Yes, I know the Washington Parish Free Fair is happening just after this issue is published and we will be camping out there. This is our one annual time to take the week off and relax spending time with great grand-children. And yes, this month is also noted for Halloween (I know all you Christians shudder when that word is mentioned). We however celebrate our oldest great-granddaughter Isabella’s birthday on that day, who was born by being labor-induced October 31 five years ago. We couldn’t talk the doctor out of his (I guess) golf game the next day or she could have been born Nov. 1, All Saints Day.
In some other ways this has not been the greatest year for our family. My youngest sister Gayle passed away in April and wife Linda’s youngest sister Vicky passed away last month. It’s hard to lose anyone you know, but especially those relatives so close to your heart. In past years, I’ve lost both parents Charles and Mary and Linda has lost her father Nelson and a child, fifteen-year-old Khristy. Thankfully there is not a rule that says people should die in the order of their birth or we would know each time who was going next. “No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say-so regarding the day of death . .” - Ecclesiastes 8:8-MESSAGE.
The Bible has many verses to consider when reaching our final days: Some good advice to us came from prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah who became deathly sick. He said: “. . . Put your affairs in order; you’re about to die–you haven’t long to live.” - 2 Kings 20:1-MESSAGE.
When talking about final days I always like to read Biblical Job and in these verses he is speaking out loud hoping God is listening: (5) “Mortals have a limited life span. You’ve already decided how long we’ll live–you set the boundary and no one can cross it. (6) So why not give us a break? Ease up! Even ditch-diggers get occasional days off. (7) For a tree there is always hope. Chop it down and it still has a chance– its roots can put out fresh sprouts. (8) Even if its roots are old and gnarled, its stump long dormant. (9) At the first whiff of water it comes to life, buds and grows like a sapling. (10) But men and women? They die and stay dead.” - Job 14:5-10-MESSAGE.
Both our sisters suffered long before passing. My sister Gayle was handicapped throughout her life on one side with a paralyzed arm and leg, but finally succumbed to cancer. Linda’s sister Vicky suffered with liver disease and being a long-time transplant patient was required to take anti-rejection drugs all her adult life until it finally failed. Neither ever complained about their situations. King David wrote these words: “For as long as I remember I’ve been hurting; I’ve taken the worst you can hand out, and I’ve had it.” - Psalms 88:15-MESSAGE. In my opinion this next verse applies to both: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” - Psalms 115:15-NIV.
Attending funerals make us face reality that death is inevitable: (1) “A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date. (2) You learn more at a funeral than at a feast– After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover something from it.” - Ecclesiastes 7:1-2-MESSAGE.
When you live right and are right with God there is nothing to fear because there is peace in death: “The right-living people are out of their misery, they’re finally at rest. They lived well and with dignity and now they’re finally at peace.” - Isaiah 57:2-MESSAGE.
October 16, 2010
'It's Working For My Good' by Minister Frankie L. Crosby
Romans 8:28-31
To God be the glory and to my pastor, Dr. Mallery Callahan, Pastor, Sweet Rest MB Church, Franklinton,La; Pray for me as i hope this devotional touches someone, somewhere, no matter where you are in your walk w/Christ.
Here in these few passages of scripture, the Apostle Paul lets us know: 1. we have been called. 2.we have been justified. and 3. we have been glorified. we have been made right with God by faith (Roms.5:1) No matter what you are going thru today, you have and can have peace w/God! The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. The word "called" means: you are set apart, invited, summoned......you are called to be a child of God! Jer. 1:5 says: " before i formed you in your mother's womb, i knew you...." Jesus knew you and He knew me before we were even born......that's something to shout about!!!! He loves you and cares for you. Is. 54:17 says: " No weapon that is formed against us will prosper"!! No matter what the devil, life, or the enemy throws our way, God is there! God is on our side.....God will fight all your battles!!! "the battle is the Lord's"! You can rest assured that "it's working for my good". God will not leave you or forsake you(heb. 13.5,Gen. 28:15). When life throws u a curve ball, what do u do? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind."If God be for you-who can be against you?! God tells Joshua in Jos. 1:5: " as i was with Moses, so shall i be with you".....Jesus will always be with us....."Greater is He that is in Him, than He that is in the world"....we are more than conquerors with Jesus on our side. God is working to make things work out for our "GOOD'....sickness, heartache, set-backs, disappointments.....they all work out for our '''''good""......It can only work out if you love God/are called by Him....Have you answered the "call"? Please take a few minutes and ask the Lord into your life and your heart.....He's a just God....He's a faithful God...and, He's waiting on you!!! won't you come-----COME TO JESUS TODAY, JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!!! God bless you and your family!!!!
MIN. FRANKIE L. CROSBY
ASSOC., Sweet Rest MB Church
Franklinton, LA
To God be the glory and to my pastor, Dr. Mallery Callahan, Pastor, Sweet Rest MB Church, Franklinton,La; Pray for me as i hope this devotional touches someone, somewhere, no matter where you are in your walk w/Christ.
Here in these few passages of scripture, the Apostle Paul lets us know: 1. we have been called. 2.we have been justified. and 3. we have been glorified. we have been made right with God by faith (Roms.5:1) No matter what you are going thru today, you have and can have peace w/God! The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. The word "called" means: you are set apart, invited, summoned......you are called to be a child of God! Jer. 1:5 says: " before i formed you in your mother's womb, i knew you...." Jesus knew you and He knew me before we were even born......that's something to shout about!!!! He loves you and cares for you. Is. 54:17 says: " No weapon that is formed against us will prosper"!! No matter what the devil, life, or the enemy throws our way, God is there! God is on our side.....God will fight all your battles!!! "the battle is the Lord's"! You can rest assured that "it's working for my good". God will not leave you or forsake you(heb. 13.5,Gen. 28:15). When life throws u a curve ball, what do u do? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind."If God be for you-who can be against you?! God tells Joshua in Jos. 1:5: " as i was with Moses, so shall i be with you".....Jesus will always be with us....."Greater is He that is in Him, than He that is in the world"....we are more than conquerors with Jesus on our side. God is working to make things work out for our "GOOD'....sickness, heartache, set-backs, disappointments.....they all work out for our '''''good""......It can only work out if you love God/are called by Him....Have you answered the "call"? Please take a few minutes and ask the Lord into your life and your heart.....He's a just God....He's a faithful God...and, He's waiting on you!!! won't you come-----COME TO JESUS TODAY, JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!!! God bless you and your family!!!!
