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Are You Believing Right?

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Are You Believing Right?
January 27, 2020
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Is what you believe right? Do you know that what you choose to believe matters? You have the free will to choose what you believe. As a result, you can choose to believe what is wrong or you can choose to believe what is right. Whichever way you choose, whether wrong or right, each choice has its own kind of life-changing consequences. Choosing wrong will eventually have bad, harmful and damaging consequences. Choosing right will have good and positive consequences.

Today, you are challenged to believe all sorts of things that can directly impact how you grow up, how you live, how you work, how you play, and how you end up dying. Here are examples of just a few of the things that influence what you believe:

  • Parents
  • Teachers
  • Friends
  • Leaders
  • News media
  • Social media
  • Entertainment media – Television, Music, Movies, Video games

Looking at that list, can you identify who is trustworthy and right? Which of those give you confidence in the truth? Your choice is whether to believe the truth or a lie. With that in mind, consider what’s missing from that list – God and the Bible… Today’s culture tends to look everywhere but to God and the Bible as a source to believe. But, as a Christian, those should be the first sources of influence for your beliefs because those are the foundations of what’s right and what’s true. This is important because to believe wrong is to believe a lie and that leads to rebellion or at best, confusion. It’s important to know what you believe and know that it’s right.

Consider this story I heard a while back that shows how what you believe shapes you…

Jonathan Whitfield was preaching to coal miners in England. He asked one man, “What do you believe?” “Well, I believe the same as the church.” “And what does the church believe?” “Well, they believe the same as me.” Seeing he was getting nowhere, Whitfield said, “And what is it that you both believe?” The man replied, “Well, I suppose the same thing.”

In today’s culture of diverse opinions and agendas, it’s important to examine what it takes to believe right, understanding that it is easy to believe wrong, unless we know what to believe.

Using the Bible as our influence to believe right, let’s take a look at a couple of verses in Proverbs and we’ll consider four essential truths that can help you believe right.

Proverbs 14:15-16 (KJV)

15  The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

This passage compares two types of people – the simple or foolish and the prudent or wise. Note that verse 15 tells us that the simple or foolish believes every word he or she hears. Have you ever had someone come to you with a story that they made up and you believed it to be the truth? For example, how do you know that the story that I recalled previously about Jonathan Whitfield is true? While I didn’t make it up, I provided no citation, no certain historical reference, or any other details that validate the story. I simply passed along something I had read. That doesn’t make it any less relevant as an example, but it doesn’t guarantee the truth of the story.

What if you believe something that you hear or read and later find out it was a lie. How would you feel when you found out it was lie? If you are like me, that’s probably happened to you and you probably felt kind of foolish, just as the Bible says. You’ve heard the old saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” That means that it’s up to us to learn what the truth is and know what to believe. Sometimes, that means you must learn from your mistakes, especially the mistake of believing a lie. The Bible tells us that a fool believes every word, while the wise person examines things to find the truth and fears falling.

With that in mind, we are going to examine four essential Truths that are right to believe.

1. Believe in God.

Believing right starts by believing in God – the one true and living God. This is the first essential truth.

Generally, for someone who calls themselves “Christian,” this goes without saying. If I were to ask a group of proclaimed Christians in America who among them believes in God, I almost certainly would get a 100% positive response. After all, we live in America right? One nation under God, our money states, “In God We Trust,” and we call upon God to Bless America. But wait, what or who is the God you believe in? Do you believe in the God of the Bible or do you believe in a god of convenience, compromise and conformity to the world’s beliefs?

Consider these facts:

While an estimated 74 percent of Americans strongly agree that “there is only one true God, who is holy and perfect, and who created the world and rules it today,” an estimated 65 percent either strongly agree or somewhat agree with the assertion that “there is no such thing as absolute truth.”

Christianity Today, September 16, 1991, p. 48, from George Barna, The Barna Report: What Americans Believe, 1991.

If you were to believe the Truth, you would know that there is one God, one Creator of the Universe, one who will sit in Judgment over all things – there is no other.

Isaiah 43:10-11 (KJV)

10  Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11  I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

You might say,” I do believe in the one true God – the God of the Bible.” That’s great. That’s the first step in believing right!

