AUGUST ARCHIVES
August 1st
Proverbs 1:28, 29
Then shall they call upon me, but I will
not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they
hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Outlook from the In Book
People, almost all people, call on God when in trouble. They may have little or no knowledge of who He is, but when trouble hits, He is one of the first ones called upon for help. What a wonderful thought of comfort to know that God really hears us when we pray. We are not sending empty wishes into the star filled heavens. We are communicating into the heart of a loving, caring, companionate, able God. We are touching the throne of heaven when we pray. That is if we are saved. But if not, God has no reason to be obligated to hear that prayer. The unsaved have heard of God we know because they are now praying to Him when in trouble. But they have previously rejected God. God has spoken to them and the knowledge of God was not what they wanted or the reverence of God not what they had in their heart. So in a time of trouble, God is not obligated to make deals with a person that only loves Him for what He can do for them while in trouble. Then when the trouble is gone, so are these people. What a terrible thing it would be to think that God would choose not to listen to us! But you can guarantee an audience with God. Love Him freely now. And ask Him to be your heavenly Father today.
Is God not hearing
me? Is God not listening? What a terrible thought! It does not have to be that
way. Even in the midst of trouble God hears a repentant, humble heart that cries
out for forgiveness and believes on His Son Jesus for salvation. And once we
enter into the family of God, the FATHER will always listen to His children. I’m
so glad I’m a part of the FAMILY OF GOD.
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August 2nd
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Outlook from the In Book
We all live in a “ME first” mentality. “What about ME?” “What’s in it for ME?” “When do I get recognized?” “Why have they not rewarded ME?” It is always nice if people recognize what we are doing and everyone likes to be thanked for doing something well. It’s great to hear another person say “my, you have done such a great job at that” and “thank you for your service.” But if we are doing things for the applause of man and the recognition of the people daily, we are going to miss the greatest compliment of all. Even Jesus while on earth said I did not come to be served or ministered to; I came to serve or to minister to others. He went so far in serving us that He gave His life for us. Now can you imagine dieing for someone? You’ll never hear them say thank you or good job or nothing if you’re dead. I mean your dead right? Can’t speak, see or hear, so what good would that thank you do? Once your dead there are no more compliments right? Wrong. The greatest compliment from the greatest voice will be heard the moment after death if we have served for the right reasons. “Well done my good and faithful servant.” The voice of God will out shine all the compliments and applause you ever received while here on earth.
To serve in the Royal
Army of Jesus Christ my Lord and to be able to follow His directions all the way
to the streets of gold should be the desire of every Saint of God. Ask God today
to help you be willing to serve without the “what’s in it for me” attitude.
Instead let have a “what’s in it for God?” attitude.
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August 3rd
2 Kings 21: 7-9
……..the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this
house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I
put my name for ever: Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out
of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do
according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that
my servant Moses commanded them. But they hearkened not:…….
Outlook from the In Book
I hear parents all the time telling their children, “If you’ll be good in the store when we get ready to leave I’ll buy you something, and if you’re not good you’ll be sorry when we get home.” What the child has just been told is if you will obey me and be good I will reward you, if you disobey and are bad I will punish you. No middle ground. There’s no “I’ll give you a partial reward for a partial good behavior or partial punishment for a partial bad behavior.” There is no half good option. Good or bad. That is exactly what God told the children of Israel. Obey my way of life and rewards come your way. Disobey the ways of God and there is a price to pay. And whether we like it or not, things are much the same today. I am glad we live in a day of grace, but grace cannot be used as an excuse to live in sin. If we will live for the Lord and be obedient there are rewards in life. If we choose to live in sin and for our self, there is a price to pay.
God never forced obedience,
but has always desired it. Obedience is not so He can see you can follow all the
rules. Obedience to God’s word brings about the best life. He did not place the
laws in the Bible to hinder people, but to help them know how to live and enjoy
life to it’s fullest. So what will you do with your life? Live it or lose it?
The choice is yours.
