MARCH ARCHIVES
March 1st
Psalm 54:1
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
Outlook from the In Book
As a volunteer member of the On Call Chaplains at our local hospital, I have
been issued a card. On that card is my picture, my title with the hospital, & my
name. That card has a magnetic strip on the back and it allows me the privilege
of getting in and out of most doors in the Hospital. With that privilege I also
bear certain responsibilities. I am not to share that card or lose that card or
share information learned because of my position there. There are also some
areas that I cannot get in even with that card. Why? Because my name has not
been entered into the system as approved to be in these areas.
Today we hear David crying out to
God. He says “Save Me”. How is it that he believes God can save him? It’s
because of whom he knows God to be. His name alone shows the authority to save.
Just the word GOD has such a special meaning to it. Some people have tried to
attach it to other items and call them gods, but it is not the same. Deep in
everyone’s heart they know there is but one real and true God.
God gave all power to His Son Jesus. We find in the Bible we are to pray in the precious name of Jesus. We are to baptize in the name of Jesus. People have been healed in the name of Jesus. Demons have been cast out simply by uttering the powerful name of Jesus. In Phil. 2:10 it says that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. We were changed forever for all eternity through this name. What is a name worth? If it’s the right name, EVERYTHING.
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March 2nd
Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Outlook from the In Book
When I was a young boy I use to get into fights once in a while. I know you can
never imagine that, but it’s true. If someone would hit me, my first reaction
was always to hit back. Sometimes if they just spoke cross to me I would get
into it with them. I guess I read the verse wrong, “do unto others.. before they
do it to you,” instead of what the bible says.. As you would have them do unto
you. But after a while, sometimes hours, sometimes days, sometimes weeks or
months, I would finally forgive them. Or I would at least forget about it for
the time.
Sometimes forgiving seems hard. But
can you even imagine forgiving someone as they are taking your life? That’s what
Jesus did that day. He looked at the Roman Soldiers and said “Father forgive
them” as they divide His clothes. And also looking at the crowd that stood by
and said “Father forgive them” as they watched and did nothing to stop this
horrible crime. But did you ever think He looked into the vast regions of time
and looked at you where you are today, in your sin, in your wicked state and
said “Father forgive them” and when He did He meant you.
As Jesus prayed for you that are believers in John chapter 17, I believe He prayed for us all in Luke 23:34. “Forgive them.” He was talking of all those that hung Him on that cross, and friend that includes you and I. His forgiveness is real, if you will only accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. The payment for your sin and mine was paid on that day on that cross. And the one who paid the price said, “Father, forgive them.” What a love is displayed in those three words.
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March 3rd
Luke 24:8-9
And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
Outlook from the In Book
I can never seem to manage to be first at things. I am always in the wrong line
at the grocery store and end up waiting for hours as someone searches for their
coupons and correct change. Searching down to the penny and that is in the
bottom of their purse or pocket someplace. Or at the drive through bank when it
clearly says on the window only one or two transactions, the person in front of
me wants to do a years worth of banking today. I just can’t seem to be first.
But there are some awesome responsibilities that come with being first
sometimes.
These ladies had come to the tomb of
Christ and found it open and empty first. And not only empty of the body of
Christ, but also inhabited by 2 angels that said He had risen from the dead. Now
what? They are the first witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. Do they keep
this to themselves until they hear someone else that has seen and heard
something similar? Do they tell someone and run the risk of sounding crazy? What
should they do?
They did the only thing they could
do. They shared the great news that Christ our Saviour had raised from the tomb
as He said. Regardless of what people might think or say, they had to tell
someone. FIRST!
Guess what? We have the exact same good news to share today. Our Saviour has risen from the tomb. No other religion can make that claim to have a living risen Saviour. Only we that follow after Jesus can share this well documented truth. Are you waiting for someone else to say it first and then you might say something? Are afraid people might think your crazy? Let me ask you this. What will they think one second after they are dead if you don’t tell them?
