Once again we encounter the theme of buying and selling. When any exchange between men is tainted with greed, the heart of the Lord is grieved. But when that which is set apart to represent Him to the lost world is polluted from within, the deadly cause of the enemy of our souls is promoted and advanced.
Read MoreBy God’s grace, the task of rebuilding the wall was completed in only fifty-two days! The opposition of surrounding enemies, plus abuses among his own brethren, made the quick completion of the task a feat that no one—not even their enemies—could deny was enabled by God. Nehemiah’s godly leadership continued for years as he endeavored to bring spiritual revival to the people of God within those rebuilt walls.
Read MoreEveryone who claims the name of the Lord Jesus (as a bride takes the name of her husband), should understand that he or she is to be the habitation of the Spirit of God, who has imparted the responsibility to rule over “the temple of God” and supplies the grace needed to live it out.
Read MoreGod, who looks upon the heart, knows the attitude and inclination of every heart. Two people who possess the very same information, can be moving in opposite directions: one towards the Lord and one away from Him—and all because of an attitude. Failing to esteem God’s truths renders one vulnerable to counterfeits …
Read MoreThe fact that God is our provider spills over into every area of life. The earliest lesson taught to Adam and Eve came on their first full day of life: day seven. Created on day six, they had been placed into a setting prepared for their enjoyment, filled to the brim with every conceivable provision for life and health and joy. Therefore day seven, their first full day, was a day of rest and celebration with the Creator.
Read MoreOur loving God exercises His omnipotent power of divine restraint in that He will never override the personal choices of the individual. The Word of God will always lead the believing one heavenward. But unbelief opens the heart of an individual to accept the seeds which Satan is sowing. Unbelief will always find an excuse for doubt and disobedience.
Read MoreYour decision to change directions and move toward alignment with God’s plan will seem foolish to the world. But it is met by our heavenly Father with spiritual “bear hugs”! His tender eyes, so full of love, are watching for any desire for Him on your part. He will run to your aid. Go ahead: make His day!
Read More“Divine instruction came after God had already blessed them. God did not blackmail them by saying, ‘Do this . . . and then I will bless you.’ That’s why we do not follow divine commands so that we can be blessed. Rather, it is because we are blessed that we follow divine commands.”
Read MoreThere is a wonderful “tiredness” leading to true rest that follows selfless giving for the benefit of others. The sleep that Jesus experienced on the pillow in the stern of the boat was sweet. True peace! That pillow symbolizes the rejuvenation that comes during the rest that God provides.
Read MoreNow is the time to learn to live in the pure, white light of the Lord. Here and now, maintain an awareness of the judgment seat of Christ. The result will be utter delight in how the Lord has worked in you, making you an overcomer of the enemy’s devices. In contrast, sin left unaddressed has an inherent self-fulfillment: the affirmation you receive for it in your own mind (and from like-minded peers) eventually renders the sinner incapable of recognizing sin.
Read MoreThe primitive Christians were eventually encountered and thus a striking contrast was seen between a simple, pure faith rooted in Scripture and the manner of the emissaries of Rome who demanded that these Christian churches acknowledge the supremacy of the Roman pontiff.
Read MoreThere is not a single detail of your existence — in thought or deed — that escapes the loving scrutiny of the Holy Spirit. When He brings conviction, hand over that thing, whatever it is, to judgement. The moment you are willing, His recreating forces begin the work of the needed change.
Read MoreThe distinction that we should discern is actually between sinlessness and sinfulness. At creation and for some time beyond, creaturely life was without sin or violence. But now: a fallen and deeply compromised world. In the Scriptures, we see our perfectly holy God navigating the abominable practices that “self-sufficient” people have generated . . .
Read MoreIf each of us could see the end from the beginning, as does Jesus, we would doubtless grasp that He will never lead any of us in a direction other than what we ourselves would choose. It is because we cannot see the entire picture—as He does—that faith is an essential component of our sojourn through this fallen world.
Read MoreFrom the earthly ministry of Jesus, the New Testament church sprang into life. The carriers of the Good News believed the Scriptures (the Old Testament). Jesus came to make clear that which had been misunderstood, and the message spread like wildfire as the pure gospel in its simplicity went forth with power . . .
Read MoreThe now-famous woman at the well was ecstatic! Nothing in her dark past was hidden from Him with whom she had spoken. The love in the voice of Jesus as they conversed was clearly evident. He knew all about it, yet He loved her!
Read MoreJesus spent much of His earthly ministry healing those afflicted with every sort of terrible malady. He did it in various ways: a look, a word, the touch of a finger . . . or perhaps someone touching the hem of His garment in the midst of a crowd. His absolute authority and deep love for all that He has made was repeatedly demonstrated…
Read MoreFaithful among the faithless, Abraham’s course of action was inexplicable to his friends, associates, even kindred. Being immersed in idolatry rendered them unable to comprehend his motives, for spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Read MoreOne can truthfully say that the freedom of every individual is sacred to Jesus. He is with each of us always who desire to be a “co-worker” in the great “co-mission.” Otherwise, to observe all things that I have commanded you, as Jesus says, would be impossible; and even more so to teach others . . .
Read MoreThe great “hall of fame” of the faithful in Hebrews chapter 11 is filled with declarations of hope, which sprang from the faith of these beloved brethren. “Beloved” is used in the present tense, for they were unappreciated among their peers for believing and sharing God’s truth, foreshadowing the end times of earth’s history.
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