DECEMBER ARCHIVES
December 1st
Ezekiel 38:22 & 23
And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain
upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an
overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify
myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations,
and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Outlook from the In Book
Winter seems to be just around the corner. In fact for some it seems to be here now. The winds are blowing and the snow starts falling. The days seem to go so fast as the night comes earlier and the morning sun seems to sleep in just a little longer. To some folks this seems like a time of year that is dreary and sad. It is said that more suicides occur during the winter months than any other time of the year. People seem to let the elements affect their attitude. But we as Christians can look at it another way if we will. God so often uses the weather and the elements to show His awesome power and control. The wind, rain, hail, fire, waters and yes even the snow is mentioned in the Bible several times. God has used them often to make sure people know that He is God and he controls all things, including nature. In fact, He is the only one that can control nature. He is the only one to direct the wind in the heavens above us. He is the only one to decide how much rain will fall and where. He controls the sun and moon and the amount of light we get each day. He is totally in control. Let this time of year just be a reminder in our life that if He can control the weather, He can control the situations in our life.
So as you look out the window and see the wind blowing… See God. As you witness the snow falling… See God. As the daylight comes to an end… See God. And thank Him for the evidence that He is still there and still in control of everything. Let that element control your attitude. He still is there to love you.
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December 2nd
Psalm 120:2
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
Outlook from the In Book
Life is hard enough on its own without someone adding to our troubles. We have
the day-to-day task of living in a world that is filled with sin and trying to
stay pure for the Lord. It almost seems impossible at times with everything that
is around us. But then we get someone who tells stories about us or slanders our
character with comments that are not true, and it seems at times almost too much
to bear. This is what the Psalmist seems to be saying here. Oh Lord, deliver me
from those that lie and tell deceitful untrue stories about me. But how can you
protect yourself from it. If people are going to talk, they are going to talk.
Here are a couple of suggestions.
First, do as the Psalmist does here and pray for protection
from these types of people. Ask God to protect your character from these types
of attacks.
Second, Have a character that is above reproach. Live your
life daily so that if someone might say something like that, no one would
believe him or her. That just makes them look silly.
Lastly, pray for them. Don’t just pray God keep them from
you, but that He might also change their heart. This might be your next best
friend.
Malicious gossip does not help anyone. No one ever looked bigger because of it. It only breaks up relationships, and the Bible says that God hates it. Remember the Bible does not say God hates the person, just the sin. If we do our part to live a Godly life, and lovingly pray for those that might tell tails, and turn it all over to the Lord, He will see us through. No Matter What!!
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December 3rd
Proverbs 3:29, 30
Devise not evil against thy neighbour,
seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with
a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Outlook from the In Book
Blood
boils and tempers get blown way out of proportion when someone else gets a
promotion you have waited for and believe so much you have earned. You work,
you try, you plan on someday having that other job, and then someone else just
seems to march in from nowhere and take it. And for some reason we are just as
mad at the person that got the promotion as we are at the one who made the bad
decision, as we see it, to put them there. Mad because someone else got ahead
before we did. And quit possibly, and even probably, that person was not trying
to hurt you, but was just trying to get ahead in life the same as you. But that
does not seem to matter right? You say to yourself, “I’m going to be mad at
that person anyway.” We get the attitude “I’ll just stay mad at them and that
will teach them to take my job!” Sound silly? It is, but it happens all the
time. Occasionally we will just get to where we do not want anyone to get ahead
but us. If we see another person advancing we are angry at them and we don’t
really know why. Why do people get that way? Go ahead and ask them. There
answer most likely will be something like, “I don’t know, I just FEEL that
way.” Makes a lot of sense doesn’t it? The Bible tells us not to be that way
toward others. Not to plan to hurt or destroy another person just because. It’s
not right! It’s not Biblical! It’s not Godly! And it
sure is not making you well liked! In fact, most often, people look at you as
small, petty, self centered and negative. And the next thing you know, no one
wants to be around YOU!
When
God opens the door for another, (especially if they are a brother or sister in
the Lord), don’t reject them. Instead rejoice with them, help them, and
encourage them. Who knows they might be your leader some day and be able to
help promote you to where you really wanted to be. And if not, you receive a
blessing just obeying God’s word. He is your leader and will be promoting you
someday.
