MAY ARCHIVES
May 1st
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of
the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and
instruction.
Outlook from the In Book
You’re setting at home,
minding your own business on a Tuesday evening. Nothing-special happening so you
decide to catch up on some reading. The wind begins to blow a little outside,
and so you cuddle up with a good book and some hot cocoa. After just a little
while of reading you are so into this book that you do not even realize the
storm raging outside around you. That is until… It gets black in the house. All
the light goes off. Its pitch dark. Two minutes ago, the light bulb in the lamp
was the last thing on your mind. But now, you just wish that somehow the light
would come back on. And when they do, you look at the light as if almost to say,
thank you. I just feel better when the lights are on.
Some people do not realize the Light
of God’s word all around them until, what seems to be for no reason, their world
gets dark. Then they cry out for God and want reassurance from His word. In
order to receive the light and wisdom of God’s word we must realize where it
comes from. It’s not just the words on the page… It’s GOD’S WORDS THAT BRING
LIGHT.
God’s words are special not because of the words, but because of who said them. The reverence of the Lord is only the beginning of knowledge. But it all starts there.
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May 2nd
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said
unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the
power of Christ may rest upon me.
Outlook from the In Book
Pastors worldwide have all had
people saying things like, “I can’t do that” or “That’s not my Spiritual Gift.”
How about, "I could never do that as good as so and so.” Or maybe, "God has not
called me for that.” The funny thing is most of these people are doing nothing
or very little for the LORD right now. Maybe you can’t because you don’t try! If
that is not your gifted area what is? Some think their gifted area is to be set
on every Sunday. (Pew warming is not a gift) And you were not created to do it
like so and so and you’ll never know if God called you if you keep talking about
what you can’t do and don’t listen to God saying, “Let Me do it through you.”
But even better than all that is
this, maybe in your weakness God can be glorified! If people know that you have
never done this or that, but you step forward and say by the grace of God I am
going to try. As people see you doing work for the Lord they will know that it
is God working in you and not you doing the work. And in them seeing God work
through you, maybe they will step up and let God work through them also.
What do you want God, Christian
friends and children to hear from you? “I can’t do that…?” Well then God has no
chance to show Himself mighty in you and those listening may well follow in your
footsteps and say “I can’t do that either….” Or should they be hearing, “I’ve
never done this, but God if you’ll help me, I’ll try.” Well, God will help you.
And what a testimony you have been.
Just remember, Even if you can’t… GOD CAN!!!
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May 3rd
Ruth
1:16
And
Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after
thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:
thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Outlook from the In Book
Love is a funny thing. It
causes people that never knew each other before to start dating and marry. It
also causes people to do and say some funny things. I heard a story of men
standing in the locker room at a country club. A cell phone on the bench rings
and one guy reaches over and turns on it’s speakerphone. The caller said,
"Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?" The man replied, "Yes." The woman’s voice
said "I’m at the mall and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000.
Is it okay if I buy it?" the man replied "Sure, go ahead if you like it that
much." The lady proceeded saying "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and
saw the new models. I saw one I really liked." The gentleman asked "How much?"
she said "$60,000" he said "Okay, but for that price I want it with all the
options." The excited voice on the other end said "Great! Oh, and one more
thing, the house we wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking
$950,000." From the locker room she heard "Well, then go ahead and give them an
offer, but just offer $900,000." She replied “OK. I'll see you later! I love
you!" And the man replied "Bye, I love you, too." The man hangs up. The other
men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment. Then he asks: "Anyone
know whose phone this is?"
In our passage today we find Ruth has
so much fallen in love with her Mother-in-law, family and their God that she is
willing to forsake everything to be near her. Do you know that is exactly what
we are asking every person who hears of the Lord Jesus to do? Be willing to
forsake everything for Him.
Love will make you do some crazy, outrageous, silly, wonderful things. Have you told the Lord you loved Him today?
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May 4th
Psalm
105:15
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do
my prophets no harm.
Outlook from the In Book
Sometimes I think that even
well meaning Christians look over this little verse and say “well that was so
many years ago, God does not mean that as much today.” I believe this verse is
just as valid today as it was the day it was written.
Now I know some of you are looking at
this and thinking, “here goes the preacher warning us about being mean to the
preachers.” And to some degree I believe there is relevance to that and ought to
be pursued. Preachers today are the prophets of God. Not in a sense of receiving
new revelations from God. But they do convey the words of God from His Holy Word
the Bible. But what I am seeing in this verse is the love God has for the
Children of Israel. In the context of the chapter, God is speaking about the
people of Israel.
We seem to forget, that after all
these years, they are still God’s chosen people. He has not forgotten them and
neither should we. God loves them just as you and I would love a child that is
rebellious. Do we quit loving them? NO. Do we sometimes have to punish them for
their actions? YES! But the love never ends. Well folks, neither has God’s for
His Children.
