The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Faithful

  • Be Faithful

    “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”
    1 Corinthians 4:2

    God has a special plan for each Christian’s life. It is important to read God’s Word (Bible), hearing from God, to learn what that plan is. It is then a choice to either follow God’s plan for that life, or choose to disregard what God has planned. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Consider the following events.

    Saul had been with the religious leaders when Stephen was stoned because he spoke of Jesus. In Acts chapter nine, we read that Saul went to Damascus to find anyone who followed Jesus so he could take them bound to Jerusalem. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went …” (Acts 9:1). However, on the way, Saul saw the glory of the Lord revealed to him and was told to go to Damascus and wait. It is here that we are introduced to a “certain disciple at Damascus” whose name was Ananias. He lived in Damascus at this time. The Lord came to Ananias in a vision, and told him to go, “… and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:11-12). 

    Once again God called one of his disciples (a Christian) to go and speak His Words to one particular individual (remember Philip who was sent to the Ethiopian Eunuch). Saul would be expecting Ananias to come see him. What did Ananias do? “13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias was understandably afraid. He had heard of Saul. He also knew what Saul was doing to anyone who believed in Jesus. “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Chosen vessel means “a person as the instrument of usefulness for someone.” God had plans for Saul – just as He has plans for each person who belongs to Him. God told Ananias what His plans for Saul were – to tell the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel about Jesus.

    Ananias was asked to do something very difficult. He had a choice to make. Obey God, or walk away in fear. “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight …” (Acts 9:17). Recognize that Ananias trusted in God, more than he was afraid of Saul. Ananias believed the Lord when He said that Saul was a chosen vessel for God, and he greeted Saul as, “Brother Saul.” What happened to Saul? He received his sight. This sight was more than physical sight. Read how Saul (later called Paul) described the lost condition of a life apart from Jesus and His Gospel message: “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). Saul’s (Paul’s) eyes and his heart had been blinded. Yet he received the Truth of God’s Word and believed. He not only believed in Jesus, but he became a servant who told many others about Christ Jesus the Lord. What did Saul do after he believed in Jesus and received his sight? “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). There was a change that took place in Saul’s heart that was pictured in his life when he was blinded and then received his sight. He had been brought out of the darkness into the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    This is a great testimony to the faithfulness of Ananias. He chose to go speak to Saul – just as the Lord had told him to do. This event should encourage us never to be afraid to obey God’s will. “1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). The mystery of God is the introduction into the truths of the Gospel message. Never undervalue the importance of sharing the Gospel message with one individual who may be brought to Christ. Saul (Paul) was important to God.

    Are you a faithful steward of the mysteries of God, willing to share the Gospel message when God asks?

    How to be Saved

  • Heartily, as to the Lord

    “23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
    Colossians 3:23-24

    If you have ever read the book of Jeremiah, you understand that the messages God gave Jeremiah to share were extremely difficult for him to deliver. However, Jeremiah was always faithful – even when he was beaten, imprisoned, and his fellowman rejected him. He willingly obeyed God’s command to deliver His message calling Judah to repent and return to God. Jeremiah had little, if any, hope of the possibility of God’s people truly repenting and returning to God, yet he faithfully delivered the messages God had. What courage!

