OCTOBER ARCHIVES
October 1st
James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Outlook from the In Book
One Sunday morning in our church service I spoke on patience. Saying we should all be more patient with one another and the burdens they bear. I spoke of how trials will help work in us patience if we will listen to God during the trial. I also mentioned that we should pray one for another. That’s all Biblical right? At the time we did not have a baptistery in our church so we would go to another church during cold months and have an afternoon baptismal service. We had a very short break between our morning service and afternoon baptismal service. When I got home to get a quick bite to eat I found my finished basement had about 1 inch of standing water in most of it. Our Water pump had quit. I called a friend and he and I got the water pretty much cleaned up and the pump temporarily working again. When joined the church service that day I half jokingly asked “which one of you yahoos decided to pray for the Pastor to have more patience. Whoever it is cut it out.” Everyone laughed. I have heard people pray “God give me patience.” I won’t interrupt or stop them, but I always wonder what may be coming their way that may help them gain patience. I have long stopped praying for patience. My life has enough trials in it to help me learn that on a daily basis. I pray for peace.
Today as the burdens of life begin to bear on
you look at the daily tasks you do that once might have been a trial. Walking
was a trial when you were 1, and driving when you were 16. But today you do them
with ease. What once seemed almost impossible you now do with ease. The trials
you face today will make a better Christian of you for tomorrow
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
October 2nd
Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Outlook from the In Book
Some days it feels as though the weight of the whole world falls on your shoulders. Problems seem to arise at every turn. Family problems keep coming one after another. Friends seem to have turned a deaf ear to your concerns and problems. Pressures from work and co-workers keep growing day after day. It seems as if there is no way out. But God says there is. As our never changing God spoke these words to the people of Israel you might want to bend an ear that way today. Is there anything that is too hard for God? Anything? Could the God that created such a complex and wonderful creation as you also handle the daily cares you may have? YES! Can the God who created the heavens and the earth and keeps it all working daily also be able to handle your pressures at work? YES! Is the same God that over threw Satan and his demons at the cross of Calvary and destroyed the yoke of sin forever also help you in dealing with your family matters? Again it is YES! Jeremiah understood this. In fact our verse today is just a confirmation from God for what Jeremiah had said back in verse 17 when he said Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: God’s answer was Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? The answer…. NOTHING.
When the world seems to surround you as a
tomb, go to the Lord who conquered the tomb. Jesus said it best in John 10:10
when He said: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly.
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October 3rd
Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Outlook from the In Book
We have all been there. At the local school play or a church program where the children are all brought out on stage, lined up so perfectly, dressed up so appropriately and then they are asked to sing. Occasionally you will get the child prodigy that can actually carry a tune. But most often you have three groups of children. The ones that looks dazed at the fact there are so many people looking at them. They have that sort of deer caught in the headlights look on their face. Sometimes they mumble a word or two, but usually its nothing. Then there are the ones that are trying. They don’t sing loud or soft or even on key for that matter. But they are participating. But most often there is one or two that sing as loud as they possibly can, almost to the point of screaming the words. You can’t shake them with laughter. You can’t even embarrass them by pointing. They are going to sing no matter what. Why? They want to. And if they are singing a song about loving mom, dad or grandparents it even brings a sentimental tear to an eye here and there. And you know what, I have never seen one parent actually die from embarrassment or get up and leave the room. No matter what that child did, that was their child and they loved them. Our verse today says sing aloud; make a joyful noise unto God. Our heavenly Father does not care about the quality of our voice. He cares about the content of our heart. So SING!!!
There is a time and place for quality singing.
Soloists and special music should have a pleasant sound. But God wants to here
His children sing because they are happy. He has put a new song in our heart. So
let it out.
