FEBRUARY ARCHIVES
February 1st
Psalm 29:3
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Outlook from the In Book
Living near the lake in Michigan we have the ability at times to watch a thunderstorm miles offshore before it ever gets to us. We can see the lighting flashing in the distance and the rain making its way toward us. But knowing how far away the storm is offshore is important so you don’t get wet. Science tells us through some simple math we can determine the distance. When you see the lightning, begin counting, one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, and so on until you hear the thunder. Sound travels at about 1 mile per 5 seconds so if you get to one thousand ten, the storm is about 2 miles off shore. Count the next one and you can tell about how fast it is coming toward you. Once it gets close enough you can not only hear the thunder but feel its rumble. You know to take cover as the storm is close. In this passage today David likens the voice of the Lord to thunder on many waters. The thundering voice of the Lord has been warning us for years to prepare for a storm to come. And today it seems that the rumble of that voice is ever closer with the devastation that we see that was predicted for the last days. In fact in Revelation 10:3,4 it talks of seven thunders. That is exactly the number of thunders spoken of in Psalm 29.
Can you feel the rumble of the voice of God? Do you know that the storm is close today? You need to take shelter. And the only shelter that is secure is found in the arms of Jesus Christ. Run to Him today. A shelter in the times of storm.
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February 2nd
Proverbs 2:6, 7
For the LORD
giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up
sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly
Outlook from the In Book
Most everyone has heard the term “Sound Advice”. What does that mean? On a very rare occasion will the sound have anything to do with speakers, amplifiers, music or anything to do with your hearing. Sound Advice means advice that you can be sure about. It is something that, if you do it, or act upon the advice of someone, you will come out with a good result. In today’s verses, we find that true wisdom comes from God. It is not we who figure things out. It is God sharing his wisdom of all ages with us. Therefore, if we seek and respect God, we will respect what He has to say. If we respect what He says, we will act upon that word. If we act upon that advice, we will always come out right. Why? Because God has lain up for us Sound Wisdom. “Sound Advice”. It will be a buckler to us. Ok so that is not a term we use too much today. A Buckler was a small shield carried on the arm or in the hand of soldiers to defend themselves when in a hand-to-hand combat. The wisdom of God is just that. It becomes our shield as we walk through this life in hand-to-hand combat with the evil that the world and Satan has in place. What does that mean? It means we place faith in what God says. In addition, use it as our defense.
I believe what God is saying in the book of Proverbs, is also what He was saying in Ephesians 6:16. “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” It is not just hearing and reading what God has to says, but it is also believing it. That is faith. That is SOUND ADVICE!
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February 3rd
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe
that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Outlook from the In Book
WOW! What a powerful verse. But also, what a misunderstood verse this has been. Too many preachers and teachers today take this verse out of context and tell people that if you just believe hard enough you can have anything. But what if I am a Christian and believe with all my heart that you would squander any wealth God might give you. And I really believe and pray that God withhold wealth from you for your own good. And you are a Christian and you really believe the opposite. Which prayer gets answered? We both believe and pray for what we think is good for you. To understand this you need to read verse 22 where Jesus said “have faith in God.” Believe in God and desire what He desires. And even if it looks impossible, you can believe what He has said. What can we believe you may be asking? Believe your sins are forgiven when you trust in Jesus and the blood for Salvation. Believe that Jesus is faithful to carry out everything He says. Believe that your soul’s destiny is heaven as He has said. Believe what God believes.
The foundation to this belief is salvation. This is the ultimate will of God. That none should perish and that all should come to repentance. If you believe what God says about this and trust His Son for salvation you can and will be saved. Believe those promises about your soul from God and you shall have them. But it all begins with Jesus and our believing on Him.
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February 4th
Exodus 16:10
And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole
congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness,
and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
Outlook from the In Book
Five times in this chapter the words “Came to pass” or “Come to pass” appear. As we read on in the book we find that every single thing that God said would do just that. It would come to pass just exactly as He said. Everything. There is nothing that He had told the Children of Israel that would happen, did not happen. This is a truth that continues through the entire book we call our Bible. He has never promised something that has not come true. Isn’t it great to know we have a God we can rely on to be correct 100% of the time?
As we read the promises of God, let’s rejoice in the fact we can know they will be fulfilled exactly as He promised. If you do not know Christ, remember, ALL OF HIS PROMISES WILL BE FULFILLED EXACTLY AS HE PROMISED!!