    There was one particularly interesting time God had him speak. There was a nomadic people that lived among the Israelites called the Rechabites (also known as the Kenites). They were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, who had chosen to live among God’s people in tents. They occasionally are mentioned as those who helped God’s people (see Jael in Judges 4 and Jehonadab with Jehu in 2 Kings 10). God sent Jeremiah to speak to these people, take to them to the house of the Lord, and give them wine to drink. Jeremiah did what God told him to do. Read their response. “6. But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: 7. Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. 8. Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters; 9. Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: 10. But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.” (Jeremiah 35:6-10). What was wrong with drinking the wine? They had made a commitment to their father that they would not. They chose to obey their father, Jonadab. God had a point He wanted to make to His people. “13. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD. 14. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me” (Jeremiah 35:13-14). God made a very good point. God commended the Rechabites for their faithfulness to the command given to them by their father. Their father had given commands, and his children obeyed. God had given the Israelites commands, yet they had disregarded them. God reminded them He had sent prophets to tell them. “… saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me” (Jeremiah 35:15b). God’s people did not listen. They did not obey God’s command to return to Him. This family of Rechab had willingly chosen to obey the words of their father, yet God’s people had willingly chosen not to obey the words of God. The Rechabites were destined to live as a nomadic people – without homes, farms, vineyards, or a place to call home. Yet this people obeyed their earthly father. On the other hand, God had given His people a land where they built homes, had farms and vineyards, and a place to call their homeland. However, the Israelites did not obey God. God blessed the Rechabites.  

    Because God’s people did not repent or choose to obey God, God allowed the enemy to destroy Jerusalem and take them captive. Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of his beloved city, and his people carried captive to a foreign land. Yet even through rejection and witnessing Jerusalem’s destruction and the people’s captivity, Jeremiah still mourned and prayed for his people. He even remained to encourage the few left in the land with God’s Words. Jeremiah understood something that had not even been written yet in his day: “23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

    Do you obey God’s Word heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men?

  • Faithful Stewards

    “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
    1 Corinthians 4:2

    There are many people in our lives with whom we become acquainted. However, one must be cautious that those we spend the most time with have a true knowledge of Jesus and a love for God’s Word. We are to understand that words alone do not make one a child of God. A very dangerous position in which to be is to be one who does not hold the truth of salvation. What is the condition of those who do not have a true knowledge of Jesus? “12. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 1:12-13). When one does not hold the truth of salvation, they might just look and sound like a Christian, yet they have never known the truth of the Gospel message. What a sad place to be! Remember the warning Jesus gave: “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” (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Remember an event in the New Testament to help one understand this better.

    Paul had met a couple, Aquila and Priscilla, while on his second missionary journey in the city of Corinth. Paul taught in the synagogue every Sabbath, teaching the people that Jesus was the Christ (the Messiah that had come to take away the sin of anyone who would believe). Eventually, the chief ruler of the synagogue “believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed” (see Acts 18:8). Paul stayed there for a time, teaching the Word of God to the people. When he left Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila went with him until he reached Ephesus where they stayed while Paul continued on his journey.

    While Priscilla and Aquila were there, a man came. “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus” (Acts 18:24). See what else God’s Word says of Apollos. “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). One has to stop for a minute to remember what it means by the “baptism of John.” John (also known as John the Baptist) was preaching repentance, calling for people to be baptized, preparing them to receive Jesus when He came. John the Baptist’s job was to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (see Luke 1:17b). This meant that he was to introduce Jesus to the people as the Messiah (the Christ) for whom they had been waiting. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Somehow, Apollos missed that part of the message. He only knew of the baptism to repentance, but missed that Jesus was the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. He had knowledge of much of the Scripture, but he was missing the key part – Jesus. Repentance of sin was important, but it was meaningless unless one understood that Jesus was the One who took the sin from the individual, giving salvation.

    What was Apollos doing with the information of the baptism to repentance that was taught by John the Baptist? “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). When Aquila and Priscilla heard that what Apollos was teaching was missing the most important part (Jesus), they went to him and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” What does that mean? They explained to Apollos that Jesus was the Christ. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). They had to tell Apollos about Jesus. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). That was the key part of the message that Apollos had not yet heard. However, when Apollos heard, he believed in Jesus. How do we know that he received the message and believed in Jesus? “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:28). Because Aquila and Priscilla were faithful stewards of God’s Word, not only did Apollos believe, but he proceeded to tell others that Jesus was the Christ, too.

    Have you told others that Jesus is the Christ, and that by believing they can have life through His name?