MIN. FRANKIE L. CROSBY
ASSOC., Sweet Rest MB Church
Franklinton, LA
The Year Of Miracles By Dr. Mallery Callahan
When we are faced with a great need, either for ourselves or for others, we should begin by humbly seeking to know God’s will in the matter. Praying for a miracle is welcoming a gift of the Holy Spirit to manifest. When His will is to work one, He will witness that to your heart. Then you can ask Him to perform the miracle that you know He wants to bring about. believe in your heart that it has already happened! With the anointing of faith that God gives you, speak it forth. But remember, miracles come by faith in God’s present power not human works or will power.
When we are worried, upset, or depressed, all we are really doing is delaying God in bring the victory. When you are going through a tough time in your life, even if you don’t feel like keeping a positive attitude. You don’t have to fight this battle. Stand still and you will see the deliverance of the Lord.
When negative thoughts come, reject them and replace them with God’s thoughts. When you’re in the attitude of faith, you are opening the door for God to work in your situation. You may not see anything happening with your natural eyes, but don’t let that discourage you. GOD IS AT WORK. God will bring you out with Victory.
DR. Mallery Callahan
Pastor, Sweet Rest M.B.C.
Franklinton, La.
When we are worried, upset, or depressed, all we are really doing is delaying God in bring the victory. When you are going through a tough time in your life, even if you don’t feel like keeping a positive attitude. You don’t have to fight this battle. Stand still and you will see the deliverance of the Lord.
When negative thoughts come, reject them and replace them with God’s thoughts. When you’re in the attitude of faith, you are opening the door for God to work in your situation. You may not see anything happening with your natural eyes, but don’t let that discourage you. GOD IS AT WORK. God will bring you out with Victory.
DR. Mallery Callahan
Pastor, Sweet Rest M.B.C.
Franklinton, La.
What God Wants From His People By Burdette Thomas
We are going to take this weeks study to help us see what God wants from his people. We like to live our lives the way we want too. As a child of God, we should want to please him. Besides after we are saved we are not of ourselves but we belong to him. The reason for this is because he paid a great price for us. He gave his only begotten Son to die on Calvary that we might have eternal life. We wonder in the day in which we live why we are not blessed no more than we are. Have you ever though that we might not be living the life that God wants us to live. Maybe we are not living a life that he can bless. You see for God to bless his people there are some things we must do. I would like for us to look at some scriptures in the Bible to help us see what God wants from us. First I would like for us to look at 2 Chron. 7:14, “ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14 (KJV)
Here in this verse we find what it takes for us to get a prayer through to God. We find that first off all we need to realize that we are the people that are called by his name. God is talking to the saved. The people that have been born again washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. He is not talking to people that are not saved. He is not talking about those that are out here in the world. He is talking about his people. When you begin to look around us today we will find we as the people of God are not where our forefathers were. If you would take time to talk to some of the elderly Christians you find that they were closer to God back thirty, fifty years ago. So we wonder what happen. Could it be God has changed and we as his people don’t know what he wants? I believe it is that we as his people have changed and left God out of the picture. I know it is not God because he never changes. 6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Mal 3:5-6 (KJV)
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Heb 13:8 (KJV)
So we are the people of God. We are the redeemed. The called out, the chosen ones of God. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (KJV)
I have seen a lot of changes in my life time. Some have been for the better but some have been for the worst. So as the people of God the first thing he tells us that we need to do is humble ourselves. This is something most people find hard to do. Some think that to be humble means you are weak, but this is not true. I would rather be weak in body and be strong in the Lord. Let us look and see what some of the scriptures tell us. 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Prov 16:18-19 (KJV)
15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:14-15 (KJV)
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:5-6 (KJV)
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV)
These are just a few scriptures that we can look at and find that God wants us to be humble. The second thing we are to do is pray. There are so many people in the world that claim to be a child of God but never bow their heads in prayer. They never say grace before a meal. That lets me know that they are not thankful for what God has given them. So I ask us how is our prayer life. First of all a lot of times we don’t even know what to pray for. Jesus taught us in His word how we should pray. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt 6:5-15 (KJV)
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph 6:18 (KJV)
17 Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17 (KJV)
Prayer is our only means of talking with God. We always pray in the name of Jesus. When we pray we must seek after the Lord. We must clear our hearts and minds of all the worldly things and pray earnest to him seek his face. Then we must turn away from our wicked ways. God will answer our prayer if try to hold on to the things of the world. We must turn lose of it all and seek him with our whole heart. After all of this is done then will God hear our prayer. God will hear and answer prayer like he did in days of old, with men like Abraham, Moses, David, the three Hebrew children, Daniel and a church that meet together and prayed with ceasing for one of their brothers who was in jail. When God hears our prayer and answers it, it makes us feel good. He said that when we did things his way he would hear and that he would heal. Look around us today and see if there is any healing that needs to be done. Then ask yourself am I doing all I can for the church I attend. Am I doing every thing for my family? Am I doing all I can for my country. People if there is anything to be done it have to be done Gods way.
Yours in Christ
Elder Burdette Thomas
Here in this verse we find what it takes for us to get a prayer through to God. We find that first off all we need to realize that we are the people that are called by his name. God is talking to the saved. The people that have been born again washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. He is not talking to people that are not saved. He is not talking about those that are out here in the world. He is talking about his people. When you begin to look around us today we will find we as the people of God are not where our forefathers were. If you would take time to talk to some of the elderly Christians you find that they were closer to God back thirty, fifty years ago. So we wonder what happen. Could it be God has changed and we as his people don’t know what he wants? I believe it is that we as his people have changed and left God out of the picture. I know it is not God because he never changes. 6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Mal 3:5-6 (KJV)
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Heb 13:8 (KJV)
So we are the people of God. We are the redeemed. The called out, the chosen ones of God. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (KJV)
I have seen a lot of changes in my life time. Some have been for the better but some have been for the worst. So as the people of God the first thing he tells us that we need to do is humble ourselves. This is something most people find hard to do. Some think that to be humble means you are weak, but this is not true. I would rather be weak in body and be strong in the Lord. Let us look and see what some of the scriptures tell us. 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Prov 16:18-19 (KJV)
15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:14-15 (KJV)
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:5-6 (KJV)
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV)
These are just a few scriptures that we can look at and find that God wants us to be humble. The second thing we are to do is pray. There are so many people in the world that claim to be a child of God but never bow their heads in prayer. They never say grace before a meal. That lets me know that they are not thankful for what God has given them. So I ask us how is our prayer life. First of all a lot of times we don’t even know what to pray for. Jesus taught us in His word how we should pray. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt 6:5-15 (KJV)
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph 6:18 (KJV)
17 Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17 (KJV)
Prayer is our only means of talking with God. We always pray in the name of Jesus. When we pray we must seek after the Lord. We must clear our hearts and minds of all the worldly things and pray earnest to him seek his face. Then we must turn away from our wicked ways. God will answer our prayer if try to hold on to the things of the world. We must turn lose of it all and seek him with our whole heart. After all of this is done then will God hear our prayer. God will hear and answer prayer like he did in days of old, with men like Abraham, Moses, David, the three Hebrew children, Daniel and a church that meet together and prayed with ceasing for one of their brothers who was in jail. When God hears our prayer and answers it, it makes us feel good. He said that when we did things his way he would hear and that he would heal. Look around us today and see if there is any healing that needs to be done. Then ask yourself am I doing all I can for the church I attend. Am I doing every thing for my family? Am I doing all I can for my country. People if there is anything to be done it have to be done Gods way.