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August 4th
Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I
not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou
forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Outlook from the In Book
If you have ever had a large bill that you have been paying on for a long time, it sure feels good when that final payment is made. Something such as a mortgage, car payment or business loan. A bill that took a long time to pay off. At times during the process it may have seemed like there was never going to be a payoff day. You felt like you were just going to be paying on this for life. But then came that great day. It’s paid for. PAID IN FULL. You own it now free and clear. What a wonderful freeing feeling that is. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just feel that sense of completeness every single day? Well you can if you’re a Christian. Everyday you can go to the Lord. Make a deposit of your sin and withdraw a life that is marked with the blood of Jesus Christ PAID IN FULL. Your life is yours. Free from sin and free to live for Jesus. What a wonderful feeling of complete forgiveness. To know that at one point I made the wisest investment of all my life. I deposited my life into the hands of an almighty and merciful God and in return He washed away all my past sin. But also washes away my future sins as well. And all I have to do is give Him my life in return for an eternity of available forgiveness.
Selah is a word that was
put into the musical Psalms that means rest or pause and reflect for a moment.
The placement of this word Selah here is wonderful. As we think on the fact we
can now really rest as we reflect back on the day that Jesus Paid It All, and
All To Him I Owe.
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August 5th
Proverbs 5:21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he
pondereth all his goings.
Outlook from the In Book
Don’t you just hate it when
people stare at you? You’re walking down the street or driving along in your car
and you notice someone just staring. I don’t mean that “glance and then turn”
movement, to make you think they were not looking. I am talking about the person
that just drills a hole through you with that glare in their eyes. And for
whatever reason, it seems to drive us crazy. Now they have us hooked and we
can’t quit looking back at them. Glancing, peeking, and looking to see if they
are still looking. Wondering all along, why are they staring? Is it something
I’m wearing? Did I forget to brush my hair today? Did someone put that “kick me”
sign from school back on me again? Or are these people just weird? Why are they
looking at me? Are they a rapist or killer? Are they possibly an admirer? What
is going through their mind? You just want to run over and say “Why are you
looking at me?” You just can’t quit looking at them nor get them off your mind.
The Bible says that God is watching
our every move. Staring at us. He is never taking His eyes off us. I wonder if
we care what He is thinking. Do you really realize He is watching? The Bible
says He ponders all of our goings. Or, another way of saying it, watches our
every move. If a person who has no control of you can make you look at them just
by looking at you, can God who created and controls the universe do the same
thing?
At least we know God is no
rapist or murderer. He has no motives to do anything that is not in your best
interest. He is an admirer. He is interested in how you present yourself,
especially if you claim to be representing Him. But He is more interested in
your heart toward Him. Will you even give Him a second look today? Will you look
to Him at all?
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August 6th
Mark 14:50
And they all forsook him, and fled.
Outlook from the In Book
Fear will make you do some really weird things. I’ve seen some really funny faces on people that were caught unaware on camera when someone had scared them. Fear is almost always an emotion that looks to the future. You might be afraid of the results of something from the past, but you are afraid of something that has not yet happened. It is that not knowing that has people up tight. In verse 31 of today’s chapter the disciples had all said they would never leave Christ. And less than 20 verses latter they had all scattered. Why? Fear of the unknown future. Christ had told them what was going to happen. He tried to prepare them, but they were afraid of what they saw, and afraid of what was to come, so they ran. They felt they needed time to figure this all out. When we finish reading this book of Mark we find that every detail was completed just as Jesus and the Word of God had said it would be. Everything. So why be afraid of the future when we know who holds tomorrow in the palm of His hand?
In Matthew chapter 6
and in verse 34 it says “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the
morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is
the evil thereof.” One reason we fear is we have not learned to focus on today
and leave tomorrow to God. Plan for tomorrow, but live for today and live for
God.
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August 7th
Amos 3:3
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Outlook from the In Book
Some of the most fun things
people do at church gatherings include the children and the adults. One year at
one church function I attended we had an old fashion 3-legged sack race. The
rules stated it had to be an adult and a small child together. Well, as you can
imagine, some of the people ended up rolling in the dirt that day. But I saw
something with several teams. With some I saw the adult would almost or
literally pick up the child and run with them, the child sort of dangling in mid
air as this grown person was dragging them through the race. With others the
adult almost became frustrated, waiting for the child to catch up to every one
of their giant steps. Both groups were having the same problem, (which is what
made it funny to begin with.) They were unevenly matched. The two could not walk
as one because of the difference in size between them.
