Simple Steps to Study the Bible Deeply

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4147.mp3

Rivers of Living Water

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4149.mp3

The Christian Walk in Shoe Leather

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4151.mp3

The Approaching Wave of Persecution

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/3998.mp3

The Fear of God Versus Fallen Music

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/220.mp3

Hymn Sing

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/754.mp3

Occultic Oppression and Bondage

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/1542.mp3

What to Do With Your Cares and Burdens

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/1977.mp3

Can God Deliver Someone Out of Iraq?

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/2129.mp3

How to Save Your Home

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/2594.mp3

Depression and Emotional Discouragement

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/2702.mp3

The Sin of Being Average

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/2980.mp3

God's Marvelous Work in China

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/3022.mp3

Very Good

After God had finished creating the world, the universe, the plants, the animals and the humans, He looked at the things He had made, and they were very good. That's true of everything that God does. He's designed the plan of salvation to rescue us from sin. It is very good. Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us. It will be VERY good. Here on earth, we need to be concerned, when we make a purchase, about the quality of the item we are buying. Not so with God. He does everything very well.

 
 

Thank You, God, for all the good things You do. Thank You that You are dependable will never fail us. Thank You for Your wonderful plan of salvation. Lord, help us to grow more like You.

 

P. S. This will be my last post for a while. I have had other things come up in my life that keep me from updating this blog. May God bless you and keep you inspired to serve Him.

After Their Kind

During the creation, God was careful to mention that he made animals that produced other animals after their kind. This runs completely counter to the theory of evolution, which says that some animals do not produce after their kind. So, we have a contradiction between a theory by Charles Darwin and the Word of the Almighty God of the Universe. Which will we believe? I choose the God of the Universe. His Word is always true. His prophecies have never failed. He is the very embodiment of truth.

 
 

Lord, thank You for showing us truth in the Bible. Thank You that we don't have to wonder about the origin of the earth and all the wonderful animals that You have placed here. Thank You for all the beautiful diversity on our planet.

The Power of the Word of God

I Genesis 1, we have the amazing account of the creation of the world. In six days, the earth went from a formless void covered by water to a vibrant place, teaming with life. What a miracle! It all happened by the power of God's Word. I just had to think what would have happened if mankind had taken on such a project:

1. Get financing for the project. God doesn't need financing for anything. He has unlimited resources
   
2. Years of design work. God only needed to speak and it happened.
   
3. Permitting and legal approval. God is the ultimate authority in the universe. He needs approval from no one.
   
4. Years to build the project. God did it in six days.
   
5. Inspection. God inspected His own work and said it was good.
   

    
    

   Lord, You are such an amazing God. We stand in awe as we look at what You have done. Help us to remain humble, because in Your site, we are nothing. We praise You for all Your majestic work.
   

   
    

   P. S. I am taking up Sunday School teaching for the next year. So, my posts may not be as regular in the future, but I'll do my best.
   

The Triumphant Church in China

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/3023.mp3

Divorce and Remarriage - The Words of Paul and the Early Church

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4174.mp3

Speak Not Evil One of Another

James 4:11-12

 
 

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

 
 

12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

KJV

 
 

This is a reminder that every human being needs from time to time. Which of us is not guilty of speaking evil or judging someone? There are plenty of opportunities to speak evil of people because no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Also, people have different preferences and ways of doing things. Just imagine what a different place this world would be if everyone only spoke well of each other for one week. What an amazing difference it would make! Relationships would improve. Estranged people would be able to get along again. More souls could be saved. Although this may never happen, let's begin with ourselves. Let's purpose in our hearts not to speak evil of anyone, ever. We will find good things happening to us when we're willing to drop our grudges and fault-finding.

Humble Yourselves

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

KJV

 
 

We live in a world where pride is praised, self-promotion is expected and humility is rejected. So, what does the Bible have to say about pride and humility? This verse tells us to humble ourselves so that the Lord can lift us up. It may seem counterintuitive, but if the Bible tells us to do it, then we should do it. But, humility is a lost art. So, what should we do about it? We need to go back to the Bible. We should read all the condemnation that the Bible has for pride. We need to realize how dangerous it is to our Christian life, and we need to give God the glory for everything. Everything that we can do is only made possible by God. We are no good in ourselves.

 
 

Lord, help me to live humbly. Help me to remember that, without You, I am nothing. All I have comes from You. Help me to give You the glory for all my accomplishments. Help me to point people to You.

Draw Nigh to God

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

KJV

 
 

God is calling to this world that is tired and deceived by sin, "draw nigh to Me." He wants to help the weary. He wants to save the sinner. He wants to heal the broken-hearted. He wants every person to be His child. Yet, why do we resist? So many people refuse His help. They disobey His commands that He has put in place for our good. They turn their back on Him and go their own way.

 
 

Lord, help me to draw nigh to You. Help me to live my life for You. Help me to bring others to you.

Joy in Temptation?

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

KJV

 
 

When I read this verse, it caught me off guard. What. We're to rejoice when we fall into temptation? I thought we were to flee temptation, but verse 3 holds the key to verse 2:

 
 

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 
 

So, that is why we can rejoice in temptation: it helps us learn patience. But, there are several requirements. We must have victory over temptation, and the only way to have consistent victory is through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us. Also, we must be willing to learn. We may never allow difficulty to make us bitter. We must have a teachable spirit. We must be willing to learn from our mistakes. Thus we can emerge victorious from temptation and even be rejoicing. And, every time we win over temptation with God's help, we will be stronger for the next temptation that will come our way.

 
 

Lord, help me to rely on You in times of temptation. Help me to realize that in my own strength I cannot win. Give me the faith to rejoice in times of temptation realizing that it will strengthen me and teach me patience.

God's Sovereignty - The Story of Esther

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4189.mp3

Obey Them That Have the Rule Over You

Heb 13:17

7 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

KJV

 
 

We are here commanded to obey our church leaders but why? It's because God has put them in place to watch for our souls. They will need to give an account for our lives. They are our spiritual shepherds. They are responsible to ensure our spiritual safety, and they are accountable to God for the job they do. If we are living right, they will be able to give account with joy. Let's live so that our leaders don't need to be ashamed of us.

 
 

Lord, help me to be submissive. Help me to make the life of my leaders easy. Help me to be supportive of them. Help me to grow in areas where I am not supportive. Help me to understand the importance of their position. Help me to understand why they require what they do. Help the leaders to fill their place as they should. Help them to remember that they are guiding souls to eternity. Give them wisdom for the place they fill. Help them to reach out to the hearts of their people and move them closer to You.

Let Brotherly Love Continue

Heb 13:1

Let brotherly love continue.

KJV

 
 

The Bible is full of commands to love each other. We should be looking out for the good of others every day. It requires us to be unselfish and put others first. Yet, sometimes we need a reminder to let brotherly love continue. It's easy to become lax. We are humans and we forget. We can so easily slip back into selfishness and fail to show love to those around us. So, how can we let brotherly love continue? One way is to continually remember what Jesus has done for us. He has done so much for us that we should be ready to sacrifice for the good of others. Also, if we remember that God has created us all equal, we will realize that we are no better than anyone else and everyone else deserves equal treatment. Their rights are just as important as mine. So, in our lives today, let brotherly love continue.

No Chastening Seems Joyous

Heb 12:11

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

KJV

 
 

All Christians experience God's chastening from time to time. We all make mistakes and suffer for them. It's God's way of helping us learn our lesson. He does it for our good. It's not a joyful thing. We don't enjoy it at the time, but afterward we can realize that it helped us to be a better person. However, it does not automatically help us. We need to learn from it. If we don't take the chastening as we should, it will cause us to become bitter. So, next time you face difficulty, will you allow it to make you better or bitter?

Looking Unto Jesus

Heb 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

KJV

 
 

In this life we face trials and difficulties. Life isn't always easy and we don't always know what to do, but this verse tells us something that we can always safely do: Look to Jesus! He is the only perfect example of a life lived exactly according to God's will. He was perfectly humble. He served others His entire life. His life was never tainted by sin, and the crowning work of His life was His death and resurrection that saves us from sin and ensures us a home in heaven if we follow in His steps. What better example is there to follow? Who else can we look to Who has no failures?

 
 

Lord, help me to live my life as Jesus did. Help me to live my life for the good of others. Help me to be patient and loving. Help me to sacrifice so that others can learn about You.