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March 4th
Numbers 2:33
But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Outlook from the In Book
Some people are better at saving than others. I think maybe some folks were just
born with the idea of putting something away for latter. And then there are the
rest of us. We just want to have it all and have it all now. I tell people all
the time, “eat your dessert first because we never know when the rapture of the
church will take place and you do not want to miss out on desert.” But there are
those diligent people that always set a little aside. And if you ask them why,
they will reply with something like, “It’s for something special.” Maybe it’s
for a vacation, or a house, or clothes, or whatever. But they have a special
reason for setting that amount aside.
God did that with the Children of
Israel. As God told Moses to count all the people He said, except the Levites.
He had a special reason for that. The Levites He had set aside for special
service to Him. They were different in His desire for them. They were the
Priests of that day, set aside for the work of God.
In Revelations 1, verses 5&6 we read “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” We too have been set aside, made priests, for the work of the Lord. Not only are we allowed to enter into the Holy Place to commune with God in prayer, but we also have a responsibility that goes with that title. To be separated from the sin of this world, and separated to God.
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March 5th
Psalm 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Outlook from the In Book
Is sin something we learn? Is it a product of our environment? Is it because of
mom and dad and their sin? Or is it in us from the beginning? Well here is a
little test you can try. Take a 2-4 yr old and place them in a room with a
pretty plate of freshly made cookies. You know; all their favorites. The
Chocolate ones, the sugar coated ones, etc. Set down for just a second and take
one and eat it. Be sure they see you. In fact you might make that UM..UMM sound
as you do. But then tell them you have to go out of the room for a minute. And
tell them don’t touch the cookies.
I know; some of you just quit reading
to go get a cookie of your own. Anyway when you come back you will more than
likely find chocolate all around this child’s mouth. Now here is the test. Ask
them in a stern voice, “Did you take a cookie?” Most will turn and shake their
heads no. (That’s because their mouth is full of cookie, that can’t say no.)
Is this an abnormal terrible child?
NO. This is a very normal child that did not have to be taught to lie. We are
born with that. Our verse today tells us that soon after we are born, we begin
to tell lies.
And have you quit telling lies yet? The terrible part of this is some people never quit. Oh a little white lie will never hurt anyone; right? Wrong. God has forgiven us of our sin with the shed blood of Jesus. Yes our sinful life began at birth. Our sin paid life also begins with a birth. Our second birth into the family of God has begun a life of sin paid for and the Holy Spirits leading. Thank Him today for that second birth.
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March 6th
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest
Outlook from the In Book
Work hard, keep your nose to the grindstone, and make hay while the sun shines.
These are all sayings we have heard since a child. The American way right? If
you will stay out of trouble and work hard, you can be anything you want to be.
And people have proved this to be true over and over again.
But it seems that more and more we find the American way is to wait for a
handout. Look for someone else to take care of things for you. I know that we
all have times in our lives that get hard and we might need help now and
again. That’s what the fellowship of the Church you are a member of is for. To
help one another in times of need. But I am talking of a way of life. Play
while you’re young, you only go around once, live with gusto. All those
phrases seem to leave out the idea of tomorrow. The Bible is very clear that
we are to always be planning ahead. Financially, physically and also
spiritually.
We are told in the scripture of rewards in heaven if we are
diligent to do what God expects of us. But some Christians, who are good
providers here in this life, have set up nothing for the life ahead. In
Matthew 6:19-21 it says Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Spring is almost upon us. And most everyone is glad after a long winter. But with spring comes those ants. Everywhere you look you’ll see them running here and there. Starting early to get ready for next winter. As you see them running around this year think to yourself, am I preparing also. Preparing for what is to come.
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March 7th
John 4:48
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe
Outlook from the In Book
I
read a story of two ministers that were standing at the side of the road
holding a sign that read “Turn Back, The End Is Near.” A driver, seeing
the sign said as he drove past looking in his mirror, “there are those
religious fanatics again, trying to scare people into religion.” About that
time he realized the bridge ahead was out and he slammed on the breaks, but it
was too late. He and his car went head long down into the river below. Hearing
the noise the two ministers went over to see if they could be of any help, but
it was too late. The car and driver had been swept down stream in the river
current and out of sight in moments. The one minister turned to the other and
said,” I told you we should have just put “Bridge Out” on the sign!”
