Category: thankfulness

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #13

Monday, September 18, 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!

One of the 18 sins enumerated in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 is “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” In Luke 8:14, when describing how lost Israel will be distracted from believing the Gospel of the Kingdom in the ages to come, the Lord Jesus spoke of “cares and riches and pleasures of this life.” Without a doubt, the rich fool of Luke 12:16-21 and the rich man of Luke 16:19-31 preferred worldly luxury and momentary comforts to the righteousness of God in Christ. Satan’s evil world system is just as alluring in our day. Lost and saved alike are still being sidetracked to concentrate more on temporary matters than eternal ones.

The Holy Spirit through Paul adjusts our thinking. Back to 1 Timothy 6:8, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Another passage Paul wrote regarding contentment is Philippians 4:11-13: “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.” No matter his circumstances or situations (good or bad, abundance or poverty), Paul could be content because Father God had equipped him in Christ to handle all of life’s “ups and downs.” Remember, he was “in bonds” (house-arrest in Rome referenced in Acts 28:30,31) when he penned Philippians (see Philippians 1:7,13,14,16)! Yet, Philippians has well over a dozen verses about joy, joy, joy, JOY!

Yet, what if we fail to adopt this renewed mind and instead take up the world’s viewpoint in all this? Of course, the Holy Spirit anticipated the likelihood His instruction in righteousness would be willfully and totally ignored. Consequently, He issued even more warnings through Paul’s pen….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #12

Sunday, September 17, 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!

Let us keep examining Paul’s words to Timothy: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). Could this be any plainer? We exited our mother’s womb owning nothing, and we will enter our tomb owning nothing! “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (verse 8). Owning basic material goods—something to eat, something to wear, shelter in which to live—is not a sin. These are needs that must be met.

However, human nature is sinful and becomes greedy (see Ephesians 4:19). It is not wrong to enjoy life and material blessings, but there is a substantial difference between this and attempting to fill God’s place with more and more worldly possessions. Remember, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Our spiritual blessings in Christ are ours forever—eternal life, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, forgiveness, acceptance, and so on (see Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:6,7; Colossians 1:14; et al.). Unlike physical possessions, these are true, permanent assets.

Once we are content with Father God and what He has done for us in Christ, we realize He is God and any material goods we have are not (recall Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). With these priorities in order, we can proceed to using our financial resources wisely for His glory….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #11

Saturday, September 16, 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!

Carefully read 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

The Holy Spirit through Paul counsels Timothy (and all Christians, but especially church leaders) to be on guard for false teachers and “from such withdraw thyself [get away from them!]” (verse 5). These charlatans in religion—these so-called “spiritual guides”—are described most vividly. One error motivating them is they are “supposing that gain is godliness” (verse 5). They promote the erroneous concept that any material prosperity, physical increase, or worldly profit is automatic worship of God (that it glorifies Him when someone prospers or increases or profits in the physical realm). Do not forget: these false teachers can “praise the Lord” (HA!) when they swindle their devotees to gain their fortunes!

On the contrary, “the doctrine which is according to godliness” (verse 3) is that which glorifies God and allows us to worship Him. That sound Bible teaching worthy of our trust is provided in Paul’s words to Timothy, including, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (verse 6). To worship the Lord in keeping with Pauline revelation, and to be thankful to our Heavenly Father in all situations and circumstances for what we do have (regardless of amount, little or much), that combination (worship of God and contentment) is true gain, real increase, eternal advantage….

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Praise

Sunday, July 30, 2023

“Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:13 KJV).

Elderly King David is talking to the LORD as young Solomon will soon occupy the throne and build the Temple!

A pastor of many decades once remarked how he had attended countless “prayer services,” hearing and/or taking innumerable prayer requests. Reflecting on all these occasions, he summarized them in the following way: the most common topics were the healing of the sick and the blessings of the healthy! People wanted deliverance from illness, poverty, and so on. However, (he mused) where were the prayers of thanksgiving to God and of praise to God? Prayer had been reduced to an excuse to fulfill selfish purposes, for God had been reduced to Santa Claus!

No matter the place on the Bible timeline, prayer is simply people talking to the Lord in light of His revelation to them. They know—or should know!—what He is doing at that present moment, they speak to Him according to that, and now what He is doing becomes reinforced in their minds and hearts so they can cooperate with Him in doing exactly what He is (the will of God!). Contrary to popular belief, prayer is more than making a “wish list.” When we pray, we should be thanking Father God for His righteousness, goodness, grace, love, mercy, peace, kindness, wisdom, fellowship with us, and so on. Also, we should be striving to seek His glorification, not ours. Let us be mindful chiefly of His words to us, the 13 Pauline epistles of Romans through Philemon, praying in agreement with them above all else.

Read the context of today’s Scripture. In verses 1-9, David addresses Israel, recounting how he has organized supplies for Solomon to erect the Jerusalem Temple, and they subsequently give willingly of their treasures to add to the building. From verses 10-19, David rejoices and praises the LORD in prayer, remembering all natural resources belong to the Creator. In verses 20-25, the Jewish people further celebrate and again recognize Solomon’s right to David’s throne, the LORD magnifying Solomon thereafter. The chapter closes (verses 26-30) with a review of David’s reign and death.