Remember Israel and pray for His people.
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May 5th
Proverbs 5:8,9
Remove thy
way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give
thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
Outlook from the In Book
When I was a young boy my
parents would tell me, “Son you will be judged by the people you hang around
with.” In the courts it is called guilt by association. And as much as we want
to fight against it, it’s true. People form an opinion about you by the people
that you spend the most time with. Is that really fare? Can someone know you by
other people’s character? Well let’s take a closer look.
List all the things you like. Music,
sports, movies, places to go, things you like to do, and the clothes you wear,
anything you can think of. Now take a look at the people that you spend the
majority of your time with outside of work or school. Most of the things you
like they like to be involved in or watch you be involved in it. Why? You will
hang out with the people that are most like you. That just makes sense. Why
would you want to buddy up with someone that hates what you like or likes what
you hate? So when others look at the people that you spend the most time with,
people can see what you like, dislike, believe, and are. And even if that was
not true for that 1/100 of 1 percent of you, it’s still true for your friends.
If they will hang with you, you must be doing what they like or they would soon
find someone else to be with.
So if you ever want to see a good
reflection of your life, how and what others think of you, look at your closest
friends. They are a great mirror.
Today’s verse says to stay away from the immoral crowd. That does not mean not to associate at all with them; we need to be out there to win them to Christ. But the world should not be your closest friends. Christians should have Christian friends.
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May 6th
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Outlook from the In Book
When should you be kind to
another person? Sounds like a loaded questions. I am sure that everyone
answered, always, right? Well that is right. But do we? How about the guy or
gal that just cut you off in traffic and now your going to be late because you
had to wait through one extra light? How about the elderly lady ahead of you
at the grocery store that seems to want to pay for her entire grocery bill in
change from the bottom of her purse? Yea, that’s hard, we all know.
How about a friend of a friend? Have
you ever been nice to someone just because they were related to someone you
know or the friend of your friend? Sure you have. We all have. And that is a
likeness to what this verse is saying. We should forgive and love one another
because God did that for us. Why? Did we deserve it? NO! But for Christ’s
sake, who died for us, God forgave us.
So, for the sake of our Lord who
loves everyone and died for the world, I am to show that love so that others
might come to know Him. Even if you are the person playing their stereo so
loud that from 3 lanes away with my windows up I can’t hear mine, I need to be
tenderhearted. Maybe that’s why we are also to pray without ceasing!!!!
For God so much loved you, me and every other person that has been created in this world that He gave for the purpose of paying the ransom for your sin, His one and only begotten Son. And if anyone will turn to Him and believe in His death as the payment for their sin and put their complete faith and trust in His death for the atonement of their sin, they will never ever have to worry about perishing but can rejoice in everlasting eternal life.
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May 7th
1 Samuel 6:20
And
the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God?
and to whom shall he go up from us?
Outlook from the In Book
How is it that bank tellers
can spot counterfeit bills so quickly? I have been told it’s because they handle
thousands of dollars in real cash every single day. When a phony piece of
currency passes through their hands, it feels different; it looks different;
because it is different.
In the eyes of one another we might
look ok. But what are we comparing us to? Is it our own goodness? Our own likes
and dislikes? Our good (or bad) taste? That is not the measure by which God
measures us. He measures us by His Son Jesus Christ. When held up next to Jesus
can anyone stand up to that comparison? Surprisingly there are two answers to
that question.
First, the answer would have to be
NO. There is no possible way that any sinful person, no matter how good they try
to be, no matter how many good deeds they do, and no matter how religious they
are, can ever compare to the absolute sinless perfection and unmatchable love of
Jesus Christ. The Bible refers to our best as filthy rags before a Holy God.
Second, the answer would be YES. How
can it be Yes you might ask? Well in our self, we can never match up. But when
we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, God no longer looks at us alone. He now
sees us IN CHRIST JESUS. Since we are in Christ, God sees His Son’s sinless
perfection and we are MADE righteous in Christ.
Were it not for the righteousness of Christ, we would never be able to stand in the presence of God. But because of His righteousness, someday we can live with Him eternally. That alone should give you a lot to thank Him for today.
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May 8th
Psalm 106:43-44
Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him
with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless he
regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
Outlook from the In Book
Our security in the United States is often a subject of debate. How should the government go about making sure we are secure? How many of what we consider our freedoms and liberties are we willing to give up or compromise to be sure us and our families are safe? But the questions might have a different answer if we only knew how many times we have been protected from danger and we were not aware of that protection. It might change our outlook if we could know how many terrorist organizations could not reach us because of the security net our nation has developed that these terrorists would have to penetrate. We often base our answer on incomplete information. The same is true with the believer. How many times has God protected you and you were not even aware of it? And then when things do go wrong people have a tendency to blame God. Asking God why He let this or that happen, when if we would step back and see it from God’s perspective we would see it was our own lifestyle and doings that brought about the problem. We are often brought low in life because of our own sinful habits and desires.
