http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davidriggs01/briefvs.htm
701. "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (Col. 2:6-7)
Several years ago a man reported his observations of the effects of a hurricane on a southeastern Gulf Coast town. As he walked up and down the ravaged streets, he observed that the palm trees had been uprooted and flung about. Once tall and majestic, their root systems were too shallow to withstand the hurricane force winds. But, as he proceeded, he came to a lone oak tree. The leaves had been blown away and some of the smaller branches ripped off, but the roots had gone deep, and the tree held its position. And, in due season it would again produce leaves. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 120)
Likewise, if we are to endure in times of hardship, stress, and difficulty, we must be rooted and grounded in Christ. Through Him can we be victorious in all things.
702. "Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes." (Eccl. 7:29)
In commenting on the medical challenges faced during the rapid urbanization of U.S. cities in the late 1800's, Columbia University historian John Garraty said the following about the negative influence of Darwinism upon medical science: "Efforts to do something about high infant mortality rates in poor districts ran into resistance from Darwinian evolutionists who argued that any attempt to reduce infant mortality might lead to the survival of too many 'weaklings' and thus to racial degeneration." (From The New Commonwealth, by John Garraty, p. 213).
Indeed, the Godless Darwin theory of evolution has led to much lack of respect for human life in this country.
703. "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." (1 Pet. 5:3)
A real leader knows the difference between being the boss and being a leader, as illustrated by the following:
The boss drives his workers; the leader coaches them.
The boss depends upon authority; the leader on goodwill.
The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm.
The boss says, "I"; the leader says, "we."
The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.
The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.
The boss says, "go"; the leader says, "let's go!"
(From Developing The Leader Within You, by John Maxwell p. 5)
The elders should not rule as a "lords," but should be examples to the flock.
704. "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" (James 2:15-16)
A young boy, on an errand for his mother, had just bought a dozen eggs. Walking out of the store, he tripped and dropped the sack. All the eggs broke, and the sidewalk was a mess. The boy tried not to cry. A few people gathered to see if he was OK and to tell him how sorry they were. In the midst of the words of pity, one man handed the boy a quarter. Then he turned to the group and said, "I care 25 cents worth. How much do the rest of you care?" (From Vital Sermons Of The Day, by Stanley C. Brown, Leadership, Vol. 5, No. 1)
John said, "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
705. "He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their enemies; there was not one of them left." (Psalm 106:9-11)
A teacher was doing her best to discredit the miracles of the Bible. She said, "Take, for instance, the crossing of the Red Sea. We know this body of water was only 6 inches deep." Immediately, from the back of the room came the remark, "Praise God for the miracle!" Annoyed, the teacher asked, "What miracle?" "Well," explained the boy, "the Lord must have drowned the whole Egyptian army in just 6 inches of water!"
706. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Heb. 11:6)
At a burning building in New York City's Harlem, a blind girl was perched in the fourth-floor window. The firemen had become desperate. They couldn't fit the ladder truck between the buildings, and they couldn't get her to jump into a net, which she, of course, couldn't see. Finally, her father arrived and shouted through the bull horn that there was a net and that she was to jump on his command. The girl jumped and was so completely relaxed that she did not break a bone or even strain a muscle in the four-story fall. Because she trusted her father completely, when she heard her father's voice, she did what he said was best. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 135)
Likewise, let us have simple, trusting faith in God and His word, knowing that He knows what's best for us.
707. "And He said to them, 'Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." (Mark 6:31)
In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler was making a long trek. Coolies had been engaged from a tribe to carry the loads. The first day they marched rapidly and went far. The traveler had high hopes of a speedy journey, but on the second morning these jungle tribesmen refused to move. For some strange reason they just sat and rested. On inquiry as to the reason for this strange behavior, the traveler was informed that they had gone too fast the first day, and that they were now waiting for their souls to catch up with their bodies. (From Springs In The Valley, by Lettie Cowman, p. 196-197)
Often, in the mad rush of our hectic, rat-race society we have very little time to enjoy the simple things of life. Our lives seem to be going in all directions with very little time for rest or peace. Perhaps it would be good for us to slow down and let our souls catch up with our bodies.
708. "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25)
William Randolph Hearst once read of an extremely valuable piece of art, which he decided he must add to his extensive collection. He instructed his agent to scour the galleries of the world to find the masterpiece he was determined to have at any price. After many months of painstaking search, the agent reported that the piece already belonged to Mr. Hearst and had been stored in one of his warehouses for many years.
Christians are often like Mr. Hearst. To enhance their spirituality, they are looking for something new, different, or special when, all the while, it is at their finger tips. All they need to do is avail themselves of what God has already provided for them.
709. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:11-12)
A bunch of recruits were having a written examination, and when one of them was asked why he wasn't working, he replied, "Sir, I have neither paper nor pencil." "Well!" exclaimed the instructor, "what would you think of a soldier who went into battle with neither rifle nor ammunition?" The recruit thought for a moment, and then answered, "I'd think he was an officer, sir!"
Unfortunately, too many Christians today think they are "officers" in God's army and have no need of the Spirit's weapons. Don't underestimate the enemy! (From Bible Illustrator)
710. "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." (Titus 2:7)
The story is told of a TV repairman who didn't like to think about his job when he came home. As a result, he never bothered to properly install the TV antenna on the top of his house or fix it when one arm broke in a windstorm. One day, a new family moved in next door, and the owner went up on his roof to install an antenna. Knowing that his neighbor was a TV repairman, he put his up exactly the same way and turned his antenna to face in the same direction as his neighbor's. Then, after studying his neighbor's antenna for a while, he reached up and broke one arm off his new antenna! (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 130)
Whether we realize it or not, we all are leaving an example, whether good or bad, to those about us. Let us show ourselves to be a pattern of good works.
711. "Then His disciples came and said to Him, 'Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?' But He answered and said, 'Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.'" (Matt. 15:12-13)
I'm always taken aback by anyone who thinks all roads lead to God, that all religions are equally valid. Nobody believes that about anything else. I wonder why anybody believes that about religion. Last summer, I had to have a root canal. It wasn't as bad as I had been told, but there are more fun ways to spend a summer morning. If my endodontist had said, "You know, Mr. Elzinga, it really doesn't matter how I do a root canal. Eventually, all roads lead to that problem tooth. I can go directly to the tooth, or I can go in through your ear, or I can go in through your nostril, or I can drill into your neck and work my way back up to that gum," at that point, I would look for a new oral surgeon! (From Kenneth G. Elzinga)
712. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Gen. 1:1) "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." (Psalm 19:1-3)
"To say that a well-precisioned, mathematically created universe just happened, is about as credible as saying Webster's Unabridged Dictionary was accidentally published because of an explosion in a printing factory, or that a Boeing 747 was assembled when a tornado swept through a junk yard." (From Frank Pollard)
713. "When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath." (Esther 3:5)
Some people's egos are so huge that other people exist only to serve them in some way or another. Adolf Hitler was like that. According to Robert Waite, when Hitler was searching for a chauffeur, he interviewed thirty candidates for the job. He selected the shortest man in the group and kept him as his personal driver for the rest of his life, even though the man required special blocks under the driver's set so that he could see over the steering wheel. Hitler used others to make himself appear bigger and better than he really was. A person consumed with himself never considers spending time raising others up. (From The Psychopathic God: Adolph Hitler, by Robert G. Waite, p. 244-245)
Rom. 12:16 says, "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
714. "...As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children..." (1 Thess. 2:11)
Several years ago, my second son, Steve, tried out for the high school football team. One day he walked into my office and proclaimed with great excitement, "Dad, I made the team!" I turned and said, "Yeah, but are you starting?" Steve walked away crushed. At the time, Steve was a junior in high school, and I just assumed that he would make the team. I was so preoccupied that I didn't take the time to understand what was important to Steve. As fathers, we need to take time to find out what's important to our children and then make those things our priority and focus. (From Phillip H. Porter, Jr.)