James 2:19 (KJV)

19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Note that according to the Bible. It’s not enough to just believe in the one true God; there is more to faith than that. Realize this, there are plenty of folks who believe in God, but they are grouped with devils… How can that be?

Here’s a tale that might just be more truth than fiction:

Once the Devil was walking along with one of his companions. They saw a man ahead of them pick up something shiny. “What did he find?” asked the companion.

“A piece of the truth,” the Devil replied.

“Doesn’t it bother you that he found a piece of the truth?” asked the companion.

“No,” said the Devil, “I will see to it that he makes a religion out of it.”

Look at what Jesus said concerning this:

Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)

21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Can the Bible be right? Can the Bible be believed? Is it possible to believe in the wrong “god?” To get the answer, you must believe in the truth of God’s Word.

2. Believe in God’s Word

The second essential truth that you need in order to believe right is believing in God’s Word. OK, so you believe in God – only one true God – the God of the Bible. That’s the first step to believing right. Next, you need to understand what God wants you to do and what God has planned for you. You do this by believing in the Bible – God’s Holy Word.

Do you know that the Bible is God’s personal letter to you? He wrote it, using folks who were committed to him as instruments for recording His words.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

That means that God inspired every word of the Bible and that he intended for you to use it for your benefit.

Psalm 119:65-66 (KJV)

65  Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

Note that the Bible shows you that God has dealt well with His servant (that means you), as promised in the Bible. In fact:

  • You should know that the Bible is filled with promises for those who serve the Lord.
  • God has all sorts of great things in store for you if you believe right.
  • The Bible will teach you good judgment and knowledge (how to believe right) if you believe in it.

Here’s some reasons why you can believe in the Bible:

  • It is indisputable, without error (Psalms 119:89 – For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.)
  • It is pure (Psalms 119:140 – Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.)
  • It is the truth, it will last forever – (Psalms 119:160 – Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.)

There are many more reasons to believe in God’s Word…but, most of all, it will help you believe right.

So to believe right: 1) Believe in God, 2) Believe in the Bible, and 3) Believe on God’s Son

3. Believe on God’s Son

The third essential truth that you need to believe right is believing on God’s Son. What does it mean to believe on God’s Son? It means:

  1. Believing in Jesus Christ,
  2. Believing in what He did for you on the cross when He died for you, and
  3. Putting all of your trust in His ability to save you.

Do you know that God loves you? Remember, He is the one true God, and He created you and me. He has great love for you.
In fact, God loves you so much that He wants to spend eternity with you and has taken great steps to make that possible.
In fact, God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to make that possible. What that means is that Jesus Christ died to pay a price for you and me.

John 3:16-17 (KJV)

16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

You see, God is holy – that means perfect and without sin. And God cannot be around anything that is not holy or without sin.
The truth about you and me is that we are far from perfect and we all have sinned. In fact, the Bible tells us that we are all sinners…

Romans 3:23 (KJV)

23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The Bible also tells us that there is a payment or a wage for that sin that we owe as a personal debt. But that debt is greater than any payment that you or I could make. As a result, God provided a gift that redeems that debt when the gift is received  by faith.

Romans 6:23 (KJV)

23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The gift described in Romans 6:23 is received through faith – by believing on Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son. This is shown clearly in Acts 16:

Acts 16:30-31 (KJV)

30  …Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…

So, the third and most important part of believing right, is to believe on God’s Son, Jesus Christ. There are lots of messages that are contrary to this belief. That’s why you have to know that you believe in the one truth that matters most – that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to eternal life and that trusting in Him will set you free. Have you done that? Believing in God is a first step, followed by believing in God’s Word. But, until you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and on Him alone for your salvation, you are still subject to the penalty of sin and only half-right, which is still wrong and still perilous.

God doesn’t want you to live in peril. He wants you to believe the truth and be free. Remember John 3:16… He loves you so much that He would give His only begotten Son to save you. If you have not trusted Christ as your Savior, there is no better time than now to do so. Don’t risk an eternity apart from God when an eternity with God is only a prayer and a decision away.

Finally, if you believe those first three essential truths, the last essential truth to believing right is to believe in God’s Plan for You.

4.  Believe in God’s Plan for You

Do you realize that God has a plan specifically for you? He has something uniquely different in store for you. You need to find that plan, believe in that plan, and follow His Will for your life, whatever that may be.