God Gives Wisdom - To Those Who Believe

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4191.mp3

Choosing to Suffer

Heb 11:24-29

 
 

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

 
 

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

 
 

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

 
 

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

 
 

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

 
 

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

KJV

 
 

Moses in an incredible example of someone who sacrificed to serve God. He had the opportunity to be the next Pharaoh in Egypt. Yet, he chose to identify with the people of God and suffer as part of a nation of slaves. He led these unruly people through a barren wilderness and to the land of promise. What a sacrifice! Am I willing to sacrifice for God like that?

 
 

Lord, help me to be willing to suffer for You instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin. Help me to faithfully serve You through both the hard and the easy times.

He Looked for a City

Heb 11:8-10

 
 

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 
 

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

 
 

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

KJV

 
 

We are called to be pilgrims and strangers here on this earth. We won't always live here. We, as Christians, have our citizenship in heaven. So, how should this affect our lives? There are many things that we will do differently if we know that earth is only our temporary home. It will affect the things we do, the things we buy, the way we spend our money and much, much more. If we are laying up treasures in heaven, we won't be as worried about amassing a fortune here on earth. We will realize that investing in God's work is a much better investment that anything here on earth. If we know that we're going to heaven soon, we'll spend less time making a comfortable life here and more time preparing for an eternity in heaven.

 
 

Lord, help me to remember that heaven is my home and I'm only here on earth to serve You for a short time. Help me not to get caught up in making a living and making a life here. Help me to spend most of my time preparing for heaven. Help me not to be distracted by the seemingly urgent things here in life that tend to crowd out the important things. Help me to serve You here so that I can live with You in heaven.

This Testimony: That he Pleased God

Heb 11:5

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

KJV

 
 

Is that my testimony? Is it yours? Most important of all, is God pleased with my life? These are questions that we should ask ourselves. We could say, "But, how do we know?" Here's how: read the Bible to see if our life matches with God's directives. We must make sure that our life is in sync with all the practical teachings as well as the principles in the New Testament. There is nothing there that is not for our day. The Bible is timeless. Everything taught in it is for us just as much as it was for the people in Jesus' day. So, what if we find inconsistencies in our lives? Can we make excuses or try to duck responsibility? No, we need to make changes in our life so that we can please God.

 
 

Lord, help me to have this testimony that I please You. Help me to read the Bible and apply it to my life. Help me to allow Your Holy Spirit to examine my life. Help me to be willing to change and grow closer to You so that at the end of my life, You can say, "You have pleased Me."

Faith: the Evidence of Things Not Seen

Heb 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

KJV

 
 

There are many things in the Bible that we need to accept by faith. This is one reason that so many people don't believe it. Yet, if we can have faith and believe the Bible completely, it will be a huge blessing to us. God has made many promises that may seem impossible to the human mind. Yet, we see that in the past He has faithfully fulfilled everyone to the minutest detail. So, we can know that He will fulfill all His promises that He has made for the future as well.

 
 

Thank You, Lord, for all Your great promises. Thank You that we can trust that they will all be fulfilled. Help me to have faith and believe that You will do everything that You've promised. Help me to share that faith with those around me.

I Will Put My Laws Into Their Mind

Heb 8:10

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

KJV

 
 

Has God put His laws into your mind? God has promised to do this, but how? There are several ways that God does this:

1. He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us and teach us the right way.
   
2. As we study the Bible it becomes part of our way of life.
   
3. As we pray, we speak to God and He speaks to us.
   
4. He has given every person a conscience that will tell them what is right and wrong.
   
5. As we follow God to the best of our ability, He will reveal more of His will to us.
   

   So, do I have my mind open to God's laws? Do you? What can we do to be open to learning more of what God has for us? First, we should be open to learn new things as we read the Bible. Also, as we read, we need to be applying what we learn to our own lives. We should be willing to make changes in our lives as we learn new things from the Bible.
   

    
    

   Lord, please write Your laws on my heart. Help me to be open to what You want to teach me. Help me to have a teachable spirit. Help me to have my entire life surrendered to Your will no matter what that may be. Give me wisdom and strength to face the challenges of life by the power of the Holy Spirit.
   

God Chooses the Way of Salvation

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4192.mp3

Yet Learned He Obedience

Heb 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

KJV

 
 

Jesus was the Son of God. He ruled heaven and earth. Yet, He learned obedience. How much more should we learn to be obedient to the things that God teaches us in the Bible! Obedience is often not easy. It takes self-sacrifice. It takes commitment. It takes dedication, but God will reward us at the end of our lives. It will be worth it all even though it may not seem like it right now. All our hard work in life will pay off in eternity if it was done for God.

 
 

Lord, help me to be obedient to You and to Your Word. Help me to give up myself and spend my life for You. Give me the courage to stand for truth and the wisdom to know how best to follow You.

Today, If Ye Will Hear His Voice

Heb 3:7-8

 
 

7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

 
 

8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

KJV

 
 

God is calling every one of us to Him. Those who are not Christians, He is calling to give their lives over to Him. Those who are Christians, He is calling to a closer walk with Him. We all need to be listening to that call. No matter where we are in life, we need to be listening to the call of God. Sometimes, we can be too busy. The noise of life can drown out the still, small voice of God calling to us, "Come to Me." We can choose to ignore that voice, but we do so at great cost to ourselves. We are only hurting ourselves when we turn our back on God. He wants the best for us. He wants to give us good things. The questions remains: will we hear what He has to say?

 
 

Lord, help me to listen to what You have to say. Help me to listen today. Help me to have a soft heart that is willing to obey You. Help me to have wisdom to keep my priorities right. Help me not to allow other things in life to crowd out Your voice. Help me to be a better person because I listen to what You have to say.

How Shall We Escape?

Heb 2:2-4

 
 

2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

 
 

3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 
 

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

KJV

 
 

God has provided us with a wonderful plan of salvation. All of the Old Testament rituals point forward to it. Jesus entire life worked toward it. And, in Jesus death and resurrection, we have the provision for our salvation. Jesus suffered tremendous pain. God sacrificed His own Son so that we could have life. What amazing love! It goes beyond our imagination. Yet, so many people today neglect that provision of salvation. They reject God's plan. They live their own life on their own terms with no regard for God, and they will not escape the ultimate judgment of God.

 
 

Lord, help me to serve you faithfully. Thank You for Your wonderful plan of salvation. Thank You for dying so that I might have eternal life. Help me to take advantage of Your great provision of salvation so that I can live in heaven with You.

Fasting

Fasting is not a popular subject today. Fasting is denying ourselves of food or other pleasures in order to draw closer to God. Self-denial is a very unpopular subject today. So, what should we as Christians be doing about it? God calls us to be fasting, but why? It can help us focus more on communion with God. It helps us block out the other, less important things in life. It helps us get our priorities right. So, when should I fast? We can look to the Bible for examples. We have stories of people fasting during times of spiritual struggle, during times of sorrow, before ordinations or big decisions, and in times of repentance from sin.

 
 

Lord, help me as I fast to draw closer to You. Help me to become more like You. Help me to put my priorities back in correct order and keep You first of all in my life.

Satan Has an Expiration

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4193.mp3

Fear God and Keep His Commandments

Eccl 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

KJV

 
 

What a contrast to how most people think today! We live in a world where it's every man for himself. Everyone looks out for themselves. There are some people who try to be helpful to others, but very few think much about the fear of God. This verse tells us that it is the whole duty of man to fear and obey God. Is that what I'm doing? Is that what you're doing?

 
 

Lord, help me to remember that I have been placed here on earth to bring glory to You and for no other reason. Help me to live that out in everyday life. Help me not to be selfish. Help me to give of myself for your glory and for the good of others so that my life would point other people to You.

Rejoice… in Thy Youth

Eccl 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

KJV

 
 

What is this passage saying? First of all it tells us to rejoice in our youth. Enjoy this time of life. Live for God. Enjoy the strength and health that God has given. Enjoy a time with less responsibility when you have more freedom to give time to God's service. Don't waste your youth selfishly. Use it for God.

 
 

However, that last part of the verse is a caution: remember that you will need to give account for everything you do. While you're enjoying life, be sure that what you are doing brings glory to God. I believe that this is a recipe for a happy life. This is how God wants us to live with His joy in our hearts.

Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters

Eccl 11:1

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

KJV

 
 

This may seem like an allusion that is difficult to understand, but it refers to sowing seed in marshy areas or in the floodwaters of the Nile River. When the water receded, it grew well. So, how does this apply to us today? It is simply telling us to give when we see little chance of return. We should spread the Gospel even when we see little response. We should give to those who are less fortunate than we are even when it doesn't seem to do any good. We should share what God has blessed us with even when it's difficult.