It seems today we are telling as many
people as possible about the coming dome of a life of sin. But like the
driver, most people never hear the story of the love of God. But rather think
we are trying to talk them into RELIGION. And when they die, I can almost hear
them crying out the words now. “I never saw any sign of this coming!”
The sign has been given. He was lifted up on a cross around two thousand years ago. He was buried and rose from the tomb. He ascended into heaven and is pleading the cause of the saints today. You want a sign? How’s this one. JESUS LOVED YOU ENOUGH TO DIE FOR YOUR SINS, ACCEPT HIM AND LIVE.
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March 8th
Numbers 7:89
And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
Outlook from the In Book
More
amazing than all that God has done for us, and all that He has prepared for us,
is the fact that He would even communicate with us at all. After all we have
done, and yes continue to do, He still desires to have communion with us. How
amazing is that?
When Moses had done his best, as God
had commanded him to do, his real reward was that God spoke to him. What a peace
and sense of satisfaction that had to be for this man as he had endeavored to do
Gods Will, to know at the end of the day, God was pleased. God spoke with him in
that special Holy Place.
It seems to be a point of amazement
that God would ever desire to speak to us or hear from us at all. As we reflect
on how we treat those around us that have done some silly little insignificant
thing that made us mad. Considering how we treat God, it’s humbling to imagine
God in Holy perfection would have a real desire to speak with us, to comfort us,
to hold us up, to love us.
Today, that special Holy place is in our heart. No longer does God dwell in the
tabernacle built with hands nor on the lid of an ark. He, through the Holy
Spirit, dwells in each one of us that know Him as Saviour. And guess what? He
still wants to talk with us today. He does that through His word. Spend a
special time with Him today, will you? He’s waiting.
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March 9th
Psalm 62:2
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved
Outlook from the In Book
When reading through the Bible it is often easy to miss some of the most important things written. We look for those big statements that God has made. We search for a paragraph or chapter that will stir our emotions. But often the most important things written are very small.
If it
had to be a phrase I guess it would be “He only is …. my salvation”. I mean
that is so very true. He is the only thing that could bring about my
Salvation.
But if I had to select what I thought
was the most important words in this verse today, it would be “HE ONLY”.
Not He and, not He or, not He with,… just “He Only”. Today we want to look and
say God and I have done this or that. Or I trust in God and what I can do to
keep me. That’s what makes people believe they can lose their salvation. They
are looking at He and…. Instead of “He Only.”
If we really want to break it down farther, it would have to be just “HE”. “HE” is my rock. “HE” is my salvation. “HE” is my defense. “HE” and “HE ONLY” is my everything. Thank Him today because “HE IS”.
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March 10th
Proverbs 10:25
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation
Outlook from the In Book
Have
you ever gone to the carnival or town fair and find that one ride that really
tickles your fancy. I’m talking about the one that if you could you would
build this one in your back yard and ride it everyday. You get on, get all
situated and then it begins. Nothing else seems to matter for those few
minutes. All you can think about is how you feel on that ride at that moment.
And right in the middle of all that fun, the ride begins to slow down, and
then stops and you are ushered off to the side. And it’s all over.
That is what life is like to the lost
people in this world. Satan has given them something that has distracted them
from the reality of life. And all they have in mind is the fun for the moment.
But just as the ride comes to an end, so does every persons life. Some day it
will all stop, and they will be ushered off into eternity.
Just like a whirlwind that passes and
everyone is talking about it for a while, so is our life. And then, before we
know it, its over, and our life has gone the way of the passing whirlwind. For
the lost it’s eternity in hell. For the Saved, the righteous, its eternity in
Heaven. Our Eternity has changed because of the foundation of our life, Jesus.
Do you know someone that’s living on that roller coaster of life? The ride seems to have captivated them? Pray today that you or someone might get their attention and get them off the ride, before it comes to that final end. And where possible, help our children never buy a ticket to that ride.