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
December 4th
Philemon 10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have
begotten in my bonds:
Outlook from the In Book
How often have we thought, “I can’t witness for Christ now because….”(You fill in the blank, I know I have with many excuses). It seems there is always a reason to not share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But does it ever work the other way. You’re just setting around and think, “I sure wish there was someone around to tell about Jesus right about now.” If you ever thought that and meant it, probably someone showed up. God intends for us to always be willing and ready and able to share the good news of our salvation. Paul led a run away slave by the name of Onesimus to the Lord while in jail. Paul could have said, I am too preoccupied trying to think of how to get out of jail to think about someone else right now. Sadly that is what we do all too often. Let’s be more like Paul if we can. In our worst time let’s think of others. You might be surprised, it might make what you thought was your worst time, not so bad after all.
As you go through your day today, start to think, who can I share Christ with and how will I do it. Then, JUST DO IT! It will surprise them and you and make your day a lot more exciting.
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December 5th
Ezekiel 46:3
Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before
the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.
Outlook from the In Book
I am a firm believer that people that say they love the Lord should want to be in the Lords House when it is open and the body of Christ is there. For example, I love my wife. Wouldn’t it be crazy to just want a picture of her and not want to be where she really is? Knowing that the church is the body of Christ, it makes no sense to me for people not to want to be around the body of Christ if they truly Love the Lord. Whenever I preach on the subject of people being in God’s house on the Lords Day, referring to Sunday, it never fails that I hear someone say, “Everyday is the Lords Day.” Which interpreted means “I’ll go to church when I want to and don’t you or anyone else try to tell me when.” Or another good one I hear is, “We are no longer under the law we are under grace.” Interpreted,” I’ll do what I want.” It is true that every day is the Lords day. But that has been true forever not just today. And we are under grace, but there are some rules of life that we still need to follow. No one argues that the law “thou shalt not kill” is still a good rule to live life by. God set up certain days to gather together and worship Him. In the Old Testament it was the Sabbaths and other special Holy Days. In the New Testament it is recorded that they meet on the first day of the week. The day the Lord arose from the tomb (John 20). It was the day the Disciples came together to break bread (Acts 20). It is the day we are to lay up in store as we have prospered (1 Corinthians 16). A day set aside to worship our risen King. A day we call The LORD’S Day.
God is a God of order. If there were no set day to go and worship together, then everyone would go at different times and different days. What would become of the preaching of the gospel? Start to prepare today to be in God’s house with God’s people for God’s purpose on the day set aside by God’s plan. See you in Church on Sunday. (Or Wednesday if you just can’t wait!)
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December 6th
Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Outlook from the In Book
What is in a name? Does it make or change who a person is? Can it really make a difference? In some people, the idea of what their name portrays makes such a huge difference that they actually will go out and change it to something else. A name does convey identity. My first name was taken from my mothers adopted father. My middle name was taken from my father’s dad. They had enough respect for their parents to want to continue their names by giving them to someone else. My father who received it from his father and so on passed down my last name to me. In this town our last name is usually thought of as good. Why? Because my father did those things that were right and kept his name clean. I made some terrible choices in the beginning of my life, but God saw fit to save me and change my life and now our family name is once again thought of as decent and good. But I can only hope and pray that my children will also respect their name and pass it down to their children and their children’s children. I also carry the name Christian. This name means Christ like. This name was also given to me, but by my Heavenly Father. He has done everything to keep this name clean for all His children, but now He is depending upon me to be able to pass down that heritage. The name of the Lord meant a lot to the children of Israel. He was called the self-existent or eternal Lord. Jehovah. There is a lot in a name.
As people see you what do they think about the name of Christ? Do they think friendly, kind, loving, and compassionate? Or do their thoughts go to angry, spiteful, deceiving, and cruel? You might be the only Jesus people see today. Hold up His name as a banner of honor.
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December 7th
Proverbs 7: 21& 23
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him….. Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
Outlook from the In Book
Ever see a commercial of a car wrapped around a tree with dead bodies hanging out of it and the slogan under it says “Drink this brand Beer, we are the life of the party!” Or how about a lung removal operation and the announcer says “You can have one too if you will only smoke this brand cigarette.” Maybe a wife and children broken and crying as daddy is booked at the police station for meeting with a prostitute and the voice says “This commercial message is brought to you by this brand x-rated Porno mag and web site. Where all the fun begins.” The answer would be NO! Why? Because those are the realities of sin. Satan never wants you to see the realities. He makes sin look fun and glorious. Smoking is made to look cool by tough guys. Movies and magazines glamorize drinking as being the social way of enjoying yourself. And pornography is everywhere so what can it hurt. The end result is a trap. Ask the drunkard on the street or the Alcoholic that has tried every rehab around to get free from the trap. Ask the smoker that has tried every patch, pill and gum and still cannot seem to break the habit. Ask the inmates that are in for rape and families broken up by affairs where their problem started. Sin is a trap. Just like an animal going for food held in the jaws of a snare and not realizing that death is at the door, so do people follow after sin not knowing Satan is the controller of it. And Satan becomes the controller of them when they fall into his traps.
