theology." He asked, "What do you mean?" I replied, "The people in the control tower are giving instructions to the pilot. 'Come in north by northwest, three degrees, you're on beam; don't deviate from the beam.' I'm glad the pilot's not saying, 'There are many ways into this airport. There are many approaches we can take.' I'm glad he's saying, 'There's only one way we can land this plane, and I'm saying on course.'" (From Contemporary Illustrations, p. 79)
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
416. "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." (2 Tim. 2:3-4)
Please consider this essay written by an unknown author entitled, "I Am A Soldier."
I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this army at the end of time, or die in it; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me to teach a class, to teach my neighbor, to help someone in need, or just to sit and learn, He can use me because I am there! I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.
I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.
I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot bediscouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing materially. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win spiritually. My God has supplied my needs, and will continue to supply all of my needs.
I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me, because I'm safe in my Savior.
I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this
battlefield, He will promote me, and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, and I am heaven bound, and here I stand! Will you stand with me as a good soldier of Jesus Christ?
1 Tim. 6:12 says, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
417. "Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear!'" (Isa. 35:3-4)
Mountain goats live in a dangerous environment. One wrong move and they can fall to their deaths. Young mountain goats can be in special danger because of their playfulness. Douglas Chadwick in National Geographic writes that the kids of mountain goats are "born to romp, leap, twist, skip, and prance...High spirits and wandering attention can be fatal for young goats. Fortunately, nannies dote on their off-spring, tending them from the downhill side to block falls..."
This is an excellent illustration of how mature Christians should care for babes in Christ. New Christians will stumble and fall on occasions and, thus, older Christians should tend them from the downhill side, ready to block them when they fall. Gal. 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."
418. "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Rev. 3:5)
During World War II, a soldier who had served for a short time in the army, by deception had his name returned on the roll as "dead." He was so reported from his company to his regiment, and from his regiment to the Government. In the records of the nation, beside his name was written the word "Dead." After the war was over, the Government began to dispense its bounties and pensions to those who served in the war. This runaway soldier who had deserted from the service and caused a false report to be returned, appeared for a reward at the hands of the Government. The books were examined, and beside his name was written the word "Dead." The Government settles all claims by official records, and in the knowledge of the Government, this man was dead. He had no right to claim anything from the Government. (From Topical Illustrations)
In the Christian warfare there is a like danger. There are many enlisted soldiers who have deserted the good warfare, and because of their unfaithfulness, the Lord has blotted their names out of the Book of Life. Let us strive to "overcome" so that our names can remain in the Lamb's Book of Life.
419. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)
One day a 6-year-old girl was sitting in the classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy, "Tommy, do you see the tree outside?" "Yes," said Tommy. The teacher asked, "Tommy, do you see the grass outside?" Again, Tommy said, "Yes." The teacher said, "Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky." Tommy returned a few minutes later and said, "Yes, I saw the sky." The teacher asked, "Did you see God?" Tommy said, "No." "That's my point," said the teacher, "We can't see God because He isn't there."
A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask Tommy some questions. The teacher agreed, and the little girl asked, "Tommy, do you see the tree outside?" Tommy said, "Yes." She asked, "Tommy, do you see the grass outside?" Tommy, getting tired of the questions by this time, said, "Yes." She asked, "Tommy, do you see the teacher?" Tommy said, "Yes." She asked, "Do you see her brain?" Tommy said, "No." She asked, "Does that mean she doesn't have one?"
420. "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." (Psalm 145:18)
In a major address, before the assembly at Connecticut, Ezra Stiles praised the Lord for his help to the colonists. He said, "To Whom but the 'Ruler of the Winds' shall we ascribe it that the British reinforcements, in the summer of 1777, were delayed on the ocean three months by contrary winds, until it was too late for General Clinton to help at Saratoga: a turning point of the war."
One of God's hard questions to Job was, "By what way is light diffused, or the east wind scattered over the earth?" (Job 38:24) God, by His many questions to Job, was showing that it was He, Himself, who has made and has control over all the world. God, who is indeed the "Ruler of the Winds" can aid us when we call upon Him in truth.
421. "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." (Isa. 55:2)
WHAT WILL MONEY BUY?
It will buy a bed, but not sleep.
It will buy book, but not brains.
It will buy food, but not an appetite.
It will buy finery, but not beauty.
It will buy medicine, but not health.
It will buy a house, but not a home.
It will buy amusement, but not happiness.
It will buy preaching, but not the truth.
It will buy a Bible, but not salvation.
(Author Unknown)
422. "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings..." (Acts 17:26)
God rules in the kingdoms of men. Napoleon, at the height of his career, is reported to have given this cynical answer to someone who asked if God was on the side of France: "God is on the side that has the heaviest artillery." Then came the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon lost both the battle and his empire. Years later, in exile on the island of St. Helena, chastened and humbled, Napoleon is reported to have quoted the words of Thomas à Kempis: "Man proposes, God disposes." Indeed, God is able to work His sovereign will, despite what man may purpose.
"...The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." (Dan. 4:32)
423. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Prov. 14:12)
In January, 1987, the U. S. Army disposal unit at Fort Bliss, Texas, sold several crates at an auction to scrap dealer Pedro Salas in Juarez, Mexico. When Mr. Salas got back to his scrap yard, he found a live rocket inside one crate. Checking further, he found another rocket, and another. Finally, he had discovered 23 live, high-explosive missiles designed to be fired from helicopters, capable of spraying thousands of fragments on detonation. How did such potentially dangerous munitions end up being sold inside "empty" crates? An investigation revealed that a young lieutenant had signed a statement that he had inspected the crates and that they were empty. Because of that false statement, the lieutenant's career may be over, the U. S. government was embarrassed, and worst of all, human lives were endangered. (From Dan Ames)
The young lieutenant, instead of closely examining, made a false assumption, and suffered bitter consequences. Likewise, many people today, instead of carefully investigating, assume that their religion is in God's word. If they would only investigate, they would see that their religion is not in the Bible at all. Because of their false assumption, the damage done to souls will be far greater than that done by the young lieutenant.
424. "Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity..." (Psalm 26:9-11)
Reuben Gonzales was in the final match of a professional racquetball tournament. It was his first shot at a victory on the pro circuit, and he was playing the perennial champion. In the fourth and final game, at match point, Gonzales made a super "kill" shot into the front wall to win it all. The referee called it good. One of the two linesmen affirmed that the shot was in. But Gonzales, after a moment's hesitation, turned around, shook his opponent's hand, and declared that his shot had hit the floor first. As a result, he lost the match. He walked off the court. Everybody was stunned. Who could ever imagine it in any sport or endeavor? A player, with everything officially in his favor, with victory in his hand, disqualified himself at match point and lost!