But there is a rainbow we can see. When we have finally had enough of our self and cry out with true repentance to God, He will regard our afflictions. Even though our problems are our own design, He is waiting for you to call on Him.
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May 9th
Proverbs 9:8-9
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a
wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will
be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning
Outlook from the In Book
You only get so many hours in each and every day. Just so many opportunities to use the minutes that God gave you. The Bible often tells us of being good stewards with what God has given to us. We almost always relate the word steward to money. But it also is referring to our time and talents. Being a good steward of your time is what the verses today are talking about. Rebuking a sinner of sin before they are saved is like beating your head against a brick wall. They don’t care. Neither of you get anything good out of it. They need Christ in their life before they will care about how they live that life. But if you will use that time to try to help someone that is teachable you both come out ahead. A Christ-like Spirit is one that is teachable. Rebuke to a born again Christian is an opportunity to examine themselves and see where they stand with God. If the rebuke is correct, they see an area that they need to correct and become stronger in the Lord. If the rebuke is incorrect, they can go back to their brother or sister and lovingly discuss the circumstances around it, and both walk away stronger in the Lord and in better fellowship with one another. Either way, a wise person comes out ahead. They have gained wisdom in their walk with the Lord or understanding of a fellow Christian. They always win. You might be wondering, is it always easy to do those things? NO. But just like the saying that friends don’t let friends drive drunk, also Christian friends don’t let Christian friends live in unrighteousness.
In the New Testament Jesus called it casting your pearls before swine. It does not refer to not sharing the gospel with everyone. But it does mean use your time wisely. Not everyone listens.
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May 10th
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Outlook from the In Book
Guess what I have heard about
you? You are wonderful. You’re intelligent, witty, charming, have a great
personality as well a being attractive. They said they like you and you’re a
great person to have as a friend. Do you want to know who said that about you?
Sure you do. They seem to be like a pretty smart person. In fact as people go,
they might be able to be a very good friend.
But what if they said this instead.
You are a fool. You’re stupid, boring, an absolute drag to be around, have a
horrible personality and are ugly. Being around you is like rubbing sand paper
across your forehead until it bleeds. In fact I would rather stick a fork in my
eye than spend one more minute around you. Do you want to know who said that?
Sure you do. But the reason is different. You probably want to know, “What in
the world could I have done to them to make them hate me so much?”
And yet prior to salvation that is
the way we treated God. We did not want to be around Him or His people. He sent
His only Son to die for us when we were acting hateful toward Him. Why, because
He loved us when we were acting unlovable toward Him. Now friend that is real
love.
God loved us when we were acting unlovable toward Him. We should be able to love Him always. He has never been unloving to us. In fact the person in paragraph one, could have been God.
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May 11th
1 Samuel 14:7
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in
thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
Outlook from the In Book
Living in Michigan in the
winter we often get a lot of snow. The garage my dad kept his car in was not
attached to the house. On Sunday morning when it was time to go to church my dad
would go out, open the garage and back the car out, leaving it run to warm up
and come back in the house for a few minutes. Then he would say something like
“Ok let’s get going,” and we would all head out to the car. As I stepped out the
back door I would try to put my feet in the footprints where my dad’s feet had
been. I knew that if I could get my foot into his footprint I would not get snow
in my shoes and be cold. I didn’t even have to look where I was going because I
knew his tracks lead to where he wanted me to be. Once in a while I would trip
and step out of his big steps, but I would get up and keep trying until I got to
the car.
Oh that we might have men and women
today that would be leading people to God. And that like the armourbearer in our
verse today, those that followed behind them would know that where the
footprints lead is where they need to be. We are all leaders of someone. And we
are all followers of someone. Who are you leading? Who are you following?
Imagine for a moment that you hear a child’s voice behind you that said, ”Do whatever you heart desires: I am going to do that too.” Might it change what you do today?
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May 12th
Psalm 109:2
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the
deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying
tongue
Outlook from the In Book
Don’t you just hate it when
people lie? They just can’t seem to tell truth. No matter how hard they try they
seem to always stretch the truth to the point that hardly anyone could possibly
believe them. And then when they do tell the truth no one does believe them.
What seems even worse is when they
begin to lie about you. They tell only half-truths or exaggerate the truth. It
seems almost unbelievable at first and then the next thing you want to do is get
even. To somehow hurt them back. Well I am going to tell you now how to prepare
to get even with these people.
First, live a
separated life. What is that? It is a life that is hard to find fault with. One
separated from the world and there sinful ways and separated to the Lord and His
heavenly ways. Anyone that truly knows you would not believe the lies someone
else would tell and it is going to look bad on them.
