I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel" (Psalm 31:12).Psalm 31 is a song of trust. David, who was in constant danger and trouble, always implicitly trusted in God. This is a very encouraging Psalm as a whole. It speaks of great victories and trust in the Lord. It speaks of God strengthening the heart and preserving the faithful. However, in the middle of this encouraging Psalm, we find some verses that that are not very encouraging. … Continue Reading ››
Four Reminders about Our Worship
"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2). "O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3). "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker" (Psalm 95:6).The following thoughts come from a video series by Dr. David Jeremiah entitled, "Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven." His message, "Worship in Heaven," included four points which are extremely practical and relevant to us today. … Continue Reading ››
The Marathon of Faith
THE MARATHON OF FAITH
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).Most of us are familiar with the great Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11. Hebrews 12:1 is a transition verse, as indicated by the opening word, "wherefore." As chapter 12 begins, the writer quits referring to the faith … Continue Reading ››
My Hope Is in the Lord
I have been in full-time ministry now for almost 44 years, a good while perhaps to some and just a short time to others. But I can honestly say that I've never seen times quite as difficult as they are right now. Uncertainty seems to be the watchword for these days we are living in. Devastating earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, civil disturbances, terrorism, health crises, threats of war, and so many more problems seem to be an almost daily occurrence. It looks like the times … Continue Reading ››
Never Forget!
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2).
Eighteen years ago, on September 11, 2001, we witnessed the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the world and the most disastrous foreign attack on American soil since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The images displayed on television screens and in newspapers of the plane hitting the twin towers and their subsequent collapse are forever etched in my mind. But many of the details of that day … Continue Reading ››
God Is Our Hope and Our Help
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).This verse is rich in positive statements about the person and power of the God of this universe for every soul. Notice three things that should give comfort to the heart of every believer and inspire courage and confidence. 1. THE PROTECTION OF GOD IS PROMISED "God is our refuge." The place of safety and security is found in the loving care of God, Who has promised to be with His own (Isaiah 43:2), … Continue Reading ››
The Value of Work
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September, and it celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. The Central Labor Union of New York City observed the first Labor Day in 1882. Laboring men and women took the day off to march through the city streets in parades and then gather in parks for picnics. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.
In 1956, the United States Post Office … Continue Reading ››
What Jesus Saw
"And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following..." (John 1:37-38b).
Seven times it is recorded in the Gospel of John that the Lord Jesus Christ "saw" something which caused Him to act.
First, in the verse referenced above, Jesus saw two of John the Baptist's disciples and invited them to come home with Him. As a result, their lives were changed forever, and they brought others to Jesus!
Second, "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him..." (John 1:47a). Jesus … Continue Reading ››
Amazing Grace!
"But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20b).The biography of John Newton is one of the most well-known in church history. It is the story of how God transformed a blasphemous sailor and slave trader into a godly pastor and influential abolitionist. John Newton is the author of the most famous hymn ever written in the English language - "Amazing Grace." The lyrics tell of a sinner who was once lost, blind, and wretched before being found and rescued through no effort or … Continue Reading ››
Real Success
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (Joshua 1:8).Before beginning his famous franchise, Col. Harland Sanders worked as a streetcar conductor, a railroad fireman, a justice of the peace, an insurance salesman, and held other occupations. In 1930, at the age of forty, he … Continue Reading ››