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October 4th
Proverbs 4:1-2
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
Outlook from the In Book
“Someday son you’ll see I’m right.” Or “When are you going to learn that when I tell you something I know what I’m talking about?” These are phrases that have rung in my ears for years. My dad would tell me something and I would, for some reason, believe my way was better. You know what? It wasn’t! Proverbs 4:1 says “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father.” The word instruction here in Hebrew carried the meaning of discipline. So it could say “the discipline of your father.” What did you just think of when you read the word discipline? Being grounded or a spanking? My dad used those disciplines when I didn’t obey. But that is the correction I received for the discipline I would not obey. You see the word discipline also carries the meaning of controlled behavior. And the father is telling the son here using one word; you choose which it will be? If you will hear of the disciplines that your father has learned by years of practice and apply them as directed you can avoid the disciplines that come as a result of disobedience. That’s exactly what life is, learning to live with disciplines. In fact, that’s what Jesus was doing while here on this earth. Teaching disciplines of life to the disciples. If they would learn and adhere to them life was good. If they went about their own way, they suffered the consequence. When God created this earth and all that is on it, it was in order, disciplined. And He said, “And it is good”
How many times do you have to bump your head
on something before you learn to duck? How many times must we see God’s ways are
best before we will obey? If we do His will.. “It is good “
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October 5th
Acts 15:18
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Outlook from the In Book
Here is a test for you today. Think back of when you were in sixth grade. You should have been around the ages of 10-12 years old. What are the craft items you made that year and brought home to your parents? Or what book reports did you do that year? And of you can answer those questions, (which if you are over 21 I doubt you can) then answer this. Where are they right now and what condition are they in? Have you been taking care of them real well? Sounds ridicules doesn’t it? But in looking at the difficulty we might have in remembering such simple items only a few years back, it helps us to see the absolute wisdom of God. He remembers it all. Everything and everyone that he has ever created are just as fresh in his mind as if it were today that the creation took place. And not only does He remember each creation, He knows exactly where it is today and has been taking care of it’s every need since the day of its creation. This is just a simple illustration of the omniscience (all knowledge) of God. God knows everything about everything. This means He knows everything about YOU! How great it is to know that we have a loving God that truly cares about us watching over us ever second of every day. He said He would supply our every need. And we can know He will because He sees every need we have the moment we have it.
God also more than intelligently knows about
you. He intimately knows you. He knows all your thoughts, fears, desires and
emotions. He truly knows you. Are you rejoicing today? Rejoice with Him. Is
something bothering your today? Take it to the one that can really do something
about it. Take it to God, the one who knows you. Get to know Him.
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Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, ……..
Outlook from the In Book
Where do we hear from God? Some would say Church, during Sunday School, morning or evening worship or on Wednesday night prayer meetings. And how I pray that is true. Yet others may say He speaks to me during my quiet time with Him during my devotions. That as I read my Bible God uses His word to speak to my heart. And what a wonderful truth that is for those that take the time to fellowship with God daily. But we probably would not have said in jail. In a place made to house sinners and lawbreakers. But that is where He spoke to Jeremiah. In fact we will find that in the Bible God spoke to several people while they were in jail. It may seem like an unlikely place but the truth is God speaks to us all, through the Holy Spirit and the word of God we have studied previously, in all sorts of places. And often in our own little prisons we seemed to have created. In our prison of “I want it my way”, Jesus speaks and says whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. In a prison of despair we hear the voice of God say; I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. In the prison of sin that seems unforgivable or irreversible we hear God speak; If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And when it seems we can’t go on and we place ourselves in a prison of dejectedness and weariness we hear Him call; Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. In the most unlikely places we hear God say; peace be still.
Why do we not hear Him speak? We often shut
Him out or stay too busy for God. Take time today to listen.. Hear it? He just
said I love you.
