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801. "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all." (1 Thess. 5:14)
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these. (From George Washington Carver, American Botanist - 1864-1943)
802. "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Gal. 5:14)
An incident is told about two soldiers who had recently been released from a prison camp in Siberia following World War II. "We did our best," said an officer, "to repatriate the men as fast as possible, but many were still there when winter threatened to close up the port." Only a limited number could board the last small boat. Among those waiting to be transported were two who had been chums all through the war. One of them was selected, but the other seemed doomed to remain behind. An order was given that those who were leaving could take only one important item of luggage. The heart of the man who was chosen went out to his buddy, so he emptied his dufflebag of its prized souvenirs and his personal belongings and told his companion to get into the canvas sack. Then carefully lifting the bag on his shoulders, he boarded the ship with his friend as his single, most precious possession. This man truly loved his neighbor as himself. (From Bible Illustrator)
803. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10) "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." (Luke 6:35)
Rules for Christian Living:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever...
You can!
(By John Wesley)
804. "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Cor. 9:16)
I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do,
By the grace of God
I shall do!
(By Edward Evrett Hale)
James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."
805. "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2)
The steamship "Central America," on a voyage from New York to San Francisco, sprung a leak in mid-ocean. A vessel seeing her signal of distress bore down toward her. Perceiving the danger to be imminent, the captain of the rescue ship spoke to the "Central America," "What is amiss?" "We are in bad repair and are going down; lie by till morning;" was the answer. "Let me take your passengers on board now." But as it was night, the commander of the "Central America" did not like to send his passengers away lest some might be lost, and thinking that they could keep afloat awhile longer replied: "Lie by till morning." Once again the Captain of the rescue ship called, "you had better let me take them now." "Lie by till morning," was sounded back through the trumpet. About an hour and a half later her lights were missed and, though no sound was heard, the "Central America" had gone down and all on board perished because it was thought they could be saved better at another time. (From Pulpit Treasury)
Let us not put off or procrastinate, but render full service to God now while we have time and opportunity. "Now" is the accepted time!
806. "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)
Doubled over and choking, they staggered to hospitals by the thousands, crying for help and refuge from a colorless cloud of gas that turned Bhopal, India into a tomb on a terrible December day in 1984. "We have been working nonstop to treat the people and still they are coming," said one volunteer who tried to help doctors and nurses cope with streams of injured at five jammed hospitals. Several thousand died in the accident at the Union Carbide plant, many never fully aware of what hit them.
No enemy is harder to fight than an invisible one. Believers also face an unseen adversary, who leads the forces arrayed against us in spiritual conflict. Let us be diligent to watch and pray. (FromBible Illustrator)
807. "Therefore He said: 'A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'" (Luke 19:12-13) "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Pet. 4:10)
One of Ripley's "Believe It or Not" items pictures a plain bar of iron worth $5. The same bar of iron if made into horse shoes would be worth $50. If it were made into needles, it would be worth $5,000. If it were made into balance springs for fine Swiss watches, it would be worth $500,000. The raw material is not as important as how it's developed.
God has given each of us various talents, and their worth to Him is dependent on how we develop them.
808. "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)
Author Thomas Carlyle tells how, when he was a boy, a beggar came to the door. His parents were out and he was alone in the house. On a boyish impulse, he broke into his own savings bank and gave the beggar all that was in it, and he tells us that never before, or since, did he know such sheer happiness as came to him in that moment. (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 240)
Indeed, there is joy in giving, knowing that God appreciates the one who gives willingly and cheerfully.
809. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:27-28)
Charles F. Kettering, the noted scientist and inventor, believed the easiest way to overcome defeat was to ignore completely the possibility of failure. Once he was developing this theme in an address delivered at Denison University, Granville, Ohio. He told how he had once given a tough assignment to a young research worker at the General Motors laboratory. Just to see how he would react to a difficult problem, Mr. Kettering forbade him to examine notes on the subject that were filed in the library. These notes were written by expert research men and contained statistics to prove that the assignment was impossible. The young research worker did not know this, of course, so he went to work with confidence that he would succeed. He did succeed, too. He didn't know it couldn't be done--so he did it. (From Good Business)
If we ignore the teachings of men, and confidently follow Jesus Christ, we will succeed in obtaining eternal life.
810. "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life..." (John 6:27) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)
In 1933 Albert Einstein visited Dr. Geno Gutenberg, the senior seismologist at the California Institute of Technology. Einstein was greatly interested in the science of earthquakes and asked many questions as they strolled around the campus. Suddenly an excited professor broke in on their conversation. They looked around to see people rushing from nearby buildings and the earth quaking under their feet.
Gutenberg later confessed that they had become so involved in talking about the science of earth movements that they failed to notice the famous Los Angeles earthquake taking place around them. (From The Scientist)
Let us not be so engrossed in the affairs of this life, that we overlook the truly important things.
811. "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." (Psalm 139:14-15)
The body's entire structure, from head to foot, is a miracle of precision engineering and production. No matter what portion of the human body is considered, one cannot but be impressed with what a marvelous mechanism each member is. The major organs alone--and there are 10 of them--perform such unique feats of electric conduction that it would take a big book to explain each one adequately. In the fraction of a second that it takes you to read one word on this page, the marrow in your bones produces over 100,000 red blood cells. (From Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations)
Truly, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by an awesome Creator. To say that it all just happened by chance is sheer nonsense.
812. "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (Jude 1:22-23)
On a freezing winter day in December 1987 three children were playing on the icy surface of a Vermont pond when the ice gave way under their combined weight. The two girls pulled themselves out, but four-year-old Zeke flailed helplessly in the water, clinging to a broken chunk of ice. Suddenly, their 80-pound dog let out a series of barks and plunged into the frigid water. She snagged Zeke's coat securely in her teeth and pulled the terrified youngster to safety. (FromBible Illustrator)
When a fellow soldier is down on the battlefield, let us plunge in and pull him to safety.
813. "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits." (Gen. 6:14-15)
A pious shipbuilder in Holland, by the name of Peter Jansen, reasoned that if God had designed the ark, it should be the ideal plan. So he built a ship on the plan of Noah's ark, not as large but of the same proportions. Though it was ridiculed while it was under construction, it was found after launching that it would carry one-third more freight, would sail faster, and was much safer than the old type. And, today, with but little variation modern ships are built on the general plan of Noah's ark. (From Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations)
814. "For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand." (2 Cor. 1:13)
An interesting story is told of how the familiar words "It floats" came to be used as the advertisement for a certain popular soap. Years ago, when the product was ready to be put on the market, the advertising Manager asked for a phrase or sentence that would describe the soap and differentiate it from any other.
One of the clerks in the manager's office submitted the following: "The alkaline elements and vegetable fats in this product are blended in such a way as to secure the highest quality of saponification alone, with a specific gravity that keeps it on top of the water, relieving the bather of the trouble and annoyance of fishing around for it in the bottom during his ablutions."
The advertising manager blue-penciled this and substituted the two words, "It floats."
As we teach the gospel to others, let us do our best in making the message clear and plain.