 
 

Lord, help me to be willing to share. Help me to spread the Gospel. Help me to realize that it will do good even if I can't see it. Help me to selflessly cast my bread upon the waters and trust You for the return.

Live Joyfully With Your Wife

Eccl 9:9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity

KJV

 
 

Here we have yet another directive from the Bible that marriage is for life. Yet, in the US, over half of marriages end in divorce and a good portion of the other half are not happy. So, why is this? What causes all these problems? Why is living joyfully with your spouse so difficult? First, I believe that the joyful part is important. WE need to keep the joy there. But, how can we do that? One of the main keys is unselfishness. Before marriage it is usually easy to be unselfish. We are working very hard to win the other person's favor. We look out for them. We show them kindnesses whenever we can. After marriage is when the real challenge begins. Can we remain unselfish? Are we still willing to go out of our way for our spouse? Can we keep it up? With God's help, we can, but it takes discipline and self-sacrifice. Another key to a successful marriage is remembering the "all the days" part. If we have set in our minds that marriage is for life no matter what, it will help us work through the difficult times. We may never consider divorce as an option. If we have purposed in our hearts that we will work through everything together no matter what, it is a big step in the right direction. May God help you in your marriage to live joyfully together all your days.

 

P.S. I apologize for not posting recently. I was on vacation in Ireland. I'll try to keep up better from now on.

Social Networking and Blogs - A Blessing or a Curse

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4201.mp3

The Heart Posture of a True Seeker

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4043.mp3

Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman?

In our world today, it is hard to find a virtuous woman. God needs women of character to help in the building of His kingdom. He wants women who are faithful, obedient and submissive. He wants women who will boldly follow Him and do what's right even though it is not popular. Many Bible principles for women are not very popular today. God does not discriminate against women. He does not consider them to be lower than men. He has designed a role for women that is for their good. He wants the best for women. May all true, Christian women be filling that place that God has called them to.

Making Haste to be Rich

Proverbs 28:20

"He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."

KJV

 
 

Today there are many get rich quick schemes. Everyone, it seems, would like to be rich quickly and easily without working for it. Well, Solomon had something to say about this. In most cases, getting rich quickly involves giving up honesty in exchange for money. What a poor trade! Yet, many people are doing it. We're sacrificing our character so that we can have more money. Let's be sure that we're not making that trade.

 
 

Lord, help me to have my priorities right. Help me to value my character more highly than money. Help me not to be distracted from serving You by making money.

Be Thou Diligent

Prov 27:23

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

KJV

 
 

The Bible talks much about fulfilling our spiritual duties, but serving God affects every area of our lives. Everything we do is service for God. Here, Solomon reminds us to be diligent in our secular duties. We should be doing everything as if it were for God. Our work, our worship, and our recreation all needs to bring glory to God. As we remember that, we will live a more fulfilling life and we will have God's approval.

 
 

Lord, help me to do everything for Your glory. Help me to remember that I am not here to please myself, but to bring glory to You. Help me to do even my secular duties well and then give You the glory.

Gelassenheit—Complete Surrender

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4044.mp3

Boast not Thyself of Tomorrow

We live a very scheduled life. We plan things ahead, and that is good. However, we must always remember that God has our lives planned and He may change our plans. God is all-powerful. We are not. God is all-knowing. We are not. We must always remember not to boast of tomorrow. We don't know what's coming. God may have something different planned. So, let's always remember that God is in control.

Love Your Enemies

Prov 25:21-22

 
 

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

 
 

22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

KJV

 
 

When is the last time you helped your enemy? You may say, "But, I don't have any enemies." In that case, we should think about it a bit more. Just think about that person who constantly annoys you, that person that you have a very difficult time getting along with or that person who just rubs you the wrong way. That's the kind of people this verse is talking about. We all have those people in our lives. Solomon is telling us that we need to be kind to even those people. How well do you do? How well do I do?

 
 

Lord, help me to be kind to everyone: even those that are hard to get along with. Help me to be willing to put aside my pride and serve them as I should. Help me to heap coals of fire on their head and maybe even win them as a friend.

The Righteous Giveth and Spareth Not

The Bible says that the righteous give without sparing. Am I righteous? Are you? We, as humans, are naturally selfish. We don't want to share. We think that we deserve what we have because we have worked for it. We should get to enjoy what we have earned. But, that is not right! God has given us everything that we have. He has given us all our talents, our minds, and our abilities. Nothing we have is to our own credit. We have no reason to boast. Thus, we should be willing to share God's blessings around. We have no good reason to hoard what God has blessed us with. We should willingly be giving our time and money to help other people. God did not give us all these blessings to consume on ourselves. He wants us to share. This is how we will receive the biggest blessing of all.

 
 

Lord, help me to give without sparing. Help me to be generous with the things that You have given me. Help me to find true satisfaction in sacrificial living. Help me to live my life for You and for the benefit of others.

Foundation Stones in the Anabaptis Faith

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4046.mp3

He That Loveth Pleasure Shall Be a Poor Man

We are in a world that lives for leisure. They work hard all week to take the weekend off. They live for pleasure. Solomon tells us that this is not a good idea and will make us poor. God tells us that living for ourselves in not fulfilling. It seems like it would be and it may bring satisfaction for a short time, but living selfishly is like an addiction. It just calls for more and more. We can never be satisfied. Just think of all the good that could be done in the world if people gave a small portion of what they spend on themselves to help need people. Just think how many starving people could be fed. What a blessing it would be! And, it would bring them more satisfaction than spending it on themselves.

 
 

Lord, help me to remember that spending money on me does not bring true happiness. Help me to be generous in my giving and thrifty when spending for recreation. Help me to live my entire life for your glory.

A Proud Heart…Is Sin

We live in a world where pride is encouraged. We are told to be proud of our accomplishments and proud of our children. We have pride in our work and very few people think twice about it, but God tells us that pride is sin. There are no two ways about it. A certain level of satisfaction in a job well done is healthy, but our society has taken it way too far. The issue is this: if we are proud of something we have done, we are taking away glory that belongs to God and keeping it for ourselves. God has given us everything we have. So, there is no reason for us to be proud. God wants us to praise Him for the abilities that He has given us. Let's remember to praise God next time we are tempted to be proud.

A Man That Hath Friends Must Show Himself Friendly

We all know that it is a good thing to be friendly, but what does that really mean. How can we be friendly in our everyday lives? Well, it covers a very broad range. Here is a list I came up with:

1. Greet people we meet.
   
2. Talk to people even if we dislike them.
   
3. Help people in need.
   
4. Be willing to give a listening ear to a friend in trouble.
   
5. Share the Gospel with those we meet.
   
6. Help your spouse with their work.
   
7. Teach your children to be friendly.
   

   This is not an exhaustive list, but it should get us thinking. It should help us to be friendlier today than we were yesterday. Lord, thank You for the friends that I have. Help me to be friendlier to those around me just as Jesus was.
   

He That Hath Knowledge Spareth Words

I had to think of the adage, "It is better to keep your mouth closed and have people think you a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." If we are truly wise, we will be careful how much we speak. We will realize that we don't have to share every bit of knowledge that we have. A wise person realizes that there is always more to learn. So, they spend more time listening than speaking. There is a reason that God gave us two ears and only one mouth. The 2 to 1 listening to speaking ratio is a good guide.

 
 

Lord, help me to be willing to listen and learn more than I speak. Help me to be humble enough to learn from everyone. Help me not to be too proud to accept reproof, and help me to listen, learn and speak for Your glory.

The Lord Hath Made all Things for Himself

This is a very basic, yet important, concept. Everything that God made is for His glory. The universe glorifies God and we should too. The plants and animals bring praise to God by performing as He created them. We as humans can choose whether or not we want to glorify God, but one thing is sure: we will be much better off if we do what God has created us to do. So, how can we glorify God? There are many good things that we can do: give to charities, donate our time, and raise our children for Him. While these are good things, what God really wants is a heart and life that is surrendered to Him. He wants us, not just our time and money. Anyone can give time and money to a good cause, but it takes a truly extraordinary person to give their life to God's service. But, what does that really mean? It means that every area of our life is affected by God's service. It means that we are willing to take time out of our busy schedule to witness for God. It means we are willing to help someone in need even at an inconvenient time. God's service isn't done on our schedule but on His. Let's live every day for God and remember that He made us for Himself and He will reward us if we live for Him.