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Psalm 85:7
Show us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
Outlook from the In Book
God’s mercy is something that every single person in the world needs. Why? Well it goes back to understanding what mercy really is. Here it relates to the kindness of God unto someone that truly does not deserve such kindness. It’s like being a parent and your child is playing outside and all of a sudden you hear a loud breaking sound. You turn to realize that you six foot picture window is now laying in pieces on the floor. Just outside that open hole in the wall stands your child with a fear on their face that says, “I am truly a dead person when I get inside.” On both sides of this encasement that once held hundreds of dollars of glass, are emotions. On one side hurt over a child that apparently did not listen and anger over the time and money that will be needed to repair the damage. On the other side is a child that has realized for a brief moment, my parents were right about playing too close to the house, and fear of I am going to have to pay for this somehow and money is not an option as I have none. This is sort of how we stand with God when we come for salvation. We finally realized that sin has a price and there is no way I can pay the price. But also on the other side is someone that holds my destiny in their hands and only he can pay the price. Yes the child was probably punished for breaking the window, but he still ate at the table that year and still was provided for by the parents after that. Mercy is saying I love you no matter what. God extended His mercy to all mankind. Some refuse to accept it. The good news is His mercy endured forever.
Mercy is God not giving to you what you truly deserve. What we deserve is to be punished for our sins, but instead God let His son Jesus pay that price. The mercy of God is good and grants us the availability of Salvation. Have you accepted God’s mercy?
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O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
Outlook from the In Book
Ok let’s try something together. Get a good book. Pull the shades in the room your in so we can block out any outside distractions. Get a warm cup of coffee or tea or something to drink. Grab a blanket or whatever it takes to help you get real comfortable. Turn off the phone, TV or anything that may cause an interruption. Find a nice comfortable chair to sit in. Open your book to where your reading or just any page will do for this experiment. Ok, now the shades are drawn, you’re comfortable, it’s quiet, now turn off the lights and read. What? Turn off the lights? It all sounded so good until we had to turn off the lights. What was that for? It was to illustrate how many people, saved and unsaved try to live life. We do everything we can to make ourselves comfortable in this life. We work to get the right job and buy the right house, we save money and so on. All the things we can do to make us comfortable in life, but we do it almost blindfolded and then wonder why our life turns out the way it does. The only real wisdom for life we can ever get is from someone that can see beyond where we are. Real wisdom takes someone that knows us inside and out, even better than we know ourselves. It takes someone that truly has our best interest at heart. It takes God. And yet we will not seek God on a regular basis but rather trust on the wisdom of man who can only see today. It’s like trying to read a good book in the dark. Your there, the book is there and everything is right. But you have no light.
In John 8:12 Jesus said; ..I am the
light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
have the light of life. Seek Light.
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Outlook from the In Book
Spending time with a bunch of inmates does not sound like a lot of fun to most people. Being confined in one place all day and then being told when to eat, and what to do is not most peoples idea of fun. And the thought of having to be that close for long periods of time with the sinful wickedness of the world makes it even less appealing to most. Now admit it, you have a picture of a jail cell, prison, or dungeon in your mind right? But think on this for a moment. Most places of employment could be described in the same manner. Confined in one place all day, told when to take break and eat, when to work and what to do. Sounds like most factories and offices I know. But the description goes on. It talks of having to be that close for long periods of time with the sinful wickedness of the world. And if you work in a secular job most of you work with the sinfulness in the hearts of people around you every day. They are imprisoned by sin just like the inmate that is behind bars. They are just as miserable and want just as much to be free. So now let me ask you the all important question. Do the prisoners around you hear you praising God and singing? Or do they hear you grumbling just like them about your surroundings and work conditions? What do the prisoners in your world see of our Saviour in you?
There is a little phrase that most all of us
have heard, but most all of us forget. It goes something like; “I might be the
only Jesus the world ever sees.” And it’s so true. Brighten the corner of the
world where God lets you serve today. Praise Him, sing, and be happy. Rejoice in
the Lord always…again I say REJOICE.
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October 10th
Jeremiah 48:12
Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.
