[B]ut the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits (Daniel 11:32b).Three ideas are contained in this passage. There is the thought of knowing God, being strong, and doing exploits. God's people are characterized by what they know, what they are, and what they do. Christians are to be set apart from the rest of the world in these three respects -- in the matter of knowing, being, and doing. Notice that these three characteristics of the believer are related, for only … Continue Reading ››
The Hope of the Righteous
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death (Proverbs 14:32).What a difference it makes when one knows Jesus Christ! At the time of death, the unbeliever is separated from God - driven away or thrust down - while the believer in Christ has hope. We often employ the word "hope" to express a longing for something for which there is little or no chance. But in biblical terms, hope expresses something completely different. It is an earnest expectation. … Continue Reading ››
The Peace of Christ
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
Have you ever been out at sea during a storm? Those who have say it's a very frightening experience! The waves churn, the thunder rolls, the lightning flashes; yet a hundred feet beneath the surface of the water all is calm and serene.
The peace of Christ is like that. It's not the absence … Continue Reading ››
Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:14)
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, … Continue Reading ››
It’s Time to Praise the Lord
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1).Many years ago a magazine related the story of a young man by the name of Ben who had a habit of grumbling and complaining. He complained about the weather, found fault with his family and friends, and allowed even the smallest things to upset him. Then one day he read this little rhyme: "When you have truly thanked the Lord for every blessing sent, then you'll have very … Continue Reading ››
How to Defeat Depression
"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;" (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).While it is not uncommon for people … Continue Reading ››
America, Return to God!
"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit" (Jeremiah 2:11).Jeremiah, called by God to be a prophet to the nation of Judah, is often called "the weeping prophet" because of his impassioned pleas to his people and their leaders to repent, repeatedly warning them of severe judgment and exile if they did not. For over 40 years, Judah was oppressed and repeatedly plundered by Babylon. Jeremiah tried in vain … Continue Reading ››
We Are Called to be the Evidence
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"(Matthew 5:16).A German historian once said to a Christian, "Show me your redeemed life, and I might be inclined to believe in your Redeemer." That's a pretty straightforward approach, isn't it? If I'm trying to tell you how great my doctor is, and I'm dying under his care, you might question his skill. This is something of the principle that's behind what Jesus said … Continue Reading ››
Gladness in the House of the Lord
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" (Psalm 122:1).
We often invite people to come to church with us, and receive many reasons why they cannot come. There are many people who attend church simply out of obligation or a sense of duty. To them, it's just the right thing to do, so they do it. If we would only realize and help others to realize how much of a joy it should be, not a … Continue Reading ››
Staying by the Stuff
In I Samuel chapter 30, we find David and his men discouraged by the fact that, while they were away, their wives and children had been taken captive by the Amalekites. We read in verse 8 that David inquired of God if he should pursue after the Amalekites, and God told him to do so.
As David and his men began to pursue the enemy, 200 of David's 600 men became so fatigued and faint that they could not continue in the battle, and stayed by … Continue Reading ››