Category: encouragement

Hard and Stubborn, Soft and Pliable

Saturday, February 13, 2016

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1 KJV).

Yea, the more you share the Bible with someone who refuses to hear it, the harder he or she will get inside and the more resistant he or she will become.

Second Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 and 17, say: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The Bible is useful for “doctrine” (teaching), “reproof” (telling you what you are doing wrong), “correction” (telling you how to think so you can fix your behavior), and “instruction in righteousness” (telling you how to have a lifestyle that pleases God).

When the Word of God is shared with others, it challenges them. It exposes their ignorance (lack of understanding). It tells them what they are doing wrong. It tells them how to think so they can fix their behavior. It tells them how to have a lifestyle that is pleasing in God’s sight. Of course, the flesh, prideful self, does not like this. Every time the Bible is read or preached, every person’s flesh stiffens up in the audience. After all, Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Do you ever wonder how people can become so antagonistic toward the Bible? They can hear God’s words for the 1000th time, and still not make the choice of faith. Why? Today’s Scripture explains. Every time they heard God’s Word, they did not receive it. Light rejected is darkness. Spiritual reproof rejected becomes hardness. They become increasingly calloused. Recall how Moses stood before Pharaoh, with Pharaoh’s heart repeatedly rejecting God’s Word. May we not be Pharaoh! Once we hear God’s Word to us, Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, may we believe it, before we too are hardened!

For more information, see our latest Bible Q&A: “Can we witness ‘too much’ to family members?”

Shopping for Souls

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” (Philippians 1:12,13 KJV).

For most, the only pleasant visit to a store is when an item is on sale or free. But, for the Christian, shopping trips are always a wonderful time to share the Lord Jesus Christ!

At least one store clerk is dead in trespasses and sins, and he or she is waiting to hear about Calvary’s finished crosswork… from your lips! There is another customer somewhere struggling to understand the Bible, eager to learn dispensational Bible study if you would just speak up. You can especially find interesting persons scanning the “Christian” book section. Strike up a conversation with them with, “Looking for anything good to read?” “Would you like to read about how to have your sins forgiven and have a home in heaven?” (I have learned that 99.99% of the time they will listen!)

We have a faithful reader and Christian sister who operates a fireworks stand with her husband. They open for business twice a year—Christmas/New Year’s and July 4th. Every chance she gets, she gives her customers a Gospel tract, a Bible study pamphlet, some ministry websites, something Bible-related. She tells her testimony to any individual who mentions spiritual matters. When she gets tough questions, I am always a phone call away, and she has put many people on the phone with me! (And there have been some “strange” people I can assure you!)

In closing his epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household” (4:22). Paul was in prison in Rome. Yet, even some of the members of the Emperor’s household had heard the Gospel of the Grace of God. If Paul had the courage to preach Jesus Christ in prison (today’s Scripture), surely, brother or sister, you can do so in a store! 🙂

You may see our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

Neither an Avenger Nor a Doormat

Monday, February 8, 2016

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19 KJV).

Christians—neither avengers nor doormats!

A Christian sister I know once confronted an unsaved sibling who had begun the habit of stopping by her house and invading on her family’s private time together. After four visits in just four days, the lady kindly informed that relative to stop coming so often because it was becoming a nuisance. Not surprisingly, the relative took offense, and gave the Christian the “cold shoulder” for a year. Recently, the relative said of the believer, “Some ‘Christian’ she is!” (And, another relative said the same thing when that Christian lady did not acquiesce to her demands.)

The above scenarios typify the Christian living in the world. Most definitely, the label “Christians” is almost always associated with “doormat.” A Christian is never permitted to share the Gospel, but they are required to share everything else they can offer. And, how dare the Christian who says anything in his or her defense! He or she is expected to let people come in his or her home, take over, and say nothing to object. A Christian is just naturally expected to quietly give everyone free automobile rides, free labor, free food, free shelter, free everything. And if you do not comply, they make a snide remark to construct a false guilt trip (and, by their design, you give in).

We pray for those people who despitefully use us, but, brethren, use common sense. When you realize someone is abusing you, break it off. You have better things to do with your time than having someone constantly wiping their dirty shoes on you and your family! Be polite but just come out and say it, “Enough is enough!” Let people get upset. They have the problem—they are the problem. “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with” (Proverbs 17:14).

Neither Careful Nor Carefree

Saturday, February 6, 2016

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Neither be thou careful nor carefree, but keep thou today’s Scripture close to thee!

Recently, I sat with a Christian grandmother concerned about her young-adult granddaughter. She had made some very poor decisions and her grandmother was worried. All the lady could do, she said, was pray for her granddaughter. She had shared the Scriptures with her long ago when she was a child, but she had evidently departed from those divine words of wisdom. My heart went out to that poor lady, but at least she had not forgotten God’s Word. She had (wisely) remembered to pray for her dear grandchild.

