Isa 55:11

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.

NKJV

Someone wrote the following warning label for our Bibles.

 This Book is habit forming. Regular use causes loss of anxiety, decreased appetite for lying, cheating, stealing, hating.

Symptoms;

Increased sensations of love, peace, joy, compassion 

There are countless books on the market with advice on how to improve our quality of life and live happy and well adjusted lives.

All well and good but there is only one Book that has the power behind it to make the promises become reality.

It doesn’t happen automatically but for those who believe in the Savior and honestly want to live a God directed life, it will happen.

2 Cor 1:20

 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God

NKJV

 Psalm 37:4 makes the promise

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

I take that to mean that when we “delight ourselves in the Lord” that he will tone down some of the extravagant desires that the enemy puts in our heart and makes us think that we would be extremely happy if we had those things. A while back I read of a professional boxer who had a home built  with 104 rooms.

The writer of Ecclesiastes  has a better philosophy, Prov 30:8-9

Give me neither poverty nor riches —

Feed me with the food allotted to me;

9 Lest I be full and deny You,

And say, "Who is the Lord?"

Or lest I be poor and steal,

And profane the name of my God.

NKJV

It is a common human failure to think, “If I had “that”, I would be happy.” To quote a old farm proverb, “that’s putting the cart before the horse”

First we “delight ourselves in the Lord” then if we need “that” He will give it to us and if we don’t, He will  give us contentment without it.

“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”

Philippians 3:10

          There is no greater, grander ambition than that which is expressed in the above Scripture!  That we may live by the power of His resurrection, accept, without complaint, any sufferings that may result from that, and seek the same dedication that led to His death.

          I’m sure that there is much more truth to be  found in the words above but  we can start with this.

          Paul wanted to live life by the resurrection power of Jesus. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2^nd.Corinthians 5:17)  Such a transformation brings suffering!  When Paul ceased being a destroyer of the church and became a member and avid supporter, he fell out of favor with his former associates and his sufferings begin.

Suffering is not something sought after by most people but it is a part of life in the world and it comes from different sources and for different reasons. It is doubtful that Paul enjoyed the accusations, judgments, jails, beatings etc. that he endured but if they came for the same reasons that Jesus suffered, Paul accepted them without complaint.

          Jesus never suffered for being bad; He suffered for being good. He didn’t suffer for hurting people; He suffered for helping people. “And the Pharisees and scribes murmered, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” (Luke 15:2)  Such outrageous conduct could not be tolerated!

          Jesus didn’t suffer for lying under oath as is becoming common in today’s world. He suffered for telling the truth under oath!  The high priest said to Him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” “Yes, it is as you say.” Jesus replied. (Matthew 26:63,64)

          That admission, plus all of the evidence of the life He lived, should have sent His accusers to their knees but instead it sent them to Pilate to ask for His execution.

          Paul wanted to “be made conformable unto His death.” “to die as He died” (J. B. Phillips) I think Paul’s desire had to do with the reason for Jesus death rather than the manner of it. Paul was not crucified, he was beheaded by order of Nero, but he died strong and steadfast in the faith. 

          After seeing the Mel Gibson film it would be difficult to desire death in that manner but like Jesus, Paul and the great host of believers since that time, we must die strong and resolute in the faith even as we have lived.                    

Ps 31:19

19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,

Which You have laid up for those who fear You,

Which You have prepared for those who trust in You

In the presence of the sons of men!

NKJV

God’s goodness fills the whole earth! Believer and unbeliever alike enjoy the benefits of His goodness to the inhabitants of earth. No life on earth could exist without God’s provisions! There are those who love God, acknowledge Him and appreciate His benevolence and there are those who reject God, accept His provisions but are not thankful to Him.

Those who are making efforts to legally expel all recognition of God from our public life owe their very existence to God and His goodness,             

There is goodness “stored up” (reserved) only for those who love and serve God. Concerning these provisions, the unbeliever can deny, reject and oppose but they cannot prevent our receiving and enjoying them.

I believe that the above phrase, “in the presence of the sons of men” will correspond to the words in Psalm 23:5 “in the presence of mine enemies’. The unbeliever cannot understand the goodness of God that is stored up for His own and therefore that which they cannot see or understand sometimes aggravates them.

At one time in our early Christian life we were having some financial difficulties. Mrs Cummins, who is blessed of God with strong faith and a happy, cheerful disposition, was in the kitchen of our home singing hymns. The neighbor being displeased by the “joyful sound”, came to the house and said to her, “I know the financial problems that you are having and you have no right to be so happy!” 

          This person, who wasn’t really on speaking terms with the Provider of Carol’s joy, couldn’t understand and therefore was angry.

          There are “stored up blessings” that unbelief, as long as it is not found in our own heart, cannot deprive us of. In the words from a gospel song, “ The world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away.”

          We have a “table prepared”, loaded with the goodness of God, right in the presence of the enemy.

But He answered and said to them, “When it is evening, you say, it will be fair weather, for the sky is red.

And in the morning, There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening. Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?”

Matthew 16:2,3

          Jesus indictment of the Pharisees and Sadducees who were attempting to discredit His teaching, was not that they could not understand it was that they chose not to understand.

          They could look at the sky and predict the weather but when they heard the words and witnessed the works of Jesus, they came up blank. The weather was of greater interest to them than the ministry of Jesus and they had closed their mind before they heard His words or observed His works.

They kept asking for signs from Jesus but wouldn’t believe the signs that were before them.

          The signs of Jesus’ Messiahship were much more evident than the signs of an approaching weather change and certainly more important.

          The blind man of John 9 who was healed by Jesus had a very pertinent question for them, which got him kicked out of the synagogue, “Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” (vvs 32.33)

          People will believe what they want to believe on the most meager evidence but reject that which they don’t want to believe, in spite of much evidence.

          The atheistic philosopher Bertrand Russell, was once asked, “If you meet God after you die, what will you say to Him to justify your unbelief?”  Russell replied, “I will tell Him that he did not give me enough evidence,”

          That won’t stand up in court! The problem is not an absence of evidence it is closed minds that refuse to consider it..

          The signs of impending storms are here although I am not referring to the storms that the meteorologists study. I don’t have to mention the trends, life styles, and violent behavior that is being promoted in our generation plus the threat of nuclear attack, coming mostly from Iran at the present time

          There is just one place of refuge from this kind of a storm. Isaiah saw it long ago, “And a man (Jesus) shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” (Isaiah 32:2)

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward  not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come...”

2n.Peter 3:8-10

          God never gets in a hurry! He is eternal and therefore can be very patient. On the contrary we seem to often be, as some say, “working against time”. We are trying to get things done before we run out of time. God doesn’t have that problem! One of God’s days is a thousand years as we reckon time. He will get everything done on time according to His reckoning.

          Some people try to put God into our time frame and that gets them into trouble. The above Scripture states that “The day of the Lord will come...”!  Verses 3,4 of chapter 1 tells us of some, in the last days, claim that  because the “Day of the Lord’ has not dawned in the two thousand years since the promise was written that he is not going to come at all. That is a dangerous position to take! It has only been two days on God’s time -table and the day will come, just like He said.

          God has plenty of time but we are not sure about how much we have. Some mistakenly think that they (As the Rich Farmer of Luke 12) have more time than they actually have. Some things need to be attended to while we do have time! Our relationship with the Lord is the most important matter in our lives and should not be neglected.

          Many years ago the Israelites made that mistake and found themselves crying, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (Jeremiah 8:20)          The scoffers of 2^nd.Peter 3:3 may find themselves saying “The day of the Lord has come and we are not saved.”

          It is a great mistake for men to attempt to predict when God will or will not do certain things. It is enough to know that if He says that he will then He will. John had it right! When Jesus said, “Surely I come quickly.” John answered “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

“...and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.”

Ecclesiastes 11:3

          We are warned of a time when our decisions have become final! A time when the last opportunity to decide has come and gone and there can be no change. A time when our destination is finalized and it’s direction can no longer be reversed.

          The writer of the above Scripture tells us that when the tree has fallen that it shall lie where it falls meaning that when our life here comes to it’s end that it’s position in eternity can never be changed. The direction of the fall is determined while the tree still stands.

          Having done my share of the cutting of firewood while pastoring in the North Country, and having two sons who were loggers, I know that, normally, a tree will fall in the direction that it leans. An experienced sawyer, however can change the direction of the tree’s fall but the provisions are made while the tree is still standing.

          Normally, men die as they have lived! Men fall in the direction that they lean!  We choose the direction that we will lean! “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness;”(Matthew 6:33)  “Enter ye at the strait gate:” (Matthew 7:13)

          Our choice to serve God while we still stand can change our leaning tendency and determine the direction of our fall. A tree can be leaning so far that the direction of it’s fall cannot be reversed. The disciples asked Jesus if that could happen to men and He replied, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” ( See Matthew 19:23-26)   

           The thief on the cross had leaned in the wrong direction all his life but in the closing hours He asked for the help of Jesus and he fell in the right direction. (See Luke 23:39-43)

          It is not wise to deliberately wait that long! Levi the publican is a better example! “And after these things He went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, setting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him. Follow Me. And he left all, rose up, and followed Him.” (Luke 5:27,28)  No hesitation, no excuse, no questions asked, he heard and followed.

          The leaning direction of his life was corrected and his future life was determined at that moment.

John 14:2-4

2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.   3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 

NKJV

The word home has a comforting sound to it. A young man named John

Howard Payne wrote the song “Home Sweet Home” that has touched hearts in America ever since.

Jesus promised that all who believed in Him would have an eternal home in that place where He is.

Carol and I have a video that we play every morning that features, beautiful scenes from around the world, music, and hymns. One of the last songs is called “I’m Just Going Home” which prompted the writing of this devotional.

Just before we left for overseas duty in WW II, we assembled where we told that we were leaving and we should realize that some of us would not be coming back.

So it was with some trepidation that we watched the shoreline of San Francisco recede. We didn’t know where we were going but I was so seasick the first days out that I didn’t care where we were going, if it was land, I just wanted to get there.

Nearly three years later we knew where we were going and when we saw the buildings of San Pedro come into sight it was a much different feeling.

We shall all be leaving one day! We won’t be coming back and there will be some sorrow because of leaving some we love. We know where we are going so there will be a joy in “Just Going Home”. Our sorrow at leaving loved ones will be mixed with joy because we know that they will be following in their time.

As unpleasant as leaving this life may seem, it is inevitable so knowing where we are going is of prime importance. For the Believer it is not “a leap in the dark” as one professing atheist once said, it is just a matter of “Going Home” 

In words from an old song “Just wait till’ you see my new home”

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel;

2^nd.timothy 2:7,8

          Paul preached the Gospel and he claimed it as his own (that which he had experienced and was committed to). He also explained the great foundational truth that distinguished his Gospel from false gospels that were being propagated. “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead...”

          Paul’s Gospel was the story of the resurrected Jesus and if Jesus were removed or His resurrection denied then there was no gospel at all. The Jesus, that some believe was simply a good man with a good cause and who died for that cause then slipped into oblivion, is not the Christ of the Gospel that Paul preached.

          The Jesus who some teach was a created being who came into the world, died on a cross and whose body is preserved somewhere in space, is not the Christ of the Gospel that Paul preached. The Jesus that some teach, was just the product of an indiscretion by his mother Mary, is not the Christ of the Gospel that Paul preached.

          The  Jesus of the Gospel that Paul preached was “ That personal expression, that Word, that was with God and was God, and He existed with God from the beginning.” (John 1:2 J. B. Phillips) The Jesus of the Gospel that Paul preached was that One who said, “I am Alpha and Omega...who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.” ...”Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the Living One. I am He who was dead, and now you see Me alive for timeless ages...” (Revelation 1:8,18)

          Paul warned the churches of accepting any other gospel than the Gospel that he had preached to them, saying, “  “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:9)  Not a politically correct statement but he makes his point.