Likewise, as did the apostle Paul, we need to consider the needs and interests of our fellow Christians, and not be preoccupied with ourselves.
715. "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off." (Rom. 11:22)
Our evangelical culture tends to take the awesome reality of a transcendent God who is worthy to be feared and downsize Him so He could fit into our "buddy system." The way we talk about Him, the way we pray, and, more strikingly, the way we live shows that we have somehow lost our sense of being appropriately awestruck in the presence of a holy and all-powerful God. It's been a long time since we've heard a good sermon on the "fear of God." (From Joseph M. Stowell)
Heb 12:28-29 says, "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire."
716. "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God..." (2 Cor. 3:5)
A historian, making a study of the diaries of teenage girls from the past 150 years, compared the differences between the older diaries and the ones from today. The big difference is that in the past the girls were more likely to put their personal struggles into a spiritual context. They were more likely to call upon God for his help in their character development. But today, the historian discovered that girls are depending on themselves. (From Jim Nicodem)
Speaking to young people, the writer of Proverbs said, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)
717. "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)
Am I a soldier of the Cross, a follower of the Lamb;
And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His name?
Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this dark world a friend of grace, to help me unto God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign. Increase my courage, Lord;
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy word.
(Isaac Watts, 1724)
718. "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." (James 3:5-6)
In the movie, The Indian in the Cupboard, a young boy has a magic cupboard which transforms his plastic cowboys and Indians into real people who are three inches tall - actual people from a different era. His Indian friend, Little Bear, is an Iroquois warrior from the time of the French and Indian Wars. He's the good guy fighting on the side of the British. The little boy wants to help Little Bear fight his enemies, so he takes some modern-day army men, puts them in the cupboard, and brings them to life. He borrows their machine guns and grenade launchers, and gives them to the Indians to use. Then he sends Little Bear back to his time. Little Bear and company soon surround their enemy with a circle about fifty yards across, then open fire. The only trouble is they're used to bows and arrows that shoot short distances, not twentieth-century weapons. And some of them are killed by friendly fire. (From Jim Nicodem)
The tongue is similar to the above-mentioned weapons. We often underestimate its destructive capabilities.
719. "And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship." (Acts 20:36-38)
I was an interior lineman, starting freshman. And I played every game for four years without a serious injury. There were three other guys on the line that played with me almost the entire time. I can't tell you how much we loved each other. We won; we lost; we helped each other through injuries, through good and bad romances, through studies. There wasn't anything we didn't do together. I could cry with those guys. And there wasn't anything we couldn't say to each other. I mean there were some times when we got good and mad at one another. And I'm thirty-eight. I'm still grieving. When football was over, and we said good-bye, it was like a death." (From When Men Think Private Thoughts, by Gordon MacDonald, p. 25)
The best ties of all are the ties that we have with fellow Christians. "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love."
720. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)
If you've seen the movie City Slickers, you probably remember a scene between Billy Crystal, who played a city slicker out West on a vacation, and Jack Palance, who played a crusty old cowboy. Here's how their conversation went:
Palance: "How old are you? Thirty-eight?"
Crystal: "Thirty-nine."
Palance: "Yeah. You all come out here about the same age. Same problems. You spend fifty weeks a year getting knots in your rope, then you think two weeks up here will untie them for you. None of you get it. (Long pause) Do you know what the secret of life is?"
Crystal: "No, what?"
Palance: "It's this." (Holds up his index finger)
Crystal: "Your Finger?"
Palance: "One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that, and everything else don't mean nothing."
Crystal: "That's great, but what's the one thing?"
Palance: "That's what you've got to figure out."
Paul said, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14)
721. "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself." (Eph. 5:28)
Fathers. Your son will form impressions of marriage and how men should treat women from observing you in action. If you display affection and respect for your wife in front of him, you help to show the love that is needed in marriage and sex.
Your daughter's future choice of a husband is deeply influenced by how you treat her mother. If she feels close to you, and appreciates the way you treat her mother, she is likely to select a mate much like you and enjoy a stable marriage.
All of your children will feel comfortable and secure when they know you and your wife are close and intimate with each other (it is pretty hard to hide it if you are not). Marriage then becomes an attractive goal for adult life. (From Homemade, by Paul Heidebrecht, p. 1)
722. "I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Tim. 3:15)
An article in the Harvard Business Review talked about how some people didn't understand what business they were in. For example, the railroad people didn't realize they were in the transportation business; they thought they were in the railroad business. Had they realized they were in the transportation business, they would have invested in the airplane. The telegraph people thought they were in the telegraph business instead of the communication business. In 1886 or so, they could have bought all the telephone patents for $40,000. So obviously those people didn't know what business they were in. (From The Harvard Business Review in a article entitled "Market Myopia")
Churches today need to ask themselves: "What kind of business are we in? Is it the entertainment, recreation, or the soul-saving business?"
723. "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)
The late Dr. Paul Rees tells the true story of a man whose job was to transport people who had been committed to a mental hospital. After delivering a patient one day, he was walking back to his car when he heard a voice call out, "Hey you!" It came from one of the upper floors. Looking up, the man called back, "Are you speaking to me?" "Yes, I am," came the reply, "I want to ask you a question. Have you ever thanked God that you have a healthy mind?" To say the least, the driver was stunned. He said, "I suddenly realized that I had been bringing people to this facility for some fifteen years; yet, I had never once thanked God for a good mind!"
Truly, let us learn to give thanks for the things we so often take for granted.
724. "So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him." (Acts 8:30-31)
Winston Churchill detested the noise staplers made, so he insisted on binding his papers with tape threaded through punched holes. He called his paper punch his "klop" after the sound it made, a term most of his subordinates were familiar with. Once, however, a new secretary heard Churchill call, "Bring me my klop," and some time later staggered into his office carrying all 14 volumes of Onno Klopp's Der Fall des Hauses Stuart! A case of miscommunication, to be sure. (From Today In The Word, Aug. 19, 1991)
Let us do our best to accurately communicate the gospel so that all can clearly understand the will of God.
725. "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!" (Gal. 5:15)
Before Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States, he served as a major general in the Tennessee militia. During the War of 1812 his troops reached an all-time low in morale. As a result, they began arguing, bickering, and fighting among themselves. Mr. Jackson called them all together, on one occasion when tensions were at their worst, and said, "Gentlemen! Let's remember, the enemy is over there."
His sobering reminder would be an appropriate word for the church today. In fact, I wonder if Christ sometimes looks down at us and says with a sigh, "Christians, your Enemy is over there! Stop your infighting! Pull for one another. Support one another. Believe in one another. Care for one another. Pray for one another. Love one another." (From Hope Again, by Charles R. Swindoll, p. 45)
726. "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..." (Phil. 1:27)
"It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills. It is not love and it is not friendship if we fail to declare the whole counsel of God. It is better to be hated for telling the truth than to be loved for telling a lie. It is impossible to find anyone in the Bible who was a power for God who did not have enemies and was not hated. It's better to stand alone with the truth than to be wrong with a multitude. It is better to ultimately succeed with the truth than to temporarily succeed with a lie." (From Adrian Rogers, Quoted in The Berean Call, Dec 1996, p. 3)
727. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4) "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh. 8:10)
The Christian is joyful, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of the divine sovereignty, are never ultimate. The humor of the Christian is not a way of denying the tears, but rather a way of affirming something which is deeper than tears. Yes, a few things in life are absolutely tragic, no question about it. First among them, is a joyless Christian. (From The Finishing Touch, by Charles Swindoll, p. 65)
728. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." (Eccl. 12:13-14)
My life is hectic! I'm running all day, meetings, phone calls, paperwork, appointments. I push myself to the limit, fall into bed exhausted, and get up early the next morning to do it all again. My output is tremendous; I'm getting a lot done. But I get this feeling inside sometimes, "So what? What are you doing that really counts?" I have to admit, I don't know. (FromGame Plan, by Bob Buford, p. 57)
Like the person above, many people today are energetically using up their lives in worldly endeavors which have no benefit for the soul. Let us be wise enough to know what is truly important in life, and live accordingly.