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March 11th
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Outlook from the In Book
In
the New Testament times the Jewish Temple was designed in many sections and
levels. The innermost part was the Temple building itself in which only the
priests could enter. Inside that was the Holy of Holies that only the High
Priest could enter once a year. Around this Temple were courts. Each one
elevated a little higher than the one before, leading up to the Temple itself. 8
ft. below the Temple was the Court of the Priests. 3 ft below that was the Court
of Israel, only the men of Israel came in there to do sacrifices. 10 ft below
that was the Court of Women, where Jewish families came to worship God. 8ft.
below that was the Outer Court or Court of Gentiles where anyone could come to
the Temple to worship God. If any Gentile went beyond the outer court he or she
would be liable for death.
In the Court of the Women were the
trumpet shaped boxes for offerings and also a large golden lamp stand that was
always lit during the Feast of the Tabernacle. The bright radiant beam from the
large candles would remind the Children of Israel how God was a Pillar of Light
to lead them out of Egypt. Jesus, as he often did, used examples to make His
point. Looking at this large Menorah, or Lamp Stand, the people heard Jesus once
again refer to Himself as the God, the Light, which can lead them from harms
way. Out of the darkness of sin in the world, into the wonderful light of His
love.
As
the sun shines somewhere 24 hours a day, so does the love of God. We may only
see the sun for a few of those 24 hours, but it never stops shinning just
because we cannot see it. If we are not in a place for the Love of God to shine
on us, it doesn’t mean He quit loving us. We are just in the wrong place.
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March 12th
Numbers 14:11
And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?
Outlook from the In Book
Can you imagine being the CEO in charge of a large group of people? When it came time for raises, you gave them all even more than they really deserved. When it came to work load you made sure it was divided more than evenly so no one had to pull too much of the weight. And when it came to company strength and being solid in your market, you have made sure that there is no way your company can be beat and their position was secure there. And then when it comes time for you to need them to pitch in a little and help with a project they say “no way, what have you ever done for me?”
If you can even imagine that for a
moment, can you also imagine God’s disgust with us sometimes? You see He has
blessed us with all spiritual blessings. He has given us no more to do than we
can handle and even said, My yoke is easy, implying He was working along side
us. And for security, there is no stronger relationship that with the God of
the universe who has sealed us with the Holy Spirit. But when He tells us in
His word to go, to tell, to love, to help, and to exhort, we sort of look at
Him and say “Why?”
Oh, it is so good to be living under the grace of God. But should we take that grace for granted? I think Paul said it best in Romans 6:15 when he said “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid”. Let’s be obedient to all God calls us to do.
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March
13th
Psalm 66:8
O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
Outlook from the In Book
I have heard people that do not claim to be saved, say “well praise God” in times when it seems that trouble has been averted. And whether they even realize it or not, they are actually taking the name of the Lord our God in vain. You see to praise God, or as it is stated in this verse “bless our God”, is actually to identify with where the blessings are coming from. It is as to name Him, God, as the very source of our blessing. It is the same as saying that you are identifying with God, the source of this blessing. When we received Jesus as our salvation, the veil of sin was lifted, and true worship and praise are directed toward God. Until we have received Him as our Saviour, it is in vain words to praise a God you do not have faith in. So I would ask you, how can a person who denies God, His Son Jesus, His Salvation, His Power, His Authority, and His grace turn around and truly praise Him.
John
4:22a & 23-24 Ye worship ye know not what: ….. But the hour cometh, and
now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in
truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they
that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Thank God
today that you can worship Him and praise Him, because that veil of sin has been
done away with by our Saviour Jesus Christ who is our Lord and worthy of all
praise.
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March 14th
Proverbs.14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death
Outlook from the In Book
No
matter who we are, and what we are doing, there always seems to be three ways to
do things. No, that is not a typo; I meant to write three ways.
First there is the wrong way. Nobody
really wants to do things the wrong way. You’ll never hear someone say, “Hey
lets just do this all wrong to see what will happen.” They know what will
happen. It will come out wrong.
Next there is the right way. But it
always seems that the right way includes reading the directions and doing things
in a certain order and so on. That sounds like it could take a long time.