Second, take it
to the Lord. Don’t try to get even, get back or get over on someone. Let God
handle it. He knows you and them better than you do anyway.
Lastly, pray for
them and invite them to church. If you truly want to see a liar quit lying they
will have to have a change of heart, not just a change of mind. The best way to
get rid of an enemy is to make them your friend.
Wouldn’t it be great if in telling stories on you they said something like, “You know so and so, that Christian, well you are not going to believe this but…” What a wonderful thing. They have labeled you as a Christian, and then told the other person what was going to happen. “You’re not going to believe this”… and they won’t.
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May
13th
Proverbs 13:7
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Outlook from the In Book
Oh to be RICH! To have all the
money you would ever want. Doesn’t that seem like the dream of most people
today? And let’s just confess; we all want to be financially secure. Able to do
what we would like to do and go where ever we would like to go. But there is a
big difference in financially security and the overwhelming desire to be rich.
And we often find those that do have money are not really all that happy. Let
them get really sick and see if they would not trade everything they have for a
few more days of life.
Today’s verse could actually be read in a couple of different ways.
“There is that maketh himself
rich, yet hath nothing.” You can see this as a person that has attained
all the wealth they might want, but in the process of doing so forgotten family,
friends, and God and now have all that money and are empty inside. Or you could
look at this as a man that is rich with a fine family, a love for God and great
Christian friends, and yet in the world’s eyes they have very little earthly
wealth.
“There is that maketh himself poor,
yet hath great riches.” There are people that live very simple lives,
not flaunting their God given wealth but using as possibly God would intend them
to, but to those around, they never act wealthy. Or, there are people who choose
to live very simple lives, never falling prey to the trappings of this world,
and yet they are rich in family and have a rich inheritance with God.
The question is, “What makes you
RICH?” If it’s money, then friend you’re very poor. What really matters is your
relationships. Family and friends are important, but most important your
relationship with God.
This would be a great day to call and renew a relationship. It would also be a great time to call on God and get that relationship back on track. If you never had a relationship with God…. He’s waiting to start one. Ask Him to come into your heart that will be the richest blessing you ever had.
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May 14th
Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Outlook from the In Book
Why are all the jots and tittles so important in the Bible? What is a jot and tittle? They are some of the smallest letters and defining marks used in the Hebrew language. Well today I want to point out a mark used in the English language. It is neither a jot nor a tittle, but a comma that some people may miss. It’s in the first verse of Romans between holy and acceptable. See it now? Some people read that as if it says Wholly Acceptable. Which would mean completely acceptable. And we need to be completely acceptable. But reading it that way does not define how to become acceptable. But with the comma in there it says Holy, which means to be set apart for God’s use. We must first be willing to be set apart. Apart from the worldly desires and lusts, but also apart unto God. To be used of Him as He desires. If we will give our life over to God then we will be acceptable or pleasing unto Him. And the very next line tells us why. We need to realize it says, that is the only reasonable thing to do for God, who sent His Son to die for us, and has blessed us with all spiritual blessing.
Not real sure how to be Holy, and acceptable? That’s why verse two is there. God does not want us to wonder how to figure that out. Just read the second verse and it will all be clear. The renewed mind in God’s Word.
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May 15th
1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
Outlook from the In Book
Jonathan has said to David,
“The LORD be between me and thee.” What did that mean? Do you see it as God
standing between them sort of as a boundary between them and there new dwellings
from this point on in their life? It’s just the opposite. The LORD has become
their only connection in which to recall and intercede for one another. No
phones, no telegraph or e-mail. Their only connection to one another was through
the LORD.
With travel so easy today and people
moving about so much, we have many Christian friends that have moved away. And
yet, in our thoughts and prayers for them they are as close as our Saviour. They
might move from your area or be gone for long spans of time, but with the LORD
as our connection, they are never far away.
Have you ever walked into a church
that you have never been to before, maybe while traveling, and almost
immediately felt at home? That is the connection of the LORD between you and
someone you have never met. It’s the Holy Spirit binding hearts together. That
is the same binding God uses over miles. The Holy Spirit in each of you is the
same Holy Spirit in both of you. A connection that cannot be undone.
As you go through this day, think of an old Christian Friend that has moved or been gone for a while. Maybe it’s a Sunday School Teacher, Pastor, Christian Leader, Missionary or Evangelist that you have not seen in a while. Maybe it’s a Christian acquaintance from a former workplace or school that you have not seen or heard from. Take them to the LORD today. Enjoy your time together in Him as you find the Lord… “Between Me and Thee.”
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May 16th
Psalm 112:7
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in
the LORD.