When asked why he did it, Reuben said, "It was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity." Reuben Gonzales realized that he could always win another match, but he could never regain his lost integrity. (From J. Daniels)
425. "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Matt. 12:50)
It is not what we eat, but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain, but what we save that make us rich; not what we read, but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess, but what we practice that makes us Christians. (Author Unknown)
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock..." (Matt. 7:24)
426. "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression." (Psalm 19:13) "...Especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed." (2 Pet. 2:10)
Knowing that my wife is especially fond of roses, on the way home one night, I spotted some fresh-cut roses outside a florist's shop. After selecting a dozen and entering the shop, I was greeted by a young saleswoman. "Are these for your wife, sir?" she asked. "Yes," I said. "For her birthday?" she asked. "No," I replied. "For your anniversary?" "No," I said again. As I pocketed my change and headed toward the door, the young woman called out, "I hope she forgives you." (By Gerald Lebowitz, Readers Digest, Jan 1996, p. 31)
It is very easy to "falsely assume" or to put an "evil connotation" on things. The Bible calls this "evil surmisings." (1 Tim. 6:4) 1 Cor. 13:5 says that "love...thinks no evil."
427. "...That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:4-5)
Advice From The Other Woman:
"Dear Woman: Your husband became greatly enamored of me because I paid attention to him, which obviously you haven't done in quite some time. I mean real attention, complete with stimulating conversation and verbal recognition of his extraordinary qualities. I made him feel alive and important. He believes you prefer the company of your sisters, your mother, and your woman friends to him. When you need a man's viewpoint, you ask your father.
I am not going to see your husband again, lady, because he likes me too much already, and I am no home wrecker. But I believe you should take a good, hard look at that wonderful man of yours, and come up with some evidence of appreciation - before you lose him." (Letter to Ann Landers, via The Challenge Of Being A Wife, p. 68-69)
428. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matt. 6:19-20)
When one is staying in a motel overnight, he doesn't go into the room, frown at the decor, and start redecorating. Why? Because he doesn't live there. He has a permanent home in another place. While he is away, he will manage only on what he needs, and will save his money to furnish his permanent home.
Likewise, let us not work at trying to make our lives more comfortable in this world, but let us spend our time and energy in enhancing our eternal home.
429. "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matt. 25:46)
This poem, author unknown, is entitled "Invictus," and is thought to be defiance toward God.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
In a sense, one is the captain of his soul, at least while here on earth; however, in another sense, he is not. God will be the final captain of our souls. After the judgment, all souls will be in either heaven or hell. While in this life, let us be good and wise captains of our souls.
430. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" (Luke 12:4-5)
Some people seem to take comfort in the fact that they will not be the only ones in hell. They somehow think that hell will be more tolerable because there will be a great crowd there. What foolish reasoning! Let us heed the warning of Jesus and avoid hell at all cost.
431. "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15:54-57)
A boy and his father were traveling in a car when a bee flew in through the open window. The boy was so highly allergic to bee stings that both he and his father knew that his life was in danger. As the boy frantically jumped around trying to avoid the agitated bee, the father calmly reached out and grabbed the bee with his hand and killed it. The father took the bee sting so that his son would not be hurt.
Likewise, Jesus took the sting of death for us. We gain the victory through Him. Let us strive to overcome as He did. Jesus said, "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." (Rev. 3:21)
432. "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
We learn from the above passage that the "time" for the judgment has already been set - "He has appointed a day." The "manner" in which He will judge is set - "He will judge the world in righteousness." The "Judge" has already been assigned - "He will judge the world by the Man whom He has ordained." The "assurance" of the judgment has been clearly established - "He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
Are you ready for that day to come?
433. "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." (Psalm 51:1-2)
A few years ago, I was at the point of death when I had cancer. At that time, I was convinced that I would die and, thus, I wrote a farewell letter to my wife and children. Here is a paragraph from that letter:
"I want you to know that I have repented of all my sins, weakness, and shortcomings, and so far as I know am ready to go on to meet God. I am a sinner, and am relying on God's mercy and goodness, not my own worthiness, to save me. Even now, as I write this letter, I am begging God to remember me for good as I anticipate departing from this life. As everyone knows, it is now completely in God's hands as to whether I will live any longer. I have often taught, and you have heard me say, 'This world is not our home.' There is a world beyond that is far better than this one. May the Great Eternal God reward all of us with it." (From David J. Riggs)
434. "...What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deut. 10:12-13)
While living in Florida, I had several friends who worked cleaning rooms at a nationally known Inn located directly on the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. They spent their work-breaks running barefoot in the sand. A problem arose when the owners of the Inn required all employees to wear shoes at all times while working.
I noticed that the employees responded in two ways: The majority thought the rule restricted their freedom. The rooms had shag carpeting, delightful to bare toes. To them the rule to wear shoes was nothing more than employer harassment. However, the minority looked at the rule differently. Sometimes, late night parties would produce small pieces of broken glass. Occasionally, a stickpin would be found hidden in the deep shag piles. Some knew the pain of skinning bare toes on the steel bed frame while making a bed. This minority saw the rule as protection, not restriction. (From Timothy Munyon)
God's laws were not written to put unbearable restrictions upon us. They were written for our good, and it is exceedingly wise for us to follow them.
435. "...Admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:4-5)
Newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. She said, "I don't only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me."
Mr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan: "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him. Make him believe you love him. After you have convinced him of your undying love, and that you cannot live without him, drop the bomb. Tell him that you're getting a divorce. That will really hurt him."
Sometime later when Mr. Crane saw the woman, he said, "What about that divorce?" The woman answered, "Once I started showing love and kindness, it changed my husband's heart, and he started loving me, and now we wouldn't think of divorce!"
436. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)
Radio announcer Paul Harvey told the story of how an Eskimo kills a harmful wolf. First, the Eskimo coats his knife blade with animal blood and allows it to freeze. Then, he adds another layer of blood, and another, until the blade is completely concealed by frozen blood. Next, the Eskimo fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. When a wolf follows his sensitive nose to the source of the scent and discovers the bait, he licks it, tasting the fresh frozen blood. He begins to lick faster, more and more vigorously, lapping the blade until the keen edge is bare. Feverishly now, harder and harder the wolf licks the blade in the arctic night. So great becomes his craving for blood that the wolf does not notice the razor-sharp sting of the naked blade on his own tongue, nor does he recognize the instant at which his insatiable thirst is being satisfied by his "own" warm blood. His carnivorous appetite just craves more - until the dawn finds him dead in the snow!
This account is gruesome; nevertheless, it well illustrates the consuming, self-destructive nature of sin.
437. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4:31-32)
Two boys on the school playground were discussing a classmate. One of them remarked, "He's no good at sports." The other quickly responded, "Yes, but he always plays fair." The critical one added, "He isn't very smart in school either." His friend answered, "That may be true, but he studies hard." The boy with the mean tongue was becoming exasperated with the attitude of the other. "Well," he sneered, "did you ever notice how ragged his clothes are?" The other boy kindly replied, "Yes, but did you ever notice, they're always clean!" (From Bible Illustrator)
Please notice that one boy countered every negative comment with a positive one. Prov. 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Let us, as Christians, refrain from evil speaking and be kind and merciful to others. Rather than contributing to the spirit of unjust criticism, let us be known as those who cancel it.
438. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)
To the artist, the Lord Jesus Christ is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the architect, He is the Chief Cornerstone.
To the baker, He is the Living Bread.