Outlook from the In Book
As a Pastor I have heard the comment in counseling over the years, “How did we get so far from the truth?” It seemed to them they were going in the right direction. It seemed that things were on course. And then somehow they find their life in trouble and turmoil and wonder how did we get here? Their life is much like a ship setting sail for a destination across the sea. The engines work fine, the rudder and mechanical operations are all functioning correctly. So they set sail. There is one thing not working correctly. The compass. The compass they travel by is one degree off. While traveling things look and work ok. But they end up in the wrong destination. How did that happen? They were navigating by faulty equipment. It wasn’t right, it wasn’t true. Our verse today says that God, because of their sinfulness and rebellion, was going to send into these people’s lives wanderers, people with no direction. And where will the wanderers lead them? Who knows? A wanderer has no direction and no direction of their own. It’s like the blind leading the blind and leading the trusting nowhere. And at the end you loose it all. They empty your vessel; your life is spent wasted, traveling down the wrong road. People can lead you off course. The wrong leader with the wrong message will lead you to a wrong outcome. Sin can sidetrack your life. Worldly desires can direct your life toward ruin. Today keep watch for the wanderers.
The best way to know something’s phony is to
know the original so well you can’t be fooled. God’s Word is the truth. It’s the
original. Come to know it so well that no wanderer could lead you off course.
Know God.
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October 11th
Psalm 89:9
Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
Outlook from the In Book
Water water everywhere! Did you know that there are approximately 331 million cubic miles of water on the earth? That water is the only known substance that can exist in gas, liquid, and solid form on earth within just a few degrees of each other? That about 96% of the world’s water is contained in the oceans and about 2% in the polar ice caps leaving only 2% for rivers streams lakes and underground water supply? Did you know that water covers over 70% of the earth’s surface? Those are some amazing facts. Earths water seems to be controlled by 4 things. One is the wind that continually blows and shifts the surfaces of the waters. Another is the fact that the earth is continually rotating. Ever try to walk with a full glass of water? You get the idea. Then there is also the gravitational pulls from the solar system and the earth that seem to draw back and forth. Lastly there is the difference in temperatures of waters as they move from place to place. And my God controls it all, the wind, gravitation, the earth’s rotation and temperature. Not to mention He knew how much water the earth needed to make the oxygen from the plants life and one-cell creatures so we could survive here. He keeps it all in balance so it does not continually over run our shores. God controls it all. Sounds like a full time job. But He still has time for us. And we are more important to Him than all the water in the universe.
Jesus told the lady at the well in John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;
but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up
into everlasting life. Come and drink that water of Our Lord. He controls it
all.
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October 12th
Proverbs 12:4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Outlook from the In Book
God never makes mistakes. Never! So whoever you’re married to is the person that God intends for you to make a happy home with. And that is possible if you both are willing to work at it. But it is so very important for those that are not married as of yet to take the time and let God lead you to the right mate. Our verse today says that a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. That is the same as saying the right wife brings a husband great joy. It’s like having everything and then God giving you a bonus of joy and contentment with all that. It also says she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. That’s just the opposite. It would be sort of like having everything and then finding out your dieing. None of what you have seems of any value because there is no joy. This same principle would hold true for both sexes. The word virtuous in its origin speaks of strength. It has the meaning of being strong in character, morals and beliefs. A person of virtue, wife or husband, would be he or she that did their best to make that home a haven for their spouse and children. It would be a person that held the other in high regards and wanted nothing less that their absolute best. And their best is always found in their relationship and service to God. And since God does not make mistakes if you’re unmarried, wait on God to direct you to the right companion. And if you are married, God expects you to make your home a happy one.
You can’t add virtue to another person’s life.
You can only work on you. What are your morals, beliefs, and character? Do you
trust God today to truly supply your every need? Become a person of virtue and
watch the world around you take on a whole new meaning. You can’t add virtue to
another’s life, but when they see it in you, they are sure to want it. Like a
king desires a valuable crown, so a mate desires a virtuous spouse.