815. "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." (Prov. 3:7-8)
The first Europeans arriving in America introduced the Native Americans to liquor, which they called "firewater." The Native Americans introduced tobacco, which they had only used sparingly, to the white men. The Native Americans developed a fondness for "firewater" which persists to this day, and there is a high incidence of liver ailments among them. The white men developed tobacco into a great industry and now lung cancer, virtually unknown among Native Americans, takes thousands of lives each year among smokers.
Let us be wise and abstain from all appearance of evil.
816. "Then I said, 'I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.' But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not." (Jer. 20:9)
William Lloyd Garrison, who wrote the anti-slavery paper called the Abolitionist and was probably the leader in that cause, was so hot to get rid of the slavery cancer upon our society that he angered many, many people. One of his friends, Samuel May, said one day to him, and I quote, "Oh, my friend, do try to moderate your indignation and keep more cool, why you're all on fire." To which Garrison replied, "My friend, I have need to be all on fire for I have mountains of ice around me to melt." (From John Maxwell)
May God's word be as a burning fire in our hearts so that we can melt the mountains of ice around us!
817. "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire." (Matt. 5:21-22) "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." (1 John 3:15)
It is said that a rattlesnake, if cornered, will sometimes become so upset that it will bite itself. That is exactly what the harboring of hate and resentment against others is - a biting of oneself. We think that we are harming others in holding these grudges and hates, but the deeper harm is to ourselves. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 180)
818. "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." (Eph. 5:33)
THINGS NOT TO SAY TO YOUR SPOUSE:
"I told you so."
"I can do whatever I like."
"You're just like your mother."
"If you don't like it, you can just leave."
"You're always in a bad mood."
"Can't you do anything right?"
"You just don't think."
"That was stupid."
"It's your fault."
"All you ever do is think of yourself."
"What wrong with you?"
"If you really loved me, you'd do this."
"All you ever do is complain."
"You're such a baby."
"I can't do anything to please you."
"Turnabout's fair play."
"You get what you deserve."
"Why don't you ever listen to me?"
"What's your problem?"
"Can't you be more responsible?"
"I can never understand you."
"What were you thinking?"
"Do you always have to be right?"
"You're impossible!"
"I don't know why I put up with you."
"You deserve a dose of your own medicine."
(From Lists to Live By, by Alice Gray, Steve Stephens, and John Van Deist, p. 124)
819. "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." (Eph. 5:33)
THINGS TO SAY TO YOUR SPOUSE:
"I love you."
"I was wrong."
"Good job!"
"What would you like?"
"You are wonderful."
"What is on your mind?"
"That was really great."
"Let me just listen."
"You are special."
"I missed you today."
"What can I do to help?"
"I couldn't get you off my mind today."
"I appreciate all the things you've done for me all these years."
"Pray for me."
"I'm praying for you today."
"As always, you look good today."
"Thank you for loving me."
"I trust you."
"I can always count on you."
"Thank you for accepting me."
"You make me feel good."
"You make my day brighter."
"I prize every moment we spend together."
"I'm sorry."
"I love to see your eyes sparkle when you smile."
(From Lists to Live By, by Alice Gray, Steve Stephens, and John Van Deist, p. 125)
820. "The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." (Prov. 20:7)
My father, W. Atlee Burpee, founder of the famous seed company, in 1914, planned to picture Matchless Tomato, at that time his favorite, on the front cover of his seed catalogue. When he saw the printer's proof, my father said, "Matchless never grows that large." We had 40 acres of Matchless growing at Fordhook, and father offered $5 to anyone who could show him a tomato as large as the picture. Work stopped at Fordhook while hundreds of tomatoes were brought in. None was big enough to pass the test. So father had an acknowledgment of his mistake printed on a colored slip and inserted in every catalogue. However, gardeners everywhere took up the challenge. That summer tomatoes were shipped to Father's home from all parts of the country with letters from customers bragging that they had grown Matchless as large as the picture on the catalogue's cover. (From David Burpee)
Paul said, "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." (2 Cor. 8:21)
821. "...Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Eph. 5:20)
We Thank Thee Lord
We thank Thee, Lord, for all the good we have had this year;
For raiment, shelter, and for food, for all the friends so dear.
We praise Thee for Thy Only Son, who died to set us free.
We praise Thee for the victories won, and for the light we see.
We praise Thee for the peace and rest that fills our very heart;
For blessing us with all the best that heaven can impart.
We thank Thee for Thy precious Word that feeds our hungry soul.
We thank and praise Thee, Blessed Lord, who keep us well and whole.
(Author Unknown)
822. "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies." (2 Thess. 3:10-11)
You can't maintain a civilization with 12-year-olds having babies, and 15-year-olds killing each other, and 17-year-olds dying of AIDS, and 18-year-olds getting diplomas they can't read. The welfare state has just plain failed, and it's failed because it reduces human beings from citizens to clients, because it subjects them to rules that are anti-family, anti-work, anti-property and anti-opportunity. The challenge of our generation is to replace the welfare state. (From Newt Gingrich, November 10, 1993, news conference, Wallstreet Journal, 12-17-93, p. A14)
Paul said, "...That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." (1 Thess. 4:11)
823. "Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, they have turned away backward." (Isa. 1:4)
"If someone on American television in 1959 claimed to have had a vision stating: In the next thirty years we will have murdered twenty-five million children in ways too barbaric to describe (abortion). Sodomites will be parading in the streets. Politicians will be proclaiming gay pride week. Your tax money will be going to fund blasphemy and homosexual pornography. It will be illegal for a public schoolteacher to recite the Lord's prayer or read Psalm 23 in her classroom, but that same teacher will be able to tell your child where to get a condom or an abortion without your consent or knowledge; that there would be a drug crisis, that we would have mass crime going on in our country. Who would have believed it? Nobody." (From By Divine Design, by Tana Key, p. 90)
Certainly, the morals of this country have been on a rapid decline in the last several years. Isaiah continued by exhorting the people: "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the LORD, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'" (Isa. 1:16-18)
824. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age..." (Titus 2:11-12)
An infidel who was a soap manufacturer once said to a preacher, "That Bible you preach from is a failure in the world, because look at all the sinful people." Just at that time a little boy with a dirty face crossed the sidewalk in front of them and the preacher said, "The soap that you make is a failure; look at all the dirty people in the world." The manufacturer said, "That is not the fault of the soap; the trouble is that they haven't used it." The preacher replied, "Now you have the point. There are many sinful people in the world, but it is not the fault of the Bible; they haven't used it."
Ezekiel said, "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?" (Ezek. 18:31) James said, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive withmeekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21)
825. "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
The King of Abyssinia once took a British subject named Cameron prisoner and incarcerated him in the high fortress of Magdala. No cause was assigned for his confinement. When Great Britain found out, she demanded an immediate release for her citizen. King Theodore refused.
Within ten days after the refusal was received, ten thousand British soldiers were sailing down the coast headed for Magdala. Then marching across an unfriendly country for seven hundred miles, they went up the mountains to where the prisoner was being held. They gave battle, tearing the gates of the fortress down and reached the depths of the dungeon. They lifted that one British subject out, placed him on their shoulders and carried him down the mountains to the coast where a big ocean vessel soon sped him safely home.