Better is Little

Prov 15:16

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

KJV

 
 

We live in a culture where wealth is king and people believe that enough money can buy them anything. Many people worship the rich and try to become rich themselves. We work long, stressful hours so that we can afford expensive toys and vacations so that we can recover from our stressful job. When the vacation is over, we go back to work as hard as ever to pay it off. What is wrong with this picture? God is calling us to contentment with a little in life. If we fear the Lord, and obey Him, we'll realize what is really important in life. We don't have to run on the hamster wheel. We don't need to keep up with the Jones's. God calls us to contentment where we are. He also wants us to give time to Him in service. He wants us to take time to be with our family.

 
 

Lord, help me to keep my priorities right. Help me to be content with what I have. Help me to remember that things that are truly important in my life and take time for them as I should.

Biblical Nonresistance

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4051.mp3

Slow to Wrath

Prov 14:29

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

KJV

 
 

This is something I covet. I want to learn to be slower to wrath. I want to learn to keep an even keel. I want to learn not to be upset when things don't go my way. I want to have better attitudes toward those that annoy me. According to this verse, I would be wise to not get angry easily. How is that done? Should I take anger management classes? Should I learn yoga? Should I stop relating to people? No, none of these things will really work. The best way to control our anger is to let God's Holy Spirit control our lives. When we allow Him to control us, we can be free of the bondage of serving ourselves. When God is in control, anger must go. When God is in control, our lives are in control because God never changes. What a blessing! Lord, please control my life so that I can live for You and be slow to anger.

A Good Word

Prov 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

KJV

 
 

How many times have you felt unhappy and a someone gave you a little encouragement and it made your day? Words are powerful things and God holds us accountable for what we say. We can tear people down or build them up by the words that we say to them. God wants us to use words for good. We should be speaking positive things, not negative. We should be building up the people around us. The other benefit is that positive people attract other positive people. In this way, we can be encouraged by the positive people around us when we feel discouraged.

 
 

Lord, help me to be encouraging to the people around me. Help me to make people's hearts glad by a good word. Help me to be a positive influence in the world and point people to You.

The Anabaptist Vision

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4052.mp3

Loving Instruction

Prov 12:1

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

KJV

 
 

We all know that knowledge is good. We all want to know more, but are we willing to learn? Can we learn from other people. Can we learn from their advice, their experience, and yes, even their mistakes? Human nature tells us that we know best and no one else can tell us what to do, but that is no way to learn. We will remain ignorant if we are unwilling to learn.

 
 

Lord, help me to be willing to learn from others. Help me to be humble enough to take correction. Help me to be kind in giving advice to others, and help me to use what I learn to your honor and glory.

The Liberal Soul

Proverbs 11:24-25

 
 

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

 
 

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

KJV

 
 

I was challenged when I read these verses this morning. God blesses the liberal soul. God wants us to be generous and sharing. If we are, He will bless us for it. There are many ways that we can share with those around us. We can give them a listening ear. We can give our money. We can help them with their work. We can give an encouraging word. These are all ways that we can be liberal with the things that God has given to us. If we remember that everything we have comes from God, it will help us be more willing to share. Sharing should be an everyday experience. We should be living an unselfish life every day. Giving is a lifestyle, not something that we do on Sunday morning.

 
 

Lord, help me to be liberal with all the things that You've given me. Help me to remember that nothing I have is really mine. Help me not to be selfish but to share with others at every opportunity.

Riches Shall Not Profit in the Day of Wrath

We live in a day when wealth can get you almost anything. It can get you a good lawyer that can get you out of trouble with the law. It can buy friends and fame. It can buy you a good life and a wife. There is almost nothing that you can't buy with enough money (except happiness). So, there are many people that believe that money can buy anything and maybe even favor with God. They believe that giving to some good cause will buy them favor with God, but Solomon tells us otherwise. In the great judgment day, money will be gone. Everyone from the pauper to the President will stand before God and neither one will have any preference. God is no respecter of persons. The rich man will not have his lawyer and God will judge justly by the deeds each one has committed.

 
 

Lord, help me to remember that money cannot buy favor with You. Help me to live a life and use the money You have given me for your honor and glory. Help me to remember that I will be judged by what I have done here in this life. Help me to live it for You.

What is Acceptable

Prov 10:32

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

KJV

 
 

We as Christians should know what is acceptable to say. This can apply to many areas of life. We need to learn what is kind, respectful, caring, understanding, loving, and true. Jesus was the perfect example of this. He had just the right words for every situation. He was always kind and gentle to the repentant sinners. Yet, He had some very strong words for the religious hypocrites of His day. How did He do this? First, He was God. We, too, have God, the Holy Spirit, dwelling in our lives to help us know what to say. Second, He was unselfish. He cared more about the people He was dealing with than His own comfort. He wasn't worried about His reputation. He stood for what's right unconditionally. He also wanted what was best for people. He really cared about their souls. We need to do our very best with the power of the Holy Spirit to live by faith and speak what is acceptable to God.

When Pride Cometh, Then Cometh Shame

Time and again our society tells us to proud of our accomplishments, proud of our country, proud of our children and proud of our job. This is supposed to support a healthy self esteem and so on. Yet, nowhere in the Bible can I find any admonition to be proud. Instead the Bible repeatedly, and in very harsh words, condemns pride in its many forms. Instead of pride, it calls for humility. Instead of praising ourselves, we should be praising God. Instead of basking in the compliments of men, we should be giving the glory to God. After all, He's the one who gave us our money, our abilities, and our talents. Nothing that we can do merits taking any glory to ourselves. I believe that it is right to feel a sense of accomplishment in a job well done, but pride is going too far. God condemns it as an abomination, and, if we look at it, we can see why. God has done everything for us. Without Him, we are nothing. When we take praise and glory for our accomplishments, we are cheating Him out of the glory that He rightfully deserves.

 
 

Lord, help me not to be proud for any reason. Help me to give You all the glory for everything that You've done in my life. Give me the humility to serve You without praise. Help me to look forward to heaven as my reward for a life of service.

Dabbling in Witchcraft

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4053.mp3

The Blessing of the Lord, It Maketh Rich

How wonderful it is to live in the blessing of the Lord! What would we do without it? He gives us our very life. He died to give us salvation. He's given us everything that we have. We should be giving our entire lives back to him in thankfulness.

 
 

Lord, help me to remember that without Your blessings, I am nothing. Help me to give my life in service for you. Help me to remember that everything I am and have comes from You. Help me to remember how rich I really am, living in Your blessing.

Rebuke a Wise Man and He Will Love Thee

This phrase in Proverbs 9 was a challenge to me. Am I a wise man? Do I appreciate criticism? Am I willing to learn from rebuke? It isn't easy to take a rebuke to heart, especially if it's given in a derogatory manner. I find myself bristling when I am criticized. I tend to want to criticize in return, but that's not the right way to handle it. If someone rebukes us, we should examine ourselves to see if it is true and adjust our life accordingly.

 
 

Lord, help me to be able to take rebukes humbly. Help me to use it as a stepping stone in my life and not a stumbling block. Help me not to resent the rebuke or the person who gave it.

Go to the Ant

I Proverbs 6:6, Solomon tells us to go to the ant to learn to be industrious. This is a powerful lesson from such a small creature, but I think there is a bigger lesson here. The ant is small and insignificant, yet we can learn from it. So it is throughout our entire life. We can learn much from anyone. In fact, there is no one that we cannot learn from. Sometimes the things we learn are negative lessons from people who have made mistakes. Often, we can learn good habits and traits even from bad people. So, before you throw away some piece of advice or criticism because you feel the person isn't qualified to give it, think, can I learn from this person? Does he have a valid point?

 
 

Lord, help me to look past the person who's criticizing me to the issue itself. Help me to be able to learn from anyone. Give me the humility to realize that I might be wrong and they could be right. Help me to always work to live for You.

Keep Thy Heart with all Diligence

Prov 4:23

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

KJV

 
 

What a basic, yet powerful, command! Solomon advises us to diligently keep our heart. Keep it how? Keep it from wrong thoughts, keep it from sin and keep it in love with God. First we need to guard our thoughts, because thoughts will produce actions. We also need to watch our actions to be sure that they all bring glory to God and not to ourselves. We also need to keep our hearts in tune with God by prayer, Bible reading and obedient service to God.

 
 

Lord, help me to diligently keep my heart for You. Help me, by Your Spirit's power, to remain pure and wholly devoted to You. Guard my eyes, my thoughts and my actions. Give me the strength to stand against what is wrong. Help me to allow Your power and blessing to flow from my life into the lives of those around me.

