Devotions Treasury
IT’S HOW YOU SAID IT!
Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer truth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – KJV
There are many times in life that anger and arguments will arise with any relationship. Even in a crowd of disrespectful people, this proverb from the Bible will work today. However, we are tempted to prove our point of view with emphasis! This is so that we will be heard loud and clear and everyone will know who we are! But that is not what God said to do. Speak softly and watch what happens. In an argument, speak softly and watch what happens. In anger, speak softly and watch what happens. Even in a disrespectful crowd of people, speak softly and watch what happens. God’s word is true. But let pride and condescending words be part of your speech to others and watch what negative things happen. This proverb is a promise from God. Take Him at his Word, it never fails!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Anger, The Control Freak
Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”
I will never forget the first prison I preached in. The chaplain pointed out a young man on the front row. He told how just last week that young man was an officer in the facility; now he will face the rest of his life in prison. Anger got the best of this man. He came home early one day from work to find his wife in an adulterous affair with another man. It a fit of rage, he went to the gun cabinet and sent both, his wife and the man into eternity. This was an act that changed the rest of his life. In one way it was a good thing, he did get saved, but on the other hand, killing two people for any reason will haunt him for the rest of his life.
When you allow anger in your life, you are allowing people and situations to control you. Ultimately, the devil will have direct access to your actions. The prisons are filled with people that act out in a fit of rage leaving them locked up for the rest of their lives. Galatians 5:16”This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
I am reminded of a man in the Bible that acted in a fit of rage. King Saul was so mad at Jonathon, his son that he tried to kill him by throwing a javelin at him. 1 Samuel 20:33 “And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him…” I am glad for both that Saul was a bad aim.
Thought: “Anger is momentary madness, so control your passion or it will control you.” -Horace
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Being Afraid
WHY SO BIG?
Psalms 97:6 “The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.” - KJV
When was the last time you took the time to look at the stars in the night sky? When was the last time you took time to discover something new about the “known universe” through science? When NASA sent the Voyager missions through our solar system, these satellite probes sent back some amazing pictures and facts that changed science text books. The fact is, that if we think the universe is just for us we are really self centered and proud! The more we learn about the universe and all its vastness and its detailed balance, the natural conclusion is that we are really small, but the God of the Bible is really big! In Genesis 1:1, which is the first verse of the first book of the Bible, it states that “in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” So one must ask, why did he make the universe so big? We are so small we have to call what we know the “known universe” because there is so much we do not know about it! There is more that we do not know than what we do know! However in our text verse God lets us know why He created it all. It was to help us see God through his creation.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
What is Baptism?
Who Can Get Baptized?
Why Be Baptized?
THE UNCHANGING WORD OF GOD
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” – KJV
It is important to study God’s Word, the Bible. It is important to memorize verses and to think upon His Word. The Word of God never changes, even though we live in a world of constant change. Our friends and families change. Circumstances change. Our thoughts and attitudes change. And all around us we experience change every day. But the Word of God remains the same, and is sure and steadfast. We can always depend upon His Word. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” and in I Peter 1:23, we read that the Word of God lives and abides forever. In uncertain and changing times, we can always depend upon His Holy Word to give us comfort, strength, grace and power for each moment of our lives, regardless of our situations or our circumstances.
The Word of God also helps newborn babies in Christ to grow spiritually. In I Peter 2:2 we read, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” We, as believers in Christ, are commanded in God’s Word to grow spiritually. II Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Word of God has always existed and will always exist. In John 1:1-2 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” Read the following verses from the Bible: Psalm 119: 2, 9, 11, 28, 50, 67, 71, 74, 92, 114, 130, 147, 148, 162 and 165.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Difference a Word Makes
Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - KJV
In the King James Bible, the word “unto” gives us the idea of placing a gift, an idea or anything unto a person. It is totally different from the word “to.” For example, the water flowed over the bank of the river unto the road. The road received the water from the river when it overflowed. To replace the word “unto” with “to” changes the whole meaning of the phrase. It takes the reception away and turns into an expression in grammar witch simple directs. For example, “I went into my office to write a note unto you.” If you say “a note to you” it would mean that it was on its way. By saying “unto you,” you are saying that the note is intended for you to receive. Notice now our text verse; we are commanded by Christ to be a witness unto Him. Whenever we are telling a sinner the Gospel message, in reality, we are telling it unto Jesus. He receives our witness and causes the sinner to hear the convicting message leaving him with the responsibility of either receiving or rejecting it. Christ does the work when we do the witness! Tell someone about Christ today and give the gift of being a witness unto Jesus! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
My Favorite Book
Do You Have Your Arrows Ready?
Here we have a comparison between the children that God gives you and arrows, and what an amazing comparison this is. The goal for the arrow is that it would fly straight, hit the target and stick where it is supposed to be. Is this not what every parent would want for their children? To achieve this goal there must first be some preparation.
You must first make sure that the arrow is straightened. It’s hard to get a crooked arrow to fly straight. It is the same way with children, they must first be straightened. We are all born sinners and as such must be taught to do right and not wrong. You do this by teaching them the Word of God and leading them to Christ.
Then the arrow needs to be sharpened if it is going to stick. It is not good enough just to hit the target and bounce back, you want it to stick. This “sharpening” comes when you live in front of your children the things that you teach them. You can’t teach them one thing and live another in front of them. This will not help them to stick to the target. Sharpen them by living it in front of them. That’s where the sharp part is: in front of the arrow.
The next step is the guiding of the arrow and is done by the fletching, or the feathery part of the arrow that follows through on the end. These feathers help to guide the arrow when it leaves the archers hand. This to me is a picture of prayer. You have straightened it, you have sharpened it, and now it’s about to take off and be out of your hand. You’ve gone as far as you can go with it. Now you need this fletching (prayer) to follow your arrow and guide it as it takes off to its target.
Oh and don’t forget to aim. Aiming is different than just pointing in a general direction. You must make sure that you aim is sure and true with a clear target in mind. The arrow will only fly in the direction that it is aimed. Do you have your arrows ready? Do you have them straightened, sharpened, and aimed in the right direction? I hope they reach the target and stick where God would have them to be!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Leading Our Children
Isaac trusted Abraham whole heartedly. He was bound and placed on the alter fully trusting what his dad said. Our children are trusting of us. What we tell them to do and what is right they follow with child like faith. Are we leading them the right way? I was to be the best example I can be to always point my child to Christ and for her to see and know that God CAN and God WILL provide!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Who Made Your Bed Up Last Night?
Psalm 4:8 "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." - KJV
Have you ever heard the old expression, “You made your bed now lie in it”? What this means is that the things you do will come with consequences, and you will have to live with the consequences once you have done them. When a man lives his life according to God’s Word, God’s will, and God’s way, then God will make him a bed like the Psalmist had here; one of peace and safety. You can sleep a whole lot better with a clean conscious and a right heart with God. For when you are saved and right with God then you know that even if you don’t wake up in the morning that everything will be all right anyway. Proverbs 3:24 "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." This verse probably explains where we get the expression “sweet dreams” from.
However if we let the devil make us a bed of lies, deceit, and evil then our sleep is not so sweet. Isaiah 28:20 "For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." It’s hard to sleep when you know that you’ve done wrong and can be exposed at any time. It’s hard to sleep when you know that your sins are uncovered and you could wake up in hell for all eternity.
So how about it, how are you sleeping: covered or not? Have you made a bed that you are willing to lie in? Who made your bed up last night? From where did you get your cover? I hope you sleep sweet in the peace and safety of God.
Have a great day and a sweet restful night!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Who Is Watching
Our Saviour is delighted when His servant’s are living and conducting their ministries from the heart. Remember, every born-again, Bible believing Christian has a ministry-a ministry of loving and serving God. There is great joy the LORD gives to the heart of His servants when they are serving Him with a willing spirit. Warren Wiersbe said, “Pleasing God ought to be your supreme motive for service. If it is, you’ll hear ‘well done’ when you stand before Him in glory” (Matthew 25:21).[i] I don’t know about you, but I am hoping and praying that I never let Him down; those words will be sweet! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Telling the Truth
Have you ever had to tell someone something that you just hated to say? Sometimes the truth can be as hard to deliver as it is to hear. It may be offensive to the one who needs to hear it, but they still need to hear. Although the truth may be hard or offensive we should guard ourselves that we are not trying to be. We read in Ephesians how that Christians are supposed to deliver the truth. Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love…" - KJV
We should choose our words wisely and not veer from the truth but let them come from God. When we get out words from anger, bitterness, or hatred instead of from God the hearer does not want to listen. God will give us words of boldness even in times of reproof or correction without them seeming to be mean spirited. God gave us The Truth, when He gave us His Son and His Word. The Truth has the purpose of drawing men toward God. It will draw the sinner to a personal relationship with God. It will draw the Saint to a closer walk with Him.
The truth is not our personal spring board for us to condemn the lost or the wayward. But it is to reach out and to restore those who need it. We need to think of the truth more as a life rope than a hanging noose. The truth will hang those who will not receive it. However if we are not careful in looking upon the sin of others and not examining ourselves we may end up like Haman (Esther 7:10) and get hung on our own gallows. The truth is, we all need the help of the Lord. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. And that is the truth!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
“It’s Decision Time”
Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - KJV
Bill was twenty years old when he landed in the front lines of the Vietnam War as a medic. He was four months into his tour when an enemy round found his spine, leaving him with both legs paralyzed.
Bill and his wife own a Bed and Breakfast in Lexington, OH. I noticed that there was some Christian reading material on almost every table. I asked Bill if he knew the LORD Jesus as his Saviour. He told me that he had been saved at the age of twelve. He went on to say that soon after he had been shot he realized it was going to take a lot of faith to endure this hardship. He has not only endured, but has used his handicap to give God glory. He went on to be a public school teacher, raised his family with a Godly heritage, and is now a successful Christian business owner. Bill also spends much of his time helping other handicapped people.
Bill told me a staggering statistic during our visit. He said that he had recently read a statistic that stated, “More Vietnam veterans have committed suicide than were actually killed in the line of duty.”
I have used this quote many times; “God makes no mistakes.” The LORD knew exactly what He was doing when Bill was injured in Vietnam. Bill made the right choice not to be angry with God, but to cast his cares upon Him as commanded in the Bible. In return, Bill has enjoyed a very full and exciting life. What about you? Will you use your trial to give God glory or end up committing spiritual and possible physical suicide? “It’s Decision time!”
Written By: Missionary M. Vanhorn
Delayed to Come Down
We find here Moses went to see God and did not immediately return. The people go to Aaron and tell him to make them gods. Aaron follows the will of the people and makes for them gods.
It has been 2,000 years since Christ's ascension to heaven. Several times along the way the people have said to the priest (the preachers) to make them gods and the priest (the preachers) have allowed the people to be their own god. I was reading on line where the church cannot decide whether to accept sodomite marriages or not. The answer is clear the Bible calls sodomy an abomination. The church is now doing exactly what Aaron did and following the will of the people and not the will of God. When He returns it will not be just some throwing down of some tablets and making us drink gold water. I am afraid the punishment is going to be far greater. We had better be like the levites and not join in with that crowd.
Crash Landings
One Person
Looking Forward
On January 25, 2016, I lost another one of my dear friends. Jim Elkins was a World War II Veteran who stormed Omaha Beach! Jim loved America and was not afraid to stand and fight so you and I could enjoy the freedoms we have. Jim was not only a soldier in the U.S. Army, but he was a soldier for Christ. Jim worked faithfully on our bus route at Franklin Road Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN for 45 years. Every Saturday he would be at the bus garage making sure all the buses were ready to go. Sunday mornings, he would have them all lined up running and ready for the drivers.
Jim worked over 60 years for the state of Tennessee. He was not afraid to work hard. He retired the third time from the State at age 91. A few months prior to his death, he also retired from the bus ministry. Jim Elkins is a picture of a “good man”! First, he was not afraid to fight for our country. Second, he was known in the work place as a hard worker with years of unused sick pay, but thirdly and most important, Jim was not afraid to let people know about the God he loved and served! You are daily building your resume of your life—will you be known as a “Good Man”?
Written By: Missionary M. Van Horn
WHY GO TO CHURCH?
Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – KJV
Many people today do not understand the importance of going to church every time the doors are open to attend. In our text it is found that the early church was suffering the same problem with attendance. The Bible actually addresses the topic of church attendance with a command to attend. So first of all, God wants us to come to an assembly of believers to worship Him. By doing so we are giving our time and making special effort for God. Secondly we see in this passage that church attendance is rewarded by encouraging fellow believers. There are times that each of us need encouragement from other Christian believers. Also at church you have the opportunity to have fellowship. The TV, Radio, or phone do not come close to the friendship, fellowship, and fun that we enjoy when we attend church like the Bible commands. We need each other! We also need to be where God has ordained as the place where He wants Himself to be formally worshiped. If God thought it important to write it down in the Bible for us to read, then it is important for us to put into action. Remember, B.I.B.L.E. = Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
DON’T SPEAK BEFORE YOU THINK
Proverbs 10:32 “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” - KJV
Did you ever notice that some people curse without even realizing what they are saying? It is sad, but they hear it at home and do not even know that it is wrong. Matthew 12:34 “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” I like what the book of Proverbs has to say about speaking; “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable:” When the LORD gives us a new heart at the point of salvation, He also gives us a built in warning system. We just seem to know when the words of our mouth are righteous or not. We also are informed in Proverbs 10:18 “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Listen to your heart and refrain from any speech that will cause you to be a fool in the eyes of our Almighty God!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Idle Words
Here we are warned about speaking “idle words”. The word “idle” here means lazy, leisurely, or without effort. To me it makes me think of a car running without going anywhere or being in gear. The context of the verse is about speaking without thinking. To speak out without considering what damage the words you say may have or even promising to do something without following through. These all are “idle” words. Too many people do this. They allow their mouths to run without engaging their brains. We must guard our mouths for every one of these “idle” words we will give account of in the day of judgment.
Many times people do things that anger us and in our flesh our reaction is to lash out or back at them. When we do this we do it at the expense of our testimony. If someone can “push your buttons” and make you mad causing you to spout out at them with “idle” words then be sure that the devil knows your weakness and will send several more by your way to push this same button. That is where we need God’s help. Can you imagine that you were hot and thirsty and you put your last dollar into a drink machine hoping for a cold drink? However when you pushed the button you received no drink and no refund. The next few days you came back and done the same thing with exactly the same results. Eventually you will quit coming and pushing these buttons.
We need to ask God to deactivate the buttons that Satan uses to get us to speak these “idle” words. When God has done this the devil will have one less thing that he can use to hinder our testimony and fellowship with God. Let’s pray and ask God to help us to guard against these “idle” words. We should seek for “engaging” conversations and not just “idle” words.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Are You Thirsty?
The Testimony of Our Joy
Psalms 126:2 "Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them." - KJV
In a world that is filled with anger, hurt and sorrow one of the best testimonies that a Child of God can have is their joy. We have a reason to rejoice when others do not. We have a hope that is beyond this troubled world that we live in. 1Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Even in the storms of our lives we have an anchor that still holds. Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; With these things in our lives it is as our text tells us, something that the heathen (lost) will both see and acknowledge. It is a wonderful way to draw others to Christ.
So we must guard ourselves to keep our eyes upon Jesus and His blessings and not upon this world. Because not only will the heathen see when we have it (joy) they also will see when we don’t. We are not immune to troubles and trials either; we just have someone to help us in the midst of them. It’s not just about being happy. Happiness come from the happenings and sometimes these are not so good. Joy comes from Jesus and He is always good so we can always have joy. If we keep our eyes upon Jesus we don’t have to look far to see how blessed we really are.
So what does the world see in your life? They will see in your life what you have been keeping your eyes upon. I want my life to be like a pair of binoculars to draw their focus upon Jesus. Having this joy of the Lord in our lives will put a smile on our face, a song in our heart and a testimony in our lives that the heathen (lost) cannot deny.
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Written By: Missionary L. Key
Influence
This is the Day
“And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me” (Isaiah 12:8).
That day! What a day it was when I called on Christ to be my Saviour. To know that He became my Father and I His son brings the greatest comfort of all. Isaiah 12 only has six verses, but it is one of the greatest chapters of the results of repentance! What comfort it is knowing that He will never execute His wrath on His children! It is my prayer to keep my Saviour happy with every area of my life and dwell in His comfort! Have a blessed day!
Written By: Missionary M. Van Horn
Courageous Not Cowardice
1 Peter 3:17 "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing." - KJV
All throughout the Bible true Christians have been identified by their boldness to stand for God even in the midst of trouble. This world wants to portray us as weak and cowardly but a true Christian is not or should not be. They need to read the Bible and see the many times even when facing what seemed like certain death how true Christians were willing to stand for what they believed in. It is the world’s portrayal of Christians as weak and not the Word’s. The Word reveals the boldness of those who trust in the true and living God.
After years of listening to the world tell them through Hollywood and others how weak a Christian is supposed to be some Christian’s have lost their courage and allowed the world to back them down. I’m not saying that they are not true Christian's, but I am saying that it goes against what the Bible says that they should be. As a true born-again child of God we should be bold in our faith. The Saints of old were bold even unto their death. Many Christians today back down at the mere thought of someone laughing at them or making fun of them. This should not be. A cowardly Christian is one who has been listening to the world more than the Word.
This usually starts out in the younger years and if not took care of will follow into adulthood. As Christians we need to realize that people who laugh and make fun of other people are going to do so whether we do good or evil. So let them make fun of you for doing what is right. If they are going to laugh and make fun let them do so while we witness to them, quote them the Bible and pray for their lost souls. When we are bold to do this in the Lord then He will give us strength and courage like this world has never seen before. Stand strong in the Lord for what you believe in and be courageous.
Mark 8:38 "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." - KJV
Bow the Knee
Daniel 3:14 "Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up." - KJV
Every once in a while you will be placed in a position where you will be tempted to compromise what you have been taught in the Bible. I visited a mission work in Zambia, Africa this spring. Brother David Barnhouse is the leader of this great work. He told me that he had the opportunity to meet the Chief of the entire province where he will be working. It is customary to bow when entering into the presence of the Chief. Brother Dave did not bow, but respectfully greeted him. No doubt, he was placing the blessings of the Chief for him to work on the line. The Chief made the statement that he was the only American that did not bow in his presence. He went on to say, I like that; he must believe what he preaches!
One compromise always leads to another. The best policy to establish in your life is to follow the leading of the Blessed Holy Ghost when you are faced with a difficult situation. In the secular work world you will be faced with many areas you could compromise. Take a stand the first time the temptation comes your way and you will establish who you are and what you believe.
Brother Dave now has a reputation with the Chief as a true man of God. There may be a day when he will be able to share the Gospel message with him and win him to Christ.
The testimony of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego led to Nebuchadnezzar making a decree that protected all who had the same God as these three men. Take your stand for God’s way first and He will bless you.
Thought: “It is never right to do wrong to do right.” Unknown
Written By: Missionary M. Vanhorn
Life: A Scary Journey
"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit(Luke 24:36-37)"
Here Jesus was making His appearance to His disciples and some others after His resurrection. They still did not understand everything about the crucifixion, but were about to learn. When He appears to them they were terrified and affrighted.
Many times in our lives God has a plan for us that we just don’t understand. His ways are bigger than our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. If we trust Him and are in constant contact with Him (1Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.) we can know that all things will work out in the end. However the disciples walked with Him every day and still were affrighted. Notice the words that Jesus spoke to them, “Peace be unto you”. He did not rebuke or scold them He spoke peace to them. He still can bring peace today when you are affrighted.
Are you going through a valley, a trial of your faith or a change that you were not planning or expecting? If you know Him you can trust Him. If you’re in His will, He may be working something out that you don’t even know. Just trust Him, and watch Him take all things and make them work for good. Romans 8:28 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.
Written By: Missionay L. Key
THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
This age old question that has been asked by many a young student and many philosophers is addressed in the first chapter of the Bible. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We know that God created all things but which order did he create? The Bible is very clear about this chicken dilemma!
Genesis 1:20 “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. 21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.” – KJV
Starting with Genesis 1:20, we have the creation of animal life on the earth. In verse twenty it tells us that God created the foul and then in verse twenty two he tells them to be fruitful in the earth. In verse twenty two we find the answer for all chicken lovers and all who said that the chicken came first. It is true that the chicken did in deed come before the egg. In this verse we find the command from God for the foul to go and “multiply in the earth.” How can they go and multiply if they are still in the egg? In verse twenty they are already created!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
How Great Is Our God?
Psalm 147:5 ”Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” - KJV
We never really think about just how great is our God, I mean we know he is powerful, but we will never truly know how great our God is. He feeds the birds he takes care of all nature, and all of us. He even created everything we see, and everything we don’t see. There is so much that he is created that we as humans cannot ever see it all; it would simply take to long for our life time. Some people think that He doesn’t care about us. Well put it this way, if he didn’t care he wouldn’t have put you on this earth; so if you are alive you either have a purpose, or you are just existing. Which one best describes your life? As Christians our purpose could be anything to help spread the gospel around the world, but if you are lost, please, please, please, get saved because you are missing out on all of His great blessings and the joys of being a “child of the KING”. So if you are not saved please get saved today before it’s too late. Because in my opinion, it’s not too far away in time before Jesus comes back to get us that have accepted Him as Saviour and Lord.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Revolution Not Evolution
Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." - KJV
In this verse we have the truth about the creation of mankind. Man has not evolved over millions of years from a monkey, tadpole, or any other creature. We were created by God. Many so called scholars and professors of this world deny God and promote their theories of evolution. These God denying educated fools (Psalm 14:1) have it backwards though, thus the thought of revolution and not evolution. What I mean by this is that God has never made a man from a monkey, but the devil sure has “made a monkey out of” some men.
To “make a monkey” out of someone is an old saying that means to pull something over on someone. It means that you have tricked or deceived them into doing something so absurd that they end up looking as silly as a monkey or some other animal at the zoo. This is what the devil has done to a lot of people.
To see proof of this go on a people watching expedition. Go to a public school or college function, a mall, or any other lager public gathering and just observe. Notice their actions when the devil’s music is played. Watch how they mingle, mangle each other, and even mimic the animals of this world. It’s like the devil has them as a puppet on a string. Their actions, reactions, and interactions are evidences of his working in their lives.
As you witness this remember one thing; God did not make a man from a monkey, but Satan sure has made a monkey out of some men. Has he done you this way? Don’t let the devil make a monkey out of you, live for God today.
Have a great (God filled) day
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
NEVER THE SAME
The Bible records an amazing truth about time that you and God spend together. You are never the same. I remember the day the Lord saved me. I was never the same as I was before! A new life was opened unto me and even the world seemed different. The Bible records Jacob having a personal experience with God. After this he walked differently. Genesis 32:30, 31 "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. 31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh." This actually was a physical thing that happened to Jacob from the Lord and it still has a deep spiritual application for today: After being with God you will walk different in the world. You will not do the things you used to do. You will not go to the places you used to go. You will not want to “stray off” like you once did with any little distraction, because your walk is different.
The Bible also records that others will know that you have been with God by the look on your face. When Moses received the ten commandments from God on Mt. Sinai, it took some time. When he came down from speaking with God, the people were actually afraid of Moses because his face had a glow about it. Exodus 34:29 "And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him."Moses had to put a vail upon his face until he had finished speaking with the children of Israel. It is still true today; the more time you and I spend with God, the more people will notice something is special about us from God!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
FINDING FAVOUR
When my wife and I quit our secular jobs and started serving God as full time missionaries we thought we knew how to pray. It was not until we started missionary deputation that I realized that I really did not know much about prayer after all. I suddenly needed things from God like never before. I needed God to move upon the hearts of the churches we visited just to be able to eat and have fuel to go to our next meeting. I needed God to provide for us on an immediate (right now!) basis. How do you get this type of thing from God? I learned to simply do things His way, the way He said to do them from His book! So often we are impatient and end up doing something without fully searching the scriptures for our needs and the results are discouraging. Here is what God taught us in the Scriptures: We must “find favour”. One day I read Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” When I read that it was important for Jesus to “find favour” with God and man, it changed my whole way of thinking and praying.
The Scriptures tell us that God gives “favour” in Exodus 3:21 “And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:” “Favour” is also found to be given by God in Exodus 11:3, I Samuel 2:27, and Genesis 39:2-3. The Scriptures also tell us how to find “favour” in Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” There are several other scriptures you need to look up, by using the key word “favour”. This way you can learn how to find “favour with God and man” so that you can obtain proper knowledge from God of this great truth.
You and I must understand that it is not our personalities or our good looks that is important when we speak to people. What is important is if they can see God through our lives. Do we bring glory to God as we deal with people? We can try to be men pleasers in our impatient flesh, or we can ask God to give us “favour” in their sight. When God gives us favour in their sight, the proper impression lasts for every person we come in contact with. But we must obtain favour with God first, just as Jesus did in Luke 2:52. Prayer and fasting is a must to have the right desires to approach God for “favour.”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
TIME WITH GOD
Matthew 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.” – KJV
So many times we read a passage of scripture and just read past great truths that are meant to help us in everyday life. We are in too much of a hurry. We just want to get that chapter read so we can say at the end of the year that we have read the Bible all the way through. Then we wonder what is wrong with our spiritual lives. Yes, I do think you should read the Bible through many times in your lifetime, but not at the expense of understanding what you are reading. You should have a note pad with you if you are reading the entire Bible through in one year. That way you can write down a passage to go to back later that day and study that passage of special interest the Lord has called to your attention.
Take our text verse. Look at what this one short verse tells us. Here Jesus is trying to teach his disciples how to pray. At first glance Jesus seems to be telling us just to ask God for our supply of food. But upon further review you will find that Jesus is also teaching that we need to pray with a purpose of a schedule for prayer each day. He said “daily” we are to ask God. Also this shows us not to take the blessings of God for granted and expect Him to just supply the little things of our life without us asking or being thankful. When was the last time you thanked God for the very “air” that you have to breath? When was the last time you even thanked God for making you breath without you thinking about breathing or even trying to breath on your own? When was the last time you thanked God for making your heart to beat? If we are not careful we “daily” take the blessings of God for granted! This little power packed verse also shows us not to be greedy and try to store up more than what we need to live each day. “Give us this day our daily bread.” You see, God wants us to visit and talk with him through prayer “daily.” It takes time to visit with someone. Schedule your time today!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
BEING CLOSE TO GOD
Psalm 63:1 "A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” – KJV
I remember a time not too long ago when it seemed no matter how hard I tried I just could not get close to the LORD. It was a desert time! It was not because I did not desire to be with Him, but it just seemed as if He left me alone. The truth of the matter is; He was always there and I knew that! I am reading a very old book entitled “Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ.” It was written in the 1600’s by Jeanne Cuyon. She made this statement, “His purpose for removing Himself from you is to cause you to pursue Him.” Psalm 63:1 – A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. – “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” Please do not ever get satisfied in life without having the very presence of God! It is so easy to get comfortable in success and forget to seek a relationship with the Master. Rest in His promises and seek to spend special time with Him alone. Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Staying Close to God
Exodus 13:19 "And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you." – KJV
In this modern day that we live, we sometimes are so busy with “things” we often forget to do the “thing” that matters the most. We do not keep “the main thing the main thing”. We are commanded to love God with all our heart, and with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. (Mark 12:30). Joseph was a man that had seen much trouble in the early years of his life simply because he believed God. He loved God and the things of God. He was excited about God and the things of God! But this did not keep trouble from Joseph. He had family problems, he even became a slave, and lies were told that ruined his reputation. He even spent time in prison. But he never quit loving God or the things of God! God then took Joseph from a zero in man’s eyes and made him a hero. God made him to be second in command of all the country of Egypt. But the power and prestige never diminished his desire to love God or the things of God. Joseph kept “the main thing the main thing”, and that is what God blessed greatly. Joseph just believed God. No matter what, he trusted God and his promises.
In the opening passage of scripture we see that even in his old age, his dying wish was to not to let his bones be left in a land that was far from God’s people or the things of God. He just believed God would do what God said he would do!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Shinning The Brass
1 Kings 14:25-29 "And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made. And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king’s house. And it was so, when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber. Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? – KJV
King Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon. King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead the nation of Israel. God was so pleased with the request of wisdom instead of riches or long life, that God gave to Solomon great wisdom like no other man has had before or after him. God allowed Solomon to build the Temple for the worship of God. God had given the building plans in detail and Solomon follows them in every detail. And God was very pleased.