To the banker, He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the biologist, He is the Life.
To the builder, He is the Sure Foundation.
To the carpenter, He is the Door.
To the doctor, He is the Great Physician.
To the educator, He is the Great Teacher.
To the engineer, He is the New and Living Way.
To the farmer, He is the Sower and the Lord of Harvest.
To the florist, He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the geologist, He is the Rock of Ages.
To the horticulturist, He is the True Vine.
To the judge, He is the Righteous Judge, the Judge of all men.
To the juror, He is the Faithful and True Witness.
To the jeweler, He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the lawyer, He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver the Advocate.
To the newspaper man, He is the Good News of Great Joy.
To the Philosopher, He is the Wisdom of God.
To the servant, He is the Good Master.
To the statesman, He is the Desire of all Nations.
To the student, He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the laborer, He is the Giver of Rest.
To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.
To the Christian, He is the Son of the Living God, Savior, Redeemer, and Lord. (Author Unknown)
439. "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Col. 3:12-14)
In his book Spiritual Stamina, minister and author Stuart Briscoe reports that while watching a stock car race on television he heard the commentator say, "The first thing to remember about stock car racing is that concrete walls are very unforgiving." Briscoe goes on to note that unforgiving people are like concrete walls around a race track. He said, "Just when they build a bit of momentum in their lives, they get off track and are headed for trouble because someone has put a concrete wall in their path."
In spite of the concrete walls that people place in front of us, let us continue to be kind, meek,
longsuffering, and forgiving even as Christ forgave us.
440. "For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." (1 Pet. 3:5-7)
A braid appears to contain only two strands of hair; however, it is impossible to create a braid with only two strands. If the two could be put together at all, they would quickly unravel. Thus, what looks like two strands requires a third, and the third, though not immediately evident, keeps the strands tightly woven.
In a successful and happy marriage, like the third strand in a braid, God's presence (His revelation, law, and will) holds the husband and wife together in a sacred bond.
441. "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:15)
When we look on the back of a handmade oriental rug, we see a clashing chaos of confusing color and thousands of knots. Instead of an object of beauty and admiration, if all we saw was the back of the rug, we might consider it a worthless mess of threads. However, turn the rug over and, suddenly, we appreciate the intricate colorful design and the skill of the rug maker.
Likewise, when we are looking only at the back of the rug in our lives, we will not give thanks for the bounty and richness of God's blessings. We need to look at the front of the rug and appreciate and give thanks for God's goodness. We should not allow the problems, distractions, and irritations of life rob us of the joyful spirit. (From Wayne Greeson)
442. "And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." (Jude 22-23)
The Times-Reporter of New Philadelphia, Ohio, reported in September 1985 the celebration at a New Orleans municipal pool. The party around the pool was held to celebrate the first summer in memory without a drawing at any New Orleans city pool. In honor of the occasion, two hundred people gathered, including one hundred certified lifeguards.
As the party was breaking up and the four lifeguards on duty began to clear the pool, they found a fully dressed body in the deep end. They tried to revive Jerome Moody, thirty one, but it was too late. He had drowned surrounded by lifeguards celebrating their successful season.
I wonder how many visitors and strangers are among us, drowning in loneliness, hurt and doubt, while we, who could help them, don't realize it. We Christians have reason to celebrate, but our mission, as the old hymn says, is to "rescue the perishing." And, often they are right next to us. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 152)
443. "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim. 6:9-10)
Money often comes between men and God. Someone has said that you can take two small ten-cent pieces, just two dimes, and shut out the view of a panoramic landscape. Go to the mountains and just hold two coins closely in front of your eyes. The mountains are still there, but you cannot see them because there are dimes shutting out the vision in each eye. It doesn't take large quantities of money to come between us and God. Just a little placed in the wrong position, will effectively obscure our view. (From A.W. Tozer)
444. "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)
A young man who had been blind since he was ten years old, years later met a wonderful young lady, and fell madly in love with her. They married, and had lived together for some time when it was discovered that a certain operation would restore the young man's sight. After the operation, when the bandages were finally removed, the first thing he was able to see was his wife, and he said, "You are more beautiful than I ever imagined."
Like this young married man, though we have never personally seen Jesus Christ, our Savior, when He appears in all His glory, "He will be more beautiful than we ever imagined."
445. "Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other." (1 Cor. 4:6)
Baseball umpires are carved from granite and stuffed with microchips. They are professional dispensers of pure justice. Once when an umpire by the name of Pinelli called Babe Ruth "out" on strikes, Ruth reasoned fallaciously, "There's 44,000 people here who know that last one was a 'ball'." Mr. Pinelli replied, "Maybe so, but mine is the only opinion that counts." (From George Will)
Those who rigidly stand for God's holy truth are often ridiculed as being a narrow-minded minority. Nevertheless, they realize that in the end there's only one opinion that truly counts - the one revealed by God Himself in His holy written word.
446. "But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God." (1 Tim. 5:4)
There is a story of a father, along with his own little son, who was taking his elderly father to an institution where he would no longer be required to give attention to him. Upon arriving at the institution, the young son asked his father, "Is this where you want me to bring you when you get old?" The father then turned the car around and took his elderly father back home.
Let us honor and repay our parents because it is well pleasing to God.
447. "And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." (Acts 11:21-23)
Patients who undergo organ transplants are routinely taken to the intensive care unit after surgery. There they are classified as being in critical, but stable, condition, even if the operation went well. The doctors and nurses keep a constant watch over them until they become strong enough to be transferred to a less intensive state of care.
New believers in Christ have undergone a serious organ transplant: they have received new hearts. They need careful follow-up and nurture if they are to make it. Leading people to a new life in Christ is a cause for celebration. But let's remember they are in critical, but stable, condition. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 154)
448. "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38)
In July 1976, Israeli commandos made a daring raid at an airport in Entebbe, Uganda, in which 103 Jewish hostages were freed. In less than 15 minutes, the soldiers had killed all seven of the kidnappers and set the captives free.
As successful as the rescue was, however, three of the hostages were killed during the raid. As the commandos entered the terminal, they shouted in Hebrew, "Get down! Craw!" The Jewish hostages understood and lay down on the floor, while the guerrillas, who did not speak Hebrew, were left standing. Quickly the rescuers shot the upright kidnappers.
But two of the hostages - perhaps to see what was happening - were also cut down. One young man was lying down and actually stood up when the commandos entered the airport. He, too, was shot with bullets meant for the enemy. Had these three heeded the soldiers' command, they would have been free with the rest of the captives. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 168)
Salvation is open to all, but we must heed the Lord's command to repent and be baptized. If we do not humbly submit to His will, we will be destroyed by Him.