          Any watered-down version of a gospel that compromises the Deity of the Jesus of the Gospel that Paul preached is not only useless but under God’s judgment.

          Since the enemy cannot deny “that He was” he tries to deny “Who He was and is” but our hope is in the Jesus who is exactly what Paul’s Gospel (and the rest of the Bible) claims that He is.

Ps 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: from whence shall my help come?

2 My help (cometh) from Jehovah, who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; He will keep thy soul.

8 Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and for evermore

ASV

I have said, many times, that I love the mountains. I have also said that we live at the foot of the beautiful Bighorn Mountains. Like the Psalmist who wrote the above words, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains” (every morning from the window of my computer room) Like the Psalmist said, I also remember that my help doesn’t come from the mountains; my help comes from the Lord who made the mountains. Men are great builders! Men built the cities but God made the mountains, as only He could do.

We are entering troublous and dangerous times as prophesied in II Tim. 3:1 and men are searching for answers and solutions, which is proper. As the Psalmist above reminds us however, it is better to trust in the Maker of mountains than the builder of cities. Many of the great cities of the ancient world have long since crumbled into the dust but the mountains that were there then are still here.

Men build their cities which come and go; men come and go but the mountains remain. How long are they to remain? I don’t know! The times are in God’s hands.  The word does tell us, 2 Peter 3:10

“…both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up”

 This I do know! Those who love the Lord and believe in the Savior will still be around after the mountains have passed away.

John 11:26

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

          There are some things that our finite minds cannot weigh, measure, estimate or even grasp. The love of Christ is one of those things!

          Paul is saying that the love of Christ “passeth knowledge” (‘far above our understanding’ J.B. Phillips)  From reports that I have heard, most of those who have seen the Mel Gibson film, “The Passion of Christ” have left with that very feeling. “How could God love us that much?”

          He didn’t have to suffer that horrible death, you know! He chose to do so! Speaking from my limited, finite mind it seems that it would have been easier, seeing that he spoke the world into existence in the first place, that he could have just spoken it out of existence and made another one.

          To our everlasting benefit, there was something about Him that prevented His doing that. It is called, “the love of Christ which passeth knowledge.” The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “...I have loved thee with an everlasting love:” (Jeremiah 31:3) and it was that love that sent Him to the cross.

          Paul spoke of the measurements of His love. What is the height and depth of the love of Christ? In the hymn, “The Love of God” the songwriter described it well. “The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell;”

          What is the “breadth and length of the love of Christ? It is broad enough to encompass every soul, in every age, from every nation, kindred, people and tongue (Revelation 7:9). It’s length reaches from eternity past to eternity future and can never be exhausted.

          We cannot understand such love but we can “know” that love and that was Paul’s desire for us. We can know (experience) that love by accepting the provisions of it. It is a sobering thought that only people themselves, have the capacity to isolate themselves from that all-encompassing love  described above.

           We make many decisions over a lifetime but the decision to accept or reject the love of Christ is by far the most important and far-reaching decision anyone will make.

John 20:30-31

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

NKJV

The record of Jesus is a record of many miracles. The Gospel of John records nine of them and points out that He did many more in the presence of His disciples that are not written in the book.

The miracles are written for a definite purpose; that we should believe and as a result of believing we should have eternal life.

The disciples witnessed the many other miracles and believed to the extent of dying agonizing deaths in support of that belief.

We were not there to see those “many other signs” but John was impressed by the Holy Spirit to record enough miracles and signs that we would have no excuse for not believing.

Unfortunately some read and still do not believe but that is usually determined by the purpose of the reader in approaching the Book. There are those who read and listen with one purpose in mind, to find fault.

Last week former Governor Sarah Palin, of Alaska, spoke at a convention of the “Tea Party” group. Immediately most news broadcasters and the political pundits were ridiculing and mocking everything she said. That was the purpose for which they listened.

Some read the Bible record with that attitude, others believe and experience a transformation in their life and purpose.

My Greek Lexicon assures me that believing, as the word is used here, carries the meaning of believing the record of the miracles and making a commitment to the miracle worker. That in turn produces the desired effect, “you may have life in His name.”

It’s the committing that makes the difference!

It is written James 2:19-20

“Do you believe that there is one God? You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!”

Demons have no problem believing but, for them, it is too late to make a commitment to Him. If you are still breathing and reading this, it not too late for you!

“

Rev 21:1

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

NKJV

There is much disagreement as to how long the earth has been here. Well, it has been around for quite a while and it is showing signs of ageing. Perhaps partly brought on by abuse and mismanagement by the humans who were put in charge but it is doomed to wear out.

Heb 1:10-12

"You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,

And the heavens are the work of Your hands.

11 They will perish, but You remain;

And they will all grow old like a garment;

12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,

And they will be changed.

NKJV

So God is going to make a new world that doesn’t age like the present one.

Ageing and the effects of it is something we all have to endure. We have been 16 years in Alaska and twenty + years in the North Country. I will admit that I don’t care for the snow, ice and subzero temperatures anymore.  I mentioned to Carol that I sometimes wished that I could just skip the winter months and jump ahead to April but then I thought that  at this point in time I probably don’t have extra months to skip so I had better just accept the weather as it comes and try to make each month count for God.

We are scheduled to move to a new world where there will be no inclement weather, it will never grow old and we will have a body that will never grow old in regard to the debilitating, ageing process.

What will the new world look like? We can’t know for sure but from some hints from the Bible it will be different and beautiful’

I share a translation of 2^nd. Peter 3:13 by Bishop Lightfoot,

“What we wait for and expect is (not the judgment) but a new kind of starry heavens (different and wonderful) and a new kind of earth (different and strangely wonderful) in which righteousness continually dwells.”

The immediate future for our world doesn’t look too great right now considering the disease, death, threat of nuclear destruction and other unpleasant possibilities, but keep your eyes on the long view and make preparations now the coming change...

John 3:16-17

 16 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.

NKJV

“...For whosoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists...”

Hebrews 11:6 Amplified N.T.

          There have been a few times during my years as a minister that I have been asked for a Scriptural reference to prove the existence of God. The fact is that the writers of the Bible made no particular effort to prove that God exists. They did not believe it necessary, but took the position that God is a “self-evident fact” and needs no proof of existence.

          The Scripture does remind us of considerable evidence all about us  of the existence of the Almighty. Psalm 19:1 reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.” (Not an accident of nature but the work of the Great Creator) Hebrews 1:10 reads, “And Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thine hands.”

          The above mentioned evidence points to the existence of the Creator God and any other explanation for that evidence falls far short of being believable.

          Belief in a Supreme Being is universal but knowledge of the true God and what He is, has been sadly distorted. Phillip the disciple once said the Jesus, “Show us the Father..” And Jesus replied, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8,9)

          Martin Luther taught that men could only understand God by looking at Jesus Christ. Jesus came not only to reconcile men and women to God but also to teach and demonstrate what God is like.

          When He multiplied the loaves and the fish He demonstrated that God is not only concerned about the needs of His people but is able to supply those needs. When He calmed the storm on Galilee He demonstrated that God is able to calm the storms of life and bring peace to the troubled soul. When He willingly suffered and died on the cross at Calvary He demonstrated the love of God in a way that no man ever understood God’s love before.

          All the words ever spoken and all the books ever written could not explain God’s love for us as Jesus’ voluntary death on the cross  explained it.

          The text above further states that, “we must believe that He is a rewarder of  them that diligently seek Him.” Surely a look at the cross will eliminate any doubt that the God Who loves us that much will reward our faith and trust in Him by changing our lives and bringing us into a place of fellowship with Him 

Pilate therefore said unto Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king.”

John 18:37

          Who was this man who was, admittedly a king, yet claimed to have “no place to lay His head” upon this earth (Matthew 8:20) and Who was such a puzzle to Governor Pilate’s Roman mind?

          Jesus Christ while on the earth, shared many things in common with other men. He lived as part of the family of Joseph and Mary and during His early life He worked in the carpenter shop. He endured the heat of the day and enjoyed the cool of the evening, sharing both the enjoyments and the discomforts of mankind. He experienced both acceptance and rejection! He knew joy and grief, satisfaction and disappointment but He was a man essentially different from all men.

          He experienced  the adversities of life but was never a party to the sins. (1^st.Peter 2:21) He died for the sin of the world yet it could only happen with His permission. “I lay down My life...no one has taken it from Me, but I lay it down of My own initiative.” (John 10:17,18)   It is written of him that, “He went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38) yet when Pilate offered the crowd a choice that day, they chose to have him release a criminal named Barabbas, who went about doing bad, and to have Jesus nailed to a cross.

          Jesus was guilty of none of the charges made against other than being the king of a spiritual kingdom while Barabbas was guilty of all charges. What kind of faulty reasoning could cause men, both Jew and Roman, who laid claim to serving justice, to make such a decision?

          Facts and truth were not a consideration in the judgment of Jesus and facts and truth are not a consideration in much of the world’s attitude toward Jesus now.  It was prejudice that dictated the decision of the religious leaders and it was political expediency that influenced Pilate to allow such a choice to be carried out.

          Their choice has been made and their decision is now history but each generation faces the same choice. “What shall I do with Jesus Who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) It is a personal decision for each! I can’t make it for you and you can’t make it for me but it must be made and it is the most important decision in any life.

“...The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat...”

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”

“...The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.”

Matthew 13:26,27,33,47,48

          The three parables above teach, among other things, a common danger. The enemy manages to get the bad mixed in with the good!

            The fact of the good cannot be denied so the enemy attempts to pervert, dilute and belittle the good. Skeptics are diligent to publicize and emphasize the tares, leaven and bad fish but give little or no attention to the genuine.

          There could be no imitation if there were no genuine! There can be no hypocrite if there is no genuine! 

          The tares, leaven and bad fish are the result of  unbelief in the authenticity    of God’s word. The enemy started it a long time ago when he suggested to Eve that God did not really mean what He said (Genesis 3) and it continues today.

“It is a mistake in translation!” “It cannot be taken literally!” etc! etc!

          God is not a politician campaigning for public office and He says what He means regardless of whether men vote for Him or not!

          If the enemy likes tares so well why doesn’t he plant his own field? He does have some fields of tares but he wants to control God’s field also and his method is to plant tares. The tares are there but they don’t represent the field! Tares are like the terrorists of our time, they live among the wheat but their loyalty is to the enemy.

          The “God doesn’t mean what he says” crowd would like to be representative of the whole field  and much of the present liberal media promotes and publicizes their agenda.

The parables also teach that a day will come when the tares, leavened bread, bad fish and the world of unbelievers will know that He means what he says.

          At the present time God is more concerned with preserving the good than in removing the bad but the time will come.                   

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

And the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Matthew 7:24,25

“...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

1^st.Samuel 16:7

          In the story above Jesus did not describe the houses since His focus was on the foundation. The house that the foolish man built may have been very well built. It could very likely have been just as attractive as the one built by the wise man. He may have been very careful with his building of the house, his carelessness was in the foundation work. Men couldn’t see a difference in the houses because men “looketh on the outward appearance” and the foundations are hidden. The difference only becomes apparent when the winds and rain of trouble come. One foundation holds and the other does not.

          You have heard it said, and so have I, “I am living just as good a life as the Christians that I am acquainted with!” That can very well be true. I have met many people who are living honest upright lives, but what about the foundation?  What do they have to hope in when cancer strikes a loved one or death takes one away?

          The Christian and the unbeliever share many things in common. They may both be honest and trustworthy! They may both be loving parents and good citizens!