    How to be Saved

  • God is Faithful

    “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
    1 Corinthians 10:13

    If you ask someone who their favorite Bible character is, many will reply, “David!” Almost everyone has heard of David and Goliath. However, there is so much more to the life of David than one mighty victory when he was a young.

    David became the greatest king that the nation of Israel ever had. The kings that came after David were compared back to him, but none of the kings that followed lived up to his greatness. As great as he was, even King David made mistakes.

    Most people remember the great sin of David when he took Bathsheba who was not his wife and had her husband killed in battle. When God’s prophet, Nathan, confronted David with his sin, David immediately repented. He turned his heart back to God. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). One can read Psalm 51 to understand the great repentance of King David. Seeing into David’s heart at this moment in time can help one understand why God said what He did about King David. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). God was able to allow King David to become a great conquering king.  

    David was a sinner just like everyone who has ever lived. As one reads the events of King David’s life, one cannot help but recognize as he learned from his sin (by repenting of sin). He discovered that he must find the answers as to how to please God by seeking God and His Word.

    The books of the Chronicles reveal the lives of the kings from God’s view. The incident of David taking Bathsheba is recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12 with the consequences of that sin in the following chapters. However, in 1 Chronicles 20, that event in David’s life is not recorded. The tragedies that fell upon his house because of sin are not recorded either. One must recognize something very important: God is a forgiving God who removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. Remember: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Also, remember that God casts our sin into the deepest part of the sea. “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).  That sin will be not only forgiven, but also forgotten.

    Understand that even a man such as David was not perfect. He failed, but we are to learn from his mistakes and not repeat them. Remember: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). These events in the Bible were written as examples for us, so that we would not make the same mistakes. “17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked [means to deviate from conduct that is good or right], fall from your own stedfastness. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17–18).

    Remember that today we have God’s Word that we can read to help us remain steadfast at all times. We should be encouraged that God is faithful. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

    What can we do to keep from falling into the sin? “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men [behave with wisdom of a man, as opposed to a babe in Christ], be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). However, we must always watch and not let sin enter into our hearts and lives.

    Do you stand steadfast, not allowing sin to enter into your life?

  • Righteousness from God

    “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”
    Ephesians 4:24

    We often hear how important it is to confess our sins, seeking forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). However, have you ever thought about how this is even possible? It may be easy to say the words, but what does it take to be really forgiven? “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is the only one who can take away one’s sin, making that one righteous before God.

    In order to fully understand this, one must remember back to an even that took place in Zechariah. God revealed to the high priest, Joshua, something quite amazing. “1. And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. 5. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by. 6. And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, 7. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. ” (Zechariah 3:1-7).

    In this event, recognize that although Joshua was the high priest, the only one who could stand before the God representing the people in the Old Testament, he was not worthy to stand before God. He was “clothed with filthy garments” (revealing he was a sinner). The angel of the Lord (as a defender in a court) in this instance was the pre-incarnate Christ (Jesus before He was born as a human being on earth to die to take away man’s sin). This was much like a court of law where the angel of the Lord (Jesus) represented Joshua (guilty, for he was a sinful man). The adversary (much like a prosecutor) here is Satan, the enemy, the accuser of Christians (Revelation 12:9-10). When Jesus took away the filthy garments, the sin was gone, and Joshua was given a change of raiment (see Romans 8:1). Jesus then had a “fair mitre” set upon his head. The high priest in the Old Testament had “… a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre …” (Exodus 28:36-37). This mark upon his head (the golden plate) was to be a reminding that he had been set apart and consecrated to God and His purpose. This meant being devoted to God, choosing God’s plan over his own.

    How is the event with Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3:1-4 depicted in Ephesians 4:22-24? “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

    Jesus is our Advocate. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). This reveals that the same thing can happen for us today – if only we will trust in Jesus!

    Have you asked Jesus to be your Advocate, forgiving your sin and clothing you with His righteousness?