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February 5th
Psalm 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the
host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Outlook from the In Book
I get such a kick out of these people that try so hard to justify that creation and evolution co-exist in the Bible. They try to say something like, there were really hundreds of years between the each of the created days. They claim it was during that time evolution took place. I would like to hear their explanation to this verse. He spoke them into existence. All that we now see was created to show us the wonder, glory and awesome power of God. The same breath that He used to create all the worlds, He also used to speak peace to my soul. What a wonderful and marvelous God is He.
Tonight as you look into the sky and see all the stars and planets that God has made, thank Him for His awesome display of love written in the vastness of space. Let it remind you each and every day of the mighty works of a God. And remember, the mighty work God did in your heart when He saved you from your sin was just as majestic.
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February 6th
Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and
reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Outlook from the In Book
Imagine driving down the road at night and suddenly you have a flat tire. You stop, get out the spare tire and jack from a lighted trunk and then you get to where the flat is and it is dark. You fumble around trying to get the jack under the car and the lug nuts off. You know where everything is, but it seems different in the dark. Then someone asks if they can help and shines a light on just what you’re doing. What was taking forever in the dark seems to be a breeze with just a little help from the light. Our life as a Christian can be that way. We know what we are supposed to do and so we just keep stumbling along in this dark world making it, but struggling. But if we will take time in God’s word it will be a lamp, a light, a way of life. Does it make the things we have to do vanish? No. But working in the light makes them a lot easier to face.
Today spend some time in God’s word. Psalm 119:105 says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” You’ll still need to go through your day. But the light of Gods word can make it seem so much more enjoyable.
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February 7th
Mark 15:18
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
Outlook from the In Book
I remember as a young boy growing up in Holland, Mi. We had an event every year in May called the “Tulip Time Festival.” Every year they have had one of the largest parades in the United States. One year when I was very small the President of the United States of America was in that parade. I had never met him, and still have not. But when he came by everyone was waving and saluting and cheering. And so did I. Why? I really do not know other than I knew I needed to show him some respect somehow. He was the President of the United States that I live in after all. In today’s passage of scripture, the soldiers were trying to mock Jesus by saluting him. Trying to make fun of Him. But little did they realize, He was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and deserved far more than a salute. They did not realize that what they were doing was saluting a Saviour for all. You see, a “Saviour for ALL” would include them. If they would have only gave Him their heart along with their salute.
Jesus deserves so much more today than our simple salute. I heard a well know Pastor share one time that he would get up in the morning and say “Private Adrian is reporting for duty LORD”. I have never forgotten those simple but profound words. Will you repeat them with me today and mean them? “Private (YOUR NAME) is reporting for duty LORD.
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February 8th
Exodus 23:32-33
Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.
Outlook from the In Book
We live in a country where, for the most part, people put on the front of all worshiping one God. Almost anyone you might talk with would say, “I have no idols or false gods that I worship.” Really? I heard a young preacher deliver a message to his youth group entitled “God Shelf”. The basic idea was this. You have one shelf in your life and on that shelf you can only have one item at a time. Whatever is most important to you at that moment goes on that shelf. If the one true God is there, great, but what if a job becomes more important than God? Or maybe it is a girlfriend, spouse, position, fame or what ever becomes more important than God at the moment. Then you must take God down off the God shelf and place that item up there. Only one item can be there at a time. It seems we live our lives wanting to rotate God on and off this shelf. Truly, only the one true God of heaven who created everything should be on our God shelf. After all, it’s named after Him!
That young Pastor hit it on the head when he preached on this “God Shelf”. Let me ask you, what has possibly taken the place of God on your God Shelf today? What ever it is, it is time to remove it and place God back in His rightful position in your life.
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February 9th
Psalm 36:1-2
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be
hateful.
Outlook from the In Book
There are so many people today that are searching for some sense of reality in their life. They are looking for a god, any god. Some have concluded that if they cannot see it then it must not be and have declared they themselves to be their god. The only problem with this is what kind of God might that be? This then becomes a god that you can explain. If we could explain the one who created us, created all that is around us, breathed the very life we have into us, what kind of God could that be. I pray we do not become our own gods. That we somehow begin to believe that we are more important than the one who loved us enough to send His very Son to die on a cross for our sins. But when we become more important in our own eyes than God, isn’t that what we’ve done? Have we not then made ourselves out to be a god?