They may both be good neighbors and  credits to the neighborhood! That describes the house but not the foundation.

          When the storms of trouble come, as they most assuredly will, the only foundation that will support the house is a faith in the living Savior. Honesty, ethics, good citizenship etc. are all great virtues and to be admired but they could be part of a house that is built on sand.

          Paul wrote, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1^st Corinthian 3:11)  Peter said, “...for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

          Good citizens can miss heaven if they reject Jesus Christ! We must build the very best house than we can but we must build on the foundation that will hold through this life and in the life to come.

Luke 15:11-13

Read verses 11-32

11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.  12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.  13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.

NKJV

This is a story of a young man from a good home and a godly father who decided to leave home a go to a far country. As to what led him to make that decision we can only guess. Maybe a traveling camel caravan stopped at his father’s estate and someone told him there were “fun things” that he could enjoy there. At any rate he took his inheritance money, packed up and left.

Things didn’t turn out as he had planned. They never do! He ran out of money and ran out of friends at about the same time and found himself in a pig pen feeding pigs. That wasn’t a “fun thing” to be doing! He even considered eating what the pigs ate.

I mentioned before that I was raised on a farm. Kids worked at an early age in those days and at one time my job was to feed the pigs. I can assure you that I wouldn’t want to live where they lived or eat what they ate.

However it did something for that young that was good. He started thinking of home and, to use a bit of slang, he “got his head on straight.” He wasn’t lost as the coin and the sheep in first part of this chapter. He knew where he was and he knew where home was so he decided to return.

There is a very important point here in the story so don’t miss it. When he saw his father waiting he said (v.21) I sinned against heaven and against you and am not worthy to be called your son. Take me back as a servant.

The elder brother seemed to think that was a good idea but the father would have no part of that. It was a son he lost and it was a son he wanted back.

When Paul wrote, 2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;” That means when the prodigal repents and turns back to his heavenly father he is restored as a son not a servant. Isa 1:18

"Though your sins are like scarlet,

They shall be as white as snow;

It is a serious matter to turn away from God but thanks to the cross we can turn back and be restored.

All are sons and daughters in the Father’s house.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son

If ye shall ask anything in My name I will do it.”

John 14:13,14

“If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

John 15:7

          There is no name like the name of Jesus! It is adored in heaven, loved by His followers, feared by the devil and rejected by much of the world’s inhabitants, but there is incredible power in His Name.

          He said that nothing is impossible if we ask in His name but there is a condition attached. “If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you...” The Name of Jesus is not a magic formula that can be used  to work our own will in a matter. 

          If we abide in Him and His words abide in us we shall be directed by the Spirit to ask as He wills and to do as He wants. He will answer our prayers in His name when our interests and motives are according to His will.

          It is possible for two people to be dedicated to the Lord but praying in opposition to each other so the Lord decides the matter.

          In the 1960s we were Missionary-Pastors on Kodiak Island, Alaska. I had a couple of speaking engagements in Anchorage and the day I was to return was stormy. I missed the morning flight which circled Kodiak airport and because of the strong winds returned to Anchorage. I caught the afternoon flight and although Kodiak was still experiencing strong winds, the pilot started his approach. My wife, Carol was at the airport, fearful of a crash,  praying that the plane would turn around and return to Anchorage and I was on the plane, becoming airsick and praying that it would land.

          Well, God made the decision and we landed but we landed safely so He answered both of our prayers.  

          We are also cautioned about motives. James wrote, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives...” {James 4:3)

          If we are abiding in Christ and His word is abiding in us it will tend to control our motives and our praying will be in line with God’s answering.

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:10-12

          The above words are very sobering; Both ominous and heartening. We are both reminded and warned that the character traits that we develop and live by in this life will carry on into eternity.

          God lives a timeless existence but our life on earth does have boundaries. As far as we are concerned there is a time determined when we shall leave this place of  clocks and calendars and enter that place where “time shall be no more.”

          We are in a place of choice and change now, but when we leave we enter a dimension of no choice and the only change will be to become more of what we already are.

          Those we have accepted Jesus Christ and been changed into His image here shall continue growing into His image there. (1^st.Corinthians 15:49)

              Those who choose to reject Jesus Christ here and refuse the change that only He can effect, will continue on in the course that they have chosen but there will be no satisfaction in their existence.

          When those who have chosen to reject Christ and have departed for that place where they shall never again be annoyed by invitations to accept Him, there shall be much “weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth” as they realize that the time for choice is past. (Matthew 13:42 – Luke 13:28)

          Weeping is an expression of sorrow while wailing seems to suggest a hopeless despair. The “gnashing of teeth” expresses unreasoning hatred and rage. (See Acts 7:54) Not a desirable future but if it is to be avoided the choice must be made now.

          What a contrast to the future in store for those who accept His salvation provisions now. Those who love God now shall love Him with an ever increasing love in eternity. Those that we love dearly here and who share our love for God, shall be there for us to love for eternity.

          There will be no “weeping, wailing or gnashing of teeth” in heaven for there will be no remorse over the choice made while on earth. 

“Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof  goeth and selleth all that he hath ,and buyeth that field.”

Matthew 13:44

          I’ll share a few thoughts this morning about Jesus’ parable called the “Hidden Treasure”.  Verse 38 informs us that the field is the world so we can start there. In the beginning the world was pronounced “good” by God who made it. (Genesis 1:31) A usurper, however managed to take possession of the world and is now called the “god of this world” and a “ruler of darkness” (2^nd.Corinthians 4:4 – Ephesians 6:12)

          The worth of the field is determined by what it can produce. (Leviticus 27:16) From our standpoint an acre of land in Los Angeles is worth considerable more than an acre of land in the Mohave Desert. As to the present world which is producing a lot of worthless crops now, God could make a new one by just speaking the word, like before. Then the record would read, “God said, and a new world was.” The usurper, who manipulates the affairs of the rebellious world could be sent on to his prepared home, “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:10)

          All of that will happen in God’s time but right now the world continues,  only because there is a ‘hidden treasure’ that is very precious to God.

          The treasure is so precious that the ‘man’ (Jesus) sold all that He had, “His life’s blood” to purchase the world that the treasure might be His.

          The world has never recognized the worth of the treasure. I heard a woman being interviewed by a reporter, say “I think that the Christians are the greatest threat to society.” Another person once told me that they believed that Pat Robertson was a greater threat to the world than Saddam Hussein.

          There are those who would remove the word, deny the Author and make Caesar god, but their only protection is in the continued presence of the “treasure”. The time will come when the treasure will be removed, (1^st Thessalonians 4”13-18) and when that happens the world, it’s inhabitants and their god will be in more trouble than they can handle.

          The only reason the usurper in still on the loose and the world rebellion continues is that numbers are still being added to the hidden treasure.

          When the last soul accepts Jesus Christ and their new name in written down in His Book of Life (Revelation 20:12) the treasure, hidden to the world but not hidden to God, will be taken home and the world will have it as they want. A world from which the restraining influence of God has been removed (2^nd Thessalonians 2:7)   but it will not be pleasant. (Revelation chapters 6-20) 

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident; for, The just shall live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11

          We live in a rapidly changing world and hardly know what to depend on from day to day but we desperately need something unchanging and secure to anchor our lives to and God has provided that security. It is called the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it is 100% secure and trustworthy.

          Paul preached and lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He  claimed that he lived by faith in the Son of God and assures us that we can and must live the same way.

          Things didn’t always go smoothly for Paul! He was attacked by mobs, falsely accused by his enemies, arrested by the Roman authorities and saw the inside of several Roman jails. The future often looked bleak for Paul but his faith in the Gospel and in the Lord Jesus never wavered.

          He knew, as we must learn, that we cannot always depend on things as they appear to be but we must depend on things to be as God promises that they shall be and that is called “walking by faith”

          Someone wrote the following words;

‘Tis better to walk by faith than sight,

in this path of yours and mine;

And the pitch-black night, when there’s no outer light

Is the time for faith to shine.

          The world of our generation has a lot of serious problems and we hear a lot of proposed solutions. No doubt some are good and some not so good but of one thing I am sure, denying the claims of God and breaking His commandments is not a good solution.  Many years ago a man called “The Preacher’ wrote, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

          There will, no doubt, be political and judicial decisions made in the days to come that will be, as we see things, definitely wrong. There are now and will be more, developments on the world scene that are scary but don’t be troubled.  We are men and women who, “...walk by faith, not by sight.” (2ndCorinthians 5:7 ) and our lives are controlled by and our hope is built on, “...things not seen as yet...”(Hebrews 11:7) Like Moses of old we shall “...endure, as seeing Him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)  (Invisible to the eyes of unbelief but seen by eyes of faith) In the end it will be as God has determined.

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s

1^st Corinthians 6:20

          We are living at a time when men buy and sell for unbelievably enormous sums of money. It is not uncommon to read of one large company or corporation buying out another for billions of dollars. I just saw the announcement that the president’s new budget is 3.8 trillion dollars and a friend just sent me an e mail telling me of a decatillion.  My mind can’t quite take that in but a decatillion dollars, pounds or euros would not purchase salvation for a single individual.

          The Scripture above refers to the purchase price of the redemption and reconciliation of fallen mankind. The price was a far greater amount than any recorded buying transaction of this or any other generation. When God created the universe He had only to speak the word but when He redeemed mankind He had to die on a cross.

          Thousands have attended the theaters to see the Mel Gibson film, “The Passion of Christ”.  There are, of course, a few protesters saying that it is “too graphic”  “Anti-Semitic” etc. etc. but,  “That is how it happened because that is how it had to happen” if the human race would be redeemed.

          All of the money in the world  could not pay the redemption price for one soul. Peter writes, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver and gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with  precious blood , as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” (1^st Peter 1:18,19)

          I cannot explain why Jesus had to suffer the agonies of Calvary but if it had not been necessary it would not have happened and I shall praise and thank Him throughout eternity for His love and His willingness to do that for me.

          There was no other way and for people to reject the cross is a very, very, serious offence against God and His love.

          The Lord Jesus paid an unbelievably great price for our salvation and reconciliation, yet, we do not become His possession automatically. It is written, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

          The price was paid but “whosoever will” must “come” and “take” It is our decision and the most important decision that we shall ever be called upon to make.   

“...For whosoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists...”

Hebrews 11:6 Amplified N.T.

          There have been a few times during my years as a minister that I have been asked for a Scriptural reference to prove the existence of God. The fact is that the writers of the Bible made no particular effort to prove that God exists. They did not believe it necessary, but took the position that God is a “self-evident fact” and needs no proof of existence.

          The Scripture does remind us of considerable evidence all about us  of the existence of the Almighty. Psalm 19:1 reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.” (Not an accident of nature but the work of the Great Creator) Hebrews 1:10 reads, “And Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thine hands.”

          The above mentioned evidence points to the existence of the Creator God and any other explanation for that evidence falls far short of being believable.

          Belief in a Supreme Being is universal but knowledge of the true God and what He is, has been sadly distorted. Phillip the disciple once said the Jesus, “Show us the Father..” And Jesus replied, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8,9)

          Martin Luther taught that men could only understand God by looking at Jesus Christ. Jesus came not only to reconcile men and women to God but also to teach and demonstrate what God is like.

          When He multiplied the loaves and the fish He demonstrated that God is not only concerned about the needs of His people but is able to supply those needs. When He calmed the storm on Galilee He demonstrated that God is able to calm the storms of life and bring peace to the troubled soul. When He willingly suffered and died on the cross at Calvary He demonstrated the love of God in a way that no man ever understood God’s love before.

          All the words ever spoken and all the books ever written could not explain God’s love for us as Jesus’ voluntary death on the cross  explained it.