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October 13th
1 Thessalonians 3:13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Outlook from the In Book
What goes up must come down. If there is a beginning to something there must surely be an end. Unless of course you’re God. And your not. So for you and I there will be an end. Not in our eternal spiritual life, but most assuredly in our earthly one until the rapture of the church. In this verse we find a few interesting things. One is that Jesus will be the one that establishes our hearts, not us. What does that mean? That He who has begun a good work in you will finish it. That if Jesus resides in your heart today for sure, He will be there at the end and will create in you an undefiled creation to present before His Father, who is God. What a wonderful truth to know that God through the Holy Spirit is still working on us. We also see the truth about God’s Son and who He truly must be to us. It says, “at the coming of the LORD (He must be our supreme authority in everything, our controller) Jesus (Jehoshua, the self existent, eternal Jehovah- Saviour) Christ (the anointed Messiah. The Saviour of all sin) He must be your controlling authority, and the eternal Saviour of your sin. If He is anything less, how can you call Him Lord Jesus Christ? Finally we see that when He comes, He comes with the saints. Those that have meet their earthly end, reside with Him now and will come with Him then. What a comfort for those of us who have loved ones who have gone before. They are in Heaven.
Even as this day begins, we must come before a
Holy God and ask for His loving hand to guide us. And as He does, know that He
is doing everything that needs to be done to perfect you. Preparing us for the
time when He comes and gathers His entire bride to present to His Father, God.
Make Him your LORD JESUS CHRIST.
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The feeling of security is something everyone loves. And in America for so many years, so many people have felt that absolute sense of “I am safe here.” But take a look at the past. Israel had a Temple built by Solomon by God’s own design. One of the most spectacular structures said to ever have been built. When it was finished God Himself said I will dwell there among my people. God’s Home you might say. And for many years God had protected the land from destruction. Nothing seemed to be able to get to them. Their enemies could not defeat them. And all felt safe there. Babylon was far away as for travel at that time. Security was not on their mind, because they had always felt secure. Their forefathers had followed after God and so God protected them. They felt so safe; they began to forget that it was God that was providing that security. They had begun to follow after other gods. Oh they still with lip service honored God, but He was one among many now. God allowed His people to be taken slaves, the land to be destroyed, and His very own dwelling place and all the articles inside to be destroyed and taken. As you look at America and the way she has gone, how safe do you feel NOW?
We need to fall on our knees once again and
ask God to give us the courage to stand up once again in the face of sinful,
liberal lies that tell us, sin really does not matter. It matters very much. If
not to us, it does to God. Pray for your elected officials to know God and do
His will.
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October 15th
Psalm 91:9
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
The Sears Tower in Chicago is one of the most spectacular buildings I have ever seen. I have had the privilege of flying in and out of Chicago and seeing this building from the air. What a massive structure. I have also been in Chicago and stood outside this very tall building and strained my neck to try and see the top. From the ground it even looks bigger. But the most awesome feeling was riding that super speed elevator to the viewing floor and looking out over miles and miles. Looking at it from outside would have never helped me know what it was like looking out from the inside. That’s how it is with Jesus. Looking at Him from the outside will never replace being in Him. Some people try to get ahead of Jesus and are continually asking God to catch up with their ideas and their plans. Trying to get God to follow your ideas is dangerous. Why? Because from time to time He will let you have your way. And usually your way ends up being the wrong way. Some people seem to lag behind Jesus. Never able to get a vision for the world or the people in it. They just can’t see that far ahead. So they are always asking Jesus to slow down and set a spell. Looking at Jesus from the outside gives you one view of Jesus. But when you make Him your habitation, the place you dwell, then life starts to make sense. You let Jesus lead and you obey. Its like Jesus is now leading your life and you are just going along for the ride. And what a view you have through the eyes of Jesus.