729. "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3) "Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God." (Prov. 2:3-5)
Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, that the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3, and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only gives wisdom, let every one seriously set himself, by prayer in secret, to seek it of him, Prov. 2:3. (From Rules And Precepts designed to govern Harvard University, Sept. 26, 1642)
It is very sad indeed that in our schools and universities today things have drastically changed for the worse.
730. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2-3) "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Rom. 5:3-4)
In southern Alabama is the town of Enterprise, in Coffee County. There they have erected a monument to an insect, honoring the Mexican boll weevil. In 1895 the boll weevil began to destroy the major crop of the county, cotton. In desperation to survive the farmers had to diversify, and by 1919 the county's peanut crop was many times what cotton had been at its height. In that year of prosperity a fountain and monument were built. The inscription reads: "In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity, this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama." (FromIllustrations Unlimited by James S. Hewett, p. 263)
There is no school that makes us better than " The School of Hard Knocks."
731. "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame; who set their mind on earthly things." (Phil. 3:18-19)
Which Disturbs You The Most?
1. A soul lost in hell or a scratch on your new car?
2. A sermon ten minutes too long or lunch a half-hour late?
3. Your missing the worship or missing a day's work?
4. The church not growing or the garden not growing?
5. Your Bible being unopened or your newspaper being unread?
6. Contribution decreasing or your income decreasing?
7. Your children late to Bible Classes or late to school?
8. Missing a good Bible class or missing your favorite TV program?
9. Church work neglected or housework neglected?
10. Low attendance at worship or low attendance at a party?
(By Elton Dilbeck)
Truly, the things which disturb us reveal much about our interests. Let us not be more disturbed about problems in the material realm than those in the spiritual.
732. "I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant." (Psalm 119:75-76)
Hurricanes, with winds up to 150 miles an hour, accompanied by torrential rains, glaring lightning, and rumbling thunder, can be devastating. Yet, scientists tell us they are tremendously valuable. They dissipate a large percentage of the oppressive heat which builds up at the equator, and they are indirectly responsible for much of the rainfall in North and South America. Meteorologists, therefore, no longer use cloud-seeding techniques to prevent them from being formed. They are convinced that hurricanes actually do more good than harm.
Likewise, the afflictions which come upon God's people can be beneficial. Though they bring temporary pain and grief, if we endure, they can produce eternal rewards.
733. "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)
Olga Silverstine, a family therapist, and author of the book, The Courage to Raise Good Men, was asked by USA Today to comment on the O.J. Simpson situation. Dr. Silverstine said, "Men are expected to be brutal killers in war and on the athletic field, but also to be loving husbands and fathers. We over value the qualities we call masculine, and under value the qualities we call feminine, including empathy, caring, and feeling. She said, "Real he-men are allowed only one emotion, anger, never fear and never hurt, just anger. And the man taught from infancy to be a winner at all costs in terms of sports, career, and sexual conquests, cannot cope with losing, and he responds with the only emotion he has, rage." (FromAssociated Press, 6-24-94)
Prov. 16:32 says, "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."
734. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." (Psalm 9:17)
While I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: "Men have forgotten God." Since then, I have spent well-nigh fifty years working on the history of our revolution. I have read hundreds of books, hundreds of personal testimonies, and contributed eight volumes of my own toward the effort of clearing away the rubble left by that upheaval. But if I were asked today to formulate the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some sixty million of our people, I would repeat: "Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened." I, myself, see Christianity today as the only living spiritual force capable of undertaking the spiritual healing of Russia. (From Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in a 1983 address)
Christianity is the only living spiritual force capable of healing any nation. Without Christianity, man is doomed to destruction.
735. "...Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Eph. 5:20)
In Africa there is a fruit called the "taste berry." It is so called because it changes a person's taste so that everything eaten tastes sweet and pleasant. Sour fruit, even if eaten several hours after the taste berry, becomes sweet and delicious.
Gratitude is the "taste berry" of Christianity. When our hearts are filled with gratitude, nothing that God sends seems unpleasant to us.
Sorrowing heart, sweeten your grief with gratitude. Burdened soul, lighten your burden by singing God's praises. Disappointed one, dispel your loneliness by making others grateful. Sick one, grow strong in your soul, thanking God that He loves you enough to chasten you.
Keep the "taste berry" of gratitude in your hearts, and it will do for you what the taste berry of Africa does for one's taste. (From Bible Illustrator)
736. "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." (Psalm 42:11)
It is said, "While there's life, there's hope." This seems to describe the case of the six Navy pilots who left their aircraft carrier on a scouting mission during World War II, searching the seas for enemy submarines believed operating in the area. When they tried to return, they could not find their ship. It seems that while they were gone, the captain had ordered a war-imposed blackout of all lights on the ship. Over and over the frantic pilots radioed, asking for just one light so they could see to land. The pilots were then told of the blackout and that it could not be lifted even for them. After several appeals and denials of their requests, the ship's radio operator finally turned the switch to break radio contact. Rather than risk the lives of thousands on the ship, the pilots were forced to ditch in the cold Atlantic and from there into eternity. The pilots left the ship thinking they would be able to return, but found that this was misplaced hope.
In what are you placing your hope? (From On This Day, by Dr. Carl D. Windsor, p.95 )
737. "...That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords..." (1 Tim. 6:14-15)
In a far country lived a band of minstrels who traveled from town to town presenting music to make a living. They had not been doing well. Times were hard; there was little money for common folk to come to hear the minstrels, even though their fee was small. Attendance had been falling off, so early one evening the group met to discuss their plight. "I see no reason for opening tonight," one said. "To make things even worse than they may have been, it is starting to snow. Who will venture out on a night like this?" "I agree," another disheartened singer said. "Last night we performed for just a handful. Fewer will come tonight. Why not give back their meager fees and cancel the concert? No one can expect us to go on when just a few are in the audience." "How can anyone do his best for so few?" a third inquired. Then he turned to another sitting beside him. "What do you think?" The man appealed to was older than the others. He looked straight at his troupe. "I know you are discouraged. I am too. But we have a responsibility to those who might come. We will go on. And we will do the best job of which we are capable. It is not the fault of those who come that others do not. They should not be punished with less than the best we can give."
Encouraged by his words, the minstrels went ahead with their show. They never performed better. When the show was over and the small audience gone, the old man called his troupe to him. In his hand was a note, handed to him by one of the audience just before the doors closed behind him. "Listen to this, my friends!" Something electrifying in his tone of voice made them turn to him in anticipation. Slowly the old man read: "Thank you for a beautiful performance." It was signed very simply--"Your King." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 168-169)
Let us continue to give our best performance in living the Christian life because our great king appreciates our faithful service.