    How to be Saved

  • Hold Fast

    “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
    Hebrews 10:23

    Have you ever had someone make fun of you, or laugh, at you because you have chosen to live a Christian life? Have you especially noticed it when you attempt to tell someone about Jesus? Although it may be hard to understand why this happens, we are to try to share what we do know of the Gospel message with those who need it. As we tell them about Jesus, we are to recognize that many will not comprehend what we are telling them. The world we live in today is ruled by the devil. God has given him temporary domain. Jesus described the devil in the following: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). We should not be surprised when the world is full of people who do not see a problem with mocking, laughing, or insulting others – especially when that one has Biblical convictions. We are warned that some will speak lies about those who live faithfully for Jesus. Those people follow the ways of the devil, the prince of the power of the air. However, remember the following: “2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Ephesians 2:2-3). Keep in mind that you too, before becoming a Christian, walked in the ways of the world. It is then that we should have an even deeper burden to tell them about Jesus. Remember that is what Christians are to do. “14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15). A preacher here means “to herald (as a public crier) especially divine truth (the Gospel message of Jesus).” All Christians are to tell others about Jesus.

    However, some will not hear this message. They feel there is no place in their hearts or minds for the Gospel message of Jesus. Why is this? “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Because Satan (the devil) does not want anyone to believe in the glorious Gospel of Christ.

    What is one to do in this situation? “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23). The word faithful means “constant in the performance of duties or services – like a faithful servant.” In addition, the word faithful means “as God with His promises.” When we understand the faithfulness of God, it helps us as we “hold fast the profession of our faith.” That means we have, and retain, the faith we have of the Gospel of Jesus (that He died to cleanse us from our sin). We are to do this without “wavering.” The word wavering in this verse means “steady, without giving way.” Understanding this should help us not be concerned when others do not understand our desire to live a life pleasing to Jesus. Christians are to remain faithful in our obedience to God and His Word – even when it may seem difficult. There are many examples of faithful Believers listed in Hebrews chapter eleven (the chapter following this verse that reminds us of the importance of holding fast the profession of our faith without wavering). This chapter is often called the “Hall of Faith” because of the many faithful listed there. Anytime one needs encouragement to be faithful, go and reread Hebrews 11 – you cannot help but be encouraged!

    Have you committed to be faithful to the Lord, no matter what may happen?

    How to be Saved

  • Seek Good and not Evil

    “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.”
    Amos 5:14

    According to Amos 5:14, we are to seek good things in this world, not evil. Many times, God’s people had quit seeking good and were continually doing evil. God often sent a prophet to speak His words to the people; frequently it was when God’s people were in sin and rebellion. The prophets were sent to remind the people to seek God and follow His commands.

    If you think about it, the prophets had a fascinating role in history. Not only did God send His prophets to tell the people to seek God and follow His commands, but they were entrusted with God’s Word to be delivered to the people. Exposing the sins of the people and revealing the need for repentance (turning a humble heart back to God) took much courage. Although it was a difficult task, we see faithful men accomplish what God asked of them. Even when the people refused to listen at the time, we see God working to fulfill His plan. As students of the Bible, we should never be afraid to study the words written in the books of prophecy. Understand that God knew and chose these men. 

    God called Isaiah. God asked whom He could send; who would go? Isaiah answered God’s call to go and tell. He obeyed when God called.

    God knew Jeremiah before he was born. He knew Jeremiah would be a prophet for God (see Jeremiah 1:4-10). He called, prepared, sent, and promised to be with Jeremiah. Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years.

    Ezekiel was called by God to speak to the children who were born in captivity, for many of them would be the ones who would later return to Jerusalem after the seventy years of captivity. He helps us understand the importance of teaching our children about the things of God.

    Daniel proved himself worthy to be use by God when he refused to obey the king and instead chose to obey God’s commands. He and his three friends were not afraid to stand and choose to obey God rather than man. They are mighty examples for us to remain a separate and faithful people, despite adverse circumstances.

    The prophets were called such because they were messengers of God, men whom God called to proclaim “the word of the Lord” to His people, the Israelites. The Gentile nations were usually only mentioned as either a source of conflict with the nation or for being blessed because of Israel. Primarily, the prophets were to expose the sins of the people, revealing the need for repentance and to remind the people to obey God’s laws. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14). The prophets told of two very important events: the first and second coming of Jesus. They gave many insights as to the timing, the place, and even the manner in which He would come. Even when they could not fully understand everything they recorded in God’s Word for us to read today, they were faithful to obey God and His commands.

    Remember that God never gives us anything to do that He won’t help us complete, if we only will trust Him. Because only God knows all, we sometimes have trouble obeying when we don’t understand. As we read, we can understand that the prophets were faithful men who followed God, even when they didn’t completely understand. Sometimes the prophet held only a piece of the future events. These prophets each held different pieces of information given to them by God. Now we can read the entirety, put those pieces together, and see they all point to Jesus.

    Have you put the pieces together to see Jesus?

    Also seen on Lighthouse Gospel Beacon Blog.

  • A Man After Mine own Heart

    “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
    James 4:17

    David is one of the most famous men in the Bible. God chose him when he was young to be the future king of His people. Although King Saul chased David wanting to kill him, David followed God, and God took care of him.

    When David became king, he was a great king. “And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people” (2 Samuel 3:36). We can read many places where David “enquired of God.” When David wasn’t sure what God would have him to do in a situation, he would enquire of God – and God would answer him. “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). The second book of Samuel is all about David’s kingdom.

    Everyone remembers David’s great sin. If you remember, he wasn’t where he was supposed to be. “And it came to pass …  at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1). It was at this time that he took Bathsheba, who wasn’t his wife, and had her husband killed in battle. Although David knew this was completely wrong in every way, he did it anyway. “And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27). What made things worse was that after he made Bathsheba his wife, he continued in life as if nothing was wrong.

    God sent Nathan to speak to David. He told King David a story of man who took a beloved lamb from someone else that did not belong to him and killed it. After hearing the story, “And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:5). David recognized that this man had sinned and deserved death. “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man …” (2 Samuel 12:7a). Nathan proceeded to remind King David just what God had done for him, and his punishment for his great sin. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). Although there were many consequences for this sin, because David immediately repented of that sin, God forgave him. David truly had a heart of repentance, and we can read his prayer to the Lord in Psalm 51.

    What more does the Bible tell us about King David? “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). Have you ever considered that it might have been this moment in David’s life that caused God to call him “a man after mine own heart” knowing that when David was confronted with his sin, he would immediately repent? We know, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, read what David understood, long before it was written, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

    We can understand that God forgave David. However, see how great of a forgiveness it was. David wrote Psalm 103, which tells of God’s great forgiveness. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12)

    Remember what else God tells us of King David, “Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus” (Acts 13:23). God sent, through the lineage of David, His only Son who came to die for man’s sin – if only they would come to him in repentance and receive His forgiveness. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). 

    Are you one who is after God’s own heart?

  • Faith Comes by Hearing

    “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
    Isaiah 55:11

    God called many prophets in the Old Testament to go forth and declare His Word to people. They mostly went, no matter what happened to them. We all remember one particular prophet who chose to disobey God. He chose to go the opposite direction God wanted him to go. The way he wanted to go. Remember him? Jonah, forever known as the prophet who was swallowed by a whale. Why did that happen to him? Because he chose to do what he wanted, instead of obeying God. But only after he was in the belly of that great fish for three days and three nights, praying, was he willing to go deliver the Word of the Lord to the people of Nineveh. Even with his begrudgingly behavior, thousands of people repented before God, and God spared the people and the city.