Acknowledge Him

Prov 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

KJV

 
 

We live in a world that almost universally fails to acknowledge God for who He is. Almost the only thing that God gets credit for are natural disasters. They're called "acts of God." Just think of all the wonderfully good things that God does and they're called freaks of nature or the result of a long evolutionary process. As we live in this world that has failed to acknowledge God, we should be pointing people to God by our lives. We should be thanking God for all He's done in our lives. We should not be taking credit to ourselves for our accomplishments. It's only God who has allowed us to do these things. Let's give Him the honor.

 
 

The last phrase of the verse is the best part. If acknowledge God, He will direct our paths. What a blessed way to lives! Who better would there be to have in charge of our lives? God, who cares enough about us to save us from our sins, God, who created us and understands us in the greatest possible detail, God, who is the almighty Master of the universe wants to direct our lives if we will only let Him. Wow, I'm so amazed that He cares enough about me to direct my paths. I desire the humility and the obedience to have God direct my life.

Choices, Little, Daily Ones

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4064.mp3

Find the Knowledge of God

Proverbs 2:5

 
 

Man has been pursuing knowledge throughout history. Yet, he never seems satisfied. His search is never complete until he finds the knowledge of God. Yet, most people do not realize that they need the knowledge of God. They deny that God even exists. They try to find knowledge through studying nature, but when nature points them to God, they ignore it. Many times, they start with a false assumption: that there is no higher power. This leads them to many false conclusions: man is not responsible for his own actions. Life began all by itself. We are not responsible to obey anyone. No wonder there are so many problems in our world!

 
 

The only way to find the knowledge of God is to learn from God. He is eager to teach us. He wants the best for us. He desires to save us and bring us closer to Himself. Lord, help me to be willing to learn from You. Help me to spread this knowledge I've learned. Help me to be a beacon for You here on this earth.

Come

Rev 22:17

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.

 
 

Jesus wants us to come to Him and be saved! He wants us to come to heaven. He desires our salvation. He wants the best for us. Why do we hold back? Why do we shrink from obeying Him? What keeps us from experiencing the blessing He wants to give us? Sadly, it's our evil nature. Satan tells us that God's way is hard. He tells us we can enjoy life by doing whatever we want, but it's a lie. Being enslaved to ourselves and our lusts is not fun. It is bondage. We can only experience true freedom by following God's way. Then, at the end of life, we can experience eternal bliss in heaven. "Let him that heareth say, Come."

"I Am Alpha and Omega"

One of the last words of Jesus that we have recorded: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." This was spoken from heaven to John many years after Jesus had left this earth. This phrase inspired me as it reminded me that Jesus if everything for us. He is all-encompassing. He is everywhere present. He understands us completely. He can take care of all our problems. He knows our secret fears and insecurities. He is the One who controls history and sees the future. What an awesome God! Best of all, He's on our side. As true Christians, we can claim this incredible power to conquer sin and anything else that comes our way. With Jesus on our side, we have no excuse for fear. We need only trust Him and He will carry us through.

Sallvation Is of the Lord

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4068.mp3

The Time Is at Hand

As we near the end of the book of Revelation we are amazed by all the things that have been foretold in the future. There is much judgment portrayed. We see Christ's second coming and the reward of all the faithful Christians. Then the angel tells John something very interesting. He tells John not to seal the book because the time is at hand. These things will begin to happen soon. If that was true almost 2,000 years ago in John's day. How much more should we be looking for the return of Christ now. We have already seen the fulfillment of some of the prophecies in Revelation, but there is more to come. There will be difficult times, but we need to stand firm. We have God's promise that he will help us. We know that the return of Christ will come very soon and we must be living faithfully for Him every day of our lives.

Offended by Jesus Christ

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4071.mp3

Blessed Is He That Keepeth the Sayings of the Prophecy of This Book

As we come to the end of the book of Revelation, the final reuniting of the Church with Jesus is described and Jesus says, "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." What does that really mean? How can we obey a prophecy? A prophecy foretells the future. The key is to believe the prophecy. If we believe that we will be rewarded according to what we've done in life, we will obey all the Bible to the best of our abilities. We will also want to spread the Gospel so that as many people as possible can reach heaven and not receive the judgment of God.

 
 

Lord, help me to keep the sayings of the prophecies in the Bible. Help me to remember that we will be eternally rewarded for what we have done here on earth. Help me to remember how important it is to obey You now. Help me to be a faithful witness to those around me so that they, too, can reach heaven someday.

God Shall Wipe Away All Tears

Rev 21:4

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

KJV

 
 

What a wonderful promise! We live here on earth where pain and tears are a part of life. Job said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." How true that is. Life here on earth is not perfect. We experience trials and temptations. But, if we're Christians, difficulties here should just make us anticipate heaven even more. Jesus has made all the provisions for us to be saved and to enter heaven. All we need to do is accept His provision and surrender our lives to Him. Then, when we get to heaven, we can experience eternity with no sadness!

 
 

Lord, help me to keep my eyes on heaven. Help me to be looking for Your second coming every day. Help me to live for You so that I can go to heaven with You when you return.

Standing Before God

We are nearing the end of the book of Revelation and we see prophecies about the very end of time. In chapter 20, we have a description of the great white throne judgment. Everyone who ever lived must come before God and receive a verdict on how they conducted their lives. For Christians, this will be the greatest day they have ever experienced. They can have confidence that they have obeyed God in life. They know that through the saving blood of Jesus, they will be found blameless before God. However, for those who have ignored God all their lives, it will be another story. This will be the day of their doom. God will open the books and recount to them all the evil they have done. He will sentence them to eternal judgment unlike any other they have known. There will be no appeals to this Judge. His word is final.

 
 

Where will you be? Where will I be on this day? Lord, help me to live my life today and always with the consciousness of a coming judgment day. Help me not to be distracted by things here on earth. Help me to remember the importance of living for You. Help me to keep heaven in view and remember that it will be worth it all.

God's Righteous Judgment

Revelation 18 describes the awful destruction of the end-time city of Babylon. This city seems to be the capital of all wickedness in the world, and God did not tolerate it. He utterly destroyed it. Then, chapter 19 begins with these words:

19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

3 And again they said, Alleluia.

KJV

What a wonderful God we serve. He is worthy of our praise and adoration. He deserves all the glory because He judges righteously. He will put an end to all sin and evil in the world, and His people will always emerge victoriously in the end. Let's be sure we're always on His side.

The Doctrine of Discipleship

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4078.mp3

Behold, I Come as a Thief

In Revelation 16, John is recording the great vial judgments that are poured out in the earth. In the middle of this, Jesus says, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." He is warning us that we must always be ready for His return. There may be many things going on around us. We may become distracted and fail to watch for His return, but Jesus reminds us that His second coming will be as a thief. No one knows when it will be. So, we need to live in a constant state of readiness and alertness. We also should be sharing the Gospel with those around us so that they, too, can be saved before it is forever too late.

 
 

Lord, help me to always be ready for Your return. Help me to live in such a way that I need not be ashamed at the judgment day. Help me, also, to reach out to others who are lost before Your imminent return.

Thou Art Righteous

As we read through the book or Revelation, there is one judgment after another. The earth is being destroyed and the people are being punished in unimaginable ways. But, as these judgments are being poured out on the earth, this is what John writes:

Rev 16:5-7

 
 

5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

 
 

6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

 
 

7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

KJV

 
 

God is righteous in His judgments. He will give to everyone what they deserve. If we serve Him now, we will be blessed. If we reject Him now, we will be judged. I know which side I'm on. Do you?

 
 

Lord, give me to courage and strength to stand up for what's right. Help me to live for You while I'm here on earth because it will be worth it all in the end.

Thou Art Worthy

After looking at the words that Jesus had for the seven churches, we move into Revelation chapter four where John begins to describe what he saw in heaven. I was especially impressed with verse 11. The twenty-four elders bow down and cast their crowns before God's throne and say, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." What a wonderful God we serve! We should be worshipping continually. He deserves it.

 
 

Another thing that impressed me was the reminder that everything and everyone in the world was created for God's pleasure. We were created to bring glory to God: nothing more, nothing less. We need to live that way. We were not created to have fun here on earth. Yes, God wants us to enjoy life, but we dare not live for our pleasure. We were created for God's pleasure. We were not created to build up a big bank account or live in a big house. God gave us everything that we have. We are so indebted to Him that we should be giving back whatever we can.