738. "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." (1 Thess. 5:14-15)
YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY----
For thinking before acting,
For hearing before judging,
For forgiving your enemies,
For being candid and frank,
For helping a fallen brother,
For being honest in business,
For thinking before speaking,
For being involved in the local congregation,
For standing by the truth,
For stopping your ears to gossip,
For bridling a slanderous tongue,
For harboring only pure thoughts,
For sympathizing with the afflicted,
For being courteous and kind to all.
(Author Unknown)
739. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Rev. 21:8)
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing our true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try at all is to risk failure.
But risk we must, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The man, the woman, who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 129)
740. "Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.'" (Matt. 19:21)
Marquis de Lafayette was a French general and politician who joined the American Revolution and became a friend of George Washington. An influential man in the U.S. and France, Lafayette was also a man of compassion. The harvest of 1782 was a poor one, but the manager of his estate had filled his barns with wheat. "The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat," said his manager. "This is the time to sell." Lafayette thought about the hungry peasants in the villages and replied, "No, this is the time to give."
Real love is often measured by our willingness to let go of what we possess. Sometimes the thing we grip most tightly in our hands is the very thing God asks us to hand over to Him. (From Bible Illustrator)
741. "Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (1 Cor. 16:13 NIV)
Some years ago, Premier Khrushchev was speaking before the Supreme Soviet and was severely critical of the late Premier Stalin. While he was speaking someone from the audience sent up a note: "What were you doing when Stalin committed all these atrocities?"
Khrushchev shouted, "Who sent up that note?" Not a person stirred. "I'll give him one minute to stand up!" The seconds ticked off. Still no one moved. "All right, I'll tell you what I was doing. I was doing exactly what the writer of this note was doing--exactly nothing! I was afraid to be counted!" (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 128)
When it is necessary, let us stand up and be counted for the Lord.
742. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2)
THE CLOCK OF LIFE
The Clock of Life is wound but once
And no man has the power;
To say, just when the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more;
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.
Now is the only time you own,
So live and toil with will;
Place no faith in your tomorrow,
For the clock may then be still.
(Author Unknown)
743. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." (Luke 10:33-34)
Arthur Gordon in an article entitled "The Rewards of Caring," tells the story of how once, as a small boy, he was witness to a near- tragedy. At the beach, a woman stepped off a sandbar into deep, swift water and panicked. At least 20 adults in bathing suits watched, apparently paralyzed, until suddenly a young man ran up, plunged in full clothed and brought the woman out.
As Arthur Gordon described the episode later to his parents, his admiration for the young man was matched by the contempt he felt for those who failed to act. She was drowning, and they didn't even seem to care. His father looked at him thoughtfully and said, "The world often seems divided between those who care and those who don't care enough. But don't judge too harshly. It takes courage to care greatly."
744. "...Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb. 10:25)
A member of the church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped attending. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the preacher's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace, and waited. The preacher made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember, placed it to one side of the hearth alone, and then sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet fascination. As the one lone ember's flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then it's fire was no more. Soon it was cold and lifeless.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial gathering. Just before the preacher was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back for worship services next Lord's Day." (Author Unknown)
745. "If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman's husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life..." (Ex. 21:22-23)
A professor at the UCLA Medical School asked his students this question: "Here is the family history: The father has syphilis. The mother has TB. They already have had four children. The first is blind. The second has died. The third is deaf. The fourth has TB. The mother is pregnant. The parents are willing to have an abortion if you decide they should. What do you think?"
Most of the students decided on abortion. "Congratulations," said the professor. "You have just murdered Beethoven!" (From Terence Patterson)
No one should put himself in the place of God and decide that a certain child should or should not live.
746. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." (Matt. 10:34-38)
One of the most effective advertisements ever written appeared in a London newspaper earlier in this century. It read, "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful."
The ad was written by Sir Ernest Shackleton, explorer of the South Pole. Regarding response, Shackleton said, "It seemed as though all the men in Great Britain were determined to accompany us." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 130)
Shackleton's ad appealed to the heroic nature which lies within each individual. No one appeals to one's heroic dimension better than Jesus Christ. Following Christ can be very difficult, but the one who endures will reap great rewards.
747. "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.'" (Matt. 20:25-28)
In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Malvolio comments: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." There is a measure of truth in this observation; that is, so far as the world is concerned. However, Jesus showed how true greatness is obtained for the Christian. It is not by being born great or having greatness thrust upon him, but it is by humble service. Truly, the greatest in the kingdom is the one who serves.
748. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
MAY YOU HAVE ENOUGH:
Happiness to keep you sweet.
Trials to keep you strong.
Sorrow to keep you human.
Hope to keep you happy.
Failure to keep you humble.
Success to keep you eager.
Friends to give you comfort.
Wealth to meet your needs.
Enthusiasm to make you look forward to tomorrow.
Determination to make each day better than the day before.
(Author Unknown)
749. "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." (Eph. 4:28)
During his time as a rancher, Theodore Roosevelt and one of his cowpunchers lassoed a maverick steer, lit a fire, and prepared the branding irons. The part of the range they were on was claimed by Gregor Lang, one of Roosevelt's neighbors. According to the cattleman's rule, the steer therefore belonged to Lang. As his cowboy applied the brand, Roosevelt said, "Wait, it should be Lang's brand." "That's all right boss," said the cowboy. "But you're putting on my brand," Roosevelt said. "That's right," said the man. "Drop that iron," Roosevelt demanded, "and get back to the ranch and get out. I don't need you anymore. A man who will steal for me will stealfromme." (From The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes, by Clifton Fadiman, p. 476)
750. "Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders." (Mark 7:1-3)
Edersheim in The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah outlines the most elaborate of Jewish washings. "Water jars were kept ready to be used before a meal. The minimum amount of water to be used was a quarter of a log, which is defined as enough to fill one and a half eggshells. The water was first poured on both hands, held with the fingers pointed upwards, and must run up the arm as far as the wrist. It must drop off from the wrist, for the water was now itself unclean, having touched the unclean hands, and, if it ran down the fingers again, it would again render them unclean. The process was repeated with the hands held in the opposite direction, with the fingers pointing down; and then finally each hand was cleansed by being rubbed with the fist of the other. A really strict Jew would do all this, not only before a meal, but also between each of the courses."
The elaberate washings of the Jews became wrong when they began to bind them as God's law. Jesus said, "...In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:7)
751. "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26) "Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?" (James 2:6-7)
Until the year 1100, most people in Europe had only one name. However, with an increase in the population, surnames were added so people could be more easily identified. These came from four primary sources: an occupation, such as "Cook" or "Miller"; a location, such as "Overhill" or "Brook"; an ancestor, such as John's son ("Johnson"); and a personal characteristic, such as "Small," "Short," or "Longfellow."
God placed special significance on names. For example, He changed Abram's name to "Abraham," Sarai's name to "Sarah," and Jacob's name to "Israel." (Gen. 17:5,15; 32:24-28)
Let us wear only the name "Christian." It is the honorable name by which the people of God are called.
752. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life..." (Phil. 2:14-16)
Benjamin Franklin once said, "The sentence which has most influenced my life is, 'Some persons grumble because God placed thorns among roses. Why not thank God because He placed roses among thorns?' I first read it when but a mere lad. Since that day it has occupied a front room in my life and has given it an optimistic trend."
Let us not be constant complainers, but rejoice and thank God for His manifold blessings.
753. "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6)
I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day,
And as my fingers pressed it still,
It moved and yielded to my will.
I came again when days were past --
The bit of clay was hard at last;
The form I gave it, it still bore,
But I could change that form no more.
I took a piece of living clay
And gently formed it day by day,
And molded with my power and art
A young child's soft and yielding heart.
I came again when years were gone --
It was a man I looked upon;
He still that early impress wore,
And I could change him nevermore.