That expedition took several months and cost the English government twenty-five million dollars. The entire resources of the government were made available in the rescue of only one citizen. (From Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, by Paul Lee Tan)
Every child of God has manifold privileges and blessings in the kingdom of Christ. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matt. 11:11)
826. "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Luke 12:40)
Many years ago Orson Wells produced a radio drama of an imaginary attack from outer space. A student at Campbell College in North Carolina turned on his radio midway through the broadcast and did not realize he was hearing a fictitious report. When the announcer vividly described fire falling upon the earth, the student recalled some sermons from his boyhood years and concluded that the end of the world had come. He grabbed the telephone and called home, saying: "Mama, Mama, have you got your radio on? The fire is falling, the end of the world is coming, and I'm not ready to meet God!"
The next morning he was the object of jokes and teasing around the campus. However, in the chapel service a godly Bible teacher took the podium and said, "I understand that one of the boys got a lot of ribbing because he got scared listening to the radio program last night. But, young men and women, what if it had truly been the end of the world last night -- would you be ready?" (From Bible Illustrator)
827. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil. 2:3-4)
A farmer was out plowing his field one spring morning. The spring thaw had just occurred and there were many muddy valleys in the field. Through one particularly wet place his tractor became stuck in the mud. The harder he tried, the deeper he became stuck. Finally, he walked over to his neighbor's to ask for help. The neighbor came over and looked at the situation. He shook his head, and then said, "It doesn't look good, but I tell you what. I'll give it a try pulling you out. But if we don't get it out, I'll come sit in the mud with ya!"
Although we may not all be farmers, we do experience getting "stuck in the mud" from time to time. And chances are we probably know someone who is stuck right now. Have you tried "mud-sitting" with a friend? It may be the best thing you can do! (From Bible Illustrator)
Paul said, "...With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love..." (Eph. 4:1-2)
828. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." (Gal. 6:7)
John Smith was a loyal carpenter, working for a very successful building contractor who called him into his office one day and said, "John, I'm putting you in charge of the next house we build. I want you to order all the materials and oversee the whole job from the ground up."
John accepted the assignment with great enthusiasm and excitement. For ten days before ground was broken at the building site, John studied the blueprints. He checked every measurement, every specification. Suddenly he had a thought. "If I am really in charge," he said to himself, "why couldn't I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my pocket? Who would know the difference? Once the house is painted, it will look just great."
So, John set about his scheme. He ordered second-grade lumber, but his reports indicated that it was top-grade. He ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation, put in cheap wiring, and cut every corner he could, yet he reported the purchase of much better materials. When the home was completed and fully painted, he asked the contractor to come and see it.
"John," said the contractor, "what a magnificent job you have done! You have been such a good and faithful carpenter all these years that I have decided to show my gratitude by giving you this house you have built, as a gift!" (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 288-289)
829. "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." (2 Thess. 3:5)
Rufus Jones lost a son of eleven years who was all the world to him. He wrote many years later about the experience, concluding with this story of how his own heart was opened to God's love: "When my sorrow was at its most acute, I was walking along a highway, when suddenly I saw a little child come out of a gate, which swung to and fastened behind her. She wanted to go to her home behind the gate, but it would not open. She pounded in vain with her little fist. She rattled the gate. Then she wailed as though her heart would break. The cry brought the mother. She caught the child in her arms and kissed away the tears. 'Didn't you know I would come? It's all right now.' All of a sudden I saw in my spirit that there was love behind my shut gate." (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p. 17)
When we find ourselves behind a shut gate, we need to remember the love of God. It is a love that can lead us through the gate to be at home with all the children of God.
830. "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)
Here are some of the untold statistics and facts that have to do with legalized abortion. In China, a country where government policy was one child to a family, people were opting for boys both to carry on the family name and so someone could help do the harder chores, especially on the farms. Families used abortion to be sure their one child would be a son. And now, the inevitable result. Many of those boys will be bachelors because just in the age group of 0-19, there are 14,000,000 more boys than girls. Of every 100 unmarried adult Chinese, 93 are men. The trend shows no signs of reversing. (From Associated Press)
The Greek word "brephos" is used in Luke 1:41 to refer to the unborn child, and is the same word translated "babies" in Luke 18:15 where it states, "they were bringing even the babies to him." Thus, unborn children and babies were considered the same in the New Testament.
831. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." (2 Cor. 11:13-15)
A group of students at Harvard once tried to fool Agassiz, the famous professor of zoology. They took parts from a number of different bugs and with great skill attached them together to make a creature they were sure would baffle their teacher. On the chosen day they brought it to him and asked that he identify it. As he inspected it with great care, the students grew more and more sure they had tricked this genius. Finally, Professor Agassiz straightened up and said, "I have identified it." Scarcely able to control their amusement, they asked its name. Agassiz replied, "It is a humbug." (From Bible Illustrator)
A person who knows the truth will be able to detect a counterfeit when it presents itself.
832. "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
John McDonald is the author of seventy best-selling novels, including twenty about the "Salvage" expert, Travis McGee. McDonald was recently interviewed in USA Today by George Vasallo. One of the questions that was put to him was: "What was the best piece of advice you were ever given?" His answer is a colorful illustration of the power of demonstration, or example over mere theorizing. His answer was: "Don't tell 'em, show 'em." Bad version: "Fred was a man with a very bad case of body odor." Better version: "As Fred came walking down the country road, a herd of goats looked at him in consternation, then all ran off into a field gagging and coughing."
Let us not only preach the word, but show people what it means to live the Christian life.
833. "...The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:3-5)
Counsel from a mother to her daughter on how to live with joy:
Mend a quarrel.
Search out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter to someone who misses you.
Encourage a youth who has lost faith.
Keep a promise.
Forget an old grudge.
Examine your demands on others and vow to reduce them.
Fight for a principle.
Express your gratitude.
Overcome an old fear.
Take two minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Tell someone you love them. Tell them again, and again, and again!
(Author Unknown)
834. "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
In the children's fantasy Alice In Wonderland, Alice came to a junction in the road which led in different directions, and asked the Cheshire Cat for advice. Alice said, "Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?" The cat said, "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." "I don't much care where," said Alice. "Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat.
That cat had it right! If we don't know where we want to go, any fork in the road will do. Making the wrong choice in a children's story may only lead to adventure, but in real life it can lead to disaster. Moses said to the children of Israel, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live..." (Deut. 30:19)
835. "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)
A young man who wanted to become a lawyer wrote to Abraham Lincoln, asking where and with whom he should read books. Mr. Lincoln replied: "My dearest Sir: I have just reached home and found your letter. If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already. It is but a small matter whether you read with anybody or not. I did not read with anyone. Get the books and read and study them till you understand them in their principal features, and that is the main thing. It is of no consequence to be in a large town while you are reading. I read at New Salem, which never had three hundred people living in it. The books, and your capacity for understanding them, are just the same in all places. Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." (From Abraham Lincoln)
Let us individually read and study the word of God so that we can understand it in its principal features, and let us resolutely determine to obtain the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
836. "...That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:4-5) "Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully." (1 Tim. 5:14)
Too many times women are made to feel that they should apologize for being mothers and housewives. In reality, such roles are very noble callings. When I was on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, there were gatherings from time to time to which faculty members brought their spouses. Inevitably, some woman lawyer or sociologist would confront my wife with the question, "And what is it that you do, my dear?" My wife, who is one of the most brilliantly articulate individuals I know, had a great response: "I am socializing two homo sapiens in the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the teleologically prescribed utopia inherent in the eschaton." When she followed that with, "And what is it that you do?" the other person's "A lawyer" just wasn't that overpowering. (From Anthony Campolo)
837. "But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word." (Isa. 66:2)
I felt like a fraud, so I learned to fly an airplane. At 50,000 feet I thought, "A fraud is flying an airplane." So, I crossed the Atlantic in a rowboat. I docked at Cherbourg. And I thought, "A fraud has crossed the Atlantic in a rowboat." So, I took a space shot to the moon. On the way home I thought, "A fraud has circled the moon." So, I took a full page ad in the newspaper and confessed to the world that I was a fraud. I read the ad and thought, "A fraud is pretending to he honest." (By Jules Feiffer)
At times we all are frauds and hypocrites. Only those with humble and contrite hearts are pleasing to God.