 
 

Lord, help me to remember why I am here on earth. Help me to remember to live for the good of others and for Your glory, not for my own pleasure. Help me to reach out and share the Gospel with others as best I can. Help me to be willing to give time to Your service. May my life glorify You and point others to heaven.

The Church of Laodicea

As I read Jesus address to the church at Laodicea, I was deeply challenged. It seemed to be a picture of the church today in many ways. These people were very wealthy and they didn't think that they needed anything. They were self-sufficient and they thought that the could do everything on their own, but Jesus had nothing but scathing rebukes for them. He told them that, in His sight, they were poor, miserable, blind and naked. Their spiritual life was lukewarm. It was nothing more than an outward show. I believe that this is the condition of much of Christianity to day. So, how can I take the high road and not fall into this trap of self-sufficiency? How can learn to rely on God and not myself?

 
 

Lord, help me not to let all the blessings that You've given me, hinder my relationship with You. Help me to remember that everything I have comes from You. Help me not to take credit to myself for anything that I have done. Help me to give You all the glory. Help me to use these blessings to enrich Your kingdom. Help me to learn to lay up treasures in heaven and not here on earth. Lord, increase my faith!

What the Inarnation Means to a Missionary

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4085.mp3

The Church in Philadelphia

The church in Philadelphia is a great inspiration to me. Jesus kindly commends them for a number of things, and He has no criticism at all for them. He does say that they have only a little strength. This may mean that they had many new Christians who had not yet grown strong in the faith. It could mean that they were few in number. Yet, He tells them that even though they have a little strength, they have remained faithful. We may feel that way today. Most of the people in the world are not serving God. The true church may seem weak and outnumbered. Yet with the strength of God, we can keep the faith and spread the gospel to the world around us. Lord, give us strength to remain faithful until You come back to take us to heaven.

The Church in Sardis

Jesus addressed the church in Sardis, and it was evident that it was in sorry shape. They had a name that they were living, but they were dead. The spiritual life had gone out of them. Jesus told them to strengthen the things that remained. He warned them to repent and be saved. He also encouraged the few true believers who were still in the church. What a sad commentary on a church.

 
 

Is this the story of my church, of your church? Is my church vibrant and alive. Is it reaching out to the world? Is it a place where the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of each believer? Or, is it a dead church. Has the life gone out of it? Does it have a name that it lives, but is really dead? Am I the kind of member I should be? Am I contributing to church life? Am I among the church members who have not defiled their garment? What would Jesus say to me if he gave me a report card?. Lord, help me to be the kind of church member I should be. Help me to contribute the church I belong to. Help me to put my whole life into it so that it can be a church that is alive and growing for you.

The Last Be More than the First

The next church that Jesus spoke to was Thyatira. He told them, "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first." This is what Jesus desires for all of us. He wants us to grow in the faith. He wants us to increase in good works. He wants faithful service that gets better through the years, not something that fades and eventually dies. He doesn't want us to lose our first love as the Ephesians did. The Christian life is a growing experience by its very nature. We cannot be standing still. We are either moving forward or losing ground, because any time that we are not fighting for God, the devil is winning. He doesn't give us any reprieve. We need to constantly be on our guard. There is no time to waste.

 
 

Lord, help me to be like the people at the church of Thyatira. Help me to increase in faith and in the knowledge of You. Help me to draw closer to You throughout my entire life. Help me to constantly choose to move on, leaving behind the things of this life and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.

The Church at Pergamos

The second church that Jesus addresses is the church at Pergamos. This was a very wicked city. In describing it, Jesus said that Satan's seat was there. Yet, in the middle of all this evil, there was a church faithfully living for God. It was very difficult to live right in such a city, and Jesus commended them for it. Yet, in this church Jesus saw some of the affects of the evil culture creeping into the church. There was immorality and false doctrine in the church. They evidently had not kept themselves pure from the filth that was all around them. In addition, they failed to remove the erring members of the church and Christ had some harsh words for them.

 
 

It's very similar in our day. We live in a world where evil and crime are commonplace and even glorified. If we're not careful, it can rub off on us. We can begin to think that sin is not so bad. We can even begin to tolerate it in our church, but if we do that, it will spread through the church like a cancer. Before long, our church will no longer be a bastion of holiness. Instead it will be a stronghold of the devil where people feel good because they think they are Christians. But instead, they are deceived and lulled into a sleep of death. Let's work hard to maintain the holiness of the church through the power of Jesus Christ. With Him on our side, we will always win!

I Know Thy Works

As Jesus was giving a message to the church at Smyrna, He said, "I know thy works." Of course, He knows everyone's works. He sees everyone everywhere all the time. To the church in Smyrna, this was a comfort. He saw what they were doing. He saw the difficulties they were facing and He would reward them for what they had done. To anyone who is not obeying Jesus, this is not good news at all. Jesus also knows the wrong things that people do. He is watching all the time and will also reward those people for what they've done. So, which camp are you in. Does that fact that Jesus is watching all the time strike fear in your heart, or does it give you confidence in what you're doing?

 
 

Lord, help me always to remember that Your are watching all the time: that You know our works, and nothing goes unnoticed. Help me to live in such a way that I'll have nothing to regret. Help me to live my life in such a way that You can say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Lost Their First Love

In the next few days, we'll be reading through the book of Revelation. Some of the chapters are very hard to understand and can be controversial. So, please feel free to comment with your ideas and opinions. I will be taking a very literal approach to the interpretation of the book. I believe that most of what is spoken here will literally come to pass. However, it is obvious that there are many figures of speech given as well.

 
 

In chapter 2, Jesus starts with a message to the church at Ephesus. He commends them for a number of things, but they had lost their first love. They no longer had a vibrant fellowship with Jesus. Maybe their commitment was waning. Maybe they were too busy with other things and left their spiritual life fall behind. Maybe they forgot what they had been saved from. At any rate, they weren't loving God and each other as they should have.

 
 

We, too, can fall into this trap. When we first become a Christian, we are so happy to be saved. Our love for Jesus is warm and vibrant. We tell other people about Him. But, sometimes we get to busy and distracted with the less important things in life. We allow them to take priority over the more important things, and we lose our first love. Lord, help me to remain in close fellowship with You all my life. Restore, me when I begin to lose that first love. Help me always to remember that my relationship with You is more important than anything else in this world.

The Battle for Who You Are

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4090.mp3

Christian Confidence

Christians are some of the most confident people in the world. They know that God has saved them and they are bound for heaven. They can know that Jesus is coming again. They know Whom they have believed, and they know that the Bible is true. However, all this confidence is based on God. We dare never put any confidence in our own strength. If we do, we will always be disappointed. Humans fail. We may be able to do some things in our own strength, but we can never go far without relying on God's strength. Only in Him can we have complete confidence. Only in Him will we never be disappointed.

 
 

Lord, help me to put all my confidence in You. Help me not to confidence in man. Help me to trust You without reservation. Help me to throw my whole life into Your service because You hold the future!

Judge Not

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. --Luke 6:37

 
 

Jesus calls us to be tolerant and understanding toward those around us. Everyone has grown up with different circumstances and life experiences and so they have become different people with different preferences and ideas. This is what makes a church or any other organization rich and diverse if people learn to be tolerant. Intolerance began in the church before it ever was the church. Jesus disciples once met a man who was casting out devils in the name of Jesus and they told him to stop because he was not with them. Today things are not much different. There are church feuds within the church or between church groups. This is not what God had in mind for the church. God wants His people to get along with each other and work together. However, he does not want us to tolerate sin. He does speak very clearly, in the Bible, about how to deal with sin, and He does not want us to tolerate it. How many friendships have been ruined, lives lost, and wars fought that could have been eliminated if people only had tolerance.

 
 

Lord, help me to be tolerant of people around me. Help me to understand that just because someone thinks differently than I do, it doesn't make it wrong. Help me to do my best to understand things from their point of view. Help me to reach out and befriend the friendless, help the unlovely and bring them to You.

Is Jesus Enough

http://www.odb.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/05/21/devotion.aspx

Attitude of Worship

"If you limit worship to where you are, the minute you leave that place of worship you will leave your attitude of worship behind like a crumpled-up church bulletin."

 
 

________

 
 

Tony Evans

Hospitality

As Paul was on his way to Rome for his trial, the ship he was travelling on faced some very bad storms. It eventually was shipwrecked on the small island of Melita. The people were very kind to those poor, shipwrecked folks. They built a fire for them and took them into their houses for lodging even though they spoke a different language.

