Category: thankfulness

The Roller-Coaster of Life #1

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

Once, I had an extremely pleasant day. Browsing in a store, I found exactly what items I had been seeking… and even some favorite products I never would have expected there. I quickly made those purchases, going on my way thankful and ecstatic. Also, I was able to keep an important appointment despite the other errands I was running. Things were still going according to plan! However, as the day wore on, my circumstances changed most drastically. I did not make contact with someone as I had desperately intended. By nighttime, inclement weather in my neighborhood led to a 12-hour power outage. Also, I began feeling quite ill.

As the next couple of weeks unfolded, life was really trying for me because of other problems. My illness continued, despite medication. Eventually, I had to deal with fixing some broken items, plus several other hassles, including a couple of incidents and accidents at home that resulted in me sustaining injuries (one of which could have caused my relocation to Heaven!). My work and ministry schedules were severely disrupted. It was chaos!

During my trials and tribulations, I had a phone conversation with a Christian friend whose loved one had just died. He was in absolute emotional turmoil. Also, he was aggravated due to major technical issues with his electronic devices. I informed him of my own struggles. Concerned about his initial remarks, I did strongly caution him not to let his emotions get the best of him. Nevertheless, he confessed to me that he was no longer thinking properly because of those revolting emotions. I was quite surprised he actually sounded like a lost person, an unbeliever, as I continued to listen to his incessant complaints. I simply could not fathom those blasphemous, heretical words I was hearing from his lips. He was maligning God! More recently, the dear brother is still spiraling downward emotionally and spiritually in the roller-coaster of life, just like the Corinthians.

Perhaps it is time we be instructed from today’s Scripture….















































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The Roller-Coaster of Life #1 “God is faithful, by whom ye were
called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord”
(1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV). In this roller coaster called “life,”
who is truly “faithful?” Once, I had an extremely pleasant day. Browsing
in a store, I found exactly what items I had been seeking… and even some favorite
products I never would have expected there. I quickly made those purchases, going
on my way thankful and ecstatic. Also, I was able to keep an important appointment
despite the other errands I was running. Things were still going according to
plan! However, as the day wore on, my circumstances changed most drastically. I
did not make contact with someone as I had desperately intended. By nighttime, inclement
weather in my neighborhood led to a 12-hour power outage. Also, I began feeling
quite ill. As the next couple of weeks unfolded,
life was really trying for me because of other problems. My illness continued,
despite medication. Eventually, I had to deal with fixing some broken items,
plus several other hassles, including a couple of incidents and accidents at
home that resulted in me sustaining injuries (one of which could have caused my
relocation to Heaven!). My work and ministry schedules were severely disrupted.
It was chaos! During my trials and tribulations, I had
a phone conversation with a Christian friend whose loved one had just died. He
was in absolute emotional turmoil. Also, he was aggravated due to major
technical issues with his electronic devices. I informed him of my own
struggles. Concerned about his initial remarks, I did strongly caution him not
to let his emotions get the best of him. Nevertheless, he confessed to me that
he was no longer thinking properly because of those revolting emotions. I was quite
surprised he actually sounded like a lost person, an unbeliever, as I continued
to listen to his incessant complaints. I simply could not fathom those
blasphemous, heretical words I was hearing from his lips. He was maligning God!
More recently, the dear brother is still spiraling downward emotionally and
spiritually in the roller-coaster of life, just like the Corinthians. Perhaps it is time we be instructed from
today’s Scripture….

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 27, 2024

“For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

In the United States, today is Memorial Day, when we remember those who sacrificed their time and lives to provide our physical freedom. Likewise, as Christians, we have spiritual freedom, which was more costly. Someone had to die to give us the eternal life we now enjoy….

Scripture describes a spiritual warfare between good and evil, God’s truth program versus Satan’s lie program: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11,12; see also verses 13-20).

Satan distracts mankind from God’s pure Word, the Bible, keeping unbelievers lost (dead in their sins), and preventing unbelievers and Christians from knowing God’s will. The devil draws them away (seduces them) from God’s Word by using religious tradition and human “wisdom” (1 Timothy 4:1-3; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 3:1-3).

God loves us, so at Calvary’s cross, Christ fought for us sinners, died in battle (today’s Scripture), shed His divine sinless blood, and eternally rescued us from Satan and sin: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15).

Hebrews 9:12 says Jesus Christ has “obtained eternal redemption for us.”

If we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Now, God can use us for His glory for all eternity.

Beloved, let us rejoice in our victory over sin, death, and hell that Jesus Christ secured for us by going to Calvary’s rugged cross! Jesus Christ is now alive forevermore—He is our Hero, the Greatest Hero!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study “The Greatest Hero,” which can be read here or watched here.