    Have you ever considered any of the other prophets God sent forth? Remember Isaiah. God asked who He could send, who would go tell the people. Isaiah said, “Here am I; send me.” God told him to go and tell the people, but Isaiah was warned that the people would hear him, but would not listen to him. They would not understand what he was telling them. They would not take any of the counsel of God’s Word that he gave to them. It might sound good for somebody else, but not them. They would not get it. Isaiah had God’s Word, yet the people would not receive it. When Isaiah asked God how long he would have to tell this people who wouldn’t really listen to anything he said, God told him to continue to tell the people until there was no one left to tell.

    Do you think that would have been a hard thing to do? Isaiah was given more prophecies concerning Jesus, the Messiah that was to come, than any other prophet. He was instrumental in helping the people understand that salvation is of the Lord – not of anything man can do. Isaiah’s name even signifies this, for his name means “Salvation is of the Lord.” Nevertheless, tradition declares that King Manasseh had him sawn in two.

    Many other people declared the truths of God’s Word. One cannot help but think of Peter as he told of Jesus, and many thousands of people give their hearts and lives to Jesus. Paul gave his life telling people about Jesus, and establishing churches to teach the apostles doctrine. He also spent much time in prison. Stephen preached the Gospel message of Jesus, and he was stoned to death. However, these men were faithful to the end.

    Today should be no different. Each Christian is called to go and tell the Gospel message of Jesus. To tell the difference that God’s Word has made in that Christian’s life. No one may hear. No one may understand. They might believe that it is good for someone else, not for them. They might not receive it. Nevertheless, we are called to go and tell – even when people don’t want to hear about Jesus. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). People must hear before they can believe. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”  (Romans 10:14). The word preacher here means “to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the Gospel); preach, proclaim, publish.” This means anyone can declare or “cry out” the Gospel message. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). We are just required to declare God’s Word to people. God will take care of the rest.

    However, no one will know the Gospel message of Jesus if we do not tell it. Have you told anyone about what Jesus has done for you?

  • Be Strong

    “…Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
    Joshua 1:9

    Have you ever been asked to do something that you felt completely unqualified and inadequate to do? Was it someone you respect or admire that asked you to do the job? How did you feel? Were you terrified? So many questions run through your mind when you are called to do a particularly special job.

    Think back for a moment to Moses in the Bible. There is much recorded about His life and the many things He did for God and the Israelites. He was extremely faithful! He led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt after the Ten Plagues. He led the people to the foot of Mt. Sinai, where God wanted to speak to His people. However, because the people were so afraid to hear from God, Moses went up the mountain to receive the Law from God. Moses led the people through the wilderness for forty years. If you remember, the people complained most of the time! Yet Moses remained faithful!

    At the end of his life, when he knew he was about to die, God told him to appoint a new leader. Have you ever thought of how incredibly intimidating it would be to follow the leadership position of Moses?! Nevertheless, God chose Joshua to lead His people.

    After Moses died and Joshua prepared to lead God’s people into the land of promise, God spoke words of instruction to him. But more than that, He spoke encouraging words to Joshua: “8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:8-9). As long as Joshua would heed God’s Word, he would be prosperous and have good success. He would need to follow those instructions if he were to lead God’s people! But the best part of these verses: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” I can’t imagine any more encouraging words from God, Himself! It would be amazing to know that God would be with him wherever he went! There was no reason to fear.

    But wait! I have instructions from God, and even encouraging words of my own that He has promised me (and each person God calls to serve Him) because He called me to love and serve Him. “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6-6). I am to walk according to God’s Word, content with what God has for me in my life. I am to do the jobs He has for me to do — for He promises that He will never leave me, nor forsake me. How amazing is that! I can count on God to be my helper, never afraid of what man may do to me. Such comforting words, knowing that He will help me do whatever it is that He has for me to do.

    Do you walk in God’s Ways?

    Do you realize God will help you with whatever it is that He has for you to do?