(Author Unknown)
754. "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matt. 22:14) "Then one said to Him, 'Lord, are there few who are saved?' And He said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.'" (Luke 13:23-24)
A little girl went to church one Sunday morning, but her parents stayed at home because they felt tired. When the little one returned the father asked, "What did the preacher preach on this morning, dear?" "I don't remember all," said the child, "but I think his text was: Many are cold and a few are frozen."
That about sums it up for many members of the church!
755. "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matt. 18:4-6)
Years ago, an old woman was noticed to be picking up something in the street in a slum area. The policeman on the beat noticed the woman's action and watched her very suspiciously. Several times he saw her stoop, pick up something, and hide it in her apron. Finally, he went up to her and with a rough voice and threatening manner demanded, "What are you carrying off in your apron?" The timid woman did not answer at first, whereupon the officer, thinking that she must have found something valuable, threatened her with arrest. The woman opened her apron and revealed a handful of broken glass. "I just thought I would like to take it out of the way of the children's feet," she said. Oh, how we need people like this timid little woman who cared about what hurts "children's feet." (From Illustrations Unlimited by James S. Hewett, p. 328)
Mark 10:13-14 says, "Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God."
756. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:6-8)
During the Civil War in the United States, a farmer named Blake was drafted as a soldier. He was deeply concerned about leaving his family, because his wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of his children in his absence. The day before he was to leave for the army, his neighbor Charlie Durham came to visit him. "Blake," he said, "I've been thinking. You're needed here at home, so I've decided to go in your place." The farmer was so overwhelmed that a few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed too good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and praised God for this one who was willing to go as his substitute. Charlie went to the front-lines and performed his duties nobly. But sad to say, he was shot and killed in the first battle. When the farmer heard the news, he immediately saddled his horse and rode out to the battlefield. After searching for some time, he found the body of his friend. He arranged to have it buried in the churchyard near the spot where they had often stopped to talk after the services. On a piece of marble he carved an inscription with his own hands. It was roughly done, but with every blow of the hammer on the chisel tears fell from his eyes. He placed the marker on the grave of his devoted substitute. Many villagers wept as they read the brief but touching inscription: HE DIED FOR ME. (From Bible Illustrator)
God's penalty for sin is death, but God, through His love and mercy, allowed another to die in our place. Let us give thanks for God's unspeakable gift.
757. "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Pet. 3:8-9)
Choose to love--rather than hate.
Choose to smile--rather than frown.
Choose to build--rather than destroy.
Choose to persevere--rather than quit.
Choose to praise--rather than gossip.
Choose to heal--rather than wound.
Choose to give--rather than grasp.
Choose to act--rather than delay.
Choose to forgive--rather than curse.
Choose to pray--rather than despair.
(From Charles Hodge)
758. "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)
From history's pages we learn of a cowardly young soldier in the army of Alexander the Great. Whenever the battle grew fierce, the young soldier would flee. The general's pride was cut because this timid soldier also bore the name Alexander. One day Alexander the Great sternly addressed him and said, "Stop being a coward or drop that good name." (From Great Quotes & Illustrations by George Sweeting, p. 50)
The call to all Christians is the same today. May we faithfully endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ or stop wearing His good name.
759. "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:7-11)
In the early 19th century, a war-weary world was anxiously watching the march of Napoleon. All the while, babies were being born. In 1809, midway between the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo, William E. Gladstone was born in Liverpool; Alfred Lord Tennyson in Summersby, England; Oliver Wendell Holmes in Boston; Felix Mendelssohn in Hamburg, Germany; and Abraham Lincoln in Hodgenville, Kentucky. People's minds were occupied with battles, not babies. Yet 175 years later, is there the slightest doubt about the greater contribution to history -- those battles or those babies?
So it was with the birth of Jesus. The Bethlehem crowds had no inkling that the infinite Son of God was asleep in their little town. Only a few shepherds came to see Him, and they left glorifying God. (From Bible Illustrator)
760. "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." (Eph. 4:28)
Let us imitate the barber who one week noticed that there was a real increase in his business. When he tried to find out why, he discovered that his competitor, another barber in the village, was ill. When the week was ended, he took all that he had made above his average earnings and carried it to his competitor with his Christian love and sympathy. (From Bible Illustrator)
In our evil world, it is considered "good business" to put your competitor out of business. It is far better to be like the above barber who was building for eternity.
761. "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ..." (Phil. 3:7-8)
The world needs men and women...
who cannot be bought,
whose word is their bond,
who put character above wealth,
who possess opinions and a will,
who are larger than their vocations,
who do not hesitate to take chances,
who will not lose their individuality in a crowd,
who will be as honest in small things as in great things,
who will make no compromise with wrong,
whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires,
who are not afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular,
and who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."
(Author Unknown)
762. "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)
Some Christians insult our young folks by saying that the gospel will not convert their hearts and keep them close to the Lord. Instead, they urge that we reach our children with baseball, hot dogs, coke, and keep them with church camps, trips to amusement parks, and hayrides. Our young people's hearts are not so hardened by sin that the message of the gospel will not penetrate their consciences. Many of them have a love for the Lord which has outgrown that of many older folks. (From Mike Willis)
Let us not use man-made gimmicks to win and hold our young people. The gospel is God's power to save. It is His means of reaching willing hearts.
763. "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." (Heb. 13:4)
Glynn Wolfe recently died alone in Los Angeles at the age of 88. No one came to claim his body. The city paid to have him buried in an unmarked grave. This is sad, but not unusual. It happens all too often in large cities where there are many homeless people who live on the streets.
Gynn Wolfe's situation was unique, though, because he held a record in the Guinness Book of world records. The Guinness Book listed him as the Most Married Man, with 29 marriages to his credit. This means that 29 times he said "I do" when he was asked, "Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife," and so forth, and at the end, "until death do you part" or "so long as you both shall live?"
Mr. Wolfe died leaving behind children, grand-children, great grand-children, and a number of living ex-wives, and innumerable ex-in-laws, and still, he died alone with no one to bury his body. He is an example of how people spend their lives drifting in and out of marriages, in and out of relationships, only to find themselves isolated and alone. Apparently, he spent his entire life looking for something he never found, and he died alone.
764. "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:10-13)
Notice that those who receive Jesus have a right to become children of God. In the state of Tennessee, as in most states, when a person turns sixteen, the state grants them the right to become licensed automobile drivers. Just because they are sixteen does not automatically confer the privilege of driving upon them. There are certain conditions that must be met to take advantage of their right. They must pass the state's written exam. They must pass the state's driving exam. They must pay a certain fee to obtain their driver's license.
Just as a person who turns sixteen has the right to become a licensed driver, the person who receives Jesus, has a right to become a child of God. Just as the one who wishes to become a licensed driver must meet certain conditions, the one who receives the Lord must meet certain conditions to become a child of God.
Those conditions are: receiving Jesus (believing in Him; this condition is already met in John 1:12), repenting of one's sins (Acts 2:38), confessing the Lord (Rom. 10:9-10), and being baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).
765. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
Longfellow could take a worthless piece of paper, write a poem on it, and instantly make it worth thousands of dollars. Rockefeller could sign his name to a piece of paper and make it worth millions. A mechanist can take material worth only five dollars and make it worth five hundred. An artist can take a fifty-cent piece of canvas, paint a picture on it, and make it worth thousands. However, only Jesus Christ can take a sinful soul, wash it in His blood, and make it priceless for all eternity.
766. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isa. 41:10) "The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)
James Black, formerly of Free St. Georges in Edinburgh, describes a trip he took through the tulip fields of Holland. He says that the beautiful beds of flowers were divided by canals which were crossed by foot-wide planks. As Dr. Black and his party visited the various beds of brilliant flowers they had to cross these little canals on the narrow planks. When they came to a canal that was twelve feet wide, they hesitated. The plank seemed so narrow. Would the owner of the field make a wider bridge for them across the canal? No. He blew a whistle and a man came and handed them a thin pole which made it easy to cross the canal on the narrow plank.
Dr. Black says that he then made a marvelous discovery. "How easily you can cross the narrowest plank if only you have something to hold on to." You can go through life with all its tensions, all its uncertainties, and all its changes if you have something to hold on to. (From Pastor's Annualby William Austin, p. 256)
767. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her..." (Eph. 5:25)
A man never opened the car door for his wife because he felt it was a sissy kind of thing to do and, besides, he was fond of saying, "she doesn't have two broken arms." After many years of marriage, his wife died, and he was heartbroken because he truly loved her. Somehow, as the pallbearers brought her casket out of the funeral service, the husband and his family reached the hearse ahead of them. The mortician was back a few feet and, since he knew the husband quite well, he called him by name and said, "Open the door for her, will you?" The man reached for the door handle and then, for one second, froze. He realized he had never opened a car door for her in life. Now, in her death, it would be the first, last, and only time. It was a moment when years of regrets came crashing down around him. (From Illustrations Unlimited by James S. Hewett, p. 338)
768. "For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Rom. 3:22-26)
Donald Grey Barnhouse had this to say about Barabbas: "He was the only man in the world who could say that Jesus Christ took his physical place. But I can say that Jesus Christ took my spiritual place. For it was I who deserved to die. It was I who deserved that the wrath of God should be poured on me. I deserved the eternal punishment of the lake of fire. He was delivered up for my offenses. He was handed over to judgment because of my sins -- Christ was my substitute. He was satisfying the debt of divine justice and holiness."
769. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:11-12)
The ancient sport of falconry employed trained hawks in the chase of wild game. When the hawk was allowed to fly, it often rose too high for human eyes to see it against the blue sky. It was therefore not uncommon to carry a small caged bird called a shrike. The hunter could then easily tell where his hawk was located by watching the antics of the little creature in front of him, for it instinctively feared the falcon and always cocked its head to keep it in view.
The Christian desperately needs the sensitivity and perception of the shrike when it comes to the detection of his spiritual adversary! Satan, the prince of the power of the air, dwells in high places and is a master deceiver. He often subtly camouflages himself against the beautiful background of attractive people and exciting activities. His presence is hard to detect if we are not on guard. (Author Unknown)
770. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Pet. 2:11-12)
Some years ago, a friend of mine moved into a new home. The house had been unoccupied for a long time; the garden was untended and high with weeds. The first morning my friend looked from an upstairs window into the garden, and among the weeds he saw a beautiful red rose. He went to pick it, but the weeds were so high he could not find it. Returning to his upstairs window he located the rose, noted landmarks near it, and on his second trip to the garden, succeeded in finding it. As he pulled it from the weeds, he discovered that the stem ran nine feet to its root in his neighbor's well-cultivated garden! That is the Christian life. Rooted in Heaven, it blooms among the weeds of earth. (From Let Me Illustrate, by Donald Grey Barnhouse, p. 52)
771. "And Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.' Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, 'Are we blind also?' Jesus said to them, 'If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.'" (John 9:39-41)
An athlete was blinded in a freak boxing accident. The doctors told him, "You'll never see again." The social workers said, "Learn braille, stay home, accept the fact that you will be dependent on others for the rest of your life." But, Morris Frank fought to regain his independence. The result was the development of "The Seeing Eye," the organization that trains Seeing-eye dogs for the blind.
When we acknowledge that we are poor, blind sinners and in need of Christ, we will see; but, if we claim we are full of light and have need of nothing, we shall remain blind.
772. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
An artist went to visit a dear friend. When he arrived, she was weeping. He asked why. She showed him a handkerchief of exquisite beauty that had great sentimental value, which had been ruined by a drop of indelible ink.
The artist asked her to let him have the handkerchief, which he returned to her by mail several days later. When she opened the package she could hardly believe her eyes. The artist, using the inkblot as a base, had drawn on the handkerchief a design of great beauty with India ink. Now it was more beautiful and more valuable than ever.
Sometimes the tragedies that break our hearts can become the basis for a more beautiful design in our lives. Be patient with the hurts over which you have no control. They may become a source of healing, help, and beauty. (From Thomas L. Butts)
773. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28) "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)
A Japanese soldier by the name of Shoichi Yokoi lived in a cave on the island of Guam to which he fled in 1944 when the tides of war began to change. Fearing for his life, he stayed hidden for twenty-eight years in the jungle cave, coming out only at night. During this self-imposed exile he lived on frogs, rats, snails, shrimp, nuts and mangoes. Even when he figured out the war was over, he was afraid to come out for fear he would be executed. Two hunters found him one day and escorted him to freedom. He was living all this time under the indictment of sins that had all been dealt with--but he simply had not appropriated the atonement that was available. (FromIllustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 36)
If only people today would appropriate the atonement provided in Christ! They could be freed from their sins, have salvation, and the hope of eternal life.
774. "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground.'" (Matt. 25:24-25)
One evening a woman was driving home when she noticed a huge truck behind her that was driving uncomfortably close. She stepped on the gas to gain some distance from the truck, but when she sped up the truck did too. The faster she drove, the faster drove the truck.
Now scared, she exited the freeway. But the truck stayed with her. The woman then turned up a main street, hoping to lose her pursuer in traffic. But the truck ran a red light and continued the chase. Reaching the point of panic, the woman whipped her car into a service station and bolted out of her auto screaming for help. The truck driver sprang from his truck and ran toward her car. Yanking the back door open, the driver pulled out a man hidden in the backseat.
The woman was running from the wrong person. From his high vantage point, the truck driver had spotted a would-be rapist in the woman's car. The chase was not his effort to harm her but to save her even at the cost of his own safety. (FromIllustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 37)
Likewise, many people run from God's commandments, under the pretense of fearing Him. However, true fear causes one not to run from God, but to humbly submit to His will.
775. "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Col. 4:6)
Recently, I read an interesting item in the newspaper that illustrates the importance of mental associations in making decisions. A high school in Virginia offered a course called "Home Economics for Boys." Needless to say, it got little attention. So, the following year it was renamed, "Bachelor Living." You guessed it! The effect was overwhelming -- 120 boys promptly signed up. The curriculum never changed. It still offered traditional instruction in cooking, sewing, laundry, and money management. But it needed the right image before the students would give the class a second look.
As we present Christ to the world, let's not forget that the message must never change, but the methods may vary. (FromBible Illustrator)
776. "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot, and blameless and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation..." (2 Pet. 3:14)
I wish I were:
honest enough to admit all my shortcomings,
brilliant enough to accept flattery without it making me arrogant,
tall enough to tower above deceit,
strong enough to treasure love,
brave enough to welcome criticism,
compassionate enough to understand human frailties,
wise enough to recognize my mistakes,
humble enough to appreciate greatness,
staunch enough to stand by my friends,
human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor,
and righteous enough to be devoted to the love of God.
(From Gordon H. Taggart)
777. "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. 3:7)
Dr. Willard Harley in his book entitled His Needs, Her Needs points out the priorities of the sexes in the order of importance:
A man desires:
1. Sexual fulfillment
2. Recreational companionship
3. An attractive spouse
4. Domestic support
5. Admiration of his wife
A woman desires:
1. Affection
2. Conversation
3. Honesty and Openness
4. Financial Support
5. Family Commitment
Both husband and wife should be thoughtful of the feelings, desires, and needs of the other. Eph. 5:33 says, "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
778. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6)
Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say;
Listen today, whatever you do
Or they won't be there to listen to you.