 
 

This is something we can each learn from. God wants us to be hospitable to others: even those that we don't know. Hospitality is a mark of a true Christian. This can also give us an opportunity to witness as well.

 
 

1 Peter 4:9

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging."

KJV

Believing the Master of the Ship

As Paul was on his way to Rome as a prisoner, they stopped on the way. It was getting too late in the season for safe sailing and Paul advised them not to sail any further. However, the captain of the ship thought it would be safe. So, the centurion believed the captain instead of following Paul's warning. Isn't that how we are sometimes? We tend to follow human reasoning instead of the advice of godly people. We like to take our own way. We think we know best, but how can we know better than God. We do well to follow the advice of godly people around us and not trust in our own wisdom.

 
 

Lord, help me to humble enough to accept help and advice. Help me to live for You even when it's difficult or unpopular. Help me to reach out and give others a lift whenever I can. Thank You for all the godly people around me that can give me advice and encourage me when I need it. Thank You for the wonderful provision of salvation that allows me to live a victorious life for You.

Abba, Father

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4091.mp3

All Things Work Together For Good

The life of Paul is a great example of how God works all things together for good to those that love Him. Paul was unjustly accused and put in prison, but it was the means for the Gospel to be shared with many people who may not otherwise have heard it. He was able to speak before the chief captain in Jerusalem, Governor Felix and Governor Festus, and finally the Emperor in Rome as well as many other people along the way. I'm sure Paul didn't enjoy being in prison, but God had a plan and Paul faithfully fulfilled it.

 
 

We need to remember that God has a plan for our lives too. It may seem like we face many difficulties and we don't know what to do, but let's always remember that God is working everything out for our good and His glory.

Keeping Peace in the Church

Paul was a missionary primarily to the Gentiles even though he was Jewish. This made his job very sensitive. There were many Jews who still believed the Jewish people were required to keep the Old Testament Law even after they became Christians. This caused some unrest in the early church. So, when Paul returned to Jerusalem, the leaders there asked him to take a vow to show that he was still obeying the Old Testament law (even though God did not require it. Paul could have said, "These people just need to grow up and realize that the law is dead. We are Christians with the Holy Spirit. We don't need the law anymore." But, he didn't. He took the vow and did all the other necessary things just to keep the peace in church.

 
 

What am I willing to do in order to keep the peace in church? Am I meek enough to do as I'm directed even if I disagree? Lord, help me to follow you and our church. Give me the humility to accept direction even if I feel it is uncessary.

No Small Stir About "That Way"

While Paul was in Ephesus preaching, the book of Acts tells us that "There arose no small stir about that way." That way being the way of Christianity. In fact, it even got the whole city in an uproar. Why, Christianity is radical. It can change people's lives. It shifts our thinking and our priorities. It has the power to change the world. It was powerful in Paul's day and it is still just as powerful today, but God often chooses to work through us: "Expect Great Things from God, Attempt Great Things for God." So, we must be prepared to do our part and God will always do His part.

True Christianity Costs Us Something

In Acts 19, we have the account of many of the Ephesians becoming Christians. Now Ephesus was famous for its black arts: sorcery, witchcraft, magic and the like. So, many of these people who became Christians had books on all these things. As they became Christians they wanted to leave all the things of the old life behind. So, they brought their books together and burned them. When they counted up the worth of the books they burned, it came to 50,000 pieces of silver, a tremendous sum of money.

 
 

So it is today. Being a Christian will cost us something. We will need to lay down the things of the old life. It will take commitment to the new life. It will take sacrifice. When we follow Christ, He wants our whole life. If we can't give Him everything, He doesn't want it at all. Living for Jesus takes everything we have. Let's give it our all.

 
 

They Opposed Themselves

Paul was preaching to the Jews in Corinth, but they would not listen to him, and the Bible uses a very interesting phrase. "They opposed themselves." It doesn't say that they opposed Paul. Rather, they opposed themselves. It was really themselves that they were hurting. This is something that we need to remember when we are witnessing and people don't like what we are saying. It's no us that they are opposing. They really are opposing themselves. We needn't take it personally. We are only sharing the truth of the Bible and people who oppose us aren't rejecting us. They are rejecting God and His truth that can save them.

Creating a Love to Learn

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4099.mp3

Wholly Given to Idolatry

As Paul arrived in Athens, his spirit was moved because the city was wholly given to idolatry. Isn't that how our world is today? No, people don't actually bow to statues in many cases, but they have other idols that are more important to them than God. This is just as wrong. God condemns idols very vehemently. It was the cause for much of Israel's suffering when God punished them for idolatry. Once again today, so many people (even Christians) have fallen into idolatry. They worship their money, jobs, cars, houses, celebrities, sports heroes, and even our president. We even have "American Idol" and many Christians don't think twice about it. It's time for us to wake up and give God His rightful place. We need to put all these other things out of our life or at least in a much lower position. We need to put God back on the throne in our hearts. We must stop this idolatry and repent of it.

Singing in Prison

I'm sure you know the story in Acts 16 how Paul and Silas were falsely accused, unjustly beaten, thrown in to prison, and put in the stocks. I've had bad days already, but nothing like this. What did they do? Did they sit there and act like martyrs bemoaning their situation. Did they blame God. Did they give up on preaching the Gospel? Not in the least. They spread the Gospel right there in prison at midnight. They began singing! What an amazing testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit! These men had every reason to be discouraged, but instead of moping, they were singing. And the story doesn't end there. God brought an earthquake that opened the jail doors, and instead of escaping, they used the opportunity to witness to the jailor and he and his household were baptized that night.

 
 

God will do wonderful things, but He often uses His people to accomplish them. How often has God wanted to use me, but I was complaining instead of singing? How often have I missed a chance to witness because I was worrying about my own troubles instead of reaching out to someone who needed Christ? Lord, help me be willing to reach out and go beyond my troubles and difficulties. Help me to see the bigger picture. Help me not to be discouraged by my petty problems. Help me to see the cause of the Kingdom. Help me to sing in the rain.

The Signs of His Coming

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4102.mp3

The Fickleness of Man's Praise

One Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, they came to Lystra. As they were preaching there, they healed a lame man. The people of Lystra were so impressed that they thought Paul and Barnabas must be gods. The priest even brought oxen and garlands to sacrifice to them. I'm sure Paul and Barnabas were glad to be accepted, but they didn't want the people to sacrifice to them, and they were barely able to stop the people before they offered sacrifices to them. However, their popularity didn't last long. Some antagonistic Jews came from another city and stirred up the people against them and a few days later (so it seems) the people stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city for dead.

 
 

What a contrast! But, so it is today; it may be popular to be a Christian now, but that could change rapidly. In fact, it is changing. Will you and I have the courage to stand up for what's right no matter what other people think. Can we live for Jesus no matter what our friends and neighbors think of us? God can give us the strength to live for Him no matter what we face. Let's trust Him and He will help us.

All Things to All Men

In his ministry, Paul learned a valuable lesson: he learned to become all things to all men. When he was with the Jews, he began his teaching in the Old Testament and lead them to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. When he was with the Gentiles, he pointed out God in nature. He began teaching with something that was familiar to his audience. He started on their level and lead them to God. He didn't cheapen the Gospel or change it for his listeners. He just began where they were and ended with God. This is a valuable skill that we all would do well to learn from. It doesn't matter who we're talking to or where we are, we can lead people to God. We can point them in the right direction. We can say a word for the Lord in any situation.

 
 

Lord, help me to willingly speak up for You. Help me to be a living witness for the Gospel. Help me not to be ashamed of being a Christian. Help me to have the wisdom to begin on the level of the people I'm speaking to. Give me courage to speak up for You whenever I have the opportunity.

Mission Work

In Acts 13, we see an example of how the early church did mission work. I see here several lessons that we can learn from them:

1. Mission work doesn't need a lot of committees and bureaucracy.
   
2. Everyone should be involved in mission work whether you leave your home or not.
   
3. Trusting in God is important in mission work.
   
4. Prayer is important for us to get a burden for mission work.
   
5. We must be ready to answer the call of God no matter what He calls us to.
   
6. God will bless the efforts of those who do His will
   

    
    

   Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your calling. Help me to be a missionary right here at home. Help me to reach out to the needs of others. Help me to have a burden for lost souls. Help me to dedicate my life to Your service.
   