838. "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)
Several years ago, a man was driving through a mining region when he noticed a large number of mules in an open field. When he inquired about this unusual sight, he was told that the work animals had been brought up from the dark passages below to preserve their eyesight. Unless they were regularly exposed to the sunlight, they would eventually go blind. (From Bible Illustrator)
The Christian needs similar exposure to the light to keep him from losing his spiritual vision. He needs to keep his eyes clearly focused on the true light, the light of the world.
839. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord." (Eph. 5:8-10)
The blacker the night, the greater the need for a light bulb. If the bulb does not shine, it's not because of the darkness. Darkness cannot put out a light. If the darkness increases until it is black as a cave, it is still not dark enough to extinguish a light. No one has yet smothered a light by increasing the darkness. Darkness gets darker because the light fails. When we fail to reflect Christ's light, we let the darkness win. (From What Jesus Said About Successful Living, by Haddon Robinson, p. 101)
Phil. 2:14-16 says, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life..."
840. "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" (Matt. 22:13)
Some years ago my family visited a cave in the state of Kentucky. The guide led us through many beautiful and winding subterranean passageways. Suddenly, he turned off all the lights and said, "I'm the only one who knows how to get back to the entrance. If I left you here, you'd probably never find your way out. Anyone lost in this cave would no doubt become insane within a week from the oppressive loneliness. Be quiet for a moment and feel the darkness!""
I remember my youngster clutching my arm. After about 30 seconds, someone in the party could endure it no longer and cried out, "Turn on the lights! I'm going crazy now!" The guide laughed, but we'll not soon forget that frightening experience. I thought of the "outer darkness" of Hell and shuddered! (Author Unknown)
841. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col. 3:16)
On November 15, 1843, Alexander Campbell rose to speak in a debate with N.L. Rice, a Presbyterian scholar. Campbell expressed the following: "Had the Messiah, in giving the commission, said, 'Travel into all nations and preach the gospel,' then, this word being generic, his apostles could have obeyed the precept by walking, riding, sailing, or any other mode of traveling. But had he said, 'Walk through all the world,' etc., he could not have been obeyed by riding." (Campbell Rice Debate, Old Paths Book Club, page 99).
Applying this thought to the music question, had the Lord said, "Make music with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs," the words, being generic, we could obey the precept by playing, whistling, and any other imaginable way to "make music." But since he said "sing," we could not obey the requirement by playing various kinds of musical instruments. (From Dudley Ross Spears)
842. "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the LORD..." (Psalm 15:1-4)
"Cannibalism is dying out among barbarous tribes, but it still survives among the most highly civilized peoples. If you wish to serve up somebody's character at a social entertainment or pick the bones of somebody's reputation in a quiet corner, you'll find ready guests and almost incredible appetites." (From Henry van Dyke)
It is sad that Christians are often among those ready guests with incredible appetites. James 4:11-12 says, "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"
843. "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." (Psalm 14:1) "Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him." (Prov. 27:22)
An atheist will try to make proselytes even to a system as fatherless, so forlorn, and so gloomy as his. And, he will try it on the same principle that causes children to cry at night for a bedfellow - he is afraid to be alone in the darkness. (FromEncyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, by David F. Burgess, p. 20)
844. "Surely you have instructed many, and you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees; but now it comes upon you, and you are weary; it touches you, and you are troubled." (Job 4:3-5)
In 1835 a man visited a doctor in Florence, Italy. He was filled with anxiety and exhausted from lack of sleep. He couldn't eat, and he avoided his friends. The doctor examined him and found that he was in prime physical condition. Concluding that his patient needed to have a good time, the physician told him about a circus in town and its star performer, a clown named Grimaldi. Night after night he had the people rolling in the aisles. "You must go and see him," the doctor advised. "Grimaldi is the world's funniest clown. He'll make you laugh and cure your sadness." "No," replied the despairing man, "he can't help me. You see, I am Grimaldi!" (From Bible Illustrator)
Let us continue to be an encouragement to those about us, even when we ourselves may be in need of encouragement.
845. "Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, they have turned away backward." (Isa. 1:4)
School teachers were asked in 1940 to describe the top disciplinary problems faced in the classroom. They listed: talking, chewing gum, making noise, running in the halls, wearing improper clothing, and not putting wastepaper in the wastebasket. The top disciplinary problems faced by teachers today are: rape, robbery, assault, burglary, arson, bombings, and murder. (From James Dobson's Magazine, Focus on the Family)
The morals in this country are in a rapid decline and, if not improved, the end can only be disaster.
846. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Heb. 11:13)
In 1927 there was a lady by the name of Lillie Allen who lived in the eastern part of the USA. Lillie became homesick for her native Russia and desired to go home. She worked very hard and saved up $100, not near enough to buy a ship ticket home. But, not wanting to take handouts from friends, she began to walk westward. She walked across the US and up through Canada into Alaska. She arrived on the extreme west coast of Alaska in 1929, two years after starting. She bought a small skiff or boat and began to row across the Bering Strait, 36 miles of treacherous water, to Siberia, Russia. Upon arriving in Siberia she was only about half way to her home. In 1932, 5 years after starting her journey, she arrived home. Why did she go to such great extent and through such torturous suffering? There is only one answer. SHE WANTED TO GO HOME! How about you? (From Jim Sasser)
847. "...Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.'" (1 Pet. 1:23-25)
Voltaire, the 18th-century French atheist who was one of the greatest writers of his time, wielded a bitter pen against Christianity. In a moment of triumph he once boasted, "In twenty years Christianity will be no more. My single hand shall destroy the edifice it took twelve apostles to rear." But Voltaire's arrogance was swallowed up in his death. He died, in his own words, "abandoned by God and man." Shortly after his death, the very house in which Voltaire wrote was made a depot of the Geneva Bible Society! (From Why I Preach the Bible is Literally True, by W.A. Criswell, p. 103-104)
All the critics and assailants of the Bible will decay into dust, but the Word of God will stand forever. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matt. 24:35)
848. "Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body! For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away." (Psalm 31:9-10)
I was reading recently about a young lawyer who descended into the valley of despondency. Things were going so poorly for him that his friends thought it best to keep all knives and razors away from him for fear of a suicide attempt. In fact, during this time he wrote in his memoirs, "I am now the most miserable man living. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I fear I shall not." The young lawyer who unleashed these desperate feelings of utter hopelessness? His name was Abraham Lincoln. (From Bible Illustrator)
The Psalmist went on to say, "For I said in my haste, 'I am cut off from before Your eyes'; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You...Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:22,24)
849. "Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'" (John 8:34-36)
In 1776 Thomas Paine, American Revolution patriot and writer, wrote about the price of freedom: "What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; 'tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated."