Outlook from the In Book
A few years ago I had the
opportunity to fly from Jacksonville Florida to Chicago’s O’Hara Airport and
from there to Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Gerald R Ford Airport. It was evening by
the time we were getting ready to land in Grand Rapids, and very dark. I was
riding in the very front seat of a very small plane. The cockpit door was open
and I could see exactly what the pilots were seeing. Over Lake Michigan it was
simply total darkness. Then as we began to get closer to the shores of Michigan
I started to see a little light off in the distance. The closer we got to the
airport, and the city of Grand Rapids, the brighter the light was getting. And
then, as I looked ahead I could see two rows of lights that were about to direct
us onto solid ground and a safe landing. The tower told the pilots how to
approach these lights and what the weather was like and helped them maneuver to
the runway. The closer to the ground we got, the brighter the lights became. And
then finally we were on the ground and safe.|
The Bible to me is very much like
those runway lights. As long as I keep the light of God’s word in view, aim my
path toward it, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, I know that I am
going to be all right. Refuse to listen and I am in trouble. If I think the
lights are misleading and go my own way, I end up on unstable ground. But watch
The Light, Trust in the High Tower, and eventually He will help me land on
streets of Gold.
In John 8:12 Jesus said “… I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The Light of LIFE. Head toward the Light. JESUS! Trust in the LORD…
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May 17th
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones.
Outlook from the In Book
It has long been a documented fact that happy, smiling people seem to be healthier and live longer. In fact there was a study done one time that concluded that people who smile live longer than people who do not smile. After reading that, go look in the mirror, you might not make it through this day!
I have long said that Christians ought to be the happiest people in the world. We have so much more to look forward to. If something would happen to me today and my life would be ended here on earth, God says I have a home waiting for me in heaven. If I live through this day, God says He will never leave me nor forsake me. If I am hurting physically or spiritually, His word has said that He is the great physician. If I am lonely, He is always ready to listen and through the power of the Holy Spirit whisper sweet peace to me. Why shouldn’t we be happy?
Rejoice in the Lord always... again I say REJOICE
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May 18th
Acts 21:19
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had
wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
Outlook from the In Book
What exactly was Paul doing
here? He was doing what other Missionaries have followed the example of and have
done for years. Coming back to the churches and reporting what God had been
doing on his Missionary journey. I believe if he would have been able to show
slides or video was available Paul would have been splashing them up on the
wall. If he could have left prayer cards I imagine every member would have taken
one home with them. And the very next verse says “And when they heard it, they
glorified the Lord.” They were excited to hear what God had done through Paul
and through them.
Part of the reason we don’t get
excited anymore is because we just don’t really seem to care. Missionaries come
and go and well, we are really busy with our own lives and just do not seem to
make time to care anymore. Do you want to care again? Really? If you’re not
serious then it won’t work. But if you really want to get excited about missions
again, INVEST IN IT. You know, “Where your treasure is….”
Invest prayers in the families as
they minister on your behalf. Invest time to help keep them before your church.
Invest money so they can continue to do the work that God has called them to do.
If you will invest in Missions, I guarantee when they come back, you’ll want to
know what has been happening to your investment.
You’ll never get as great a return from any
investment as you will in the Lord’s work. Ask God today to put a passion in
your soul for the Ministry.
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May 19th
1 Samuel 28:6
And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by
dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Outlook from the In Book
Ever play
follow the leader. You remember, you follow right behind what the person in
front of you is doing and the person in the very front makes up what is suppose
to be done for the entire group. Imagine for a second that you were in the
middle of the line and you kept jumping out of line and doing your own thing and
not following what the leaders was doing. Also all the people behind you were
doing what you do and not doing what the leader was doing but you were the
blame. Finally the one in the lead just stops leading. No movement at all. Now
what? So you say ok, I’ll get back in line and do what you say. But the leader
refuses to move. Not to the left or right or forward or back. You yell “OK I’ll
do what you do” but the leader does not seem to be listening to you. Is the
leader still there? Yes. Can they hear you? Sure. But you cannot make them
respond because you have disrupted too many times and they will not move.
That is sort of how things were with
Saul. He had been disobedient so many times, God finally said; I am not
listening to you or responding to you anymore. What a terrible feeling that must
have been for someone like King Saul who relied on God’s direction for success
in leadership.
It’s the same today. Psalm 66:18 says
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Is that for us
today? Yes. God will often not listen until you repent from that sin and ask for
forgiveness. What a terrible place that must be for someone like you and I who
rely on God’s direction for success in life.
Read 1 John 1:9 if you have a chance today and then ask God to forgive you of anything that might stand between you and Him.
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May 20th
Psalm 116:8
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my
feet from falling.
Outlook from the In Book
Sometimes as
a Pastor you will be witnessing to someone and they will say, “What has this God
ever done for me?” And, in their sinful condition, I can understand how they
might feel that way. But if they could ever see what He has done for the saved
in this world and will give to them if they accept His offer of free salvation,
I don’t see how they could turn Him down.