Listen to their problems, listen for their needs,
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smallest deeds;
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,
Find out what's the matter, find out what they're after.
But tell them that you love them, every single night
And though you scold them, be sure you hold them;
Tell them "Everything's all right;
Tomorrow's looking bright!"
Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say;
Listen today, whatever you do
And they will come back to listen to you.
(Author Unknown)
779. "...Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:7) "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)
In 1858 Scottish missionary John G. Paton and his wife sailed for the New Hebrides (now called Vanuatu). Three months after arriving on the island of Tanna, his wife died. One week later his infant son also died. Paton was plunged into sorrow. Feeling terribly alone, and surrounded by savage people who showed him no sympathy, he wrote, "Let those who have ever passed through any similar darkness as of midnight feel for me. As for all others, it would be more than vain to try to paint my sorrows. If it were not for Jesus, and His fellowship, I would have gone mad and died." (From Bible Illustrator)
Truly, no matter how deep our sorrow, we can find rest and peace in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
780. "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the Lord GOD, and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" (Ezek. 18:23)
"Alan Wiggins joined up with the Padres in 1979, and quickly became a star player. In his first season with the Padres he set the second-best record for base steals in baseball history. The next year he led his league in steals. But then Wiggins got involved in cocaine. Arrests and team suspensions followed, one right after the other. He got traded from team to team, his skill disappearing. He failed team drug tests. Eventually, nobody wanted him. He was no longer a star ballplayer, he was just a junkie. And then doctors discovered that Alan Wiggins had AIDS. In January 1991, just twelve years after the start of a promising career, thirty-two year old Alan Wiggins died." (From "They Dared Cocaine---And Lost," Reader's Digest, July, 1992, p. 55-61)
One can say of drugs what was said of alcohol in Prov. 23:32 "At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper." Let us, by all means, be wise enough to avoid both drugs and alcohol.
781. "...Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
One day a young man was being escorted through a coal mine. At the entrance of one of the dim passageways, he spied a beautiful white flower growing out of the black earth. He asked, "How can it blossom in such purity and radiance in this dirty mine?" His guide replied, "Throw some coal dust on it and see for yourself." When he did, he was surprised that the fine, sooty particles slid right off the snowy petals, leaving the plant just as lovely and unstained as before. Its surface was so smooth that the grit and grime could not adhere to it.
Just as the flower could not control its habitat, so we live in a world filled with evil. Nevertheless, by the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, it is possible for the Christian to be clean in a dirty place.
782. "Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
In Mexico and the tropical zones of South America a so-called "strangler" fig grows in abundance. The Spanish-speaking people refer to it as the "matapalo" which means "the tree killer." The fruit is not palatable except to cattle and the fowls of the air. After the birds eat it, they must clean their beaks of the sticky residue. They do this by rubbing them on nearby trees. The seeds of the small fig have a natural glue which makes them adhere to the branches. When the rainy season arrives, germination takes place. Soon tiny roots make their way down into the heart of the wood and begin to grow. Within a few years the once lovely palms have become entirely covered with the entangling vines of the parasitic growth. Unless the tree is set free through the removal of these "strangler" figs, it finally begins to wither, dropping one frond after another until it is completely lifeless. The only way to stop the killing process is for someone to take a sharp knife and cut away the invader. (From Bible Illustrator)
Far more tragic than a strangled palm tree is the Christian who has been choked with the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life.
783. "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." (Heb. 11:24-26)
On the top of a hill in a Midwestern state stands a courthouse so situated that raindrops falling on one side of the roof travel by way of the Great Lakes into the Atlantic, while drops landing on the opposite side find their way through the Ohio and Mississippi to the Gulf. Just a breath of wind one way or the other may determine whether a single raindrop will end up either in the Gulf or in the Atlantic. Even so, one single decision is enough to determine man's destiny, either heaven or hell. Have you made the right decision? (From Illustrations Unlimited by James S. Hewett, p. 153)
784. "And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:1-2)
The following notice was sent home with some high school students: "Our school's cross-graded, multi-ethnic, individualized learning program is designed to enhance the concept of an open-ended learning program on the continuum of multi-ethnic, academically enriched learning, using the identified intellectually-gifted child as the agent of his own learning." One parent sent back a note which read, "I have a college degree, speak two foreign languages and four Indian dialects--but I haven't the faintest idea what you are talking about."
Christian, how about your communication of the gospel? Is it so loaded with babblespeak that no one understands what you are saying? (From Illustrations Unlimited by James S. Hewett, p. 106)
785. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2)
In Booker T. Washington's autobiography, Up from Slavery, Mr. Washington recalled a beautiful incident of his older brother's love. He said the shirts worn on his plantation by the slaves were made of a rough, bristly, inexpensive flax fiber. As a young boy, the garment was so abrasive to his tender, sensitive skin that it caused him a great deal of pain and discomfort. His older brother, moved by his brother's suffering, would wear Booker's new shirts, until they were broken in and smoother to the touch. Booker said it was one of the most striking acts of kindness he had experienced among his fellow slaves.
As illustrated by the action of the older brother, let us fulfill the Lord's command to "bear one another's burdens."
786. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58)
Bishop Richard Wilke of Arkansas offers a frank diagnosis of the state of the United Methodist Church in his book Are We Yet Alive? He says, "Our sickness is more serious than we at first suspected. We are in trouble, you and I, and our United Methodist Church. We thought we were just drifting, like a sailboat on a dreamy day. Instead, we are wasting away like a leukemia victim when the blood transfusions no longer work. Once we were a Wesleyan revival, full of enthusiasm, fired by the Spirit running the race set before us like a sprinter trying to win the prize. Circuit riders raced over hill and valley. New churches were established in every hamlet. Our missionaries encircled the globe. Now we are tired, listless, fueled only by the nostalgia of former days, walking with a droop, eyes on the ground, discouraged, putting one foot ahead of the other like a tired old man who remembers, but who can no longer perform." (From Are We Yet Alive?By Richard Wilke, p. 9)
We add our observation regarding the United Methodist in general: not only have they died in their zeal, they have lost their love for truth. Let us not be wasting away like someone terminally ill, but with fervent love of truth continue to abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labors are certainly not in vain.
787. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." (1 Cor. 16:2)
One Sunday morning, the preacher encouraged the congregation to consider the potential of the church. He told them, "With God's help we can see the day when this church will go from crawling to walking." The people responded, "Let the church walk, preacher, let the church walk." He continued, "And when the church begins to walk, next the church can begin to run." The people shouted, "Let the church run, preacher, let the church run!" The preacher continued, "And finally the church can move from running to flying. Oh, the church can fly! But of course, that's going to take lots of money for that to happen!" The congregation grew quiet, and from the back, someone mumbled, "Let the church crawl, preacher, let the church crawl!"
Paul said, "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:6-7)
788. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen." (Matt. 28:18-20)
Coca-Cola seems to be everywhere. But how does it get there? This motto, posted in the company's headquarters, explains it: THINK GLOBALLY, BUT ACT LOCALLY.
The apostles were to teach the disciples to observe all that the Lord had commanded them; thus, we also are included in the great commission. Actually, the slogan THINK GLOBALLY, BUT ACT LOCALLY is a good one for us. We need to be concerned about foreign work, but our main focus should be on the local level. Let us make disciples of all nations, beginning at home.