I saw a bumper sticker not long ago that said
“Jesus is my Co-Pilot.” Not long after that I saw another bumper sticker that
said, “If Jesus is your Co-pilot, someone is in the wrong seat.” That is so
true. Jesus does not desire to be your assistant, He demands to be your LORD.
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his
spirit than he that taketh a city.
Outlook from the In Book
Some believe that brute force and power is
everything. But for that strength and that power to be effective you need to
have someone with a clear mind and very much in control leading it. Every army
needs a General to make the decision where and when and how to fight. When the
war is complete, the men come home to a heroes welcome, but in the history
books, the General is remembered for winning the war. Every company has a
president or leadership. All the employees really make it happen, but when the
job is finished the leadership receives the pat on the back. By the same way, if
a company fails or a war is lost, the shame there is placed firmly on the
shoulders of the leadership. It is a great thing to be strong and brave, but the
harder thing to do is be in control and wise. It is far better to rule your
emotions and be in control of self than to conquer a land and be in control of
nothing.
The Word Walking In Me
In the book of James in chapter 3 it says the
tongue is a little member that no man can tame. The smallest member of the body
seems the hardest to control. So if you cannot control the muscle of the tongue,
you better learn how to control the emotion that wags it.
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October
17th
1 Corinthians 1:8-9
Who shall also confirm you unto the end,
that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful,
by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Outlook from the In Book
To confirm something according to the Holman Bible Dictionary means to “establish an agreement and to show that a word is true and reliable.” That means that it is to prove someone’s word to be true. That confirmation would only be as good as the person confirming it then would it not? I mean you would not want a thief to confirm to you that he or she would watch over your house while you’re on vacation right? But in this passage we find that God is the one doing the confirming. And to whom is Paul talking? To the church that most theologians consider being the most carnal church in the Bible. So let’s put this all together. Paul has just told one of the most wicked churches depicted in the Bible that because of their belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, that God was going to prove His words of salvation were true to the end. So how would they be able to lose that salvation then? In order to do that, they have to prove God is a liar? That He cannot do what he says. That God is a weakling. But you see, this promise was not based on what they were doing, because read the rest of this book, they were sinning. It was based solely on what Christ HAD done and their putting their faith and trust in Him.
The Word Walking In Me
A little farther in this chapter we find a
very great little verse. It says in verse 25, Because the foolishness of God is
wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. At Gods weakest
moment, (which is never) he is stronger than man in his greatest strength. He is
able to keep that which He has saved, and has promised to do so. I guess I’ll
just be standing on the promises of Christ my King.
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October
18th
Daniel 4:37
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase
Outlook from the In Book
From time to time I get to see old classmates. And as time passes some of us are beginning to look some older. (If you are one of my classmates reading this, I am not talking about you, just everyone else.) After 30 years away from one another it is interesting sometimes to see and hear what has become of some of them. But almost always you will find one thing true. Those that were so full of themselves and thought they were the answer to the world’s problems, are not so sure now. Nebuchadnezzar found out the hard way. God let this king create one of the greatest empires of his time. Then in a dream that was interpreted by Daniel, showed him how he would be brought low. He was made to crawl around on the ground like an animal and eat grass. His nails became uncut and more like claws and he was brought not only to a place of no power, but of humiliation. After a time, God, who had preserved his kingdom during this time, allowed Him to regain his composure and rule again. In the verse today we find that the king realized who was really in control. The words, pride goeth before a fall, seem to have caught up with Nebuchadnezzar. Does it still ring true today? Does it ever!
The Word Walking In Me
So the moral to this devotion would be, to
walk upright and have some dignity, be proud of who God is and what He has
allowed you to become. Not by your might and doing, but by His grace and mercy.
The other alternative seems to be learning to like the taste of dirt in this
world.