Believing in that plan involves:

  • Surrender – giving up your will to follow His will.
  • Sacrifice – forsaking the world’s pleasures for the joy of the Lord or even changing some friendships because they are holding you back.
  • Separation – living counter to the world’s culture and being transformed to be more like God’s Son.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

When you believe right, you will be willing to do, go, and give to accomplish what God wants in your life. Then you can experience a perfect joy and peace that’s only found by being in the center of His will.

Ask yourself…

  • Are you believing in God’s plan for your life?
  • Do you know what that plan is?
  • Have you surrendered to His will over your own?

The first step is believing in Him as the one true God, believing in His Word and allowing it to bring you Truth, and to know Him by believing on Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son.

So do you know Him? Are you believing right?

Know what you believe and choose to believe right! So much depends on it!

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Comments
Bernard Hampton
January 28, 2020 at 4:34 pm

“When you believe right, you will be willing to do, go, and give to accomplish what God wants in your life.” Excellent thought, very well stated.

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If you are surrendered to His will for your life, then He is working things together for good. No matter what things look like now, He has a great outcome in store. But, you must remember that these things work together when: 1) you love God – that means you put Him first; 2) you are surrendered to His purpose; 3) you are conforming to the image of Jesus Christ by first trusting Him as Savior and then living for Him. in Summary… Is unexpected change turning your life upside down? Maybe there’s a trust problem there. Maybe your relationship with God isn’t where it needs to be. God has a plan that He is working for you. Here’s the big question – are you part of the plan? If not, you need to get into God’s plan for your life. It starts by trusting Jesus Christ for your salvation. Then, as you grow in His likeness, His peace (a peace that surpasses all of our understanding) will help you through these changes.   [...] Read more...
Heavenly Treasure (Part 1): Where is Your Treasure?
Heavenly Treasure (Part 1): Where is Your Treasure?April 10, 2019We all seek something to treasure… in most cases, we already have something or someone that we treasure. For most of us, what we treasure has only temporary value – not lasting value. The Bible tells us about treasure that lasts. Whatever treasure we may have, we all seek to collect more of it. Sometimes, we dwell on our personal “treasures” more than we should, thinking that it’s far more valuable than it’s actually worth. We even hide that our treasures away so that only we can enjoy them. But, there is some treasure that’s worth more than you imagine and it’s best valued when it isn’t hidden. Is your treasure earthly or heavenly? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about our treasure… This passage contrasts the two locations that house our treasures – earth or heaven. The old adage “you can’t take it with you” certainly applies to what most of us considers to be treasure. We count possessions, material things and sentimental items as our treasure. These things won’t last – anyone who has experienced a disaster of some sort can testify to this being true. But there are treasures that can be stored in heaven – heavenly treasures that really matter and that last forever. The disasters and mishaps that destroy our earthly treasures can’t impact heavenly treasures. Losing earthly treasures can be an inconvenience, but if our treasures are stored in heaven, our heart will be with those treasures, so we will not be broken-hearted when earthly treasures perish. Think about what you value, what you treasure and answer these questions: What are you trusting in for happiness? What are you saving up for security? What are your big plans in life? By answering these questions, you can get a pretty good picture of where your treasure is… So, what is heavenly treasure? The Bible mentions treasure a great deal. In Isaiah 33, the prophet gives us God’s view of a heavenly treasure: This passage shows us what is pleasing to the Lord, including things that bring stability and strength (wisdom, knowledge and salvation from God). It’s trendy to follow earthly wisdom, to strive after the knowledge of man or to seek salvation on human terms that are different from God’s plan. But all of that is nothing but rubbish and is based on a prideful desire for treasure that satisfies the flesh. So what results in ultimate treasure? It’s the fear of the Lord. To fear not pleasing Him, to fear separation from Him and to fear His righteous judgment. It is this fear that causes one to submit to God’s plan, to accept His reconciliation and trust in His salvation through Jesus Christ. It is this fear that compels believers to love God with all their heart, mind and strength and to seek His wisdom and grow in His knowledge. With that in mind, let’s consider some of the ways Jesus Christ described heavenly treasure I. A heavenly treasure is SPOKEN. (Matthew 12:34-37)   Here we see Jesus as He addresses the Pharisees, those Jewish leaders who were expert in the Law but not even babes in grace. He admonished them for their murmuring after he had just cast out devils and healed a man. Jesus knew their words and thoughts, just like he knows our words and thoughts. Based on what Jesus said, we can conclude that: We