The passage in 1 Kings 14:25-29 is an example that is repeated over and over again in each person’s life unless we guard against such. It is an example of taking things for granted and self-centered, worldly thinking. First we see that “Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem.” Anytime you see Egypt mentioned in the scriptures it is usually referring to the “world” and the sinful thinking and actions of the world. Here we see a picture of the world or “sin” attacking God’s people. We are to watch for attacks on the teachings of the Bible. We see then in verse 26 that Shishak came and took “away all the treasures of the house of the Lord”. Christians need to guard their joy and peace of mind which is a great treasure. The world will rob the Christian of joy and peace in their lives with the sinfulness of worldly thinking and the temptations of temporary sinful pleasures.
Rehoboam now makes a terrible mistake. In verse 27 we see that he did not replace the golden shields that were in the temple for the worship of God with the gold ones that were there before. He did not do it like his father had done before him. He did not do what God had said to do in the past for the temple worship. Rehoboam replaced the golden shields with brass shields. Brass looks like gold. Brass polishes and shines like gold, but it is only a cheap substitute for gold. Rehoboam was only shinning the brass when he went to worship God.
How many times do we do the same thing with God in our daily walk? God wants the best for us. God wants us to have joy and peace in our lives through Him and His teachings from the Bible and preaching. When we let the world come in and take the place of prayer, Bible reading, and preaching we are making the same mistake that King Rehoboam made. We are accepting brass when we could have had the gold!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Meditating Day and Night
Joshua 1:8 “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.” - KJV
In this verse we hear the phrase “meditate therein day and night”. This phrase means that we should be diligently studying, and considering the Word of God.
We should start our day with God, and end our day with God. Last Sunday my youth pastor preached on the subject, “God starts and ends the Bible”. In Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” and in Psalms 103:1-2 (the middle of the Bible) it says in the middle phrase, “Bless the Lord.” In Revelations 22:21 it says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” God starts and ends the Bible.
What I got out of his message was this… I should start my day with God, be walking with God throughout the day, and end my day with God. And that is what it says in Joshua 1:8, “meditate therein day and night."
Written By: James
From: Wisconsin, USA
Just Study
2 Timothy2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” -KJV
This is my favorite verse in the whole Bible, because this is a verse that says to study your Bible. That is something that you should do every day. God loves it when He sees His children doing His will and His work to spread the Gospel all over the world, and lead people to salvation. Did you know that this is the only book ever written that every time you read it you get something else out of it? This is because God allows you to see what He wants you to see when He wants you to see it. So don’t be ashamed to do God’s work or He will be ashamed of us too.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Repaying God
Psalm 116:12 "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" - KJV
How are we "paying back" God for His goodness toward us? Are we wanting to read His word so we can know more about Him? Are we living for Him in order to bring honour and glory to His precious name? Do our friends and family have no doubt that we have been with Jesus? Christ is coming soon, let our lights be burning bright!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Are You Hungry?
Luke 1:53 "He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." - KJV
Are you hungry today? A better question might be what are you hungry for? Everybody gets hungry. Each person will desire one of two things; either the things of God or the things of this world. You cannot have both you must choose one or the other. If you choose to come hungry before God He will fill you with good things. However as this verse is correctly worded “the rich He hath sent empty away”. Notice it does not say that He sent the rich away empty but it does say empty away. That is not a typo nor a mistake because there are no mistakes in the King James Bible. It is worded that way because of the fact that anyone who would reject the things of God for the things of this world are empty no matter how rich they think they are. You can have all this world has to offer and still be empty.
Have you ever been real hungry and ate something that you really do not like or that you did not want? Although there may have been an abundance of it, I’m guessing that you still did not feel satisfied. You may have got your belly full but it did not satisfy you, you still craved something better. That’s the way the things of this world will leave you. I’m glad for the day when I got my belly full (became tired of) the things this world had to offer and decided that I wanted something better. That’s when I came to God hungry for what He had to offer. I was fed up with the devil’s garbage, and sick of it. It’s hard to eat something when it made you sick the last time you ate it.
So how about it, are you hungry? What are you hungry for? Will you choose the things of God today? You cannot get filled on the things of God if you are not hungry. Do you go to church hungry? Do you read God’s Word hungry? Do you go to God in prayer hungry? Are you sick of the things this world has fed you? Come to God hungry and He will fill you with good things.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
FOLLOWING CHRIST
From: Pennsylvania
Grounded by God
Ephesians 3:17 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," - KJV
When a person repents of their sin and calls out to God for salvation then Christ makes His abode in their hearts. Here in the scripture we see two results of this: being rooted and grounded in love. Let’s look at these two results closer and see what they mean.
When I think of roots or being rooted I think of nourishment. The plant or vine gets its nutrients from the roots. When we are “rooted” in Christ we can be fed and nourished. It is how the child of God can receive the things we need. As a Child of God I do not need to be fed by the devil and the things that this world has to offer. Hunters and fishers use food every day to lure their pray to their traps and the devil does the same way. But by God’s grace and strength, I’m not going to bite at what the devil is throwing at me.
Then we see the word grounded. This means to be anchored down to. In I Corinthians 15:58 it tells us to be “stedfast” and “unmovable”. To the plant the roots are how it is held to the ground. I learned what the word grounded meant
as a teenager; it means you’re not going anywhere. Simon Peter had it right in John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. When you are being nourished and fed by the love of God you don’t want to go anywhere else.
When the storms and winds or the drought and famine that this world can bring come then you’ll want to be rooted and grounded in Him. If you are not saved why don’t you bow right now and call out to God for salvation. Do it today, tomorrow may be too late. I hope you get grounded today!
Have a great (grounded) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Why Have Devotions in the Morning?
Genesis 1:1"1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.." - KJV
I would like to share some thoughts with you out of Genesis chapter 1 on why to have your devotions in the morning.
1. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God..." Should not the beginning of our day start with God?
2. Genesis 1:2a "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. How many of our days are without form and void?
3. Genesis 1:2b "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Do we not need the spirit of God to move on our day?
4. Genesis 1:3-4 "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." If we have accepted Christ as our Saviour God has placed within us His light and He expects us to shine forth that light in this world.
These are just some thoughts out of Genesis chapter 1 on why to have our personal devotions in the morning. I challenge you to have your personal devotions in the morning for a week and see how much better your day goes.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Do Not Forget to Fill Up the Gas Tank
2 Corinthians 12:9"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is mad perfect in weakness." - KJV
When we are struggling along the way, it is God's strength, that allows us to take another step! When we are at our weakest, God is still God, and He is able to endow us with power from on high! We need to remember that He is our true power source. When your car starts to sputter, you do not forget that it takes gas to keep it going, yet we often forget that its God that keeps us going!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Today's Chapter
Psalm 90:9 "We spend our years as a tale that is told." KJV
Our very life is a story unto itself. I have watched the lives of people that one could only describe as tragic. Many have went to a premature grave due to drugs and drink. I have watched the lives of people that overcame great adversity and heart break, to live a happy life. What will our story be? One of victory? One of bad choices? One of "What ifs"? You are writing it even today you can change the story it is up to you! Does your story include Jesus Christ? If it does not then it is just a selfish story about you. He is the only one that can make our story have a happy ending!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
1 John 1:6“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and
do not the truth:” - KJV
The beauty of reading your Bible is the known fact that it is alive and convicting. This truth is what causes Christians to live a life that is pleasing to God and gives them the pleasure of fellowship with Him. If the Devil can simply get you not to read your Bible, it will be
much easier for him to destroy your testimony with sin. Notice what the LORD said in our text verse: if you are involved in any known sin and refuse to change it you are missing out on the fellowship of the Creator of the universe! Sin for God is a cheap trade!
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Walking Wisely
Proverbs 28:26“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he
shall be delivered" - KJV
What a statement! Most people never think to include the LORD in their everyday decisions. Just how do you include the LORD and not follow your heart? It’s really not a difficult task: when you invite the LORD into your daily schedule by reading His Word, prayer and asking Him to guide you, He then goes to work on your behalf. I am often amazed how a verse that I read was just what I needed to help me make a decision throughout the course of my day. Don’t ever get too busy to spend time with the LORD in the Bible and prayer.
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Taking Up Thy Cross
In Mark 10:21 we find a rich young man asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. His response was to take up his cross and follow me. Paul writes later in Galatians 2:20 that he is crucified with Christ. He writes in 1Corinthians that he dies daily. Now as we look at these verses we can see that we are to carry our own cross with us that we are to crucify the flesh on daily. The problem that I see is that we have problems laying down on the cross we are carrying and crucify ourselves. We like to tell people how big the cross that we are carrying is. I wonder if the cross would get smaller or easier to carry if we were to hang on it a while? So when was the last time you crucified your flesh? Paul did it daily how often do you?
Written By: Missionary D. Hargrave
Exodus 3:1-4
We see in this scripture where Moses sees the burning bush. In verse 3 it says " And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight..." then in verse 4 "And when God saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him...".
Anyone interested in doing what is right, wants to do whatever God's will is for them. But how do we know what God wants? In the above scripture there is a three part formula for knowing what God wants. Two parts are constant and one is a variable:
Written By: Missionary D. Conley
A Helping Hand
All Power
The Great Shepherd of the Sheep
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20, 21).
Jesus, the “Great Shepherd of the Sheep,” made a promise to all who believe and sealed it with His blood. He promised to do His will through your work. This passage of Scripture holds the key to a successful and prosperous life. First, we see the source of all your good works must be your desire to please the One that gave His life for yours, “That Great Shepherd of the Sheep.” Secondly, work as if He is right beside you at all times— “…in his sight…” Lastly, always give Him the glory for your accomplishments. It is Jesus that created us, it is He that shed His blood for our sin, it is He that conquered death and the grave, it is He that gives us all power to accomplish His will and it is He that is worthy of all praise! “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20). Have a blessed day!
Written By Missionary: M. Van Horn
Death; Not an End but an Entering
Amos 5:18 "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light." - KJV
The world says that when a person dies it is all over and that all their troubles are gone. Well, first of all death is not an end but an entering of eternity. To a born again child of God it is a home going and all of their troubles will be over. But to those who have rejected God’s plan, God’s Son, and God’s grace it is not an end but just the beginning of their sorrows. The next couple verses in our text tell it plainly. Amos 5:19 "As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. 20. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?" For a lost person to think they can escape their troubles by dying is as foolish as rejecting God in the first place.
My Pastor’s daughter sings a song that tells what one should do when trying to run from their troubles. The song simply says, “If you feel like running, run to Jesus”. Dear lost friend that may be reading this today, don’t listen to Satan, run to Jesus He does care about you. Satan will tell you to take your life and end it all, but death is not an end but an entering into eternity.
Why don’t you bow your head right now and call out to God for forgiveness and salvation? He can give you that rest, that peace, that joy that your troubled soul so desires. Do it now, don’t give the devil another minuet, another word, another opportunity to destroy your life. It matters not who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done. It only matters who Jesus is (Son of God), where He’s been (Calvary), and what He done (died for you).
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Have a great (saved) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Second Chances
I am glad that God is the God of a second chance! Jonah had disobeyed God, and from the belly of a whale it looked like it was over for old Jonah. God can reach down and draw us back no matter have far we have fallen! If you feel like you have messed things up and the is no hope, God is right there waiting for you to call on Him. Who are your companions? The Psalmist made sure that he was influenced by the right crowd of people. We are influenced by those that are close to us, we need to keep friends that are godly and the right example. We will be like the crowd that we run with.
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Calling On Him
Escaping From the Thoughts of Suicide
WHEN WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND
Also in 1 Corinthians 2:3 the Lord says, “And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” If you have believed that the Lord Jesus Christ came to earth to die for your sins, and repented of those sins than you can rest assured that God is always there to help you through your trials. You need to remember that when you see only one set of foot prints in the sand it was then that the Lord has carried you.
Written By: Ashley
From: Virginia
Pain Equals Gain
Ye May Know
He Is My Strength
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer: (Psalm 4:1)"
This verse talks about God's mercy and the strength (enlarged) He gives us in our lives. I am Thankful for God giving me strength in my life.
Written By: Autumn
From: Kentucky
The Bible and Alcohol: What Would Jesus Drink? Part 1
Many of those who argue that Christians can drink alcohol point out that Jesus Himself not only drank wine (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34), but even changed water into wine as His first miracle, at the wedding of Cana (John 2: 1-11). He even promised to drink “the fruit of the vine” with His disciples again in His new Kingdom (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18). However, that argument evaporates if the “wine” Jesus created and will drink again was and will be new wine, or unfermented grape juice.
The Hebrew word for "juice" was not widely used in Bible times, and in fact it only appears once in the entire Bible (Song of Solomon 8:2), in reference to pomegranate juice. There are nine Hebrew words and four Greek words translated "wine" in the King James Bible. The word “wine” as used in the Bible is a general term for any grape juice product in various states of fermentation, including new wine, which was unfermented, freshly pressed grape juice.
“Wine” may even refer to grape juice so fresh that it is still in the grape clusters, which God describes as containing a great blessing (Isaiah 65:8). Modern science confirms the health benefits of grape juice, which is a rich source of natural antioxidants and polyphenols combating free radical damage involved in aging, cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
And clearly Jesus Himself saw grapes as a symbol of goodness and sustenance, as He described Himself as the True Vine and us as the branches. He promised that if we abide in Him and He in us, we will bear much spiritual fruit, but that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:1-8).
In other words, if we are saved by placing our faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), His Holy Spirit enters our hearts (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13). If we yield to His Spirit by dying daily to self (1 Corinthians 15:31), we can be fruitful in our works for Him. But if we quench or grieve the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30) and feed our flesh, we cannot be fruitful any more than branches separated from the vine can bear grapes.
Written By: L. Collett
Please Return Thursday for Part 2
The Bible and Alcohol: What Would Jesus Drink? Part 2
Paul contrasts the life dedicated to fulfilling fleshly desires with the Spirit-filled life by saying: “[B]e not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), referring in this verse to fermented wine containing alcohol rather than to unfermented grape juice. Clearly, new wine cannot cause drunkenness, but alcoholic wine can.
Some Christians justify alcohol drinking by claiming that wine and spirits derive from naturally occurring plants that God created to bless us. By that argument, smoking marijuana and using hallucinogenic mushrooms would be acceptable, even though both can deprive us of the opportunity to be Spirit-filled, can impair judgment and can cause health problems or even death. Certain species of hallucinogenic mushrooms are highly toxic and often lethal.
Were marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other harmful or poisonous plants present in the Garden of Eden for man’s “enjoyment,” or did they enter the world as part of the curse of sin and death following Adam and Eve’s fall? I suspect the latter, because thorns and thistles then entered the world to hinder man’s cultivation of the ground (Genesis 3:18), and along with these presumably came other noxious species used by Satan to trouble mankind and to tempt him to sin.
Let’s assume that grapes were present in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:12.29), because not only are they beautiful, but also delicious, healthful, and endorsed by Jesus, as discussed above. Did the grapes in Eden ferment into wine, via “natural” processes God allowed in this perfect Paradise?
Written By: L. Collett
Please Return Monday for Part 3
The Bible and Alcohol: What Would Jesus Drink? Part 3
I think not. Fermentation of sugar into alcohol requires yeast, now found on the skin of grapes. But was yeast present in Eden? Yeast is a form of fungus, with biological similarities to mushrooms (many of which are toxic, as noted above) and to mold, associated with spoiled bread (Joshua 9:5,12).
Yeast, or leaven, is also used to make bread rise, but it was only after the fall that man had to eat bread, made through his own grueling labor (Genesis 3:19), Leaven in the Bible is used as a symbol for sin (Matthew 16:6; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1), and only unleavened bread was allowed for offerings and religious feasts (Exodus 12:15,19,20,39, etc.). Various species of yeast, such as Candida, can infect humans and cause disease.
Biochemically speaking, enzymes present in yeast catalyze, or promote the formation of, ethanol, or pure alcohol, and carbon dioxide from glucose, or sugar, present in the grape or other fruit used to make wine or spirits, and oxygen. The human body metabolizes, or breaks down, ethanol, to acetaldehyde, which is chemically similar to the highly toxic compound formaldehyde (used to preserve corpses), and then to acetic acid (the acid found in vinegar). Not only is alcohol directly toxic to nerve and other cells, but acetaldehyde can damage DNA, trigger chromosomal abnormalities, and promote development of certain cancers.
These reactions involved in human metabolism of alcohoi are known as oxidation reactions, meaning that they use up oxygen and generate free radicals, or extra electrons. Free radicals are the culprit implicated in aging, inflammation, and most diseases – essentially the biochemical mediator of the curse of death following Adam and Eve’s fall. An easily observed oxidation reaction is rust, referred to in the Bible as a destructive force depriving us of our earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19,20; James 5:3). And, as discussed above, grapes in their unfermented form are a rich source of antioxidants fighting free radical damage, helping to explain their many health benefits.
Some recent studies suggest that moderate wine drinking may be beneficial to health, but in these studies, it is difficult to separate the effects of the alcohol content of the wine from the known benefits of the healthful antioxidants and polyphenols in the grapes themselves. In contrast, the harms of alcohol to the brain, nerves, muscle, liver, heart, and other organs are well documented, highly prevalent, severe and often fatal.
Written By: L. Collett
Please Return Thursday for the last part
The Bible and Alcohol: What Would Jesus Drink? Part 4
In light of Paul’s admonition that the body of the born-again believer is the temple of the indwelling Holy Spirit, why would we want to pollute the temple? Paul urges us to present our bodies as a holy, living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1) and warns that if any man defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him, because our body is the holy temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Using alcohol or other harmful substances will not jeopardize our salvation, but it has consequences, which may include untimely death or unnecessary illness and suffering, any of which may disrupt or terminate God-given ministries.
So what would Jesus drink? For all the above reasons, I believe that what He created at the wedding of Cana, and what He will drink with us in His Kingdom, is new wine, or unfermented grape juice. In Bible times, new wine was more highly prized than alcoholic wine, because they had no way to preserve it. Through the fermentation process, grape juice turned to alcohol and ultimately to vinegar.
(Today, cool temperatures, corking and bottling technology, and addition of sulfites or other preservatives help to arrest the fermentation process at the desired stage, but ultimately even these cannot indefinitely prevent a bottle of aged wine from turning to acetaldehyde and vinegar).
The governor of the feast at the Cana wedding praised the bridegroom for keeping the best wine, i.e. the new wine, for last, not knowing that it was Jesus Who transformed water into the new wine. The custom in those days was to serve the best, new wine first, while the guests could still appreciate it, and then to shift to older, more alcoholic wines when they would be too drunk to notice the progressively worse quality (John 2:9-10).
As I consider “What would Jesus drink?” I therefore conclude that grape juice is a blessing, but that alcohol results from the curse of sin and should not pollute the temple of the Holy Spirit that is my body.
Written By: L. Collett
WHAT WORKS WORK
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - KJV
While in this world we may work for a paycheck, or appreciation, recognitions, or for the satisfaction of a job well done. None of these have a guarantee of success, but the Bible promises that God will not only notice the work we do for Him, but that He will reward us for it throughout eternity. So, check your motives! Who are you working for?
Colossians 3:23, 24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?
Jeremiah 25:7 “Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.” – KJV
God was mad at the nation of Israel for not following the ways that He had set before them. God had worked with Israel and blessed them when they did according as they were taught and commanded. But here in the time of Jeremiah, God is now passing judgment on the nation because they refused to acknowledge God and God’s ways of righteous living. In our text, God is explaining why judgment is coming. This verse needs to be reflected upon by every person today. Look at the last part of the verse; “with the works of your hands to your own hurt.” How many times have we done what we wanted to do and no matter what, we were going to do it. We are our biggest enemies!
It is real simple; just do right! Do right no matter what the circumstances! Just do right! God has given us the Bible for our guide. Someone has said that BIBLE stands for Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth! Just like the nation of Israel, God has taught us right from wrong with the Bible. Just do what God says and life is good. Even in the tough times, just do right!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
He is Praying For You
Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." - KJV
Peter seemed to be the one that always was running into troubles. From a sick mother-in-law to being rebuked for being over zealous and everything in-between including prison time for preaching. It must have been extremely comforting for him to know that the King of kings was praying for him. We too enjoy this great benefit: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26 The devil spends most of his time sending trouble to God’s choice servants hoping to take them out of the service of the LORD. You can count it an honor to be hassled by the devil with trials and tribulations because of the truth that God can trust you with them. The old devil had to go before the God of Heaven to get permission to send you your trial, and God answered back with permission knowing that the Holy Ghost will make intersession on your behalf and that He trusts you to use your trial to bring Him glory!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
God's Treasure
Exodus 19:5 “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine” - KJV
Sometimes we have a tendency to forget who is in charge of all things! As God was talking to Moses, He reminded him whom it was that owned the whole earth. Again we see the word, “unto” used to describe how God wants us to be close to Him by keeping our end of the deal-righteous living. A treasure is a prize possession, one that you like to have in your sight at all times. It is something that you guard because of its value and it is also something you like to show off when others come to visit. What about you, could
the LORD say to the Devil when he comes by to check in what he can or cannot do on God’s earth: “Have you considered my servant…..? Do all you can while you are walking on God’s earth to make yourself one of His treasured people-the benefits are out of this world! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
“I Can Is What Makes a Great Man”
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - KJV
I heard a preacher tell the story of how his mother instilled some truths into him when he was very young. She taught him to hate alcohol and to hate tobacco. He had to say every night, “I hate alcohol! I hate tobacco!” Once he learned to hate it he never touched it all of his life.
His mother never let him say “I can’t.” When ever he would use this phrase his mother would spank him. She would say over and over, “I can is what makes a great man, I can is what makes a great man, I can is what makes a great man.” He learned at a young age that if he wanted to accomplish something that anything was possible with the help of the LORD.
As a teen in America today, the sky is the limit. With a little bit of ambition, a whole lot of determination and the help of our Risen Saviour you can do anything. You can graduate from High school and go to college. You can finish college. You can be a great preacher or an awesome preacher’s wife. Whatever you want to do as long as it is to the glory of our God, He will help make it come true. Just make sure your goals are pleasing to Him.
General Colin Powell was an inner city kid, born in Harlem to immigrant parents, that went on to be a four-star general, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, and mastermind over the Desert Storm War. I don’t think the word “Can’t” was in his vocabulary!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Miracle Maker
Godly Sorrow“
If God Was Hungry
"If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof (Psalms 50:12)."
This scripture when taken in its context deals with false worshippers and their false worship. God is telling mankind that He knows the difference between sincerity and show. A false worshipper may feed their flesh by their actions but they will not feed God with them. So what does God desire from mankind? This question is answered in verse 14. Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: It is not the physical things of this world that God hungers for. If it were He would take them for they are already His. God hungers for the hearts of His creation, mankind, to turn to Him. His desire is for us to have a sincere heart of thanksgiving toward Him and realize that He is our great provider. Not just a day set aside that we call Thanksgiving, but a heart that is set aside for and filled with thanksgiving and praise unto Him.
We should pay our vows unto Him. If you say that you are a Christian then be one. If you are going to carry His name as a Christian then walk like Him, talk like Him, care like He does and be what you say that you are. Jesus told the disciples in John 4:32 … I have meat to eat that ye know not of. At this point Jesus had not died and they did not understand all that was about to take place. At this time they did not even have the complete written Word of God that we do have today. Although we still do not know or understand everything, we do know why Jesus came, and how He died for our sins. He has now given us the completed, written Word of God, and the Holy Spirit to lead us in the way that we need to go.
So what is our excuse if we do not follow it? What are we trying to “feed” God? We should not have a “Christian life” that we put on with our church clothes on Sunday and take off on Monday. There is a difference between trying to live a Christian life and being a Christian. Are you giving God the “meat” that He both desires and deserves? His desire is for a heart of thanksgiving and a sincere walk for Him. No, we as mankind will never be perfect, but He deserves us to live with that as our goal and like we are trying to be. He is worthy!
Have a great (satisfying God) day!
Written By: Missionary L Key
Riding the Blessing Wagon
“22And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; 23And they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them:” (Jeremiah 32:22, 23).
Human nature will never change until the coming of our LORD. These two verses, which are still a continuation of a very long sentence, tell us how the Jews received great and grand promises from the Great God, described in the previous verses, yet still chose to ignore His commandments; resulting in evil coming upon them. You can almost hear the LORD saying, I tried to warn you! I recently heard a statement that is very profound—“Adam and Eve grew up in a perfect world, had a perfect Father, yet still had a mind of their own.” I have chosen to serve and obey the Great and mighty God with my life, and, as He promised, I am enjoying the ride! Climb on board the blessing wagon; it is much better than the getting busted! Have a blessed day!
Written By: Missionary M. Van Horn
He Is My Strength
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer: (Psalm 4:1)"
This verse talks about God's mercy and the strength (enlarged) He gives us in our lives. I am Thankful for God giving me strength in my life.
Written By: Autumn
From: Kentucky
FROM IT OR THROUGH IT; MY GOD CAN DO IT!
Daniel 3:17,18 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, Oking. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” – KJV
What a bold statement this was from these three Hebrew boys as they faced being thrown alive into a burning fiery furnace. This faith, devotion, and courage did not come from a casual relationship or acquaintance with God. Early in their lives they purposed in their hearts that they were not going to defile themselves with the things of the world and exercised their faith each day. (Read Daniel 1) If we are ever to have this faith, courage and devotion when facing the trials of our lives we must also have a purposed heart to please God, and daily walk with Him. We must realize that we must purpose in our hearts now to live, serve, and trust Him every day. If we fail to exercise our faith now we will not have the Spiritual strength to face the fire and speak out boldly for our God. Exercise your faith every day then when the battle comes by God’s grace you’ll be ready.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
TRUE FAITH
John 20:29 “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” – KJV
Thomas had trouble believing anything because of what his eyes has seen. Thomas’s faith was in his sight only! But when Jesus came and stood before him and said these words to him we now have a better understanding of true faith and the word “believe”. According to the book of Hebrews “it is impossible to please God without faith“. Faith is not really seeing but is believing. I have not seen God, or Jesus, or the Holy Ghost, with my eyes, but I believe they are just just as the Bible states they are with my eyes of faith. According to the Bible and our text verse God clarifies a greater degree of faith of when we use the eyes of faith and not of sight. If you think about it, is it really true faith if you can see it, touch it, or hold it?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
IS GOD ASHAMED TO BE CALLED YOUR GOD?
Hebrews 11:16 “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” – KJV
Without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith we know that the things God hath prepared are so much better than the things this world has to offer. When we act upon, and live our lives for God and the things He hath promised us, we make Him not ashamed to be called our God. When doubt overshadows our faith, or we choose to let our flesh rule over our spirit then God has every reason to be ashamed. He has promised He will never leave nor forsake us, that He cannot lie, and that nothing is impossible with Him. Let’s live our lives like we believe Him! I do not want God to be ashamed to be called my God. Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 “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.” - KJV
What is “faith”? This is a good question and often goes with out proper explanation. Very simply faith is what moves us to a position or place where God can bless us. God will not bless sin or a rebellious life. Therefore when we understand what sin is after the Holy Spirit points Scripture and truth out to us; we then turn from the sin and rebellion to live a life more pleasing to God; then God can and will bless us through our faith in Him and His Word. In other words; we were going one direction according to the instruction of sinful living. Then the Bible taught us that sin was wrong and we changed direction to follow instruction from God instead of sin. When we changed direction to follow God, we are now in an area that God is able to bless us called “faith”.
I heard it best one time from an old preacher of God when he said, “I just want to go to the spout where the blessings of God come out.” My friend the only way to do this is get yourself in the position by “faith”.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
Luke 4:1 “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,” - KJV
George Peters said, “Such faith, though a work of the Holy Spirit, does not come to man overnight, nor does it come automatically or mechanically. It grows in a certain atmosphere and must be carefully cultivated.”
Faith that will lead you to live a holy life, involve yourself in ministry, and invest your finances can only come when you allow the Sweet, Blessed Holy Ghost to lead you in every area of your life! The Spirit of God will never lead you in a path of destruction!
Galatians 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
GOT SALT?
Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Salt to me means=Faith
Salt is good meaning your faith in God should be good!
But if the salt have lost his saltiness, to me means have you lost your faith in God. Wherewith will ye season it? Will you go and pray and make things right with God? Or will you go and leave it like it is? Have salt in yourselves; you need to believe in yourselves and know that God is with you through everything! Have peace with one another; once things are right between you and God you will have a good relationship with other people.
Keep your faith with God good, and let God use you; then you will get along with people better and grow in God more.
Written By: Kristin
From: Virginia, USA
DOING THINGS YOUR WAY?
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding .In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – KJV
As I was doing my daily bible reading, these two verses stuck out to me. So I thought I would share them with you, and tell you about them. ”Trust in the LORD with all thine heart,” meaning you should trust the Lord and put things in His hands! He will make sure that things get done in His own way and time. The next phrase,”and lean not unto thine own understanding,” means don’t put things in your own hands! Give the problem, need, or issue to God and He will take care of it. Then”in all thy ways acknowledge him,” simply means to trust in Him and remember that God is with you through everything. Finally, “and he shall direct thy paths,” God will lead you wherever He needs you to go, to bring glory to Him!
In the bible God has promised to guide each of His children, but for Him to do that you have allow Him. It will also allow your faith to grow in Him. I have realized that when you don’t put things in God’s hands things don’t go as planned. But when you put it in His hands things seem to run smoothly!
Written By: Kristin
From: Virginia, USA.
Faith to Move Mountains
This verse may sound a bit odd to some of you. I mean, everyone knows mountains can't move, right? Well, Jesus actually seems to be saying something quite different. He says if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains. As I'm sure we all know, mustard seed is very small. How can that be enough faith to move a mountain? Basically what Jesus is saying is that if we really believed that God would move a mountain, He would answer our prayer. I know most of us probably aren't praying for any mountains to move. But just think of some of the things you are praying for. Are you praying knowing that God can? Or is there some doubt creeping in? Earlier in this chapter the disciples were trying to cast out a devil but couldn't. When they asked Jesus why, you know what he said? At the beginning of verse 20 " And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief...." They couldn't do it because they didn't have enough faith in God. What mountain are you trying to move in your life? All you need is a little more faith and "nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Written By: Faith
From: West Virginia
Faith
Matthew 25:21 "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." - KJV
If you read over this verse you see that JESUS is talking about being faithful with the talents He has given us. There are two parts in this verse I believe we as Christians want to hear "Well do thou good and faithful servant" and "thou hast been faithful over a few things,I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Now Jesus is not saying "Oh if you are faithful and did good works I will welcome you into heaven." NO! He is saying we have to be saved, be faithful, serve him, then he will welcome us into heaven. He wants us to trust Him not just for our salvation but for our daily lives also. Are you serving Him Faithfully?
Written By: Ashley
From: Pennsylvania
God’s Will Not Our Fears
Matthew 2:22-23 "But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." - KJV
Looking at these verses we see prophecy being fulfilled about where Jesus was going to be from (Nazareth). Let us look a little closer at these verses. It would seem that when Joseph came back into Israel he realized there still might be a threat to his family. Verse 22 There is not a man among us who does not want to protect his family and that is exactly what Joseph wanted to do in these verses. Notice though that God warned him in a dream. Warned him of what? If we read between the lines God told him he had better settle in Israel and if he did not there would be consequences. What was said to Joseph and what the consequences were we do not know, that is not recorded. What we do know is that Joseph obeyed God. My Friends we may know what the will of God is for our lives. If we do we need to obey it like Joseph. You may say “My family will be in danger! Look at all the _______.” I wonder if any of these thoughts went through Joseph’s mind also yet he obeyed. I have heard of and seen people who knew the will of God for their lives refused to obey it and their lives and ministries fell apart because of their disobedience. To quote a dear friend who is now with the Lord “My son is safer in Kenya, Africa serving the Lord than serving the Lord with me here where I want him.” This man knew the will of God was the safest place for his son. The will of God is the safest place for us all no matter what our fears.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” - KJV
Brother Dan Alcorn has been given the gift of encouragement. I met him seven years ago when I first moved to Murfreesboro, TN. When my next birthday rolled around, I found in the mailbox a birthday card from Brother Dan with a two-dollar-bill inside. Then my
wife and each one of my children got a card from Brother Dan on their birthday, each with the two-dollar-bill. Come to find out, he sends over two thousand birthday cards a year to people that he has met, each furnished with a fresh two-dollar bill. I get one every year! When I am home, I go to the bus garage at 6:00 A.M. on Saturday morning to hang out with Brother Dan and Jim Elkins until prayer room at 7:30. Shortly after my last birthday, I brought my latest two-dollar bill from him with me to the bust
garage to have him sign it. When he did, he signed my two-dollar bill with his life verse - Luke 9:62. I asked him how the LORD used this verse in his life that would cause him to claim it as his life verse. He told me this amazing story and I will now share it with you.
When Brother Dan was called into the ministry he was a young man, married and had three children. He was absolutely sure God wanted him to quit his job as a salesmen for a feed plant. It was a very good job that paid him exceptionally well. Brother Dan did what the LORD told him to do; he sold everything, quit his job and off to college he went. He tried to find work in his new environment to care for his family while he went to school, but jobs were very hard to find during that era. He told me that one-day the old Devil came by to tempt him to quit school and go back home. He remembered that his old boss said he could have
his old job back anytime he wanted it. His mind went back to living in a nice home and being able to provide his wife and children with plenty of food and all the luxuries of life. But, just like the LORD, the Holy Ghost brought this verse to his mind to encourage him to not look back because He had great things for him in the future. He set his mind to obey God and decided to trust the LORD for a job that would provide for his family and pay his school bill while he studied for the ministry.
The very next week, Dan would apply for a job at the Union Tank Car in East Chicago. They told him that he had to take a welding test. Brother Dad can do many things, but welding was not one of them. While he was in the office, for some reason, the plant manager came in. Brother Dan introduced himself and told him that he was taking his welding test to come to work. The manager gave him his phone number and told him if he failed the test to give him a call. Well, he failed the test and gave him a call. To make a long story short, within the week he had a job making $9.62 an hour at the Union Tank Car Company.
When he told me how much his pay was, my eyes got real big and I looked at him and said, “How much was your salary?” He said, “$9.62; for some reason, I have never forgot that number.” I said, “Do you realize that the LORD gave you the same amount in pay as the reference to the verse He gave you to not look back!” He got a great big smile on his face and said that he had never put the two together: God bumps ran down my back. It is just like the LORD to do something so simple to remind us that He is in control of every situation that comes into our lives. From getting a job to take care of the family to comfort in the time of loss, whatever you may be going through today, don’t look back! Keep trusting the LORD and keep serving Him. He has everything under control.
Have a great day.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Trusting God
Exodus 3:14 "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - KJV
In this verse and the ones following all the way to Exodus 4:18 we find a conversation between God and Moses. Several times as God is giving Moses instructions God tells him what HE (God) is going to do then a verse or two latter Moses is questioning God. God finally gets angry and says I will send Aaron your brother to help. Moses did not trust God, Moses was relying on himself to carry out God's commands. The problem was God had told Moses HE would be the one doing the work. My friends when God tells you to do something remember HE is the one doing the work not us we are just the tool. So as you go through your day today remember let God do the work HE has told you to do and you just relax and enjoy working for God knowing HE is taking care of things.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
FAITH
Faith is what sets us apart in God's eyes! Many time in the New Testament Jesus marveled over the faith of some of the people that sought His help. When we rely solely on God and His provision and watch care it pleases Him! Have faith in God, he is on the throne, have faith in God. HE watches over His own! He cannot fail, He must prevail, Have Faith in God, have Faith in GOD!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
I Believe God
Acts 27:25 "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." - KJV
What a wonderful God we know and serve! He is kind enough to give us many promises in His Word.
He will never leave nor forsake us
Whosoever shall call on His name shall be saved
A home in Heaven
His Word is a lamp and light that will guide us
His Word will not return void
This is just to name a few. In a world where it seems more and more difficult to trust people what a relief to have a God that is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He said "I am the Lord and I change not" and He is a just and faithful God that can not lie! Its amazing, if we can learn to just trust God, to watch God work when we do His will. Its no wonder why God says in His word to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice, and cast all your cares upon Him. Just as Paul said there in Acts, we should "...be of good cheer: for I believe God...". Just remember when life gets you down and when Satan is on the attack, just believe in God and what He has told us and be of good cheer because God is in control.
Written By: Missionary D. Conley
Giving it to God
Exodus 2
Written By: August
From: North Carolina
Why Fear
This is my favorite Bible Verse for many reasons. It says that "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" That gives me confidence and assurance, that no matter what I face, He is always with me. Then it goes on to say, "the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" That tells me that, as I am going through out life, He is my strength, in the weak times and the strong times.
Written By: Kattie
From: Tennessee
Be Not Afraid!
This is a wonderful verse to refer to when you are afraid.
Time and time again have I referred to this verse when I am afraid.
So if you will memorize this verse it will be a great help when you have time of fear.
Written By: Erica
From: North Carolina
Why Fear?
NO ROCKS THROWN!
John 21:4 “But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.” – KJV
Many times when we read the Bible we sometimes forget to realize what it does not say. For instance, here in our passage is where the disciples quit on the Lord after the crucifixion because things were not going the way the disciples thought things in their lives with Christ were supposed to unfold. Here in our passage they went back to what they new before they met Jesus which was fishing and doing things on their own. But look at where Jesus was watching them; from shore. It was the place where they decided to leave Him! But look at what Jesus was not doing. He was not “throwing rocks!” He was not throwing rocks at them and telling them how bad they were or how disappointing that they were to Him for quitting! NO, he was waiting on them! The next few verses He had even prepared a meal for them and was feeding them! Jesus does not “throw rocks!”
Have you quit on things? Have you quit on the Lord? Are things stale and worthless in your life? Go back to where you left Him. He is waiting at the place of YOUR departure.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Torment of Unforgivingness
We as His children are commanded to follow His example. This is not an easy example to follow. Forgiveness is not an easy thing but what we fail to realize is that neither is unforgivingness. Unforgivingness is not an easy road to travel either. When we choose (it is our choice) not to forgive, we focus on what the person has done to us and not on what unforgivingness is doing in us. This scripture tells it right: unforgiveness will torment you. Bitterness and unforgiveness toward a person may not affect the person that you will not forgive but it will always affect you. It is just like you drinking poison and hoping it makes them sick.
Will you take the time today to think on what the sin of unforgivingness is doing to you? Unforgivingness is sin. God has told us to forgive one another and when we don’t do what He tells us to it is sin. Sin in the life of a Christian separates us from our fellowship with God. When our fellowship with God is separated then it hinders our prayer life, our peace, and our joy and withholds the blessings of God from us. To be robbed or hindered from these attributes of God is a torment many times far beyond what the person has done to us that we will not forgive them for. Forgiveness is not an easy thing to do, but unforgivingness is a hard road to travel also
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Forgive and Forget
We've all heard the saying forgive and forget but we all know that is easier said than done. Why is forgiving one of the hardest things to achieve even for Christians? We all feel that when someone has done something against us that we deserve better, right? We feel that we are worthy of better treatment than what we may have received. The reason that it is so hard to forgive is that we have too much pride in ourselves. We judge ourselves based on our "good intentions", but others based on their actions. Proverbs 16:18 says,"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." - KJV. That phrase "an haughty spirit" basically means you view yourself better than others. Now I've already said that we feel we should be treated better when someone has done something against us. That means we have a haughty spirit. After we continue to view ourselves as wronged we soon become bitter and then think on revenge. If only I could get back at them for what they did
to me! The Bible tells how we should actually behave even after someone has wronged us. Proverbs 25:21-22 "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." KJV Let go of your pride before it destroys you. The longer you refrain from forgiving the worse you will feel. God will reward you for treating others right even when they treat you wrong. Don't miss out on God's blessings just because you have been hurt. Let God take away all the pain. Please, forgive and forget.
Written By: Faith
From: West Virginia
Unforgiveness: The Devils Device
2 Corinthians 2:11 "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - KJV
Here Paul is speaking to the church at Corinth about one of the devices of the devil. To see what particular device he is referring to you only need to look back to verse 10. 2Corinthians 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; In this verse we see he was dealing with unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness is a device of the devil. By this device lives have been ruined. By this device homes have been torn apart. By this device churches have been separated. And by this device many people, some even true Christians, have allowed it to push them away from the House of God. The devil loves to use this device because it works so well. This device works so well because we live in fleshly tabernacles. When God saves a person He saves the inner man. There will be a change of desires but this flesh still affects man. So that tells us that this device only works when we walk in the flesh. So to prevent the devil from using it one must walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
When we walk in the Spirit then this devilish device is powerless over us. The first and maybe the hardest part is to admit that unforgiveness is of the devil and not be ignorant to this device as mentioned in this scripture. Then we must allow God through the Holy Spirit to give us the grace that we need to be able to forgive the one that has offended. When we do this we not only close the door on the devil but we open the door of opportunity for the wayward or broken one to be restored. This is not always easy and that’s why it takes God’s grace. However anytime I get the chance to close the door on the devil and one of his devices then I want to slam it shut. Forgiveness is the key to lock this door on the devil’s device. Will you allow God to shut this door today
Have a great (devil free) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Forgiving Yourself Part 1
I was asked by a young man “What does the Bible say about forgiving yourself?” So I began to study to give him an answer. As I prayed about it and researched it I was brought to Psalm 51. This is a Psalm written by David after his sin with Bathsheba. The first thing I see in this passage is there is no self-pity. He is not saying “How am I going to forgive myself?” “What have I done?” There is no self-pity on David’s part. David’s only remorse is to God. In verse one he is asking God for mercy, in verse two he is asking God for cleansing, in verse three he is acknowledging wrong, and in verse four he tells God “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:…” Let us look at this verse for a minute. Number one he did not say he had sinned against Uriah. Number two he did not say he had sinned against Bathsheba, number three he did not say he had sinned against the dead child, and number four he did not say he had sinned against himself. If anyone had cause to say they needed to forgive themselves it was David but nowhere in this portion of scripture do we find that David forgave himself. He asked God to forgive him and realized that sin was solely against God. My friend’s sin is always against God and no one else. So why do we need to forgive ourselves if God is the only one that can forgive and needs to forgive?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Forgiving Yourself Part 2
As we looked at forgiving ourselves last time from Psalm 51 we noticed David only asked God to forgive him. That brings me to the thought of “Where did this idea of forgiving yourself come from?” It comes from people not wanting to realize there is a God. Notice back to Psalm 51:4 David said “Against thee, thee only have I sinned…” If God was the only one he sinned against then God would be the only one that would need to forgive him. Today though even among Christians we have the idea that we need to forgive ourselves and go on. This is Humanism at its best. Humanism says there is no God and we do not have to give an account to anyone but ourselves. Romans 1:25 states “Who changed the truth of God into a lie,” What lie? That there is no God. That man is only accountable to himself so live life when you make a mistake (sin) it is only against yourself so you are the only one who has to forgive yourself. This way of thinking is totally anti-Bible. Again, David said he had only sinned against God. My friends if you are having trouble forgiving yourself remember you sin is against God not you. You wanting to forgive yourself is you making yourself a god. Remember the scribes’ accusation against Jesus in Mark 2:7 “Who can forgive sins but God only?” they were right in what they said no one can forgive sins but God. They called Jesus statement “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Blasphemy. Would it not also be blasphemy against God for us to say we have forgiven ourselves of some wrong (sin)? My friends we are not gods and we cannot forgive ourselves. Only God can forgive us. We must ask Him to forgive us and remember that He remembers our sin no more. We may remember it and may have to remind Satan that we have asked God’s forgiveness. Remember this the next time you feel bad about a sin that you have asked God to forgive you about. He does not remember it. He does not even see an eraser mark on your life where there might have been a mistake. So do not worry about it He does not know what sin you are talking about!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Loving Our Enemies
MAKING FRIENDS WITH THE ENEMY
Luke 23:12 “And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.” – KJV
The day mentioned here was the day of the mockery trial of Jesus. They who were before enemies now came together as friends in their decision about Christ. They both agreed that they had found no fault in Him, but they were still willing to crucify Him to please the people.
This shows me that if a person has a desire to do wrong that they can always find someone to agree with them in their evil deeds. So just because someone says it’s ok, or just because “everyone” else is doing it, does not necessarily make it right. As a matter of fact, if it seems that everybody else is doing it, then that’s probably a good sign that it is wrong. And just because something is legal does not make it ethical (right) either. Many things now that are “legal” in America are morally wrong.
How then is someone supposed to know what “right” is? Let the Bible set your boundaries and not the “will,” or the “way” of the world. You can develop some so called “friendships” by doing, or promoting evil. But if you have evil
friends, then what do you really have?
Proverbs 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” – KJV
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
BEWARE of the TRANSFORMERS
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” – KJV
2 Corinthians 11:14 “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” – KJV
I learned two very important things from these two verses.
1. Beware of false prophets, people that teach differently than what God said, that come to you in sheep’s clothing… Sheep’s clothing, in this verse means that they are disguised as a good person, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves, people who don’t really care about you but seek to destroy you.
2. Satan is transformed as an “angel of light” which means a pure and holy angel. He disguises as this to deceive and trick Christians that want to serve God. That is why we should pray and think about the decisions we make before we make them.
Written By: James
From: Wisconsin, USA
WHAT IS A TRUE FRIEND? (PART 1)
What Is A True Friend? Have you ever heard the story of David and his path to being a king? On his way to being the king he faced some adversity from the king that Israel had chosen. The king’s name was Saul. Saul hated David and was jealous of him because the nation of Israel sang songs that said “Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten thousand”. Saul sought to get rid of David, but through his friendship with Saul’s son Jonathan, David survived. In 1Samuel chapters 19&20 we learn some elements of a true friend.
In chapter 19:2 we learn that David had to trust Jonathan. True friends have to be able to trust one another honestly. Jonathan had to be reliable to David and be counted trustworthy, David wouldn’t have trusted a liar, would he?
In chapter 19:4 we learn that a true friend doesn’t talk behind their friend’s back. In fact they only have good things to say about their friends.
Written By: Jacob
From: Tennessee, USA
WHAT IS A TRUE FRIEND? (PART TWO)
1 Samuel 19:12 “So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.” – KJV
In I Samuel 19:12, we see that David’s wife Michal helped David escape. A true friend will help us escape traps of life or guide us through life’s troublesome times. In Chapter 20 verse 4 Jonathan tells David, “Whatsoever thou desirest that I will do.” It seems to me that Jonathan is a great example of a friend in this element because he faced the admonition of his father, to protect David. I believe Jonathan was willing to die for David. In 20:31&32 Saul tells Jonathan to go fetch David because if he is not killed Jonathan will not be king. But instead of saying I want to be king he asks his father what has David done to deserve death? Jonathan shows us that in true friendship, a friend would put God’s will and David (others) before self and selfish desires.
Written By: Jacob
From: Tennessee, USA
From Jacobs’s devotion on friendship and just from these two verses, could you be called a true friend? If not, make some changes starting today! (Part three of “What is a true friend” will be on Sunday night)
WHAT IS A TRUE FRIEND? (PART 3 – CONCLUSION)
In 1 Samuel 20:41 we see that David has to flee away from Saul. Because of this trouble the Bible says that Jonathan and David wept together. A true friend is the one who can cry with you. You may be thinking, “Wow I wish I could have a friend like that.” If you are a Christian you already have this friend, and if you are lost you can have this friend. His name is Jesus. Did you know that He said that I will never leave you or forsake you? Did you know that Jesus never sinned therefore He cannot lie and is worthy of our trust. Did you know that Jesus loves and died for everyone? I know that Jesus loved a thief, for He forgave and saved one while He was hanging on the cross paying for the world’s sin. Jesus is touched with our afflictions, meaning He knows what we are going through. Jesus Christ also wept for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, and put Himself aside to pay for our sins for it was also here where He said “not my will but thy will be done Lord.” One day, Jesus is coming back to sit on the throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This man who was perfect can be our friend, how wonderful!
Written By: Jacob
From: Tennessee, USA
From Jacobs’s devotion on friendship and just from these verses in 1 Samuel, could you be called a true friend? If not, make some changes starting today!
Praying For Our Enemies
Luke 9:56 "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village." - KJV
Here in this chapter we see that the Samaritans were rejecting Jesus and two of Jesus’ disciples were angered by this. James and John were great men and in their zeal and love for Jesus they wanted to pray fire down from heaven and kill those who were rejecting Him. Jesus rebuked them and told them in v.55 “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of”. Then in our verse (v56) He reminds them that He had “not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.” They should have already known this for Christ had earlier taught them how to deal with their enemies.Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. This was not the easy way to deal with the enemy but it was and still is the right way. The right way will not always be the easy way.
I’m afraid that many times we do the same was as these great men of God did. Instead of praying for God to save our enemies we want Him to kill them and get them out of our way. But that is still not what He wants us to do.
We need to ask God to give us the strength and grace to pray for those who curse and despitefully use us. If God would just kill off that one that is harassing us it would seem to solve our problem, but in reality the devil would just send someone else in their place. Also in “solving” our problem it would mean another soul spending eternity in hell that might have reached though perseverance and much prayer. It would help us to do this if we would keep our focus on who the real enemy is. Our real enemy is the devil and demons of hell. All others have the potential of being reached and changed with the Gospel. Let’s ask God to help us to pray for those who persecute us today that they might be delivered from our real enemy who lives inside of them. It takes grace to do this but God has and gives us grace.
Have a great (grace-filled) day!
How to Choose Your Friends
Who are your companions? The Psalmist made sure that he was influenced by the right crowd of people. We are influenced by those that are close to us, we need to keep friends that are godly and the right example. We will be like the crowd that we run with.
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Walk With the Wise
Proverbs 13:20"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." - KJV
We will emulate the crowed that we run with. The old says is "Birds of a feather flock together." This is a very true statement. Think back over the last little bit of your life and the people you parents have warned you about being friends with. They are watching out for you. God knows those people in your life who are trying to pull you away from Him, cut all ties with that crowd and run with the wise!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
A Bamboo Bridge
Ecclesiastes 4:12 “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” - KJV
In a recent trip to Cambodia I walked across what is said to be the longest bamboo bridge in the world. This bridge is made of nothing but bamboo and wire. It crosses the great Mekong River in Kampong Cham. Now one would think that it is just for walking, but as I crossed there were many motor scooters, horse drawn carriages, and even two cars that passed me by. I will admit that it did shake a bit when the cars went by.
As I walked across this historic landmark, I thought on the fact that we Christians need to stick together. There is strength in numbers! Did you ever notice how the youth group is strong and on fire for God when there are more than one teen sold out for Him. If you get over half of the youth group on fire the rest of the bunch will either get in or get out!
Just before our text verse we read this, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10). It would be a good idea to find a friend that will keep you accountable. Make a covenant together to walk in presence of the LORD every waking hour of your life. Pray together, talk about the Bible together, memorize verses together and stick together through thick and thin. These are the type of friends you will have for a lifetime!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
My BFF
God Can!
Now Sanballat has come to stand against and stop the work. (Sanballat and his outfit represent the “world view” in this passage of Scripture). It was the fifth time such an effort had been made to stop the work. Nehemiah was right, legal, and had the blessings of the king, but there were men who did not care. It was not their idea and they did not like not having control. There were lies made up against Nehemiah and the work stopped for a long period of time. Later, the legal documents were read and the work started again until completion of the project. Nehemiah had to have God every step of the way.God had to provide, protect, and plow the way for the work to be accomplished. God will get done what God so wishes.
Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” - KJV
If God has been working in your heart and given you a godly, pure, unselfish task to do for Him, then what are you waiting on? Tell God yes, then start working. Let God do the rest, he knows how to get things done.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
THEN!
Isaiah 58:8 “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.” – KJV
Have you ever noticed the little word “then” used in the Bible? If you would just take a few moments and meditate on the times in the Bible that God gave instruction for us to do something His way, or that He would do something Himself…THEN…then it happened! The key is doing the will of God; not our will and expecting God to bless it.
Here in Isaiah 58 we find that the children of Israel were doing the fast by the letter of the law, but were actually trying to manipulate God with the fast in verse three. God set the facts straight in verses six and seven. He then gave the reward of doing things His way in verses eight, nine, and fourteen. The word “Then” is used to start all three verses. God does not want us to go through the mechanics and motions, but wants us to serve him from our heart with love for His will. Once we have done things His way….”Then.” Start with Genesis chapter one and just look at the Scripture that God did a “Then.” Now look at your life and look at the times God has done what He promised. You will only find a “Then” when we got it right, “from the heart,” or it was a promise that He has made.
Let’s just do things His way, on purpose. May we all check out motives.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE???????
Romans 8:28 “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.” - KJV
What is your purpose for being on this earth? It is not just to exist. It is to serve God with all of your strength! God has different ways or purposes for saved people to serve him. So, what is yours, or has he shown you what he wants you to do for him? He might want you to be a preacher, missionary, or a teacher of his word, but it is all in his will and it is designed especially for you and only you. I don’t know your heart or what God’s will is for you, but I know that he has a plan for every saved person. So if you are saved, you have a purpose for being on this earth. I mean think about it, if God didn’t have a purpose for you why would he keep you on this earth when you could go home and be with him; because he has purpose and will for your life? And that purpose basically is to lead other people to Christ and do his work here on earth. This verse reminds me of one of my favorite songs, it is Lifesong by casting crowns, and in one of the verses it says ” Lord I give my life, living sacrifice, to reach a world in need, to be your hands and feet, so may the words I say, and things I do, make my Lifesong sing to you.”. Now this song means so much to me because that is what we as Christians need to do, we need to be His hands and feet, and spread His gospel all over the world because this world is in need of Him. Now God has different ways of showing you your purpose; he might show you all at once, or he might show you in parts over a period of time. Now if you are not saved you are just existing, why would you want to just exist and not have a purpose coming out of you life. So, if you are not saved please get saved today because you are missing out on so many of His blessings. Get saved today because you may not have another chance or even another breath. Those of you who are saved like me, you do have a purpose, but the question is are you searching for it, or just wandering along and floating in your Christian life?????
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
“QUIT WANDERING”
Proverbs 27:8 “As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.” - KJV
Each one of us has a unique place in which we are designed to be, and if not in that place, we are drifting away from God. The Lord has somewhere special for you to be; find that place and stay there. The Lord always puts us where He wants us, and if we wander away from that place, looking for a better place, we end up out of place and far from God. Now, the Lord will come looking for you, but if you keep wandering around your life becomes a mess. However, once you surrender and wish to be where God wants you to be, He will find you and place you in His perfect will for your life. However, you may just realize that you are already there!
Psalm 8:4 says this: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?” The fact of the matter is that we are not as big or important as we think we are, but if we stay where God wants us, and if we do what He wants us to do, we will be pleasing to Him and that is a very good thing!
Got troubles and trials? You are not forgotten, you’re right where God wants you. (Why do you think He put you there?) So, quit wandering around before you drift far from God; be content!
Written By: Alyssa
From: Tennessee, USA
ARE YOU HAPPY?
Ezra 7:10 “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” - KJV
Ezra had an attribute that most Christians do not have. He prepared his heart to seek God. Some Christian just go to church, read their Bible, and pray, but to not have the desire to seek God’s will for their life. When we seek God’s will and do it, we will have greater love for Him, and true joy. Sometimes it can be easy for us to find the will of the Lord, but the hard part is to do the will of God. Most Christians do not seek the will of God because they are afraid of where he will send them or something. But how can a loving God have you do something that would not bring you great joy. If we seek the will of God, and do it, we will be the happiest people in the world.
Written By: James
From: Wisconsin, USA
ME + CHANGE = FEAR OF GOD
Psalm 55:19b “…Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” – KJV
(“Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.” – Author Unknown). We have all experienced changes, some more times than others, some more severe than others. Some of these changes have been marked as “good” and others as “bad.” However, if all changes come from God, then are not all changes good? (“…all things work together for good…” Romans 8:28 KJV) I never used to like changes at all. Every little change threw me off. That was up until last June. That was when I began to like changes. I still do not specifically like changes, but I like the results they bring. Every change will bring some kind of good. You just have to let it. If you want to grow, then you will have to undergo change. If you want to change, then you will have to take some risks and trust God. Wait a minute, is trusting God actually a risk? It should not be; He created us and He knows best for us. He knows what changes we need. Imagine if you knew everything you would ever do and when you would do it. That would be really boring, and we would have nothing to look forward to. However, we would feel as if we were in control. Whoa! Is that such a good thing? Being in control that is. The Lord should be in control; He does not ever need a break. Why do you not yield to the changes and fear the Lord again? No changes = no fear of God. Do you really want that?
Written By: Alyssa
From:Tennessee, USA
Missing Out on Being Great for God
I Kings 13:24 "And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and teh ass stood byit, the lion also stood by the carcase."
If you will read the entire chapter of I Kings 13 you will find that God had raised up a young man to go to Bethel and cry against the sins of the church. This young man had obeyed God and did as the Lord bid him to do but there was another command from God that he (the young man) was not to eat or drink anything while going to or from Bethel. This young man who had such an awesome relationship with God and had so much of the power of God upon him that even when the wicked King Jeroboam reached out to grab him the Bible says that the Kings hand fell limp. The king then asked this young fellow to pray and ask God to restore his hand, he did, and the kings hand was restored. Why? Simply because of the relationship this young man had with God. After this was done the young man got back on his beast and headed back home, but along the way he sat under a tree which in type he became idle and Satan moved in for the kill so to speak. Because he sent two sons of the old prophet
in Bethel to come and tell this young lad that they had heard from the Lord and that God sent a message by them to have this young fellow to visit the house of the old prophet. He listened to them and went to the old prophets house and did exactly what God forbid him to do which was he ate and drank. When he was finished in verse 24-28 the Bible says a lion slew him by the way and his carcase was left laying there for all to see. Notice the lion did not eat him up but rather the lion tore him up. What does this all mean? Well, the Lion is a type of Satan" I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." He is a lion that is after young people, especially those who want to do something for God. He will not kill you but he will stop at next to nothing to ruin your testimony and wreck your life with the temptations and all the world has to offer. This young man could`ve became the next greatest prophet
in his lifetime but because he listened to man instead of God , he sat down on God and the Devil saw opportunity to wreck his life. Young person do not let Satan have the opportunity to make you miss your opportunity to be great for God. This world needs you. You could be the next greatest Servant of the Lord, Missionary, Evangelist, or Teacher this world has ever seen if only you would decide who you are going to listen to and serve. Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve; The choice is yours... May God bless each of you this day.
Written By: Missionary W. Terrell
"Let Go and Let God"
Telling it Like it is
Exodus 19:6 "…These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel” - KJV
God has always used His man to speak His Word to His people. He recorded His Words, the King James Bible, for all mankind to use as a path to a life of righteousness and joy. Today, He calls His preachers to study His Word so we can tell His people how to have this life of joy. Then, God, in His sovereignty, gives each person the choice to love His Word or to love themselves. “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded” Proverbs 13:13 Live your life loving His Word and dwelling in the presence of Jesus and you will have no regrets! “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHISPERING
In our text today we see a peculiar word that we do not use very often in modern English today. However it’s meaning is very important. The word “froward” means: “not easily controlled; stubbornly willful; contrary. With this definition in mind let’s look at the text again. “A froward man soweth strife:” In other words a person who chooses to be contrary of the teachings of right and wrong, or a person who is not willful to abide by instruction or chooses not to abide by the laws of the land, is going to create stress on others. That person will not have good relationships with friends, family, or co-workers on the job.
The second part of the verse says “a whisperer separateth chief friends.” Gossip will kill reputations, relationships, and reconciliations. Once a word is said, it is said. You can not take it back. And once words are spoken, even if they are not true, much damage is done if spoken with a negative attitude. Never whisper about people, never gossip, never try to get even. The Bible is clear about this in this proverb and is teaching this one truth: “Watch your mouth!”
Beware of Vain Janglers
1Timothy 1:6 "From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;" - KJV
We should always be aware of vain janglers. They are a dangerous, poisonous bunch. But just what is a vain jangler you might ask? Is it a type of animal? No. Is it a newly discovered disease? No. Is it a creature from off the sci-fi screen? No. It is something far worse. The words “vain jangling” in this verse simply mean empty words. Verse 7 describes them in detail: Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. So a vain jangler is one who tries to twist the Word of God to fit there philosophy without even knowing or understanding what it says or means.
These are the ones who will tell you that the Bible is full of contradictions but cannot show you a single one. A vain jangler likes to argue about where Cain got his wife from or whether or not Adam had a bellybutton. They will twist the scriptures to promote drunkenness or claim it says that you can smoke weed because it grows green on the earth. They cannot show you clear verses for their vain jangling but they claim to know they are there and try to make the Word of God into a lie. Romans 1:25 "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." - KJV
Some places to be watchful for this crowd is around our school systems, our colleges, our prison systems, and sometimes even in our government. To spot them just listen for the ones who are always condescending the Bible or condemning it without asking you to read it for yourself. A good rule to remember is if they condescend (make light of) it, condemn (discredit) it, or contradict (challenge) it, then look for the prefix of each of their words: CON. They are truly “prefixed” on conning you away from the Word of God.
Romans 3:3 "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." - KJV
Beware of this crowd. Avoid them, ignore them and don’t even try to argue with them. If they will lie about the Word of God and lie on the God of the Word then there is no limits to what ungodliness they might do. Beware of vain janglers.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Don't Be Covetous for JESUS is Always With You
In Hebrews 13:5 it says "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." I know a lot of people focus on the last part of this verse but I think we also need to focus on the first part also. Basically this verse Is saying don't be covetous for Jesus is always with you. He'll know even when your thoughts are covetous . So don't be covetous for JESUS is always with you
Written By: Ashley
From: Pennsylvania
Never Feed a Greedy Dog
Isaiah 56:11 "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter." - KJV
Here we have a warning about what the Bible calls “greedy dogs”. It says that they are shepherds that cannot understand and only look out for themselves from their own place or “quarter”. (That means they will never come to where you are.) The reference here is of a false pastor or what the Bible also calls hirelings. These greedy dogs do not care about you they only care about what they can get from you. And they never get enough.
Everyone needs a Pastor, God said so and He gave them to us (Jeremiah 3:15) to help us. And we should take care of them (1Cor. 9:7). But how can they be our Pastor if we do not know them, cannot see them or call upon them in time of trouble? That’s why God ordained and organized the local church.
Beware of the greedy dogs who tell you that you do not need the local church. There is no such thing in the Bible as a long distance Pastor or TV Pastor. These greedy dogs will try to feed off the tithes and tell you that if you will send them your money God will give your every financial desire. God won’t feed our greed and we should not feed theirs either. They make it sound like they can shake God’s money tree in heaven and it will rain $1000 bills out of the sky if you will only send them $29.95. Some now try to get you to pay for their satellite radio station to listen to them in hopes of getting to call if you can be the first to get through.
Don’t feed these greedy dogs. The tithes belong to God and go through the local church (Malachi 3:10). These greedy dogs cannot help you because they will never even know you and will bite the hand that feeds them for a bigger piece of bread from someone else. Never feed a greedy dog!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
If You Only Have Money
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" 1Timothy 6:17
Here the Bible instructs us to not be highminded (think that you’re better than someone else) because of your wealth, or even to trust in “uncertain riches”. So many people trust in their “almighty dollar” (not) instead of the “Almighty God” who is the living God. Their god (money) is constantly fleeing and getting less valuable every day. The Bible clearly teaches that riches are uncertain. My God is the Living God, who will never leave me nor forsake me and gets more precious to me each day. Some of the richest people I know do not have much money, but they have direct access to the riches of God. So what do you have if you only have money?
If you only have money….
You have something that is manmade. It used to be backed by gold (the gold standard) and valued by something precious man discovered, that God had created, but now it is just an uncertain value printed on paper.
You have something that you must give away and not something that gives to you. With Money the more you share the less you have. With God the more of Him you share with others the more you gain.
You have something that even your “friends” will try to take from you. When it’s gone many times the “friends” are too.
You have something that you must protect instead of something that protects you. People will kill you to get it.
You have something that may bring you pleasures but will not give you peace. Pleasures are temporary but peace is something that money can’t buy.
You have something that you must carry instead of something that will carry you.
My dad taught me something as a kid that has struck with me for a long time. I may not be rich but I’m richly blessed and if I have to choose between the two I’ll choose that every time. I’m trusting in the Living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. If you only have money what do you have????
Written By: Missionary L. Key
God Makes No Mistakes
Healing the Broken Hearted
A FEW MORE DAYS AND A WAKEUP
Psalms 30:5 “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – KJV
Many times the kids we work with in the juvenile detention centers and prisons make reference to how long they have to stay. Those with shorter sentences often times will say it this way; I only have three days and a wakeup, or ten days and a wakeup, etc. They are longing for that morning when they wake up and get to go home. Down here on Earth, we sometimes endure many hardships, and it breaks our hearts to see our loved ones pass away. Hang on child of God because joy is coming in the morning! The Bible tells us that our life is as a vapour; it appeareth for a little while then vanisheth away. James 4:14 “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.” So let’s give God all we have, fight the good fight, finish our course, weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning! After all we only have a few more days and a wakeup. Where will you wake up in eternity? If you’re not ready you better make it right today.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
END OF THE WORLD?
Mark 13:32 “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” - KJV
Did you hear about the prediction that the world was going to end on May 21, 2011 at 6:00 pm? Well it is now past the 21st and we are still here! You can’t believe people who say they know when the earth is going to end. This verse says no man, no angels, not even Jesus, God’s Son knows; only God the Father knows the exact day and time.
Mark 13:33, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” - KJV This verse goes right along with the other one, because we don’t know when He is coming so we also don’t know how long we have to get saved if you aren’t yet. I mean he could come in an hour or a year. No one knows when, but they know He is coming. So if you are not saved please get saved today because we aren’t guaranteed another chance or even another breathe.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Hell: A Real Place
One of the saddest verses in all of scripture, Hell is a reality today, as we fo to prepare to start our day, an untold multitude burns in the fires of hell. Most of God's people claim to believe in hell, but do you really? The belief in hell will cause you:1. To tell people about the Saviour. 2. To live your life in a way that it points people to Jesus. 3. TO arn lost people tat hell is a real place. SO do you really believe hell is real? It is!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
ONE BIRTH AND THE WORLDS CALENDARS CHANGE!
Matthew 2:2 “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” – KJV
When you were born, did you change anything on the calendar system? When I was born I changed my parents lives, but I really did not change very much in the world or the calendar system. That brings us to this point: What year was Jesus born? For what do the letters B.C. and A.D. refer? The term B.C. is English which means “Before Christ.” However the term A.D. is Latin which stands for “Anno Domini.” Most people think A.D. is understood as “After Death” of Christ which is incorrect. The Latin term A.D. means “The year of our Lord.” So A.D. (zero to one, or year number one A.D.) is the year that Jesus was born. The world was using three sometimes four different calendar systems before the birth of Jesus. After the birth of Jesus the vast majority of the entire worlds calendar systems switched to B.C. and A.D. recognizing the birth of one person which is Jesus Christ.
I don’t know about you, but if you think about it, one birth changed the entire worlds calendar system. To me that was a pretty important birth with great impact upon all people. Must be something different about this Jesus! That is why our text records the “Wise Men” went looking for Him. Wise men still do the same today!!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY?
I. The Bible commands giving thanks to God!
1Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – KJV
1Chronicles 16:8 “Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.” – KJV
II. America was founded a Christian nation!
The Mayflower Compact was written by the Pilgrims to govern themselves as free men when they arrived in the new land. This founding documents first statement in the first paragraph states their mindset why they came to the new land which we now call America. It states: “In the name of God, Amen…..by the grace of God.” The second paragraph states the purpose: “Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith…”
III. American people asked for a special day of Thanksgiving!
October 11, 1782-Congress calls for: “a solemn and public manner to give (God) praise for his goodness in general . . .
October 3, 1789-President G. Washington -”Now therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted . . . to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country. .”
In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these (National Blessings). They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
November 4, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress appointed the last Thursday of November the National Day of Thanksgiving.
“In God We Trust” is the moto on our money and our hearts. Therefore, take the time to take the time to have a thankful heart and give praise unto God. Just think upon this thought: Thank God for what you do not have! Thank God for what you did not receive! Thank God for those seemingly unanswered prayers! Just praise and give glory to God!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
When was Jesus Born?
Luke 2:10-11 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." – KJV
What year was Jesus born? Many people will tell you he was born 33 and one half BC. The term “BC” is the English abbreviation for “Before Christ” which was copied from the Latin usage of the letters. For decades BC and AD have been unofficial global standards, recognized by such international institutions such as the United Nations and Universal Postal Union. However we must ask the question, how could he be born before himself, (BC)? Many people will tell you that AD is the standard for “After Death” of Christ which is incorrect. AD is the Latin abbreviation for Anno Domini and is translated “In the Year of Our Lord.”
So, do you know in what year Jesus was born? Since he could not be born “before” himself (BC), and since we have proven that AD does not mean “after death”, (which obviously he could not be born after his death), what was the year he was born in? It was year number (1) AD. So what is so special about the year he was born? Ask yourself about your birth. When you were born did you affect the calendar system of the world? When I was born, my birth did not change one day of the world’s calendar system. But the birth of Jesus Christ did! When Jesus was born, His birth changed EVERYTHING. The next time someone tries to put X in the place of Christ for Christmas, simply remind them of this fact and the importance the world gave to the birth of Christ.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Flight 93
God has given us many signs of His preservation of His Word through the ages, but in modern day times one comes to my attention. September 11, 2011, was a day that will be remembered by most Americans as a day of great destruction by terrorist attacks. The twin towers were destroyed, the Pentagon had been severely damaged, and a group of true Americans kept Flight 93 from doing further damage by overtaking the terrorists, which resulted in the horrific crash in a field just outside the small village of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
One of those men was Todd Beamer. We often hear the famous last words he spoke before over taking the terrorists, “Let’s roll,” but we seldom hear what he said to the 911 operator prior to that heroic phrase. These were the words this brave American said thousands of feet above the ground moments before he would crash to his death: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” He knew he was going to see his Saviour face to face very soon and God gave him the courage to do what he had to do.
One year later, Tom Lavis, from The Tribune Democrat – The Shanksville Story, wrote an article titled, Symbol of Faith. If it was widely publicized it would and should cause the world to take a look at the Bible in a different light. Lavis reported, “Resting not far from the smoldering, 25-foot-deep crater where 40 innocent victims perished, firefighters found a Bible was barely singed.” It has also been reported that another Bible survived the fire too. I believe God was showing the World that you cannot destroy His Word!
Written By: Missionary M. Vanhorn
TRAINING A CHILD
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – KJV
Rebellious children are always a discouragement to the parents. Many a parent has looked at this verse and wondered “what happened?” There are three things that we need to examine when we read; “and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The word “old” actually has a two fold meaning. The first is obvious as to the age of the child. Remember, even full grown men and women are still considered a parents child. But the second thing most people do not consider from the word “old” is maturity. When does the child become mature? The Bible makes a statement in First Samuel chapter eighteen of David before he was king, that he “behaved himself wisely.” In other words he was mature! In application of our text verse it can be said that when the child becomes mature, he will not depart from the way.
The third thing (maybe should be the first thing) we need to see and understand about this verse, is the fact that when we get old and forgetful, we will not forget the ways of our training from our parents. No matter if the training we received from them was godly, or ungodly. So be sure to take the time of training a child very seriously and choose the things of God for good character.
Remember, everyone has a “will” of their own and the ability to choose paths to walk. The Bible is still true; if you raise the child in church and the ways of God as the Bible says, he will not forget the correct way to live. The Holy Spirit of God will not let them forget!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A New Heritage
This is the theme verse that God has given me for the prison work that we are doing, especially the part of “shewing to the generation to come”. Many of those who we come in contact with have a heritage of wicked, sinful living that has been passed down to them from previous generations. But the good thing is that God is able to break through the many generations of sin and start a new heritage. We witnessed this first hand a few years ago as a man we referred to as “Wild Bill” was saved.
He was supposedly one of the meanest men in his county with a record of numerous assaults, batteries, thefts, robberies, alluding arrests, drunkenness, etc. We saw how God during a 3 day revival tamed this wild man. The last night of the meeting he came forward weeping and called out to God for salvation.
Upon speaking to him later I learned he was a descendant of the old Wild West gunslinger “Buffalo Bill Cody”. He evidently had tried to live his life to keep up the heritage that was passed down to him. But he now has a new heritage because he is a new creature in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 5:17).
If you are a parent this should speak volumes more to you than just what is written here. How will the heritage that you are passing down to your kids and grand kids affect them? Is it a Godly heritage or ungodly? Is it one of drinking, fighting, lying, and loose living? Or is it one that will bring them honor and favor before God? The way you live and the things that you do will affect them someway. You only have one chance to raise your kids; I pray you will let God be your guide.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
LET’S JUST DO IT AGAIN
In this passage Moses has come down off Mt. Sinai from being with God. While there, God gave him the Ten Commandments, and other instructions. The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets. Now Moses has come down from off the top of the mountain and sees the tribes of Israel dancing and worshiping a false god in the image of a golden calf. Moses gets so angry he throws the tablets that he has just received from God onto the ground and they break into pieces. In his moment of anger he forgets that he was just with the Holy One. In essence, Moses threw the things of God onto the ground and walked over them. It was not really intentional, but none the less it happened.
We must be very careful not to let this type of thing happen in our daily walk. So often we will hear preaching, or read the Bible, and see a great truth from God for us to act upon; but then we do nothing with it. In essence, we just throw the truths from God on the ground and just walk on by.
Now from our text verse look at what God did not do. He did not push him away as an outcast. He did not give him the cold shoulder. God did not browbeat him, nor did God hold a grudge. God simply said, “Moses, hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon the tables again.” God gives second chances! Are you not thankful that we serve a God that knows our infirmities, but still loves us? God simply told Moses, let’s just do this again. And that is just what God still does with us. We mess up and God says, “come on, let’s just try this again.” However notice that God did not let Moses get by with what he had done. He just simply had him do it again until he got it right.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT A MEETING IN THE AIR!
This verse means so much to me because this is what is going to happen when Jesus comes back for all of the saved. Have you ever heard the saying this world is not my home I’m just passing through? Well by this verse that old saying is true, when Jesus comes back we will go to our true home (Heaven) if you saved. In the past few days this verse has meant a lot to me. I recently had a person in my family pass away, and when I read this verse it makes me feel a lot better because as soon as Jesus comes back I will get to see her again. There is a song called “What a Meeting in the Air” and this song describes this verse, when Jesus comes back all of the saved will meet in the air and reunite with our loved ones who went to heaven before us. Now, if you are lost you will not be in this wonderful meeting I have been talking about …. So please……… please….. Get saved today because you may never have another chance or another breathe, because this awesome meeting could happen today! Getting saved simply means you have realized you have sin in your life and you have asked God to forgive you of your sin. You are trusting in what Jesus did on the cross to pay your and mine sin debt to God. Simply ask God for forgiveness today!!
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
"ENVY" Part 1
ENVY Part 2
Envy in the Heart
As we look further into the study of "envy' we find another listing in Galatians 5:19-21. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, ...."
Please notice what follows envy in both list of Romans 1:29 and Galatians 5:19-21. In both lists the word that follows is murder. When murder is found it is found deep down in the heart but none the less it is found. Envy in the heart says: "I should have got that promotion;" or "I should have got that job;" "I could have done better than they did." Envy says: "Why did they get that from the Will/estate and not me?" "Why did they get the new car, or Why couldn't we get the new house?" The examples go on and on. Instead of being happy for our fellow brothers, or sisters, or neighbors; envy strikes them down from our hearts. We may never say those words out loud but in our hearts are many questions with many thoughts that only we entertain.
Let me give a prime example of "envy" in the heart. When we were first on deputation as missionaries and money was extremely tight, or nonexistent, I remember passing the huge horse farms in Florida and Kentucky. I started seeing how good those horses had it over my family. Also we were trying to serve God and I knew those horses were being used in gambling and betting across this nation. Then I started adding up the cost of just one side of fencing for the horses and realized that just one side of fence could feed my family for six months! Believe it or not, during that time I was envious of a horse! Time and time again I would pass these horse farms as I traveled and those thoughts of envy came back unto the point that I was wishing that God would send lightning bolts and fry that horse hide. Then I realized what I had in my heart was not of God. I did not even know it was in my heart. When God pointed it out to me I asked God to forgive me of the sin of envy. Maybe you need to pay closer attention to envy, it's effects, and with what it is associated.
Written By: Missionary JP Bellamy
ARE YOU HAPPY WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY??????
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” – KJV
About a week ago my youth pastor asked us “are you really happy when you’re happy?” It made me think am I really happy when I’m with friends, or am I just making myself think I am? I thought about it for about an hour after I got home! I realized at school I’m not happy hanging out with the people I do….. It is like it is a fake kind of happy. My real happy comes out of me at church when I’m with my friends there and when we are all on Fire for God!!!! After I realized this, I begin to see that the people I talk to at school are not the people that God wants me to hang out with!!! I would be able to enjoy myself more when I’m with people I know God wants me to be around. So this week I made some (MAJOR!!!) changes in my life. So now the people I hang out with at school is who I know Gods wants me to be around! I have witnessed to 4 people this week! God has used me more than ever, and I couldn’t be happier!!!!!
So if you are going on in life with a fake happy, make some changes! Allow the real happy to come out of you!!! Be on fire for God!!!!!!
Written By: Kristin
From: Virginia
WHAT ANGERS GOD
Psalm 7:11 “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” – KJV
Have you ever thought about what angers God? According to the scriptures He is angry with the wicked every day. Every wicked thought, every wicked deed, every wicked imagination, every wicked way angers the God in Heaven; the true and living God. When I think and ponder on this it makes me consider all my ways. I want to please Him because I love Him and not just because I fear Him, but out of respect and reverence for Him. But there is mercy today. Even though God is angry with the wicked He
still loves them. Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Although He does not love the sin, He does love the sinner. He died for them. He gave all He had to keep man from sin and its power over them. But if man continues in their sin and will not repent then one day His love will turn to wrath and a devils hell will be their eternal home. I’m glad I’m saved! If you are not saved why don’t you bow your head right now and ask God to save you. Just call out to Him in faith believing and in repentance of your sin (a change of mind and heart toward sin). Ask Him in your own
words to forgive you and be your Saviour. Don’t wait, do it now why there is hope. Then tell someone what God has done for you.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Why do we do what we do?
Ecclesiastes 2:11 “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” – KJV
Even the unsaved may work hard, but they do it for the wrong reasons. Money, power and prestige may buy certain advantages in this world, but won’t do us any good at all in the next. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, realized he hated his work because he was doing it for the wrong reasons, because he couldn’t take any of his profits and possessions with him, and because all his efforts and his success were “vanity” if not consecrated to God. So always check your motives and ask, who are we working for, God or man? God’s pay and benefits are out of this world and beneficial!
Written By: Dr. L. Barclay,
WHY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?
Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” - KJV
God gave us the Ten Commandments to give man and woman a dividing line between right and wrong. Without the commandments, we would not know what God expects from us in our relationship to Him and to our fellowmen. He said if we keep all the commandments we would meet His requirements to go to Heaven. However, if we broke only one of the commandments, in God’s eyes we would have broken them all. If we break even one of them, then we are not fit to be in the presence of the Holy God of all creation.
A good example of this would be to take three of the most common of sins of our time period which would be “thou shalt not steal, lie, or commit adultery”, which includes fornication. When God looks from heaven and sees our hearts, He would see these in our lives. But wait a minute, not everyone has the sin of adultery or fornication in their life. Ok, then God would see from Heaven the sin of stealing, and lying in their heart. But wait another minute, not everyone has the sin of stealing in their life. Ok, but don’t even begin to deceive yourself into thinking you have never told a lie before. God said if we are guilty of one, we are guilty of all. That is why we need a perfect savior, Jesus Christ, to pay the price of sin upon our behalf!
Romans 3:23-25 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” - KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
GOD ONLY PUTS UP WITH SO MUCH!
Mark 3:29 “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal *damnation.” – KJV
When I was reading my Bible I saw this verse and it screamed at me WARNING!!!!! You always hear about how God is forgiving and how He loves His children and all they need to do is ask and they shall receive (but that depends on other things). But there is only so much He can take…… If you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit please, please don’t reject Him because you only get so many chances until God decides to give up on you. That is the scariest thing, if you ask me. Get saved. It’s the easiest, thing you will ever do and you will have the time of your life! All you do is say Jesus I know I am sinner and I need you Save me! Simply mean it from your heart and then you can go to Heaven.
Written By: Meagan
From: Tennessee, USA
Y.O.L.O
James 4:14 "What is your life your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." - KJV
Y.O.L.O. Stands for You Only Live Once. It is a statement that is being used quite frequently among teenagers. The statement is true in that you only live once but how are you going to live your life. The first time that I heard this statement I was teaching Character Classes in a public school. A young lady made the statement Y.O.L.O. I asked what it meant and she told me. She also told me that she did not want to be an eighty year old grandma with no stories to tell her grandchildren. She wanted to drink, party, and experience life to the fullest in every way the world wants. I told that yong lady that I pitied her because she ws going to live a life full of regrets. She said she was going to live a life without regrets by living the way she wanted. What she failed to realize is that one day she will stand before God just like we all will and give an account for how we lived our life. Are you going to live your one life like the world will tell you to live it? Or are you going to live a life that honours God and He will say at the end of your life “Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of the lord.” How are you going to Y.O.L.O?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
What Are You Sowing?
Have you ever planted a garden? If you have never study the way the garden works you might be surprised that the Bible has some interesting things to say on this matter. For one example in Matthew 13:3-8 Jesus speaks of a sower. This can be applied in the lives of the people in Galatians 5:19-21 when it lists the works of the flesh these are the things an unbeliever sows, in verses 22-23 this is the fruit of a person who truly walks with God. In Matthew 7:17-20 talks about a good tree cannot bring forth corrupt fruit neither will a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit, verse 20 says " Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." This connects with what is said in Galatians 6:7-8 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: whatsoever a man soweth ,that shall he also reap.For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." That brings me to ask this question " What are you sowing ? " I conclude with this quote "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you because your actions are like boomerangs and they will come back to you."
Written By: Joshua Burnette
I am not your God
Hosea 1:9 "Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God." - KJV
We find that God has told Hosea to take a wife of whoredoms. This was to illustrate the relationship between God and Israel. Hosea obeys God and marries a woman name Gomer. Gomer has three children only one of whom does the Bible clearly state is Hosea’s. I can only image the pain as a husband to know that only one out of three children are mine. The third child’s name is Lo-ammi which means not my people. When the definition of Lo-ammi is given God follows it with the statement “I will not be your God.” Why would God say such a thing? Because time after time God had tried to get the nation of Israel’s attention and they refused to listen. God was done dealing with them so he turned them over to the Assyrians for destruction and said “I am done being your God.” Now what about you? Are there things in your life that God has told you time and time again that he wants out of your life? Remember Israel and Judea both were repeatedly warned and God turned them over for destruction. Is God nearing that point with you? Please get right with God before He says “I am done being your God.”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Testimonies of God
Psalm 119:167 "My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly." - KJV
The word “testimonies” here means witness. What the Psalmist is telling us here is that he loves the witness of God in his life. When a person gets saved the Holy Spirit of God moves into their heart and lives within them. He, the Holy Spirit of God, is the witness. When the Holy Spirit moves into a person He will change the desires of their heart and life. They will think different, act different, talk different, and desire different things than they one time did. With the Holy Spirit as your guide you will not only go in a new direction but you will reach new heights, excel beyond your limits and be amazed at the things you can accomplish in the work of God.
The testimonies of God in our lives also involve correction when we start to go in the wrong direction. Although this is not enjoyable it is however profitable. Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. This guiding and correcting from the Holy Spirit is much more than just a feeling of being saved but it is a total change of heart. It also does not mean an absence of temptation but it does mean a presence of deliverance.
Do you have the testimonies or witness of God in your heart and life? If you do then you too will love it exceedingly. It’s good that God will not let this flesh do anything it wants to do. It’s good that God can bridle our tongues so that they can’t say everything that pops into our mind. It’s good that God can give our eyes a new focus upon the things of God and not the things of this world. It’s good that God can give us an ear for the sounds of praise unto Him. It’s good to have the testimonies of God in my life and I too love them exceedingly.
Have a (exceedingly) great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Hairs of Your Head
Matthew 10:30 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." - KJV
God know every intimate detail about each of us. Yet man slips around and tries to hide the very sin that God know all about. If you have a secret sin, just remember this, mom and dad may not have discovered it yet but God knows. Sin that started in secret , will always be revealed publicly. We cannot sin, and get away with it!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
The Tale of Four Cities
Amos 4:8 "So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD." - KJV
Here in Amos 4 we find the Lord telling Israel He has tried to get them to return unto Him. In verse 6 He sent famine. In verse 9 He destroys their vegetation. In verse 10 He sends bugs. In verse 11 He destroys some cities. In all of these instances the children of Israel would not return to Him. In our lives what is God using to get our attention. We have things going on in this world today and I believe God is says “Look unto Me!” He is trying to get our attention over our sin. He is trying to get our attention over a lost and dying world. And we are like Israel and just ignore Him and say “This too shall pass.” It will pass but when it does we will stand in judgment. My friend are you wandering around looking for water? Maybe you should take a look at your life and see if God has held the rain from you like He did in verse 8 to get you to return to Him.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Blaming God
Jonah 2:3 "For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; all thy billows and thy waves passed over me." KJV
Here we find Jonah in the whale’s belly. He has arrived here because he has refused to listen and obey the instructions from God. Over the past couple of weeks I have meet teenagers who have refused to listen to the instruction from God and they have been in places they would not have been had they listened to what they were being told. My friends this breaks my heart to see people your age not listen to the principles from the Word of God and arrive in places they do not want to be. One young lady went so far as to say “I did not listen then, I am not going to listen now.” A whale’s belly is an awfully lonely place to live and die in. Jonah was having to deal with the smell of the decaying things, the burning of his skin from the acids in the stomach, the psychological strain from the darkness, and the loneliness. How many people have problems in their lives because they ran from God? Then they blame God for the situation they are in. Let us look at Jonah’s situation. Jonah was there because he ran from God, a storm came, and he (Jonah) told the sailors to throw him over board. It was God who saved his life by having the fish prepared to swallow Jonah up. Are the circumstances in your life the fish that God is using to get you to turn back to him Look at verse 4. Where did Jonah turn? Back to God. Now, will you keep blaming God or will you turn back to Him? The choice is yours.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Priest have Polluted the Sanctuary
Zephaniah 3:4 "Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priest have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law."
1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,..."
1 Corinthians 3:16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
This verse in Zephaniah is talking about the Levitical priesthood and the temple that Solomon built. Let us apply it to our lives. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says ”Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Peter 2:9 says “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” Now let us look at these three verses together. If we are the temple of God and A priest of God’s how good are we taking care of His temple? The priest in Zephaniah had allowed the filth of this world in, dust, cob webs, trash, etc. The building was falling apart because they had neglected it. Have we neglected our temple? What garbage are we allowing in our lives? What are we watching? What are we listening to? Where are we going? What are we doing? What are we saying? All of these questions need to be asked because they will tell us how poorly or how well we are taking care of God’s temple. The other aspect I want to look at is the physical side of this question. Just what junk are we putting into our mouths? Is it good wholesome things that will edify the body so that we can more effectively preform the responsibilities God has given us? I know some people that do not care what foods they eat. They say “What does it matter God is going to give me a glorified body one day.” My friends I believe we are to take care of the body like we take care of the spirit. I believe God wants you to be spiritually strong first but I also believe he wants you to be physically healthy so that you can fulfill His will for your life to the fullest.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Hiss and Wag
In Zephaniah we find the judgment of God on Judah. We can look at this portion of scripture and go that is to the children of Judah. This portion of scripture is applicable to all of our lives. When we look at the foundations on which our country was founded. It was founded on Biblical principles. We ARE accountable to God for what we know. Now let us look at this portion of scripture from the point of view that all scripture has practical application for our lives. As we look through chapter 2 of Zephaniah we see the desolation of a nation. The wild beasts have taken over, they have made their beds in the underbrush that has grown up in the land. As I read this passage I saw the judgment of God on America and that broke my heart. My friends if we do not turn back to God, He will send his judgment on us. We as a nation cannot go on saying right is wrong and wrong is right. We have made sodomy acceptable and persecuted the men of God who proclaim the truth that sodomy is sin. We cannot pray publicly in schools for fear of the ACLU. We cannot hand out tracts to McDonald’s employee’s because it is against company policy for them to take religious literature. When we look at verse 15 I can imagine a soldier of a foreign army walking through America after the judgment of God has come. He comes upon a bombed out area and sees a family or child digging through the rubble looking for something to eat. As a passes by they are scared of him. He looks at them with his gun drawn and just shakes his head and walks on. The thoughts going through his mind are that of “This used to be a great nation, a nation that feared God. Now look at them.” This scenario is coming, the judgment of God is going to fall. Are we right with God?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Men Die But the Word Lives
Zechariah 1:5-6 “Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? And they returned and said, like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.” - KJV
There is a song that says “Preacher tell me like it is” Preachers are supposed to preach the word. They have been call by God to proclaim the truth. To tell the truth is not always popular, many prophets have been killed because they spoke the truth. What we as men fail to realize is that even though preachers die and our family members die God’s word remains. Why do we sit and think that we are different from our forefathers. Paul said “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” Romans 11:21 God judged the Jews for their failure to listen and live holy. And Paul warned the church at Rome he would judge the church. Do not think that we are going to get by with our disobedience payday is coming. How are you living?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Record Book
Revelation 20:12b " and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." - KJV
I was reading today in Exodus 6 and noticed the list of the heads of the households of the children of Israel. If we look back on the previous chapters we notice these were some of the same men that gave Moses grief over the heavy burden placed on them. It appears that God is listing their names as a record these are the men who stood with or stood against Moses as the leaders of the tribes of Israel. I have made this statement before “What if God was still writing the Bible what would He write about you?” The fact of the matter is God is done writing the Bible but He is not done keeping records. He still records everything we do or say. So what are you going to log in your record book today? Remember 2 things 1. You will be judged out of that book. 2. Everyone for all ages will see what was logged in your record book. So act wisely today
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Don’t Wait for the Rain
God had warned His man Noah that judgment was coming. It would be a flood upon the entire earth. Man had never experienced anything like that before so they thought Noah was crazy. He was building an ark and there was no water.
Here in our verse the ark had now been completed. The last nail had been driven the door was open in the side, and God told them to come into the ark. But notice though that when God said come it still was not raining. It would be seven more days before the rain would come (v4). The point we need to see here is that we better not wait until judgment day to try to get right with God. When God says come we should act upon His Word. As we see here those who waited for the rain died under God’s judgment.
God’s judgment once again is coming. It will not be in the form of a flood but it is coming. The ark was a picture of God providing salvation for all mankind. However only those who get in when God says come will be saved. Jesus was born, died on the cross for our sins, and arose from the grave for our salvation. The last nail was driven; the door in His side was opened. God has now called for whosoever will to come into His salvation.
Just like in Noah’s day people laugh, mock and scorn when you warn of God’s coming judgment. Those who wait to see if it’s really going to rain will never make it in. God’s salvation as pictured here in the ark was controlled by God. It was God that said come in and it was God who closed the door when it was too late. Don’t sit outside the door of God’s salvation and wait to see what happens. If you wait on the “rain” (judgment) it will be too late. Come in today while God’s Son, Jesus is shining upon you to come. Tomorrow may be too late!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Who He Is, Not What He Does
Here this “thick” crowd had come together to see what Jesus could or would do. They were not coming to Him for who He was, but rather to see what He would do. We still have this crowd today who wants to live in their sin and act like there is no God until a tragedy comes their way and then they come to Him to fix their problems. They are not repenting of their sins and being willing to turn to God for who He is. They are just looking for some magical, genie in a bottle to make their troubles go away. Then when things do not go the way they want or expected them, they blame God or deny His existence. He is a very present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) but even then there has to be some repentance.
He does not always make our troubles go away, even for His children. He never promised that He would. He did promise though that He would always be there for those who love Him. He did say He would “never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5) to those who have received Him.
The scripture here tells how Nineve (Nineveh), repented at the preaching of Jonas (Jonah) but this crowd would not repent, so they would not be given a sign. It is still the same today. Until we by faith receive Jesus for who He is, and repent of our sin, we should not expect to receive anything else from Him. He has done His part. He left heaven, came and died for our sins, gave us the Word of God to show us, sent the Holy Spirit to draw us, and put men of God in front of us to preach us the truth. What more should He do for us to accept Him for who he is?
Come to Him today, by faith, for who He is and not for what He can do. You’ll never fully see all that He can do, until you realize who He is. Trust Him by faith today, and in eternity you’ll be glad you did
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Reaching Heaven
Written By: Missionary M. Van Horn
Exceeding Sinful
Assume Your Position
Judges 17:5 “And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.”- KJV
The theme of Judges is “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Here we find an unusual story. First this man steals 1,100 shekels from his mother, when he confesses what he has done his mother praises him in the name of the Lord. She had dedicated some of that money to make an idol for the Lord. They only use 200 shekels to make the idol. Micah then makes an ephod and teraphim (an idol) and consecrates one of his sons to be his priest. There are several things done wrong in this passage but I would like to look at the consecration of his son to be his priest. In scripture we find that the man is to be the head of his house (the priest). He is the one to make intercession for his family. We find this with Job in the Old Testament and the Apostle Paul teaching that the man was the head of his house in Ephesians 5. So why are we going against this teaching in today’s homes? Everywhere I look the children or the wife is making the decisions in the home. Neither one of these groups are supposed to be making the decisions in the home. Men it is time to take back the responsibilities that are ours. One day we will have to stand before God for allowing other to make the decisions we are supposed to.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Being Guided
The other day I went to Wal-Mart to get a couple of cans of kidney beans and some tomato soup for chili. There was an old black gentleman stocking the shelves. I asked where I could find the beans and he was very kind to point me in the right direction. I then went to find the tomato soup. I had to call my bride to see what size she needed, so I told her what kind of beans I found. Well, I had the wrong ones. I went back, got the right beans and headed to the checkout. I didn’t make it far when the blessed Holy Ghost told me to go back and witness to the old black gentleman. I told the old fella that I just wanted to come and tell him how wonderful Jesus is! He got a stern look on his face and said, “Who told you to tell me that?” I said it was the Holy Ghost that told me to turn around and tell you. He said with a big smile, “He has been telling me what to do for years now!” We rejoiced in the LORD for a while and I was gone. Listen carefully when the Spirit leads you to do something, especially when He tells you to spread the Good News. Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Accountability
The Rememberance of Circumcision
Loving Christ
Love Your Wife
How the Fish Got Caught
Having Focus
Written By: Missionary L. Key
“Equally or Unequally Yoked
2 Corninthinas 6:14 “For my yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness."is easy, and my burden is light.” - KJV
Saved people are not to be yoked with the lost, period! there are many ways people yoke themselves with the lost.
1. Marriage, you want to see misery, get one person trying to life for God, and the other chasing the flesh.
2. Busisness, you cannot run a godly business without GOd being in the forefront.
3. Friendships, it is very disturbing to wathc who some Christians run with. No wonder that they are as spiritial as a billy goat, and they fall into sin and imoorality on a consistent basis.
If you lay with dogs, you Will get fleas. Are you unequally yoked?
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
What is Missions?
Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" - KJV
“What is Missions?” We find that there are five distinct places in the Bible where Christ gives the Great Commission (the command to go tell the world about Jesus) these references are Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-47, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8. Here we are commanded to go tell others. Can we all go? No. Some people will give of their money and help send missionaries around the world. Some God will call to go to foreign fields to lead people to Christ and establish churches..
“What is a Missions Conference?” It is a time when a church has missionaries in to hear them share their burden about the field God has called them to. This gives the church an opportunity to get to know the missionary and the missionary gets to know the church members. We just finished our Missions Conference at our church and it was a blessing to watch the missionaries answer the questions that the children had about the culture of the country they were going to. The children will remember that and pray for that missionary. I remember writing the same missionary when I was my son’s age and that missionary wrote me back and he still holds a special place in my heart. A Missions Conference is an awesome opportunity for the church to really get to know who gets they are supporting and develop a friendship for life with that person.
I have heard this next concept from a few different missionaries over the last couple of years. When the missionary gets to the foreign field “the foreign field becomes his Jerusalem and our Jerusalem becomes his uttermost.” So if we think about it like that we are the missionaries for the missionary. We are to evangelize his uttermost just like he is evangelizing our uttermost. So if we expect him to evangelize our uttermost are we evangelizing his uttermost?
Have A Great DAY!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Investing
Proverbs 3:27 "Withold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it." - KJV
There have been many opportunities in the past year for us to help others, Helping is not just about giving money, it is investing in the lives of others. We become so distracted by the world, that we fail to see the needy and the hurting that are right before our eyes!Can you recall someone who invested in your life, that you have never forgotten? Be that person to someone else!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
GOD’S STORAGE BUILDING
Psalms 31:19 “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” – KJV
For our devotion today look at the statement in the text verse that says “which thou hast laid up for them”. Do you see the promise in this statement? I wonder how many blessings have been laid up for us that we will never know about because of doubt or unbelief. I wonder how many problems are much bigger and last much longer than they should because of our unbelief in prayer to ask God for help and supply. God just told us in this verse we have much “goodness” in storage to those that “fear thee”. The “fear” here is in respect to not wanting to disappoint the Lord on a personal daily walk with Him. Today and from this point forward, dream big for the work of the Lord, and stop and ask God for what He has “laid up” for you to accomplish the work for His glory.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHY TELL THE TRUTH?
Acts 5:3 “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” – KJV
Satan has used many tactics to destroy lives as we have been seeing. Here is another case where two people, husband and wife, allowed Satan to destroy their lives. This couple was not required to give all that they had to the church. There was nothing wrong with them keeping back some of the money for themselves, but it was the lie that got them into trouble. It amazes me how Christians think that they can get away with sin in the eyes of God. Just because the world or the church does not know what you are up too, God does! The tithe belongs to God, it is His, but the offering is up to you! How much do you want God to bless, will be determined by how much you bless God! Always remember Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
FEARING GOD IS A GOOD THING
Exodus 1:17 “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” - KJV
What a tremendous testimony the midwives of Egypt gave us in this passage. When faced with a moral and ethical decision they chose to fear the LORD and His wrath instead of fearing what man and his law could do to them. I am sure that they were in fear of what the king would do to them because of their disobedience. But they feared God more than the king of Egypt and did what was right. In this particular case we find that the midwives received monetary blessings for their obedience in Exodus 1:21 “And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.”
We know that many afflictions come due to the righteous making right choices, but what a magnificent promise we are given in the Scripture found in Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” God’s blessings will far out weigh anything we can attain while living on this Earth!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Powerful Music
DECEPTION
1 Samuel 15:14 “And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” – KJV
Saul was instructed by God to utterly destroy everything of the Amalekites. God was using Saul and the army of Israel to carry out judgment. Saul was instructed to leave nothing alive. But Saul disobeyed God and pretended that he had obeyed when he met up with Samuel. He had destroyed all that was of not much use, but spared for himself the best of the sheep and oxen. Samuel heard the animals “bleating and lowing” and confronted Saul over this sin of rebellion.
There are times in a Christians life that there are sounds of “bleating sheep” and “lowing oxen”. We put aside only certain things that we do not want, or we choose to give up that which we feel we can do with out, but hold onto the worldly things that we like best. We know that these worldly things do not bring honor to God, but we try to justify our actions. Saul tried to justify his actions by saying he was going to give the sheep and oxen to God as a sacrifice. Samuel then said to Saul in verse twenty two; “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
In other words; just do what God has said to do in the Bible! Life is much easier that way. When God is pleased with you and your obedience, life is much easier. God sees and searches the heart; you can not deceive God with words.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Praying for Rain
Psalms 126:5 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." - KJV
All throughout the Bible we see Spiritual principles being compared to the laws of sowing and reaping. We learn that you reap what you sow; you reap more than you sow and you reap after you sow. Here we see the principle of watering our Spiritual crops with our tears. Drought will kill your crops that are in the field and unconcern will kill the Spiritual ones that are in your heart. Without the rain of our tears we cannot produce the fullest of the fruit that God desires for us. Dry-eyed Christians (unconcerned) will not be productive in the work of the Lord. Even with good seed a crop cannot produce without rain. Psalms 126:6 "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
We need to pray for the rain (concern) of our tears to return to our prayers. If the Christians who say they believe in hell would once again realize that their lost family, their lost friends and the lost that they come in contact with each day were going to that awful place of torment, then preachers would not have to remind them to pray or shed a tear for the lost.
We need to pray that God would remind us where He brought us from. We need to pray that God would show us where our lost friends are going to. We need to pray that God would remind us of the price that He paid, the agony He suffered, and the penalty of our sin that was placed upon Him on Calvary’s cross. We need to get our tears back. Do you know why the farmer will pray for rain when others pray for sunshine? He has a lot of time and labor invested in the crops that he has sowed. We need to pray for rain. The drought of unconcern is killing our crops of reaping souls for God’s kingdom.
Fearing God More Than Satan
Job 31:23 "For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure." - KJV
Here in this chapter Job is explaining that he has tried to live his life to please God. The trials that he was facing were not because of his disobedience or some sin he had committed, but to show Satan that there was someone who feared God more than him.
Job was a man known for fearing God. God knew that Job had the right fear of Him. Job 1:8 "And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" Yes, even Satan himself knew that Job feared God and was blessed because of it. Job 1:9 "Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?" All men should have this same fear for God. Many people also fear Satan because of his wickedness and the power he has over people. Although we should be aware of his wicked devices, we should never fear him more than God. When we give in to the peer pressure of this world that is in essence what we are doing.
When people yield to peer pressure they turn from doing what they know is right and do what they know is wrong. They do this because they fear what his crowd might say or do to them. These things should not be. To willingly sin because of peer pressure is to fear Satan more than God. We should never fear what he or his crowd may do unto us more than fearing what a life without God would be like. That scares me to death. Take Job’s life and the struggles that he went through; in the end he still was blessed more than in the beginning. Satan himself knew that when he said, “Doth Job fear God for nought”. It always pays off in the end to fear God. Don’t fall for the peer pressure of Satan and fear him or his crowd more than God. We have the victory!
1John 4:4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Have a great (victorious) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Obeying Your Parents
Exodus 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother: that they days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." - KJV
As you read over these verses in Exodus 20 you will see that Moses is showing us the ten commandments that GOD has given him. Verse 12 is my favorite verse in Exodus. This promise is given again in Ephesians 6:1-2. These verses are teaching us that we should obey our parents. It also tells us that obeying our parents will give us a long life. If we simply obey God by obeying our parents He is going to reward us for our obedience by giving us a long life..
Written By: Lane
From: Pennsylvania
Bring the Message or Become One
Jonah 1:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me." - KJV
Here God’s man Jonah had been given a job to do. The Lord had given him a message and a mission. But Jonah refused to go and came under the judgement hand of God himself. I wonder how many countless messages have been preached down through the years on this backslidden preacher? Jonah’s life story recorded here tells me one of two things; either you bring the message or you become the message. I had rather bring the message than become the message any day.
The preaching of God’s Word has never been popular but it will always be needed as long as we are in flesh and live upon this earth. In the day and time we live in it is no different. Men do not like it when you preach against their sins. One popular saying today is "only God can judge me" meaning that preachers should not cry out against sin. If they would listen to the message they will learn that God has already found us all guilty and His men are just reading the verdict. Today people do not want true preachers they want entertainers and motivational speakers who will make them feel good on the road to hell. However a true, God called, preacher will bring the message that God gives him or wish that he did.
God gave Jonah a second chance after being in the fish’s belly for a while. Jonah 3:1 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. This time he went and done what God said and the people repented. Men of God we have got to bring the message that God gives us or die trying. If we don’t bring God’s message from our pulpits and places of opportunity, then someone else may bring the message of what became of us from theirs.
So the next time a preacher brings a message against sin that you do not like just remember this. The reason that he preaches so hard against sin is that he had rather bring the message than become the message. If it rubs you the wrong way then turn around in what you’re doing and it will get better.
Written By: Missionary L. Key
I’ll Take Mercy
Each of the 26 verses found in this Psalm gives testimony of the mercy of God. I thank God for the day when I called out to God for His mercy. In this modern day that we live in many men talk about justice, but I’ll take mercy. To say that you want justice is to claim that you are not as guilty as you are accused of being. Many feel that way about sin because they live better than others. You may live better than some hypocrite who has slipped into a church somewhere. But the thing is that when you stand before God He is not going to judge you compared to a hypocrite. God’s standard is much higher than that. If you want to compare yourself with someone to see how you look to God compare yourself to Jesus. You say but I could never measure up to Him… AMEN… that is exactly why you need His mercy!
The truth is that according to God’s standard me, you, and everyone else are guilty and worthy of death. Sin calls for it. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death… That is not just a physical death but an eternal one in the lake of fire. Without the mercy of God we ought to all be there. Romans 6:23 … but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. I thank God for His mercy. You may say but I just don’t see it that way. It matters not how we see it but how God does.
How about it today, do you want mercy? Do you feel that you are good enough to call out for justice? You better consider your life and see the truth before it’s too late. One day justice will call for payment for your sins. I’m glad that when justice calls mercy will answer if we confess our guilt before God today.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT WILL THEY THINK?
Exodus 11:4,5 "And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: (5)And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts." - KJV
Here we find that God told Moses to tell Pharaoh what was going to happen before it happened. Why did Pharaoh not heed the warning and do what God told him to do? Why did the servants, and the guards in the palace, who heard the conversation, not heed the warning and conform to what God said to do? After all, the whole country of Egypt had experienced the other nine plagues and knew God meant business. Simply it became a matter of pride and peer-pressure.
Pharaoh had pride and peer-pressure which is a very dangerous combination. He would not humble himself to the warnings of God. He was mad at God for not accepting what he (Pharaoh) wanted to do in life to get to Heaven. God had shown Pharaoh and the whole country of Egypt that they were sinful and far from God’s ways. But the people had peer-pressure also. They wondered “what will my neighbors think?” What will Pharaoh or the government think if I do what God said to do to save my family? To put it simply, both Pharaoh and the people of Egypt feared what man would think more than they feared God! Each leader of Egypt and each parent in Egypt actually got the attitude that they would just rather leave things like they were and take their chances. It cost them greatly to ignore the warnings of God!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Cutting
1. They are demon possessed (Mark 5)
2. They have a demonic influence in their lives (1 Kings 180
a. The worship of false gods invites demonic influence or possession into your life
3. They live in a bad place (Mark 5 he lived among the tombs)
4. They are out of their mind (Mark 5:15 1 Kings 18:28-29)
5. Cannot be reasoned with (Mark 5:4)
a. In prison the officers will restrain someone when they cannot be reasoned with
Sometimes we cannot control where we live and who we live with. We can control what goes on in our private lives. The Bible says that the devil is the “prince of the power of the air” what music do you listen to? What Television shows do you watch? You may say “I am a Christian the devil cannot possess me” you are correct, but he can influence you. The way he does that is by what you watch, what you listen to, and what friends you hang around. My friends these are the scriptures that deal with cutting. When we study more we find that generally the people in the Bible who cut themselves are people who have a demonic influence in their lives. So what influences are you allowing in your life? Are you reading you Bible? Are you listening to good godly music? Are you hanging around good godly friends? You may be doing all these “good” things and still have thoughts of harming yourself. My friends if you are having thoughts of cutting yourself or hurting yourself you need to seek help. Whether it is your pastor, youth pastor, teacher, counselor at school. There are people that are around you that care for you and do not want you to harm yourself. Jesus cares for you and has placed those people in your life to help you.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
“Be Careful Little Eyes What You See”
Pornography is one of the largest industries in America. Recently, I held a revival at a prison that housed 300 juvenile sex offenders. Can you imagine…300 kids locked up in one state for sex crimes? These young people all describe how pornography had a part in their lives. By the way, they did not think it would affect their thinking either. Pornography destroys the mind that views it, both male and female. In America today, pornography is available literally at the tip of your fingers. Television, internet, and magazines are accessible to all ages. Sad to say, most Christian homes are hooked up to cable TV and have internet access available to all in the home. Christian parents are viewing R-rated movies on a regular basis, looking at “Swim Suit Editions,” and subjecting their children pornography regularly.
The Bible teaches us that the eyes are never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20 - “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” In order for the youth of America not to fall prey to this disgusting tactic which Satan has developed to ruin the purity of their minds, they must do what Brother Job did. He made a covenant with his eyes not to look upon the maids. In other words, Job decided to obey God’s commands, you know like, “Flee youthful lusts:…” (II Timothy 2:22), or “I will put no wicked thing before mine eyes:…” (Psalm 101:3). He simply made up his mind not to let Satan destroy his testimony by allowing his mind to wander. When the mind wanders, the feet are not too far behind it. Pornography is addictive like any other drug! How many times have you been back to the same web site?
Please, I beg you, if you are involved with pornography in any way, get help now while there is still hope. Talk to your youth pastor or someone that will give you Biblical counsel on how to control this wicked and ungodly sin. It will destroy your future! “Every Young Man’s Battle” by Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoker with Mike Yorkey, would be a tremendous book for you to read.
A thought: “What you see today will directly impact your tomorrow.”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT IS AN “EBEN-EZER”?
1 Samuel 7:12 “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” – KJV
“Come, Thou Fount” has been a wonderful church song for nearly two hundred years. Many Christians have enjoyed its melody and sung the words without understanding the meaning or the references of the words to which they have sung. Let us look at one word of this song.
Robert Robinson wrote this song. His father died when he was eight and at age fourteen his mother sent him to London, England to learn the barbering trade. In London he started running with the wrong crowd. At seventeen he went to a meeting where George Whitefield was preaching. That night he asked God to save his soul. At age twenty three he wrote this song. In the song he remembers the life of sin that he was living before God saved him. The song is a testimony to the goodness of God that had been in his life.
In the second stanza of the song it refers to an Eben-ezer; “Here I raise mine Eben-ezer.” This is a reference to 1 Samuel 7:12. It is a special stone set up by Samuel as a memorial of the “help” that Jehovah gave to Israel to defeat the Philistines in battle. He set it up to help all of Israel to always remember what God had done for them that day. It was also a testimony for the entire world to see what God had done for Israel.
In my front yard, I have placed several good size river rocks in a flower bed. This is unusual, but they are stacked in an attractive manner. I got the idea from 1 Samuel and Joshua 22:26-27. These stones are for all to see as a memorial to answered prayers. Each stone represents an answered prayer. Some are large stones and some are small stones. My yard should look like a rock quarry, but it does not. However, I never want to forget the specific prayers that God has answered for me. This is not to boast. It is only a memorial of what God has done for me. Every time someone comes to my house and sees the stones, and asks about them, I get to give a testimony of the goodness of God. It is a testimony to them that God will answer prayer. Each day as I pass them, I am also reminded of what God has brought me from and what God is now doing through prayer.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Where is the Fruit
In this scripture Jesus had just cleansed 10 lepers. Of the 10 that were cleansed only one of them returned to give God glory for what was done. When studying the Bible numbers play a big part and each value has significance to it. The number 9 represents the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. So of the 10 that were cleansed only 1 returned to give God glory for what He had done. He was the only one of the ten with Fruit of the Spirit or evidence in his life. Notice also that Jesus not only called him cleansed but said unto him, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole”.
There are a lot of people still today that are professing to be saved or cleansed from their sins but without showing any “Fruit” in their lives. We are absolutely not saved by works, but true salvation will produce works or fruit in a person’s life. In Matthew 3:8 John the Baptist tells the religious crowd of his day to “Bring forth fruits meet for repentance”. He was asking for them to show proof that they had repented of their sins by not returning to them. Many people make a profession, get baptized, join the church, then you cannot find them any more with a search warrant and pack of hound dogs. If you are saved then where are the nine, or where is the fruit of it in your life?
Don’t be a professing Christian, without being a possessing one. If you are truly saved then the Holy Spirit of God will live within your heart. Now that does not mean that you will be perfect but it does mean there will be a change. There will be things that you used to do that you would not do now for anything. There will be things that you would never have done before that you might now do. Not everyone serves God or worships God the same way. Some cry, some shout, some testify, some preach, some teach, some sing, some just smile and pat their foot but if you have the Holy Spirit of God in you it will show forth someway. Do you have fruit or evidence of God in your life? I believe that Jesus is still asking today, Where are the nine?
Have a great (fruit filled) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Praise Instead of Pleas
““Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name,” (Jeremiah 32:18).
Jeremiah continued with his very long run-on sentence with verse 18—he was just not ready to put a period on what God meant to him! Sometimes I am guilty of ending my praise way to early just so I can start my pleas! Spend some time today just praising! He not only has heard our pleas, but has plans to answer them His way. Have a great LORD’s day!
Written By: Missionary M. Van Horn
He Is Sufficient
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (2 Corinthians 3:5)"
I love how this verse speaks about God's sufficiency. I am thankful for God being sufficient in my life.
Written By: Theresa
From: Kentucky
Hear From Heaven
Isaiah 58:9 “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am….” - KJV
I don’t know about you but when I pray I want to be heard by the Lord. I want my prayers to mean something to God. And if it is going to be good for my life, I want my prayer request answered. In our text you will find the way to get your prayers answered. Look at the preceding verses. Israel was trying to manipulate God by trying to trap Him by His responsibility of holding up His part of the law that He had given to the nation to carry out for holy living. God had to set the record straight as to what the “fasting” was really all about. Once the nation got their motives straight and heart right, you will notice what God said would happen. Look at verse 8, 9, and 14. “THEN”; God said here is what you will receive. God has promised that if we do things His way, “then” he will hear and answer our prayers. The problem is we try to do what we want to do, and then try to get God to bless it! Since when does the created tell the creator how to run things? How is your prayer life? Got any prayers answered lately?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
HOW POWERFUL IS A PRAYER?
2 Kings 19
Here we find King Hezekiah and all the people of Jerusalem were surrounded by the armies of Sennacherib king of Assyria and in jeopardy of being destroyed. Second Kings 19:20-19, King Hezekiah received a letter from Sennacherib. King Hezekiah took the letter to the house of the Lord and spread it out before God. Hezekiah prayed with all his heart in this time of great trouble. In verse 35 of that same chapter here is what the Bible records as the answer to his prayer:
2Kings 19:35 “And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.” – KJV
When America dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in WWII, it killed just a little over 90,000 people instantly. When King Hezekiah prayed in his time of great need, it killed 185,000 Assyrians! Therefore, one prayer is twice as powerful as an atomic bomb! How explosive are your prayers? Never under estimate the power of prayer!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
PRAYER TIME!
Hebrews 11:6 “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.” – KJV
Have you ever asked yourself these four questions? 1. Why do I struggle with prayer times? 2. Why do I struggle in prayer time? 3. Why do I feel fake about praying? 4. Why do I not care very much about praying? First of all let me tell you that I have heard many Christians make these statements at one time or another in their lives. We all will struggle in prayer time from time to time because it takes planning, determination, work, and effort.
One of the biggest reasons we struggle with prayer time is found in Mark 9:17-24. In this recorded account, a father had a son that had a major problem. The father took the young man to the disciples of Jesus and they could not help. The father then took his son to Jesus and begged Jesus to heal the young man. Jesus was disappointed in His disciples lack of power in this situation, but then Jesus made this statement to the father of that young man and it is our focus of discussion today. Jesus said, “If thou can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The father of the child cried out, and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
Be honest today with yourself and ask yourself this question: How much unbelief do I have that is causing me to just go through the motions of being a Christian and prayer time. Notice that the father of the child did not give up until he found help! Once he was honest with Jesus and himself, things change!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
COMMUNICATIONS
1 Corinthians 13:4, 5 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” - KJV
Motives; seems like we are always trying to figure out why someone is or is not doing something. We want to examine their actions and judge them accordingly. This is a very dangerous action in any relationship. The happiest people I know are always thinking in a positive way about people. I guess it is best said that we should give them the benefit of the doubt! I have found the best way to maintain a relationship is always keep an open line of communication. Whether it is on a personal level or an intimate level, open communication is always the best policy. Most generally, if you try to figure out the motives of others, you will usually come to wrong conclusions resulting in broken relations. Keep an open line of communication with the Lord daily! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
GOD HEARS THE TEARS!
Have you ever felt isolated? Have you ever felt like you just could not get your prayers through to God? Have you felt like there was no use to even try to pray? Even when you have checked your heart and know that there is no un-confessed sin or weight hindering your prayers to the Lord, you just knew that your prayers did not get through? During these times remember this verse: Psalms 31:22 “For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.”
What ever you do, don’t stop praying! God hears the tears! God hears the heart cry! Remember Daniel had the same experience in Daniel chapter ten and experienced a twenty one day delay for answered prayer. But the answer to his prayers came through! He did not quit praying because he knew God hears tears of the heart!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
THE TIME FOR PRAYER
Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” – KJV
Charles Spurgeon said, “It should be our rule never to see the face of men before first seeing the face of GOD. The morning watch anchors the soul so that it will not very readily drift far away from God during the day; the morning is the gate of the day and it should be well guarded with prayer. He who rushes from his bed to his business without first spending time with God is as foolish as though he had not to washed or dressed, and as unwise as one dashing to battle without arms or armor.” Luther said, “If I fail to spend at least two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day.” With Christ as our Model Christian we should long for our day to begin like His did. Think back on yesterday for just one minute; did it begin with prayer and Bible? How was your day, prosperous or just another day! Arthur S. DeMoss, a very successful business man, said this, “Remember, the man of prayer is the man of power. The price of power is prayer. The secret of power is prayer. Prayer is power.” Make sure that you take the time to pray and seek the LORD first!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WE NEED TO PRAY FOR REVIVAL !!!!!!!!!!!
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”. – KJV
This verse says it all; bottom line we need to pray! The answer to our problems is talking to God, praying for our country, our friends, our family, and most importantly the lost. This week at my church we are having revival, now I want to see revival happen! I don’t want this half of a week just to be a series of meetings, I want to see God work! I want to see what God can do, but we have to let him. He has revival ready to send, but before he will send it, we have to meet his requirements. In the last part of this verse it says and I will heal your land. We can make a difference and we can start revival! People today say that one person can’t make a difference; well David did. He turned the whole country of Israel around and back to God; he was just one man and he made a difference, so we can too. We as teenagers can turn this entire world around and back to God, but we can’t do it without God! We can’t do anything without him! If we as teens start a revival, it starts with the question are will you except the challenge in the verse? Will you stand up for what you believe, and start a revival, or will you just let all of the unsaved just die and go to Hell, and keep the only hope of avoiding it bottled up inside of you? That’s the question I have for each and every saved teen, child, or adult; will you stand up and start revival? This country is in a mess, this world is in a mess, because we are turning our backs on God. The wickedness, the economy, the drug problems you really don’t think this is just a coincidence do you? All of these things are happening because we have put God out of the picture. If we ever want to see revival again we need to pray, seek God, and turn from our sinful ways. Who is with me? Who wants revival to happen? Who will say I will stand up, I want revival, I have a burden to spread the Word so others don’t go to Hell? Just remember one person can make a difference; one person can change the world!!!!!
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Praying for Rain
Psalms 126:5 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." - KJV
All throughout the Bible we see Spiritual principles being compared to the laws of sowing and reaping. We learn that you reap what you sow; you reap more than you sow and you reap after you sow. Here we see the principle of watering our Spiritual crops with our tears. Drought will kill you crops that are in the field and unconcern will kill the Spiritual ones that are in you heart. Without the rain of our tears we cannot produce the fullest of the fruit that God desires for us. Dry-eyed Christians (unconcerned) will not be productive in the work of the Lord. Even with good seed a crop cannot produce without rain. Psalms 126:6 "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
We need to pray for the rain (concern) of our tears to return to our prayers. If the Christians who say they believe in hell would once again realize that their lost family, lost friends and the lost that they come in contact with each day were going to that awful place of torment, then preachers would not have to remind them to pray or shed a tear for the lost.
We need to pray that God would remind us where He brought us from. We need to pray that God would show us where our lost friends are going to. We need to pray that God would remind us of the price that He paid, the agony He suffered, and the penalty of our sin that was placed upon Him on Calvary's cross. We need to get out tears back. Do you know why the farmer will pray for rain when others pray for sunshine? He has a lot of time and labor invested in the crops that he has sown. We need to pray for rain. The drought of unconcern is killing our crops of reaping souls for God's kingdom.
Have a good (concerned) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
God Is Your Witness
Here Paul is mentioning God as his witness concerning his prayer life. Have you ever wondered about God’s witness concerning your prayer life? What would He say? Would He say that your heart was where it needed to be so that you could pray? For not everybody can get a prayer through. (Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.) This tells me that there are times when even saved people cannot pray. Would He say that you had enough concern and compassion for others that you took time to pray? Would He speak of your thankfulness in your prayer life or only of your continual list of wants’ and desires? Would He tell of your repentance and sorrow for the times when you fail?
Yes it’s true that God is a witness of our prayer lives. And we know that God cannot lie, so He is a true witness. So let’s live our lives in a manner so that we can have a prayer life. Our prayer life is an open line of communication with the almighty God, and we need that daily.
If you are not saved you can have a prayer life too if you will first call out to Him for salvation. For you must first call out to Him for forgiveness of your sins, with a repentive heart. Until then He will not hear your prayers no matter how many times you try to pray for other things or people.John 9:31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Does God hear you?"
Have a great day.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A Daddy’s Prayer
Proverbs 25:13 “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.” - KJV
Pastor Mark Brown is a close friend of mine. One day we were talking and he told me of a classic soul winning story he encountered in Atlanta, GA, years ago. He and another pastor were out knocking on doors one Saturday. As they approached a large mansion they noticed the name "Bounds" on the wall beside the front door. After they knocked, two elderly ladies came to the door and began talking to them. As they began to talk Brother Brown told them that their name was very famous. He went on to say that a man by the name of E.M. Bounds wrote the classic book on prayer used all over the world. This made the two ladies very happy; they said that he was their father. The ladies explained how none of them had ever married and they all live here in the same house. The two ladies then asked Brother Brown and his soul winning partner if they would go up and speak to their brother, who now was an invalid. They were pleased to answer their request. During the visit Brother Brown and his partner was able to win E.M. Bounds son to Christ. The two ladies were so excited when they heard the new that they shouted and praised the LORD. They told the two men that one of their daddy’s last prayer requests was for the salvation of his son. God used Brother Brown and his partner to answer the last prayer request of one of the greatest prayer warriors known to man. Please remember that every encounter you have could be a life changing encounter!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
How God Answers Prayer
For years I have heard that God answers prayers in three ways; yes, no, and wait. He does answer in these ways but however recently I heard a preacher bring out a fourth way that God answers prayer. This fourth way is found in our text as He spoke to the Pharisees and asked them, “Have ye not read”. Many times we pray about things that are clearly forbidden in the Bible. When we read in the Bible that something is sin then there is no need to pray about doing it. We do not need to pray and ask God if it’s His will. He has not changed His mind about His Word and the Holy Spirit will never guide you contrary to the Word of God. So in these situations God will answer the same way He did the Pharisees: “Have ye not read”.
God also showed me in the Bible another way that He may answer prayer. This answer is found in Romans. Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Many people ask God for the answers to their problems when God has already sent the answer through His men. When a true Man of God stands in a pulpit and preaches he has a message sent from God. If these people would have been in the house of God or listened to the message then they would have received the answer that they are asking God for. It is in these times that God could answer, “Have you not heard”.
So how does God answer your prayers? It could be yes, no, or wait. It may also be “Have you not read”, or “Have you not heard”. Do you pray about things that are forbidden in God’s Holy Word? Have you missed the solution to your problem by staying away from God’s messengers? He will answer but we must be willing to listen and accept His answer. He is always right.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Secret Place
Here Jesus is teaching us on how to pray. He is instructing us not to pray as the hypocrites do that loved to pray in the open to be seen of men. We need to pray in the secret place. Many people will stand and give prayer requests in public, and we should. Many people stand and pray for the needs of others publicly and we should. But it is in this secret place were God can deal with us about our problems and our “secret sins”. These “secret sins” are the ones that we do not tell everyone about openly but God knows they are there. We become the hypocrite when we talk and pray about the sins of others but do not deal with the ones we have in our hearts.
We all need this alone time with God to clean ourselves up. If we are to be used by God to help anyone else we must first get ourselves clean before Him. We live in a nasty world and every one of us needs to be cleaned from our contact with it. This is done in the secret place. You may wash your hands in the public, but we bathe in private.
Do you have this private time and place set aside each day to spend with God? If not you need to. If a person would go for days or weeks without bathing, by nature they would start to stink. Because of our flesh if we go for days and weeks without spending time in the secret place with God we will start to stink spiritually too. Be careful not to fall into the “I don’t have time to pray” trap. We don’t have time not to pray. Find your secret place with no phones, no friends nor any distractions and spend some time getting clean before God. When we do this our walk, our worship and our ways will smell a whole lot better. We’re never clean enough to skip praying in the secret place.
Have a great (clean) day
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
How God Answers Prayer
Everyone that was ever saved, was saved, because someone had a burden for them and prayed for them. Today, if each of us would earnestly begin to pray for our lost family and friends for their salvation, revival might just break out. If you will not pray for your own family, who will???? Start praying and trusting God for the results
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
DESIROUS OF VAIN GLORY
Galatians 5:26 “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” – KJV
It should be our desire that all glory and praise go to God. Even when men compliment you, we must realize that without God we are, and can do nothing. Man’s praise to us is vain (here today and gone tomorrow). When we provoke others to praise God then we’ve accomplished our task. He is worthy of our praise! Two things will ruin a preacher or teacher: (1)if they can’t handle criticism, or (2) if they can’t handle complements. One will shut them up and the other will puff them up and either way, God can’t use them. Avoid the trap of vain glory. Have a great day!
Written By: Rock Of Ages Missionary
GOD HEARS IT!
Proverbs 17:5 “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” – KJV
Have you ever been around someone who had a critical spirit? Someone who was always talking negatively about everything? That type of negative attitude often leads to the point of making fun of others, especially people who are less fortunate than the person with that critical spirit. In our text verse, the Word of God is clear about this type of attitude. It clearly states that if a person makes fun of someone who is needy, God hears it! If someone is happy about a disaster and people suffering, God hears it! You might ask, what type of monster would laugh at the poor and needy, and at people suffering? The answer: The pride monster! Pride left unchecked becomes self-centered and self-righteous to the point of a critical spirit. The Bible is very clear about this type of behavior from mankind. God hears it! Check you words before you speak. Check you heart if your words and actions do not glorify God! Because God hears it!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Danger of Pride
Psalm 73:6 “Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.” - KJV
Pride is a very difficult subject to deal with, seeing we all have it to some degree or another. I do believe that pride has hindered many men from excelling above their current level of leadership. Constructive criticism from a friend or co-worker can often reveal our level of pride. If the criticism is taken in consideration it could enhance our character; if ignored, you will remain the same. This comparison of pride and being bound with a chain is such a great example of how we will be limited if we do not allow others to help us reach a level of leadership the LORD wants us to have. You can easily keep your pride in check by comparing yourself to our Saviour instead of your friend. Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Don’t Boast or You’ll Be Toast
2 Chronicles 25:17-20 "Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face. And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, the thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom." - KJV
(1. First of all, Amaziah was not a Godly man. As it said in verse seventeen “he sought advice”, advice from whom? Not from a prophet but from a friend. Amaziah sent a message to Joash, king of Israel, telling him that he would like to talk to him face to face. Unlike Amaziah, we should not seek advice from an ungodly friend but from God and Godly parents and elders.
(2. Then Joash sent a message to Amaziah saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.” This was the verse that confused me. After I did some research on it I figured out that Joash was practically saying, “You petty king, you are but a thistle, how dare you challenge such a powerful king as I?” According to this verse, Amaziah was no match for Joash.
(3. In verse 19 Amaziah was being boastful of his victories, and he thought that he could defeat the kingdom of Israel then, but yet he was not powerful enough. Sometimes I am like Amaziah and think that I can do things without God’s help. But then I end up getting trod down by Satan.
(4. In verse 20 Amaziah would not listen to Joash’ warning, and in turn, he was “delivered into the enemies hand” and trodden down by the armies of Israel. This is an example of the outcome if we try to do things without God’s approval or help.
Written By: James
From: Wisconsin, USA
Too Much Honey
Dancing with the devil
Brother Andrew Feistel works in a children’s home in Jay, Florida. One of the girl’s family came to see her while we were there. One of her older sisters was dressed in a very revealing way. Brother Andrew and I began to discuss the how sad it is that the girls at the home learn the importance of modesty only to return to an environment that continues to dance with the devil. Brother Andrew told me about his little three year old boy, Kyle. The Feistel’s were at the local Wall Mart when a female, I cannot refer to her as a lady, walked by that was dressed very immodest. Kyle looked up at his mother and said, “Hey mommy! That lady is naked with her clothes on!” Let that sink in for just a minute! Even a three year old boy knew there is something wrong when more skin is showing than is covered!
Here we go again; they are going to talk about my clothes. Yep! The Bible is very clear on the topic of dress. The truth of the matter is not just a generational preference, but a Biblical standard. When a lady is dressed appropriately, all attention is directed towards the beauty of her face. This does not cause a man’s mind to travel to places that it should not be. Romans 14:13, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” It is a proven fact that pornography, whether it is walking porn or pictures, releases a chemical in a man’s mind that is equivalent to the addiction of Heroin. Why not reserve those thoughts for the man that God has for you!
Thought; If it is not for sale, don’t advertise it!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
COME CLEAN!
This Psalm was a prayer written after King David was confronted about his sin with Bathsheba. God had to send his preacher to let King David know he had not gotten by with his sinful ways. King David then repented of the sin and here “comes clean” with confession of the sins he tried to cover up.
Do you realize that King David did it the hard way? He tried the cover up method and God had to bring judgment upon his life over the sin. If you are saved and a born again child of God, God will not put up with sin in our life. My pastor put it best this way; it does not matter if you sinned six minutes ago, six weeks ago, six months ago, six years, or sixty years ago, God demands you agree with Him that it was sin. If you have unconfessed sin in your life you are on scary ground with God if you do not confess that sin to God and agree with him you were wrong.
1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Sowing to Yourselves
Hosea 10:12 "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your follow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." - KJV
We see in this verse every step a farmer does to have a god crop! The fallow ground has to be broken, good seed sown, rain from God, and a good harvest. So it is the same in our spiritual lives. Preaching breaks up the ground that the weeds and thorns have overtaken. The word of God is sown in our hearts and brings forth much fruit. The righteousness of God is rained down on us through His dear Son that allows us to live for Him daily. IS there some area of you life that has become unproductive? Plow those fallow places up!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Revival
Psalm 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee." - KJV
1. We must believe God for revival
2. We must humble ourselves before God
3.We must repent of any known sin in our lives.
God still believes in revival...the question is do we still believe? Personal revival can start in your life today. You need no one but God and a willing heart to get started! Do you want Revival?
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
…That I Have Chosen?
Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" - KJV
As we look at this verse God has chosen something’s for us to do, in this passage it is fasting. God had shown the children of Israel how to fast and what to do when they fasted. Like many other things in their lives it became a ritual. If you look ahead to Matthew 6 Jesus said “When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:” In Isaiah the fast was causing fights and debates. They were fasting to see who could get the most from God. They were not fasting to get things right between them and the Lord. They were not fasting because they loved God. They were not fasting seeking the power of God to overcome the spiritual battles in their lives. They were fasting to show off, just like the hypocrites in Matthew 6.
Today we are not going to talk about how to fast or when to fast we will do that on another day. What I would like to ask you is this. What are you doing for show and God is not honored by it? They nation of Israel was not being serious in their fast. In verse three in the day of their fast they we having fun and not being serious with God. When you go to church are you there to be serious with God? Or are you there because your friends are and you don’t care about the preaching? When you go soul winning do you go because everyone else is or because you want to win someone to Christ? This morning check you motives. Are you doing the things that God has commanded you to do because you love Him or because you want to show off? God will not bless showing off. He only blesses sincere worship.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
An Inn Keeper
Luke 2:7b “...because there was no room for them in the inn.” - KJV
I would like us to take another look at this passage and learn some things from this inn keeper that we can apply to our lives today.
1. He was unprepared.
Why was he unprepared? Did he not know about the decree from Caesar that all the world should be taxed. Why did he not make preparations for the incoming travelers. He could have expanded the inn, asked family members if he could rent out the rooms in their houses. The bottom line is he had time to prepare but he did not. Jesus is coming are you prepared to do business with Him or will He find no room because you have not gotten the junk out of your life.
2. He was unconcerned.
If this was his wife or daughter would he have turned them away? Too many of us today are unconcerned about the lost. We do not care because they are not our lost loved ones. Do we want our loved ones to die and go to hell? Your next door neighbor is someones loved one are you concerned about them?
3. He was unlearned
Just stop and think for a minute. For over 400 years people knew exactly where the Messiah was going to be born. Had this inn keeper not heard that the Messiah was going to be born in Bethlehem? Maybe he had heard. Maybe he had heard for generations that the Messiah was going to be born in Bethlehem but his was willingly ignorant of the facts and that brings me to my last point.
4. He was unconvinced
Maybe he had heard it so many times it had grown common place to him. His grandfather and his father had told him "Be ready the messiah is going to be born here one day and we must be ready." But over the years of hearing this story he had grown unconvinced of it and was not prepared, not concerned, unlearned, and not convinced. So what about you today. Are you unprepared? Are you unconcerned? Are you unlearned? And are you unconvinced? Yes people have been saying for over 2000 years that Jesus is coming back and He has not yet and you do not care. But may I remind you. It was prophesied 4000 years before He came the first time and people still looked for Him. The question is not when is He coming the question is ARE YOU READY?
Written By: Tom Otto
From: Kentucky
No Sugar or Spice
The sooner that we realize what we truly are, the better of we would be. We are not sugar and spice, and all that is nice. We are sinners saved by grace, that must battle the world, the flesh, and the devil daily. All the goodness that dwells in us, is from God. All of our righteousness comes from Jesus Christ! Every good quality about us and every good thing in our life comes from heaven above! God is our refuge and strength, our all in all!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
INTEGRITY
Proverbs 20:7 “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” - KJV
What is character? Character is the testimony to a persons behavior or habits, moral excellence or strength. It is the total sum of the distinguishing traits of a person. True character of a person is what you do when no one else is watching you! In our text verse today the thought is simply this; how much do do we care? We come into this world with nothing and that is the way we will leave this world except for the testimony we leave behind. According to the Word of God, our children or our family will be blessed if we have a testimony of good integrity. Very simply put, just do right! Dr. Lee Roberson use to always say “just do right till the stars fall.”
The opposite side of our text verse is not a good option. Not doing right, not treating others honestly and fairly will produce shame to our families and our children. One way to check our selves is with this thought that I leave you with: What do people think about you when someone says you name or what do people think about you when you walk by them? If the honest answer is not pleasant in your mind; just think what it must be in their mind.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
BE AN EXAMPLE!
I Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – KJV
One day I was reading my Bible. (Something that is very encouraged when you call yourself a Christian. I don’t always read mine... so I am guilty).
I didn’t really think about this verse, I just highlighted it in my Bible.
Well this Sunday our pastor preached on this verse and those same thoughts came back to me, the ones I didn’t really pay any attention to the first time.
It means that even though we are young. We still have to BE an Example… whether we think people are watching or not. It’s not just with our mouths, its actions, conversations, how we keep our spirit, and our faith. We matter! We have a voice! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be a Child of God because of being young… Because this verse says let no Man despise thy youth. Young people just need to make wise decisions based upon the Word of God!
Whether you like or not. You will be an example. Why not do it for the right reasons?
Be an example and good one: for the lost, for young believers, and even for good ole Saints…
Written By: Meagan
From: Tennessee, USA
Do They See What You Are Saying?
John 8:29 "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him." - KJV
These are the words that Jesus spoke to the Pharisees as they questioned Him of who He was. He was the only begotten Son of God who came to die for the sins of the entire world. As He spake these words to the religious crowd who doubted Him many of the Jews believed on Him. Why did some of them finally believe and accept Him? It was the words He spake in verse 29 about the Father being in Him and the fact that He always done those things that please Him. Although many did not understand all that He was saying they could not deny that He had done nothing but good. No one could stand and testify of a crooked business deal that He had made. There were no testimonies of adultery, no thefts, no lies or anything other than good. What helped them to see what He was saying was the testimony that He left wherever He went.
Now I know that none of us are perfect like Jesus was. And we all certainly fall short of the glory of God. However to those of us who are saved this world may not know us or have heard our testimony but they should be able to see that there is something different about us. They could see what Jesus was saying in His life. When you say that you are a Christian can others see what you are saying in your life. Does your walk back up your talk? It is an old cliché but your walk talks louder than your talk talks. You will be the only Bible that some people will ever read. Will they believe it? Your life will be the only testimony that others will ever know about your church. Does it cause people to want to come there? Would they want to join a church if ever member was just like you? That’s what many will think about the church you say you attend.
Let’s live our lives in a manner that the lost, even if they don’t believe or understand, will definitely have to know that there is something different in us than in this world. This should come natural to a true born again child of God. They will believe what they see in you a whole lot more than what they hear from you. Can others see what you are saying?
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Honour to Whom Honour
Are we giving honour to those who deserve it. I have been reading about our military. There are men and women in our country who have served in the armed forces to provide us our freedom. Do we honour these people? What about those who gave made the ultimate sacrifice? What about the parents who have lost children? What about children who have lost parents? Have we said thank you to all of these people? Have we given them the honour they deserve? The next time you see a service man or woman will you say "Thank you"
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Discretion Part 1
Have you ever heard someone talk about discretion and wonder what it was and why did you need it? Let us take a look and what discretion is and why we need it. We will take a couple of days to do this.
1. What is Discretion? The quality of behaving in a quiet and controlled way without drawing attention to yourself or giving away personal or private information. - Dictionary.com, Merriam-Webster.com
Subtility: Fineness
Prudence: Caution with regard to practical matters; discretion. Care and good sense of decision of actions; cautious clear choosing of choices. – Dictionary.com, Merriam-Webster.com, Webster 1828
Are you behaving in a quiet way? Or does everyone know when you are in the room or in the house? Do you tell strangers and even friends that your mom and dad had an argument last night? These are things you can work on. By being quiet or calm when you walk in a room you will show discretion. By not telling everything bad or good that mom and dad have done you will show discretion and gain the respect of your friends and even the adults. Have a good day on purpose.
Written By: Missionary J. Bellamy
Discretion Part 2
What Discretion Does:
Proverb 2:11-15Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:...
Proverb 3:21,22My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Proverb 5:1,2 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge
As we saw last time discretion helps us to have a good reputation. According to these verses discretion keeps us from getting in trouble. When we are discrete it helps us to learn who are friends are. By using discretion in choosing friends it can save us from going down the wrong path in life.
What Discretion Produces
Proverb 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Discretion helps us to become people of character. A person who can control their temper is a person of great character. When we realize that we have faults of our own it helps us to over look other peoples faults and forgive them easier because we know we like forgiveness and mercy when we make mistakes.
Written By: Missionary J. Bellamy
You Are Known
Facing the Penalty of Rejecting
"Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thessalonians 1:9)"
What a sobering thought from the Word of God concerning those who reject His love and grace for the last time. To think that all the suffering, the pain, and the shame of our sin that Christ took upon Himself at Calvary would be rejected and sin’s penalty would then be unleashed again upon all those who refuse the love of God. It is a sad account, but it will happen!
Every man is given an opportunity and God is not willing that any should perish. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God sent His grace to us and offers it freely to all who will believe, but it will not be extended forever. He will not force His grace or love upon anyone. Each individual must accept His offer of love and forgiveness or they will face the wrath of their sin mentioned in our verse.
If you are rejecting His love and mercy, there are some things you need to notice in our verse about the punishment for your sin. First, it is not a temporary punishment, but rather “everlasting destruction”. Outside of God’s forgiveness and mercy the penalty of sin is without end. Some may say when they face the wrath of sin, then they will call out to God, but it will be too late. Notice the next part of our verse, it is punishment that is away “from the presence of the Lord”. He will not even be there even if you do call out for mercy. Finally, it will be a time away from “the glory of His power”. While His mercy is extended the glory of His power is all around us. But on that dreadful day, it will be gone from your presence forever. One of the first things that God wants us to see in heaven is His glory. John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. Those who reject Him will never be there with Him or get to experience this. Are you rejecting His love and grace today? Do you know Him in a free pardon of sin? If not, you should call out to him while His grace is being extended. There is a penalty and punishment for our sin but we do not have to face it if we will come to Him by faith and receive His offer of grace and love. Call out to Him while there is still time!!!
Have a great (I’m glad I did) day!
Written By Missionary: Larry Key
BEING REDEEMED
of barley (about 12 bushels). This could mean two things. Either the slave traders thought she was not worth much or this was all that he had. I personally believe this was all he had. Here he was giving all that he had to buy back his unfaithful wife off the slave market. When you buy back something that already belongs to you it is called redemption.
This whole story is a picture of what God did for us. He gave all that He had on Calvary’s cross when He died for our sins. He was dying on that cross that we might be bought out of the slave market of sin. He knew our unfaithfulness and the filth of the world that we had been in and would
be in but loved us anyway. He did not love the sin but He was willing to die for us the sinners. When we get saved we become a part of the bride of Christ. How faithful are you or have you been to Him? If your spouse was as faithful to you as you are to Him would you be satisfied? Do we not all have room to get closer, or to more fully devote our selves to the one who gave His all for us? Let’s rededicate ourselves to the one who paid the ultimate price our soul. 1Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
If you don’t have that personal relationship with Him why don’t you call out to Him today? It matters not what you have done He loves you and died that you could be a part of His bride. Call out to Him today tomorrow may be too late!
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A NEW CREATURE
2Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” - KJV
Many times while witnessing to people and asking about the condition of their soul, many people reply that they are trying to “do better”. Some even have said that they are making “slight improvements” in their life. However the Word of God says that the change that takes place in the new birth makes you a new creature.