Yours in Christ
Elder Burdette Thomas
JERUSALEM By Joyce Mizell
Years ago Ms. Anna Foster requested a song on my radio program. The name of the song was Jerusalem. I could feel in my spirit how important the song was to her, although I never met the lady. Most of the lyrics were in Hebrew. Today while putting this article together thoughts of Ms. Anna and the song are in my memory bank.
History reveals the fact that many mighty empires have fallen. Jerusalem has survived through the years. It’s a gallery of past history and a symbol of hope for the future. When King David made Jerusalem the capital it became world history. However, before it was the capital our Bible tells us plenty about Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love her. Psalm 122:6 The Lord will extend peace to her like a flowing stream he will give peace. Isa.66:12
When Christ fills the second temple the glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former saith the Lord of host. Hag. 2:9
The book of Ezekiel tells us that Ezekiel witnessed the departure of the glory of the Lord departing from off the threshold of the house and stood over the cherubims. Ezek. 10:18 Abraham looked for the city whose builder and maker is God. Heb 11:10
Rev. 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down our of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my name. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. What a tranquil picture of the New Jerusalem!
The past Edemic curse spoken about in Gen. 3: 14 -19 will be gone forever. The Saints will serve God and reign with him forever. Daniel 7: 18, 27 The glory of God will make other sources of light unnecessary.
The return of Jesus Christ can happen at any moment! He will return for his bride, the Church. Lets give some thought to the New Jerusalem The blessings of God’s beautiful city is for those who obey his word. God has called us to holiness.
Our Lord is coming back to earth again to gather his own He will gather those who are alive but does not want us to be ignorant about those in the graves. The dead in Christ will rise to be with the Lord. Just think for a moment about Jesus descending from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then those alive will be caught up. Are we watching and waiting for the return of Christ?
History reveals the fact that many mighty empires have fallen. Jerusalem has survived through the years. It’s a gallery of past history and a symbol of hope for the future. When King David made Jerusalem the capital it became world history. However, before it was the capital our Bible tells us plenty about Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love her. Psalm 122:6 The Lord will extend peace to her like a flowing stream he will give peace. Isa.66:12
When Christ fills the second temple the glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former saith the Lord of host. Hag. 2:9
The book of Ezekiel tells us that Ezekiel witnessed the departure of the glory of the Lord departing from off the threshold of the house and stood over the cherubims. Ezek. 10:18 Abraham looked for the city whose builder and maker is God. Heb 11:10
Rev. 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down our of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my name. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. What a tranquil picture of the New Jerusalem!
The past Edemic curse spoken about in Gen. 3: 14 -19 will be gone forever. The Saints will serve God and reign with him forever. Daniel 7: 18, 27 The glory of God will make other sources of light unnecessary.
The return of Jesus Christ can happen at any moment! He will return for his bride, the Church. Lets give some thought to the New Jerusalem The blessings of God’s beautiful city is for those who obey his word. God has called us to holiness.
Our Lord is coming back to earth again to gather his own He will gather those who are alive but does not want us to be ignorant about those in the graves. The dead in Christ will rise to be with the Lord. Just think for a moment about Jesus descending from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then those alive will be caught up. Are we watching and waiting for the return of Christ?
October 9, 2010
Rimes With Reason by Charles Rimes - Oct. 1st Edition
Looking at our calendars, we have seven long months each with 31 days and five shorter ones with 30 days or less. This month of October is a long one and one of the better ones in my opinion. Weather now has a chance of getting cooler, while God’s handiwork and glory this month give our trees, flowers and roadside plants beautiful colors. The problem is that these colors are short-lived. They briefly beautify our forests, yards and roadways, and then ‘poof’, they are gone when cold air reaches them. Where we live, our seasonal weather change keeps us looking forward to what’s coming next, but grass or weed growth and leaves falling creates work and problems outside our homes. Even though temperatures sometimes hang on we are still thankful for short and defined seasons unlike some places having only one temperate zone like those living near the equator or closer to the polar caps.
Our Bible has many features and references about shortness, brevity, including abbreviated stories. Here are a few: This is a short six word obituary: “. . .There Miriam died and was buried.” - Numbers 20:1-NIV. I like to read about Biblical Job because he toughed it out, hung in there and came out better in the end. Here, he has momentary joy: “Are not my days almost over? Turn away from me so I can have a moment’s joy.”- Job 10:20-NIV. Job also had great wisdom. He seemed to know comparatively that life on earth is like a fleeting shadow: (1) “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble (2) He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.” Job 14:1-2-NIV.
This is one of the shortest stories in the Bible: (14) “There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: (15) Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. (16) Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.”- Ecclesiastes 9:14-16-KJV. Also, there are several brief single-chapter Books in the Bible. These are: Obadiah 1-21; Philemon 1-21; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-14 and Jude 1:25. The shortest chapter in the Bible is Jeremiah 45:1-5.
Jesus, with authority, gave a short two-word command: “And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.”- Mark 2:14-KJV. At a very young age, when I first started learning and memorizing Bible verses I could always get by quoting the shortest verse in the Bible -- a two-word verse: “Jesus wept”-John 11:35-KJV.