As you look at this day as a day to worship God, tell Him how much He means to you. Find in Him what can never be found in us. True, never ending, never changing, and never faltering LOVE.
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February 10th
Proverbs
10:27
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the
wicked shall be shortened.
Outlook from the In Book
The fear of the Lord, or another way to say that would be reverence and respect to the Lord, prolongs our days. How can this be? The answer is really quite simple. By obeying the things God has outlined in His word, we will live a happier and more productive life. You know even science today has said that happier people live longer than unhappy people. Some people look at the Bible or the Ten Commandments as a list of you can’t do this or you can’t do that’s. When truthfully it is the voice of God saying, “I love you enough to tell you that if you do this or that it will harm you.” You do not really want terrible things for yourself and neither do I. Therefore, God has written out a warning label for life. If only we would read it and heed it.
Another truth is that those that know Christ as Saviour have Everlasting Life. Talk about prolonging your days. What can be longer than forever? And the wicked or lost will die a second death. This death will be an eternity away from Christ, which includes torment forever. Let us thank God for prolonging our days today, and forever, and live for Him.
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February 11th
Luke 3:10
And the people asked him,
saying, What shall we do then?
Outlook from the In Book
It seems that every day you hear this same question. What shall we do? What shall we do about violence? What shall we do about the needy? What shall we do about broken homes? What shall we do about drugs? What shall we do about teen pregnancy? What shall we do about sinful lifestyles? What? What? What is it that can help? The problem today is that people do not want to hear the truth. The answer to all these problems is today, as it has been for centuries, JESUS. When people give their lives to Jesus, and truly serve Him, we see a multitude of what were problems before, turned around and used to glorify God. The trouble is you must do so by faith. And most people want facts not faith. “Show me the facts,” they say. Well if they would hear them, the facts are there, but they will not listen. Or could it be, we are not telling them?
As today unfolds and you listen to friends, the news and family, listen for the question, what can we do about… or what should be done about… When you hear those words, you can be confident in telling them, JESUS is the answer. And in every situation you will be right. JESUS is the answer.
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February 12th
Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the
diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Outlook from the In Book
When I was young I use to hear people say, “If you want to, you can grow up to be the President of the United States.” Others would say, “If you work hard and keep your nose clean, you can do or be anything you want.” I do not really know what my nose had to do with it, but I have seen some powerful people wipe their nose while I was watching TV. But what I believe they were saying was the same thing God’s word has said all along. If you‘re diligent, or work hard, you can succeed in life. If you are lazy, always looking for a handout, you think the world owes you something; you will always be under tribute or be owing to someone. And most likely will lose everything you think you do have. God never intended for us to be that way.
God never asks us to do more than we can do. But always expects us to ALL we can do. What can you do for the Lord today? Thank Him for this opportunity to be something for Him.
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February
13th
Exodus 33:21
And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
Outlook from the In Book
Have you ever gone into a strange church or a crowded auditorium? You look over the sea of faces and seem to recognize few if any. And to get the attention of anyone you do know, you would have to yell and embarrass both you and them and that’s not going to happen. Then as you're looking around you see someone looking back to you from really good seats. And you recognize them as someone you know. A smiling face, and even better they are motioning for you to come over by them. When you get there they invite you to join them. WOW here? These are really good seats. Are you sure? “Yes” they say, “I was saving it for someone but they did not make it. And I am glad you came, I did not want to be here alone either.” It seems almost too good to be true. You did nothing to cause this or earn this and yet here you are in the best seats imaginable. You feel almost a sense of wanting to do something nice for them someday. Well friend let me tell you, the Lord is saying today, “Good Morning, look, here is a place by me, come join me today, lets spend it together.” And if that is not enough, you find that the creator of all that ever was, was holding that space just for you. The one that controls the day and all that are around you asked you to hang out with Him. What more solid footing in life could you ask for? You’re standing on a solid rock for sure.
Today when things get tense remember where you’re standing. When troubles creep up remember with whom you are sharing this day with. Today you’re the invited friend of God All Mighty. And tomorrow He will call again, “stand by me.”