Saints, we all have our various burdens—financial troubles, marriage issues, family problems, health concerns, et cetera. It is always nice to talk to another Christian and see what he or she did with the Scriptures in those difficult times. However, people are not always available (and willing) to listen. The most marvelous thing in all the universe is that we always have free and open access to Father God. By the indwelling Holy Spirit through Christ, we communicate with our Heavenly Father. He already knows our thoughts, but He enjoys us actually talking to Him (audibly or silently).

Rather than being “careful” (full of care, anxious, worrisome), we should be “prayerful.” Contrary to popular belief in religion, prayer does not change circumstances. But, prayer does transform us from the inside out. Prayer is simply talking to God in light of His Word to us about every individual life issue. What Satan can use to discourage us, we can be motivated to look into God’s written Word for the answer. That powerful Word (Hebrews 4:12) will “keep [guard] our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Brethren, Satan desires to attack our hearts and minds, so be vigilant, and stay in the Word rightly divided. Never forget your problems, pretending they are not there, but focus more on the Scriptures than your situations!

He is Not Done With Us Yet!

Sunday, January 31, 2016

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24 KJV).

God cannot use us in heaven until He is done with us on earth!

Recently, a Christian brother was telling another believer and myself that he was ready to go home to heaven. He was tired of the struggles and troubles. He longed to meet a certain loved one in heaven. But, he explained how he was able to share the Lord Jesus Christ with a lost person not long ago. It was then that the thought struck him. God had not taken him home yet because He was still using him for His glory!

Beloved, the same could be said all of us. Our time, talent, prayer lives, material goods, and so on, we can all use them to further the name of Jesus Christ in some way or another. First Corinthians chapter 12 describes how one Body of Christ is actually many members working together. All parts are needed. Sadly, a lot of Christians wrongly believe it is not their responsibility to share Jesus Christ with others. They think that it is the “pastor’s job,” the “evangelist’s job,” and the “Bible teacher’s job.” If that were true, I am quite sure all the non-pastors, all the non-evangelists, and all the non-teachers would have been taken to heaven by now!

Our Apostle, Paul, in today’s Scripture, wanted to “be with Christ,” which is “far better.” It was better than a prison in Rome. Yet, he put aside his selfish desires. He preferred to stay on Earth, for many people still needed to benefit from his ministry. There were still sermons to be preached, more Scripture to write, more people to meet. Yes, we all long to go to Heaven, but until we find ourselves there, may we be content staying until Father is done with us on Earth! 🙂

Hated Without a Cause

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

“But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause” (John 15:25 KJV).

No marvel the world hates us Christians—they hated Christ first!

On the night of His arrest, our Lord uttered a long discourse (John chapters 14-16) to His disciples in the upper room. In that light, we read today’s Scripture in context:

“[18] If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. [19] If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. [20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. [23] He that hateth me hateth my Father also. [24] If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law [Psalm 69:4], They hated me without a cause.”

While these verses were not spoken to or about us, the world persecuting believing Israelites parallels the world persecuting us believers today. The commonality is the Lord Jesus Christ, who indwells both born-again Jews and the members of the Body of Christ. “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). “Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). Lost people do not hate us personally; they do not realize it, but they hate Jesus Christ who lives in us. Let it be for that reason alone that they hate us. May we not be hated for acting obnoxious, contentious, or unrighteous! 🙂

333’s 1700th – The Reign of Grace

Monday, January 25, 2016

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20,21 KJV).

Dearly beloved, devotional #1700 is here!

Readers, friends, and brethren, these last 4½ years (!) have been quite a learning experience for us all. With each passing day, we are moving onward and upward in the Holy Scriptures. For years, we were spiritually starved in denominational systems. Whether we were lost and sitting in spiritual ignorance, or saved and sitting in spiritual ignorance, praise our Lord Jesus Christ that we have been delivered from that mess!

Today’s Scripture says the Mosaic Law was instituted to point out “the offence.” The Law is God’s straight line (righteousness) to manifest our crooked one (sin). Still, in His grace, He sent His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) to die for our sins, resurrect, and give us eternal life—His life! Sin only leads to death, but by Jesus Christ, grace will reign through righteousness unto eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). We have daily victory over sin by simply relying on Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork. The grace life will be manifested in us and through us who believe!

As our world rushes toward more uncertainty, more problems, more error, and more darkness, let us not lose sight of what really matters—the eternal Word of God being deposited into our eternal souls. We have all been privileged to take a few minutes here every day—for 1700 days nonstop!—to look at the preserved words of God. We were all wondering if our Saviour would come in 2015. He has not come yet, of course. Whether or not He comes in 2016, we must be about our labor in Him. More studies must be written about the grace of God in Jesus Christ, and more people must be reached with it. May we all continue to let grace reign in our Christian lives!

Beloved, thank you for your prayerful support, and onward to #1800! 🙂

(NOTE: By the way, we have some VERY exciting ministry news to be revealed in the coming weeks!! Please stay tuned!!!)

Zealous for the Word!

Friday, January 22, 2016

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:9 KJV).