Some Christians have tried to live
their lives that way. Hanging out with unsaved people and wondering why you
always feel out of place. Going into business with a partner of different
beliefs might seem like a little thing but it always causes headaches later as
directional decisions for the business come up. Or even worse, a Christian
marries a lost person hoping to change them. They usually find themselves in
years of misery by not waiting as the Bible had said. Can two walk together as
one if they are not agreed? The answer is always NO!
When choosing for the
future, look to the one who holds the future. God knows today what will happen
tomorrow, next week, next year, and forever. Do you? If not, (and I know you
don’t,) why not trust someone that does? Ask for his leading before you walk
down a wrong path.
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August 8th
Psalm 35:28
And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Outlook from the In Book
We often think of Righteousness in a modern Biblical interpretation as being right with God or better yet being made right with God. We understand that righteousness is a virtue or a characteristic of who God is. This is true, but that is not how we see the Old Testament saints understanding the Righteousness of God. When the Old Testament talks of declaring Gods righteousness, it is in combination with God’s keeping of His covenant promises to the people. Old Testament believers talked of how God did not break His word to them through the Covenants that had been made with them as a people. They were basically telling people, this is a God you can trust. This is our God who never goes back on His Word. The God we serve is faithful to keep every covenant that He makes. When the Old Testament writers said they would speak of the righteousness of God, they were saying they would tell all about God’s promises and how He had kept them. They went back to the Book and re-read the promises and hid them in their heart so they knew God’s word and how He kept it. Our position in Christ makes us righteous, or we are made right with God through His Son Jesus Christ. But it is God’s righteousness that secures that place we have in Christ. It is the fact that God will not ever go back on His word that binds our righteousness. He has declared a New Covenant in the Blood of His Son Jesus Christ. In the book of Hebrews it is called A Better Covenant. Why? Because the Covenant is ALL in Christ the Son, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is believe the promise of Salvation that was completed in Christ on the cross of Calvary.
Let’s tell everyone
we know of the Righteousness of our God. That He is still a Covenant keeping
God. And He has made a Covenant for you.
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August 9th
Proverbs 9:9
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
Through the years as a Pastor and Evangelist I have seen several people that have come to know the Lord. What a grand event in their life when Jesus comes into their heart and changes them forever. But I have also witnessed another truth about those that receive Him. These people were searching for something and God had prepared their hearts to be saved. They were looking for wisdom in this life. Something that really made sense to them. They were ready to listen and to learn and to receive the truth when it was given. Then God made a difference in their life because they wanted to know the truth, and the truth then set them free from their sins forever. By contrast, I have seen men and women pour their hearts out sharing the Gospel with people that did not want to hear it. They may have pretended to listen out of courtesy, but often did not even do that. Why? They did not want to learn. They believed they had it all figured out. Even though the truth was being presented to them, they had no desire to know the truth because Satan was blinding their heart from it. Some people want to know the truth and some people just don’t care.
So how can we tell
the difference? We often can’t. That is why it is important to tell everyone you
know. Do not pre-judge anyone. They might be listening even if they appear not
to be. Or, God may be using you to soften their heart, so that the next person
can share Christ with them and they will receive Him. Why? Because they now have
more wisdom.
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August 10th
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Outlook from the In Book
Simeon was a man that was
directed by the Holy Ghost to go to the temple on a certain day. He had been
told that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Once he met the
baby Jesus he had perfect peace. He said I am ready now to die in peace. What
brought about this feeling of readiness to now leave this world? He had seen the
one that was the Salvation of all. Not just the Jewish people but all people of
every race. Three things happened at the moment Simeon held Jesus. One, all the
promises of the Holy Spirit became real. He was promised he would see the
messiah and he did. Two, he met with Jesus, the one that would die for his sins
and the sins of the world. And three, he received perfect peace in meeting
Jesus. So much so as that he was now ready to die.
Things have not really changed from
that day to now. I have stood at the bedsides of many people dying over the
years and I can tell you there is a difference in the passing of someone saved
and unsaved. Someone who has met with Jesus as a loving Saviour and longs to see
Him in heaven dies in perfect peace. But someone that has never come to know
Jesus here on earth dies with fear. Fear of the unknown and possibly fear that
they too will have to meet Jesus. But he will not be their loving Saviour, but
their eternal judge. And neither of them wants that.
How will you meet
Jesus? Loving Saviour or Eternal Judge? It’s up to you to choose today. Simeon
loved the day he met the Lord Jesus Christ. How will you make Jesus meet you? He
wants to meet as your Saviour.