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February 14th
Psalm 40:1
I waited
patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Outlook from the In Book
Sitting in the doctor's office waiting your turn seems like the longest time in the world. In fact if you’re really sick or have a painful problem that needs looking into, it seems like an eternity. While you’re waiting your turn, you’re also waiting for the doctor to help. You’re putting hope and trust in the fact that when you see him or her, they will be able to do something that helps your situation. While you’re waiting, you’re waiting. That is what this verse implies today. It says I waited “patiently.” It has the meaning of while waiting I have been waiting, or have put confidence in the Lord. While waiting on His return, we also wait on the Lord, or put confidence in Him, that He will also handle our daily needs and hear our every prayer. And the last part of this verse says just that. He hears our cry.
On this Valentines Day, what better “Love Story” is there than a Saviour that died for your sins, made a place for you in heaven when you die, lives to make intersession for you today, and listens to you daily. What a “LOVE STORY” indeed.
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February 15th
Luke 7:13
And when
the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Outlook from the In Book
I don’t know about you, but I know when I see someone crying, it often makes me want to cry also. When you can see the pain in their eyes and hear the hurting in their heart, it makes you want to do something to try and ease their suffering. God also sees and hears and even feels all our pains and all our sorrows. Here Jesus looked at this woman and had compassion for her. It broke His heart to see her heart broken. He was willing to become unclean by touching the coffin that day to bring help to this grieving widow who lost her only son. Ceremonies and rituals were not on His mind. Negative people and what they would say later were not on His mind. This lady and her pain and grief were the only things on His mind and on His heart. And you know, He still hears when our hearts cry today.
As Jesus became unclean here He also became unclean for the sins of the world when He died on the cross. He died for all sins, including yours and mine. Jesus has always been about giving life. In today’s verse it was physical life, but for you it can be something even more important. Eternal Life. If you have never asked Jesus to come into your heart and cleanse you from all your sins and make Him your Lord and Saviour, let me just say this. He’s still listening!!
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February 16th
Exodus 40:16
Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.
Outlook from the In Book
Some people just hate to be bossed around. It just seems to ruffle their feathers if you don’t say, “would you please do this or please do that.” As if they had a choice in the matter. I know please sounds more polite, but is a boss really asking would you like to do this or that? NO. Usually they are saying this is what needs to be done and I am directing you to that position. If you say no or don’t do it, then the boss is the one with the choice, keep you or let you go. Your only choices were obeying or disobey. Obedience usually brings trust and faith in you as a worker and often leads to promotions within that place. When we read the 40th chapter of Exodus over and over we read the phrase “as the LORD commanded Moses.” In the verse above we find Moses did just exactly as the LORD commanded. In verse 33 it says He finished the work. And what happened? The LORD did what he said He would do. Filled the Tabernacle and dwelt among them. When the Children of Israel were obedient, they received the rewards of obedience.
I know that sometimes as we read our Bibles and see all the things that God requires of us as separated Christians that sometime we want to rebel. Sometimes it looks like the world is having so much fun and we just want to be part of it. However, if we are obedient to the word of God, we are now, and in the future will be rewarded. Rewarded with God’s presence and blessing abiding with you daily. Sin is only fun for a season. Obedience is rewarded for eternity.
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February 17th
Psalm 43:5
Why art
thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God:
for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God
Outlook from the In Book
A few years ago there was a song out that had sort of a Jamaican sound to it. Everyone was singing it. Around the house, work, on the street, and yes I have even heard it in the walls of the church house. It said very simply “Don’t worry, Be Happy.” In chapters 42 & 43 of this book of Psalms we find the author saying almost the same thing. “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” Or in other words, as a child of the Living God, and whose God has everything in control, which sees, hears and allows (or not) every moment of every day, why should I be so discouraged or worry? It goes on to say, “For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” In the end it is all up to God and I have placed myself IN HIM, in His Son Jesus Christ. To break it down for you in just a little simpler language, “Don’t worry, Be Happy, In the LORD.”
If today seems to have crept up with all of the worries and concerns of this world, and you feel as though there is little or no hope, let me invite you to do as the Psalmist along with millions of others that felt this way. Place all your concerns and worries and fears into your hope of the Lord. In 1 Peter 5:7 it says “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Do you believe that? It’s true!