          The text above further states that, “we must believe that He is a rewarder of  them that diligently seek Him.” Surely a look at the cross will eliminate any doubt that the God Who loves us that much will reward our faith and trust in Him by changing our lives and bringing us into a place of fellowship with Him

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.”

                                                                                                              Psalm 91:1,2

                What determines the quality of our life on this earth, the direction that we are traveling, the person we are becoming and the place where we shall go when we leave here? Is it fate or faith? Chance or choice? The Psalmist maintains that it is choice and all of the Scripture agrees with that.

                Right now the big issue in Congress is healthcare and quality of life  and the debates are about who has the better plan.

                 Health care is a necessity and the cost now is out of the reach of the average working family. I have had three major surgeries for cancer during the past 25 years and am still an outpatient at the Veterans Administration Hospital. I am sincerely thankful for the compassionate care that I have received all of the years from the doctors and nurses there but the above Scripture is referring to a health care that no earthly clinic can provide.

                There is a place in God where we can dwell, by choice, and have a quality life here and a future that is even brighter.   Our earthly life is temporary, as we all well know, but our life in God is not. Paul’s traveling companion was a doctor named Luke, who, no doubt, provided what health care he could for Paul  but Paul still said, “...though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2^nd Corinthians 4:16)

                We must face facts! The outward man does wear out but the inward man should only grow stronger with the years. For many years I worked 8-10 hour days as a carpenter and still preached four times weekly.  Well, those 8-10 hour days of carpentering are a part of history now but  due to the computer age I still share the Gospel, not four times a week but daily.

                It is a choice that I made more than fifty years ago. I dwell in a place where the ravages of time cannot touch my inward man. It is called “The secret place of the most High...”Frankly, I don’t like being physically limited but I am thankful to God that I do not have to become spiritually weak.

                Our spirit will grow continually stronger and one day we shall trade this tired body in on a new one.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13,14

                The Apostle Paul was a man with an aim in life! He received a vision of Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) and he never forgot it nor let the memory of it grow dim. In the above Scripture he said, “I press toward the mark.” We must be toward something! If we are not pressing toward something we shall never get there! It is the winners who have a goal!

                In John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, the pilgrim experienced many hardships in his journey but he kept his face toward the celestial city and he reached his destination.

                Fifty seven years ago I come into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and He gave me a charge for this life and a vision for the life to come. I have done my best to keep the charge and keep the vision bright. The destination is just ahead.

                We are living in unsettling and confusing times. The opening words of Charles Dickens novel, “A Tale of Two Cities” can apply here. “It was the best of times,; It was the worst of times.” We have unprecedented wealth and much poverty; Peace and prosperity and war and violence; Luxury and deprivation;

                In our own country a line is being drawn. It is Pro-God vs. Anti-God; Pro-Bible vs. Anti-Bible;

                We must remember our charge; keep  our sense of direction, and our vision for the future as described by God’s word. Paul’s advice is to “Set your affection on things above.” (Colossians 3:2)  According to Matthew 13:22 both wealth and the lack of it have the power to discourage and sidetrack the pilgrim on the journey.

                There is some “setting” to do on our part! It is an operation that God has assigned to us. We must, by deliberate choice, turn “toward’ God and “press on” The uncommitted and undecided go nowhere! No one will arrive in heaven by mistake or accident. As Joshua of old, said without compromise, “...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

                If you are among those uncommitted to God and His program let me assure you that your vote will not determine the outcome of the program but it will determine your outcome and future.

Pss 56:9-10

This I know, because God is for me.    10 In God (I will praise His word),

In the Lord (I will praise His word),

Romans 8:31-32

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,

God is for you! He is not against you. David was a man with many enemies and was beset with many temptations and discouragements but he could say, with confidence, “This I know, God is for me!”

Romans 8:32 above reminds us that if God were not for us Jesus would never have gone to the cross.

Jesus said, John 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulation;” Why should that be? Isn’t this God’s world? It  is God’s world but due to man’s disobedience in the garden and man’s continued rebellion and disobedience, there is an old malignancy  let loose, who is now called 2 Cor 4:4 “.the god of this world…” who continues to stir up trouble for you and I.

Why doesn’t God just remove him? He will! His reign is temporary and his doom is determined Rev 20:10 “the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.” But in the meantime, God Who is for us will see us through. 

A man called Job, during a time of severe trial, wrote Job 5:7 “man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” Jesus also said John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  Someone wrote the following words of rhyme

All of us know trouble—at least I hope we do for trouble is a servant, but known as such to few.

Good and bad must face her, the universe around—

Sinner, saints, kings and a knave—she comes where man is found.

Always make her serve you for she can serve you well; just how you may use her, your life will always tell.

Our troubles are like the giants of Numbers 13, 14. Ten of the twelve spies said, “The giants in the land are big trouble1 they eat people!” 13:34. the other two, Joshua and Caleb said, “Not so! We will defeat the troubling giants and be the stronger for it.”

Troubles do come but with God’s promised help we can overcome and be the stronger for it.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world , that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Ephesians 1:4,5

            God has had plans for you and I for a very long time! How long has it been? I don’t know but He had us in mind before He made the world.

            Mrs. Cummins and I sometimes drive up into the nearby Bighorn Mountains during the summer months. The Geologists have posted signs along the way giving their estimate of the age of the rocks. Those estimates range from 4.5 million years to 1.5 billion years so obviously even the professionals do not know exactly how old the world is.

            I am not much concerned about the age of the earth but I am convinced that the God whom I serve made the earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:1) and had me in mind when He did it.

            I believe that the history of mankind is much shorter than the history of the world but it will last longer. Sometime back in the ageless eternity past, God decided to create the human race then He made a world for us to live on. That ought to get our attention!

            Man disobeyed his Creator and alienated himself but God had made plans for that also.  Jesus Christ the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8)   would come to redeem, forgive and adopt believing men and women into the family of God (v.5) to live forever, according to God’s plan.

            God’s family will outlast this world so God will make a new one. (Revelation 21:10) or remake this one. Whichever position you prefer to take.

            No one knows how long this world will last, but we know how long the redeemed will last. There are men who are presuming to build a world civilization without recognizing the God who created it. A number of world leaders are attempting to do that now. Men have been known to do some stupid things but this must be pretty high on the list. The God who made the world knows best how to keep it in running order.

            We hear of their plans but just let it blow on by. Our future is already written in the Book “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  (Psalm 23:6) God planned it all long, long ago.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God believe also in Me.”

John 14:1

            We have many troubled hearts in our world. The changing and uncertainty of the times in which we live contribute to troubled hearts and minds. The present day attacks on our cherished family values, and the  life styles that are being approved and promoted by those of influence who should know better, can bring trouble to our minds. We are concerned about the world that our children and grandchildren must live in.

            We have an antidote for the troubled heart! Jesus said, “Believe in Me” He is the answer! He is as concerned about the world that we live in as we are, after all, He made it! It will not always be this way! Until the promised time comes when, “The beasts of the wild, shall be led by a little child! And the lion shall lay down with the lamb!” (Isaiah 11)  We who trust in Jesus can have an “untroubled heart” although living in a “troubled world.” 

            Our world is experiencing atrocities and cruelties that is difficult to imagine but there is an explanation. We have always had an enemy, called the Devil and Satan who is determined to cause as much suffering and damage to God’s creation as he can. He is now called the “the god of this world” (2^nd.Corinthians 4:4) and he exerts  a lot of influence on the world and has complete influence in parts of the world in the lives of some people.

            If he has a heart it is troubled right now because of a bit of advance information that God has allowed him. In Revelation 12:12 we are told that at a certain time, (undoubtedly this present time) he is “having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” His time is limited and he knows it! We must recognize that also. Things will get bad but when God says “It is enough” it is enough. The violence will turn upon the violent and all shall be destroyed. It is Armageddon for the rebellious, (Revelation 16:16) the bottomless pit for the perpetrator ,(Dragon) (Revelation 20:1,2) and a new heaven and a new world for the followers of Jesus. (Revelation 21)

            There are better times ahead, Believer! In the meantime “let the peace of Jesus rule in your heart.” (Colossians 3:15) and don’t worry.  

Likewise the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save...’

Matthew 27:41,42

                Many false charges were made against Jesus, but was this charge true? Was Jesus really unable to save himself as the chief priests claimed?

                The charge was true but not for the reason that the chief priest was insinuating. Jesus could not save Himself and save us also. He chose to die that we might live! There were not enough Roman Legionnaires in the Empire to have crucified Jesus had he refused to allow it. According to Matthew 26:53 there twelve legions of angels standing by that Jesus could have called for. The power of one angel is unbelievably awesome. (See 2^nd.Kings 19:35)

                 In his movie production, “The Passion of Christ” Mel Gibson portrays, so graphically,  the sufferings that Jesus voluntarily endured at the crucifixion, that, I think, restraining themselves from coming, unbidden, to His rescue, must have been the most difficult thing that the watching angels ever did.

                The song writer had it right when he wrote, “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen could ever tell.” Such love is beyond our comprehension and it is equally beyond my ability to comprehend as to  how men can reject, despise and deny such a demonstration of love. I have not a fragment of compromise with the position of the “Separation of Church and State” people. Any state that deliberately separates itself from God and from the love of God as demonstrated at Calvary, is asking for more trouble than they can handle. The Name of Jesus should be exalted in both church and state regardless of how many unbelievers it may offend.

                It is recorded in John chapter 6 that Jesus had a long conversation about the necessity of men believing in and accepting the salvation benefits of His blood that was to be shed on Calvary. It is written that many went back and followed Him no more, then Jesus asked His disciples a most heart-wrenching question, “Will ye also go away?” (v.67)  Will you also be offended by the cross and go away?

                It is a question that must be considered by all men. There is much opposition to the story of the crucifixion even now and many are offended, but it happened and God does not do things without a purpose.

                Paul wrote, “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Galatians 2:21)

                God forbid that we should ever be offended by the cross and that Jesus’ sufferings should be in vain.

Matt 6:33-34

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

NKJV

I love the following lines of verse.

“Life is a book of volumes three, The Past—The Present—and the Yet to be:

The first is written and laid away, The Second we are writing day by day;

The next and last of the volumes Three—Is locked from sight—God holds the Key.”

In the above Scripture Jesus is telling us that worrying about tomorrow is a fruitless exercise and to be avoided. Tomorrow is God’s and we shall know about it only when it becomes today. Today is ours and we are to use it well.  We can, to some extent, influence what our tomorrows will bring. An old advertising slogan read, “What you do today will affect how you feel tomorrow!”

When the Apostle Paul’s today’s had all become yesterdays and his final tomorrow was at hand he wrote.

2 Tim 4:7-8

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,

We can’t know what our tomorrows on the earth will bring but we can decide what that great tomorrow of the future will bring.

Matt 25:21

 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.

To others He will say,

Matt 7:23

I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

It is what they did with their today’s that made the difference.  

“My times are in Thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”

Psalm 31:15

When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me”

Psalm 56:9

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31

                I have suggested several times that we are in those “perilous times” spoken of in 2^nd.Timothy 3:1. The world is in perilous times! A world that is violating God’s law, rejecting His authority, and attempting to suppress all reference to Him from modern life is “living dangerously”.

                Our times, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, are not perilous! Our times are in the hand of God and God is not in peril of anything, much less the threats and intentions of a generation of unbelievers.

                Those “Freedom from Religion” people are in great peril and treading on dangerous ground but we are built on the rock.

                David said, “..this I know; God is for me.” and Paul added, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”  What more security do we need?

                Long ago Paul said, “...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2^nd Timothy 1:12)

                There is much about the future that we cannot know! We just have to wait and see what each day brings! There are things that we need to know and we can know! We need to know where we are going and how we plan to get there! Our eternal salvation is much too important to leave to chance!