449. "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Col. 3:14-15)
"Every day of your life is a gift from God. Don't waste it by being angry with anyone. Don't let it slip away by feeling sorry for yourself. Be grateful for this precious gift of life and spend it by being as happy and as thankful as you possibly can. Let your mind dwell on the good things which have happened to you. Let gratitude be your attitude. Think of your assets, and don't let anyone else spoil your day for you. Enjoy every day of your life to the fullest. Realize that you can add to the joy of each day by making someone else happy." (Author unknown)
450. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)
There is an old story which is told of a man who raised horses for a living. When one of his prized stallions ran away, his friends gathered at his home to mourn his great loss. After they had expressed their concern, the man raised this question: "How do I know whether what happened is good or bad?" A couple of days later the runaway horse returned with several strays following close behind. The same acquaintances again came to his house, but this time to celebrate his good fortune. "But how do I know whether it's good or bad?" the old gentleman asked them. That very afternoon, one of the horses kicked the owner's son and broke his leg. Once more the crowd assembled - now to express their sorrow over the incident. "But how do I know if this is good or bad?" the father asked again. Only a few days later, war broke out. The man's son, however, was exempted from the military service because of his broken leg. Yes, you guessed it, the friends again gathered -- but the story stops here. We can easily see how it could go on and on. This tale points out that from our limited human perspective, it's impossible to know with certainty how to interpret the experiences of life.
The writer of Ecclesiastes said, "...I surely know that it will be well with those who fear the Lord, who fear before Him." (Eccl. 8:12)
451. "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Cor. 9:19-22)
Charlie Shedd tells about a duck hunter who hunted all day and bagged nothing, despite the fact that ducks were everywhere. His companions, seeking to discover the cause of his problem, followed him to the blinds the next day. Their analysis of his difficulty in a nutshell was: "He was shooting ducks in general and not in particular."
In our efforts in converting people to Christ, let us not go off in all directions, but center in on one precious soul. Lord willing, that will make us more successful in our endeavors.
452. "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray." (Isa. 35:8)
When I was a small boy growing up in Pennsylvania, we would often visit my grandparents who lived nine miles away. One night a thick fog settled over the hilly countryside before we started home. I remember being terrified, and asking if we shouldn't be going even slower than we were. Mother said gently, "Don't worry. Your father knows the way." You see, Dad had walked that road when there was no gasoline during the war. He had ridden that blacktop on his bicycle to court Mother. And for years he had made those weekly trips back to visit his own parents. How often when I can't see the road of life, and have felt that familiar panic rising in my heart, I have heard the echo of my mother's voice: "Don't worry. Your Father knows the way." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 201)
God has provided the Way to eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ Himself is the way. Let us follow Him wherever He leads.
453. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)
"It is a gloomy moment in the history of our country. Not in the lifetime of most men has there been so much grave and deep apprehension; never has the future seemed so incalculable as at this time. The domestic economic situation is in chaos. Our dollar is weak throughout the world. Prices are so high as to be utterly impossible. The political cauldron seethes and bubbles with uncertainty. It is a solemn moment of our troubles. No man can see the end."
I suppose some might agree that the above is a true picture of today. However, it was first published in Harper's Weekly in October 1857. Let us not let the troubles and problems of today discourage us, but in everything pray to God. He will guard our hearts and give us peace.
454. "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." (Heb. 12:3)
In 1923, as Russian-born engineer Vladimir Zworykin worked on his latest invention, he was told to "spend your time on something more useful." But Zworykin didn't -- and in 1929 he obtained the first patent for his invention, color television. Among his many achievements, Zworykin also helped perfect the electron microscope and other devices that greatly advanced medical and biological research. He retired as director of electronic research for RCA in 1954, and in 1966 was awarded the National Medal of Science. Zworykin's track record makes his employer's criticism seem foolish.
Let us not let petty criticism discourage us from living the Christian life. Consider Jesus who endured great hostility inflicted by the wicked.
455. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)
In Saint Louis, an unemployed cleaning woman noticed a few bees buzzing round the attic of her home. Since there were only a few bees, she made no effort to deal with them. Over the summer, the bees continued to fly in and out of the attic while the woman remained unconcerned about the growing city of bees. Within time, the whole attic became a beehive, and the ceiling of the second-floor bedroom finally caved in under the weight of hundreds of pounds of honey and thousands of angry bees. While the woman escaped serous injury, she was unable to repair the damage of her accumulated neglect.
Likewise, we often fail to consider the gradual, cumulative effect of sin in our lives. Let us nip sin
in the bud of lust.
456. "He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:6)
One day in July, a farmer sat in front of his shack, smoking his corncob pipe. Along came a stranger who asked, "How's your cotton coming?" "Ain't got none," was the answer. "Didn't plant none. 'Fraid of the boll weevil." "Well, how's your corn?" "Didn't plant none. 'Fraid o' drouth."
"How about your potatoes?" "Ain't got none. Scairt o' tater bugs." The stranger finally asked, "Well, what did you plant?" "Nothin'," answered the farmer. "I just played it safe." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett p. 204)
I am afraid that many Christians are "playing it safe" in the matter of teaching the gospel. Let us not be discouraged by the animosity and opposition of others, but let us continue to be diligent in sowing the precious seed of the kingdom.
457. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
A young man shared an apartment with three other graduate students who also had part-time jobs while in college. Each took turns preparing the meals, which usually consisted of canned vegetables, hamburger meat, baked potato, and was barely edible. No matter how poor the meal was, Joe always said, "THAT WAS A MIGHTY FINE DINNER." One evening the meal was worse than usual, and Joe made his regular comment. One said, "Why do you always say that when this was hardly fit for human consumption?" Joe answered, "I come from a family of 11 children. My mother would spend all afternoon in the kitchen preparing dinner. One night when she called us to the table, there was only a plate, and straw on each plate. My father looked at it and asked, what is this straw doing on my plate? Mother said, "Oh! you noticed. This is the first time you have given any indication that you noticed what was on your plate." Joe then said, "I vowed that I would always express my appreciation to the person who had prepared my meal." (From "Dear Abby" 11/21/96)
Let us take the time to express our gratitude to those who have prepared a meal for us.
458. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
During his reign, King Frederic William III of Prussia found himself in trouble. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. He couldn't disappoint his people, and to surrender to the enemy was unthinkable.
After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia to bring their gold and silver jewelry to be melted down for their country. For each ornament received, he determined to exchange a decoration of iron as a symbol of gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed: "I gave gold for iron, 1813."
The response was overwhelming and, more importantly, the women prized the iron from their king more highly than their former jewelry. The reason, of course, was obvious. Their decorations of iron were proof that they had sacrificed for their king and country.
Let us willingly and freely sacrifice for our glorious King by denying ourselves and daily taking up our cross and following Him.
459. "...But exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Heb. 3:13)
"We must stay in constant contact with brethren and encourage one another daily. Sin is the agent that hardens man's heart. Sin is deceitful because it promises us pleasures and happiness, but its rewards are misery and death. If not careful, we can begin to believe the lies of Satan and refuse to hear the voice of God, thus our spiritual arteries become hardened." (From Hebrews by Robert Harkrider, p. 21)
Indeed, sin appears fair, but it is vile. It appears pleasant, but it's destructive. It promises much, but it performs nothing. Let us encourage one another daily lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
460. "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." (Psalm 51:12)
Ted Malone, whose radio show came on early in the morning, told of the Idaho shepherd who wrote: "Will you, on your broadcast, strike the note 'A'? I'm a sheepherder way out here on a ranch, far away from a piano. The only comfort I have is my old violin. It's all out of tune. Would you strike 'A' so that I might get in tune?" Malone honored the request. Later he received a "thank you" note from the distant shepherd saying, "Now I'm in tune."