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August 11th
Hosea 7:14
And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.
Outlook from the In Book
It seems there is a big misconception among people today as to how and why people get saved. Some feel that if they just get them to say a prayer they will have eternal life. Some think that if they can scare them out of hell they will get saved. I wonder if today we do not have churches full of misguided people converted from hell and not sin. Feeling safe with the prayer they said and yet have not given their life over to God. So many people come to God looking for a stamp of approval on the life they live now instead of Salvation. Many are looking for Safety from hell but not the Saviour. As we can see in the verse today, God has always wanted people to come to Him because they have given their heart to Him. Not just so He can be their goods supplier. People need to love Him for Him and realize He is not “A Good’s Supplier” but that He is “The Good Supplier.” People need to humble their heart before a loving God and yield to Him in everything. Then and only then the Bible says He will direct your paths and supply all your needs.
Oh God, forgive us if
we have lead someone astray to believe in a prayer or tried to scare him or her
into heaven. Help us Lord to show them the Love of Jesus that they may turn to
you with a heart for you and not desires of you. Amen.
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August 12th
Psalms 38:13-15
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Outlook from the In Book
I am sure you have seen those three little monkeys setting next to each other. One has his eyes covered with his hands, the next has his hands over his ears and the last one has his mouth covered with both hands. Under them is the caption “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.” The only problem is the monkey with his hands over his eyes can still speak and hear evil. The one with his hands over his ears can see and speak evil. And the one with his mouth covered sees and hears everything. But the idea is biblical. In our verses today we see the author saying I will act as a deaf and dumb man to the world. What he is saying is that I want to hear and speak only the things that are glorifying to you Lord. It seems almost impossible today to avoid all worldly influence. With so much being pumped our way with the Television, Computers, Radios, CD players, DVD’s, MP3’s and the list goes on. But we do have a choice as to what we watch on that TV. We can turn off the computer or delete bad materials. We can tune our radios to Christian Channels and purchase only God honoring music for our CD players and MP3’s. The idea is this. It’s really your choice what you look at and listen to for the majority of your life. When you have a choice, what do you chose? Chose to see no evil, hear no evil and if you do, speaking no evil seems to come naturally.
Think carefully today
about what influences you, in media and literature. Then realize, you are making
the choice to look at, listen to or read what ever it is that is influencing
you. And then make a right choice.
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August
13th
Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Outlook from the In Book
As you have probably noticed over the year, I have referred to my father and mother and things they said to me over their lifetime. I guess I just looked up to them more than I ever even realized. Their little words of wisdom seem to continually come back and are constant reminders of what life is really all about. One of the things my dad said when I was younger was, you are who you hang out with. At the time I did not believe it. I thought “no way, I am my own man. I am who I am and they are different.” But as I have grown older and begin to look around, I see that he was absolutely correct. If you want to see the kind of person you are, look at who you associate with voluntarily. I am not talking about the people you’re forced to go to school with or work with. But when it’s your choice, who do you spend most your time with. Who do you enjoy being with? Friend, that is who you are. I often wondered where my Christian parents came up with all that wisdom. But I see now most of their wisdom must have come from Gods word. Today’s verse says pretty much the same thing as my dad did. If you walk with the wise they will make you wiser. Being around people that are wise will cause you to think and learn. But hanging out with a group of people that have no desire to be better at anything, that make foolish decisions and disregard God and His word will make you just like them. So, look around at your friends, who are you?
Ok, so maybe you do
not have the best friend in the world, now what. Well if you want to better
yourself, find some new friends to hang around with too. Also, help your old
friends become wiser. How? Talk with them on occasion about the Bible and God.
If they really do not want to become wiser, you will not have to leave them. I
promise! They will leave you.
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August 14th
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Outlook from the In Book
Give! It almost seems that every person in the world is asking us to give. Churches, Charities, Schools, Television Evangelist, the Government, and people on the street we don’t even know. So who do we give to that would make God happy? The answer may be as simple as this. Give as God gives and to whom God might give to. How does God give? He gives with no way of collecting payment. What can we give back to God that He does not already have and owns? When God gives out of His love, mercy and grace there is no advantage He gains from this. No repayment is enough. God does not bless us expecting a bonus from His gift. He does so simply because He loves us and because He can. The only thing we have to give God that He does not automatically have is love and undying devotion to Him and all that He is. And how will he repay us? Our verse says with good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. This was a term used in old days when a merchant would measure out grain. They would be sure of a good measure or all they could get if they would press it down and then shake it so it would settle and then keep filling it until it ran over. Then you received all you were able to get. That is how God will repay us for our gifts of love to Him. Completely.