                One of the largest and most prosperous businesses today is the insurance business. We are offered insurance for nearly everything. Car insurance, house insurance, life insurance, health insurance. Insurance for the washer, insurance for the clothes dryer, insurance for the refrigerator, and there seems to be no end to the list.

According to the Bible we all need malpractice insurance! “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)  We have an insurance to cover that! “...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1^st John 1:7)

 The premium has already been paid and we have only to agree to the terms.

                “...if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved>” Romans 10:9)

“When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it.

But it greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry...”

Jonah 3:10 , 4:1

                The sins of Nineveh had become so flagrant that God would tolerate them no longer and He sent Jonah with a message of judgment. After much persuasion by God, Jonah arrived and preached his message in the city. The people believed the message, repented in sackcloth and God decided not to send the threatened judgment, which aggravated the already disgruntled prophet even more.

                Jonah had a false view of the purpose of God’s judgment, which some today share. God’s judgment is not a “get even” proposition! The purpose of His judgment is of a remedial nature if men will accept it as such.

                The Apostle Peter informed us that  “ ...God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent.” (Acts 17:30) If the threat of judgment will accomplish that which God desires then the actual judgment is not necessary. The choice is for men to make! Jesus also said that it is a “...repent or perish...” situation  (Luke 13:3)

                If men will not repent and turn (Isaiah 55:7) at the threat of judgment then the actual judgment must fall and that is a thought too terrible to consider.

                There is a limit! When the limit is reached, only God knows! The record shows that Sodom reached that limit where the message and the messenger was rejected (Genesis 19:9) and Sodom became only a scorched spot on the desert floor.

                The matter of concern to us is the ‘Sodom’ philosophy emerging in our world today. Is it as widespread as the news media would have us believe? If so, has the world reached it’s limit? I don’t know; but it’s getting there! What are we to do?

                We can’t condone that which God condemns. Your Bible reads the same as your grandfather and great-grandfather’s Bible read. God hasn’t changed! Romans 2 tells the story. Lot was the only believer in God in his city but God  knew who and where he was and He knows about you and I.

                The world has been warned but the world in general has rejected the message and ignored the threat, which assures a coming judgment. It is also written, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”(1^st.Thessalonians 5:9) and that is a matter of individual choice.              

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer from what is right, you are blessed.

“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”

1^st.Peter 3:12-14

            We do not fear what the world fears but we do fear that which the world does not fear and that is where our paths separate.

            Much of the world does not fear the Lord nor try to walk in His ways. As a result,  the things that they have tolerated  and even approved have now begun to bear fruit and they are fearful of where it is leading. Ungodly living habits, legalized pornography, uncensored TV violence, and the rejection of God’s word have all resulted in a  world of violence that is getting out of control.

            We do fear the Lord and although we recognize the mounting dangers in our world we do not fear because we know that our future does not depend upon the world or it’s leaders.

            God made the world, declared it good (Genesis 1:31) and placed men in charge but holds men accountable. It is about time to audit the books and the record in general is not good.

            Men recognize the danger but cannot or will not, admit to the cause. News analysts now refer to it as playing the “Blame Game”. I remember a comic strip of many years ago called “Pogo” in which the little imaginary creature announced, “We has met the enemy and he is us!”

            Contrary to  the claims of some politicians, lawyers, judges and special interest groups, God is not the problem, God is the solution.  “Right!”

            Men’s own conduct, behavior and rejection of God is the problem.

Paul spoke of such a time and said, in part, “...”Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” (The reason)  “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:15-18)

            We recognize the danger but as those who ‘fear the Lord’  we see beyond the coming judgment to the solution and we are not afraid.

“For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them...”

Luke 9:56

            History has recorded the campaigns and invasions of many kings and rulers, most of whom invaded to pillage, destroy and enslave.  Jesus invaded our earth and our lives, not to destroy or enslave but to save, deliver and set free!

            He left the glories of heaven and came to earth for our sake! Not to harm but to help! Not to take, but to give! His rule is benevolent, not brutal because it is built on love, not force.

            It is not the nature of Jesus to destroy! He is the Creator of all things (John 1:3) If Jesus had wanted to destroy mankind He would not have needed to leave heaven to do that. He could have just spoken a word or commissioned a couple of angels to do the work. Actually, men were doing a pretty good job of destroying themselves and Jesus came to offer a solution.

            Saving men from self-destructing is, I suppose, the most difficult task of all. There were those

 who loudly proclaimed that former President was not providing enough security from terrorist attacks but the same people were violently opposed to His recognition of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who only, can deliver us from that which is destroying our society from within. Their reasoning was that to protect us from the danger without is proper and needful but to suggest a protection from the destruction within would be a violation of the destroyer’s rights.

            The statement of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day is typical of mankind! They rejected Jesus “Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;” (Acts 10:38) and chose the cruel and oppressive Caesar. “...crucify Him...We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15)

            Jesus didn’t have to go to the cross! Jesus said that He could have called twelve legions of angels,(Matthew 26:53) and any mortal man, in like situation, would have done so. It is only the incredible love and long-suffering of Jesus that enabled Him to “...endure the cross, despising the shame...” and provide salvation for those who accept Him.

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth.

When therefore Jesus had received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished”: and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost.

John 19:28-30

                Jesus said the most astonishing things that the people had ever heard! Most of the religious leaders of the time were infuriated: The Romans were skeptical but suspicious: The crowds were amazed but elated. They were all in agreement with the officers who said, “Never man spake like this man”. (John 7:46)

                He said, “I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) He said, “I am the way the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6) He said “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)

                I believe that the greatest words ever spoken were the words of Jesus, spoken from the cross, “It is finished”. As concerning you and I it was the greatest announcement ever made. The words mean literally, ”Paid in full.”

                If He had not spoken those words, you and I would have been eternally separated from all of His promises and provisions.

                They were the greatest words spoken because they were spoken by the greatest man who ever walked on earth. John speaks of a time when  heaven and earth were searched for someone qualified to open the little sealed book of Revelation 5:1-5. and only Jesus was qualified and able to open the seals.

                No one could have been found in heaven or earth, if such a search were made, who could give his life on a cross and cry, with authority, “It is finished” except Jesus.

                When Jesus cried, “It is finished” it was good news for mankind but it was bad news for the devil as his power was broken at Calvary. “Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14,15)

                We need never walk in fear! When He said “It is finished” it was finished. The provisions are made and the opposition can’t repeal them. 

And afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.

Mark 16:14 NAS

            Unbelief is a serious matter! It can cause you to miss heaven! It implies that sufficient facts have been presented but the evidence has been disregarded.

            Jesus had painstakingly established the evidence of His resurrection. At least 642 different people at different times and different locations, saw Him after His resurrection. There was no room for unbelief!

            It is absolutely essential that we be convinced of the fact that he rose from the dead on the third day for the Gospel stands or falls on that truth. If we are not sure of His resurrection we cannot be sure of anything! He said, “...because I live, you shall live also.” (John 14:19)

Paul wrote concerning this matter, “”For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished...But now Christ has been raised from the dead...so also in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1^st.Corinthians 15:16-22)

            The resurrection of Jesus is one of the best documented facts of history and the evidence of it has been demonstrated in the changed lives of millions and millions of people during the past two centuries.

            In response to the Sadducees of His day who denied the resurrection, Jesus said “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32)

            Revelation chapters 21,22 describe a “God built” city where there is no death.(Revelation 21:4) There can be no death there because it is ruled over by the Prince of Life, the Resurrected Jesus, Who has triumphed over death and destroyed it.(1^st.Corinthians 15:26) and it’s inhabitants are those who have received of His eternal life and cannot die.(John 11:26)

            All of our hopes as Christians are dependant upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! Let me suggest a Cummins paraphrase of 2^nd.Corinthians 1:20 NAS  “ For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him (a resurrected Him) they are yes; wherefore also by Him (a resurrected Him) is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”

              A  professing Christian who does not believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus is a contradiction  A dead Christ cannot impart life!

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Revelation 21:2

            There is much about our future existence that God has not chosen to reveal to us but John’s record of his vision  as recorded in Revelation chapters 21 & 22 reveal some details.

            I want to consider some facts this morning! There is a place prepared; Promised by Jesus (John 14:1-3) and described by John. Not everyone on earth will choose to go there, but for those of us who have chosen Jesus and made our reservation, it is natural that we want to know as much as possible about our future home.

            The “place prepared” is described as a city, and such a city as the world has never built or imagined.   It is an “eternal city” for the inhabitants of eternity.(2^nd.Corinthians 5:1,2) All of the great cities of ancient times have crumbled into the dust but the city described above shall last, as those things that destroy on earth will not exist there.

            There will be no nuclear devices to blow it away! There will be no earthquakes to shake it down! There will be no fire to burn it up! There will be no vandals to deface and destroy! The city has gates but they are never shut! “And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.” (Rev. 21:25) There will be no need for hospitals, police departments or insurance companies there for there will no crime there, the inhabitants will never get sick and Jesus is our ‘life insurance.”

 It is a part of that “kingdom which cannot be moved” (Hebrews 12:28)

            In our country where so many are obsessed with the obtaining of the uncertain riches of the world, it is somewhat of an enigma that many are unconcerned about the  certain riches in serving Christ.

            There isn’t an investment company in the country that can absolutely guarantee your investment! There isn’t a realtor in the country that can guarantee that your new home will not deprecate and need to be replaced.

            An investment in God’s economy (Matthew 6:19,20) is the only real security available.  Everything that we work for down here will be left behind and when we leave we won’t have time to look back. (1^st.Corinthians 15:52)

            Now is the time to make your reservation for a dwelling place in that eternal city seen by John.

Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:23

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.

2^nd.Timothy 2:8

            It was a sad day in the lives of the disciples when the body of Jesus was laid in the tomb! It was a glorious day when Jesus rose from the dead and walked and talked with them again but it was a discouraging day when they stood outside of Jerusalem and watched Him rise into the air and disappear from their sight.

            Jesus had assured them that, although it was necessary that he return to that place from where He came that  He would continue to be with them through the presence of His Holy Spirit whom He would send into the world. (John 16:7-16)

            The angel had said that Mary’s Son should be named Emmanuel, meaning “God with us”. That was the distinctive of the Gospel message; a living presence with His followers wherever they went.  The Roman world had their dead gods, many which they could carry in their pocket or leave on the shelf, as they wished, but a Living God was a new thought to them and of course some were interested and some scoffed.

            Paul saw the “Living God’ on the Damascus Road! The same Jesus who had disappeared into the Judean sky as the disciples watched, appeared to Paul and changed his life forever. Later Paul wrote the words above “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead...”  The phrase “raised from the dead” is crucial to the truth of the message. According to my  Greek Lexicon it means “an act in the past that is continuing in the present” “ever risen and ever present”

            Ii means that Jesus Christ was always alive but at a point in time He came to the earth in a body of flesh. He died on a cross but death could not hold Him, the tomb could not contain Him, He arose on the third day and HE WILL NEVER ENTER THE GRAVE AGAIN. This is the Christ of the Gospel! Nothing else will do!

            He was “God with us” then! He is “God with us” now and he will be “God with us” for all eternity.    

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, For there is one God and   to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1^st.timothy 2:2-6

            In former President Bush’s State  of the Union address. He spoke of his “No Child Left Behind” program and said, “I refuse to give up on any child!” “For they should all have an open door of opportunity”.

            God has opened the door of opportunity to all mankind and He doesn’t want anyone left behind. The Scripture above reads, “God our Savior, Who would have all men to be saved.” And in 2^nd.Peter 3:9 we read, “The Lord...is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

            The provision has been made, “Christ Jesus who gave Himself a ransom for all.” , God is “not willing that any should perish.” But it is that repentance part that will cause people to be left behind.