789. "...And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." (Col. 3:10) "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18)
I had occasion recently to look into a biographical directory of Nobel Prize recipients. Among the information provided for each grantee was religious affiliation. For James Watson, discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecule, the paragraph said simply, "religion: probably Christian." As you move along on your faith journey through life, will people say about you, "Probably Christian"? Will they have to guess? Or will they know? (From Bible Illustrator)
A Christian is one who has been transformed into the image of Christ, and Christ did not go unnoticed as He lived in this world.
790. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16) "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)
THE LITTLE CHAP WHO FOLLOWS ME
A careful man I want to be,
A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray,
For fear he'll go the selfsame way.
I cannot once escape his eyes,
What'er he sees me do, he tries;
Like me he says he's going to be,
The little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every work of mine;
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.
I must remember as I go,
Through summer's sun and winter's snow;
I'm building for the years to be
That little chap who follows me.
(By Lee Fisher )
791. "...From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Eph. 4:16)
Do you know how many members of the Tate family belong to the church? There is brother Dic Tate who wants to run everything, while Uncle Ro Tate tries to change everything. Their sister Agi Tate stirs up plenty of trouble, with help from her husband, Irri Tate. Whenever new projects are suggested, Hesi Tate and his wife, Vege Tate, want to wait until next year. Then there is Aunt Imi Tate, who wants the church to be like all the others. Devas Tate provides the voice of doom, while Poten Tate wants to be a big shot. And, of course, there is the black sheep of the family, Ampu Tate, who has completely cut himself off from the church.
However, not all members of the Tate family are bad. Brother Facili Tate is quite helpful in church matters, and a delightful, happy member of the family is Mrs. Felici Tate. And, there is cousin Medi Tate who always thinks things over, and lends a helpful, steady hand. (Author Unknown)
Let us felicitate the cause of Christ rather than agitate it.
792. "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Eph. 4:25)
In Boston, a minister noticed a group of boys standing around a small stray dog. "What are you doing, boys?" "Telling lies," said one of the boys. "The one who tells the biggest lie gets the dog." The shocked minister said, "When I was your age, I never ever thought of telling a lie." The boys unhappily looked at each other and, finally, one of them shrugged his shoulders and said, "I guess he wins the dog!" (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 287)
Prov. 12:22 says, "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." Let us be painstakingly truthful at all times.
793. "Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, 'Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.' But He answered and said to them, 'An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.'" (Matt. 12:38-39)
Just as the generation in our Lord's time was seeking the wrong things, so it is today. The July issue of Focus on the Family Magazine, states that baby boomers expect 6 things in a church: "good music, social groups, big meeting rooms, a quality kitchen, ample parking, and clean restrooms."
Please notice that none of the things the baby boomers seek are things which God Himself requires. Instead of those things which please themselves, they should seek a church with the right name (Acts 11:26; Rom. 16:16), foundation (1 Cor. 3:11; Matt. 16:18), law (1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), membership (Acts 2:38,47; Gal. 3:26-27), organization (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Eph. 4:11), worship (Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19; Acts 20:7) discipline (Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:4-5; Rev. 2:14-16), and love toward one another (1 Pet. 1:22; Heb. 13:1; John 13:34-35). Truly, we, too, are living in an evil and perverse generation.
794. "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart..." (1 Pet. 1:22)
The neighborhood bar is possibly the best counterfeit to Christian fellowship. The bar is an imitation dispensing liquor instead of godliness, escape rather than reality. One can disclose his deepest secret in a bar, and others usually won't tell it or even want to. The bar flourishes, not because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart, the desire to know and be known, to love and be loved. And, so many people seek a counterfeit at the price of a few beers. (From Bible Illustrator)
795. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:6)
Many European towns still bear the marks of having been surrounded by walls in the Middle Ages. Streets near these old walls are curved and sometimes come to dead ends. A man stopped a stranger and asked him the way to reach a certain address. The stranger directed him but the enquirer was still a little dubious. "Is that the best way?" he asked. The stranger quickly answered, "It is the only way. If you follow the other turning it will bring you back here."
That is a great illustration of the way to God through Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. Someone might ask, "Is that the best way?" The only answer is the truth: "It is the only way" (John 14:6). Any other turning will take you, not back to where you are, but off into outer darkness of separation from God. (From Bible Truths Illustrated, by Donald Grey Barnhouse, p. 22)
796. "And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!'" (Luke 24:4-6)
About 1930, the Communist leader, Bukharin, journeyed from Moscow to Kiev. His mission was to address a huge assembly. His subject: "Atheism." For a solid hour he aimed his heavy artillery at Christianity, hurling argument and ridicule. At last he was finished and viewed what seemed to be the smoldering ashes of men's faith. "Are there any questions?" Bukharin demanded. A solitary man arose and asked permission to speak. He mounted the platform and moved close to the Communist. The audience was breathlessly silent as the man surveyed them first to the right, then to the left. At last he shouted the ancient Orthodox greeting, "CHRIST IS RISEN!" The vast assembly arose as one man and the response came crashing like the sound of an avalanche, "HE IS RISEN INDEED!" (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 167)
797. "You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin..." (Lev. 19:35-36)
Once, I was in a store when a farmer came in to get some plow-points. He had just moved into the settlement, and it was the first or second time he had been to town. He came into the store and asked the proprietor, "Are these plow-points tempered enough?" "No," said he, "I think no; I tried some of them and they are soft."
When the farmer had gone out I said to the proprietor, "Why didn't you tell that man that the plow-points were well-tempered and hard, and would do the work he required of them? Why, you told him the naked truth and missed a sale; you're a strange man." But, as long as I stayed in that community, that man had a customer who would spend his last dollar with him. (From Famous Stories of Sam Jones, by George R. Stewart, p. 101)
798. "Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" (1 Cor. 15:12)
A workman of the great chemist Michael Faraday accidentally knocked a silver cup into a solution of acid. It was promptly dissolved, eaten up by the acid. The workman was terribly disturbed by the accident. The chemist came in and put a chemical into the jar, and shortly all the silver was precipitated to the bottom. The shapeless mass was lifted out and sent to the silversmith, and the cup was restored to its original shape. If a human genius can do a thing like this, why should we doubt that God can raise the dead? (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 166)
799. "And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably? Says the LORD of hosts." (Mal. 1:8)
One day while walking with some children, Queen Mary was caught in a sudden shower. Quickly taking shelter on the porch of a home, she knocked at the door and asked to borrow an umbrella. "I'll send it back tomorrow," she said. The queen had deliberately disguised her appearance by putting on a hat that partly covered her face and by wearing some very plain clothes. The householder, reluctant to give a stranger her best umbrella, offered her a castoff she found in the attic. One rib was broken and there were several holes in it. Apologizing, she turned it over to the monarch, whom she did not recognize. The next day she had another visitor -- a man with gold braid on his uniform and an envelope in his hand. "The queen sent me with this letter," he said, "and also asked me to thank you personally for the loan of your umbrella." Stunned, the woman burst into tears. "Oh, what an opportunity I missed that I did not give her my very best," she cried.
Many, I fear, will have to make the same confession when they face the Lord at the end of life's road. (From Bible Illustrator)
800. "No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; they conceive evil and bring forth iniquity." (Isa. 59:4)
A client went to his attorney and said, "I am going into a business deal with a man I do not trust. I want you to frame an airtight contract that he can't break and will protect me from any sort of mischief he may have on his mind." The attorney replied, "Listen, my friend. There is no group of words in the English language that will take the place of plain honesty between men which will fully protect either of you if you plan to deceive each other." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 288)
Psalm 62:4, speaking of evil men, says, "They delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly." Eph. 4:25 says, "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another."