Here is a profound truth for us Gentiles stated briefly: (1) “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles (2) Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, (3) that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation . . . ”- Ephesians 3:1-3-NIV. There were ten kings with the shortest reign: (12) “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast (13) They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.”- Revelation 17:12-13-NIV.
Finally, here is the most important short sentence and verse in the Bible “ . . . Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”- Ecclesiastes 12:12-13-KJV.
Our Bible has many features and references about shortness, brevity, including abbreviated stories. Here are a few: This is a short six word obituary: “. . .There Miriam died and was buried.” - Numbers 20:1-NIV. I like to read about Biblical Job because he toughed it out, hung in there and came out better in the end. Here, he has momentary joy: “Are not my days almost over? Turn away from me so I can have a moment’s joy.”- Job 10:20-NIV. Job also had great wisdom. He seemed to know comparatively that life on earth is like a fleeting shadow: (1) “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble (2) He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.” Job 14:1-2-NIV.
This is one of the shortest stories in the Bible: (14) “There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: (15) Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. (16) Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.”- Ecclesiastes 9:14-16-KJV. Also, there are several brief single-chapter Books in the Bible. These are: Obadiah 1-21; Philemon 1-21; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-14 and Jude 1:25. The shortest chapter in the Bible is Jeremiah 45:1-5.
Jesus, with authority, gave a short two-word command: “And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.”- Mark 2:14-KJV. At a very young age, when I first started learning and memorizing Bible verses I could always get by quoting the shortest verse in the Bible -- a two-word verse: “Jesus wept”-John 11:35-KJV.
Here is a profound truth for us Gentiles stated briefly: (1) “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles (2) Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, (3) that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation . . . ”- Ephesians 3:1-3-NIV. There were ten kings with the shortest reign: (12) “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast (13) They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.”- Revelation 17:12-13-NIV.
Finally, here is the most important short sentence and verse in the Bible “ . . . Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”- Ecclesiastes 12:12-13-KJV.
God Changes Lives by Elder Burdette Thomas
This week we are going to look at a subject that will change a person’s life. When a person gets saved their lives change. They will be like the apostle Paul. He said after he got saved that the things he once loved he now hated and the things he once hated he now loved. So you see salvation will bring about a change in a persons life. We are not to judge a person but we can look for fruit in their lives. There are many people who claim to be a Christian but you see no fruit in their lives. There has not been a change. They still say and do the same things they have always done. So the Bible tells us to look for fruit. “15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt 7:15-20 (KJV)
Jesus is teaching us here that if you are saved things will be different in your life. He uses natural illustrations to get this lesson over to you and me. When one gets saved he is a new creature in Christ Jesus. “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)
SO after salvation Jesus makes all things new so we have a new beginning. Things change and we should be a different person. There are people in the Bible that bear this out. In John Chapter 4 it tells us of a woman that came to the well to draw water. She received more than just water that day but she received living water. She was saved. This woman had never thought about Jesus. Now she was face to face with the Master. He told her of her life which this astonished her. A stranger knew every thing about her. “16 Jesus saith unto her, ‘Go, call thy husband, and come hither.’ 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, ‘Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly’”. John 4:16-18 (KJV)
After Jesus talked with this woman she asks him for that living water which he gave to her. This woman’s heart was changed. She went out to tell others about Jesus. 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? John 4:29 (KJV)
Many believed in Jesus because of this woman’s testimony. You have to understand these people knew this woman and the kind of life she was living. Now when she came to them they saw a difference in her. They saw something in her that they had never seen before. In Luke Chapter 19 we find a man by the name of Zaccheus that had got saved and a change took place in his life. “1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.’ 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, ‘This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Luke 19:1-10 (KJV)
You see this man got a good doss of God’s salvation. I feel that there are a lot of people today that what they need is a good doss of salvation. This man was willing to give half of his goods to the poor and if he had taken anything from any man by false accusation he was willing to restore him fourfold. This mans life had changed. We live in a time when some people all they think about are themselves. Everything is about themselves. Maybe these people need what Zacchaeus got. A good doss of God’s salvation. I tell you it will make a change in your life. In Acts 9 we read about a Pharisee by the name of Saul. “1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,” Acts 9:1 (KJV)
This man fought as hard as any body against God and His people. Saul was going to Damascus to punish the people of God there. But on the road to Damascus God saved this man named Saul. “4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?’ 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.’ 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, ‘Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.’” Acts 9:4-6 (KJV)
God sent him to a man named Ananias there he was to learn what he was to do. This Saul who God changed his name to Paul was used of God to preach the gospel and write many books of the New Testament. This mans life was changed after he meet the Master. I am well aware that a person can lose the joy of their salvation. You cannot lose the salvation but you can the joy. The way we lose the joy is by turning away from God and everything that He is. When this happens I feel people are most miserable. There are a lot of people out there that looks like they have lost their joy. They have lost their song. You might even say their wood is so wet that you never could get a fire built. There is a man in the Bible by the name of David that lost his joy. “7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalms 51:7-13 (KJV)
There are people who say they have been saved but never tell anyone. People I am not ashamed of my salvation or my Jesus. If you are saved you should want to tell everyone we meet.
I trust that this has been a blessing to each one of you that reads it. If you are saved see if there has been a change in your life. Everyone one of us at one point and time in our lives has tried to change the way we were living. It might have lasted for a little while but things would soon return to the old ways. Believe me when God changes a life it is changed. May God bless you.