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February 18th
Proverbs 18:10
The name of
the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Outlook from the In Book
A few
years ago I had the privilege of going to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee with our
teen youth group for a Christian Youth Retreat. While there we saw hundreds of
attractions, rides and activities available. One of them was a ride where you
sat in a chair made for two people. They would harness you in and then release a
switch. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, this chair was hooked to two huge rubber
band-like straps hooked to two tall towering poles on either side and stretched
to its fullest. When they would flip the switch to release the chair, these two
rubber band-like straps shot you like a slingshot, straight up into the air. It
seemed as though you might go all the way to the moon. And then, when they had
reached their stretched limit in height up into the sky, they would shoot you
back toward the ground at almost lightning speed. And on the way back down
GRAVITY WAS HELPING! I had watched several people do this with no problems. It
was not the height I feared, nor the speed, or even getting sick. My questions
was, is it strong enough to hold ME! The difference was this. I weighed over
280lbs. at that time. I did not see anyone that size on there. But I did it and
it was a blast.
When I turned myself over to the LORD it was because of His saving grace, and
that I knew from seeing others who had done the same, He was strong enough to
hold ME too.
I was right. After years of walking with Christ, through good and bad times in my life, He is strong enough to hold me. And friend, He is strong enough to hold you too. The Lord is a strong tower and in Him you are safe. Thank Him for that today, will you?
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February 19th
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Outlook from the In Book
I
read a story once about a well-known author and authority on prayer that was
giving a seminar. During the question-and-answer period, a man raised his hand
and boldly asked, "Doctor, how should I pray?" "It's very simple," the noted
expert responded without hesitation. "Ask God."
I know that several times over the last few years as a Pastor I have heard the
words “I just don’t know how to pray!” What seems so natural to some seems at
times so hard to others. The truth is they do know how to pray. They did it when
they received Christ as their Saviour. They bowed their heart to a saving Jesus
and prayed for mercy for their life, for repentance of their sins, for God to
wash them and make them white as snow, and vowed to be His forever as Jesus
vowed He would be ours forever. Really, to get saved, you must have said a
prayer in your heart. You come before Him humbly and walk into the throne room
of the almighty God. At that point we cry Abba, Father, and He listens to our
every word in prayer. Respecting who He is as we talk with Him, there is nothing
He does not want to hear about. Talk to Him today.
Talking to God is easy. Listening to Him is where most people have the struggle. But I have found if you really want to hear from Him, that you also need to talk with Him. He loves to communicate with us, but communication is a two way street. Talk with Him today, and as you read His word, listen for that still small voice.
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February 20th
Leviticus 9:5
And they
brought that which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation:
and all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.
Outlook from the In Book
If
you have children or can remember when you were a child, then you know what the
days leading up to Christmas are like. The constant asking of “did I get…, Can I
open just one…, how many do I get…, what size are they…, did I get what I asked
for…,” and on and on. Anxiously waiting for the day they find out just what mom
and dad have gotten for them this year.
As I read this passage I get a picture of the children of
Israel like that. They have waited for this day, done all they were to do, and
now all they can do is stand and wait. Waiting for direction, instruction, the
voice or the appearance of the Lord. Can you sense in your heart how they must
have anticipated that day? What was going to happen next? What was God going to
say through Moses? Everyone wanted to hear. It says that ALL THE CONGREGATION
drew near. Everyone pressing closer and closer to hear what God had to say. No
one wanted to get it second hand; they wanted to hear the words of God
themselves. With wide eyes and hearts beating they drew near to hear.
Do we approach Gods word that way today? We now have Gods
word in our hands. It’s called the Bible. Do we draw near to it the way the
Children of Israel did to hear what God has to say? Or are we satisfied to hear
it second hand on Sunday or from a friend. He’s the same God. And His words hold
the same power and promise.
As you draw near to the word of God today, before you begin, you might bow for a moment and ask God to place within your heart that fervent desire to hear from Him today. Devotionals are great, but if they do not point you to God and his word, they are just another story. Get excited about hearing from God today.
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February 21st
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Outlook from the In Book
When
I was a young boy in church I had a bad habit of fidgeting. I would squirm all
over the pew. Lean foreword and rest my head on the pew in front of me. Lean way
back like I was going to sleep. Lean to one side and then the other. I was just
constantly moving, until I would about drive my Dad crazy. He would often lean
over and say, “Would you please sit still for a while?” And I would try for a
while, but it seemed so hard. In Psalms 46:10, God is asking us to do more than
just be quiet for a while. I think He is asking us, BE STILL. Listen with your
whole heart. He is saying if you do, if you will just be still and look around,
you will see that I, God, am even exalted in everything around you. Even among
them that say I do not exist. By saying I do not exist they bring up the
argument that I do. Without Me they would have nothing to be against. BE STILL,
and see the wonder of what I am doing.