God Is No Respecter of Persons

As the early church grew rapidly, people from all over Israel were joining the church. Even Samaritans, who were only part Jewish joined as well, but in the beginning, there were no Gentiles joining the church, but God had bigger plans. He wanted a world-wide church that reached out and invited anyone who would believe. So, God sent an angel to talk with Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The angel told him to send for Peter. In the mean time, God told Peter in a vision not to be afraid to go with these people. So, when Peter arrived and preached to Cornelius and his friends, the Lord poured out the Holy Spirit on them and they were baptized. Peter was amazed by this and he said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

 
 

Do I believe this? Do you? It doesn't matter what kind of life a person has lived. They can still become a Christian. It doesn't matter if they are a drug addict or a homosexual. They can be an atheist or a Buddhist or a Mormon. It doesn't matter what's happened in their life. It doesn't matter what race they are. It doesn't matter if they are upper class or live in a slum. They may be Indian, Chinese, Russian white or black. They may have the most disgusting habits and vices. Yet, God wants to save them. He will not save them in their sin. He wants to save them from their sin. God does not save people who continue to live in sin. He saves them and gives them power to have victory over sin. Since God is no respecter of persons, we shouldn't be either. We need to see everyone as equal. We may never put ourselves on a pedestal and look down on other people for any reason. When we remember that nothing good that we are doing is because of our own merit, it will help us remember that we are no better than anyone else. Therefore, we should willingly share the gospel at every opportunity no matter who it may be.

 
 

Lord, help me to be more like You. Help me not to be a respecter of persons. Help me to reach out and share the Gospel with people without judging them. Help me to remember that anything I may be is only because of You. Help me to only glory because of what You've done in my life and not because of any of my accomplishments. Help me to realize that everyone is equal in Your sight. Help me to remember that there is no one in this world that is too high or too low to need salvation. Help me to be a living witness for what You've done for me.

Barnabas Intercedes for Saul

Saul (Paul) had been intensely persecuting the Christians and had built up a reputation for it, but after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his whole life was turned around. After 3 days of fasting and prayer, he became a Christian, received the Holy Spirit and was baptized. Barnabas was at first reluctant to go to meet Saul when God told him to, but God explained that Saul had a change of heart. However, when Saul went to Jerusalem, it was another story. The Christians there were afraid to take him in. He had been persecuting them so much that they didn't believe his conversion was real. Enter Barnabas. He calmly explained to the Christians at Jerusalem how Paul had been miraculously converted and had preached Jesus at Damascus. After that, they accepted him.

 
 

What a wonderful example of how brotherhood should work! If we all stuck up for each other like that, our church life could be a lot smoother. Lord, give us the brotherly love and concern of Barnabas. Help us to look out for each other's welfare. Help us to truly desire the best for each other. Help us to get along as true Christians should.

Moses Before Pharoah

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4110.mp3

I Will Bless the Lord

Ps 34:1

 
 

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

KJV

 
 

Bless the Lord at all times! Is that my life? The way some Christians live, you'd think they were told to complain at all times. Is my life blessing the Lord continually? Are my words and actions praising God?

 
 

Lord, help me to bless you at all times. Help me to live my life continually conscious of what You've done for me. Thank You for all the wonderful things that You are doing in my life. Help me to give my life back to You completely.

Arise, and Go Toward the South

Philip was preaching in Samaria in the early days of the church, when an angel came to him and told him to go toward the south. This likely seemed like a very strange command. What was in the South? What should he do there? Exactly where should he go? But, we don't have any record of Philip questioning. He just went and did as he was told. When he got there, he found a man in need of salvation and he eventually baptized him.

 
 

I was challenged by this passage in Acts. Am I that in tune with the Spirit of God? Do I respond to God's nudges, or I am too busy to notice? Do I take time to witness for God, or am I too involved in my own worries that I don't notice the needs of others? Lord, help me to be close to You and responsive to Your call. Help me to selflessly reach out to others who need you. Help me to live a life that tells others about You. Help me to live Your will for my life.

Are You a Citizen of Egypt?

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/2209.mp3

God Can Save Anyone

I was just reading in Acts 8 about how determinedly Saul (later called Paul) persecuted the early church. It seems that after witnessing the stoning of Stephen, Saul began persecuting Christians in earnest. Not only did he scour Jerusalem, but he also traveled to many other cities around the area. I'm sure many people would never have thought of him as a candidate for salvation, but sure enough, not long afterwards, Saul became a Christian. That challenged me never to limit the power of God and never to count someone out as a candidate for salvation. We all have people in our lives that are antagonistic to our faith, but let's not forget to witness to them. The very fact that they are opposing Christianity may be evidence that God is speaking to them and their conscience is working. Maybe they won't talk to us about Jesus, but we should be letting our light shine. Sometimes words can speak louder than actions. Let's also be sure that our actions are backing up our words. Nothing will turn them against Christianity more than a person who is a Christian in words only. Let's remember, God can save anyone. Let's be ready to be used to reach anyone that God calls us to.

Lord, Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge

What an amazing testimony as Stephen was being stoned! He was in extreme pain after being rejected by his own people. Yet, he forgave them from the bottom of his heart. He followed his supreme example, Jesus, as He was dying on the cross. He forgave those who crucified Him. Do I forgive like that? It's a challenge for me to forgive those who slander me or those that I disagree with. Lord, help me to become more like Stephen. Help me to respond like Jesus. Help me to forgive from the bottom of my heart. Help me not to hold grudges. Help me to want the best for my enemies. Help me to desire their good. Give me a burden for their souls. Help me to reach out and witness to them instead of arguing with them. Give me a heart of love for those who are unlovely. Help me to treat them as Christ would.

Worthy to Suffer

The apostles in the early church faced much opposition. Much of it came from the religious leaders of the day. They had been commanded not to preach any more. When they were caught preaching, they were put into prison, but an angel let them out of prison and commanded them to preach in the temple. When the council came together to hear their case, they found the prison empty. Then, someone brought news that the apostles were preaching in the temple. So, they quickly brought them. After the trial, they beat them and commanded them not to preach anymore. In spite of all this, the Bible says, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

 
 

Do I have that kind of attitude. Am I ready and willing to suffer shame for the name of Christ? Do I speak up boldly for Jesus? Am I willing to witness no matter what other people will think of me? Lord, give me Your boldness. Give me Your strength. Help me to be a bright, shining light for You in every area of my life. Help me not to be ashamed of the Gospel, but to boldly live my life for Your glory!

The Blood of Jesus Christ

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4129.mp3

Annanias and Saphira

I just read the account of Annanias and Saphira and it made me wonder what my motives are for giving and serving. Do I do it to lay up treasure in heaven. Am I doing it in thankfulness for all the Jesus has done for me or am I doing it because it's expected of me? Am I doing it to look good to those around me? Are my motives pure. Is God pleased with my giving or does he see ulterior motives?

 
 

Lord, help me to give generously. Help me to give from a true heart of love. Help me to serve You for your glory.

Obey God or Man

Peter and John had just healed a lame man in the temple and it got the attention of many people, but of course, the priests and Pharisees were jealous. So, they put Peter and John in jail. After calling them for a trial, they decided to let them go with the strict command not to preach any more in the name of Jesus. When Peter heard this, he made his famous bold statement, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye." What an amazing testimony! Peter was willing to risk his life to obey God rather than the religious leaders of his day.

 
 

I've never had to risk my life to obey God. Yet, I've been tempted to disobey God for fleeting pleasure or to gain popularity or because of peer pressure: such trifling things compared to what Peter faced. Lord, help me to faithfully obey You no matter what. Help me to stand firm on Your commandments no matter what other people will thing of me. Give me strength to withstand whatever temptations come my way. Help me like Peter to remember that it's much better to obey God than man.

 
 

Where the Lord is Working, So is Satan

In the first several chapters of the book of Acts, the Church was experiencing tremendous growth. The work of the Lord was going forward. God's army was on the march. By the power of God, Peter and John had healed a lame man. This offered them a great opportunity to preach Jesus, but wherever the Lord is working, Satan is trying to stop the work. It didn't take long for the religious leaders to come and put the apostles in prison. The battle was on. Who would win? It was only a continuation of the epic battle between good and evil, between God and Satan. This time it was between true Christians and the established religious people of the day.

 
 

This battle takes many different forms. So, what can we learn from it. First, we need to be absolutely sure that we are on the right side. Satan is very deceptive. There have been many people who have thought that they were on the right side only to find out that they were fighting God. The apostle Paul is an example. God saw that he was sincerely trying to do right and He helped Paul get his life on the right track. Let's be sincerely serving God to the best of our ability today so that God can guide us to an even closer walk with Him and God's kingdom can grow.