What we give is what
we get. Money for money? What good is a dollar for a dollar? It means if you
give with an unselfish loving heart, you will receive unselfish love back. Pour
out blessing, and receive blessings. Pour out anger and that comes back too.
What do you want coming your way today?
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August 15th
Isaiah 3: 10, 11
Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
Outlook from the In Book
When I was just a young boy I
recall riding my bicycle in the street in front of my house. My dad was setting
on the steps reading the paper or something. As I rode past I took my hands off
the handlebars, set straight up on the seat, and yelled to my dad, “Hey look, no
hands.” (You never did that did you?) So what do you think happened next? You
probably guessed it. When I looked to my dad while showing off my new found
skill I also cause the balance of things to go haywire. The next thing I knew,
in just a split second the handlebars began to wobble back and forth and down I
went. Fortunately for me I landed in a grassy area just off the side of the
road. My bike was fine; I was fine, even the yard I landed in did not suffer any
damage. But what happened next sure crushed my ego. My dad sort of snickered and
said “see what you get for showing off? You got just what you deserved.” Was my
dad just being mean? No, he was trying to teach his son that showoffs often
stumble over their own pride.
Our verses today say that the
righteous will receive the rewards of their doing and the wicked will receive
the reward of their doings as well. Sort of the, you’ll get what you deserve
idea my dad shared that day. And it’s true. God often does reward us for the
good we do in serving Him. And as promised, the unsaved will someday receive
God’s judgment.
What’s even better is
I do not get what I deserve as a Christian. When I fell from my bike I could
have hit pavement and really gotten hurt. But I landed safe in the yard. At the
end of my life I could have wound up in hell for the sins of my life. That’s
what I deserve. But the mercy of God saved my soul and gave me what I did not
deserve. GRACE.
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August 16th
Psalm 42:2
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Outlook from the In Book
People in America today seem to drink a lot of different drinks. Coffee and pop seem to be among the favorites, partially because of the caffeine. But soda pop is also liked by many because of its sweet taste. People just love to be able to taste something. We like the taste of things that are sweet, tart, sour, or bitter, all different kinds of flavor. Ask a kid if he would rather have an ice cube or a Popsicle and he will choose the Popsicle every time. Why? It is what his brain says he WANTS. Its part of that self satisfaction drive we all seem to have. But now get really thirsty. I’m not talking of passing the pop machine thirsty. I’m talking about been working all day in the sun without anything to drink thirsty. It’s that mouth dry and needing a drink bad thirsty. I am referring to the kind of thirsty that makes you feel like you have been in a desert for a few days thirsty. Now what do you want? WATER! Why? Not because it is what you want, but because it is what you NEED. That’s the kind of thirsty you need when you come to God. Not a passing type of thirst that says, “Oh that God looks good, I think I will try that one for a while.” But a thirsty that says “God, I give you my life, use me as you see fit, I realize you are the one and only LIVING GOD.” Now that is a thirsty soul. You don’t want God to be just what you want; you want and need Him to be everything you require in life.
Take a moment today
to drink from the fountain of Real Life. Jesus is that Spring of Living Water
that never runs dry.
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August 17th
Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly
Outlook from the In Book
Just think for a second. What do you think happens to a man or woman that might by chance run up on a mother bear that has just had her cubs taken from her? Your right, it is not petting zoo time. That person would most likely be torn to bits by the powerful claws and paws of this angry mother bear. The idea that a person who plays in their foolish ways will be able to someday break free is, well foolish. I guess that is why the writers in Proverbs called them a fool. The playful sin that they are in will continue to entangle and trap them until they are totally destroyed by what they believe to be fun. The sad part is they never see it trapping them until it is too late. Their joy will turn to sorrow. Their play becomes a controlling slave master. They are no longer free to do what they want, but must serve the sin that has engulfed them. How can they ever be free? Only through the grace of God can a person be saved and be freed from sins grip. God calls you to freedom, safety, and His Son Jesus. Can you hear the call in your heart? Or are the bears outside your door?