Yours in Christ
Elder Burdette Thomas
Jesus is teaching us here that if you are saved things will be different in your life. He uses natural illustrations to get this lesson over to you and me. When one gets saved he is a new creature in Christ Jesus. “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)
SO after salvation Jesus makes all things new so we have a new beginning. Things change and we should be a different person. There are people in the Bible that bear this out. In John Chapter 4 it tells us of a woman that came to the well to draw water. She received more than just water that day but she received living water. She was saved. This woman had never thought about Jesus. Now she was face to face with the Master. He told her of her life which this astonished her. A stranger knew every thing about her. “16 Jesus saith unto her, ‘Go, call thy husband, and come hither.’ 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, ‘Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly’”. John 4:16-18 (KJV)
After Jesus talked with this woman she asks him for that living water which he gave to her. This woman’s heart was changed. She went out to tell others about Jesus. 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? John 4:29 (KJV)
Many believed in Jesus because of this woman’s testimony. You have to understand these people knew this woman and the kind of life she was living. Now when she came to them they saw a difference in her. They saw something in her that they had never seen before. In Luke Chapter 19 we find a man by the name of Zaccheus that had got saved and a change took place in his life. “1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.’ 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, ‘This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Luke 19:1-10 (KJV)
You see this man got a good doss of God’s salvation. I feel that there are a lot of people today that what they need is a good doss of salvation. This man was willing to give half of his goods to the poor and if he had taken anything from any man by false accusation he was willing to restore him fourfold. This mans life had changed. We live in a time when some people all they think about are themselves. Everything is about themselves. Maybe these people need what Zacchaeus got. A good doss of God’s salvation. I tell you it will make a change in your life. In Acts 9 we read about a Pharisee by the name of Saul. “1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,” Acts 9:1 (KJV)
This man fought as hard as any body against God and His people. Saul was going to Damascus to punish the people of God there. But on the road to Damascus God saved this man named Saul. “4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?’ 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.’ 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, ‘Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.’” Acts 9:4-6 (KJV)
God sent him to a man named Ananias there he was to learn what he was to do. This Saul who God changed his name to Paul was used of God to preach the gospel and write many books of the New Testament. This mans life was changed after he meet the Master. I am well aware that a person can lose the joy of their salvation. You cannot lose the salvation but you can the joy. The way we lose the joy is by turning away from God and everything that He is. When this happens I feel people are most miserable. There are a lot of people out there that looks like they have lost their joy. They have lost their song. You might even say their wood is so wet that you never could get a fire built. There is a man in the Bible by the name of David that lost his joy. “7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalms 51:7-13 (KJV)
There are people who say they have been saved but never tell anyone. People I am not ashamed of my salvation or my Jesus. If you are saved you should want to tell everyone we meet.
I trust that this has been a blessing to each one of you that reads it. If you are saved see if there has been a change in your life. Everyone one of us at one point and time in our lives has tried to change the way we were living. It might have lasted for a little while but things would soon return to the old ways. Believe me when God changes a life it is changed. May God bless you.
Yours in Christ
Elder Burdette Thomas
Abusing Grace -Matthew 21:12-16 by Rev. Chad Jenkins
Are you a grace abuser? I look around today, and it seems more and more that folks are living for the moment. “If it feels good, do it!” is their battle cry. The trouble with that idea is that there is pleasure in sin for a season. Often times what feels right at the moment can have huge consequences down the road. So we compromise our solid footing in the Word and justify our sins, trying to convince ourselves that the Lord “understands.” We begin to develop a “flexible morality.” Sometimes we are faithful, and sometimes we are not.
Please understand, I am glad to live under the grace and mercy of Christ. I am humbled that he would accept me, stained as I am, and wash me clean in the blood of Calvary. Sometimes though, I think we neglect to see the balance of grace and justice in Christ. The Gospel of John says that Jesus grew up before men “full of grace and truth.” The grace we like, but the truth hurts. If we took a poll today, I think the vast majority of us would admit that we don’t consider the justice of the Lord nearly as much as His grace. We want the Lord to take as we are, and He does, but then we don’t want Him to change us. We still want it our way.
This is not a new thing. Paul warned the believers of his day not to use grace as a license to sin. He could see the writing on the wall. He understood human nature. We want to know just how close we can get to sin and still be saved from it. Jesus made it clear that we either stand with Him or against Him. He said that no man can serve two masters. In the world, and the church for that matter, we see the trappings of the world. “What’s in it for me?” “How do I benefit from denying myself!?!?”
We have a clear picture in the Bible of what Jesus thought of “flexible morality.” Read Matthew 21:12-16:
12Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13”It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' " 14ÊThe blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise' ?"
Jesus had no room for idolatry in the temple. If we consider that the Bible says our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Spirit,” then it stands to reason we should not allow idolatry in our lives. His concern was that God’s people spend time in a relationship with their heavenly Father, not going through a bunch of religious motions. Certainly he didn’t care for an admission fee at the gates of the temple.
We don’t like to see this side of Jesus. We prefer to see Him in a Renaissance painting, with wispy hair and trickle of blood on His brow. We get uncomfortable at the idea of Jesus, a masculine and sweaty carpenter, coming into our house and turning over the tables of our unfaithfulness. We want to talk about Jesus when it’s comfortable, call on Him when we have a need, and keep Him out of our business the rest of the time. That is flexible morality.
I read a story several years ago, and have kept it and referred to it many times. It really helps me understand the arrogance of selective faith and weak morals. In 1992, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Dennis Curtis was arrested for armed robbery. Though he had broken the law of the land, Dennis apparently had his code of ethics. The police found a folded piece of paper in his pocket with a list of “rules” he had for himself:
1) I will not kill anyone unless I have to.
2) I will take cash and food stamps--no checks
3) I will rob only at night.
4) I will not wear a mask.
5) I will not rob mini-marts or 7-eleven stores.
6) If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line.
7) I will rob only seven months out of the year.
8) I will enjoy robbing from the rich to give to the poor.
` This thief had a sense of morality, but it was flawed. When he stood before the court, he was not judged by his standards he had set for himself but by the higher law of the state. Likewise, when we stand before the Lord we will not be judged by the code of morality we have written for ourselves but by God’s perfect law.
So, where do you stand? Are you letting the perfect law of the Lord guide you, or are you carrying around your own list of what is right and wrong?
Please understand, I am glad to live under the grace and mercy of Christ. I am humbled that he would accept me, stained as I am, and wash me clean in the blood of Calvary. Sometimes though, I think we neglect to see the balance of grace and justice in Christ. The Gospel of John says that Jesus grew up before men “full of grace and truth.” The grace we like, but the truth hurts. If we took a poll today, I think the vast majority of us would admit that we don’t consider the justice of the Lord nearly as much as His grace. We want the Lord to take as we are, and He does, but then we don’t want Him to change us. We still want it our way.
This is not a new thing. Paul warned the believers of his day not to use grace as a license to sin. He could see the writing on the wall. He understood human nature. We want to know just how close we can get to sin and still be saved from it. Jesus made it clear that we either stand with Him or against Him. He said that no man can serve two masters. In the world, and the church for that matter, we see the trappings of the world. “What’s in it for me?” “How do I benefit from denying myself!?!?”
We have a clear picture in the Bible of what Jesus thought of “flexible morality.” Read Matthew 21:12-16:
12Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13”It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' " 14ÊThe blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise' ?"