Our verse today sort of sums it all
up. He has ever released me from the sting of death. Oh sure, I will have to
face the time when I stop breathing and this body is laid to rest unless God
send Christ back first. But that is not the sting of death. When something
stings it hurts. When I go from earth to heaven there will be no pain and
suffering, just joy and, well, heaven. But without Christ as my Saviour, I would
experience the sting, the pain, and the torment of hell for eternity. He also
says He will never leave me or forsake me. He will ever walk with me. Here on
this earth as I travel through life, and from here to heaven as I’m translated
to Him, and forever He will never leave me. But the unsaved will be separated
from the love of God for eternity at the moment of death. And the Bible says He
will wipe all the tears from my eyes, FOREVER.
What has He done for you?
Looking forward to heaven is only part of the joy of knowing Jesus. Living with Him, for Him and He in me here on earth is so rewarding today.
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May 21st
Proverbs 21:1-2
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he
turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes:
but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Outlook from the In Book
Excuses,
what are they? There is a man at our church that is continually telling me that
the definition of an excuse is “the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.” We
have all made up an excuse at one time or another I’m sure. Instead of being
totally honest with someone, we sort of tell a part truth. Can you remember when
you’ve made excuses to yourself? You start to wonder, should I be reading this,
watching this, listening to this? Should I be going there, hanging out with
them, talking this way? Should I be drinking this, taking this, smoking this?
And our answers is, well I saw Mr. or Miss Christian doing it so if it’s ok for
them it must be ok. We begin to make excuses for our life even to ourselves.
Inside we have this funny feeling that we know something is not right, but we
have tried to convince ourselves that if they can do it, it must be ok.
Ever stop to think that maybe the
person you have been watching is watching you and thinking the same thing? Maybe
they are judging their life by what they see you doing? The Bible says man will
find a way to make everything they do seem ok in his own eyes. God, on the other
hand, looks on your heart. He knows what you know deep inside. He knows about
the feeling you have of this is wrong or right. Know why? He put it there to
help you make right choices.
I heard a while back a phrase that helps me once in a while. It said “If in doubt, don’t.” We need to operate under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Gods Word. Not the friend at church or at work. Lets be an example of Christ and for Christ.
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May 22nd
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Outlook from the In Book
Guys can
relate to this I believe. Your working on something either in the garage or the
yard and you are just about to get it finished when your wife yells out, “are
you done yet?” Now I know that her asking really does not change anything, but
for some reason it seems to cause a big disturbance in what you’re doing. You
yell back, “I’ll be done in a few minutes.” “When,” she asks. “In just a
minute”, your replay. Then the magic words that make you want to hurry and
finish. “Well dinner is almost ready.” Almost ready! Not quit ready, but close.
That means in just a little bit it will be completely ready and you want to be
there. The word “almost” seems to give you some time.
King Agrippa
said to Paul, You ALMOST Persuadest me. Almost. Not completely, but close. What
kept the king from being persuaded completely? Could Paul have said anymore? I
doubt it. Could the Holy Spirit have moved any more in the Kings heart? Probably
not. Almost is close, but not close enough. The king thought, I have a little
more time.
Almost is
where most people live today. I am almost ready to get saved. Almost ready to
give up this lifestyle. Almost ready to turn my life over to Christ. ALMOST….but
not quit yet. I think I have some time yet. It has been said that the road to
hell is paved with good intentions. People almost made it… almost!
Almost is a great word for salvation. But you have to divide it up for it to work. You see ALL is the MOST you can give to the Lord. And that is just what He wants. If you will give him ALL, He will make the MOST out of you.
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May 23rd
2 Samuel 6:11
And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite
three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
Outlook from the In Book
Oh how sweet
little babies are. They gurgle and coo and make such cute little faces and
noises. But along with every baby comes the responsibilities of feeding and
changing them. You need to take them to the doctor when they do not feel well
and give them their medicines. And as they get a little older and begin to
toddle around the house you need to make sure the house is as safe as possible
for one of such an age. (If that’s possible.) These are all things that come
automatically when you have children. You don’t get a check list with the baby
to check off the things you like or dislike. You get them, like it or not.
Well that is
how it is with God. In the Old Testament the Ark represented the place where God
dwelt. And where God dwelt, the blessings of God dwelt. That is unless you
mishandled or took the ark where it was not to be. But the blessings of God were
with God. And the good news is, God is still the same today. The Holy Spirit of
God now dwells in the hearts of the believers. And the blessings of God dwells
where God dwells. That is unless you mishandle the Word of God or walk contrary
to His will. But the blessings of God are with God and available to every
believer today. You get the blessing of God when He comes into your life to
stay.