The greatest freedoms of all are those found in Christ Jesus. Gal. 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
850. "And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9)
"Countless people think that the immaculate conception refers to Christ's having been born of a virgin. It does not. The immaculate conception is the dogma that holds that Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception in the womb of her mother. This dogma did not become official until 1854 under Pope Pius IX, although it had been argued since the twelfth century." (From The Dictionary of Misinformation, by Tom Burnam, p. 132)
There is absolutely nothing in the word of God that even remotely reveals the immaculate conception of Mary. It has come solely and entirely from man's own imagination. Col. 2:8 says, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
851. "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matt. 22:11-14)
An analysis of the dust from the trousers of suspected counterfeiters disclosed that clothes can betray guilt. Particles of certain metals and chemicals used in this irregular way of making money convicted them. It makes no difference how you are dressed as you approach the Lord God of judgment. Your clothes will betray you; you will be cast forth as was the wedding guest who appeared without the proper wedding garment. The only way to approach the God of all holiness is to be clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ that will stand the analysis of the light of God. Those thus clad will be seen as "faultless to stand before the throne." (From Let Me Illustrate, by Donald Grey Barnhouse, p. 16)
852. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:14-16)
At age twelve, Robert Louis Stevenson was looking out into the dark from his upstairs window, watching a man light the streetlamps. Stevenson's governess came into the room and asked what he was doing. He replied, "I am watching a man cut holes in the darkness." I see this as a marvelous picture of what our task should be as sharers of God's light - people who are busy cutting holes in the spiritual darkness of our world. (From Illustrations Unlimited, by James S. Hewett, p178-179)
Paul said, "...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. 2:15-16)
853. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them
diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by
the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (Deut. 6:6-7)
British poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge once had a discussion with a man who firmly believed that children should not be given formal religious instruction, but should be free to choose their own religious faith when they reached maturity. Coleridge later invited the man into his somewhat neglected garden. "Do you call this a garden?" the visitor exclaimed. "There are nothing but weeds here!" "Well, you see," Coleridge replied, "I did not wish to infringe upon the liberty of the garden in any way. I was just giving the garden a chance to express itself." Obviously, Coleridge's guest believed any religion would do just fine. Millions of people today would agree with him. Sadly, the product of such thinking is spiritual "weeds." (From Bible Illustrator)
Eph. 6:4 says, "Father do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (NASV)
854. "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Eph. 5:15-16)
Just a tiny little minute
Only sixty seconds in it
Forced upon me. Can't refuse it.
Didn't seek it. Didn't choose it.
I must suffer if I loose it,
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.
(Author Unknown)
Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." The writer of Ecclesiastes said, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going."
855. "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever." (1 Chron. 28:9)
A certain farmhouse is situated on the slope of a hill. From its windows the owner has a complete view of every nook of the extensive farm. No laborer knows but that at any given moment the master's eye may be upon him. So it is with us. Our great Master commands a view, not only of our outward actions, but of the very thoughts of our hearts. And not only so: we know that our Master is constantly watching us, not to blame merely, but to prompt, to help, to encourage us. What an incentive to diligence! (From J.H. Vincent)
Heb. 4:13 says, And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
856. "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2)
An incident from the American Revolution illustrates what tragedy can result from procrastination. It is reported that Colonel Rahl, commander of the British troops at Trenton, New Jersey, was playing cards when a courier brought an urgent message stating that General George Washington was crossing the Delaware River. Rahl put the letter in his pocket and didn't bother to read it until the game finished. Then, realizing the seriousness of the situation, he hurriedly tried to rally his men to meet the coming attack, but his procrastination was his undoing. He and many of his men were killed, and the rest of the regiment were captured. Nolbert Quayle said, "Only a few minutes' delay cost him his life, his honor, and the liberty of his soldiers. Earth's history is strewn with the wrecks of half-finished plans and unexecuted resolutions. 'Tomorrow' is the excuse of the lazy and the refuge of the incompetent." (From Bible Illustrator)
857. "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)
I Will Do More
I will do more than belong - I will participate.
I will do more than care - I will help.
I will do more than believe - I will practice.
I will do more than be fair - I will be kind.
I will do more than forgive - I will love.
I will do more than earn - I will enrich.
I will do more than teach - I will serve.
I will do more than live - I will grow.
I will do more than be friendly - I will be a friend.
Think and pray on this - then act.
(Author Unknown)
858. "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)
Most of us have watched T.V. grow from infancy to "adultery." It's interesting to note that when it was made in 1946, the script of the classic Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life," -- starring Jimmy Stewart -- had the following words deleted: "jerk," "lousy," "God," "dang," "impotent," and "garlic eaters." These words were censored from the original script because they were deemed unacceptable at that time for movie audiences. (From Associated Press, 3-20-90)
Certainly, the morals in this country have been in a rapid spiral downward in the last several years. The vulgarity, profanity, and vain use of God's name in modern movies and TV is disgraceful, to say the least. The movie industry tells us they are only giving what the people want. However, it appears they are going to extremes to see how much profanity, nudity, and violence they can pass off on the people.
859. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)
The story is told of a wealthy man who lost his wife when their only child was young. A housekeeper was hired to take care of the boy, who lived only into his teens. Heartbroken from this second loss, the father died a short time later. No will could be found; and since there were no relatives, it looked as if the state would get his fortune. The man's personal belongings, including his mansion, were put up for sale. The old housekeeper had very little money, but there was one thing she wanted. It was a picture that had hung on a wall in the house -- a photo of the boy she had loved and nurtured. When the items were sold, nobody else wanted the picture, so she bought it for just a few pennies. Taking it home, she began to clean it and polish the glass. As she took it apart, a paper fell out. It was the man's will, and in it he stated that all his wealth should go to the one who loved his son enough to buy that picture.
The legacy of heaven and the inexhaustible riches of God's love belong to all who trust and love His Son. (From Bible Illustrator)
860. "Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." (Prov. 26:12)
How To Be Perfectly Miserable:
1. Think about yourself.
2. Talk about yourself.
3. Use the personal pronoun "I" as often as possible in your conversation.
4. Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others.
5. Listen greedily to what people say about you.
6. Insist on consideration and respect.
7. Demand agreement with your own views on everything.
8. Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them.
9. Never forget a service you may have rendered.
10. Expect to be appreciated.
11. Be suspicious.
12. Be sensitive to slights.
13. Be jealous and envious.
14. Never forget a criticism.
15. Trust nobody but yourself.
(Author Unknown)
861. "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov. 16:18)
When the space shuttle Challenger lifted into the sky and blew up seventy-three seconds into its flight, the world was shocked. Most of us have seen the videotape of that terrible moment many times. And we can recreate the picture in our minds of a deep blue sky marked with twisted trails of smoke and large chunks of metal plummeting toward the ocean. And we know, as we recall the grim specter of the explosion, that among the falling pieces were the bodies of some of America's finest men and women.