There is good news. God is stronger than Satan ever hoped to be. The Holy Spirit that resides in you can help you overcome any and ALL ADDICTIONS. He is able to deliver you. But you have to be willing to do your part. Give it to Him and trust He will do His part. Is it easy? Sometimes it’s not. Is it worth it? Always yes! Is there help along the way? That’s why God made the church.
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December 8th
2 Timothy 2:4
No man that warreth entangleth
himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen
him to be a soldier.
Outlook from the In Book
A Soldier of the cross. That is what we Christians refer to ourselves as. Several times in the scripture it is portrayed that we should be as a soldier ready for battle. Ready to serve and defend that which we claim to love and swear allegiance to. So today, lets take a little soldier test. Ready? ATTENTION! Now soldier, how long are you to remain at attention? Until you see something go by that catches your eye and you want to follow it a while? No, that’s not a good soldier. Until you get tired and want to be at ease? No, that is not a good soldier. How about when it gets dark and the commander leaves and goes inside. If they cannot see you, you must be able to fall out at ease right? No, that is also not a good soldier. When can a soldier be at ease? When the one who called them to attention or higher ranking officer than them says so. Not one moment before. Anything less is insubordination and will not be tolerated. A good soldier will be obedient, even when it does not seem to make sense. When did God call you to attention? At the moment of salvation. You enlisted in His army. He is now your commander and chief. There is no other officer higher than Him. If He says run you run. If He says walk you walk. If He says stand in one place you stand in one place. Whatever He says, you must do. Until He says “come home my child and rest.”
So, how did you do? Are you a great soldier? A good Soldier? An all right soldier? Or are you absent without leave? Is your life all entangled with the cares of this world? We need to keep our focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. So Soldier… ATTENTION… ON HIM!
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December 9th
Lamentations 5:7,8
Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have
borne their iniquities. Servants have ruled over us: there is none that doth
deliver us out of their hand.
Outlook from the In Book
When our forefathers began the framework of this great country, America, they did so based on the principles written in God’s Word. It was truly a nation that was intended to be under the One and Only True God. In fact most colonies and states required that a man be a God fearing individual before they could even run or be considered for office. Today it is very much the opposite. If you’re a good crook, liar, actor, or sneak you will probably have a better chance than if you stand up and say, “I believe in the one true God.” The belief seems to be that crooks, liars, actors, and sneaks are everywhere so that must represent the people in general. “Godly people are too far right and would bring in a right wing agenda” also seems to be the fear of the masses. Friends, many of our fathers have sinned. They allowed this to get this way. They voted for their pocketbooks and not their moral beliefs. They vote party line not priestly living. They voted for charismatic men over christian men. Our fathers have sinned and we are bearing their iniquities. Servants, or another way to say that would be “The Lost” have rule over us. Psalm 12:8 says; “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” Oh how true then. How the same is true now. The more we vote for sinful men the worse it will always get. There is none of them that can deliver us out of this sinfulness. No program, pledge, policy or platform can bring about righteousness. Only God can do that.
I know many people have quit reading already. They want to bury their head in the sand and say; “there should be a separation from the church and state.” Thank you folks, it was that thinking that got us here. And that thinking will keep us here. Let’s vote for God when we have a chance.
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December 10th
Psalm 128:1, 2
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that
walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt
thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Outlook from the In Book
It’s
the Holiday season and people are looking everywhere for recipes. One recipe for
which people have been looking for years is a recipe for success. Another thing
that we here at this time of year is that we should have Peace on Earth and
Goodwill Toward Men. Well here in this little chapter of the Bible we have found
a recipe for success and a way to find peace in 5 steps.
Step 1. Worship The Lord. The phrase feareth the LORD
refers not to a frightened fear, but a respectful and worshipful heart.