If it feels like the
world has enslaved you and you want to be free, cry out to a Holy God and ask
for forgiveness. He is willing to save you. If you desire to be free and be
saved there is good news. It means He is calling you now. Don’t put it off till
it’s too late.
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August 18th
Luke 10:25,26
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Outlook from the In Book
Loopholes, excuses, escape, and
trying to find a way out of things seems to consume the minds of some people.
They spend all their time trying to find a way around the rules instead of
obeying the rules and using that time for enjoyment, learning, rest, and making
things better for themselves and those around them. What a waste of talent and
time. The verses here today show a person called a lawyer, which means a studier
of the Mosaic Law or also called a scribe, asking what can I do to inherit
eternal life? For the average person that might be a good question. They may
have never had the opportunity to read or hear and find out. But the lawyer, as
he was called, had already studied the law. He already knew the correct answer.
But he asked the question anyway. Why? It was to tempt Jesus to trip up and fail
in His answer. But Jesus answered him with another question, “How do YOU read
the law?” Today people have thrown out the law and say we are living in a day of
grace. That is only part true. By teaching that, we are teaching people the Law
of God has no effect. But the New Testament says that the law is what has shown
you that you are a sinner and brought you to the cross. Paul called it our
schoolmaster in Galatians 3:24, 25. Once we have Jesus in our heart we do not
need a schoolmaster as we have the law living in us. It’s our desire to be
obedient to God’s Word. But the law is needed today as shinning a light on sin.
Jesus did not dismiss the law. He asked, how do YOU read it? He might ask you
the same question. How do YOU read it? ….. Or do you read it?
We must continue to
see the law as a tool God has given and the boundaries He has set. Praise God we
are saved by grace and are no longer under the law but under grace. But not
being under the law does not dismiss the law. Thank God for it. It will still
show people they are lost.
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August 19th
Isaiah 14:24
The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Outlook from the In Book
“Opps, Oh Oh, WOW, didn’t mean
for that to happen, whoops, Oh No not again!” What are all these? Statements
that I am sure you have made from time to time. These are also comments that you
have heard others make over and over again. But also, these are statements that
you will never hear God make. Why? Because nothing ever catches Him off guard.
He never makes a mistake. There is never a time when something does not turn out
just exactly like He planned. As God has thought or purposed, it will be, just
like that. If you read a promise from God in the Bible, it is sure to happen
just as He said. Why? Because whatever He purposes comes to pass. God never does
things by chance or accident. He does everything on PURPOSE.
You were not created
or born by accident. God has a purpose for you in your life. You are living on
this day and at this time for a reason. Ask God today to either show you His
will for your life today or strengthen you in your service for Him. You have a
gift God intends to use to bring fulfillment to your life and ministry to His
church. You are not an accident so….. Live on purpose.
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August 20th
Psalm 45:17
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever
Outlook from the In Book
Who was the Salesman and Sales
Manager from Ford Motors in 1946 that became the Chairman and CEO of Chrysler in
1979? Some of you might remember, but a good share of you did not. His name was
Lee Iacocca. Who was born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907 in the town of
Winterset Iowa that went on to become one of the worlds best known cowboys? A
few of you might know. It was John Wayne. And who is the most famous US Texan in
2003 and where was he born? Some of you might have guessed the US President,
George W. Bush. But if you said his birthplace was Texas you are wrong. In fact
he is the only living Bush child not born in Texas. He was born in New Haven,
Connecticut while his father was finishing college. But if I asked you who was
born in a manger in Bethlehem, His father a carpenter by trade and He traveled
all around working miracles and died on a cross, who would you say that was?
There would be no hesitation in most peoples mind. It was Jesus. If I said who
was reported to have risen from the grave and then ascend into heaven? You would
say Jesus. That name will be remembered by every generation throughout history.
No other name is so well recognized. No other life is so well studied. No other
has ever made the difference that Jesus has made.
Jesus. Name above all
names. Saviour, Counselor, Prince of Peace. Others come and go and make an
impact on their era of time. Jesus came and stayed in the hearts of all people
and will make an impact through all time. JESUS!