Jesus had no room for idolatry in the temple. If we consider that the Bible says our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Spirit,” then it stands to reason we should not allow idolatry in our lives. His concern was that God’s people spend time in a relationship with their heavenly Father, not going through a bunch of religious motions. Certainly he didn’t care for an admission fee at the gates of the temple.
We don’t like to see this side of Jesus. We prefer to see Him in a Renaissance painting, with wispy hair and trickle of blood on His brow. We get uncomfortable at the idea of Jesus, a masculine and sweaty carpenter, coming into our house and turning over the tables of our unfaithfulness. We want to talk about Jesus when it’s comfortable, call on Him when we have a need, and keep Him out of our business the rest of the time. That is flexible morality.
I read a story several years ago, and have kept it and referred to it many times. It really helps me understand the arrogance of selective faith and weak morals. In 1992, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Dennis Curtis was arrested for armed robbery. Though he had broken the law of the land, Dennis apparently had his code of ethics. The police found a folded piece of paper in his pocket with a list of “rules” he had for himself:
1) I will not kill anyone unless I have to.
2) I will take cash and food stamps--no checks
3) I will rob only at night.
4) I will not wear a mask.
5) I will not rob mini-marts or 7-eleven stores.
6) If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line.
7) I will rob only seven months out of the year.
8) I will enjoy robbing from the rich to give to the poor.
` This thief had a sense of morality, but it was flawed. When he stood before the court, he was not judged by his standards he had set for himself but by the higher law of the state. Likewise, when we stand before the Lord we will not be judged by the code of morality we have written for ourselves but by God’s perfect law.
So, where do you stand? Are you letting the perfect law of the Lord guide you, or are you carrying around your own list of what is right and wrong?
Good Morning Denominational Christian by Richard Spurlock
Intro:
I felt great urgency to place this in the September 16th Edition, but for the lack of space it had to wait until now... A few days later another Devotional Seven Marks Of A Bible Christian By John Lavier crossed my path and I understood why it had to wait... Please read it with an open mind, search your Bible and dwell on the Word and not what others have told you...
Friday, August 27
Good Morning Everyone,
There is an uneasiness in my Spirit as I get ready to go after the papers in McComb and start delivering today... I headed out of Bogalusa on Thursday, Aug. 26 to get the papers, but a sudden headache in the back of my head helped me realize just how tired I was... A realization that I might make it there, but was not sure that I could make it home... As I turned and drove back to Bogalusa, the headache stopped and a calmness filled me...
Last night I slept for over six hours... I cannot remember the last time I did this without being sick... Even with the Shingles last month and a fatigued feeling I slept off and on but not for long at any one time... The redness in my right eye that had Shingles remains blood shot and aching... There are a few places in my scalp that are still sore... I pushed myself too much this week and probably got too stressed out at times... Praying the Shingles do not return... Chronic cough has returned in the last week... Over a month too soon for my yearly bout with Bronchitis...
Part of a verse comes to mind - Absent from the body - Present with the Lord... I wonder is this something I was taught as a child, but is not in the Bible... I look it up...
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 ( For we walk by faith, not by sight: ) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
The thoughts of Friends of my past that have already faced the Angel of Death and made life's final journey comes to mind... My Dad, RonE, Catherine, Abraham, Donnie, Frank, there are more, but the names do not come to me right now... It is enough to know that these Christian friends are truly in a better place... So many face this each day, their family saying "they are in a better place", but without that person’s realization that JESUS is the Only Way to this better place they face the only alternative - The Lake of FIRE... So many people look at this and say, GOD is a good God and would not punish us that severely for not looking upon HIS Son as the Savior of the World... He/She was a good person... Good people don't go to Hell, or do they???
For those that read this and they have loved one, relative or friend that has faced death recently or perhaps just a breath away and prayers are being lifted to spare their life for a few moments longer, I give you this to think about...
Forget the Fire, forget the unbelievable pain, the stench, and focus if you will on a dark lonely place... Pitch dark, no light, you speak but do not hear, all you have is your thoughts of a life on earth... All the bad times, none of the good... Not so much as a glimmer of love left in your body... All the negative emotions we try to avoid on earth are magnified... To end this is your desire, but the end never comes... All your friends that looked upon Hell as the Eternal Party Place are no where to be found, they are in their own lonely dark place... Alone... The thoughts of your child, friend or spouse that accepted JESUS as their personal savior and are in Heaven with JESUS is blocked... THERE IS NO JOY in the fact that at least someone you knew made it to Heaven... Worst of All, the realization that your refusal to accept JESUS as your Savior and your desire to follow the ways of the World has been you downfall... The words of satan ring true in your ear as you think back to the many times the Holy Spirit tried to convict you of your sinful ways and satan kept telling you that you had time to be a goody two shoe Christian... Have fun now, because once you become a Christian the fun is over... Well you waited a breath too long... Your chance has passed... By not choosing, you made your decision... It's not what GOD will do, it is because of what you didn't do... You Did It... It was Your Decision and You Blew It...
Now you are alone for all eternity... No Light, No Love, No Joy, No Smiles, Not even a happy thought to dwell on, and worst of all - No JESUS...
JESUS said in Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
There are a lot of people that call themselves "CHRISTIANS", but are Christian in name only... Good people, Generous People, People in Church on the front pew every time the door opens that will realize one breath too late that their path to Heaven has lead them to the Broad Gate of Destruction and the Lake of FIRE...
Not by what I say or by what man has said, but by what GOD has said... The Bible - Read, Study, Verify what you have been taught... Don't pick and choose parts of the Bible to believe... It's All or None... There are no contradictions...
Over 350,000 people will die today... Many will spend Eternity in the Lake of FIRE...
Matthew 7:13-15 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
I ask you One Question -
I felt great urgency to place this in the September 16th Edition, but for the lack of space it had to wait until now... A few days later another Devotional Seven Marks Of A Bible Christian By John Lavier crossed my path and I understood why it had to wait... Please read it with an open mind, search your Bible and dwell on the Word and not what others have told you...
Friday, August 27
Good Morning Everyone,
There is an uneasiness in my Spirit as I get ready to go after the papers in McComb and start delivering today... I headed out of Bogalusa on Thursday, Aug. 26 to get the papers, but a sudden headache in the back of my head helped me realize just how tired I was... A realization that I might make it there, but was not sure that I could make it home... As I turned and drove back to Bogalusa, the headache stopped and a calmness filled me...