Step 2. Walk In His Ways. If you truly respect who God
is, it is not hard to walk in His
ways and obey His guidelines in life
Step 3. Work. Work brings about satisfaction. It is
how God designed us. We want to be
doing something that makes a difference. It also is a way for God to supply for our
needs in this life.
Step 4. Enjoy Life, as God Created It. God never
intended for us to walk around with sad
faces all the time. We are to enjoy life. If we remember who God is and follow
His plan for our life, it will truly be a happier life.
Step 5. It will bring a Calm to your Soul. When we
find out that God’s way is a better way than our
way. And that His way is always right. We find that life is easier and
better.
And all theses things together bring about PEACE to our heart.
How
can we enjoy Peace and Joy in our Life? Look to the author and finisher of our
faith. He is the Peace that passeth all understanding. He is the Joy that will
flood your soul. He IS… So that we can be.
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
December 11th
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and
he that winneth souls is wise.
Outlook from the In Book
Family Trees take on many shapes and designs. In fact some of them look more like family bushes than trees. But have you ever thought if that family tree is an eternal tree, or a tree that will wither and die. The life of a tree is not dependant upon how many branches and leaves are on the tree. The life of the tree depends on the root system and nutrients from those roots. If you want a family tree that will stand the test of time, you need to have the right roots. If your roots are planted in shallow ground, things that only matter today, then your family tree is not very stable when the winds and storms of life blow. But if you’re rooted in the word of God, something that will last for eternity, then your family tree will live on and survive. How can you make that happen? Well first you need to know Jesus as your Saviour. Then, he that wins souls is wise. Share with your family the gifts and grace of God.
If you starve a tree and give it no water and no light it will die. Jesus said he was the Water that would never run dry and the Light of the world. If you feed your family tree the right water and the right light it will grow into a beautiful eternal tree.
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December 12th
2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the
scripture is of any private interpretation.
Outlook from the In Book
Here in the last few years we have seen and heard of books and so called theologians that have made claims that there is a code in the Bible. There are any numbers of books out now that claim there are several Bible Codes. They say that somehow in the Torah, the Hebrew version of the Old Testament, if you skip 3 letters and pick up the next one you will come up with hidden messages in the Bible. And also claim that the people that wrote those books put a code in there with hidden messages. There are a few problems with that. One, The Torah was not written in English. It was written primarily in Hebrew. So how do these people claim to find a code from an English translation of the Bible? Second, which English version of the scripture do you need to use to get the right code? If you use NIV or NAS you will have different words. Third, If you’ll use the King James Bible you will find in 2 Peter 1:20 that there is no prophecy of the scripture that is of any private interpretation. In other words it says, “There are NO CODES.” The other Versions say that it was not by Mans interpretation. Which could be about the same, but not exactly. Not only was it not man’s interpretation, it was not private. God intended for all men everywhere to know the truth. If these men and women that write these books would spend as much time obeying the written word as they do trying to find some hidden meaning, this world would be a lot better place.
So I guess if you like to take a lot of time reading things that are just not so, Grab one of those codes books and get a cup of hot chocolate and read a good fiction book. But if you really want a blessing, grab a good old King James Bible and read the Real Word Of God.
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December
13th
Ezra 6:15
And this house was finished
on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign
of Darius the king.
Outlook from the In Book
This verse today seems so final. It was finished. When you read that you seem to forget all that went into this verse. The first people to return to build this temple did so about 23 years before this day. The foundation had been laid around 20 years before. The building was started in 538 BC and finished around March of 515 BC. The actual construction time was about 4.5 years. They had suffered ridicule and persecution during their construction of this place. This verse seems too simple for all the work that had been done over such a long period of time. And yet this is often what God wants His people to realize, that the simplicity of God sometimes takes the efforts of man. And then when it is finished, we look back and see God’s hand at work through it all. All the years of construction, traveling and planning, pleading, withstanding ridicule and persecution had once again brought these people to a place where they were prepared to worship God. The time may have seemed long to man, but God knew it was just the right amount of time. While the people were building a building for God, God was building a people for God. Sometimes people building takes a long time.
Sometimes it seems God does not answer our requests or acknowledge our plans at the time we ask for them. Remember, everything must be done in God’s time. And His timing is always right.