One of the most tragic situations in life is when a Christian, through his unfaithfulness, becomes "out of tune" with the Great Shepherd. Through repentance and prayer we can be restored to our former relationship and be "in tune" once again. Thanks be to God for His grace and mercy.
461. "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." (Lev. 19:18)
A preacher once rebuked a Christian lady who had an unforgiving spirit toward someone who had offended her. After a moment's thought she replied, "Well, I guess I'll pardon her as you suggest, but I don't want anything more to do with her!" The preacher replied: "Is that how you want God to treat you? Do you wish His forgiveness and then have Him withdraw His love and fellowship?" Recognizing her wrong attitude, she repented and forgave the woman.
When God forgives our sins, He forever forgets them and holds them against us no more. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Heb. 8:12) "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Let us be forgiving even as God is forgiving.
462. "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I hope in Him!'" (Lam. 3:22-24)
While studying the book of Exodus, a Bible teacher was asked by one of the students, "Why didn't the Lord furnish enough manna to Israel for a year all at one time?" The teacher answered, "Once there was a king who had a son to whom he gave a yearly allowance, paying him the entire sum on the fixed date. It soon happened that the day on which the allowance was due was the only day of the year when the father saw his son. So the king changed his plan and gave his son day-by-day that which was sufficient for the day; and then the son visited his father every morning."
We need our heavenly Father's unbroken love, companionship, and mercy. As the Psalmist said, "Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily." (Psalm 86:3) Again, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!" (Psalm 68:19)
463. "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21).
"When Representative Norman Lent became aware of the textbook dispute in the Island Trees School District on Long Island, NY, he decided to print excerpts from the books in the Congressional Record, trusting that, if high-schoolers were expected to read them, mature, sophisticated congressmen would hardly find the passages embarrassing. Mr. Lent was informed by the Joint Committee on Printing that the material would not be printed because rules governing the Record prohibit inclusion of profanity, obscenity, or extreme vulgarity. Apparently, what is good enough for public-school children is not acceptable for lawmakers." (From U.S. News & World Report, March, 1988).
No further comment is needed!
464. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Gen. 1:1)
"How We Got Cars" by Charles Swindoll
Many, many centuries ago, all this iron, glass, rubber, plastic, fabric, leather, and wires came up out of the ground. Furthermore, each substance fashioned itself into various shapes and sizes. Holes evolved at just the right places, and the upholstery began to weave itself together. After a while threads appeared on bolts and nuts and -- amazing as it may seem -- each bolt found nuts with matching threads. And, gradually, everything sort of screwed up tightly in place. A little later correctly shaped glass glued itself in the right places. And you see these tires? They became round over the years. And they found themselves the right size metal wheels. And they sort of popped on. They also filled themselves with air somehow. And the thing began to roll down the street.
And one day, many, many years ago -- centuries, really -- some people were walking along and they found this vehicle sitting under a tree. And one of them looked at it and thought, "how amazing. I think we should call it 'automobile.'" But there's more! These little automobiles have an amazing way of multiplying themselves year after year, even changing ever so slightly to meet the demands of the public. Actually, that process is called "automutations."
465. "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" (Heb. 13:5-6)
A doctor had to give a painful shot to a four-year-old girl. When she learned what the doctor was about to do, her face showed her anxiety and her body tensed. As the doctor picked up what looked to the little girl to be a needle large enough to kill an elephant, she turned her eyes to her father, who then took her hand and fixed his eyes on hers. An expression of confidence and calmness came on her face. She knew she was not alone and found comfort, not in her father's spoken answer, but in his presence with her in her time of trial. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 21)
God will never leave or forsake us. Let us never leave or forsake Him.
466. "And I said: 'O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.'" (Ezra 9:6)
The Swedish business journal Svensk Export Strategi rated 19 industrialized nations according to their sinfulness. The criteria were the seven "modern deadly sins"; smoking, drinking, drugs, gambling, overeating, night life, and prostitution. Spain came out on top, mainly because of its gambling and night life. France, with its high consumption of alcohol, was next. The United States' drug abuse earned it the rating as third most sinful nation. At the bottom of the list were Sweden, Finland, Norway, Portugal, and Japan. (From Northwestern Lutheran, January, 1997)
The writer of Proverbs said, "Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)
467. "The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1)
Many years ago, Sir Isaac Newton had an exact replica of our solar system made in miniature. At its center was a large golden ball representing the sun, and revolving around it were small spheres attached at the ends of rods of varying lengths. They represented Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and the other planets. These were all geared together by cogs and belts to make them move around the "sun" in perfect harmony.
One day as Newton was studying the model, a friend who did not believe in the Biblical account of creation stopped by for a visit. Marveling at the device and watching as the scientist made the heavenly bodies move on their orbits, the man exclaimed, "My, Newton, what an exquisite thing! Who made it for you?" Without looking up, Sir Isaac replied, "Nobody." "Nobody?" his friend asked. "That's right! I said nobody! All of these balls and cogs and belts and gears just happened to come together, and wonder of wonders, by chance they began revolving in their set orbits, and with perfect timing."
The unbeliever got the message! It was foolish to suppose that the model merely happened. But it was even more senseless to accept the theory that the earth and the vast universe came into being by chance. (From Bible Illustrator)
468. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matt. 6:19-20)
Harold L. Fickett, Jr., wrote about a wealthy businessman who, on his deathbed, was filled with deep remorse. When his preacher called, he opened his heart and shared the burden he was carrying. He said that 10 years earlier he had been given the opportunity to teach a Sunday school class of 9-year-old boys. Thinking he didn't have the time, he declined the offer. Now, however, deeply conscious that his life would soon be over, he confessed to the preacher that his most painful regret was that he had missed such a golden opportunity to serve the Lord by investing his life in the lives of those 9-year-olds. He estimated that at least 100 boys would have passed through that class. "My investments in stocks and bonds will stay behind when I leave," he declared. "What a fool I have been."
469. "Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number." (Jer. 2:32)
Several years ago, the London Transit Authority had a problem. Buses were going right past passengers who were waiting at designated places to be picked up. They were at the bus stops, and the buses were sailing right past them. The London Transit Authority released a statement to explain their actions. The statement said it was impossible for them to maintain schedules if they always had to stop and pick up passengers!
We often forget our purpose as Christians by forgetting the God whom we are endeavoring to serve. The London Transit Authority could have easily maintained schedules if they picked up no passengers at all. However, they would have destroyed their very purpose for existence. Let us not do the same.
470. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Prov. 14:12) "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." (Jer. 10:23)
I bought a video camera about a year ago. I'd used it for about ten minutes, then recharged it. I later learned that you should not recharge the battery until the energy is completely depleted. The first time you recharge, it programs itself for the future. I've got a battery pack that will last only ten minutes because I did what I thought was best, and did not pay attention to the one who designed the battery. (From Robert L. Russell)
In all matters of faith and practice, it is of utmost and severe importance that we follow God's instructions which are given in the holy Scriptures. We dare not follow that which seems right to us, and we need to denounce and reject all traditions and doctrines of men. Jesus said, "In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9)
471. "To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the LORD is a reproach to them; they have no delight in it." (Jer. 6:10)
The Winter 1991 issue of the University of Pacific Review offers a chilling description of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster: "There were two electrical engineers in the control room that night, and the best thing that could be said for what they were doing is they were 'playing around' with the machine. They were performing what the Soviets later described as an unauthorized experiment. They were trying to see how long a turbine would "free wheel" when they took the power off it."
"Now, taking the power off that kind of a nuclear reactor is a difficult, dangerous thing to do, because these reactors are very unstable in their lower ranges. In order to get the reactor down to that kind of power, where they could perform the test they were interested in performing, they had to override manually six separate computer-driven alarm systems."
"One by one the computers would come up and say, 'Stop! Dangerous! Go no further!' And one by one, rather than shutting off the experiment, they shut off the alarms and kept going. You know the results: nuclear fallout that was recorded all around the world, from the largest industrial accident ever to occur in the world."
The instructions and warnings in the Scriptures are just as clear, and if we ignore them, we do so to our own destruction and, tragically, to the destruction of all those influenced by us.
472. "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered." (Prov. 28:26)
"An airplane pilot is not to trust his own instincts in a storm, but to trust the instrument panel. Instincts can be wrong if he experiences vertigo. Just as a pilot can get so jostled around that he loses his sense of up and down, we can get so jostled around by the philosophy of this world that we lose our sense of right and wrong. We have an instrument panel that is more reliable than our own feelings." (From Robert L. Russell)
The Psalmist said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) Again, "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:104)
473. "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Eph. 6:4)
I heard of a situation once where the oldest daughter in a family wanted a dresser for her room; thus, she worked at part-time jobs and pinched pennies until she was able to buy herself a dresser. When she bought the dresser and brought it home, her younger sister began to whine and cry because she didn't have a dresser like her sister. To make the younger daughter happy, and cause her to stop her whining, her parents went and bought her a dresser like her sister's.
The parents committed a grave error because, first, such was unfair to the older girl who had to work hard to obtain a dresser and, second, they were teaching the younger daughter that the way one obtains things is by whining and crying.
Prov. 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
474. "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life." (Psalm 119:50) "Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction." (Psalm 119:92)
Howard Rutledge, a United States Air Force pilot, was shot down over North Vietnam during the early stages of the war. He spent several miserable years in the hands of his captors before being released at the war's conclusion. In his book, In the Presence of Mine Enemies, he reflects upon the resources from which he drew in those arduous days when life seemed so intolerable.
During those longer periods of enforced reflection, it became so much easier to separate the important from the trivial, the worthwhile from the waste. For example, in the past, I usually worked or played hard on Sundays and had no time for church. For years Phyllis (his wife) had encouraged me to join the family at church. She never nagged or scolded -- she just kept hoping. But I was too busy, too preoccupied, to spend one or two short hours a week thinking about the really important things.
Now, the sights and sounds and smells of death were all around me. My hunger for spiritual food soon out-did my hunger for a steak. Now I wanted to know about that part of me that will never die. Now I wanted to talk about God and Christ and the church. But in "Heartbreak" (the name POWs gave their prison camp) solitary confinement, there was no preacher, no Sunday School teacher, no Bible, no hymnbook, no community of believers to guide and sustain me. I had completely neglected the spiritual dimension of my life. It took prison to show me how empty life is without God. (From Howard Rutledge)
Hopefully, a bitter imprisonment will not be necessary to cause us to see what's truly important in life.
475. "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things." (Phil. 4:8)
The story is told of an old violinist whose music charmed audiences with its soothing, mellow sound. Wherever he played, the old violinist received a warm response. When asked the secret of his music, the man pointed to his instrument and said, "A great deal of sunshine must have gone into the wood, and what has gone in, comes out."
This is also true of the mind - whatever goes in, comes out. Let me ask you a personal question, "What has gone into your mind lately?" The writer of Proverbs said, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." (Prov. 4:23) Again, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Prov. 23:7)
476. "How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:1-2)
Not long ago, the world watched as three gray whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. Their only hope was to somehow be transported five miles past the ice pack to open sea. Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch-thick ice.
For eight days they coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Along the way, one of the trio vanished and was presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, the whales Putu and Siku swam to freedom.
In a way, worship is a string of breathing holes the Lord provides his people. Battered and bruised in a world frozen over with greed, selfishness, and hatred, we rise for air in church, a place to breathe again, to be loved and encouraged, until that day when the Lord forever shatters the ice cap. (From Craig Brian Larson)
477. "The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they admonish the young women to love their husbands..." (Titus 2:3-4)
Even the most devoted couple will experience a "stormy" bout once in a while. A grandmother, celebrating her golden wedding anniversary, once told the secret of her long and happy marriage. She said, "On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband's faults which, for the sake of our marriage, I would overlook."
A guest asked the older woman, "What were some of those faults you had chosen to overlook?" The grandmother replied, "To tell you the truth, I never did get around to listing them. But whenever my husband did something that made me hopping mad, I would say to myself, 'Lucky for him that's one of the ten!'" (From Carl D. Windsor)
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Cor. 13:7)
478. "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." (Prov. 22:24-25)
"Anger is a fire; it catches, destroys, and consumes. Let us quench it by long-suffering and forbearance. For as a red hot iron dipped into water loses its fire, so an angry man, falling in with a patient one, does no harm to the patient man, but rather benefits him and is himself more thoroughly subdued." (Chrysostom, 345?-407)
James said, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20)
479. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
Roger Williams, who in 1644 fled Massachusetts in pursuit of religious liberty and founded the Rhode Island colony, writes in The Bloody Tenant of Persecution: "It is the will and command of God that, since the coming of his Son, the Lord Jesus, a permission of the most Paganish, Jewish, Turkish, or antichristian consciences and worships be granted to all men in all nations and countries: and they are only to be fought against with that sword which is only, in soul matters, able to conquer: to wit, the sword of God's Spirit, the Word of God."
Williams added, "God requires not a uniformity of religion to be enacted and enforced in any civil state; which enforced uniformity, sooner or later, is the greatest occasion of civil war, ravishing of conscience, persecution of Christ Jesus in his servants, and of the hypocrisy and destruction of millions of souls. The permission of other consciences and worships than a state professeth, only can, according to God, procure a firm and lasting peace..."
Paul said, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." (Eph. 6:17)
480. "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6)
Ten guide-lines for parents in dealing with their children:
1. Remember that faith is not inherited, but is developed.
2. Teach your children to be responsible.
3. Try to make faith personal.
4. Stress love for souls.
5. Cultivate practical Christianity.
6. Encourage them when they do right; discourage any wrongdoing.
7. Be as consistent as possible in discipline.
8. Practice forgiveness.
9. Try to instill in them a spiritual interest.
10. Be impartial with the use of money, time, and attention toward each child.
481. "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4:32)
Before coming to power, Louis XII of France had been cast into prison and kept in chains. Later, when he did become king, he was urged to seek revenge on his enemies, but he refused. Instead, he prepared a scroll on which he listed all who had perpetrated crimes against him. Behind every man's name he placed a cross in red ink. When the guilty heard about this, they feared for their lives and fled. However, the king explained, "The cross which I drew beside each name was not a sign of punishment, but a pledge of forgiveness extended for the sake of the crucified Savior, who upon His cross forgave His enemies and prayed for them."