So we almost always try the third
way. OUR WAY. A few shortcuts here, not so much reading there, and its done.
But, what do I do with the parts left over? Or when things start to go wrong we
ask, “how come?”
Well the reason is that there are
only two ways. Anything that is not the right way is automatically the wrong
way. We can’t take shortcuts in life either. Not reading God’s word and
expecting life to be ok won’t work. The Bible warned us about these ways
thousands of years ago. The way that seems right to man, the short cuts, no
commitment, do real desire for God in our lives, the “I’ll have God when I want
Him” attitude is the wrong way… and always ends in death.
What
is the right way? Turning our lives over to God completely. Not holding anything
back. Opening the Bible everyday and reading the instruction book to life. And
also stay in touch with the manufacturer for any updates on the product He
created, which is you. Remember to pray often.
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March 15th
John 12:37
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Outlook from the In Book
Some people will tell you when you are sharing about Christ, if God is real, how is it that He does not do this or that. What they are really asking is can I see a miracle? The answer is a resounding YES. There is the miracle of this planet staying in orbit over all these many years and not one person ever just being flung off it as it spins. There is the miracle of a baby born and growing into a man or woman without science or anybody telling it how, the body just grows as God designed it to. There is the miracle of love in this world, which promotes hate and violence and death. But if they really want to see the greatest miracle of all, ask them to fully trust in Jesus for what He already did on the cross of Calvary and what He is doing for them today in Heaven. Once they give themselves to God fully, they will witness the greatest miracle of all. A Changed Heart. A life that was bound for Hell, now with a home in Heaven. Once filled with confusion and doubt now filled with anticipations and expectation. What greater miracle could anyone ask for?
I
guess the second best miracle that I can think of today, is that God would use
someone like you and I to carry that message to someone who is lost in sin. But
just as it was in Jesus’ day on earth, miracles would not really convince
people. They would follow Him for the show, not out of true love. But God allows
you and I, who were once as the lost are now, to carry this very precious and
special message to them. Handle it with care as you share your faith in Christ.
But be sure to share your faith. That’s why were here.
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March 16th
Numbers 22:12
And God
said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the
people: for they are blessed.
Outlook from the In Book
Israel, such a tiny little Nation. Always in the middle of a fight. Always
struggling for peace. A Nation and a People the at one time God held dear, and
at another time He had to turn His back on them. So what are we to think of
these people? The People of Israel.
In our verse today, we find an
answer. Thou shalt not curse these people for they are blessed. You might ask,
even today? Yes even today. At the end of it all in the book of Revelation we
find that God will call back unto Himself the children of the Nation of Israel.
He has never ever completely forsaken His chosen people. And neither should we.
EVER.
Isn’t it comforting to know we have a
God that never gives up on us, even if we give up on Him and ourselves. God will
never leave or forsake those He calls His own.
We
should never ever forget, we are the church the Bride of Christ. A very special
people to the Lord God Almighty. But Israel remains forever and always His
chosen people. Let us pray that our nation will always support the nation of
Israel even in the face of others who might disagree. Pray for the people of
Israel.
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March 17th
Psalms 69:5
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Outlook from the In Book
I
read a humorous story just the other day about a female skier named Picabo
Street (pronounced Peek-A-Boo Street). This famous Olympic skier Picabo Street
is apparently not just an athlete; she is also reported in this story to be a
nurse. It went on to say she was working at the Intensive Care Unit of a large
metropolitan hospital where it is said that she is not permitted to answer the
telephone, as it caused simply too much confusion when she would answer and
say Picabo, ICU.
Well I am not sure that is true or
not, but I found it to be a bit funny. What is not funny is that so many
Christians today feel that they can play a real game of Peek-a-boo with God.
Thinking somehow that some times God does not see them or that maybe He is too
busy to notice them for just a little while. It seems funny how we might wish
that on one day, but on the very next day when trouble comes knocking we are
crying out, “Oh God can’t you see what is happening?” Well the good news for
us is God always sees what is happening. The sad news is He does not always
enjoy what He sees.