Last night I slept for over six hours... I cannot remember the last time I did this without being sick... Even with the Shingles last month and a fatigued feeling I slept off and on but not for long at any one time... The redness in my right eye that had Shingles remains blood shot and aching... There are a few places in my scalp that are still sore... I pushed myself too much this week and probably got too stressed out at times... Praying the Shingles do not return... Chronic cough has returned in the last week... Over a month too soon for my yearly bout with Bronchitis...
Part of a verse comes to mind - Absent from the body - Present with the Lord... I wonder is this something I was taught as a child, but is not in the Bible... I look it up...
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 ( For we walk by faith, not by sight: ) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
The thoughts of Friends of my past that have already faced the Angel of Death and made life's final journey comes to mind... My Dad, RonE, Catherine, Abraham, Donnie, Frank, there are more, but the names do not come to me right now... It is enough to know that these Christian friends are truly in a better place... So many face this each day, their family saying "they are in a better place", but without that person’s realization that JESUS is the Only Way to this better place they face the only alternative - The Lake of FIRE... So many people look at this and say, GOD is a good God and would not punish us that severely for not looking upon HIS Son as the Savior of the World... He/She was a good person... Good people don't go to Hell, or do they???
For those that read this and they have loved one, relative or friend that has faced death recently or perhaps just a breath away and prayers are being lifted to spare their life for a few moments longer, I give you this to think about...
Forget the Fire, forget the unbelievable pain, the stench, and focus if you will on a dark lonely place... Pitch dark, no light, you speak but do not hear, all you have is your thoughts of a life on earth... All the bad times, none of the good... Not so much as a glimmer of love left in your body... All the negative emotions we try to avoid on earth are magnified... To end this is your desire, but the end never comes... All your friends that looked upon Hell as the Eternal Party Place are no where to be found, they are in their own lonely dark place... Alone... The thoughts of your child, friend or spouse that accepted JESUS as their personal savior and are in Heaven with JESUS is blocked... THERE IS NO JOY in the fact that at least someone you knew made it to Heaven... Worst of All, the realization that your refusal to accept JESUS as your Savior and your desire to follow the ways of the World has been you downfall... The words of satan ring true in your ear as you think back to the many times the Holy Spirit tried to convict you of your sinful ways and satan kept telling you that you had time to be a goody two shoe Christian... Have fun now, because once you become a Christian the fun is over... Well you waited a breath too long... Your chance has passed... By not choosing, you made your decision... It's not what GOD will do, it is because of what you didn't do... You Did It... It was Your Decision and You Blew It...
Now you are alone for all eternity... No Light, No Love, No Joy, No Smiles, Not even a happy thought to dwell on, and worst of all - No JESUS...
JESUS said in Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
There are a lot of people that call themselves "CHRISTIANS", but are Christian in name only... Good people, Generous People, People in Church on the front pew every time the door opens that will realize one breath too late that their path to Heaven has lead them to the Broad Gate of Destruction and the Lake of FIRE...
Not by what I say or by what man has said, but by what GOD has said... The Bible - Read, Study, Verify what you have been taught... Don't pick and choose parts of the Bible to believe... It's All or None... There are no contradictions...
Over 350,000 people will die today... Many will spend Eternity in the Lake of FIRE...
Matthew 7:13-15 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
I ask you One Question -
Do You Know My JESUS???
Seven Marks Of A Bible Christian By John Lavier
Editor Note: John Lavier is not a local writer; however I find that his Devotional was a great follow up for the previous Devotional by Richard Spurlock entitled "Good Morning Denominational Christian"
1. Gods people are a SAVED people.
Theirs is not a hope-so salvation, but a know-so salvation. They know on the authority of Gods own Holy Word. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Having believed, they are saved from sin. They are saved from the wages of sin, which is death. They are saved from the lake of fire, and the blackness of darkness forever. They are saved, not by their own works, but by God, Who hath SAVED us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Tim. 1:9).
2. Gods people are a SANCTIFIED people.
But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through SANCTIFICATION of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thess. 2:13). Like the Corinthians, they were sinners of the deepest dye, yet now it may be said of them: But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Cor. 6:11). Sanctification is that work of the Holy Spirit by which the believer, even before he is conscious of his justification, is set apart to God. It is based upon the redemptive work of Christ. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Heb. 10:10). Christ Himself becomes the believers sanctification. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30).
3. Gods people are a SEPARATED people.
Just as God of old put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel (Exo. 11:7), so there is today a difference between the people of God and the people of the world. Jesus said, 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 (John 15:19). The separation is to be manifested by Gods people, for the Lords command is, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Cor. 6:17). Though in the world, Gods people are not of the world, and they are to walk in separation from the evil that surrounds them.
4. Gods people are a SPIRITUAL people.
Paul wrote, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the SPIRIT, if so be that the SPIRIT of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the SPIRIT of Christ, he is none of his (Rom. 8:9). All of Gods people are indwelt by the Spirit, and their bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. They are taught by the Spirit (John 14:26), they are led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14), and they are empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8). They should all be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance (Gal. 5:22-23).
5. Gods people are a SEALED people.
The believer is instructed, And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). Then in Ephesians 1:13, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed, ye were SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise. The words after that ye believed are in the Greek only one word pisteusantes, which means believing. Simultaneously with their believing the gospel, Gods people are sealed. First, the seal signifies a finished transaction. The work of our redemption has been completed. Jesus cried, It is finished (John 19:30). The seal also signifies ownership. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods (1 Cor. 6:19-20). They belong to God. His seal is upon them. Finally, the seal signifies security. They are sealed unto the day of redemption. There will be a safe delivery of Gods purchased possession at the end of the line. They are safe and secure in Christ. Sealed in Him so that all the legions of hell cannot touch them.
6. Gods people are a SEATED people.
The Lord Jesus, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God (Heb. 10:12). Those who have trusted Him and are resting in His finished and all-perfect work, are also seated with Him. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us SIT together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:4-6). The saved are, in very truth, a heavenly people. Their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Their citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Their home is in heaven (2 Cor. 5:1). Their blessings are in heaven (Eph. 1:3). Their inheritance is in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4). They are seated in heaven. As members of the Body, they are there with the Head, seated at the Fathers right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
7. Gods people are a SATISFIED people.
The prophet asked, Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? (Isa. 55:2) Many there are today who are giving all their time and attention to the things of earth; seeking satisfaction in that which satisfieth not. How happy are those who have found Him Who alone can satisfy. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he SATISFIETH the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Psa. 107:8-9). Lasting joy, and peace, and satisfaction is to be found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies. Daily, hourly, moment by moment, He satisfies. All through lifes journey, He satisfies, and when Gods children close their eyes to this earthly scene, and open them in the realms of endless glory Ah! then, their satisfaction will be complete. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be SATISFIED, when I awake, with thy likeness (Psa. 17:15).