Let us forgive others even as God has forgiven us.
482. "...Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Pet. 2:24)
In my second year of seminary, I worked as a dorm supervisor for the New Jersey School for the Deaf. On Sunday a worship service was held for the children remaining for the weekend. I remember the first time I saw the sign for "Jesus"--the right hand used the little finger to draw the letter "J," then ending in the palm of the other hand to signify Jesus' nail imprint. Thus, to the deaf the very name of Jesus tells of Jesus' suffering and forgiveness of sins. (From James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, p. 74)
"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 1:4-5)
483."And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17)
During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, George Wilson robbed a federal payroll from a train and in the process killed a guard. The court convicted him and sentenced him to hang. Because of public sentiment against capital punishment, however, a movement began to secure a presidential pardon for Wilson, and eventually Jackson intervened with a pardon. Amazingly, Wilson refused it.
Since this had never happened before, the Supreme Court was asked to rule on whether someone could indeed refuse a presidential pardon. Chief Justice John Marshall handed down the court's decision: "A pardon is a parchment whose only value must be determined by the receiver of the pardon. It has no value apart from that which the receiver gives to it. George Wilson has refused to accept the pardon. We cannot conceive why he would do so, but he has. Therefore, George Wilson must die." "Pardon," declared the Supreme Court, "must not only be granted, it must be accepted." George Wilson, as punishment for his crime, was hanged.
Likewise, God, through His mercy, has provided every human being pardon from their sins. However, that pardon must be accepted in the way God has ordained. Those who do not accept the pardon will perish.
484. "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10)
A young girl once ran away from home to get married. Her father was very angry and said that he would never forgive her. She was sorry to have grieved her father and wrote him long letters begging for his forgiveness; however, he took no notice.
By and by, the daughter had a little son. When the boy was old enough to run about alone, she said to herself, "I will write no more letters to my father, but I will send my little son. He shall be a living letter. My father will know what I want to say to him when he sees his little grandson. He will know that I still love him and want his forgiveness."
So she took the little boy to his grandfather's house and sent him in alone to speak to her father. She bade him to put his arms around his grandfather's neck and kiss him. When the little fellow did this, the old man's heart melted. He sent at once for the mother and forgave her. (From Bible Illustrator)
We love God because He first loved us.
485. "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26)
Forgiveness is not that which says, "I will forgive, but not forget." It is not to bury the hatchet with the handle sticking out of the ground so that it can be grabbed at a moment's notice. The one who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.
James said, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy." (James 2:13)
486. "...Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Heb. 12:1-2)
On March 6, 1987, Eamon Coughlan, the Irish world record holder at 1500 meters, was running in a qualifying heat at the World Indoor Track Championships in Indianapolis. With two and one-half laps left, he was tripped. He fell, but he got up and, with great effort, managed to catch the leaders. With only 20 yards left in the race, he was in third place - good enough to qualify for the finals.
He looked over his shoulder to the inside and, seeing no one, he let up. But another runner, charging hard on the outside, passed Coughlan a yard before the finish, thus eliminating him from the finals. Caughlan's great comeback effort was rendered worthless by taking his eyes off the finish line. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 178).
It is tempting for the Christian to slack off when the sights around him look favorable. However, let us continue to press toward our goal, always looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
487. "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately...Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Luke 12:35-36,40)
During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy often closed his speeches with the story of Colonel Davenport, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. One day in 1789, the sky of Hartford darkened ominously, and some of the representatives, glancing out the window, feared the end was at hand.
Quelling a clamor for immediate adjournment, Davenport rose and said, "The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought."
Rather than fearing what is to come, we are to be faithful till Christ returns. Instead of fearing the dark, we're to be lights as we watch and wait. (From Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, p. 212)
488. "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:31) "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior." (Author Unknown)
Speaking of Christ, Eph. 1:7 says, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace..."
489. "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Col. 1:13-14)
In 1979, two British Royal Navy helicopter crews were acclaimed as "heroes of the deep" after their daring rescue of 28 crew members from a storm-wrecked oil rig in the English Channel. The men were winched to safety by the helicopters after the massive 19,000-ton Norwegian drilling rig, Orion, spun out of control onto jagged rocks on the coast of St. Peter Port, one of the Channel Islands.
At one point, buffeted by crosswinds, a chopper floundered between the iron legs of the rig, just 80 feet above four frightened men. "It was only a minute but it seemed like an age," navy pilot Lieutenant Tilsley told reporters later, "I was completely blind; I could only see a black void." But the pilot regained control and completed the rescue. (From Bible Illustrator)
Let us give thanks to God the Father who delivered us from the grasp of the devil and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.
490. "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matt. 18:35)
On a cold winter evening, a man suffered a heart attack and after being admitted to the hospital, asked the nurse to call his daughter. He explained, "You see, I live alone and she is the only family I have." The nurse went to phone the daughter. The daughter was quite upset and shouted, "You must not let him die! You see, Dad and I had a terrible argument almost a year ago. I haven't seen him since. All these months I've wanted to go to him for forgiveness. The last thing I said to him was 'I hate you."' The daughter cried and then said, "I'm coming now. I'll be there in thirty minutes."
The patient went into cardiac arrest, and code 99 was alerted. The nurse prayed, "O God, his daughter is coming. Don't let it end this way." The efforts of the medical team to revive the patient were fruitless. The nurse observed one of the doctors talking to the daughter outside the room. She could see the pathetic hurt in her face. The nurse took the daughter aside and said, "I'm sorry." The daughter responded, "I never hated him, you know. I loved him, and now I want to go see him." The nurse took her to the room, and the daughter went to the bed and buried her face in the sheets as she said good-bye to her deceased father. The nurse, as she tried not to look at this sad good-bye, noticed a scrap of paper on the bedside. She picked it up and read: "My dearest Janie, I forgive you. I pray you will also forgive me. I know that you love me. I love you, too. Daddy." (From James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, p. 201)
491. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Heb. 8:12)
A young ex-serviceman went into a New York bank to get a loan for the amount of $600. He
stood in line until his turn came to present his completed application forms to the clerk. The bank
employee took considerable time in finishing the transaction, leaving his desk repeatedly to talk to
his superior. Finally the man received the cash. When he turned to leave, flashbulbs went off as
newspaper photographers took his picture. Bank officials crowded around to inform him that they
were returning the papers he had just signed, and that he didn't have to repay the money. The
reason: the amount he had borrowed included the one billionth dollar that had been loaned out
since the opening of that lending institution. To highlight the event, the veteran's debt was not
entered on the books. Never would it be held against him." (From Bible Illustrator)
The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross in order to redeem and pardon condemned sinners. When the sinner meets the conditions of pardon as given in the gospel, his sins will never be remembered or held against him again. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15)
492. "And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt. 8:11-12).