As we go through the day today, let’s try to remember that God is always vigilant. He is watching every moment of every day over His loved children. Let’s keep Him in our mind, as He keeps us in His.
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March 18th
Proverbs 18:2
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Outlook from the In Book
There
always seems to be a new book out trying to help people find themselves. Self
Esteem is all the chatter. The idea is if you don’t feel good about yourself,
how can you even hope to survive, right? The sad thing is that when most of
these people get to the end of the road to find out who they are, they are very
disappointed. If you do a real honest self-examination, when its over you find
you’re just like everyone else. A different talent and a different way of life
maybe, but other than material differences, we are much the same. No better and
no worse than anyone else.
Searches of ones self are often
driven by pride in ones self. Now can you imagine spending a lifetime searching
to find out that we are all just sinful creatures searching for the truth? And
real truth will lead you to God. God told us in the Bible that man really did
not want to know the truth, what they want is to find a lie. That somehow they
are better than everyone else. That in some way they are different than the rest
of the world. When the real truth is, to really find ourselves, we must first
find God in our life. Once we make God the director of our life, He will show us
exactly what He created us to be. And isn’t that really what we want? Not to
know who we are, but who we may become.
Someone once said, “Life is a stage
and we are all actors there in.” The question then is who is the director in the
continuing saga of your life?
Giving our heart to the Lord is a one-time thing. You only need to accept Jesus
as Lord and Saviour once to be eternally secure in that salvation. But giving
our life over to God is a daily struggle. Today again, let’s just bow our heart
to the Lord and tell Him, “I am here today to serve you Lord. Make of me what
you need me to be. Be the Director of my life today. Amen.”
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March 19th
John
18:22
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
Outlook from the In Book
Can
you even imagine a mortal man literally reaching out his hand and slapping the
face of The Almighty God in the person of His Son Jesus Christ?
First there is that fact that God
even allowed it to happen. The same God that parted the Red Sea for His children
and then let it fall and destroy an entire army that followed after them. The
same God that opened the earth and swallowed alive several of the children of
Israel for disobediences. The same God that commands the winds and the waves and
the sun and the stars and all that is, allowed a simple man to slap His son and
in doing so slap the face of God.
Then there are those that stood
around. People that realized He was the Messiah. Those that openly had said they
loved Him and would follow Him. And yet they allowed this man to strike the face
of the one they said they loved. Would they have died if they had stepped
forward? Possibly, but that is what they said they would do. Even die for Him.
Then there is of coarse the Officer
Himself. After hearing that this was possibly the Son of God, the King of Kings,
The Jewish Messiah, he chose still to reach out and hit our Lord in the face. It
is hardly imaginable.
But wait; look in the palm of that
officer’s hand. What’s written there? I can hardly believe my eyes. It’s my
name. It’s me that caused this to happen. As this hand swipes across the face of
my Lord, it bears in it the image of me. It’s me that has actually beaten the
precious body of my Lord. It’s my fault.
In
Isaiah 53:5 it says:”But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with
his stripes we are healed” Lord Forgive me for all I put you through. AMEN
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March 20th
Numbers 30:2
If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
Outlook from the In Book
When
I was young I would hear the statement,”A Mans Word Is His Bond.” You don’t hear
that much anymore. Possibly the reason we don’t hear it that much is because
people don’t practice it that much. Everything now seems to be written on paper
and signed by an army and backed by the government somehow before we believe it
to be true. Even people getting married have began their marriage with no trust
in one another anymore. Engaged couples have begun to create pre-marital
contracts in case the marriage fails. What a sad way to begin a life together
that is suppose to be one of trust and a bond of two into one.
Why is it important to God that our
word is final and a promise is to be carried out? Well, it goes back to Genesis
where God stated that we are created in His image. You see, God wants us to be
as much like Him as possible. One of those characteristics is, “God Never Lies.”
His word is final and His word is true. Always.
As we begin to make promises today for the future, let’s just stop and think for one moment, are we “SURE WE CAN DO WHAT WE SAY?” That may seem easy but keeping those promises seems hard for all of us from time to time. But to do so, to be an honest trustworthy person, makes us more like Christ.