Once God’s Word gets in us, it will burst forth to reach others!

I recently had a phone conversation with a Christian brother who is new to dispensational Bible study. A Christian sister, a coworker of ours in the ministry, had introduced him to proper Bible study months ago, but he is just now really grasping the information. He was ever so excited. We spent over an hour talking, plus his questions. In fact, he is sharing some Bible study DVDs with his wife, and now she is interested in learning God’s Word God’s way.

The dear man will soon reach a crossroads in his Christian life. It is finally beginning to sink in that his denominational church has not been honest with him. After studying the Word of God rightly divided, he sees that the information contained therein is quite different from what his preacher has been teaching him. Now, he is bursting forth with joy that he understands his Bible. He cannot keep quiet much longer at church—he wants to tell others there. I encouraged him to bring to his church some of those truths of God’s Word rightly divided. Before he permanently leaves that assembly, I advised that he should attempt to reach any and everyone there that he can. He agreed.

Today’s Scripture reminds me of this dear brother. He has gotten a grip on God’s Word, and now God’s Word has gripped him! With a paper and pen in hand, he was scribbling down the Bible references I was giving him. He knows the opposition is coming, but he was preparing himself with verses so he can speak up for Jesus Christ’s glory! May we do as that dear man in Christ. May we do as the Prophet Jeremiah of old. May we let God’s Word work in us believers so mightily that it comes through for all to see and hear!

Their Loss Not Ours!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

“Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out” (Proverbs 24:19,20 KJV).

What great advice—to Israel or to us!

A Christian sister recently browsing social media grew angry. (We can all relate.) She had drifted onto the webpages of certain people who had greatly wronged her in the past. Her stirred-up emotions, not having a mind of their own, had caused her to (wrongly) believe the past was ongoing. She had kept perusing to see more text and additional pictures of their “success,” “popularity,” and overall “nice” outward appearance. Everyone had “flocked” to them—she was the outcast, even after all those years trying to do right. The anger gradually escalated. My advice to her was simple: “Get off! Move on! Get off!”

Brethren, let today’s Scripture sink into your hearts and minds. This is as close to “heaven” as lost people will get. Let them heap to themselves as many “friends” as possible on Earth—there are no “friends” in hell! Let them heap to themselves as many “pennies” as possible on Earth—there are no “riches” in hell! Let them heap to themselves as much “nice outward show” as possible on Earth—there is no “beauty” in hell! Let them live it up now. Except they die in Jesus Christ, here is as good as it will ever get for them. Once their “candle” is “put out”—their house is darkened because they have died—we certainly do not want to envy them at that point! Most certainly, they gained the whole world temporarily and lost their soul eternally (Matthew 16:26)!

Today’s Scripture is actually God the Holy Spirit encouraging believing Israelites (poor, destitute of goods, rejected, despised, imprisoned, bereaved) not to look at their unsaved Jewish brethren who are prospering materially and socially for following the Antichrist, yet future (Revelation 13:15-17; cf. Psalm 37). Why? The unsaved… when death comes, they lose their fortunes, their friends, their lives, and finally their souls. My, how we pray earnestly for their eternal salvation in Jesus Christ before it is too late. Without Him, it is their loss, not ours!

Delivered!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

“[God the Father] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13 KJV).

Two very special people celebrate their spiritual birthday today!

Mom grew up in an “Evangelical”/Protestant denominational church, but she never recalled hearing a clear Gospel message until age 25. Her paternal grandmother, who mostly raised her, was very influential in her “religious” life for many of those years.

One day, a Christian lady friend, “Ms. S.,” phoned Mom and invited her to a cookout get-together. While there, Mom was curious about the eternal destiny of her father who died three months earlier. So, the lady put Mom on the phone with “Ms. P.,” one of her Christian friends. Ms. P. told Mom, “Honey, it’s too late for your father. Don’t worry about him. Where would you go if you died?” Mom assumed that her water baptism would save her. Long story short, right there over the phone, Ms. P. led Mom to simple faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone. “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Dad was rescued from Roman Catholicism by trusting Jesus Christ alone that same evening. Friends, that was 1980—exactly 36 years ago today. But the story continues.

Mom led me to Jesus Christ back in the mid-1990s. My eldest brother trusted Christ about a year or two later. For years, however, my parents and I were in and out of denominational churches and we struggled to understand the Bible. We learned certain “hints” of dispensationalism, but very little. Then, in January 2007, we began to discover pure dispensational Bible study. So, Mom and Dad were saved from their sins in January. And, another January, 27 years later, they (and I) were delivered from denominational bondage.

Where are these people today? The current whereabouts of Ms. S. are unknown. Mom is one of our faithful blog readers. (Dad rarely uses computers.) Ms. P. is still living. She, another reader, will no doubt read this. Mom’s paternal grandmother never lived to see Mom saved—she died just three weeks before Mom’s salvation. We will see my great-grandmother in heaven one day. She will be glad to hear what happened! 🙂