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December 14th
Psalm 132:11
The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Outlook from the In Book
God has promised David an eternal, never ending kingdom from his heirs. Now how could that possibly be? There is no kingdom that lasts forever. Even David had to be smart enough to realize that. All he would have to do is look into the past and see that kingdoms rise and fall. This is one of the many prophecies given of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the line of David came the baby Jesus. He would be David’s successor and rightful heir to the throne. But the throne referred to in this verse is not an earthly kingdom. It is the Kingdom of God. Understanding all of that should also get us to ask how long our country can last. Looking back we see that no country or kingdom lasts forever. Most had their downfall when they began to allow blatant sin to rule. It has been said that the fall of the Roman Empire can be linked closely with their tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality and sexual promiscuity. And now we have so-called Churches ordaining and placing openly practicing homosexuals in places of leadership in what they think is God’s House. I have news for them. God does not reside there anymore. He will not be mocked. So I would repeat the question that should be echoing in the hearts of all true believers. How much longer can this country last?
We need to seek an eternal Kingdom. Set our sights on things above. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His RIGHTEOUSNESS. I just love the song that says, “This world is not my Home, I’m just a passing through….”
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December 15th
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Outlook from the In Book
When I was a boy my mother would tell me, “don’t tell lies because you’ll have to tell another lie to cover the first lie and another to cover that until you will not remember the original lie you told. Then you’ll get caught in your lies and no one will like you.” Those might not have been her exact words, but they are close enough. My mother was not trying to tell me that there was another reason besides the Biblical commandment not to lie. She knew then and does today that the Bible, God’s word, is the best reason for telling the truth. It is the Truth. What my mom was telling me was another part of the same truth out of God’s word, but in her own words. It is what this verse implies. The mouth of fools feed on foolishness. A lie told will have to be covered with more foolishness. The heart of him that understands that God is all about truth seek the wisdom and knowledge that only God can give.
Seek the truth. Tell the truth. Live the truth. Obey the truth. And let the Truth of God, His Son dwell in you.
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December 16th
Jude 1, 2 & 24
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Outlook from the In Book
I always wonder as I read the pages of God’s Word what people do with certain verses in the Bible when they believe that you can somehow lose your salvation. Verse 1 says that I am preserved in Jesus Christ and called. If I am preserved in Christ then how can I lose that preservation? Not only preserved but also called or assured of it. Jesus would have to be weakened somehow and allow me to slip through His protection. Verse 24 says unto Him that is able to keep you from falling. That would be Christ and the Holy Spirit that would be able to keep me from falling. But it does not stop there. Not only will He keep me from falling, but will present me faultless before the presence of His glory. If He can keep me from falling, will preserve me and will present me, how can I lose this precious Salvation? The only explanation for someone that walks contrary to the Word of God for long periods of time, for someone that has no or little remorse and a person that will not yield to the chastising of the Holy Spirit is…THEY WERE NEVER SAVED! They cannot break free from God, they are not that strong. They cannot not be un-preserved, God’s word says they are preserved. The only explanation is they were never preserved, never kept, never truly in Christ.
The Bible tells us often to examine ourselves to see if we are in the Lord or not. Not because we can slip out of His Almighty grip. But because a lot of people never place themselves in His grip to begin with. They never give their life to Christ, just their hope of never going to hell. Give Christ your all and let Him preserve you.
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December 17th
Zechariah 4:8
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Outlook from the In Book
Several times Zechariah hears the prophet says something like, “the word of the Lord came to me.” WOW. Can you even imagine that? God, either by voice or by angel’s voice coming and speaking directly to you. How grand a day that would be. But also kind of scary. What would be so important that God would want to talk with me personally? And what in the world is He going to ask me to do? Kind of miraculous and also kind of overwhelming. We, too often, get the idea that when God speaks to people it is only to scold or punish or He only comes when things are going wrong. Therefore we think it to be a frightening thing when He speaks. But did you ever think of this? In the Old Testament they had very little of the scripture put together. God had to communicate through angels and prophets. But today God is speaking directly to you. That’s right. Right to you. But He does it in the pages of His Holy Word. We now have 66 books written in the binding of the Holy Bible that contain the God breathed words written for you and me. And the majority of it is about how much He loves you and wants to help you. Not about scolding or punishing you.
So as you go through your day today you might just think, as did the prophet, “moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying”…… What did God speak with you about today?
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
December 18th
Psalm 137:4
How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange
land?