As we move through this day, lets try to find time to BE STILL. Just look around at all God has given to us. BE STILL, and behold the wonder of Him all around us. BE STILL, and understand all God is doing in us. BE STILL, and God will be exalted. BE STILL.
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February 22nd
Proverbs 22:2
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
Outlook from the In Book
If you were to listen to most televangelists today, you would get the idea that people who do not have anything are somehow living outside of the will of God. That if they were living right and were in God’s will, God would surely bless them with prosperity. But that is not what the Bible says. The Bible says that a person that is a believer in Jesus Christ as their Saviour will be supplied with all their need. If they need money God will give them a way to earn it. If they need food God will supply a way for it to be grown or purchased. I believe that often those who have been blessed by God forget that not just a tithe of money belongs to God, but everything we are entrusted with. Billy Sunday once said, “The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow that has nothing but money is poorer still.” Let’s remember God is the maker of us all.
As we go through this day we might want to remember another verse in Romans 8:28 that says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” All things include ALL THINGS. All He has created is working together to fulfill His purpose. The rich the poor, all nationalities, young and old, everything and everyone are part of His creation and handy work.
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February 23rd
Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Outlook from the In Book
Most everyone knows someone who has passed away. And, we can know by their life and faith in God here on earth that today they are in heaven. Some people ask me about when a person dies do they go straight to heaven or lay in the grave until the rapture? And I know there are tons of verses in the Bible to point to the fact that they go to heaven, but look at today’s verse closely. The verse does not say the angels rejoice, it says there is joy in their presence. Oh don’t get me wrong, I believe the angels are hopping and skipping and rejoicing when another soul is won also, but angels really do not understand what we as people understand. The angels cannot know the grace, mercy and love of God directed only to you and I as humans. I can tell you who is rejoicing when someone gets saved. As Jesus starts to blot the sins of a daughter out of the book, the Lord turns to a loving mother and says dear lady she’ll be here soon. That mother rejoices. And as a dad who tried so hard to teach his wayward son right from wrong sees Jesus apply the blood to his sons sin and Jesus says faithful father, it wont be long now and you’ll see him again, that dad is shouting all over heaven. And as they begin to rejoice, others with perfect love for one another rejoice with them. The angels present witness the joy and love that they have, they too begin to sing. Yes I believe there is rejoicing in heaven by all the saints that have gone on before, in the presence of the angels.
But until He calls us home it is our responsibility to share the gospel with every person we meet. Remember, they are someone’s son or someone’s daughter. You can cause joy in the presence of the angels and in heaven when you tell someone about Christ.
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February 24th
Psalm 49:6-7
They that
trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for
him:
Outlook from the In Book
Oh to be rich and famous. Ok, maybe just rich. That seems to be the one goal of every young American. And the majority of older people also. When you ask our youth today about what they would like to do when they get out of school, you usually get an answer like “I want to be this or that because they make good money!” Now don’t misunderstand what I am saying, I am not against Christians earning a good living. And if God would see that they were going to be a good steward of His blessing, even wealthy. I don’t find in the Bible where being wealthy is a sin. It’s when that is our life goal and it overshadows everything else we do that we have put another god before the one true God. I would love to hear a youth someday say, “I want to be this or that because I know that is what God has gifted me to do and I am sure it will bring glory to Him.” In addition, when asked, “What about the money?” They might reply with “That’s up to God.”
You see it’s really up to God anyway if you’re a Christian. You will never be completely successful until you yield it all to Him. You can run, and dabble and play in the world. But if you’re a child of God, real success only comes after real yielding to Him. Let me borrow a slogan for a second. “Be All That You Can Be, and All God Intended For You To Be.”
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February 25th
Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Outlook from the In Book
Science has been able to do a lot of things now days. They have transplanted a
human heart and given a person extended life. They have even made a few
successful attempts at a mechanical heart that lasted for a short time, but did
extend life for a while. They have been able to do a lot of things, but they
have never created blood. You know why? Blood in the body needs to continually
be recreated and refreshed from the bones in your body. Now I'm not a scientist,
but I can see where that would cause a problem in creating blood.
In our verse today God said way back
then that life was in the blood. Too many people want to take the blood out of
the bible and the Hymns, but Life is in the blood. You can transplant all the
organs you want and without the blood there is no life, they are useless.
What God said then is so true today.