            The Gospel is called Good News. In the world, that which is good news to some is bad news to others. A manufacturing company moves the operation overseas. That is good news to that country for people will have jobs but it is bad news for our country because people here will lose their jobs.

            The Gospel is good news to everyone except the devil! The Gospel, if accepted, will help everyone and hurt no one! The Gospel makes no distinction! “Whosoever will (every nation, kindred, people and tongue) Revelation 7:9) let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

            God has an open door of opportunity to a life of eternal existence with Him and  only those who refuse His invitation are left behind.

            Some will be left behind simply because they never found time to make their reservations. It was the Israelites of Jeremiah’s day who cried, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (Jeremiah 8:20) Perhaps Paul had this in mind when he wrote, “   behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2^nd.Corinthians 6:2)

            God’s invitation is open and our acceptance of that invitation is far too important a matter to postpone or neglect.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; For I go to prepare a place for you.”

John 14:2 NAS

                No one on this earth can lay claim to a permanent dwelling place! The house that you are building or buying will one day be occupied by someone else. No matter how beautiful! No matter how well built! No matter how well it pleases you! It is temporary! The day will come when someone else will eat in your dining room; someone else will sleep in your bedroom, read in your library and enjoy your flower gardens.

                As Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we are told that we are “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13) It is also written above that Jesus has gone to “prepare a place for us” In 2^nd.Corinthians 5:1 it is called an eternal house. In Hebrews 11:10 we are told that it will be in a city whose architect and builder is God.

                Be thankful for your home! Be thankful for all of God’s provisions but too  strong an attachment to them can be dangerous. Paul wrote, Col 3:  “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  During WW II I lived in a tent for about two years. In one location it rained more than half the time and we dug a little ditch across the floor so the water would run on through instead of staying to visit. I was very thankful for my tent but actually I was looking ahead to a more permanent type home.

I read of people now who live in homes that cost 100 million dollars or more. I have never seen such a home much less live in one. Our home is very modest but comfortable. In our early life I was in training to become an architect, until I felt that God would have me become a minister of the Gospel, and I have seen the prints of buildings and was amazed at the ability of the architect who designed them. But in the words of the old Gospel song, “Just wait ‘til you see my new home.”  The “builder and maker is God.” Heb 11:10 and  no earthly architect can compare with Him.

 How much did our new home cost? 100 million? More than that but the price is already paid and we must only believe on and trust in the Savior-Builder.

Eph 5:15-16

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

James 4:14

 For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Scripture from NKJV

Most of us know what it is to come down to the end of the day and have a few things that we wanted to do but time ran out before we got them accomplished.

Helen Steiner Rice wrote;

“In this fast moving world of turmoil and tension,

With problems and troubles, too many to mention,

Our days are so crowded and our hours so few,

There’s so little time and So Much To Do.”

We shall, no doubt, come down to the end of life’s day and think of some things that we have not done but let them be the unimportant things.

It’s a matter of priority! With eternity in view, some things are important, some things are not. May God give us wisdom to know the difference.

When we were young my good friend, Dave joined the Sherriff’s Dept. In answer to a question of matters important to him, Dave wrote, “God first, family second and the Sherriff’s dept. third.”

Good philosophy!

The time came when  a certain woman of God was called to leave this life. Her husband was grief stricken and his minister consoled him by saying, “She was a  good and godly woman.” The heart broken husband replied , “I know! I always meant to tell her how much I appreciated and admired her but I never found the time and now it is too late.”

“Life is a book of volumes three, The Past—The Present—and the Yet to be:

The first is written and laid away, The Second we are writing day by day;

The next and last of the volumes Three—Is locked from sight—God holds the Key.”

Today is God’s gift, let us use it well.

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Genesis 5:24

            The Scriptures do not tell us much about Enoch, only that he walked with God but that fact suggests several things.  Amos writes, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3)  Enoch walked with God because he was in agreement with God!  Enoch and God were compatible!

            Mrs. Cummins and I have walked together for 64 years because we are compatible.        Some marriages split up because they are not compatible and many do not walk with God for the same reason.

            Enoch is known by Bible students everywhere as the man who bypassed death and went directly to his heavenly home but the reason for that happening is more important. The Holy Spirit listed five of the patriarchs before the flood, Seth,   Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, and Jared but didn’t supply many details. It is written only that they were born, lived their life, raised their families and died but when He came to Enoch it is recorded twice, (vvs 22,24) that “Enoch walked with God.”

            Everyone leaves a legacy and every life touches other lives.  Paul wrote, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” (Romans 14:7) What will people say about us after we are gone! And more important what will God say about us. 

             Former President Bill Clinton, has, on several occasions    voiced concern  as  to the  legacy that he would leave and what the historians would say about him. Few people are in a position to influence as many others as the president of the United States but the influence on those lives that we do touch is very important.

            History books will not mention my name but God will record it. I pray that God’s record will show and those who know me well will agree that “He walked with God.” You can have no greater purpose in life than to walk with God until God takes you.

            I pray that people who know me will recognize that I walk with God because I like walking  with God. That I can see that it is a great privilege to be allowed to walk with God. That I don’t feel that I am missing anything worthwhile by walking with God but that I am gaining every thing worthwhile.

            I started walking with God more than 60 years ago and I assure you that I have never regretted that decision.

Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you.

Isaiah 59:1,2

            Sometime after God had completed the creation of the world and pronounced it good,(Genesis 1:31)  a problem arose with God’s highest order of creation. The man, created in God’s own image, (Genesis 1:26,27) yielded to temptation and sin entered the picture. Mankind was then separated from fellowship with God and all of their posterity would be separated also unless some solution could be provided.

            God could have destroyed mankind and the problem along with him or He could provide a way back. To our eternal benefit and blessing God provided a way back!

            It would require a substitute who had never sinned (2^nd.Corinthians 5:21) to die for those who had sinned. A righteous man willing to die for sinful men!(Romans 5:7-10)

            It couldn’t be a son of Adam for it was by Adam that sin entered (Romans 5:17) . Jesus Christ, the only sinless, righteous and willing One, came to be our substitute. Born of a virgin, (Matthew 1:18-21) He was not a son of Adam!

            No son of Adam ever lived a life like Jesus lived. (John 8:46)

No son of Adam ever did the things that Jesus did! (John 9:32)

            No son of Adam ever said the things that Jesus said! (John 7:46 , Luke 4:22)

Jesus Christ, the Holy Son of God, became the substitute that we, the sons and daughters of Adam, might become the sons and daughters of God.

            It was a plan, so complex from God’s side, that we cannot fully understand. The God who created man, (John 1:3) would become a man! The God of life over whom death had no power,(John 10:17,18) would die. From our side it is so simple that no one need misunderstand. We are not required to understand, only believe. We have only to trust in Him as  our Lord and Savior and the work is done. The lost is found (Luke 15:320 , we who were “...far off are made nigh..”(Ephesians 2:13) and we who were on the “downward, broad path to destruction are then on the “upward, narrow path to eternal life” (Matthew 7:13,14

            Only the great omniscient God could devise such a plan and only the great God of eternal love could accomplish it. 

And everyone who heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Read Matthew 7:24,29

            In order to complete our journey through life, avoiding such a catastrophe as is described above, we need help! We need to know how to build a life, represented above by a house, that will not wash away, blow away or come apart! All of the necessary instructions are given to us, by Jesus, as revealed in the Holy Scripture. To build contrary to the Scriptures is to build on the sand.

            We can start with one fact that cannot be denied. Storms come into every life! We cannot know when they will arrive and we do not know how long they will stay but we can be prepared. Jesus did not show us a way to avoid all storms but He did show us the way to survive all storms.

            First of all we need a solid foundation! A good building will come down if the foundation gives way. At one time I held a position in my denominational district in which I was to oversee several churches. A certain church building in a nearby town,  was settling  on one side and I went to determine the cause.

            Many years ago it was the practice to build on a foundation called ‘mud sills” Two trees were cut down and laid out on the ground in a parallel position. The top side was leveled off with an axe and the building was built on the logs. This church was built on ‘mud sills’ and time had destroyed the sills and the building was coming down.

            There is only one foundation that will hold you and I up through the storms of life and that is faith and trust in Jesus. (See 1^st.Corinthians 3:10,11) It is the only foundation that time and circumstances cannot affect. 

            Hebrews 6:19 tells us that we also need an anchor. We need an anchor to keep us in our place when the storms come and the only sure anchor is the foundation of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We were on Kodiak Island,Alaska during  the great earthquake of 1964 and the following tidal wave. I saw a lot of things that were not anchored to a solid foundation carried out to sea by the flood.

            The Scripture reads “By Him (Jesus) all things, are held together..” Colossians 1”17 Amp.N.T.)  Jesus holds all things together including your life and mine. Without His controlling influence in our life it can and often does, come apart.

   The time to build on the foundation and anchor our soul to it, is before the storms arrive.

The burden of Du’mah. He calleth to me out of Se’ir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

Isaiah 21:11,12

            This was a troublous and tumultuous time in the history of the Mid-Eastern world. The mighty Persian Empire was on the move, Babylon  had fallen and the  rest of the Eastern world wondered what was going to happen next. The people of Se’ir sent a representative to inquire of the prophet and his answer was “I have some good news and some bad news!” The morning is coming but also the night!”

            I am not attempting to make predictions but I see a parallel with the situation as it is today. Cyrus, king of Persia , who was a friend of Israel when Israel had few friends,(Isaiah 44:28) was called God’s shepherd, and was sent to bring down Babylon and the ungodly Belshazzar, who despised Israel. 

Once again Israel is a recognized nation and once again she has few friends. America has always been Israel’s friend although the present administration is not quite so supportive.

                        The morning is coming but also the night! The time will come when the world will, “learn war no more” (Isaiah 2:4) and even the wild beasts shall live in peace.(See Isaiah 11)  but the night comes first. Anti-God sentiment is increasing throughout the world and it must be put down. The seven years of darkness and blackness described in Revelation chapters 6-20 will culminate at a place called Armageddon (Revelation 17:16) and  then the morning comes to the world.

            Is there any good news to look for now?  For those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus there is great news, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)

            There is hope in a dark world if you look in the right direction. Paul described a coming event, which I believe is imminent, in 1^st.Thessalonians 4:16,17  “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

            It is time to choose sides! 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth  in thee.”

Isaiah 26:3

            We have in this verse of Scripture a promise of peace and considering the elusiveness of peace in our present day world this promise should be well worth our investigating. It is a personal matter! It is the promise of a personal peace in a world that has known very little peace in a long time.

            In a world of violence it is a “calm in the midst of the storm.”

There are two things that we must do to obtain this peace and we can do both, Our mind is to be “stayed on God” and that is a matter of choice. We can control what we are thinking and we can choose what we read and look at. We are to “trust in God’ and the more that we read His word and think on and rehearse His goodness, the easier it is to trust Him.

            There is much in the world that is disturbing to the disciple of Christ and cannot be denied. It is paraded before us constantly by the media  but we must, at least give God equal time if we would be “kept in perfect peace.”

            The media presents the ‘breaking news’ but God has written the final chapter. “Peace on earth” will come in God’s time but peace in your heart and mine is promised for right now.

            Malachi lived in a time when the general behavior was marked by rebellion and infidelity but there were those who would not be influenced. Malachi wrote, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” (Malachi 3:16,17)

            Jesus said the time would come when, “...ye shall hear of wars, and commotions, be not terrified:” (Luke 21:9)  There are as many wars and commotions in the world right now as there has ever been but we are not terrified because He also said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)   

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and thought the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah. (Pause and consider that)

Psalm 46:1, 2, 11

                Security has become a major issue and concern in today’s world! I’m sure that you have all seen the news of the man who, a few days ago, boarded a major airlines flight with explosives taped to his underwear. The explosive device malfunctioned and all he got was some scorched skin but it could have been disastrous.  Security has been an issue ever since the fall of man and the entrance of violence into the world that God made. The Psalmist directs us to the most secure security that there is!  They are twin portrayals of God called “the Lord of hosts” and “the God of Jacob”.