must be careful how we speak. Your words reflect where your treasure is found. There’s a second encounter that Jesus had that shows us something about heavenly treasure… II. A heavenly treasure is SHARED and SURRENDERED. (Mark 10:17-21)   This Scripture account shows how Jesus dealt with a young man (which we know from other gospel records as a rich young ruler), one who had obvious wealth, which he treasured greatly. He was seeking eternal life. He was probably willing to purchase it, if it could be for sale, but he had no idea of the price. He was not willing to agree to God’s terms. His treasure was in wealth and prosperity, which he would not share and would not surrender to God. Based on what we learned from Jesus in this encounter, we can conclude that: What you share and how much of your life you surrender to God’s will gives indication of where your treasure is found. The final illustration is one that describes what Jesus did to show us heavenly treasure… III. A heavenly treasure is SHOWN / SPREAD. (2 Corinthians 4:1-7)   What we find here is that heavenly treasure is not a treasure we hide. It’s a treasure that we show, we spread and we celebrate. It’s the great salvation that God provided through His Son Jesus Christ. Without this treasure, we cannot begin to have other heavenly treasures. This treasure changes lives, it brings light into darkness and it makes all things new. Knowing these things, two questions beg to be asked: Do you have this treasure? If you do, are you showing it and spreading it around?   A Few Thoughts about Finding Heavenly Treasure… If you are missing out on heavenly treasure, there’s one sure place to find it: in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s only Son, who came from Heaven to earth to give His life as a ransom for you and me. He substituted His perfect life as payment for our sin debt. You see, the Bible clearly states that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Because we owe that sin debt, we have a price to pay. That price is death and eternal separation from God in a place that’s utterly undesirable, called Hell (Romans 6:23). But God, because of His great love for us, even while we were sinful, paid the price for us by sending His perfect Son to die in your place and my place (Romans 6:23 and Romans 5:8). That was God’s gift to you and to me – eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a gift of grace – something that you and I don’t deserve. In order to have that gift, you must claim it and receive it. That happens by calling upon Jesus to save you (Romans 10:13) and believing on Him for everlasting life (John 3:16). That belief must be a complete faith and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice because there’s nothing else that you can do to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Do you want the treasure described above… Here is a simple way to find it and receive it: Admit that you are a sinner and that you deserve to pay the price for that sin. Believe that God loves you so much that He paid the price for you with His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Call upon Jesus Christ to save you from your sin, believing that He will do it. God promises that if you do the above, truly believing and trusting in Jesus Christ with all of your heart, soul and mind, you will be saved or “born again” in Christ. You will experience a new life with many more treasures found in the unsearchable riches of Jesus.   [...] Read more...
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, I found this song, “Don’t Let Them Fool You,” by Lou Hayles from her first solo album Don’t Hide Away. The album is a UK release that came out of Great Britain’s “Jesus Music” movement of the mid-to-late 1970’s. The entire album features quality orchestration along with acoustic instrumentation accompanying Ms. Hayles’ captivating voice on original compositions. Although the album is a rare find in the US, it’s definitely worth the effort required to locate a copy and listen. “Don’t Let Them Fool You” speaks of an encounter with the empty tomb on the first day of the week after Jesus was crucified. The song challenges you to avoid listening to doubters and believe that He is risen! Praise His name He’s alive… He’s alive… He’s alive… Don’t let them fool you. Taken from the original vinyl release of Don’t Hide Away, “Don’t Let Them Fool You” is the first track on the album. Don’t Hide Away was published in 1977 on Myrrh Records (UK) (MYR1055). Ratings:   Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions.   [...] Read more...
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. His music stopped in 2007 when he passed from earth to Heaven on December 26, 2007, only two days after his final performance with his son at Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, California. For years before that, his music became a rarity as Christian labels stopped printing and distributing his recordings. His original vinyl, cassette tape and CD recordings have been out of print and unavailable for some time now. They also are not available in any digital format. Two later independent releases are available, but the classic material is difficult to find. As a result, I have located vinyl and cassette tape versions of Roby Duke’s first three albums, Not the Same (1982), Come Let Us Reason (1984). and Blue Eyed Soul (1986). My favorite album by far, Down to Business was released on CD and cassette only (no vinyl!) in 1989 (I have copies of both versions). Another fine album, 1994’s Bridge Divine was also only available on CD and cassette tape, although I’ve yet to locate a cassette