A father on his deathbed called his sons. They gathered around him and to one he said, "Good night, son," and to the other he said, "Good-bye, son." The second boy noticed the difference and asked his father, "Dad, why did you say 'good night' to my brother and 'good-bye' to me?" The dear old man who loved both of them said, "Son your brother is a Christian; I will meet him in the morning of eternity. So it is just 'good night' to him. But you, son, are not a Christian. I will never meet you again unless you change. It is good-bye, son, throughout all eternity." (Author Unknown)
Heaven will be a wonderful place of pleasant associations where the righteous of the ages will sit down and enjoy each other's company. Hell will be a place of outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus said, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able." (Luke 13:24)
493. "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 1:10-2:1)
In 1986, Bob Brenley was playing third base for the San Francisco Giants. In the fourth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves, Brenley made an error on a routine ground ball. Four batters later he kicked away another grounder, and then while he was scrambling after the ball, he threw wildly past home plate, trying to get the runner there. Two errors on the same play. A few minutes later he muffed yet another play to become the first player in the twentieth century to make four errors in one inning.
Now, those of us who have made very public errors in one situation or another can easily imagine how he felt during that long walk off the field at the end of that inning. But then, in the bottom of the fifth, Brenley hit a home run. Then, in the seventh, he hit a bases-loaded single, driving in two runs and tying the game. Then, in the bottom of the ninth, Brenley came up to bat again, with two outs. He ran the count to three and two and then hit a massive home run into the left field seats to win the game for the Giants. Brenley's score card for that day came to three hits and five at bats, two home runs, four errors, four runs allowed, four runs driven in, including the game-winning run. (From "A Theology of Baseball," Preaching Today, Tape No. 115)
Life is much like that mentioned above regarding Bob Brenley. When we sin, we should never give up or lose heart, but should repent, pick ourselves up, and strive to do better.
494. "...And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (Rev. 1:5)
Once in seminary, I got an A on a study course--an exegesis on the Sermon on the Mount. I should have gotten a C. Let me tell you why. I wrote an 80-page paper in five hours. It was thick! I handed in the paper, and the professor was so busy and so impressed with 80 pages, he didn't read it. He gave me an A.
When he gave me the A, did I go back to him and say, "You ought to read that paper. It really wasn't that good. It was a lot, but it wasn't good"? No, I didn't. I accepted the A. Why? Because the one in authority had given me that A.
It's the same way with Jesus Christ. If I tell you "you're forgiven," that doesn't amount to a hill of beans. But, if Christ tells you, "you're forgiven," you are forgiven. He's the King at the right hand of the Father. (Steve Brown, "Forgiven and Forgotten," Preaching Today, Tape No. 139)
495. "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." (Eph. 6:17) "Is not My word like a fire? says the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jer. 23:29)
A young Christian packing his bag for a journey said to a friend, "I have nearly finished packing. All I have to put in are a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of tools." "But you cannot put all that into your bag," objected the friend. "Oh, yes," said the Christian. "Here it is." And he placed his Bible in the corner of the suitcase and closed the lid. (Author Unknown)
496. "For the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 'You shall not covet,' and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Rom. 13:9)
One of Norman Rockwell's paintings, of those which appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post, was of a woman buying a Thanksgiving turkey. The turkey was on the scales and the butcher was standing behind the counter. The customer, a lady of about sixty, stood watching the weigh-in. Each had a pleased look on their faces. A quick glance at the painting shows nothing unusual going on. However, a closer look shows what they are doing with their hands. The butcher is pressing down on the scales with his thumb while the woman is pushing up with her finger.
This type of people would resent being called a thief, but that is exactly what they are. The royal law of Christ requires that we treat others the way we would want to be treated.
497. "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3) "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." (1 John 2:3)
When my son was a small boy playing with his buddies in the back yard, I overheard them talking; and the conversation was, amusingly, one of those 'My dad can whip your dad' routines. I heard one boy proudly say, "My dad knows the mayor of our town!" Then I heard another say, "That's nothing; my dad knows the governor of our state!" Wondering what was coming next in the program of bragging, I presently heard a wonderfully familiar voice (that of my own little son), saying, "That's nothing; my dad knows God!"
I swiftly slipped away from my place of eaves-dropping, with tears running down my cheeks. I dropped on my knees in my room and prayed earnestly and gratefully, "Oh, God, I pray that my boy will always be able to say, 'My dad knows God.'" (From Hilding Halverson)
498. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." (2 Tim. 2:15-16) "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby..." (1 Pet. 2:2)
A story is told of a man who, resisting the cost of oats he fed his mule, decided to gradually substitute sawdust in its diet. Everything went fine for a while, but by the time the mule was satisfied with sawdust, he died.
The same is true spiritually. The changeover from truth to error is sometimes a slow process, and the people don't always know the difference. But, before they know it, they are dead. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 23)
499. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)
I was cleaning out a desk drawer when I found a flashlight I hadn't used in over a year. I flipped the switch, but wasn't surprised when it gave no light. I opened the flashlight and shook it to get the batteries out, but they wouldn't budge. Finally, after some effort, they came loose. What a mess! Battery acid had corroded the entire inside of the flashlight.
The batteries were new when I'd put them in, and I'd stored them in a safe, warm place, but there was one problem. Those batteries weren't made to be warm and comfortable. They were designed to be turned on, to be used. (From Ted Engstrom)
The same is true with us. The Christian is not designed to be warm, safe, and comfortable. He must be "turned on," letting his light shine, putting his love to work, diligently teaching God's word at every opportunity, and bearing up under persecutions and hardships.
500. "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4)
On New Year's Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played UCLA in the Rose Bowl. In that game a young man named Roy Riegels recovered a fumble for UCLA. Picking up the loose ball, he lost his sense of direction and ran sixty-five yards toward the wrong goal line. One of his teammates ran him down and tackled him just before he scored for the opposing team.
This strange play came in the first half, and at half-time the UCLA players filed off the field and into the dressing room. As others sat down on the benches and the floor, Riegels put a blanket around his shoulders, sat down in a corner, and put his face in his hands.
A football coach usually has a great deal to say to his team during halftime. That day Coach Price was quiet. When the timekeeper came in and announced that there were three minutes before playing time, Coach Price looked at the team and said, "Men, the same team that played the first half will start the second." The players got up and started out, all but Riegels. He didn't budge. The coach looked back and called to him. Riegels didn't move. Coach Price went over to where Riegels sat and said, "Roy, didn't you hear me? The same team that played the first half will start the second."
Roy Riegels looked up, his cheeks wet with tears. "Coach," he said, "I can't do it. I've ruined you. I've ruined the university's reputation. I've ruined myself. I can't face that crowd out there." Coach Price reached out, put his hand on Riegels's shoulder, and said, "Roy, get up and go on back. The game is only half over."
Riegels finally did get up. He went onto the field, and the fans saw him play hard and play well. All of us have run a long way in the wrong direction. Because of God's mercy, however, the game is only half over. (From Wayne Rouse in Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching)