The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Walk

  • Know the Way and Live in It

    “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”

    Psalm 1:6

    As you read through Israel’s history during the divided kingdom, one cannot help but notice how important it is to God that He be kept first in one’s life and even in the nation. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). The kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments — and kept them. Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. When the kings led the people to sin against God, He sent prophets to cry out to seek God; to return to Him. However, because they did not, the nation was not in favor with God. Read the following verses to remember this: “1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1, 3–4).

    As you continue reading through the history of Israel, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel were considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). Recognize what we are NOT to do: First, walk with sinners, then stop and talk with them, and finally to sit with them. Understand that desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

    Instead, read on in Psalm 1 to learn what one should do. “2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). Understand what happens when one does not do as one should. “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:4-6).

    Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. Even with all of the warnings, we found they did not return to God, but “… walked in the statutes of the heathen …” (2 Kings 17:8). God had no choice but to fulfill His promise of discipline and judgment upon His people.

    As we have learned, the Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools … 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts … 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21-22, 24–25).

    What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? When we know the truth and what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Seek God if one is not sure — remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    The following is an important question for each Christian to consider:

    Have you searched your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it?

  • The Righteous Have Hope

    “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

    Colossians 3:2

    Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, a rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure. However, because King Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires, he discovered that they were the cause of all of his vanity and vexation. Vanity means “anything that is futile or worthless”. Vexation means “something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously”. King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God. Even with all of his wisdom, he did not have the answers of life. In Ecclesiastes chapter nine, he revealed that he learned there are two kinds of people: wicked or righteous. God takes care of the righteous, but all people will one day die. Only the righteous have hope (of eternity in heaven with Jesus).

    An important thing to consider is that the teachings of Ecclesiastes present the philosophy of Man under the sun (of which Solomon referenced many times in chapters 1-8). He presents the inevitable conclusions by man, not the Christian’s worldview nor the representation of God’s viewpoint. One must remember that Solomon wrote as a man who chose to live his life apart from God as he tried to be happy.

    Read Ecclesiastes 9:1–5. [Note: In brackets there are some thoughts and suggestions for the verses.]

    “1. For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them” (Ecclesiastes 9:1). [As Solomon continued to consider the vanity of life, he saw that the righteous, the wise, and their works were in God’s hand. “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:7).]

    “2. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath” (Ecclesiastes 9:2). [There are two groups of people laid out here—the righteous and the wicked. We find “things” happen to all people, whether they are righteous or wicked.]

    “3. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). [Life is not fair. Everyone will die.]

    “4. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4). [The righteous “joined to all the living” are those who have been saved and have Jesus in their hearts. There is a hope. See Solomon’s faith in what we now know. “19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:19–22).]

    “5. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). [Because Christians realize this world is temporary, there is a life after. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The lost (those apart from Christ) do not understand or believe this. Also consider the following: “6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).]

    Solomon set out to declare these truths to all generations that followed him, and we should adhere to these truths. He recognized what many today still do not understand—this life is not what we should be living for. There is a life of “the living” that we should desire to be a part of, but we also should warn the rest of the world (just as did Solomon). “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16). We must be encouraged to be a “savour of life unto life.”

    The world and Christianity are far apart. Remember how a Christian is to view life: “1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

    Have you set your affections on things above, recognizing that this world is temporary?

  • The Goal for this Life

    “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?”

    James 2:14

    As a Christian, the goal for this life is to be as Christ-like as one could possibly be. However, not many Christians understand what this means exactly, or even how to accomplish so great a task. Yet the answers are found in the Bible that most people own. James wanted to make a point. All Christians are saved by faith, but our actions (or works) reveal that faith to others. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14). We have already learned that salvation is by faith. We also understand that no one can do anything to earn salvation – for it came by the sacrifice of Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Then what is James trying to teach Christians? “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18). Even something one would think to be minor is important to consider.

    James was teaching Christians that faith and works go hand in hand. Because faith is an issue of the heart (for one believes in the heart, then confesses with the mouth, see Romans 10:9-10), physical works are a necessity to show the world what has taken place in the heart. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). James wrote, “that faith without works is dead.” This is an indication of one who has only confessed with the mouth that they believed, but never truly believed in the heart – much like the devils. There is no evidence of this faith in that life. Understand that unless it is a “saving faith”, it is counterfeit. This kind of faith lulls people into a false security of eternal life.

    How does one reveal faith in their life? “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” (Romans 12:1-2). That faith is lived out in a Christian’s life. Remember that when one trusts in Jesus, there is a change in that life. To trust Christ means that you yield your life to Him, and you then follow Him and His Word (the teachings of the Bible). A Christian becomes Christ-like. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). When a Christian lives for Jesus by the principles of that faith, we will please Him. More than that, we will increase in our knowledge of God.

    James did not just teach that with faith comes works, he cited examples from the Old Testament that all would remember. See the example of Abraham. “21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). Recognize that James 2:23 was quoted from Genesis 15:6: “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” This was recorded twenty years before God called Abraham to offer Isaac. Yet by Abraham’s act of offering his son, Isaac, it revealed the faith he had had in his heart for all of those years. Abraham’s faith was “justified by works,” revealing his heart to all of the world.

    Read another example: Rahab. “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” (James 2:25). Remember that Rahab was the woman who lived within the walls of Jericho when the children of Israel sent the two spies into the city. Because she believed in God, she hid the two men, and then helped them escape, saving their lives. Because of her act of faith, she and her family were spared when the entire city of Jericho was destroyed. Her faith in God was revealed by her actions of saving the men of God. All could see her faith lived out in her life.

    Read James’ summary: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). A Christian must live a Christ-like life to reveal that one’s faith in Christ.

    Can anyone see Christ in you?

  • The Mercies of the Lord

    “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”

    Psalm 89:1

    Consider the following song as you read Psalm 89.

    I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever

    by James H. Fillmore

    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
    I will sing, I will sing,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.
    With my mouth will I make known
    Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness,
    With my mouth will I make known
    Thy faithfulness to all generations,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 4:

    “God’s Faithfulness:

    “Read Psalm 89:1–8. Do you notice anything about the first verse? “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1). Have you heard the song called “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord forever”? The words to that song came from this Psalm. In verses 1–8, the writer recognized the great mercies of God. “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD?” (verse 6a), “or to thy faithfulness round about thee?” (verse 8b). We must make God’s faithfulness known to “all generations” (parents and grandparents must pass it on!). One way we can show with our mouths is through singing (as verse 1 revealed).

    “Read Psalm 89:15–18. Notice verse 15: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.” Joyful sound here means “acclamation of joy.” We will be blessed if we know that sound of joy. Then we shall “walk” in the light of God’s countenance (light here refers to “life in contrast to death”,and countenance means“in the presence of the Lord. See Genesis 3:8, where God came to walk with Adam and Eve in the garden when they hid from the presence of the Lord; because of their sin”). When we know how to sing of God’s mercies and make that known to all people, we can be blessed people who walk with God. God is our king (see verse 18).”

    After reading Psalm 89, considering the song “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever”, and reading the excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life” Bible study, consider the following thoughts.

    In Psalm chapter 89, it would be good to remember the promise God made to David in 2 Samuel 7:5-15. Then reread verses 3-4. “3. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4. Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah” (Psalm 89:3-4). David knew God would keep his promise.

    In this chapter, not only is the covenant of God remembered but the faithfulness of God is recalled over and over. However, more than that, we are encouraged to not only walk with God but to make God’s faithfulness known to our children and our children’s children.

    Have you recognized God’s faithfulness and shared these things with your children or grandchildren?

  • Be Encouraged, and Do Not Fear

    “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

    2 Timothy 1:7

    God has called Christians. First, unto salvation offered by His Son, Jesus, and then Christians are called to walk worthy. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). However, many have quit with the calling unto salvation. However, read how a Christian is to then live. “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Christians are called to live, not unto themselves, but for Jesus.

    Why have many quit, just being content to be “saved”? For many, it may be the fear of what may come with the change of life that true salvation in Christ brings. First, one must die to self. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is a life change. The old life is gone, and a new life has begun. One that is to be centered on Jesus. What encouragement can we read about this fear? “7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:7-9). God does not want Christians to be afraid, but to recognize that God has a plan “according to his own purpose and grace” for each person who belongs to Him.

    Do not think you are alone in this initial fear. Many are fearful – at first. However, God is good in that He encourages those who belong to Him. He reminds us that He will be with us, helping us accomplish the plan that He has for our lives. Read the small sampling of some encouragment found in the Bible.

    • God encouraging Jeremiah: “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:8).
    • God encouraging Moses: “And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain” (Exodus 3:12).
    • Moses encouraging Joshua: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
    • God encouraging Joshua: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).
    • Jesus encouraging Paul: “16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send the, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:17).
    • God’s encouragement for Christians today: “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).

    When a Christian walks with the Lord, fulfilling the plan He has for that life, God will not only encourage, but also help that Christian. One should not be afraid of what “man shall do unto me”. What encouragement can we find when things do not seem to be happening according to how we may think they should happen? “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” (Romans 8:28).

    Do you walk with God, fulfilling His plan for your life, unafraid of what man may do?

  • A Warning from a Watchman

    “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”
    Ezekiel 3:17

    God called Ezekiel to be a watchman. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:17). He was called to warn the Israelites during their captivity in Babylon. God gave Ezekiel the words that needed to be spoken to God’s people. The people of Judah had to understand that they were being disciplined for their rebellion against God and His Word.      

    The most important message Ezekiel had for God’s people was that although Israel had sinned, and they were under the chastisement of God, He would reveal Himself to them. “11. … I will judge you in the border of Israel: 12. And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you” (Ezekiel 11:11b-12). They had not obeyed or walked with God. However, God left a promise for the future of Israel. He promised to gather them together again and give back to them the land of Israel. At that time, the people would take away the detestable things and all of the abominations (Ezekiel 11:16-18). When this happened, read what God would do for His people: “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). What would happen once they had a heart of flesh? “That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God” (Ezekiel 11:20). God not only wanted them to understand the chastisement (for not walking according to God’s commands), but He promised them a change of heart so they could obey His commands. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, Ezekiel was to remind the Israelites that God wanted them to be His people, and He would be their God.              

    Why was this message so important?

    Sin had so engrained itself into the Israelites at that time that most of the people no longer realized they were sinning against God and His Law, for their hearts had become hard. In the Old Testament, the Israelites’ understanding was darkened – they just did not get it. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Blindness means “callousness or hardness.” Their hearts had become hardened to the guilt of sin. They thought they were living just fine.

    Why is it important for us to know this? Do Christians still have the same problem today? Is sin so engrained in our hearts and lives that we do not even realize how much sin is present in our lives? Are our hearts hardened to sin? What are Christians to do? In Ezekiel, God told His people that he would take the stony heart out and give them a heart of flesh. It was only then that they could walk with God and keep His Word. It was then that they would be God’s people and He would be their God. Without a change of heart, God’s Word cannot be written in one’s heart.  How can one’s heart be changed? “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:8-10). God’s Word tells us that by faith in Jesus, believing in the heart, Jesus can save, changing the heart.

    After conviction of sin and by belief in Jesus, God will give one a heart of flesh instead of a stony heart. “3. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward” (2 Corinthians 3:3-4). When God’s Law (the Bible) is in our heart, the Spirit of the Living God constantly reminds us when have disobeyed God’s Word. It is then that we are convicted of sin, and our heart’s desire will be to eliminate sin from our lives and live pleasing to God.

    A Christian cannot continue to live a sinful life, for because Christ is in a Christian’s heart and life, sin cannot be tolerated. The Spirit will convict. If that Christian does not correct, there will be discipline (see Hebrews 12:5-8). If one professes to be a Christian and continues in sin, that lifestyle betrays the heart – for it does not belong to Jesus (see 1 John 3:8-10). 

    Have you heard the warning of the Watchman, heeding the warning to not rebel against God’s Word?

  • Great is Thy Faithfulness

    “22. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    Today is a day of uncertainty. The news is full of earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, illnesses, the possibility of food shortages, wars and rumors of wars, and so many other things of which to be fearful. This leads to much apprehension in the world today. I have never known a time when so many people are anxious about almost everything. The constant onslaught can be almost overwhelming!

    Why should a Christian not be afraid?

    What does God’s Word teach us about fear? We are to remember that God is with us. “1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Psalm 46:1-3). If we walk with God, He will be with us.

    Jeremiah was a prophet who spoke God’s Word to the Israelite people for around forty years. The people were not walking with God, and it was a time of much trouble in the land. Eventually, the enemies came, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the people away captive. Jeremiah witnessed these events. Although he had warned the people of the coming invasion, they had not heeded his warnings to turn back to God. The whole nation suffered because of this – even Jeremiah. Understandably, Jeremiah was greatly saddened with these events. Jeremiah wrote the following as he witnessed God’s judgment upon His people for their continual rejection of His Word: “The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow …” (Lamentations 1:18a). He wrote the book of Lamentations, revealing the horrors he witnessed, and the sorrow in his heart. Yet in the midst of that sad book, he reminded us of a very pleasant hope. “22. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lamentations 3:22-25). Jeremiah knew God was with him. He understood that God is a forgiving God – even when we fail Him miserably! Have you heard the song we often sing in churches written from these verses? Great is Thy Faithfulness. Read the following encouraging words:

    “1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

    Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be.

    2. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

    Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

    Refrain: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see;

    All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Amen!”

    It is easy to constantly be distracted by the relentless onslaught of bad news. As one hears the new potential crisis almost every day, it is hard to focus one’s thoughts upon God and the things of God. When we forget God and begin to focus upon the troubles of the world, the problems can appear to be overwhelming. It is before one reaches this point that a decision must be made. What must a Christian decide? To trust God! It is then that when all of the troubles of the world seem to come against us, we can stop and be at rest knowing God is in control. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). We will then remember that God will take care of His own. “5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). We are to fear the Lord, doing what His Word says to do. That should be rather easy – for if we walk with God, we will depart from evil.

    Christians should not be so entangled in the troubles of the day that one forgets to walk with (and especially trust) God. Turn off the news and read the Bible. Remember: “… his compassions fail not. 23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Also keep in mind: “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lamentations 3:25). It is important for Christians to seek the Lord and not the potential troubles of the day.

    Do you seek the Lord, understanding that if we walk with Him, He will be faithful?

  • Faith Comes by Hearing

    “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
    Romans 10:17

    After much healing and preaching, Jesus sent the multitude away. “35. And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:35-38). First, recognize Jesus told them to pass over to the other side. They should have had confidence that they would make it, because Jesus told them they would. Next, see that they should not have worried because Jesus was with them. This can be seen as a practical test to see if they had learned anything that Jesus had been teaching them. How did they fare? We find these seasoned fishermen afraid in a storm.

    Jesus slept on the ship – even when a storm arose. The disciples were fearful and woke Jesus. “39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41. And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:39-41). Jesus rebuked the storm, and it ceased. Jesus then questioned the disciples. How could they be so afraid? Understand that their lack of faith caused them to fear. Faith here means “in an absolute sense of Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah and Savior.” Jesus wanted to know why they had no faith. After all the things the disciples had witnessed and learned, they still needed to know more. They still did not understand Jesus is God. There is an important verse that can help us understand what the disciples had not yet learned. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Jesus is the Word of God. Remember: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

    Most remember when Jesus fed the five thousand men plus women and children. As He was teaching, Jesus had compassion on them and because much time had passed, He fed them with the five loaves and two fishes (see Matthew 14:13-21). John tells us what the people’s reaction to this miracle was. “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (John 6:15). They wanted to force Jesus to become a king.

    Instead, Jesus sent the disciples in a ship across the sea where He would join them. Jesus went up on the mount to pray. “22. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14:22-26). Remember, Jesus had told them to go to the other side before Him. When the disciples saw someone on the water, they were afraid.   

    “27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:27-33). Peter asked Jesus to call him onto the water to Him. Peter acted, in faith, when he heard Jesus. However, as Peter walked on the water, he became afraid. He still had more to learn. When he cried out, Jesus saved him. After these events, we see the disciples’ faith had grown. They now acknowledged that Jesus is the Son of God.   

    Do you read your Bible, hearing the Word of God, allowing your faith to grow?

  • We are His Workmanship

    “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
    Ephesians 2:10

    John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. In that message, John was preparing the people’s hearts to understand their need for Jesus. After John the Baptist introduced the people to Jesus, read what happened. “35. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36). John again declared Jesus as the Lamb of God. “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). Recognize that these men left John the Baptist to follow the One for which John had come to prepare the way. John had done His job: he had directed the people’s attention to the Savior of the world, Jesus. These men left John, and they followed Jesus.