copy. Again, the songs on these albums are no longer available in any format, either analog or digital. Two later CDs, 2004’s Ghost (a very personal, mostly instrumental album that provides an intimate look at that time of Roby Duke’s life) and 2006’s Relaxed Fits, which includes a few re-makes of his originals along with some arrangements of classic hymns (his version of “Be Thou My Vision” is a standout on this album), were both released on CD and digital formats and are available today through the usual music marketplaces. While it’s hard for me to choose a single track from the classic albums that aren’t available, I picked “Not the Same,” the title track from Roby Duke’s first album of the same name. Taken from the original vinyl release of Not the Same, “Not the Same” was published in 1984 on Firewind/Sparrow records. Ratings:   Note: Audio is provided for education and review purposes in accordance with US copyright law provisions. [...] Read more...
How to Live Without Worry
How to Live Without WorryMarch 15, 2020DAY 1: Why Worry? (Read Matthew 6:25-34) Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV) 25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27   Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This week’s devotion is quite simple: Know what you believe, know it’s the truth, know Who it’s from, and trust in Him! Even when the going gets rough and the truly unexpected and unimaginable happens, trust in what you know is true! The apostle Paul put it this way: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Sometimes it seems that the whole world around you might be going crazy and you’re not sure what the next hour will bring, much less what tomorrow will be like. While it’s hard to not get anxious and to worry about the situation, recall what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. Certainly, we live in days of where the evil is sufficient. Yet, we can still live worry free with a peace that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ and understanding that He has this all covered. Over the next week, look at the following principles to help you live worry free in these troubled times: Have faith Exercise trust Practice prayer Be prepared Live in the reality of today’s blessings Be thankful Day 2: Have faith. (Romans 8:28-39) That means believe what God has promised, especially through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you read Matthew 6:25-34, you can’t help but sense God’s provision and protection for you. Add to that what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-39… Phrases like: all things work together for good; nothing can separate us from the love of God, and in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Read it, remember it, and believe it. Romans 8:28-39 (KJV) 28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Day 3: Exercise trust. (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33-34) Believing is one thing. Living by what you believe is a whole different matter. Take what God promises and apply it to your daily living. Allow God to show Himself through your faithful obedience. As the writer of Hebrews says: Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Exercising your trust in God means that you act on your faith. If you believe that He is in control, then you will give Him whatever it is that worries you. He will take care of it. Matthew 6:33-34 (KJV) 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Day 4: Practice prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7) In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul provides the perfect formula for peace in troubled times: Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV) 4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The key here is prayer… Not worrying or being anxious, but through prayer in every situation, turn it over to God and let Him supply what you need – peace! Day 5: Be prepared. (Philippians 4:8-9) You can also see from the same passage in Philippians mentioned above, that there are steps you can take to prepare your though life for whatever may come. When you think the right thoughts, its a lot easier to flee anxiety and worry. But not only prepare your thought life… Also, be prepared by doing what’s right. Know that when you’re obedient to God’s will, He will honor your obedience with His peace and a right relationship with Him. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Day 6: Live in the reality of today’s blessings. (James 4:13-15) Even today I heard this phrase as the world was turning upside down: “in everything there’s a silver lining.” Look for the blessings in the midst of hardship. Life’s too short to worry about what could be. Take advantage of what God gives you here and now. The book of James puts it this way: James 4:13-15 (KJV) 13  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. When you live in the reality of today’s blessings, you won’t have time to worry about tomorrow. Day 7: Be thankful. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24) No matter how bad things may seem, there’s always something to be thankful for. Look at what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He follows that up in verses 23 and 24 with these words: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (KJV) 16  Rejoice evermore. 17  Pray without ceasing. 18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19  Quench not the Spirit. 20  Despise not prophesyings. 21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. You can be thankful because “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” you can go to God and seek His perfect peace to survive yet another day in these troubled waters called life. Living a worry free life starts with knowing not what the future holds but by knowing WHO (That WHO is God, not the World Health Organization) holds your future. You can know that by trusting in God’s promise of salvation through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you haven’t done that already, then receive the gift by calling on Him for salvation. Then and only then will your worries begin to cease. In conclusion, consider the following reasons to be thankful even when circumstances aren’t what you’d like them to be… 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) 57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) 14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV) 15   Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. [...] Read more...
The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)
The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)December 20, 2019READ: Luke 2:11-14, Romans 16:25-27, and 1 Timothy 3:16 KEY THOUGHT: What kind of answer would you get if you asked the average person, “What’s Christmas all about?” I suppose for some, the answer would be based on the cultural message sent out by media, marketing, and mass promotion. Sadly, the answers would mostly miss the mark. We’ve done such a great job of blending the secular with the sacred that we seldom separate the two enough to give Christmas its true identity. With that in mind, there’s so much of the season that Christmas is not about… It’s not about… Santa Claus, St. Nick or an elf named Buddy… Rudolph, a red nose, or a reindeer running over someone’s grandmother… Snowmen, magical hats and scarves, or ugly sweaters… Snowflakes that glisten, warm apple strudel, or any other favorite thing, Carols with or without jingling bells, even if they’re silver… Dickory dock, hanging a sock, or climbing down the chimney at 12 o’clock… Packages wrapped in pretty paper, pretty ribbons, and bows… Cookies, puddings, punches, or candy kisses… Friends, family, fancy dinner parties or memorable moments spent roasting chestnuts (or boiling peanuts) by the fire… Snow (real or otherwise), even if it paints a picture like one by Currier and Ives… Mangers, cattle, sheep, or even their shepherds on a midnight clear… Gold, frankincense, myrrh, or gift cards… Or those who bring them… Stars in the night sky, silent or not… Trees and lights, glitter and sparkle, or tinsel and garland… Poinsettias, holly, ivy, evergreens, or even mistletoe… Dot com (Amazon or any other), Black Friday, cyber Monday, or any of the twelve-plus days of Christmas… So many other things that give opportunity to distract us from the Truth about Christmas… While most of these things are part of the Christmas season experience, these things are not what Christmas is truly all about… It’s important to note that none of those things listed are wrong or bad, but each of them must be kept in perspective so that they don’t overshadow what true meaning of Christmas. Keeping Christ first at Christmas requires us to recognize that Christmas is a birthday celebration and a reminder… It’s also much more than that. So, what’s Christmas really about? It’s about: A plan from the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Genesis 3:15) Prophecies fulfilled in the person of Christ as God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 53:1-12) Grace to God’s fallen creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:34) Sacrifice by God’s only Son on a cruel cross devised by man (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25) Salvation by the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (1 Peter 1:19-21) Life everlasting given by grace and received by faith (Ephesians 2:1-10) The gospel of salvation spread, taught, and realized around the world (Matthew 28:18-20) The power of God given to man through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) An eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29) A Mediator, a Savior, a Redeemer, a King all in one name – Jesus , God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11) When you carefully consider Christmas, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas, and why God sent His Son as a Gift… It’s as much about the cross as it is about the manger. CONSIDER: How much of your Christmas celebration is focused on Christ as compared to all of the other “trappings” of Christmas? How do some of the traditions of Christmas distract both believers and unbelievers from the true meaning of Christmas? What can you do to help promote the truth of Christmas and help others see its real meaning? APPLICATION: Let the truth of Christmas add real meaning to the holiday season!   [...] Read more...
A Lesson of Grace (Titus 2:11-12)
A Lesson of Grace (Titus 2:11-12)November 18, 2019READ: Titus 2:11-12 KEY THOUGHT: The lyrics of the classic hymn, “Amazing Grace,” describe the role that the grace of God has in the Christian’s life: Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found T’was blind but now I see T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Grace is the means to salvation – “for the grace of God that bringeth salvation…” (Titus 2:11). It is also the means by which those saved by grace learn Christ. Grace teaches us that we should live an honest, self-controlled (or Spirit-controlled life) that demonstrates Christ-like behavior to the world. We all need to learn a lesson of grace. It’s a lesson that teaches: God demonstrated His love to us by grace when He sent Jesus Christ to die for us. Without grace we would have no hope of salvation. Without grace we would be blind to the truth. Without grace we would be lost and dying in our sin. With grace we have the righteousness of Christ. With grace we have confidence and security in Christ. With grace we have the Holy Spirit to help guide us to a life that honors and glorifies God. With grace, we are led to a heavenly home that we don’t deserve. When we learn the lesson of God’s grace, we believe and trust in God’s provision to open our eyes to the truth, bring us into His family, and give us the gift of new life that we don’t deserve. CONSIDER: How does the grace of God appear to all? How has the grace of God impacted your life? What does grace teach you about God’s unmerited favor toward you? APPLICATION: Trust God to help you have a testimony of the high standard of Christ!   [...] Read more...
Recent and Popular Devotional Posts
Stay True to Obedience (1 Timothy 5:8-16)
Stay True to Obedience (1 Timothy 5:8-16)
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Following instruction requires obedience and compliance to the instruction received. Staying true to obedience means that you consistently comply with the instruction received from the Word. Today, many Christians live compromised lives in semi-obedience to God. [...] Read more...
A Life by Mercy (Titus 3:5-7)
A Life by Mercy (Titus 3:5-7)
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I remember distinctly the day that I came to the realization of my mortality. Before that day, I lived blindly and free as a young man, enjoying all that life offered me and counting on my own ideas, schemes and resources to sustain me. I was a lot like what the apostle Paul described in Titus 3:3. But then, Titus 3:4 happened… [...] Read more...
The Greatest Hero of All
The Greatest Hero of All
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What’s your favorite type of book or movie? Usually, we like stories with happy endings, with some kind of tension leading up to that ending. Maybe it’s the story where the human race is trying to overcome some great challenge and the super hero comes just in the nick of time to save the day. [...] Read more...
A Good Thing (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
A Good Thing (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
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When God saved you, He did a good thing in you. That good thing was accomplished by Jesus Christ. After that, He commits the Holy Spirit to you to help you continue the good thing He has for you going forward. [...] Read more...
The Much-Anticipated Christmas (Luke 2: 8-20; Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7)
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The days building up to Christmas are filled with anticipation and wonder. But perhaps the most anticipated and most wonder-filled day of all is not a day but a night – Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas. [...] Read more...
Beware of Counterfeit Christians (Supplemental Devotion)
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The second chapter of the apostle Peter’s second letter to the churches of Asia Minor is difficult for me to break into a week of daily devotions, so I’m including a supplemental devotion this week based on this entire chapter . Its focus is on false teachers, false doctrines and God’s just treatment of those who choose to imitate genuine Christianity [...] Read more...
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Audio Resources and Posts
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)
Lou Hayles – Don’t Let Them Fool You (1977)April 19, 2019Digging deep into the audio vault looking for something that would help recognize Resurrection Sunday, Read more [...] Read more...
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)
Roby Duke – Not the Same (1982)July 24, 2019For quite sometime now, Roby Duke has been my favorite Christian/Gospel artist by far. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but I connect with his music, both in style and in content. Writing, recording, producing his own recordings as well as other artist’s recordings from 1982 through 2006 made Roby Duke somewhat of a legend and a collector’s item among serious Christian music fans. [...] Read more...
Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)
Sonlight – Day of Salvation (1973)January 21, 2019Here is a track from Sonlight’s 1973 vinyl LP. This early Christian “pop” song has Read more [...] Read more...
Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)
Neale & Webb – At The Cross (1995)May 28, 2019Most of the Audio Vault is filled with vinyl records. However, there are a few CDs that find a spot there. At The Cross by Neale & Webb is one of those rare CDs that fits into the vault. Out of print for some time now and (as far as I can tell) not available in any digital format, At The Cross was released in 1995 on CD and cassette (no vinyl!). [...] Read more...
Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)
Wendy & Mary – “Around the Walls” (1985)February 28, 2019Here is a track from Wendy & Mary’s 1985 vinyl LP, “Battle of the Heart.” Read more [...] Read more...
John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)
John Fischer – Leavin’ It All To You (1982)April 9, 2019John Fischer’s first album was released in 1969 at the advent of a new wave of Christian music striving to bring the message of the gospel to the rapidly changing youth culture of the day. His first album, The Cold Cathedral, is considered by many to be the first contemporary Christian music album released in the United States. [...] Read more...
 
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