Most of us also know that the investigations into the cause of the tragedy pointed out some serious shortfalls in human judgment and materials management. The New York Times put it frankly: the ultimate cause of the space shuttle disaster was pride. A group of top managers failed to listen carefully to the warnings of those down the line who were concerned about the operational reliability of certain parts of the booster rocket under conditions of abnormal stress. The people in charge were confident that they knew best and that they should not change the launch schedules. They were wrong. (FromRebuilding Your Broken World, by Gordon MacDonald)
862. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Eph 5:11)
History records a remarkable account of the destruction of an ancient town. The watchmen on the walls would call out whenever they thought they saw a foe approaching. Sensing that the people had begun to resent them for giving these false alarms, they decided to remain quiet. Regrettably, not long afterward the enemy actually did come. The city that could have been saved was assaulted and devastated, and nothing was left but smoking ruins. Later, someone erected a small memorial inscribed with the following epitaph: "Here stood a town that was destroyed by silence." (From Bible Illustrator)
Let us not be destroyed by silence, but boldly expose and reprove sin and error wherever it is found.
863. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pet. 5:8)
There's an old fable that says the Devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were spread out on the table and each one labeled. Hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness, sensuality -- all the weapons that everyone knows so well. But off to one side lay a harmless looking wood-shaped instrument marked "discouragement." It was old and worn looking but it was priced far above all the rest. When asked the reason why, the Devil replied, "Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside I can use any tool that suits me best." (From Bible Illustrator)
Definitely, "discouragement" is an effective tool of Satan. Let us do our best to stand strong in the Lord.
864. "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Prov. 18:24)
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Which is just another way of saying that the way to make a friend is to be one." (From Dale Carnegie)
Phil. 2:3-4 says, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
865. "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Col. 2:8)
Fossil experts have revised their opinion about an object found last year in New Mexico. At first they thought it was a fossilized egg up to 16 million years old. Now they think it's a stomach stone from a cow who threw it up five years ago. How did this misunderstanding arise? Explains a U.S. government scientist, "Mother Nature fooled us." (From Servant Magazine, September 1990, p. 4)
Of course, Mother Nature did not fool them because there is no such person as "Mother Nature." They were fooled by their own theories which are based on fantasy rather than truth. Indeed, "Professing themselves to be wise they became fools." (Rom. 1:22)
866. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
It is not the arithmetic of our prayers, how many they are: nor the rhetoric of our prayers, how eloquent they are; nor the geometry of our prayers, how long they be; nor the music of our prayers, how sweet our voice may be; nor the logic of our prayers, how argumentative they may be; nor the method of our prayers, how orderly they may be -- which God cares for. Fervency of spirit is that which availeth much. (From William Lee)
867. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." (Prov. 20:1)
I drank for happiness and became unhappy.
I drank for joy and became miserable.
I drank for sociability and became argumentative.
I drank for sophistication and became obnoxious.
I drank for sleep and woke up tired.
I drank for strength and felt weak.
I drank for relaxation and got the shakes.
I drank to make conversation easier and slurred my speech.
I drank for confidence and became doubtful.
I drank for courage and became afraid.
(From a former Alcoholic)
Prov 23:31-32 says, "Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper."
868. "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isa. 55:10-11)
When a local preacher died, his relatives found he had neatly tied up the messages he had delivered and placed a card on top of them with this inscription: "Where has the influence gone of all these sermons I have preached?" Underneath he had scribbled in large letters, "OVER." On the other side this answer was found: "Where are last year's sunrays? They have gone into fruits and grain and vegetables to feed mankind. Where are last year's raindrops? Forgotten by most people, of course, but they did their refreshing work, and their influence still abides. So, too, my sermons have gone into lives and made them nobler, more Christlike, and better fitted for Heaven." His comments apply to the efforts of all who faithfully give out the Word. (From Bible Illustrator)
869. "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Col. 4:6)
A high school in Virginia offered a course called "Home Economics for Boys." Needless to say, it got very little attention. The following year it was renamed "Bachelor Living." The effect was overwhelming -- 120 boys promptly signed up. The curriculum had not 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 our methods of delivery may vary. Jesus said, "...Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matt. 10:16)
870. "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess. 5:18)
The Homemaker's Prayer:
Lord, we thank thee for this sink of dirty dishes; we have good food to eat. Thank you for this pile of dirty laundry; we have nice cloths to wear. I would like to thank you for these unmade beds; they were all comfortable last night. My thanks for this bathroom, complete with soggy towels, splattered mirror, and grimy lavatory; its still very convenient. Thank you for this finger smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly. It has served us faithfully for a long time; and inside are cool drinks and enough leftovers for another meal. Thank you for this oven which absolutely must be cleaned; it has baked many good meals over the years. Our whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs to be mowed; we all enjoy our private yard. Thanks for that slamming screen door; the children are healthy and able to run and play. Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says that you have richly blessed this family. I shall do them all gratefully and cheerfully. Amen. (Author Unknown)
871. "For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation...? (Heb. 2:2-3)
A customer shopping in a store came to an item that was marked 98 cents. Thinking the price too high, he wrote 49 cents. The customer did this to several articles. At last, he came down before the checker with the cart filled with marked down items. The checker began to check. Noticing the changed prices he remarked: "I'm sorry we priced these items too high for you, and hope the price you marked suits you, for it suits us perfectly too." Certainly, this is absurd, but thousands of people will stand before the Lord Jesus on the other side of life with a life-long list of marked down activities. Instead of faithful attendance, they will bring before Him irregular attendance. Instead of liberal giving they will bring before Him giving that was sparing. Instead of complete obedience, they will bring partial obedience. Do you think that our Lord will say, "I'm sorry that I made the requirements too high for you. Pass on through -- heaven is yours"??? (From Frank Dunn in Good News)
872. "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Eph. 6:4)
I HAD A "DRUG" PROBLEM WHEN I WAS A CHILD AND TEENAGER:
I was "drug" to church on Sunday morning.
I was "drug" to church on Sunday night.
I was "drug" to church on Wednesday night.
I was "drug" to Sunday School every week.
I was "drug" to gospel meetings several times a year.
I was "drug" to the family room to read the Bible after supper.
I was also "drug" to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents.
Those "drugs" are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in every
thing I think, say, and do. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin. And, if all children had this kind of "drug" problem, America would certainly be a better place. I'm glad my parents gave me this "drug."
(Author Unknown)
873. "But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives." (1 Tim. 5:6) "For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." (2 Cor. 5:14)
Since the close of the Second World War, Japanese volunteers have been searching the island of Saipan for the bodies of soldiers killed there. Of the 40,000 to 50,000 Japanese soldiers and dependents believed to have died there more than 50 years ago, only about half have been found.
The Church, too, is looking for the dead - for those who are "dead" in trespasses and sins. Yes, the Church must seek them out, proclaim life to them in the name of Christ, and when they respond in faith and obedience, like the bones of Ezekiel's vision, these dead shall live.
874. "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'" (Matt. 25:21)
An ancient story tells about a king who needed a faithful servant and had to choose between two candidates for the office. He took both at fixed wages and told them to carry buckets of water from a nearby cistern and dump them into a large basket which he had placed a short distance away. He said that he would return in the evening to inspect their work. After dumping a few buckets of water into the basket, one of the men said, "What is the good of doing this useless work? As soon as we pour the water in, it runs out the sides." The other answered, "But we have our wages, don't we? The reason for the work is the master's business, not ours." The complainer replied, "I'm not going to do such fool's work," and throwing down his bucket, he went away.