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 23, 2023

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

*Excerpted from our Thanksgiving 2012 Bible study with the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see, “What are our spiritual blessings in Christ?”

Your Right to Eat Meat

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4,5 KJV).

Before we advocate animal rights, let us understand that we have a God-given right to eat them!

An animal rights activist once appeared on television to complain about the consumption of turkeys on Thanksgiving. He argued that turkeys “feel pain” when they are slaughtered, and thus we should not eat them. His line of reasoning was, “If we would not eat our pet dog, then we should not eat turkey.” Such people, despite their sincerity, are ignorant of today’s Scripture.

Originally, all people and animals were herbivores; they only ate vegetation. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so” (Genesis 1:29,30).

Then, sin entered, and God incorporated meat into the human diet: “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat” (Genesis 9:3,4).

When we ignore the fact that God gave us animals to eat, and we demand that others must also abstain from meat for religious (nature-worshipping) purposes, that is a “doctrine of devils” in this dispensation (1 Timothy 4:1-5). The creature should not be worshipped; only the Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, should be worshipped (Romans 1:25). As long as we thank the Lord for whatever creatures we eat, consuming animal flesh is acceptable and godly. It does not sit well with the pantheists—who exalt nature as God—but it is approved of the living God, and that alone ultimately matters.

The Last State is Worse Than the First #2

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Observe the context of today’s Scripture: “[14] And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] was casting out a devil, and it was dumb [unable to speak]. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. [15] But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub [Satan!] the chief of the devils.” Be sure to note how they complain about or criticize the Lord Jesus for doing this good work, falsely attributing it to Satan and making it seem evil!

“[16] And others, tempting [testing, challenging] him, sought of him a sign from heaven. [17] But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. [18] If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. [19] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. [20] But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. [21] When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: [22] But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. [23] He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” You may also read the analogous passage, Matthew 12:22-30.

The man’s last state is worse than his first because of his ungratefulness to Christ’s earthly ministry….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #18

Saturday, September 23, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 21). Though earthly wealth is useful to us in obtaining a variety of favors and possessions from fellow humans, God cannot be bribed and will let no one into His Heaven based on any financial records, tax returns, or charitable contribution receipts. Worldly status means nothing to Him. Either we have trusted His Son’s finished crosswork and acquired His righteousness by faith, or we have not. Those without Jesus Christ had better come to trust Him as their personal Saviour now, and stop depending on uncertain riches for lasting peace and security (either now or later, eternal loss will come).

When a representative of an enormous eminent “Christian” cult was asked how much wealth his church had, he smugly replied, “Only God knows!” Decades later, and now boasting a billion members, the Lord is still keeping track of their finances. We can be absolutely certain He has not overlooked so much as a single penny! Laying up treasure for self, but not rich toward God, these religious leaders will give an account to Him. They too will lose the earthly fortunes they extorted from their gullible parishioners. The grim reality of today’s Scripture is that church leaders and church members alike do not “take it with them” when they leave this world!

If only the professing church (Christendom = Christendumb!)—and even the genuine church (the Body of Christ)—heeded the simple financial advice God the Holy Spirit issued in 1 Timothy 6:3-10,17-19! If only we had listened to the Lord Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15-21, and Luke 16:13! Our world would have far less debt, bitterness, poverty, disappointment, miserliness (greediness), idolatry, ruthlessness, and even loss of life! Christians would be wise stewards of their material goods, God’s ministry would be fully funded, and Hell would have fewer souls. Think about it, dear friend, and act accordingly!

-FINIS!-

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #17

Friday, September 22, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Loving money instead of loving God is spiritual suicide, especially for church leaders (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, what about church members? The Holy Spirit through Paul also addressed them in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Pastor Timothy was to instruct the materially wealthy not to be “highminded”—haughty or proud (Proverbs 18:23; Proverbs 28:11), particularly toward those less fortunate (see James 2:1-5, for instance). Though they assumed they were financially secure, even the richest people are not exempt from thieves, inflation, debt, recession, depression. Eventually, physical death will snatch “uncertain” material riches away (1 Timothy 6:17; cf. Proverbs 23:4,5), so we  should not put our faith in them. Instead, we should “trust in the living God” (cf. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13)!