It is still the blood that brings life. And not only physical life, but eternal
life also. The blood of animals then was temporary atonement for sin. But the
blood of Jesus on the cross of Calvary was the one time permanent never having
to be renewed payment for our sin. And just as a body must be alive to restore
and recreate blood, Jesus Christ is alive today to stand behind the blood that
He shed. It is still working today. Still washing away sin. Still bringing life
to those who will accept it.
It’s still the blood that washes away our sins and permanently pays the price forever. If you have been washed in the blood, you never have to do it again. If you have never accepted the blood of Christ for payment of your sin, today is a great day to do so. Ask Him to forgive you, come into your heart and wash away all your sins. He promised He would. Don’t keep working on a dead body. Get the life in the blood. The blood of Jesus Christ.
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February 26th
Proverbs 26:20
Where no
wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife
ceaseth.
Outlook from the In Book
There are a couple of ways to stop a fire from burning. One is to quit putting
wood on it and it will go out. If there is nothing to burn it has to stop. This
is such a simple idea you might say, but we just never seem to get it. The same
is true of gossip in a Church. If we will quit feeding it, it will die. Don’t
listen to it, respond to it, repeat it, discuss it, share it, or ask another
person to pray with you over the latest gossip so you have an excuse to share
it. If you really want someone to pray about it, simply ask him or her to pray
about a situation that included some gossip that you are concerned about and
would rather not share, and drop it there. God knows what the situation is, so
they don’t need to.
Another way to put out a fire is to take the oxygen away. If there is no oxygen,
there is no fire. I once read that a gossiper has used so much oxygen with their
words that they have none left for their brain. The only other way to deal with
gossip is head on. Tell the person they are gossiping and you want no part of
it. If the church would do that, you’d find that the gossiper would either
repent and quit gossiping, or quit and go find another place to spread the fire.
I know this sounds cruel, but either one will make for a better church. Then
continue to pray for them.
Sharing a true prayer request is not gossip. We have people call all the time wanting us to pray about issues they deal with. It becomes gossip when we don’t include God. You see, God wants to be part of everything in our life. He can’t if were just telling tales about one another. He hates it when we talk bad about His family.
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February 27th
Luke 20:17-18
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Outlook from the In Book
There is an old Jewish proverb that says: “If the stone falls on the pot, alas
for the pot; if the pot falls on the stone, alas for the pot.” Either way the
pot seems to be broken and of no use.
The difference here is how will the
stone be used to break you? Will you choose to fall on this stone, Jesus, and be
broken? If so, the Master Potter can pick up those pieces and make something
better and new. Or will you wait and the stone fall on you and then be ground to
powder. Of no use. When the wind blows the powder will be blown here and there
never to be of any use to anyone.
I guess it comes down to your free
will. You have the freedom to come and fall on the stone, Jesus, and be broken
and be used by Him for His honor and glory. Or you have the free will to wait.
And in the end the stone, Jesus, and His wrath will fall on you. Either way, you
will come upon this stone, sooner or latter.
Choices are always hard to make. But this one seems easy. If you have never fallen on the mercy of God, I might invite you to do so now. If you have, it is time to praise God for what He is making you into. A vessel worthy of Him that He can use. Once broken pieces, now molded together by the Masters touch
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February 28th
Leviticus 24:22
Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.
Outlook from the In Book
As my children were growing up, they would often say, “that’s not fair, you
never made him or her do that” referring to a brother or sister. They were
always looking to see if we treated them the same as we treated the others. I
guess to them at the time it seemed to be a measure of our love toward them.
When really sometimes it was a measure of their maturity that allowed us to
treat one child a little different than the other. Not a measure of our love at
all.
Often you will hear people refer to
the Bible as a Jewish Book. Not written for everyone. But we find and
interesting verse in the heart of a book in the Bible where God was telling the
children of Israel to prepared for their journey. In today’s verse God said you
are to have one law for everyone. Jews and Gentiles alike. Remember the law does
not save anyone, but brings him or her to the knowledge that we need a Saviour.
And God said I want everyone to know I love them in the same way. We don’t find
this in the New Testament where the church begins, but in the Old Testament.
Right in the middle of everything he was saying to the Israelites, I love
everyone the same.
When reading your bible, don’t skip over any parts thinking somehow they do not apply to you. All of Gods word defines who God is for us to worship Him better. But know this, buried in the heart of what you might consider to be a passage not for you; God has something he wants to say, JUST TO YOU. Read the whole book. It was not all written to you, but it was all written for you.
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