How Much Do You Trust Him? By Dr. Mallery Callahan
We trust tires on our cars not to blow out when we speed 70 miles per hour. We trust the cables on the elevator to hold when they take us to the 40th floor. We trust the chairs we sit in to hold us up, Do we trust God. as much as we do the things around us ?
Most of us don't trust God as much as we trust a ballpoint pen. But God is faithful with us. No matter how bad things look, we need to trust God that He is in control, carrying out His plan for us. We, like David, need to learn to trust God all the way. Believe on Jesus Christ with complete Confidence. Believe, knowing that He will honor His Word. We must be totally persuaded that Jesus is Lord of ALL.
Dr. Mallery Callahan
Pastor, Sweet Rest M.B.C.
Franklinton, La.
Most of us don't trust God as much as we trust a ballpoint pen. But God is faithful with us. No matter how bad things look, we need to trust God that He is in control, carrying out His plan for us. We, like David, need to learn to trust God all the way. Believe on Jesus Christ with complete Confidence. Believe, knowing that He will honor His Word. We must be totally persuaded that Jesus is Lord of ALL.
Dr. Mallery Callahan
Pastor, Sweet Rest M.B.C.
Franklinton, La.
Transfer By Association by Joyce Mizell
Shops are filled with designs to view and select to transfer on shirts and other items. The person picks out his or her favorite design and has it transferred to the selected item. Transfer by association is referred to in God’s Holy Written Word. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20
Who determines the wise and the foolish person? The Word of God is the final authority. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10 If and when we associate with those having bad habits it’s possible we may be influenced to do wrong. We are all aware of the fact that a little leaven leaveth the whole lump. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Corinthians 5:6
A small amount of sin can have giant size effect on a person. Let’s take different animals listed in the Bible and learn how God’s Word portrays them to people who are sinning. Sin has a corruption influence on a life.
1-SNAKE a person sinning is compared to a snake. He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper’s tongue shall slay him. Job 20:16
2-The DONKEY is known for its stubbornness. For the vain men would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt. Job 11:12
3-The BEAR is known for cruelty. The bear mentioned in Daniel 7:5 is a reference to the country of Medo-Persia
4-The DOG is known for uncleanness. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11
5-The LEOPARD is known for its fierceness. In Daniel 7:6 the leopard represents a country that gained dominion.
6-The FOX for its cunning ways. (Jesus Speaking) And he said unto them, God ye and tell that fox, behold I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Luke 13:32
7-MOTH has an appetite Job 27:18
8-Sheep for stupidity All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
9-A SPIDER’S WEB for flimsiness They hatch cockatrice eggs (vipers) and weave the spiders web: he that eateth their eggs dieth and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Isaiah 59:5
10-PIG is filthy - But it is happened according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2nd Peter 2:22
11-The WOLF is ferocious. (Jesus Speaking) But he that is a hireling the shepherd whose the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth and the wolf catcheth them and scattereth the sheep. John 10:12
One of my favorite scriptures concerning our transfer by association of another person is found in Proverbs. Iron sharpeneth iron: so a man of understanding sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17.
We all know the proper tool will sharpen and shape iron for its special use. A person who believes in God and his Holy Word can sharpen his or her friend morally and intellectually by this personal friendship. We must remember the Fool has said in his heart there is NO GOD!
This article is titled Transfer By Association. “We’re known by the company we keep,” has been echoed over and over through the years. I’m sure you have heard it. Everything we will ever need to know about building ourselves spiritually and morally is written on the pages of God’s Holy Word. Let’s pick associates who love the Lord. Let’s one and all transfer the Word of God into our hearts and keep it as our daily lifetime guide. A born again believer in Jesus Christ should transfer fruits of the Holy Spirit of God each day of their life. Galatians 5:22, 23
Who determines the wise and the foolish person? The Word of God is the final authority. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10 If and when we associate with those having bad habits it’s possible we may be influenced to do wrong. We are all aware of the fact that a little leaven leaveth the whole lump. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Corinthians 5:6
A small amount of sin can have giant size effect on a person. Let’s take different animals listed in the Bible and learn how God’s Word portrays them to people who are sinning. Sin has a corruption influence on a life.
1-SNAKE a person sinning is compared to a snake. He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper’s tongue shall slay him. Job 20:16
2-The DONKEY is known for its stubbornness. For the vain men would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt. Job 11:12
3-The BEAR is known for cruelty. The bear mentioned in Daniel 7:5 is a reference to the country of Medo-Persia
4-The DOG is known for uncleanness. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11
5-The LEOPARD is known for its fierceness. In Daniel 7:6 the leopard represents a country that gained dominion.
6-The FOX for its cunning ways. (Jesus Speaking) And he said unto them, God ye and tell that fox, behold I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Luke 13:32
7-MOTH has an appetite Job 27:18
8-Sheep for stupidity All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
9-A SPIDER’S WEB for flimsiness They hatch cockatrice eggs (vipers) and weave the spiders web: he that eateth their eggs dieth and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Isaiah 59:5
10-PIG is filthy - But it is happened according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2nd Peter 2:22
11-The WOLF is ferocious. (Jesus Speaking) But he that is a hireling the shepherd whose the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth and the wolf catcheth them and scattereth the sheep. John 10:12
One of my favorite scriptures concerning our transfer by association of another person is found in Proverbs. Iron sharpeneth iron: so a man of understanding sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17.
We all know the proper tool will sharpen and shape iron for its special use. A person who believes in God and his Holy Word can sharpen his or her friend morally and intellectually by this personal friendship. We must remember the Fool has said in his heart there is NO GOD!
This article is titled Transfer By Association. “We’re known by the company we keep,” has been echoed over and over through the years. I’m sure you have heard it. Everything we will ever need to know about building ourselves spiritually and morally is written on the pages of God’s Holy Word. Let’s pick associates who love the Lord. Let’s one and all transfer the Word of God into our hearts and keep it as our daily lifetime guide. A born again believer in Jesus Christ should transfer fruits of the Holy Spirit of God each day of their life. Galatians 5:22, 23
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