    “38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39. He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day … 40. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother” (John 1:38-40). John’s disciples called Jesus Rabbi (Master); yet another indication that they had turned their focus from John to Jesus. They were ready to hear the teachings of Jesus now that they had met Him. Rabbi means “a doctor, teacher, master; a title of honor in the Jewish schools.” After Andrew believed in Jesus, he immediately found his brother, Simon (Peter), and took him to meet Jesus.

    “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me” (John 1:43). Jesus called Philip, too. What did Philip do? “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Philip recognized who this man was that called him. Philip understood that Jesus was the Promised One that Moses and the prophets had written about in the Old Testament. Immediately he went and found Nathanael to bring him to Jesus. (Remember, that is what Andrew had done. Andrew immediately went and found his brother, Simon.) Today, when a person meets Jesus, becoming a Christian, the immediate response should be to introduce others to Jesus, too.

    Nathanael was a skeptic – at first. Nevertheless, after Jesus told him where he had been, Nathanael believed. Remember that each person has the choice – to believe or not to believe. Nathanael believed.

    Many people followed Jesus because they wanted to hear His teachings – so many that they crowded Him. Jesus saw the empty ships, and asked Simon to thrust the ship out a little from the shore. Jesus taught the people from the ship. After finishing teaching, Jesus told Simon (Peter) to go out to the deep water and throw out their nets again to fish. Simon (Peter) initially objected – but then he obeyed Jesus. They caught so many fish that their nets broke, and then both ships began to sink because of the number of fish caught. How did Peter respond? “8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken” (Luke 5:8-9). Especially notice that Peter was not the only one affected by this miraculous catch of fish. “10. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:10-11). It was at this point that these four men forsook their old occupation as fishermen of fish, and followed Jesus as fishers of men. If you notice, it said, “they forsook all.” In Matthew, chapter four it tells us that James and John were working with their father. They left him, too. 

    People were trying not only to hear Jesus’ teachings, but also to be healed. Many people followed Jesus. He was drawing the people from a religious practice to a commitment of the heart – a heart committed to Jesus. Jesus saw the need of the people. Read what Jesus did. “12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13). Apostle means “an ambassador; it indicates the distinctive relation of the 12 men Jesus chose to be His witnesses of Him before the world.” This was the third call of these men. They were initially called to believe in Jesus. Then they were called to follow Jesus. Finally, Jesus called them for a special purpose – to be His apostles.

    Just as Jesus called the twelve disciples (Apostles) for a special purpose, when someone today is saved (asks Jesus into their heart), Jesus has a special purpose for them as well. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8, 10). Not only are Christians His workmanship (workmanship means “the result of work; something produced; something made”), but God has before ordained (before ordained means “to make ready beforehand; used of God’s foreordaining for good, referring to glory and good works”) that new Christian to walk in that new life Jesus has for them. Jesus has a job for each Christian.

    Have you believed in Jesus, becoming a Christian?

    Do you follow Jesus and His teachings?

    Have you recognized the job that Jesus has for your life?

    How to be Saved

  • The Just Shall Live by Faith

    “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
    Romans 1:17

    Have you ever been afraid?

    One cannot help but remember back to an event that took place in the Bible. Jesus had been going about preaching and healing many. The disciples who were with Him, recognized that he was a great teacher. They had witnessed many people come to Jesus with sicknesses that He healed. Jesus even healed Peter’s mother-in-law who had been sick. They saw many possessed with devils that Jesus cast out. Yet when these fishermen (who were used to being on the water) were in a ship in the sea and a storm arose, they were afraid. Yet Jesus was asleep in the ship. “25. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:25-27). Even these men who had witnessed Jesus do many great things were afraid in the storm! They did not yet understand just who Jesus was, and that He would take care of them. They had “little faith.”

    We can learn many things about the faith that is to be found in a Christian life. Is it good when one relies upon his own ability? “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. When we hear of the faith by which Christians are to live, what are we to do? “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible. Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    Many Christians become afraid at some point. We do not see the preventions God has in place to hold the enemy (or things that cause us to fear) at bay; for these things can come so close and no further than God permits. God only allows some of these things to go so far in the affecting of our lives. He prevents many of these instances from reaching one who stays in the midst of the path God has for that Christian. Often times these occurrences are allowed to be there to test one’s faith (remember Job).

    Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

    Have you learned to trust God, not be afraid, and walk by faith?