                I believe that we can take the phrase “Lord of hosts” to mean that God is in command of everything. He has a great host of angels waiting and anxious to do His bidding, (Matthew 26:53) but He also controls all creation. The Psalmist said, “Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.” (Psalm 89:9) Jesus demonstrated that power when He stood in the fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee  and spoke to the “raging sea” saying “Peace, Be still” (Mark 4:39)

                Actually He is still in command of those hosts of evil who rebelled against Him as He demonstrated when He commanded the legion of demons to depart from the wild man of Gadara. (Matthew 8:32)

                As the “Lord of hosts” He has the final and conclusive word in all things.

                The “God of Jacob” describes His approachableness. The God of the universe knows you and me by name! The mighty Lord of hosts came down to a cross and became our redeemer! The One Who “...did fly on the wings of the wind” (Psalm 18:10) also walked in the garden with Adam. (Genesis 3:8) The One who dwells in the “unapproachable light” (1^st.Timothy 6:16) came down to dwell among men. (John 1:14)

                We now have plans, programs and agencies to provide National Security, Homeland Security, job security, financial security and many more but as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have our complete security package in the Lord of hosts and God of Jacob.” The success of all other security plans depend upon His provision and without His support all else will fail. (Hebrews 1:3)

Right now, due to the fall, both men and elements are a bit out of control but one day Edenic conditions will once again prevail.                                                                            Rev 21:1, 3, 4

 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

It’s going to happen!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and thought the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah. (Pause and consider that)

Psalm 46:1, 2, 11

                Security has become a major issue and concern in today’s world! I’m sure that you have all seen the news of the man who, a few days ago, boarded a major airlines flight with explosives taped to his underwear. The explosive device malfunctioned and all he got was some scorched skin but it could have been disastrous.  Security has been an issue ever since the fall of man and the entrance of violence into the world that God made. The Psalmist directs us to the most secure security that there is!  They are twin portrayals of God called “the Lord of hosts” and “the God of Jacob”.

                I believe that we can take the phrase “Lord of hosts” to mean that God is in command of everything. He has a great host of angels waiting and anxious to do His bidding, (Matthew 26:53) but He also controls all creation. The Psalmist said, “Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.” (Psalm 89:9) Jesus demonstrated that power when He stood in the fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee  and spoke to the “raging sea” saying “Peace, Be still” (Mark 4:39)

                Actually He is still in command of those hosts of evil who rebelled against Him as He demonstrated when He commanded the legion of demons to depart from the wild man of Gadara. (Matthew 8:32)

                As the “Lord of hosts” He has the final and conclusive word in all things.

                The “God of Jacob” describes His approachableness. The God of the universe knows you and me by name! The mighty Lord of hosts came down to a cross and became our redeemer! The One Who “...did fly on the wings of the wind” (Psalm 18:10) also walked in the garden with Adam. (Genesis 3:8) The One who dwells in the “unapproachable light” (1^st.Timothy 6:16) came down to dwell among men. (John 1:14)

                We now have plans, programs and agencies to provide National Security, Homeland Security, job security, financial security and many more but as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have our complete security package in the Lord of hosts and God of Jacob.” The success of all other security plans depend upon His provision and without His support all else will fail. (Hebrews 1:3)

Right now, due to the fall, both men and elements are a bit out of control but one day Edenic conditions will once again prevail.                                                                            Rev 21:1, 3, 4

 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

It’s going to happen!

The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.

John 1:12

            Since Jesus stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth, read from Isaiah 61 and then claimed to be the fulfillment of the Scripture, a controversy has raged over who and what He is.

            Scholars have attempted to explain how He could become “God in human flesh” and unbelievers have denied that He was. No man can fully explain the mystery of it (1^st.Timothy 1:16) and no critic can successfully deny the fact of it.  His disciples could not explain the ‘how’ of it but they were fully convinced of the fact of it to the point that they were willing to die agonizing deaths in support of their belief.

  WHAT JESUS DID AND WHAT HE DOES REVEALS, BEYOND ARGUEMENT, WHAT HE IS!

            The long, long record of life transformation in those who have believed on His name and committed to serve Him is undeniable proof of who He is. Lives changed from profligate to virtuous, from violence to gentleness, from criminal to citizen, from a liability to asset in the community, all as a result of faith and belief in Jesus Christ as God, Who , for a short time visited earth clothed in flesh.

            Socrates was one of the more highly esteemed men of the ancient world but no one has been delivered from the living death of drug addiction by the power of his name. Bertrand Russell was one of the more honored of modern day philosophers but no one has received a hope of heaven by believing his philosophy or trusting in his name. In fact, Russell had no such hope himself.

            Only Jesus has the power to transform and heal and we are not given an explanation but we are asked to believe. The Scripture does not say, “Whosoever  can explain the mystery of the incarnation hath everlasting life” but it does say “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life...” (John 3:36)    

Men will never be able to understand or explain the mystery of  “God in the flesh” but men can believe and experience the benefits of the belief. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.

THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Ex 33:1

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

NKJV

Ex 33:12-14

12 Then Moses said to the Lord, "See, You say to me, 'Bring up this people.' But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said,'I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.' 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people."

14 And He said,"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

NKJV

Moses had been told by the Lord that he was to go into a new land. He didn’t know what  kind of trials and problems the future held for him and later on the twelve spies would confirm that there were giants in that land. To complicate matters further, the people he was to lead there didn’t want to go.

Moses voiced his concerns to the Lord and God answered , “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

That was good enough for Moses.

Later on Jesus said, Matt 28:19

 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,

Matt 28:20

“…and, lo, I am with you alway,”

KJV

There is a new year ahead and we don’t know what trials and problems it will bring. Considering all things it would appear that there will be some but we can face the future with confidence knowing that Jesus promised, “I am with you always”

In the words of an old song, “Let the storm clouds come, they don’t worry me. For I’m safe in the arms of God”

“The kings command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, O king. He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3:22-25 NIV

            I have said this before, several times, but I do not apologize for saying it again. “Jesus Christ was alive before He was born!”  His home was in a place that we call heaven but He visited the earth, that He made, from time to time.

            His longest visit lasted from the manger to the cross but it was not the first time that He walked on earth in the form of a man. Jesus Christ was the fourth man in Nebuchadnezzar’s  furnace! The man that the king said looked like “a son of the gods” was in fact, The Son of God Himself.

            There is an old cliche that reads, “Man proposes but God disposes”.  God created the world and gave man dominion over it (Genesis 1:28) but He reserved the right to interfere with some of man’s proposals.

            Early in history men proposed to build a society contrary to God’s instructions but God was not unaware of their proposal, “And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower and the city which the children of men builded.” You can read the complete story in Genesis 11.

            More recently a descendant of those people, and a resident of that country also proposed great things but God was watching. When the time arrived, God took action This time He sent American troops and the rebel, who fancied himself a reincarnation of Nebuchadnezzar, was found hiding in a hole in the ground.

            Men are at it again. A few years back a spokesman for the A.C.L.U. has announced that they intend to remove every copy of God’s Ten Commandments from every public building in America. We’ll see about that!  That’s an ambitious proposal on man’s part but God will have the final word. Sometimes God let’s man succeed and then wish that he hadn’t.

            Revelation chapters 4-19 describes a world where public acknowledgment of God is forbidden and it doesn’t sound like a desirable place to be.

            One thing to remember, No power on earth. can remove acknowledgment of God from your heart and mine. 

Pilate saith unto them, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?’

Matthew 27:22

            The above question is by far the most important that anyone can be called upon to answer, and we all must answer. Pilate sentenced Jesus to be crucified and tried to avoid responsibility by washing his hands but that could not be. History is not very kind to Pilate! The very worse thing that he did during his lifetime is the thing best remembered about him. I found his name in one reference book  and it reads, simply,” Pontius Pilate, Roman procurator who condemned Jesus to be crucified.”

The records of all mankind are filed away in God’s books! (Revelation 20:12) How do they read? What about that all-important question?  What did he do with Jesus  which is called Christ?  What did she do with Jesus  which is called Christ?

            Some, like Pilate, will try to wash their hands of the responsibility but it cannot be avoided. You are ‘for’ or ‘against’ Him.

Some, like the Jewish leaders at Pilate’s judgment. Will say, “Away with Him” We will not have this man to reign over us!” (Luke 23:18 – Luke 19:14) God will accept that choice but men will find it to be the most tragic choice that they ever make.

Some, like the men of Matthew 22 who were invited to the banquet, will say, “I am too busy! I cannot come”  Your business will come to an end and you will go to God’s banquet or go to another place prepared for the enemies of Christ. You have a choice!

Some will say, with the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ!” (Philippians 1:21)  How will you answer the question? Let me suggest that you, “Ask Jesus to be the Savior of your soul, the Lord of your life, the honored guest in your household and the director of all your ways. Live for Him down here and live with Him for eternity.”       

“Mercy unto you and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful, for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Jude 2,3

            Jude refers to God’s salvation as the “common” salvation! Webster’s dictionary defines ‘common’ as “Belonging to or related to the community at large.”  A most apt description of the Gospel distinction.

            It is the opposite of a restricted or exclusive lodge or club! Jude advises us to ‘earnestly contend’ to keeping it that way. The Bible uses phrases like , “whosoever will” (Revelation 22:17) “any man that thirst” (John 7:37) “Go ye into all the world...”(Mark 16:15)

            Men and women are only excluded by their own refusal to believe and accept  and that is one of the reasons that the Gospel is “Good News.”

            When the angel came to the shepherds with the announcement of the birth of Christ, he said, “...I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)  Now Jude, the half-brother of that baby, called “Thy salvation” by Simeon , is warning us against those who would “add to and take from” (Revelation 22:18,19) the “common salvation” restricting the message and thereby excluding  some people.

            The world has it’s exclusions! People are limited and excluded by abilities, education, ethnic background, past mistakes and the list is endless but the Gospel is a great leveler. Some have to be brought down (in their self-estimation) and others must be brought up (from their hopelessness) and all must become “new creatures” (2^nd.Corinthians 5:17)

            None have cause to think that the Gospel is for them only, but all have reason to know that the  Gospel is for them also. It is for “the community at large” (Noah Webster translation)

Another thought! The Gospel has a common source!  The Gospel originated at the cross. It is not common in the sense that it is one of many, although some proclaim that. Of the millions who now possess a “new life in Christ” they have this in common, they all came by way of the cross. 

            Men are born with a desire to develop and improve and that is good as long as they don’t apply it to the Gospel.

            We are to “earnestly contend” for the Gospel in it’s original form. There is no “new and improved” product.

“

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

“And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness: He was revealed in the flesh...”

1^st.Timothy 316

            There is a mystery about the incarnation that intrigues men but cannot be explained by men. Some discount it, some disbelieve it, some try, unsuccessfully, to explain it but it remains a mystery.

            Jesus Christ was God in the beginning. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) He will always be God, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) That He lived on the earth, known as Jesus of Nazareth, is an historical fact that is accepted by all, but that He was God concealed in a temporary body of flesh is disputed and disbelieved by some. God cannot cease being God for it is written, “...for He cannot deny Himself.” (2^nd.Timothy 2:13)

            Deity in the form of a tiny baby is part of the mystery that the finite cannot explain. At just what point in His earthly life He realized who He was is also a mystery but at age twelve it was becoming apparent to Him and to others that he was not an ordinary child. See Luke 2:42-47)

            Some mysteries shall remain mysteries until such time as God chooses to open our minds to their secret but at this time we are not to speculate about the incarnation but seek for and experience it’s benefits.