It is not a sin to save money, but it is a sin to go to extremes to keep to it. Rather than hoarding our material wealth, we should “do good, that [we] be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; laying up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18,19). We should be rich in good works (cf. Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14)! Sound Bible doctrine will motivate us to use our financial resources to fund grace ministries, that the Gospel of God’s Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) be disseminated. Our giving under grace (and the sound Bible doctrine serving as motivation) will result in a spiritual reward in eternity future (serving in an office of Heaven’s government!). With our priorities in order, we enjoy eternal life (God’s life) on Earth.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #16

Thursday, September 21, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The context is a greedy minister “serving God” (HA!) with the primary goal of, not teaching the truth, but providing himself with earthly gain. Such departure from sound Bible doctrine results in a metaphorical impalement (“pierced themselves through”), with “many sorrows” (numerous long-term distresses/griefs) being the weapon and the materialistic souls being the stabbing victims!

Most regrettably, the professing church has often allowed moneymaking to take precedence over sound Bible doctrine. Consider so-called “Christian” publishing houses marketing all kinds of “Christian” literature. These companie$ offer products covering a wide range of theological persuasions. Only a fraction of this material is actually Christian. The remainder is denominationalism and/or paganism in disguise. Why? Had they restricted their materials to the truth, doctrinal debates would have been settled, and those preferring to maintain their favorite theological errors would not buy from such a “limited, narrowminded” product line!

During the last 130 years, over 200 modern English Bible translations have been produced. This diversity is a bu$ine$$ model. Selling just King James Bibles would be meager proceeds. Now, if a company retails a dozen different translations, the consumer has many “final authorities” from which to choose. Do not forget: “the love of money” (profit$!) prompts the company to offer this assortment of translations in the first place! To attract crowds, megachurches cannot offend anyone, so their teaching is shallow and able to accommodate various positions. Church attendance and funding are thus maximized. Neither can denominations afford to support sound Bible doctrine, for their revenue would also vanish. Preachers and professors often decline to take a stand for the King James Bible and dispensational Bible study because it would mean losing pensions and retirement funds, and becoming outcasts at their colleges and churches. If you doubt, ask them!

Friends, we are left with one final caution from Paul to Timothy about earthly wealth, so let us hear it well and believe it….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #15

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Re-read 1 Timothy 6:6-9. Now, verse 10: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Unfortunately, this is commonly misunderstood and misquoted. Moreover, not only have modern English Bible translators failed to adequately capture the thrust of Paul’s Greek words, they have contributed to the confusion surrounding the verse. They soften “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (King James Bible) to “For the love of money is a root of all kinds/sorts of evil.” Their usage of “kinds” or “sorts” is totally unwarranted, and a blatant perversion of God’s Book!

First Timothy—like Paul’s other three Pastoral Epistles (Second Timothy, Titus, and Philemon)—is a handbook for ministry workers. These words are the Holy Spirit’s instructions for maintaining a local assembly. The context of 1 Timothy 6:10, “the love of money is the root of all evil,” is ministry. Not “having money” but rather “loving money” is the root of all evil in ministry. Misconduct in ministry (compromise, false teaching, and so on) originates because someone seeks profit. They love the little “g” god, not the big “G” God (remember Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13!). Ministers must take extreme caution here, lest Satan conquer them.

Listing qualifications for bishops (pastors) and deacons (helpers), God the Holy Spirit required men “not greedy of filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:3,8). Titus 1:7 says “not given to filthy lucre.” Think of a “lucrative” bu$ine$$ operating according to corrupt or unethical principles. God’s ministry, including the local church, will become such a cesspool for greed if the wrong leaders are appointed. This iniquity is what Paul warned Timothy about in 1 Timothy chapter 6! Remember well the thieves robbing people in the Temple in the name of “God” in Matthew 21:12-14, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17! The “religious leaders” also cheated widows in Matthew 23:14, Mark 12:40, and Luke 20:47! Such false teachers want the fortunes of those they lead astray (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 16).

Yet, there is more….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #14

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Re-read 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Failure to apply these verses to life by faith, will doubtless bring the contrast and calamity of verse 9: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

“They that will be rich” highlights people’s will or volition—an ambition, desire, objective, goal, aim. They are also described in Proverbs 28:20,22: “…he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent… He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye [envy], and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” They live solely to prosper in the material realm (only temporary!), to the extent of overlooking their needs in the spiritual realm (forever!). “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts [bribes] shall live” (Proverbs 15:27). “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4,5).

The “temptation [enticement] and snare [trap]” of materialism (“I want to get as much money as I can, and retain as much of it as I can!”) means falling into worse sins (namely, “I will go to extreme lengths, even brutal and/or dishonest means, to obtain and keep it!”). Here are the “many foolish and hurtful lusts,” the stupid and harmful or damaging desires (longings, yearnings) that overcome such a person’s heart. The result is like men sinking in water, drowning in “destruction [ruin/death] and perdition [damnation].” How truly awful!

Let us now move on to examining 1 Timothy 6:10 and how it really amplifies the admonition….