When I think of becoming a new creature I often think of the caterpillar. He enters the cocoon a caterpillar but comes out a butterfly. He comes out different than he went in. He is a new creature. He went in crawling and came out a flying. He went in ugly and came out a work of God’s art. When he went in most people did not want to touch or play with him. When he came out men have tried to reproduce him in art and photography. Their work may look similar but it’s not the real thing. That’s what “doing better” is, men trying to copy God’s work.
That real change is the one we will have when we truly get saved. No one ever looks at a butterfly and says there’s a flying caterpillar. No he’s not what he used to be, he’s definitely something else. He’s not an improved caterpillar, nor one who is trying to “do better”, he is a new creature.
Are you a new creature? If you are saved then there has to be a time when God came into your life and changed you. Do you remember a time when God changed you from the creature you were to a wonderful work of His art? If not then call out to Him today and He will make this change in you.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
EVERLASTING FOUNDATION
Proverbs 10:25 “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” – KJV
I see three different points as I read the last phrase of our text verse. This is point number one: “…but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” First I know in 1Corinthians 3:11 it says “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We know that salvation is in Jesus for “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12. If we try to build our salvation on religion or being a better person or even by being a martyr for God without having the foundation properly in place these will in the end be destroyed. In John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Therefore, we know that salvation is in Jesus Christ, through Jesus Christ, and only because of Jesus Christ.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
CURE FOR A COLD HEART
Psalm 147:18 “He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.” – KJV
Do you know someone who has a cold heart? A cold hearted person is hard to witness to because many times they do not want to hear what we have to say. Although our words may not affect them, God’s Word will. God’s Word is the cure for a cold heart. We see the results of this in this verse. This verse contains the Gospel. First we see the Trinity: “He sendeth”; God the Father, “His Word”; Jesus the Son (sent to die for our sins), “His Wind”; the Holy Spirit (a rushing mighty wind). Then we see the results; “and melteth them”.
So to find the cure for a cold heart we must first start with the cause. Many people are cold hearted because they feel that no one cares. It is true that people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. When a person sees, as this verse shows, that someone cared enough to die and that you care enough to tell them about it then that starts the melting process. When they learn that He (God the Father) loved the world so much, that He sent His Son Jesus (the Word) to die on the cross for their sins, and then the Holy Spirit (a mighty rushing wind) blows across their hearts this melts them to a place of repentance.
We must strive to get the Gospel to the cold hearted. Don’t give up on the cold hearted. We all were that way (to some extent) at some time until that spark was started, that lit the fire that burns in our hearts, to keep the world from the flames of hell. “The Gospel” it is the cure for a cold heart. Have a warm (great) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
FREE GIFT!
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – KJV
With each gift you open this Christmas remember the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus is the reason we give gifts in tradition of this holiday. Please remember that God is with us through His son Jesus. The greatest gift of all is the gift of salvation for a person’s soul. Jesus was born to be the price of that gift. The gift of salvation is paid in full; we just have to accept that gift. How do we accept the gift of salvation? Just simply ask God for it! Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Are you tired of your ways? Are you tired of your sinful life? If so, repent and turn to Christ by asking God to save your eternal soul from eternal suffering and sorrow. By turning to Christ you are changing your mind about the direction you are going now and the sin which has hold on your life. By asking God for the provided payment of sin through the shed blood of Jesus upon the cross; you are telling God you want to turn away form the life style of sin that is condemning your eternal soul to a place of eternal punishment called hell. Just ask God for the best gift of all time; His gift of salvation.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
NOTHING BUT FACTS PLEASE
1Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” – KJV
A good scientist reviews the theories and experiments of others before he ventures forth with his own speculations. If the ideas he is basing his theory on are flawed, then his conclusions are going to be flawed. Likewise, in our personal lives, we need to review what works and what doesn’t before we start experimenting. How do the thoughts and actions of others compare to the proven methods found in the Holy Bible? Do not waste your time repeating failed experiments. Do not waste time on failed examples of life. Never make the same mistake twice! Build your life on a well laid foundation from the principles of character, morals, and ethics, found in the Bible. Hold fast to the good things of God, and trust in His son the Lord Jesus Christ. These have proven to work and work every time!
Written By: Layman L. South
Knew the Place
John 18:2 "And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples." - KJV
Judas, the betrayer of our Lord and Saviour, knew the place that Jesus often showed up at. That is how he betrayed Him; he knew where He would be at. It’s not enough just to know where He shows up at. To go to heaven one must have Him in their heart. Many people think that just because they believe that God is real or just because they attend church that they will make it to heaven, but that is so wrong. To have Jesus in your heart you must repent (changed mind and changed heart about sin). Yes Judas found the place that Jesus went to but he never found the place of true repentance.
Not only did Judas know the place but he also kissed the face of Jesus. This was a common sign of affection in this day. However Judas chose this sign of affection as a means of identifying the One who he was betraying. Many today are like Judas in that they act like they love Jesus but in their hearts they are far from it. They love their sin more than the Saviour.
So Judas knew the place, he kissed His face, and missed His grace. He missed out on having his sins forgiven. He missed out on having the loving forgiveness that only God can give. Ultimately he missed out on a home in heaven and ended up in a place called hell.
What are you counting on for salvation? Do you know the place or do you know the Saviour? I hope that you have trusted Him into your heart. If not then why don’t you do it now? Bow your head and heart before God right now and call out to Him before it is too late!
Romans 10:9 "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."
Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Romans 10:11 "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."
Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Have A Great DAY!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
TERMINOLOGY: WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?
John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – KJV
Have you been “born again?” Are you “saved?” Are you “regenerated?” Are you “washed in the blood?” Have you made “peace with God?” Are you a “new creature?” These are all terms that mean only one thing; have you ever asked God to forgive your sin by trusting upon what His Son, Jesus Christ, did as payment of sin when He died upon the cross of Calvary? These terms are inquiring to whether or not you have ever humbly bowed yourself to God and asked Him to save your soul from eternal damnation and torment in a place named in the Bible as Hell. God has written in the Bible that Jesus paid our sin debt to God for us. His death was payment for all sin to satisfy God’s holy righteousness and anger against our sins. All we have to do is believe Jesus did that for us, and then ask God to forgive us of our sin. It is just that simple. So have you ever asked God from your heart, the best way you could, to save your soul from damnation? If not, stop now, and with a humble heart, ask God to save your soul from being condemned by sin in your life. Just ask God to forgive you of your sin!
John 3:16 “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.” – KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
GOD KNOWETH !!!!!!
Luke 16:15 “ And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. “ - KJV
I stumbled across this verse when I was reading my bible the other day, but I didn’t think much about it until I was looking through my church notes and then it hit me, I knew I had seen “God knoweth” somewhere else before. So when I saw it this time, I looked back at this verse and it spoke to my heart. In this verse it says some of the things that seem really good to men are really bad towards God. So I started thinking, which do you want to please more, God or man? The difference between the judgment of man and the judgment of God is that God can see your heart, or in other words GOD KNOWETH your heart, and man can only see skin-deep. God sees everything that you do, say, or even think, because HE KNOWETH. So you can’t hide anything from God. If you think you can hide things from God you’re wrong. So just remember God knoweth, and He knows that you are rejecting Christ if you are not saved, so give it up, he knows, and please…….please….. Today ask God to save your soul from eternal punishment in a place called hell. Remember, He Knoweth everything.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
THE LOVE OF GOD
John 3:16 “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.” – KJV
This is a very common verse and one that you hear quoted often. Most people hear and learn this verse as a young child. For God so loved the world= God loves each and every one of us. That he gave his only begotten son= He loved us SO MUCH! That He gave His own Son to die on the cross for OUR SINS!!! Whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. if you trust Christ as your Saviour (you ask him to forgive you of your sins) He will save your soul and you will have everlasting life in heaven with him!
Also, after you get saved you cannot lose your salvation, but you can grow in it! (1) By reading your bible daily! (2) Praying and having a good prayer life is always a good thing cause it makes you feel much closer to God then you have ever been.
Written By: Kristin
From: Virginia, USA
GET IN WHILE THE GETTING IS GOOD
Genesis 6:8 ”But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” - KJV.
This verse to me means that Noah was willing to do anything for the Lord no matter what it was. Today we as Christians should set Noah as our role model and try to do everything the Lord tells us to do. Also, he was one of the only ones who would serve God during that time. God told Noah to build an ark and he did with the help of his family no matter how much they were made fun of or ridiculed. When the flood finally came Noah was commanded by God to go into the ark with two of every unclean animal and seven of the clean animals to be saved from the flood. The only people who could go into the ark was the ones who truly believe in God. There were only eight people that entered the ark. Today Jesus is the ark that God has prepared for anyone who will believe in Jesus, but do not hesitate to get saved because the door is closing soon. Just ask God to save you because you are trusting the work Jesus did on the cross to make salvation possible.
Written By: Justin
From: Tennessee, USA
ARE YOU A WHOSOEVER?
Ephesians 2:8,9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – KJV
You may say that I attend church and read the Bible. The Apostle Paul, or Saul, was a member a religious group called the Pharisees and he could quote whole books of the Old Testament, but that still did not save him. You may be lost and say, “I’m not worthy of this great LORD”; but who is? Jesus has saved murderers, liars, thieves, and the Bible says in Romans 10:13 “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Are you a whosoever?
You may be sitting there saying I am saved, but I am not worthy of His blessings; but who is? That is just God and his AGAPE love. Praise the LORD Salvation is of Grace and “not by works lest any man should boast.” Just remember the song, “Just as I am.” Jesus knows you better than you know yourself! He knows what he died for and he died for all! He knows your heart, and if he is seeking you out just know he wants you, nothing less or greater. The Lord is just wanting you to join His Christian family, just the way you are. God Bless.
Written By: Jacob
From: Tennessee, USA
JUST WHO AM I?
Acts 26:18 “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.” - KJV
It was the great apostle Paul who said, “Least am I of all the Saints.” But have we ever thought of what Paul did in his life. This man was a great missionary for the Lord and America today may not be the Christian nation that it is if Paul did not spread the gospel unto the uttermost. During Paul’s life he was always affiliated with the church. But did you know that he was killing Christians? His name was Saul back then when he persecuted the church. But the Lord shined his light from heaven and showed Paul what he really was, a lost sinner in need of this Jesus, and the church that he was persecuting. After his conversion his name was changed to Paul. Paul spent probably 3/4 of his life in jail because of the ministry of spreading the gospel. So now ask yourself who am I? We too are murderers along with Saul, because it was our sin that hung Jesus on the cross. But there is forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ just like Paul found on the road of Damascus. Paul preached to everyone he could and then they had a choice to make concerning God and His free gift of salvation. Acts 26:28, 29 “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”
Written By: Jacob
From: Tennessee, USA
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE
Have you ever heard the best things in life are free? Well that expression is so true… But sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Sometimes young Christians like me get so easily distracted with life… and don’t stop to appreciate them. Like when God sends us a song that can help through the day, or when he shows us a ray of sunlight between the shadows of the trees that we are reminded that he is the Almighty God! Most importantly look for the things that you don’t have… The prayers that God hasn’t answered because it’s for your own protection. Be thankful for what you don’t have! Sometimes that can be hard to do, just be willing to serve God anyway!
But take the most important “free thing.” The gift of Jesus Christ. It says in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” -KJV Just ask God to forgive your sin and save your soul because you believe and trust what Jesus did to pay for your sins to give you the free gift of eternal salvation.
Written By: Meagan
From: Tennessee, USA
GOD’S INFINITE MERCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Luke 1:58 “And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.” – KJV
We should be like this all of the time, because God’s shows his mercy all of the time; but he shows the biggest amount of his mercy when he saves us from our sin debt. Do you know anyone that would love you so much that he would send his only son to die a cruel and painful death that you might not go to a place called Hell? I do, and I hope you do too. This mercy that I am talking about it the most wonderful mercy ever. It is the mercy of God. God shows us mercy every day when we do wrong and sin. God shows us this mercy, and if we ask him to forgive us he will. But the real question isn’t how much mercy God has, it is have you experienced this mercy? Have you asked God to forgive your sin and save you? If not please…………please get saved while you can, because we aren’t guaranteed another chance, or even another breath.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Do You Have a Ransom?
Job 33:24 "Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom." - KJV
Here Job’s friend is falsely accusing him of sin that he had not committed. The trials that he faced were not because of sin but God was demonstrating Job’s faithfulness. Although his accusation was not right his remedy was. The only thing that can deliver from sin is a ransom. (Ransom means a price for life.) Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” so we all need a ransom.
Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death”, so the only ransom for sin is death. You are appointed to die for your sin. But you don’t have to die for your sin because Jesus took your place. Romans 3:23…“but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary can be your ransom if you allow it to be. So how about it do you have a ransom?
Some people try to use their works as a ransom, but God says no. Ephesians 2:8 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. Do you realize that when you offer your works for salvation that you are telling God that your gift is greater than His? Works gets you wages (Rom. 3:23) and not a ransom.
Some people think that words are a ransom but God says no. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Many people say words that they never mean. Salvation takes repentance and that includes a change of heart.
The only ransom that works for our salvation is the death of Jesus Christ, God’s perfect sacrifice, on the cross of Calvary. The just dying for the unjust that we might be delivered from the penalty of sin. To apply this one must believe, repent, and receive Him into their heart today. Why don’t you bow right now in faith believing and ask God into your heart. Someone will die for your sin. Will you let Him be your ransom?
Have a great (ransomed) day!
Two People Know the Truth
Joshua 22:22 "The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD,"- KJV
Someone once said that an excuse is a lie wrapped up in a pretty package and to me that sounds about right. Many times people make excuses for why they do or don’t do the things that they know they should or should not do. They wrap their hidden agendas and true intentions up so neatly that they think no one would ever find out or know. Well they are wrong on at least two people. No matter how neatly or cleverly they are packaged two people know the truth: God and themselves.
It is for sure that nothing is hidden from God, not even our motives or intentions. (Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.) And unless you are a complete reprobate and have your conscience seared off you still know when you do wrong too. So nothing is hid; at least two people know when you do wrong.
We should daily check our motives and intentions for the things that we do. Spite, revenge, or pride should never be our motivating factors. God tells us in I Peter 2:1 to lay aside all malice (spite). God tells us in Romans 12:19 that vengeance is His and He will repay. And He warns us inProverbs 16:18 that “pride goeth before destruction”.
So what might we be hiding in a clever package? Let’s take the time to allow God to search our hearts for hidden agendas and wrong motives. This could be that one sin that is keeping us back from the next level that God has for us.
Psalm 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" - KJV.
If you are not saved why don’t you bow your head right now and call out to God for salvation. In eternity you’ll be glad you did!
Salvation
John 3:16 is my favorite verse in the Bible. It is part of the ABC's of salvation and was the verse that got me under conviction. I was eight years old and my church was having VBS and the ABC's were the theme. About a week after VBS I got saved because of that verse. I have a few more favorite verses, such as Romans 8:31. But, John 3:16 is my most loved one because it got me to believe.
Written By: Jess
From: Tennessee
Can’t See the Woods for the Trees
Isaiah 45:22 "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." - KJV
Have you ever heard the expression “Can’t see the woods for the trees”? It’s an old expression that means the thing that you are or have been looking for was right there in front of you all the time. Many times it means that you are trying too hard to see that which is obvious. I believe that salvation is the same way for some people. They are looking everywhere but the right place. They look to their psychiatrist for peace and find problems. They look to the world for wisdom and find foolishness. They look to social groups for fellowship and find unfaithfulness. They look to self-help groups for deliverance and find weakness. They need to look to God for salvation and all these things that they are looking for will accompany it.
What better place to find peace than from the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)? Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. He can give you peace! Do you desire wisdom? Here is what God said about this world’s wisdom. 1Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. God can give you true wisdom. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Mankind naturally seeks fellowship and God provided a place for this too. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.And if you seek deliverance the Son can make you free. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Don’t spend you entire life wandering around in the wilderness of this world looking for salvation and the benefits that accompany it when it is right there in front of you on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Call out to Him today. Look to Jesus and live!
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A Gift Worth Pondering
Can you imagine all that had just took place? The angel had appeared to Mary and foretold of how she would bring forth the Saviour of the world and now it had happened. The shepherds had just come and saw it and left glorifying and praising God. Mary sat there and pondered all these things in her heart. To ponder means to bring together and to look over or examine. He truly was a gift worth pondering.
Just as Jesus was a gift sent both to and through Mary, He also is a gift sent to and through all who will believe. Mary helped to deliver this gift as his Mother, but we get to help deliver God’s gift as His messengers. So He is a gift sent to and through us as well. What an awesome responsibility and opportunity this is for both her and us to be used to deliver a gift so Precious. The wonder of it all is that although she was “highly favoured” (Luke 1:28) she was not perfect (Luke 2:24) because she too was born with an Adamic nature, but God used her anyway. Just as God used her to deliver the Messiah, He can use us to deliver His Word to a sinful world. That is a gift worth pondering by us also.
This gift was Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, who came to die for the sins of the entire world. That He would accept us just as we are and make us into a new creature, with a new desire like unto His. Then He would use us who once were wicked and vile, to go to others who still are, like we were, and deliver the “Good News” of His forgiveness. That needs to be pondered on. The opportunity is the gift that comes with the Gift, but so many fail to see or use.
So as you make your plans for what gifts you are going to give to family and friends this year why not ponder on giving them the one true Gift that is worth pondering!
Have a great (pondering) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Check Your Soul
A Convenient Day
Watch Out for the Attack
Job 1:12 "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD."
When we look at Job chapters 1 and 2 we see Satan having to come to God to get God's permission to attack Job. God allows Satan to attack Job. Why? To prove to Satan that Job loves God more than all of his things. The test proves to Job what Job loves. The test proves to Job's friends and family who Job loves. Yes Job had his weak points but we can look at this and see that God allows the testing to come our way to prove to us and everyone around us that He is God and is in control even though we may not see it. So how are you going to react when the attack comes? It is going to come because of what 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" All I want to say is WATCH OUT FOR THE ATTACK OF THE DEVIL.
Written By: Ashley
From: Pennsylvania
THINK BEFORE SPEAKING
James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” - KJV
I heard one of the most profound statements today that I have heard in a long time. We were given two ears and one mouth; we should be more ready to hear than to speak. We should listen twice as much than we speak! Spending time with wise older people is a wise habit to attain. I like to just listen to older people and glean from their wisdom. It is pretty easy to tell whether they are worth listening to or not by their attitude and their conversation. If both be pleasing to the LORD then listen up. If it is not a conversation you could invite your mom to, do not waist your time with them; move on. Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
STAY UNDER CONTROL!
1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” – KJV
It is said by William M. Taylor, in his book “Daniel the Beloved,” “It is easier to acquire a habit that it is to break it off!” The late Alexander the Great, the leader that conquered empires, died a drunkard’s death at age thirty-three. Brother Taylor went on to say, “Let me urge everyone who is starting out on the battle of life to wage his first warfare with himself. Settle at the very outset the question whether you are to be the body’s or your body is to be yours; and see to it that you do not advance to the great work of your existence handicapped and hampered by an evil habit.” I could not have said it better myself. Do not allow your body to control you for the flesh is evil. Stay in control at all times and live a long prosperous life serving the King. What a waste it is to see young men and women throw away their lives and die a slave to a substance! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Flight School
THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD!
Colossians 4:7 “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:” - KJV
The Apostle Paul knew something about his ministry; it was not “his” ministry, it was God’s ministry. Paul also knew that the ministry that God gave him was only going to be as good as the people that Paul had to help him. The Apostle Paul was only one man and needed help not only from God but from the people of the churches to accomplish the ministry that God had given him to perform for the glory of God.
In our text verse God the Holy Spirit had Paul to write about a great helper to Paul from the church. In this Colossians 4:7 we find details of this great helper to Paul. First we find Tychicus was a “beloved brother.” Paul and Tychicus had a special friendship and a special love for one another as “brothers in Christ.” Both were saved men and just loved the Lord and loved to serve the Lord. However, as they served the Lord they found that they liked and loved to serve the Lord together.
Secondly we find listed in the verse that Tychicus was a “faithful minister.” He was dependable! No matter what he was always faithful! He was on time and his work was on time. The tasks given to him were completed and were done correctly and in a timely manner. Paul had great confidence in Tychicus because Tychicus had proven himself to be “faithful” time and time again, therefore he could be counted upon to be a real help. When others failed to show up, Tychicus was always there.
Third we find that he was listed as being a “fellowservent in the Lord.” A servant is someone who is always willing to serve. That means that they are willing to be in the background and not always have the glory. A servant humbles themselves to serve and is willing to do whatever needs to be done. That means from little things to big things; from dirty cleaning jobs to prayer and teaching to cooking meals and fixing plumbing; no matter what, a servant serves. This type of person is very valuable to any ministry for the glory of God and is seemingly short supply but in great demand.
Conclusion: What each ministry needs, (besides God ordained and inspiring that ministry), are servants to get the jobs done to glorify God with each ministry. Tychicus was very valuable to Paul as a “beloved brother”, “faithful minister”, and a “fellowservant” all of which Paul needed to complete the job that God had given Paul to do. Neither the Apostle Paul, evangelists, missionaries, pastors, teachers, deacons, nor any church officers, can do the ministry for the glory of God on their own. It takes people in the background willing to serve. The need is great, but I wonder, would you be “willing to serve” with someone, or in a church in some way this coming year for the furtherance of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ? Ask God where and just do it!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Working Behind the Scenes
1 Corinthians 12:20 “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” - KJV
While working on a project the other day I began to think about all the people that are involved in the work of a ministry. Take the janitor for instance. No one stops and thinks that it takes a janitor to keep the church clean so that the church does not look like a pig pen. No one stops to think how much help the secretaries are until the missionary or preacher does not receive their checks. If you continue on in 12 of 1 Corinthians you find that Paul says “And of those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable. Upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.” In other words the people in the ministry that we sometimes forget about (the sound man, secretary, etc.) we need to thank more often. Without these people the ministry of the pastor and the missionary (the people who get the recognition) would falter and fail because they would be so consumed with the other jobs that they would not be able to minister effectively. So THANK YOU secretaries, sound men, janitors, and others who do their jobs behind the scenes so that we may more effectively do what God has called us to do.
Written By: Rock Of Ages Missionary
Behind the Scenes
1 Corinthians 12:20 “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” - KJV
Have you ever stopped and thought about what God wants you to do with your life. This devotion is not challenging you to go into full time ministry so please do not have the thought “Here we go again another devotion about us need to surrender to be a preacher or missionary.” While working on a project the other day I began to think about all the people that are involved in the work of a ministry. We need another generation of young people who stay at the church God puts them in and just goes to work where God gives you a job. You do not have to go into full time ministry to be a part of the body of Christ. As we look further down in chapter 12 we find that there are body parts that we as humans think are uncomely “ugly” when those body parts actually have a very important part in our body. We sometimes over emphasize full time ministry and never say to young people just serve God in your local church. We need young people to work a secular job pay their tithe and take part in giving to missions. If we do not have that the old and new missionaries will soon run out of money and we will not be able to completely fulfill the Great Commission. So the next time someone ask you “How are you going to serve the Lord?” You can say “I am going to stay right here, support the local church, give to missions, and be a part of any project the church undertakes.” Thank you for those who have stayed home and gave so that others may go.
What is YOUR Ministry?
1 Samuel 2: 18 “But Samuel ministerd before the Lord being a child, girded with a linen e'-phod." - KJV
In this passage the child Samuel is about 3 or 4 years old. We find him ministering before the Lord. If he is 3 or 4 years old ministering before the Lord what jobs is he preforming? I do not know what exactly he was doing but maybe he was sweeping a walk way. Maybe he was making sure the oil containers were that the priest used to fill the lamp were full of oil. Maybe he was going to get the shew bread from the person who baked it and bring it to the priest to take into the tabernacle. We really do not know what Samuel did all we know is he ministered. This little jobs that I just mentioned are apart of the ministry of the house of God. So what are some things that you can do around the church to help in the ministry? You could pick up trash off the floor, straighten the songbooks in the songbook rack, take out the trash, get the pastor the water for the pulpit, be a door greeter, pass out bulletins, or take up the offering if pastor says it is okay. These are just a few things that I thought of there could be more in your church. Do not think because you are young that you cannot serve in your church. The apostle Paul told Timothy "Let no man despise thy youth" Do not be discouraged when someone tells you you are not old enough to minister in one job. Find a job around the church that you can do and help in that area.
Have a Great day ministering!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Decisions Decisions
Life is full of decisions, who to marry, your vocation, where to live, the most important decision is to follow Christ or not! Today as this is sent out many of us are in the valley of decision in some area of our life. To make the right decisions we must:
1. Bathe it in prayer
2. Know that it is God's will
3. Have peace about the decision after it is made
4. Trust God with the outcome.
Have a blessed day!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Buried Talents
Matthew 25:18 “But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.” - KJV
How many time in our lives do we bury our talents? As a young person I believe it is easy to bury our talents. When I was a young man I had the opportunity to learn to play the piano. For a while I took lessons until one day it became boring. So my parents and I decided that I could quit learning to play the piano thus burring my talent. A few years went by and we had a new piano teacher come by but I was uninterested in playing the piano by that time. This time I left the talent buried. Now that I am older God has once again placed it on my heart to learn to play. Finding time to practice has become a hard thing. I am older and have more responsibilities now. The Lord has been gracious in allowing me to dig up my talent. I am now having to clean that talent and make it profitable. There are many other adults in this world who have buried their talents and are unable to dig them up. Some for health reasons others because they do not have the time now. We must live with the regret of a buried talent. The greatest fear that I have though is standing before God having a small return on HIS investment when in my heart HIS return should be far greater. If you have a talent do not bury it for something else in life. It will be work, there will be risk involved but know that the payoff will be to hear the LORD say “Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Quit Hiding and Go Seeking
Proverbs 28:27 "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse." - KJV
We used to play a game when I was a kid called “hide – n – go – seek”. One person would close their eyes while the rest would go hide. Then after a few seconds you would holler out “ready or not here I come” and then you had to go find everyone. Today when it comes to the poor and needy a lot of people are closing their eyes but not doing much seeking.
No matter how hard we may feel we have it sometimes, there is always someone who is worse off. A lot of people are hurting today due to loss of jobs, health problems, etc. To find those people who you could help we have to quit hiding our eyes and go seeking to do the Lord’s will.
If we open our eyes and ask God to show us someone we could help I believe that he will show us and bless us for doing so (v.27 shall not lack). You say but why should I take from my family and give to someone else, but God says that you rob your family when you don’t (v.27 many a curse).
Giving to others does not always mean money. Some people you will not help by giving money. It may be your time or your talent that you give. Helping with a job that they would have to pay someone else to do is giving. Can you cook for someone who is hungry? Fix a car for someone who is needy? Cut some wood for someone who can’t? Use the talent or excess that God has given you. Go through your cabinets and share some food with a needy family.
Will you ask God today to open your eyes to someone who is needy today? He will bless you when you seek to help others. You have His Word on it!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Give or Take?
There are basically two types of people in the world, the "givers" and the "takers." We are instructed here, to give to them to whom it is due. There is a lot of people here that need help, we do not have to run off to South America or Africa to find the sick, the hungry, and the lost. I am not against foreign missions, but hate disciples started at home first. Are you a giver or a taker? Giving always generates more joy than getting! seek a poor soul out that needs help and be a giver today!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Unworthy Lips
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Working While in Love
I Can’t Help It
Acts 4:20 "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." - KJV
Here Peter and John had just prayed for a lame man and God had healed him. As they preached Jesus unto the people, the people became very upset and put them into prison. They wanted to punish them for preaching but was afraid to because there was undoubtedly a “noticeable miracle” (v16) had been done. So they decided to threaten them not to “speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (v18). This is when they make the statement in verses 19 -20 that they could not help but speak His name. Jesus had changed them and many others such as this lame man here in these verses. He had helped them so much they had to tell others. They could not help it.
When is the last time that you got a case of the “can’t help its”? Were you just had to tell someone else how good Jesus had been to you? Has God made a change in your life? Do you have a story to tell?
One day while out soul winning a man comes to the door of a man who is a transmission mechanic. He asked the man if he went to church anywhere and the man said no. As he began to tell the man of God’s love and plan of salvation the man told him that he was ok that he had been saved. The Christian then asked him to tell him about his salvation. The man replied that he did not know what to tell him. So the Christian, knowing the man was a mechanic showed the man the car he was driving and asked him if he could tell him how to put a transmission in that type of car. Sure I can the mechanic replied. The Christian then asked the man how he knew that he could do this and the man quickly replied, “That’s easy I’ve done it before”. The moral of the story is this if you have been saved you might not be able to tell everything about the Bible but you will have a story to tell. Do you have a story to tell? Then I believe that you will have times when you just can’t help it.