Today, if you know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, your body is the dwelling place of God the Holy Spirit. You are the host of the most High God. As His host, how will you treat this royal resident today? Remember, His blessings are available each and every day because He lives in you.
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May 24th
Psalm 119:1
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Outlook from the In Book
When I was
younger there use to be scary movies on TV once in a while. And I admit it; I
loved watching them and being scared half out of my wits. Certain people seemed
to scare me more than others. Besides the fact that the music would get all
eerie sounding and it always seemed to have a thunderstorm when scary people
were around, there seemed to be other scary things too. There always seemed to
be a man with a scar on his face in these movies. For some reason that scar made
him look tough and scary. Something bad must have happened in his past to have
to carry that ugly old scar around the rest of his life. Or at least that is
what the mind of a young boy thought.
But life
leaves scars. Some more visible than others. Some physical scars that others can
see. And then some not so visible that tear at the heart. Some hurt us
personally, but other scars hurt our Lord. You might be wondering how my scars
can hurt Christ? Well, scars of the past before our salvation, God can turn and
use for His good as He saved you and forgave you for those past sins. But the
scars of a damaged testimony of a Christian not only hurt us, but also the one
of whose name we bear. Christ’s name. God will use us and forgive us all no
matter the scars of life. But it’s better not to add any more scars as we go
through life’s journey.
When I was young my dad would say “it’s not just your name you’re dragging through the mud son, it’s mine too.” That did not make a lot of sense to me back then, but I sure understand today. And as a Christian we need to know that God could also say, “it’s not just your name you’re dragging through the mud child, it’s my son Jesus’ name too.”
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May 25th
Proverbs 25:19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and
a foot out of joint.
Outlook from the In Book
People do not like people they can never trust. Or, as my dad use to say, “Be a man of your word, if you make a promise you better keep it.” You just cannot trust a person that is not faithful to their word. You have found this true in your own life I’m sure. When things are going great and there are no problems around, everyone seems about the same. You can listen to advice from everyone and weigh out what you want to use. But let storm clouds rise in your life and trouble come your way. Who do you look to? Who is it you want good advice from? The person who has been telling the whopper tales? The one that says they will be there and then never shows up and does not seem to care? The person who lies continually? Is that who you turn to? NO! Why not? Because you have learned by experience that you can never trust that person with anything. Well just remember, people look at us the same way. And if we’re a Christian, they look at us as a representative of our God. A God who can not lie and is always faithful.
Make your words, your attitude, and your life count for Jesus. Be faithful to Him and to your word.
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May 26th
Colossians 3:24-25
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the
wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Outlook from the In Book
We have al heard the phases, “You get what you deserve.” Or, “keep it up and you’ll get what’s coming to you.” Or even, “you only get out of life what you put into it.” Sound familiar? I guess in certain areas of life these are all correct statements. Even in the Christian life, we only seem to get back out of it what we are willing to put into it. But the truth of the matter is we should all rejoice in that we will not get our just rewards if we know Jesus as Saviour. In fact, if we all received what we really deserved it would not be heaven. We are the reason Jesus had to suffer and die on the cross of Calvary. It was for our sins He came to this earth to make a way for us to be forgiven and miss the penalty of sin. So in actuality, we are going to get what we never deserved. We did not deserve to be forgiven, but we were. We do not deserve a home in Heaven, but there is one there. We do not deserve the love of Christ, but we receive it every single day. And all this because we have made Jesus the Lord and Saviour of our life. But if we chose to rebel against the love of God and forsake the forgiveness available, we will receive what we do deserve. Not God’s design or desire for us. But what we do deserve. And God does not show favorites among us. No matter who we are or how good we try to be, God will not be a respecter of persons. It will come down to this. Did you give your life to the one that gave His life for you?
If you do not want what you deserve, accept the Love of God today. It’s our only hope of escaping our deserved destiny. He is the way, the truth and the life…. This life and life eternal.
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May 27th
2 Samuel 14:21
And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go
therefore, bring the young man Absalom again
Outlook from the In Book
Sometimes it’s hard to hear the truth. I mean let’s face it, the truth hurts sometimes. But that is where all healing really begins. Healing begins when we face the truth. David in the passage just before today’s verse had to first hear the truth. Before he could admit to the wrong, he had to hear and realize he was wrong. Too often when someone comes to tell us of an area in our life that needs to be looked at or we read in God’s word a convicting passage, we want to ignore the messenger or destroy the messenger. But David heard the truth, and then he had to heed the truth. He had to realize his wrong and face it. And lastly he had to help make it right. But it all began by being willing to listen to the hard words of truth.
As someone points out areas in our life or God’s Word convicts in areas of our life, let’s be willing to listen to it, learn from it and lean toward it. Never running from the truth, but rather running to it.