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August 21st
Proverbs 21:16
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Outlook from the In Book
When I was younger I would go
to the County Fairs when they came to town. I would ride all the rides and play
some of the games and just have a great time. I remember while walking down the
fairway that people who manned the booths would be yelling “hey try it for fifty
cents, try your luck” or “twenty five cents to see the multi-headed alligator”
or something crazy like that. Always yelling and trying to get you to come and
see what they had. Sometimes as a preacher I feel like those Carnival workers.
Yelling at the top of my lungs “come see Christ, see what He’s done for you.”
Doing my best to tell people “for free you can receive salvation, your admission
price has been paid in full.” But often to no avail. People wander by and some
laugh and some just won’t listen or cannot believe that it’s true. They wander
out of the way of understanding and remain in the congregation of the dead. I
hope you do not think for a second I am trying to cheapen the church to that of
a carnival or the message of that to a carnies cry. I am merely trying to
illustrate the frustration of knowing what we as preachers want so badly for you
to hear and the free salvation offered and then watching people reject it.
It’s not surprising, just heartbreaking. But
Jesus said long ago, they are not rejecting you, they’re rejecting Me. So keep
on telling the people as long as they walk by.
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August 22nd
Luke 14:33
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Outlook from the In Book
What does this mean to forsake
all? Does it mean I have to move out of my house and just leave it behind? Give
up my job and just walk around sort of aimlessly and when I run into people tell
them of Christ? Give away my car and walk everyplace I go? Leave my family
behind and just begin to travel? No. That would not be in keeping with the rest
of scripture that tells us to be good stewards. If we have absolutely nothing,
what are we to be stewards of? The Bible says that we are to be good husbands,
wives, fathers and mothers. If we leave our family, is that being a good parent
or spouse? So what does this verse mean? It means you must put God first before
all those things. You must become as dead to yourself and your desires and
follow Christ and His leading. Jesus was telling them what preachers have been
trying to share with people since then. Coming to Jesus is not a trip down the
isle and its over. Knowing Christ is not learning to say a prayer and then
living just as you did before. Coming to Christ is just that. Coming and
depositing your entire life into Christ. It trusts Him with all your cares, and
concerns. Believing that He will help you to be a better steward of everything
in your control than you could have possibly been before without Him. It is
turning your LIFE over to Christ. All of your LIFE.
It may sound almost scary to think of giving
total control over to someone. Giving your life to someone else to be in control
of it. But you give surgeons that control during surgery. And think about this:
whether you give Him your life or not…. He is still in total control. He will
allow you to suffer in your sins if you want to, but WHY would you want to?
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August 23rd
Isaiah 26:3-6
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Outlook from the In Book
When do you feel scared? When
are worries most likely to get to you? When is it that you become the most
afraid? I am sure several of you had several answers, but I would also imagine
that most of them fall into an area of insecurity or unbelief. Most people do
not experience fear standing on the sidewalk of their local town. But if you
lived in Los Angeles and an earthquake began to shake the ground you might. Or
if it was at night in a less than desirable part of town you might. What
changed? Was it the sidewalk? No. It was the situations that were out of your
control. One of the nice things about trusting in God is that we can know
without a shadow of doubt that nothing is out of His control. He never takes a
break from watching over you. If you truly trust Him, He will take care of all
your fears.
In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says: “Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths “
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August 24th
Psalm 49:16-17
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
Outlook from the In Book
I heard a story once of four
friends that had made an agreement. The one man, being very wealthy, gave each
of his three friends one million dollars and made them promise that when he died
they would put that money in the coffin with him as he was sure you could take
it with you when you died. Sure enough, some time later the man died. When the
funeral was over, the other three friends were sitting together discussing what
had just happened. The first of the three said I am feeling sort of bad today
guys, I need to confess, I only put two hundred and fifty thousand in the coffin
with our friend and kept the rest. The second guy said, I too am guilty of
holding back on our friend. I only put in five hundred thousand and kept the
rest. The third man, with complete disgust in his voice said, I cannot believe
you two, as long as we were friends with him and you would do such a thing. You
had the million dollars to draw interest on while he was here and he never asked
for that. And now the man is dead and you hold back on him. I am ashamed of you
guys. I want you to know that I wrote him a check for the entire amount and put
it in the coffin with him.
The Bible is very clear. We will take
nothing to heaven with us when we go except others we have won to Christ.
In 1 Timothy 6:7 it says: “For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. “
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