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 29, 2023

“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.

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #10

Thursday, May 4, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

You have no control over losing health, wealth, or loved ones. Fretting will not decrease the likelihoods either. Instead, behold the priority! Before you permanently lose your soul for all eternity—that most dreadful, irreversible process—you need to place your faith exclusively in the fact Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Then, you can join the Apostle Paul in saying: “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep [guard, preserve] that which I have committed unto him against that day” (today’s Scripture).

As opposed to going to great lengths to extend the longevity of these physical bodies—which are still destined for the cemetery!—we should focus more on our bodily resurrection to come (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:5; Philippians 3:20,21). We should be building up our inner man, soul and spirit, renewing it day by day with sound Bible doctrine. Instead of hoarding our earthly riches—which we will lose anyway!—we should rather use our resources to selflessly help those who are less fortunate (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19). What we will take with us to Heaven is not material goods at all, but spiritual wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and spiritual understanding that we acquired here during our earthly sojourn (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10; Colossians 3:23-25). Though we will lose our family members and friends, we still have everlasting fellowship with Father God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all believers throughout the ages. Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39—read verses 31-39 for the context).

“Be careful [worrisome, anxious] 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 [guard, preserve] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #9

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

If enough time elapses, we will lose our health, wealth, and loved ones. Sin is thief, mercilessly stealing them all, and Paul in today’s Scripture was very well acquainted with that. He also knew there was one thing he would never lose: his soul was secure in Christ, and the Lord would “keep” (guard) it, no matter all the earthly losses he endured before reaching Heaven.

When describing the materialism and idolatry afflicting His nation, Israel, the Lord Jesus stated: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25,26). “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37).

The above words highlight the severity of the penalty unbelievers will face in eternity future. To “gain the whole world” means they were so attached to the treasures and pleasures of earthly life—cooperating with Satan’s policy of evil (which the Antichrist will personify). They had a merry, prosperous life without God. They certainly did not want to die for Him either. In contrast, the believers in Christ chose to be people of faith—even when it meant perishing as martyrs. Whereas the believers will experience perpetual gain (true life, eternal life), the unbelievers will suffer permanent loss (second death; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8). They “lose their soul”—their identity, becoming nobodies in the Lake of Fire, separated from God forever (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 14:9-11).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #8

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Since people usually think about just this life—not the afterlife—they endeavor to preserve and extend earthly life and pleasures as long as possible. In their “Heaven on Earth,” they do whatever they can to accumulate as much wealth as they can; take numerous vitamins and supplements to perpetuate their weakening and aging bodies; and flatter, bribe, or compromise to maintain relationships with family and friends. However, in the end, physical death will take it all away!

“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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:22-25).

Here are three passages to orient us toward the afterlife….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #7

Monday, May 1, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Philippians 4:11-13: “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] 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. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Paul had experienced the full gamut—having all and having nothing, fed and hungry, and so on. No matter his circumstances, he learned something: be content, be grateful, be thankful. His God was with him through it all, good and bad; Christ had strengthened him in every situation, reminding him not to rely on self but on Him!

Notice verse 8, the context of today’s Scripture: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Paul was in a Roman prison, anticipating his execution, for the Lord’s sake. “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things…” (verse 11 plus a portion of today’s Scripture).

Paul had been prosperous as Saul of Tarsus, a false teacher in Judaism (see Galatians 1:13,14)—now he had nothing in his prison cell. He had countless Christian “friends” in Asia Minor or Turkey—now they had forsaken him (2 Timothy 1:15). Soon, he would be dead—his health permanently taken from him. Fully aware of all these realities, he penned, “Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Herein is adult Christian thinking….

A Lesson from Les

Friday, April 14, 2023

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV).

Recently, a dear brother in Christ, who was highly influential in my early ministry, graduated to Heaven.

Brother Les Feldick reintroduced my family and I to Bible study after we had been out of church for some years. We had believed the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) more than a decade earlier, and we had a basic Bible understanding, but our spiritual insight was limited because of denominationalism. Brother Les helped point us to dispensational Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15). Another brother’s ministry, months later, fine-tuned our right division.

Despite our doctrinal differences, Brother Les and I met in person during the summers of 2007, 2008, and 2009. My parents and I attended three taping sessions of his Bible study television program in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We were invited to eat a meal at his ranch, and met his wife Iris, their paralyzed daughter Laura, their grandson Jesse (we are the same age), and various office workers. It was wonderful Christian fellowship. These last few years, however, Brother Les suffered many increasingly debilitating health problems, and he finally moved to be with our Lord Jesus Christ just a few months shy of age 96!

Long ago, Brother Les gave me, a young man just entering ministry, the following advice: “Shawn, just get them to think. You do not have to convince them of the truth. Simply give them the sound Bible doctrine so they can think about it. The rest is up to them.” This is but one simple lesson from Brother Les. We can always be thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for the men and women He used mightily to bring us where we are in our spiritual development. Like we, they are feeble and limited…. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). One day, that same power of God will reunite us with these departed saints (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)!

-IN MEMORIAM-
Brother Les Feldick
June 6, 1927–April 5, 2023
“Salvation = Faith + Nothing”