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May 28th
Psalm 119:73
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Outlook from the In Book
The miracle
of birth. No matter how many billions of babies are born, the miracle of birth
will never cease being a miracle. Modern medicine can assist in the
fertilization of the living cells that begin the process, but even they cannot
make growth and birth happen. They still must wait and watch as God does His
miracle work in the process of bringing about another living and breathing soul.
They can destroy life, but they cannot create life, only God can.
But not only is God the creator of our physical bodies and birth, He also is the
one that fashions us into what we are, and what we can become. He decides our
height, genetic makeup, our natural God given talents. He gives us the ability
to touch and feel. To hurt and to cry. To care and show compassion. He has not
only made you, but fashioned you into what He and He alone desired and designed
you to be. You are not a mistake, and did not just happen without design. God
lovingly created you just as you are. And He loves you just as you are. He sent
His son to die for your sins just as you are. And can use you to glorify Him,
just as you are.
Since God made you and fashioned you and therefore knows you better than you can even know yourself, doesn’t it make sense to want to get to know Him better? Call on Him and thank Him for His never-ending love for you JUST AS YOU ARE.
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May 29th
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Outlook from the In Book
The word
fear in the Bible often refers to reverence toward or respect of something or
someone. It is basically you giving honor to what you trust in. Like if you
would say, “I fear that is true,” you might be trying to say, “I believe that is
true.” In this passage today, that is how the word fear is used. What a man
trusts in will be his snare in life.
Some men put their trust in money.
They so much want money they spend their whole life trying to earn it. And it
never seems there is enough money to ever really satisfy them. The more they get
the more they feel they need. And then at the end of their life, when they are
older and wiser they often find out that all that work, all those hours of toil
for wealth never brought them any happiness. Some men want to be famous. They go
to great lengths to try to get people to pay attention to them. And when and if
people finally do, they spend great amounts of time and money trying to hide
from the very people they wanted to notice them. Why because now they want a few
moments of privacy.
But he, who puts his trust in God,
finds a sweet safe place to live. And not just for a few year here on earth, but
for eternity.
Money is not evil unless it controls your life. Being popular is not wrong if God has directed it to be so. But the only place we should ever place our trust in is Jesus. The Author and Finisher of our faith.
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May 30th
Hebrews 9:27-28
And
as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for
him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Outlook from the In Book
Death! Even
the word sounds creepy. The idea of dieing is not something most people want to
dwell on. I heard tell of a preacher who stood on the platform behind the pulpit
and asked, “Everyone who wants to go to heaven, please raise your hand.” Almost
every hand in the building went up. He reached under the pulpit and pulled out a
pistol, held it above his head and said. “Who wants to go right now?” All hands
went down. You see we all want to go to heaven, but we all like what God has
provided us with here and now.
The Bible
says that every person ever born has an appointment to keep with death. A time
when we will close our eyes to the things of this world. What then? That depends
on what you believed in while your eyes were still open. If we have trusted in
Jesus, his death and resurrection to pay the price for our sins and completely
turned our life over to Him, when we close our eyes here, we open them in a
wonderful place called heaven. And we will be judged, but as an athlete who
finished a race. The Righteous Judge of all eternity, Jesus, will reward us for
the things we have done for the Kingdom of God. If we have not trusted Jesus for
salvation, we arrive in a place of torment for the lost. There is a judgment
here also. This is not a judgment of reward, but a sentence to a second death.
Brought before the same Righteous Judge of all time, Jesus, He will say depart
from me, I never knew you. And a second time, you will be separated from Him but
this time for all eternity. Placed into outer darkness with Satan and his
followers. It’s called the second death.
Check your schedule book. You have an appointment you will keep. Where are you making plans to go?
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May 31st
2 Samuel 22:4
I
will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from
mine enemies.
Outlook from the In Book
People spend
literally thousands of dollars on security today. Burglar alarms for our homes,
and our cars. Surveillance cameras to watch every move around us. Personal
alarms and horns that people can carry in their purse or pocket to sound if they
are attacked. Mace, stun guns and weapons to protect ourselves from attackers.
Personal safety and security is a multi-million dollar business. And I believe
in this day and age that we live in, it is to some degree necessary.
But
truthfully, how do we receive protection? Is it from cameras, horns, alarms,
mace and weapons? NO. The truth is our only real security is from the Lord. I
know He gives us wisdom to be able to protect ourselves, but it is ultimately
His desires and design that is in play. So then what would be our greatest
protection against the enemies of this world? Our verse has the answer. I will
call upon the Lord, because He IS worthy to be praised: and by trusting in Him
and His decisions for my life, I will ever be saved from all my enemies. Even if
that means God need to take me home to protect me.
Keep a constant line open to heaven. It’s better than 911 ever will be. And God can respond a lot faster.
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