The other man continued to work and by late afternoon he had emptied the cistern. Looking
down into it, he saw something shining at the bottom. It proved to be a very valuable gold ring
that had been lost in the cistern. The servant thought: "Now I see the reason for pouring water
into the basket! If the bucket had brought up the ring before the cistern was dry, it would have
been found in the basket."
Let us be loyal and faithful to the Lord in all things even when we do not fully understand His purpose, and even when we can't see visible results.
875. "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)
The Jews looked for a lion, but Jesus came as a lamb, and they missed Him. They looked for a warrior, but Jesus came as a peacemaker, and they missed Him. They looked for a military king, but Jesus came as a servant, and they missed Him. They looked for liberation from Rome, but Jesus submitted to the Roman stake, and they missed Him. They were looking for their temporal needs to be met, but He came to meet their spiritual needs, and they missed Him.
He came as a lamb to be sacrificed for our sins, will we miss Him? He came to make peace between God and man, will we miss Him? He came that we might have true liberty, will we miss Him? He is the only means by which we can be saved, will we miss Him?
876. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
The story is told of a small town in which there were no liquor stores. Eventually, however, a nightclub was built right on Main Street. Members of one of the churches in the area were so disturbed that they conducted several all night prayer meetings, and asked the Lord to burn down that den of iniquity. Lightning struck the tavern a short time later, and it was completely destroyed by fire. The owner, knowing how the church people had prayed, sued them for the damages. His attorney claimed that their prayers had caused the loss.
The congregation, on the other hand, hired a lawyer and fought the charges. After much deliberation the judge declared, "It's the opinion of the court that wherever the guilt may lie, the tavern keeper is the one who really believes in prayer while the church members do not!" We smile at this story, but it suggests how faithless we sometimes are in offering our petitions to God. (From Bible Illustrator)
877. "And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'" (Luke 17:5) "...And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
Many years ago it was decided to put a suspension bridge across a wide gorge. How could they build a bridge across such a wide space? In fact, how could they even start? They shot an arrow from one side to the other. The arrow carried across the gulf a tiny thread, and thus the piece of twine across; the twine carried after it a small rope; the rope soon carried a cable across - and in good time came the iron chains the bridge was to hang from. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, by Michael P. Green, p. 136)
Although often weak in its beginning, a seemingly small faith can become stronger and stronger and eventually take one to eternal victory.
878. Prov. 20:1 says, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."
Preceding Memorial Day one year, the following item appeared on page one of the Tulsa Tribune: "The Tribune requests that persons who intend to mix liquor with gasoline in Memorial Day celebrations kindly leave typed obituaries and photographs with the city editor before beginning the day's observance. This courtesy will be greatly appreciated."
Prov. 23:31-32 says, "Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper."
879. "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)
The artist must go out into God's nature to see colors as God made them. Otherwise, his paintings will become murky. As he mixes his colors in the studio, he finally loses the sense of true green, true red, true blue. So he must go out into the open spaces and see the true colors as God made them.
You and I can become morally colorblind. We need the Word to set us straight, to guide us into noble and God-pleasing living. (From Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, by David F. Burgess, p. 63)
880. "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)
Faith is an essential element of life, but the faith must be in God. Sir Donald Malcolm Campbell, the British car and boat racer and holder of several world speed records, lost his life while racing a fast boat on one of the lakes of Scotland. The boat exploded and rapidly sank. The only thing that ever surfaced was a toy stuffed animal, Campbell's "good luck charm." It was powerless to help him in the final and fatal crisis of his life. Faith is only as good as it's object is able. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, by Michael P. Green, p. 136)
881. "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)
A remarkable copy of the Constitution of the United States is in Washington, D.C. At first glance, it appears to be a confusion of irregular lines and unusual lettering. But visitors who look at it closely suddenly see the face of George Washington looking up at them. The lines and lettering form a likeness of the father of our nation.
As George Washington shines through all the history of this great nation, so Jesus Christ in a much higher way shines through the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the central emphasis is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, the answer for human needs. (From Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, by David F. Burgess, p. 33).
Speaking of the Holy Spirit Jesus said, "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:14) In the sacred Scriptures the Holy Spirit does not glorify Himself; instead, He glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.
882. "...But if I am delayed, 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)
"Building recreation rooms and providing and supervising recreational activities at the expense of the church is a departure from the simple gospel as revealed in the New Testament. The church might as well relieve the parents by feeding and disciplining all the young people at church expense as to take over the job of entertaining and supervising their recreation at church expense." (From The Gospel Advocate Annual Commentary, 1951, Pg. 229)
The church needs to be diligently engaged in its God's given work of upholding, defending, and proclaiming the truth, and not be diverted to unlawful, carnal endeavors.
883. "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His...'" (2 Tim. 2:19)
The guillemot is a small arctic sea bird that lives on the rocky cliffs of northern costal regions. These birds flock together by the thousands in comparatively small areas. Because of the crowded conditions, hundreds of females lay their pear-shaped eggs side by side on a narrow ledge, in a long row. Since the eggs all look alike, it is incredible that a mother bird can identify those that belong to her. Studies have shown that she knows her own eggs so well that when one is moved, she finds it and returns it to its original location.
Scripture tells us that God is also intimately acquainted with each of his children. He knows our every thought and emotion, every decision we must make and problem we are going through. Therefore, an understanding of the full extent of God's omniscience should both evoke praise and bring comfort to believers. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, by Michael P. Green, p. 170)
884. "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter." (Prov. 11:13)
Several years ago, Dr. Albert H. Cantril, a professor at Princeton University, conducted a series of experiments to demonstrate how quickly rumors spread. He called six students to his office and in strict confidence informed them that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were planning to attend a certain university dance. Within a week, this completely fictitious story had reached nearly every student on campus. Town officials phoned the university, demanding to know why they had not been informed. Press agencies were frantically telephoning for details. Dr Cantril observed, "That was a pleasant rumor - a slanderous one travels even faster."
885. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matt. 7:12 NASV)
A man fell into a pit and couldn't get out.
A Realist said: "You have fallen into a pit."
An Objective person said: "It's only logical that someone would fall into that pit."
A Subjective person said: "I sympathize with you down there."
An Evasive person said: "Let's avoid the subject of his pit altogether."
A Self-pitying person said: "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."
A Christian Scientist said: "You only think that you are in a pit."
A Pharisee said: "Only bad people fall into a pit."
Confucius said: "If you would have listened to me, you would not be in that pit."
Buddha said: "Your pit is only a state of mind."
An Evolutionist said: "You are a rejected mutant destined to be removed from the evolutionary cycle."
An Optimist said: "Things could be worse."
A Pessimist said: "Things will get worse."
A Christian, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
(Author Unknown)
886. "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly." (Prov. 14:29) "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly..." Prov. 14:17
Judge John A. Weeks spotted a man wearing a hat sitting in the rear of his Minneapolis courtroom. Disturbed by this disregard for courtroom decorum, he ordered the man to leave. Then the clerk called for the burglary case of George A. Rogde, who had been freed on bond. Rogde didn't come forward. "Your honor," said the prosecuting attorney, "that is the man you ordered from the courtroom." Police are still looking for Rogde.
887. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Charles Smith, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Atheism, said, "The whole scheme of redemption is foolishness to me. Because our parents and forefathers disobeyed God, he would not be on good terms with us until his son was nailed on a cross. This is not reasonable." (Oliphant-Smith Debate, p. 61).
We may never fully understand why Jesus had to die on the cross, but that is no reason to reject God's plan of redemption. 1 Cor. 1:18 says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
888. "Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, 'Crucify Him, crucify Him!' Then he said to them the third time, 'Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.' But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested." (Luke 23:20-24)
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is central figure of the human race and leader of mankind's progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the kings that ever reigned have not affected the life of man as much as that One Solitary Life.
889. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pet. 5:8) "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." (2 Cor. 11:14-15)
The Devil's Bible
Popular 6:9: "Go ahead, everyone else is doing it."
Cowardly 1:10: "The best thing to do when the church and it's members are criticized is to keep silent. The critic might get angry with you if you try to defend the church."
Indifference 3:4: "I'm tired after working all day and I cannot attend services."
Excuses 1:1: "I'm afraid to discuss the Bible with others lest I offend them. They won't listen anyway."
Foolishness 19:7: "I'll try anything once."
Deceit 8:15: "It makes no difference what one believes as long as he is sincere."
Pride 4:7: "If someone offends you and hard feelings result, let him come and beg for your forgiveness; after all it was his fault."
Apostasy 2:5: "What difference does it make whether we follow the New Testament or not."
Hypocrisy 6:5: "When we go home from college on weekends we always go to church so mom and dad will think that we are faithful while we are away at school."
2 Opinion 2:4: "One church is as good as another, therefore attend the church of your choice." (Author Unknown)
890. "...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. 2:12)
Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine, was attacked continually for his work in the medical field. He found that criticism came in three stages. The first stage is when people tell you that you're wrong, it won't work. After they've seen you get some success under your belt, they say that what you're doing isn't really that important. Finally, after they see that it's important, they'll say that they knew you would do it all along.
If you're stretching, the best defense to these critics is the fruit of your labor. Don't feel that you have to pull out of that stretch position to defend yourself. Just go out and produce the fruit. Those who recognize fruit will appreciate it, and those who don't recognize fruit will criticize you whether you produce fruit or not. (From Be All You Can Be, by John Maxwell, p. 43)s01
891. "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience..." (Titus 1:16-2:2)
What do politicians do when they are defeated and old? Some live out their lives with dignity. Others, like former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole, appear in Pepsi commercials with a provocatively dressed teen-age girl. And all for the sake of . . . the money? Is it too much to ask our elders to be dignified and sensible? (From the Brookhill Workman, 7-22-01)
Prov. 16:31 says, "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness."
892. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)
Whether or not you reach your chosen destination depends on two things: 1) moving forward; 2) keeping on the right path. You cannot stand still on the right path. Neither will it avail to be the swiftest, brightest dog on the wrong race track! The entire book of Hebrews warns that standing still leads to drifting away (Hebrews 2:1). Obviously, if you are on the broad way, it doesn't matter how fast or efficiently you are working, you are headed toward destruction. (From Oscar C. Miles)
893. "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)
"We stand at the crossroads, each minute, each hour, each day, making choices. We choose the thoughts we allow ourselves to think, the passions we allow ourselves to feel, and the actions we allow ourselves to perform. Each choice is made in the context of whatever value system we've selected to govern our lives. In selecting that value system, we are, in a very real way, making the most important choice we will ever make." (From Benjamin Franklin)
894. "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." (Eccl. 12:7)
Southern Caskets Direct is a casket manufacturer in Norcross, Georgia that offers caskets imprinted with custom graphic images that reflect the departed's life. For example, a checkered flag and race cars is for racing fans. There are special caskets for golfers, firefighters, military personnel, etc. But, the president of the company, Thomas Hicks, said, "We have had no orders for the "Return to Sender" model. Yet, the fate of every human is "Return to Sender."
Indeed, when one dies the spirit returns to God who gave it.
895. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what
will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)
"We are living in a world in which we have tremendously increased our information without having appreciably increased our wisdom. We are living in a world in which we have fantastically multiplied our riches without having fully learned to use those riches wisely. We have developed our natural resources without having developed correspondingly greater resources of the spirit." (From Robert E. Wilson)
896. "Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart..." (Eph. 4:18)
Pollster George Gallup Jr. has long referred to America as a "nation of biblical illiterates." Only four in 10 Americans know that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. A majority of citizens cannot name the four Gospels of the New Testament. Two-thirds of Americans believe there are few, if any, absolute principles to direct human behavior. Only half of Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians believe in the devil, but 56 percent of Lutherans and 49 percent of Methodists believe in UFOs. One-third of Methodists and Presbyterians have faith in astrology. While nearly three-fourths of all Americans believe in hell, hardly any believe it to be their likely destination in eternity.
897. "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
Daniel Webster offered excellent advice, saying, "If we work on marble it will perish. If we work on brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work on men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with fear of God and love of their fellow-men, we engrave on those tablets something which time cannot efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity." (From Morning Glory, July 3, 1993)
898. "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." (Jer. 6:16)
University of Wisconsin historian Thomas Reeves indicts popular religious belief and service. He writes: "Christianity in modern America is, in large part, innocuous. It tends to be easy, upbeat, convenient, and compatible. It does not require self-sacrifice, discipline, humility, an other-world outlook, a zeal for souls, a fear as well as love of God. There is little guilt and no punishment, and they imagine that the payoff in heaven is virtually certain."
Indeed, most religious people today are given over to the social gospel, and their churches are nothing more than social clubs. What we need today is a true revival, restoring the old paths that lead to salvation.
899. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Col. 3:15) "Nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer." (1 Cor. 10:10)
There was a chronic grumbler who couldn't find anything about which to give thanks or praise. Although financially he was a very successful farmer, because of a very sour attitude, no one enjoyed his company. Nothing seemed to please him.
At the time of the potato harvest, the disgruntled farmer enjoyed a bumper crop. Wanting to strike a more cheerful note, an acquaintance suggested, "I understand you've had a tremendous season with potatoes this year. That certainly must be cause for rejoicing!" The chronic complainer never even smiled, but sourly responded, "The harvest has been good; but my problem is, I don't have any bad potatoes to feed my pigs."
Have you ever heard anyone complaining because their freezer was too full, and they had no place to put anything? Have you heard someone complaining because their closet was too full to hang anything? Rather than complaining, let us have grateful hearts lest we be destroyed by the destroyer.
900. "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)
Dr. Charlie Shedd held a contest called, "One Neat Dad." He asked contestants to send in letters recommending their dad for this great honor. Here's a list of the 10 most appreciated qualities for "One Neat Dad."
1. He takes time for me.
2. He listens to me.
3. He plays with me.
4. He invites me to go places with him.
5. He lets me help him.
6. He treats my mother well.
7. He lets me say what I think.
8. He is nice to my friends.
9. He only punishes me when I deserve it.
10. He is not afraid to admit when he is wrong.
"Time" was the most appreciated trait of the "one neat dad" as shown by the above qualities in one through five. Fathers need to spend time with their children, bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.