There is no lack of evidence that Jesus Christ possessed  all of the attributes of Deity recorded in Isaiah 11:2-4 , a fact that was not denied even by His opposition although they stumbled at the mystery of who and what He was.  ...the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)  

While they haggled over that which was obvious, (only God has the authority that Jesus demonstrated)  others were being delivered, healed, and blessed.

            If I were drowning   and some one threw me a rope, I would not demand to know where they got it and who manufactured it, I would take hold and be save

“What shall we then say to these thing? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31

            Before Jesus left He gave His disciples a mandate and a promise! He said “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) and  “...I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

            The record shows that many were against them but it also shows that the  church that Jesus built, the disciples established and that we belong to could not and can not, be destroyed.

I take it that the proper and only answer to Paul’s question is that nothing or no one can be against the Gospel and succeed. It is Christ’s church and it’s final destiny has been decided.

            Everyone wants to be on the winning side. No one wants to be a loser. The Super Bowl will soon be played and some fans of the losing team will mourn for weeks while the winners celebrate. All of the contestants are told to “think winning” and be positive but the final result is always in doubt. It was the “philosopher” Yogi Berra, I believe, who said “It ain’t over til’ it’s over!”

            We are in an endeavor much more important than a football game. A “Crown of Life” (James 1:12) is of much greater value than a Super Bowl ring. The opposition will fight but we have a great advantage. “God is for us” and the final outcome is not in doubt.   As far as the outcome of our “race” is concerned, it is over before it is over because when God makes a determination it is to be considered done.

            Jesus said, “I will build My church” and He said “I go to prepare a place for you and I will personally see that you will be there when the time arrives.” (John 14:1-3)

            We are all aware of the many efforts being made to oppose the Gospel and all public acknowledgment of the Christian faith They can “think winning” all they want to but the future of the Gospel is not determined by Federal judges.

            We all hear of the outrageous decisions being made against the recognition of God and it aggravates us but should not discourage us. We are on the winning side!

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

Revelation 7:9,10

                John saw a great multitude from the far corners of the earth all gathered before the throne of God. They were of different ethnic heritage, spoke different dialects and languages, wore different skin colors and had different customs but none of that mattered now. They were all with one accord taken up with the Lamb and the glories of heaven.

                All of those character traits, behavior patterns and customs that tend to separate and bring people into conflict down here are left behind. All are children of the King.

The Gospel invitation has only one requirement for acceptance into the kingdom and the Lord Himself will perform the necessary modifications to qualify you.  Jesus said ,”Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3)

                If He had said that a man must reach a certain level of attainment, men would try for it. If He said that men must raise a certain amount of money men would work at that. If  He asked for recommendations, men would start a drive for signatures. 

He said “Ye must be born again” and even the most ambitious must admit that they require help to accomplish that.

Your ethnic background, social standing, financial success or political abilities will not get you in but neither will the lack of those things keep you out.

The great multitude, seen by John, were not there because of any ethnic, social, educational or political advantage but because they had believed in the blood of the cross. (v.14) The equally great multitude still on the earth under the judgments of the tribulation are not there because of  ethnic, social, educational or political disadvantages  but because they rejected the blood of the cross.

God was an “equal opportunity employer” long before the politicians thought of it. When He said “whosoever” it gave equal opportunity to all.

Contrary to what some are teaching, however, God does not provide a multitude of ways that agree with a multitude of men’s opinions. He provided one way, open to all, but men must adjust their opinions to agree with God’s way or they shut themselves out.   

A CHRISTMAS MEDIATION

Isa 9:6

 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

NKJV

When Jesus came into the world as a tiny babe He needed a name. The name listed just above would have been a pretty heavy load for a child to bear so God in His wisdom condensed all of the above attributes into one and gave Him the name Jesus.

We who believe, love the One who carries that name but it is a name that presents a problem to some. Tomorrow is Christmas and is the day chosen by Christians to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. A customary greeting is Merry Christmas but that, of course, reminds people of Jesus and since a few have claimed that the name Jesus offends them  many otherwise reasonably intelligent business owners have instructed their employees not to say Merry Christmas.

I guess I have a curious mind but we lived in South Texas for several years where there is a large Mexican population. I knew several Mexican men who were named Jesus and I wonder how their employer handles that. If during a Christmas rush a voice called over the public address system, “Jesus, come to register number six, please.” That should cause a bit of excitement.

Am I being ridiculous? No, the whole matter is already ridiculous.

Our Lord was given the name Jesus.(Matt 1:21) That’s a fact!

Why the objections to the name Jesus? Jesus as in Jesus Christ refers to the Savior God and some don’t want to be reminded of God.

A position impossible to maintain! Everything around us reminds us of God and many of us prefer to acknowledge that fact. So I say to you “Have a Merry Christmas” and if someone sees this article who already has other plans, that’s their privilege. This is a free country!

One day, however, all will acknowledge Him!

Phil 2:9-11

 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

But when the f“ullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

Galatians 4:4, 5

                God has a plan! He cannot be hurried and He is never late! As I have heard a singing group called the “Talley Trio” with the Bill Gaither Home Coming presentation, sing “ He’s An On -Time God”.

                When  “the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son...”  Not before and not after but “On Time”. All was in place! Prophetically and politically, the time was right. He who had gone forth to make the world, (John 1:3,10) would now go forth to redeem the world.

                There are some things that only God can accomplish. Angels, with all their mighty power could not redeem the world but were included in the plan.

                Angels were sent to announce His arrival. “...behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour...” (Luke 2:10,11)

                Not everyone received the news as being “good tidings of great joy”. King Herod, the original Scrooge was not at all happy at the news.  His unhappiness took a more violent course than the Scrooge of Dickens Christmas Carol, however and he sent soldiers to kill Jesus. Herod was a powerful man but he was out of his league trying to kill Jesus before the time..

                                Jesus had been “sent forth” to redeem a world bent on self-destruction and the cross was the only effective remedy. It was God’s time and nothing could prevent or postpone the fulfillment of the plan.

                He came ‘on time’ according to plan and He will come again ‘on time’ according to plan. Nothing could prevent His coming then and nothing shall prevent His coming again! We know He ‘will’ but we don’t know ‘when’.

                Angels will not sing of His coming this time, but it will be announced by the shout of an archangel and the blast of a trumpet (1^st.Thessalonians 4:16)   

                As He came on time before He will come on time again and it does appear that the ‘fullness of time’, once again, is nearly upon us.

A Prayer for Help

Isa 63:19-64:1

9 We have become like those of old, over whom You never ruled,

Those who were never called by Your name.

64 Oh, that You would rend the heavens!

That You would come down!

NKJV

Israel was the possessor of the Word and promises of God and were supposed to be looking for their Messiah but Isaiah claimed that they were living and acting like those who had never heard.

He had told of a coming time when God would come down but it seemed that few would believe him.

Isa 53:1

Who has believed our report?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Isaiah didn’t live to see the day but the time arrived when God did come down to earth.

Luke 2:10-12

Then the angel said to them,"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

As in Isaiah’s day not many believed the report. Oh, they believed that there was a baby born! How could they deny the evidence? But not many would believe that the little child was the fulfillment of the promise.

Some believed and their lives were never the same. The world situation is about the same today. We are now celebrating His birth and the unbelieving world does not deny that a baby named Jesus was born in Bethlehem that night long ago but fails to see or accept just who that baby was.

Phillips Brooks in his Christmas song said it just right.

Oh little town of Bethlehem, How still we see the lie!

The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in Thee to night.

IT’S  “CHRIST”MAS

“For unto you is born this DAY in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:11

There have been some great days in the history of this world! The day that Jesus came into the world as a tiny baby, the day that He rose from the grave after the crucifixion and yet to come, the day that He returns.

In a few days we celebrate His birth! Some people object to the date   maintaining that the actual date of His birth is uncertain.  However, as I have mentioned before, it is not a date that we celebrate but a fact. The fact is that He came as a tiny babe, grew in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) He became an itinerant preacher and fell out of favor with some men who then had Him crucified and placed in a sealed tomb. He came forth from the grave on the third day and is alive and well today and offers salvation and a changed life to all who will believe.

These are established facts and all the unbelief of all the unbelievers, the scoffing of the scoffers and all the efforts of all the A.C.L.U. members to keep it quiet cannot change the facts.

Jesus was born. That’s a fact! Exactly when did it happen? That’s a bit uncertain.

I love this story. One of the greatest baseball pitchers was a black man named Satchel Paige. He was born in a cabin with no doctor in attendance and no record made. He was once asked when he was born and he answered, “I don’t know exactly when but I know I was.”  Amen! Some things are obvious.

Was Jesus born on December 25 or maybe another day? I don’t know exactly when but I know He was and that’s enough.

Our faith is not based on dates it is based on facts. He was born, He died and he rose again. All facts! He’s coming again! That’s a promise now but it will soon be a fact.

You can count on it.

THE NIGHT JESUS WAS BORN.

Luke 2:8-11

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

NKJV

The night Jesus was born the shepherds were out in the fields watching over their flocks as usual. For them the night begin no different than many other nights but it was destined to be the greatest night of their lives.

Suddenly, with no warning at all, a light from heaven shone all about them and an angel stood before them.

It must have been the greatest shock of their lives also but the angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.”

It is quite amazing to some that God would send His angel to a few shepherds with the announcement of the Savior’s birth, but then God doesn’t conduct His affairs according to man made protocol. He didn’t notify the civic or religious leaders of the event, other than the long standing prophesies of the Messiahs coming.

He chose some lowly but true hearted shepherds to receive the announcement that it had just happened.

They rushed off to see for themselves and, “Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” Luke 2:20

When the news got around, however, it received a rather mixed reaction from the general public.

Wise men in the East heard and went to see for themselves; The not so wise King Herod heard and ordered the little King’s death and most of Jerusalem seemed disinterested. (Matt. 2:1-12)

We now celebrate that great event and some like the shepherds will rejoice, others, like Herod would like to put a stop to it all and many will celebrate the season but give no thought to the Savior Himself.

Human nature hasn’t changed

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

Hebrews 11:7

            My family came from Missouri! People in Missouri had a reputation for demanding to see before they would believe. If someone made a claim about being something or a promise to do something they liked to respond, “I’m from Missouri! You’ll have show me!” Not an unreasonable demand!

            Noah was a great man of faith and works. He claimed to believe God and he showed it by his works. He had faith in God and he did all that God commanded him to do. His claim to faith in God was followed by his works and certainly the works that Noah performed demonstrated that He believed God.

            Because of the wickedness of man God told Noah that he was going to send a flood that would cover the whole earth. (Genesis 6:11) There had never been a flood before, not even a rain (Genesis 2:5,6) but God said, “Noah, That is what I will do and this is what  I want you to do.” And He told Noah to build a boat that would be many times larger than any boat that the world had ever seen.

            It took some faith for Noah to believe what God said and it took some faith for Noah to begin work on the project. It took even more faith for Noah to continue work on the project for over 100 years until it was completed. I have found over the years that enough enthusiasm will cause many to start a project but faith will cause a few to continue until it is completed.

            I don’t know just when Noah realized it but the safety and salvation of his entire family depended on Noah’s faith to believe and on Noah’s works continuing until the ark was built.

            God will do what he says that he will do! We can believe that! When God tells us to do something He expects us to do it! We had better believe that also.

            I don’t believe that God is from Missouri but I do believe that when we say we believe Him that He wants us to show that we believe by doing what he says. Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)