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October
19th
Psalm 95:6
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Outlook from the In Book
If you went to England today and was privileged enough to meet with the queen, you might be told that as she walks by you are to bow your gaze to the floor unless she asks to have you look at her. This is sort of a Royal act of respect for who she is. If you were in a group and a parade was going by you would not have to do so, but in a personal contact it is proper. But it seems now days people want to barge into the throne room of God and just command their desires and tell Him He wrote it in the book so He has to do it. When the Bible says come boldly before the throne, it is not implying disrespectfully. It means we can come knowing that our requests will be heard and acted upon because of our relationship to God through His Son Jesus Christ. As we go through this world God does not ask us to do so with our head bowed almost in false humility. But when in personal contact with God Almighty it is proper. We still must come with a humble heart and with full respect for who God is. HE’S GOD!
The Word Walking In Me
We bow before laws in the land and obey them.
We bow before corporate commands in our daily routine for an income. But somehow
forget to bow before God. O Come friend, Let us go in to God and worship Him.
Lets bow our head in respectfulness and bend our knee in humility before the
Lord who is our maker.
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Proverbs 20:6
Most men will
proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
We live in a “me first” world today. What is in it for me? That is the question on everyone’s mind. And usually there is a positive answer even in the midst of the greatest difficulties. Even if there is no financial reward, or even an earthly reward, there will be that reward in heaven if you look to serve God. But if you look to serve the ME in you, then it will always look like, poor ME, look what they did to ME, nobody likes ME, What’s In It For ME? But the Bible tells us we should not be looking for what in it for Me, but just the opposite. What’s in it for them? Not what can I get, but what can I give? How can I serve? How can I help? What can I do to make the Christian Life better for another? Help a child looking for leadership. An adult who has fallen from their faith. A lost person who needs someone to lead and guide them to Christ. But the verse today is so very true. A FAITHFUL Man… who can find? One who will commit their ways to the Lord and follow. Not just in the good and fun times, but all the time. Could that person be you?
It’s not about our goodness, our talents, our
needs, or really even our wants. It’s about serving Jesus Christ. No matter what
your trial is, it is not as bad as dieing on a cross. That’s what He did for
you. What are you facing that can be that bad? What are you doing for Him?
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1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
There are a lot of ministries out there today. Some of them great humanitarian works. Some of them wonderful evangelistic endeavors. Some of them just an excuses for living in sin and calling it of God. I read not too long ago in our local paper of a man that opened a bar called “The Bible Bar.” The Article said he hoped when people came for a drink he could witness to them. So his theory seems to be, feed them with their addiction and win them to Christ? People say I can work within sinful occupations and not be a sinner. No You Can’t! If you are not leading people to Christ with your life and actions you are leading them away from Christ. Imagine this. I am standing in the center of a room. You and a friend are standing at the door of that room. Can you go in the room and out of the room at the same time and still arrive where I am? The Answer is obvious, of course not. To get to me you would need to come in the room. One and only one direction leads to me. Neither can you lead someone out of sin and into sin at the same time. Paul says he keeps himself under subjection. Watching what he says and does. Paying close attention to where he goes. So that at the end someone who is unsaved could not say Paul’s testimony is the same as mine. Why do I need Christ? That would make all the things Paul had tried to do to be cast off as untrustworthy. We are responsible for how and where we lead people in the name of Christ. Where are you leading people today?
LETTING THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Heard that before? Well, let’s change it just a bit. Today is the first day of your testimony. That’s right. What you do today, people will remember for a long time. What are you getting ready to do? Does it glorify God?
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Daniel cried out to the Lord for the children of Israel in a time that they were in bondage and it seemed that there was no hope and no way out. But as we know today, there was hope and God delivered them. Shouldn’t we be praying this same prayer today for our nation that is now in the grips of sinful lifestyles and disobedience to Gods Word? O Lord, hear…. But God cannot hear if we are not talking. We need to be in prayer for our nation. O Lord, forgive…. In our talking we need to be repenting for not taking Him seriously and the word of God as our infallible guide. O Lord, hearken and do and defer not…. As God leads we should be following. There is precious little time left. For thy people called by thy name…. Christians, if we don’t do what’s right who will?