Outlook from the In Book
I know the Bible tells us to rejoice always. I know that we are told to be full of praise always. But sometimes we just don’t feel like it. At least I hope I’m not the only one that ever feels that way. What is it that causes this felling in the life of a God fearing, born again Christian? Well I believe there can be a number of things. It can be a medical condition that has you in a state of depression. It might be a family issue that has brought you down for a period or time. But what about those times when it is not something like that? What then? It could be you’re in a strange land! By that I mean you might be someplace other than where God wanted you to be. It might be a strange land of sin. There might be some area in your life that is not right with God and God is trying to point this out to you. It might be the strange land of disobedience. God has told you in His word how things should be done or that you may not do something, but you are defiant to it and feel it doesn’t hurt that much. You’re in a strange land. It could be the strange land of being out of the will of God. Maybe God was leading you one way and you walked another. God went where He wanted you to be. You walked off into a strange land. It might be the strange land of being at odds with a Christian brother, sister or spouse. No harmony in the church and at home can have you standing in a strange place with God. Out in a strange land. There are many strange lands out there and all it takes to get there is getting off the narrow path that leads to joy and happiness. Holding on to the Master hand and following Him is guaranteed safety from the strange lands.
There
is a song in many Hymnals that says “Come Home, Come Home, Ye who are weary Come
Home.” Do you feel as though you are in a strange land today? Is there something
hindering your joy? Turn from it, repent of it, reconcile with them if necessary
and Come Home. The Master of all and Lord of all is reaching out to you today
and saying…Come Home. Can you hear Him sing that chorus to you? ….“Come Home,
Come Home, Ye who are weary Come Home.”
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December 19th
Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Outlook from the In Book
Our family use to like to put together puzzles. I really don’t know why we quit, but at one time there seemed to always be a puzzle setting on the table. Almost everyone in the family would from time to time stop by and take a look for a few pieces and place them where they needed to be. Sometimes we would find four or five pieces that went together but could not see yet where they belonged in the puzzle. It might have been because that portion was not completed or that for whatever reason we just did not see where it went. They would set connected along side the main puzzle until we found there home. Once in a while we would lose a piece. How discouraging to get a puzzle all completed and one piece be missing. Later when we would find it we would look at it and try to figure out which puzzle it went with. The only way we could possibly know is that we had seen the puzzle completed before. Otherwise it would just be a colored funny shaped piece of cardboard. Our lives are much like these puzzles. We want to believe that we have things all figured out, but truthfully we do not. Only God who has seen the whole plan together can really know about how our life fits with the lives of others. He sees the beginning and the end. We might try to fit here and try to fit there, but without God’s guidance we will just be a piece out of place. Occasionally we find a few others that we know we fit with. Some family, friends and church that seem to just click together so well. But how do we fit in the bigger picture? Since only God really knows it is important to follow His leading and guidance in our lives as He places us where we belong.
And just in case some of you are saying, “I don’t fit anywhere,” we use to have those pieces in our puzzles too. We tried them here and there and set them aside and continually looked for a there place. They really did fit somewhere. And when we finally found out where, it seemed those were very special parts. You do fit. We all fit into God’s plan. And the leading and counsel of the Lord will stand.
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December 20th
Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Outlook from the In Book
It’s getting close to Christmas time when lots of people look forward to opening presents from family and friends. Some have sent out their wish list and are hoping for certain things. But stop for a second and ask yourself, how many past presents can you name? What ones really brought you happiness or pleasure enough to remember? We look at things often and think, “If I only had that, it would bring me pleasure forever.” But after we have it for a while we tire of it and start looking for something else. Did you realize that the Lord for His PLEASURE created us? That’s right; all things were created for our Lord’s pleasure. When the Lord of all time sat down and thought, “What will bring me the most pleasure,” He thought of you. And being the Lord He also knew He would never tire of this creation. It has caused Him much problems and troubles over the centuries, but also much joy and most of all true love. When you read we were created for God’s pleasure, don’t think as some, we were created as a plaything to bring pleasure for a little while like a toy or gadget. That is not the nature of God. We were created to bring God pleasure forever.
What have you done in the last year to bring God pleasure? Did you lead someone else to Him? Did you Remember Him daily? Did you listen to Him as He spoke to you out of His word regularly? Did you bring Him pleasure? Think hard. OK, now let me help you a bit. He finds pleasure in you just being you. He wants you to witness and read your Bible and pray. Those things bring about blessings in your life. But they are not conditions of His love. He loves you and finds pleasure in just you. Just because you’re you, and that alone should make you want to love Him. And your love brings Him pleasure.