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March 21st
Psalm 71:17
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works
Outlook from the In Book
Some
people feel teaching young children of Jesus is in some cases a waste of time.
You might ask, “Will a really young child remember anyway?” The answer to that
is a resounding YES! In fact the younger the mind the easier they are to teach.
Studies have proven it and the word of God declares it.
How do we know some feel teaching of
the young is not important? They prove it. They believe that School activities
are more important that Wednesday Bible Study. That an extra hour of sleep is
more vital than Sunday School. They never have to say a word. Their actions
speak very loudly. Teaching my child of Jesus is not as important as my rest, my
chores, my weekend, my whatever. Whatever keeps them from helping develop that
young mind.
Or some parents allow their children
to CHOOSE whether to go to Church or not. Saying it is not right to force my
child to go if they do not want to. Do you allow them to choose whether to go to
school or not? No. Why? Because you really believe what they learn will help
them live a better life latter. Are you telling them then that what they learn
about God does not matter as much as reading, and writing and arithmetic? Which
of those things last for eternity?
Then there are those that feel Sunday
School is just for children. Really? When did you become an expert on God’s word
and need no other teaching about Jesus or how to serve Him? And, if you do
understand the Bible real well, shouldn’t you help others understand? People
need you there, to love them, and support their young Christian walk with your
mature walk? The Bible tells us to exhort one another… even in the early morning
of Sunday School.
On
this Lord’s Day, Satan will begin to tell you all the reasons you should not be
in church for Sunday School. Let me tell you one reason you should. God is there
and He has a message just for you and the children.
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March 22nd
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Outlook from the In Book
The
stocks go up, the stocks go down and the world spins round and round. It seems
as though wealth and riches are what consumes the minds of most people today. It
seems almost impossible to live without some money in the stock market whether
we know it or not. Do you have insurance, 401 K, or money in a bank? Then the
money you placed there was invested on the stock market. If the market
collapses, so does the value of that company. I heard a speaker the other day
say, “I lost a million dollars in the stock market today.” His friend said
“really, how?” He said, “Gold went up one dollar a pound and I didn’t have a
dime invested in it.”
Could it be possible we miss the real
riches and honor and even eternal life because we have nothing invested into it?
The phrase, “Nothing invested, nothing lost” sure does not apply here. If we do
not deposit our life into Christ, we have lost it all. Christ invested His life
in us, and paid the premium for our sin debt. If we invest our life back into
Him, we receive riches & honor and life out of this world. And the stock market
can never affect it in any way at all.
The
problem is most people want to invest a small amount of them self into Christ
and hold back the rest. God does not work that way. We either deposit our entire
life in Him or nothing. What have you given to Christ? We all must come humbly
to the cross and make a total deposit of our life in reverence to our Lord. The
dividends are out of this world.
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March 23rd
Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Outlook from the In Book
Who
will be in heaven? This is a question that people seem to have a variety of
answers for. Some want to believe that every person who was good here on earth
will arrive on that shore. The Bible says that is not so, read John 3. Some feel
if they do good works and are very helpful to others they might get in. The
Bible again says that will not happen, read Ephesians 2. So who then, and how
then? This very small verse explains so much.
It says whosoever shall “call on”
the name of the Lord. Not just believe in a Jesus. Not just believe it
happened the way the bible says it does, but call on that name. What does
it mean to call on? The Greek word is epikaleomai (pronounced
ep-ee-kal-eh'-om-ahee if that matters to you) it means to entitle; by
implication to invoke for aid, worship, etc.: it means to appeal
unto. It’s more than just praying a prayer. It’s believing what you’re praying
when you do. It is calling on Jesus because you have made a decision and are
making an appeal to Him to entitle Him to be Lord of your life. (So much for the
Greek Lesson today)
The great news that this verse has is
it is available to everyone to become part of the elect of Christ by doing so.
There is not one person ever that cannot be saved. It says "whosoever"….
And that includes us all.
Let’s
continue to call on the Lord. Looking to Him for everything in our lives as we
yield our lives to Him.
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