It is far past time to pray. It is time to beg and plead with God for His mercy on a sinful people. For His grace toward those that have disobeyed. Thankfully He has always loved us. And He always will.
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There Is Never Reading Scheduled On Sundays |
Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
People wonder if God is listening sometimes when they pray. Does He still hear you when you speak with Him? Well the answer is within you. Does God answer your prayers? Have you seen results in others lives as a result of your prayers? If not, it is not that God is not listening, but that for a time He may quit answering. We serve a God that answers prayer. We also serve a God that forgives of sin. But most of all we serve a fair, just and Holy God. It may be we are praying for our own fleshly lusts. God does not always answer those prayers as we would like. It may be that it is not God’s timing to grant your petition right now. Or it may be there is something hindering our prayers. We must be willing to find and face our sin. Then when we know what is wrong we must be willing to repent and forsake our sin. If we refuse, there may be times that God allows us to see our prayers go unanswered. He has not quit listening, He just quit answering. In Psalm 66:8 it says; if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Could it be that there is something that is hindering your prayer life? He’s still listening and still answering prayers. He’s a God that never changes.
If you are not seeing your
prayers answered and would like to see one answered quickly, try this one. “Oh
Lord, if there is anything that I need to confess that is hindering my prayer
life, please reveal it to me now so that I can have that fellowship with You
again that I had before.” Now it’s up to you to be obedient to the Lord.
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October 24th
Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
The Bible has all the information we need to live peacefully daily here in this world. One of the things God has told us through his word is that we need to fear Him. That means have a Holy respect and reverence for who He is and what He stands for. And for the most part, people do not have a problem doing just that. Most everyone you speak with will tell you that they believe in and hold in high esteem our creator God. But our verse today says that we are also to treat the king in the same way. At that time the leader of the nation was the King. But under the king’s authority were rulers that were given power by him. Today, for those of us in the United States, that would be our President and those in authority over us. Such people as the Governor and Mayor also are to be given the same consideration. So if I asked you today do you fear your government leaders in the same way you fear God, what would be your answer? That means have a holy respect and reverence for who they are and what they stand for. You see God has placed them in authority and to disrespect them is to disrespect God. We are also not to give time to or meddle with those that decide there is a better way. Those that do not want to respect our leaders or our God. Makes you think huh? And if you are not happy with your leadership, then vote next time. Vote your beliefs and morals and not your wallet or party.
I know that right now there are
some of you that are saying, “well that is old testament and we are no longer
under the law but under grace.” And you’re right. But let me share a New
Testament verse with you. Romans 13:1 says Let every soul be subject unto the
higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained
of God. WOW, it’s in the New Testament too! Let’s just live like God wants us
too. Pray for your leaders.
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October 25th
1 Corinthians 16:13,14
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.
Whenever a person thinks it could be the last time they might be able to talk with someone, they try to leave them with a little good advice. In First Corinthians, Paul has had to take a firm stance with some young Christians. He has had to tell them that some of the things they were doing were just wrong and needed to be stopped. But at the end of the letter he tells them exactly what they need to do. And also what we should be doing today. WATCH: Keep your eyes open and looking out for sin. It is everywhere. And also be looking for Jesus. He’s coming soon. STAND: When you are confronted with sin, stand in your faith. Faith in Jesus, and His strength. QUITE YOU LIKE MEN: today we would say, Act like a man (or woman) of God. Proud of whom you are in Him. BE STRONG: Be empowered. Act like someone who is given authority under a great Leader. You are. DO EVERYTHING WITH CHARITY: While watching and standing proudly in Christ, knowing that He has empowered you, treat everyone with love. Jesus died for them too and loves them just as much.
Christian, in today’s world we must take a stand against sin