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December 21st
Haggai 2:8
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Outlook from the In Book
In this passage of scripture we find the people of God rebuilding the House of God. And God tells them that the silver and gold of this world is His. Some people still today don’t seem to get the truth in that. They read this verse or another where it says that God owns everything and start to think, “If God owns so much, everything, all the gold and silver, then why does He need my money and things?” We kind of look around and see so many others that have so much more and wonder why does God want my money? And in that we find the problem. Everyone seems to think what he or she has is his or hers. “I worked for it and earned it so its mine” they exclaim. The truth is, you don’t own anything at all. It’s all on loan from God. God did not say the REST of the gold and silver is mine. He says the gold and silver, all of it, including what He allows you to maintain, belongs to Him. What you have is someone else’s. God’s! Let just pretend here a second, ok? But let’s pretend your rich and decide to share your wealth with others. (We are pretending) So you choose to give someone one thousand dollars and planned on giving them another one thousand dollars a week for several years. But you did not tell them of your future plans. You just gave them one thousand dollars. After you give them the money you turn and say hey could I have one hundred of that back? And they say “no way man you gave it to me I’m keeping it. Here, you can have a dollar.” Would you want to give them the money next week? But that is exactly how we treat God and then cannot seem to understand when financial problems come our way.
OK pretending is over. Lets get real about this. If God owns it all, why do we get so greedy with His money? The answer is He’s not. He is trying to teach us a life lesson. We are not to be careless with what He gives us, but nor are we to be greedy. There is a balance in life. God is so generous to you. How do you treat Him?
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December 22nd
Psalm 141:3 & 4
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my
heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity:
and let me not eat of their dainties.
Outlook from the In Book
Ever thought, boy I wish I hadn’t said or done that? Well I have. Too often we find our self in the position that we feel like we have not just placed one foot in our mouth, but both feet and part of a leg. We spout off words or committee deeds with little or no thought for the feelings of others, much less their good or well being. And when it’s done, we look back and say; boy I wish I could do that over. Well, YOU CAN’T. You cannot do things over. You might have an opportunity to make things right from time to time or to repeat again what you should have done right the first time. But truth is, time marches on and you cannot do things over. Once a comment or gesture is made it’s done. That is why the Psalmist was praying and begging God to help him guard his comments and his actions. That he might do and say things that would be honoring and pleasing to God.
As we prepare in the next few days to meet with family and friends, there are several opportunities to say and do the right thing or the wrong thing. To be Christ like or to be world like. To honor or dishonor God in front of those around you. It is almost, if not completely impossible to do so without God’s help. You might repeat the words of the Psalmist in a prayer of preparation. Asking God to guard and guide your conversation and your actions. That all you do would be pleasing unto HIM.
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December 23rd
Proverbs 23:6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
Outlook from the In Book
It is easier than ever to get credit now days. Several times every week there are credit card companies calling wanting me to use their cards. Why are they so interested in me using these little pieces of plastic? Because they know that the average person will run up more bills on these accounts than they can pay in a month’s time. Especially during these Holiday Seasons. Then when the accounts are not paid by month’s end, they get to charge you interest. A lot of people today are paying monthly payments to these companies just to pay the interest. Some people are still paying off last years Christmas while charging ahead into this year’s debt. Once caught in that high interest nightmare for some it seems almost impossible to get out. But is that what they tell you when they call? Do they say; “Hello we would like to get you to run up an account with us that you can never pay back so we can charge you interest on any amount until you die?” Well of course not. They are telling you all about the benefits and the really low interest for the first 3 months. Usually when I tell them that I pay off my cards every month and have a “0” balance on all of them they are not interested in talking with me anymore. Why? Because I will not make them any money. Our verse today refers to this very thing. Don’t get sucked into the fancy speeches and nice voice. Do not desire their dainty goods. It can lead you into a path of financial nightmares.
I know there are some Christians that say we are not to be in debt at all. That seems from time to time impossible. But being a good steward of what God entrusts us with means keeping that debt to a minimum. Give people your love this Christmas. Really that is all they want anyway. If they want more than that should you be buying them gifts anyway? Let’s not owe our life to the world. Why should we? We gave it to God.
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December 24th
Revelation 12:9, 10
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the eart