Have A Great DAY!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
I’M NOT ASHAMED !!!!
Romans 1:16 “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” - KJV
This verse is one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible, because that all Christians should not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. To me this means that no matter what situation you are in, if you will stand up for God and trust Him, He will get you through it. This verse should be the life and the goal of a Christian to stand up anytime when God needs you to. Next it says that God has the power to save anyone who believeth in him. See how easy it is to get saved, all you have to do is believeth in him and you will want to turn from sin and run to Him. Now the last part of this verse is saying that to the Jews first then the Greek. To me this means that since the Jews are God’s chosen people they have the opportunity to be saved first, but in this verse it also says then the Greek (to me this means everyone else). So we all have a chance to get saved, so if you aren’t saved please…… please get saved today; because it doesn’t matter what race you are because God created us all equally, but just remember he loves us and wants us all to live in Heaven someday, but it is your choice. Ask Him to forgive you sin and save your soul to be with Him for all eternity.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Let Your Light Shine!!!!
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” - KJV
This is a really hard verse for me. Especially lately! You see, I haven’t been letting my light shine for God like I know I should. The verse says “Let your light shine before men”, that means that no matter where you are, or what you’re doing; you should always let your light shine. This is so important, because you very well may be the only Bible that a person will ever see! Then it says, “That they may see your good works”. When you let your light shine for God everyone will get to see your good works, and what you are doing for God! When people see you serving the Lord and living your life right for God, it can be a true blessing to them. This verse ends with, “and glorify your father which is in heaven”; so by glorifying God, he will bless you but you will be blessing others.
So always keep your light shining, and continue to glorify God!
Written By: Kristin
From: Virginia, USA
Got Fuel?
Proverbs 19:15 “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” – KJV
I was at my church on a Wednesday night service, and this is what my preacher preached on! I really needed this verse! I’m going to explain this verse by an example. Let’s say you are leaving the store, you have started your car and it’s in drive, but you don’t push the pedal. How long is it going to take you to get home? The answer is you won’t because you are not giving it any fuel to run!
It’s the same way with your spiritual life! Are you being lazy and not giving yourself any fuel to be on FIRE for God? Or are you witnessing to other people like you should? I have gone through times in my life and haven’t done what I know God wanted me to do. All we need to do is stop being so lazy and get excited when we see someone get saved! We need to get out and witness to people, and go to church when we should and be faithful to God. That is what this verse is saying! Stop being lazy and get right with God and serve Him. Jesus died and shed his blood for us! Don’t you think that we should get out and talk about him? I do!
Written By: Kristin
From: Virginia, USA
Being A Witness
I AM Sent Me
Let God speak through you
Seek Ye First
Too Scared to Stand out?
Can God trust you with Jesus?
Joseph rose up and took Jesus and his family to Egypt immediately after the angel appeared to him in a dream. Notice, Jesus was described as a young child; possibly two or three years old by this time. I am sure Joseph had possessions, being a carpenter he probably had tools, and plenty of work scheduled. I do not think the LORD called a lazy man to do the job of raising the King of Kings. I also think that Joseph taught the Boy Jesus how to work.
The most important thing about learning how to work is learning to submit to the authority that has given you the task at hand. One man once said; “Work smart and you will not have to work hard.” You will get more accomplished if you work smart.
When my son Josh was in his senior year at high school, his government teacher asked him what college he was going to attend; his answer astonished her. Josh told her, “I don’t know yet, my dad has not made up his mind.” She asked him why he was allowing me to decide where he was going to college. I was proud of Josh when he told me how he replied to her question. Josh told her that his dad had not led him down a wrong path yet, and he was going to trust his decision. Wow! I believe Josh is in the perfect will of the LORD studying for the ministry at Golden State Baptist College in California. If Josh can listen to his earthly father, I believe when the LORD says, Josh arise and take Jesus into…….., Josh will say, “Yes LORD.”
A thought to glow on: Obedience always saves energy and heartache!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A Wise Man
Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” - KJV
There is another joy Weirsbe mentions that ranks very high in God’s economy. The joy the LORD gives to His servant when he/she wins someone to Christ cannot be explained with words. The fact that God sent Jesus to do the work of salvation, gives us the message to tell, sends the Holy Ghost before us to prepare the hearts of the hearers and then allows us to take part in the winning of that soul is remarkable. Next to my own salvation there is nothing better than hearing a sinner call on Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. Don’t ever get to busy to tell someone of His saving grace! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A BURDEN WILL BRING TEARS
Psalm 126:6 "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - KJV
While visiting the beautiful city of Heber Springs, Arkansas in the summer of 2004, my wife, little girl and I climbed to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. I made it to the top, and the girls almost made it. The climb got a little too rough for them at the end. The view is magnificent from up there. You can see the whole city of Heber Springs and miles and miles of the surrounding area.
Pastor Mark Bishop, the pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church in Heber Springs, Arkansas, made the suggestion to climb the mountain. After talking with him about our climb he said this, “I climb that mountain once a week to pray.” He went on to say, “Every time I look over the city of Heber Springs I cry because of my burden for the city.” I began to think about that statement and came to this conclusion; this is the reason why the Gospel Light Baptist Church is growing at the rate it is. A genuine burden for any city, or people, (or let’s get personal) a friend or loved one, should cause us to weep over their soul as we realize their destiny without Christ. Not only did his burden cause him to weep, but it also caused him to take action to capture the city for Christ. His burden for the city has been transferred by the Holy Ghost of God to the people of his church as they go out into the community and invite people to come to church. The LORD has honored his tears with laborers in the harvest, but most of all, souls of men, women, and children have been saved and baptized.
Written By: Missionary M. Vanhorn
He says come...... We should go
From: Pennsylvania
I Sowed a Tear
Just Tell Your Testimony
Peter’s Bold Statement
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing (John 21:3)." - KJV
This was a very hard time in the disciple’s lives. It was probably the biggest battle they had ever faced. To say that things had not gone the way they expected would be a huge understatement. So in the midst of all their disappointment and confusion Peter comes up with an idea and makes his bold statement, “I go a fishing”. Because we too have these times of hardship and misunderstanding we need to learn some lessons from his statement and the things that followed.
First, if you “go a fishing” someone else will always be willing to go with you.Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.Because our lives affect other people this scripture applies to quitting as well. For if you are willing to quit, then someone else will be too.
Then if you want to leave the devil will provide the transportation. Look at how quickly they entered into a ship. Immediately there was one available. This is also why you hear of people quitting or leaving church for childish or trivial reasons. For example: no one shook my hand, or someone got my seat, or I did not get my way on something. God does move people and change their field sometimes but I believe He does it with Biblical leadership or because of Biblical convictions or reasons. If you are just looking for a reason to quit or to leave the devil will provide you “a horse to ride out on”.
Also, things did not go the way they thought that they would in their new endeavor either, “they caught nothing”. No doubt they had all probably been good fishermen in the past, but that was no longer what God’s blessing was upon for their lives. We do not need to ask God to bless what are doing (or wanting to), but start (or keep) doing what God is blessing.
Finally, to get the next important part you must read the rest of the chapter. When you do you will see that if you come back to where Jesus is at He still loves you and will bless you once again.
So either stay where God has you at, or return to where you left God at, and get back to doing what He told you to do. God does not tell you to quit or leave because of non-Biblical reasons. If you are just looking for reasons to give up Satan will show you several, but he is a liar and the father of it. So why would you listen to him?
Written By: Missionary L. Key
How is Your Speech?
Idle Words
Our words issue forth either life or death. The Lord reminds us of the grace importance of watching what comes forth from our mouths. People will never forget when someone cuts them down with their words. Let our mouths be used today as an instrument of praise and a tool to further the cause of Christ. Remember every idle word spoken will be judged one day.
Written By: Pastor L. Eaton
From: Kentucky
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Deuteronomy 5:1 “And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them” - KJV
Hear – “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. You must put yourself under sound preaching!
Learn – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15. It is not just going to jump out of the Bible into your brain unless you open the Book, read and study it!
Keep them – “To hold; to retain in ones power or possession; not to loose or part with; to keep anything in memory, mind or heart.” Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary
Do them – To perform or execute – Like the slogan for Nike says, “Just do it!” Once you make it a habit to do what pleases the LORD it then just becomes a way of life. Can you imagine your life being one that just naturally pleases GOD! IT CAN! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Just Be Thankful
Psalms 107:8 “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” -KJV
This statement is made four times in this one Psalm. Very simply the God of all creation is making a very important statement in this Psalm. Just give God the praise! Have you ever thanked God for what He has not allowed in your life? Sometimes that may be tough from our point of view. But take a moment and just thank God for what you don’t have! I believe you will be amazed at how much you have to “praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Things I Desire
Psalms 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” -KJV
In our text verse we see that the first step to having the right desires is to “delight” ourselves in the Lord. In other words, we are to start seeking the things of God. We must learn to like what God likes. When a man or woman starts the dating relationships, the first thing that they do is to learn everything that the other person likes. They learn what makes the other person happy. Then they do all within their power to be pleasing to that person. Guess what? That is exactly what God wants us to do and has even told us so in Psalms 37:4.
We are not to take for granted the things God has given us. We are not to be unthankful for what God is doing or not doing. When was the last time you thanked God for what he did not allow in your life?
Delight thyself also in the Lord is the first step and then look what God has promised he will do next. If we do as He said, God will then give us the desires of our heart. No, not that 52 inch, high definition, flat screen, plasma, TV, with surround sounds! But God will give us the correct, proper, and honorable desires of our hearts that we need, so we can be happy. The happiness that God gives lasts! We do not have to ever return the gifts that God gives! There are no flaws in workmanship with His gifts! So many times we think that material things are always the answer to our happiness. Think back to the time you spent your money on that special item that you just “had to have.” You thought if you got that item you were going to be satisfied. You thought it would make you content. Now think about that item. The newness wore off, and for many of us, we do not even know where that item is located right now. God will give us the right desires so that we can make the right decisions for our wants and needs. This way, God’s way, the happiness lasts and we are truly content and God can be pleased with our desires and our actions.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
JUST THANKFUL!
Psalms 107:8 “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” – KJV
I just like to thank God every day when I get up for what all he has blessed me with and what he is going to do for me in the future, because you never know when or what will happen in the future.
Written By: Chandra
From: Virginia
THANKSGIVING
Psalm 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him. And bless his name." - KJV
Are you thankful this morning? We live in a country that was founded on the premise of giving God thanks for the situations He had brought us through. It started with the Governor Bradford and the Pilgrims in 1621 with the first Thanksgiving. Next came congress in 1782, President G. Washington in 1789, President Lincoln in 1863, and President F. Roosevelt in 1939 making it a Federal holiday. Each one of these men realized that is was God who had brought this nation safely to where it was at that point in history. With everything going on in America today. We must realize it is God who has brought us safely to this point in history and give Him thanks.
So on behalf of the tater guys and the Rock of Ages we would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Have a THANKFUL Day.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
SEDUCING SPIRITS
1Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”- KJV
We have been doing a study in Sunday school on the subject of angels and demons throughout the Scriptures. Today one phrase stuck out in the study where the Bible names a particular group of demons which are called “seducing spirits.” How many times have you been lured away from Bible reading, prayer, church, Sunday school, just to do something else? How many times are we drawn to music, video games, movies, and enticed to stay up with them when we know we should turn them off and go to bed to be ready for the next day? How many times has lust of the flesh gotten us in trouble? Ever wonder where these enticements came from or why they were so alluring and so strong in our minds? They are called “seducing spirits” and we need to understand what their purpose is toward mankind. If you will look at this verse and verse two you will find a pattern. It is the same thing that happened to Adam and Eve. The same tactics found in the book of Genesis is the same tactics found here in our New Testament text.
We have a choice; either to give in to these suggestions, or to recognize if the suggestion is taking away our time with God or his Word. If it is taking time from God then we must fight that temptation of the mind. It is a battle that must be won by prayer and by choosing to resist the “seducing spirits” by our act of will in favor of God.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
HOW COULD THEY!
1Cornithians 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” – KJV
Sometimes we wonder how someone who professes to be a saved, born again Christian can be engaged in gross sin. There are many times we will wonder how certain people that were once active in a church just seem to drop out and have not concern for the things of God. Often times you will hear the statement from people, “well they must not have been saved in the first place.” Many a Christian has often pondered this situation and made the statement, “how could they do that if they were saved!” In our text verse we find that the Apostle Paul is addressing the fact that someone, who has accepted Christ as Savior and repented of his sins, can and has fallen into gross sin. Many of the newer versions of the Bible distort and mistranslate the phrase, “if any man that is called a brother.” Once you reference the Greek words, you find that the King James Bible has it translated correctly. Paul is defiantly dealing with a saved, born again Christian believer that has fallen back into a sinful life style. How sad it is when someone returns to the old sinful lifestyle of fulfilling the desires of the flesh.
In this passage the Apostle is dealing with our conduct toward them. Now keep in mind the Bible is clear upon what we should do if there is a sinning brother or sister in Christ. In Galatians 6:1 we are to go to them and try to “restore that person in the spirit of meekness.” Matthew 18:15-18 tells us how to approach a person that you have problems with. Then in 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, the Apostle Paul teaches that if a sinning brother or sister asks forgiveness that we should always forgive them.
What can we learn from our text verse? The children sing a song that says it best: “O be careful little eyes what you see! O be careful little ears what you hear! O be careful little mouth what you say! O be careful little hands what you do! O be careful little feet where you go! For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see!”
Remember, if we are not careful with our testimony of Christ in our life, it could happen to you and me. 1Corinthians 10:12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” – KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Why Are We Sleeping
Luke 22:45-46 "And when he rose up from prayer. and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." - KJV
1st why are we sleeping in our prayer?Is it you don't have time? Is it you don't want to? It says in verse 46 "...rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." So don't wait until you need God start praying now!
2nd why are we sleeping in our Bible reading? Is it you don't have time? Is it you don't want to? It says in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God ..."So start reading the Bible now!
3rd why are we sleeping in our church going? Is it you don't have time? Is you don't want to? It says in Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,..." If you don't go to church start going now!
Written By: Pastor Stephen Rimes
From: Alabama
The Oldest Trick in the Book
Genesis 3:1 "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:" - KJV
Have you ever heard the expression, “the oldest trick in the book”? Well here it is. The oldest trick in the book is Satan trying to make people question the Word of God and making God out a liar. I am not ignorant to the devil’s devices and by God’s grace I’m not going to fall for it.
Although it is the oldest trick he still likes to use it and people still fall for it every day. He would have everyone to doubt and discredit the Word of God as just the words of some men, but it is not. He would have men to rewrite it, corrupt it and even try to make a mockery out of God’s Holy Word. His desire is for you to fail to heed the warnings written in the scriptures so that you have a miserable life and eventually end up in hell with him.
For example; Satan will tell you that it’s all right to drink alcohol, strong drink and fermented wine by twisting some scriptures around for his own purposes. If you would read and rightly divide the scriptures you would see what God said about it.
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Is it any wonder that God compared the end use of alcohol to a serpent bite? Proverbs 23:32 "At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." He will send someone by to tell you, oh this want hurt you. When in reality he knows it will kill you. Satan will also try this with every sin whether it be adultery, fornication, lying, stealing being disobedient to parents and whatever else he can do to get you to sin against God and not believe His Word.
Be assured though that the Bible (the KJV) is the Word of God. If the Bible says its right then its right and if the Bible says it’s wrong then it is wrong. Don’t doubt it; trust it, believe it, read it, and heed it. Don’t fall for the oldest trick in the book.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Making Provision
THOUGHTS AND DESIRES
Have you ever wanted something so much that you were afraid that you would be ashamed if you put your trust and confidence in it and it failed? Have you ever been afraid to trust God because you were not sure if it was God’s will for your life or your will? We all have this fight in us. We all have selfish desires and many times find ourselves in our own mind and strength trying to help God out. How do we overcome this dangerous area of our life? Some good advice to follow is what God has written about a man that was after the “heart of God”. David prayed, searched his motives, searched scriptures for answers, and sought godly counsel.
So first check your motives for what you are longing for, or wishing to do. Is it going to be for God or for your recognition? Secondly, do the scriptures speak against your desires? Third, have a godly person to check your motives and search scriptures with you. Remember two heads are usually better than one. Very simply, put your trust in God no matter what! Let God do what God does best; work in the life of each person who trust Him as Savour. “Commit thy works unto the Lord” and you will have the correct thoughts. Psalms 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” That is; God will give you the correct desires to have in life. Check your motives!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
AN IDLE MIND IS THE DEVILS PLAYGROUND
Ecclesiastes 5:3 “For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” – KJV
Whatever a man busies himself with seems to be the direction his dreams go. This is why it is so very important to stay busy doing the will of God. It is easy to get side tracked when in the working world. I believe this is why Kind David said in Psalm 63:1 “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” Make sure to spend some time with the LORD before your day begins; this will help keep your ambitions and dreams on the right track.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” – KJV
Ever had your mind troubled over something? Have you ever had anger or bitterness dominate your mind? Ever had things on your mind that no matter how hard you tried you just could not get away from thinking on those things? Many times we fill our minds with the wrong things. We allow our eyes to watch the wrong things. We allow our ears to listen to the wrong things. When this happens we fill our minds with “imaginations.” Then we get frustrated when we cannot find peace and contentment within ourselves. Do you remember the little Tom and Jerry cartoon of the devil sitting on one shoulder and the little angel sitting on the other shoulder? There was a constant fight going on in my mind like that until I studied and applied the verses below.
2 Corinthians10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; – KJV
You see the only way you and I can overcome this type warfare against the mind that sin wages is to realize that the mind is a battleground! It is a war against your mind and soul that Satan wages every day. If you are not saved he wants to keep you that way with confusion, frustrations, bad attitudes, and anger. If you are a saved, born again Christian, he still wants to keep you beat down and out of the battle by using the same mind games.
The anger and attitude comes from frustration of trying to do better but always falling back into the same sins or the same old lifestyle of bad habits. Look at our text; it says the pulling down of “strong holds.” “Strong holds” are those things in the mind that have control over us. The only way to fight this is to realize we can’t defeat this enemy without God! It is a spiritual warfare and it takes much more than our strong arms of our fleshly bodies to fight a spiritual war. That is where God comes in to fight for us through His son Jesus Christ. The text verse says we can be “mighty through God to the pulling down of the strong holds” and we can “cast down the imaginations and every high thing” that tries to compete with the knowledge of God. But how do you do this? God tells us in the last statement of the verses; “and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Simply give it to Jesus Christ! When you start thinking on the ungodly things; when you start thinking on the wrong images; when the anger comes and the bitterness fills your mind and heart; when you start feeling overwhelmed with frustrations and torn between doing right and wrong, simply STOP! Realize what is happening in your mind! Recognize it is Satan trying to work on a “strong hold” in your life and it is not a physical fight. Then STOP DWELLING ON IT! By allowing your mind to “dwell” on the thoughts of ungodliness you are allowing a strong hold. Simply recognize what is happening and right then ask God to take it away. Do not wait until later, pray right then and tell God you do not want to dwell upon these things. God is faithful to help you overcome these attacks on your mind!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
What are you eating?
1 Corinthians 8:13 "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." - KJV
Paul here is giving the example of Romans 14. In Romans 14 Paul is giving the principal of not causing our brother to stumble and in 1 Corinthians 8 is the example. There were some in the church at Corinth who could eat the meat offered to idols and it did not bother their conscience. Others though could not eat the meat offered to idols because it bothered their conscience and there was turmoil in the church. This happens in the church today also. There are many people who do not see some things as wrong while others do. Paul brought it to this point: If it offends your brother do not do it. May I use this example? When my wife goes shopping for a new dress and takes me along with her there are plenty of dresses that I think that she looks nice in. Some of them are “Okay” but in the movements of everyday life the dress may reveal more than is appropriate. I as the husband do not want another man lusting after my wife. Yes she looks nice to me but am I going to allow my flesh to cause my brothers in Christ to lust? The litmus test for us, as to whether or not she buys the dress is when she asks me this question: “Can your brothers in Christ see me in this and not lust?” That question is the deciding factor of whether or not she gets the outfit. I have used this illustration to bring about this point: What are some things you allow in your life that are “Okay” but in the everyday affairs of this life it causes your brother in Christ to sin?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
What are you thinking on?
QUIT COMPLAINING
Numbers 11:1 “And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” - KJV
How it grieved the LORD to hear the complaints of the Israelites. It caused His chastening hand to swing leaving many dead. This seems like a very harsh punishment for complaining, but really it was rebellion against God and His plan for their lives. A Christian can find true joy when they can learn to rest in the fact that circumstances, outside of their control, are handled directly by God. He does not make mistakes and knows exactly how He wants you to handle each event. He wants us to trust Him and then use your event in life to bring Him honor and glory! This in turn will cause others, going through the same or similar events, to understand how to deal with them. In essence, God has trusted us with these trials. God help me and others not to complain, but sing praises to the LORD! Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Trials of Faith Creates Patience
James 1:3 “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” – KJV
In this verse we can see that the more God tests our faith, the more patience we have. So the next time that God sends a trial your way remember this verse and also James 1:2 which says,
James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” – KJV
Next time a trial comes, remember, God is testing your faith to strengthen your patience.
Written By: James
From: Wisconsin, USA
317 Survived
Acts 5:41 “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” - KJV
Only 317 survived what was noted as the Navy’s worst tragedy at sea. On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was hit by two enemy torpedoes causing her to sink in about twelve minutes. The ship had close to 1200 seamen on board. Some were killed instantly while over 800 went into the oil slicked ocean for five days before being rescued. For some reason the Navy did not allow this ship, which just delivered the Atomic Bombs, which would end the WWII, to Tinian, to be escorted. They did not warn the captain that just four days earlier a ship was sunk by enemy torpedoes on the same path the Indy was about to take. It was a time of war and it was a war ship that was obeying orders; the captain and the crew knew that at any time they could suffer an attack.
While serving in the LORD’s Army we too will suffer attacks that seem like they could have been prevented. Job was minding his own business, serving God, praying for his children, and providing for his family. All of a sudden, from out of nowhere, the enemy attacks began. Job1:1 “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” It was not the battle that made Job famous, but his reaction to it. It has been said the life consists of 10% of incidents in your life and 90% of how you respond to them.
Thought: What a privilege it is to go through trials so we can let the glorious light of Christ shine!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Shouting in the Trials
Job 1:22 “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." - KJV
Job had just lost all of his children and all of his possessions. The first thing that you find him doing is fallind down and worshipping the Lord! we all have trails and troubles but our problems are not bigger than our God! God is able to see us through it all. Go ahead and shout it is okay!
Written By: Pastor Eaton
From: Kentucky
Hard Paths
There are going to be some places that we must walk that will be had to go through. This verse should comfort us and give us much needed hope! There will be had roads to walk, but He walks it with us. As long as Jesus is around, there is peace, joy, and His amazing grace to get us through every trail, tribulation, and trouble. You are not walking alone today!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
I`m going through
Isaiah 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." - KJV
Written By: Missionary W. Terrell
The Truth
JUST GET IT GONE!
Joshua 17:12 “Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.” – KJV
Here is a classic example of when we get comfortable seeing sin on a daily basis. The command from God to the tribes of Israel was to utterly drive out all the inhabitant's of the land. Which is a picture and typology of sin. But as we seen in verse 13, Israel did not CHOOSE to do this command of God.
We as Christians are to utterly drive out sin and sinfulness from our life styles. When we do not we suffer greatly with our relationship and power of effectiveness with God. Just like Israel found out, it always comes back time and time again and causes problems over and over again.
Sometimes are truly weak and cannot drive out sin and sinfulness in our lives because we are young naive Christians. But when we grow strong in the Lord, sometimes we have looked at sin and sinfulness so long we began to say that it is not all that bad. We then accept sin and just live with it. Why settle for less when we can have the best? Just get sin and sinfulness utterly gone with help from God, and life is good!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Colossians 2:21 “Touch not; taste not; handle not;” - KJV
The other night I discovered that I am allergic to shaving cream, (apparently, among many other household items) when I was the target of a prank. Anyway, people who are allergic to certain things tend to refrain from using them, because they know what kind of reaction they will have to it. Well, Christians are allergic to sin. According to the World Book Dictionary, allergies refer to “unusual sensitiveness to certain substances”, and Christians should be sensitive to sin. When people play with sin, there are consequences! Maybe not now, or in the near future, but at some point the consequences will come! Therefore, watch out and stay away from sin (physical and mental); you are allergic!
Written By: Alyssa (Age: 16)
From: Tennessee, USA
IF IT WAS WRONG IT IS STILL WRONG!
1 Corinthians 10:8 “Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.” - KJV
This is a New Testament verse dealing with a age old temptation. Here the Apostle Paul is teaching the Church at Corinth that fornication is wrong for their day as it was in the Old Testament days. God hated it in the Old Testament, God hated it in Paul’s time, and God still hates it today because God does not change!
Remember, God is holy and God does not change his mind on sin! Here we are again in modern times and fornication is running rampant again. Think upon this thought; it was modern times in the Old Testament when they were killed. And it was modern times when Paul was used of God to warn the church of coming judgment over this sin in 1 Corinthians 10:8! Don’t be deceived, just because “everyone else is doing it does not make it right!”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Who Are You Following?
Mark 1:17-18 "And Jesus said unto them, come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him." - KJV
John 21: 1-6 "After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Peter went back to doing what he used to be. No doubt he knew how to fish and where to fish but they didn't catch anything until Jesus showed up. As a saved child of God don't get caught up following a man make sure Jesus is leading you! Who Are You Following? Nobody wants to get skunked when they go fishing.
Have A Great DAY!
Written By: Corey Quesinberry
From:North Carolina
“I SERVE THE LION TAMER, NOT THE LION”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – KJV
The Devil does not like Christians, especially those who live for God. As a roaring lion, he will get in our faces and do his best to intimidate us out of living for God. I don’t know about you, but having a lion constantly roar in my face would be scary. That might just intimidate me out of serving God, if I forget that I serve the lion tamer, not the lion.
Yes, the Devil, as a roaring lion, will always be in your face trying to intimidate you, but the Lord will always be right there, as well. He holds the lion’s leash. The Devil can only do as much as the Lord lets him. He is the lion tamer, the one who holds “the Devil’s leash.”
So, today, don’t focus on the lion’s tonsils, focus on the lion tamer. Don’t let the Devil intimidate you today; remember that you serve the Lord and that He is holding the Devil’s leash. It makes you feel relieved, does it not?
Have you ever heard anyone say that “the Devil is like a roaring lion with no teeth”? He can’t hurt you! He can only intimidate you with his toothless roar! A toothless lion who wears a leash held by the lion tamer… not so scary anymore.
So, stay sober and vigilant, Guys, but don’t be scared. God holds the Devil’s leash.
God Will Get You Through
Isaiah 9: 5 “For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood: but shall be with a burning and fuel of fire” – KJV
This verse has taught me so much in the last year. When I first started reading Isaiah I thought it was so boring, but then I realized this verse could help me through some tough situations.
To me this verse means that because you are going through a battle you will have confused noise. There is no doubt about that. You may even have blood and tears on your garments. But you need to have a burning fire for God and not let something or someone take that fire away from you. You need to keep the fire going even through the confusing battle. That is where your faith will get stronger.
I promise that if you just stay with God through that battle you will be that much stronger in the next one.
Written By: Megan
From: Tennessee, USA
WORK TILL JESUS COMES!
1Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – KJV
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – KJV
As we live in this world, the rewards for our work may include a paycheck, or appreciation from those we work for, or the satisfaction of a job well done. None of these are guaranteed, but the Bible promises that God will not only notice the work we do for Him, but that He will reward us for it through all eternity. Never fear, God may not always pay on Fridays, but his pay is always right on time, and His benefits are out of this world!
Written By: Dr. L. Barclay
How is your Vision?
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2.Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – KJV
What affects our vision of something or someone? Distance, objects and amount of light. This passage of scripture tells us as Christians that we have a race (the Christian life) to run and that we are to do it, with our focus on, looking to Jesus Christ our Saviour. But sometimes our vision gets distorted or interfered with. Take “distance” for example. How close are you to God in your relationship with Him right now? Dr. Clarence Sexton says “You can be as close to God as you want to be”. James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.” Are you striving to know Him and be close to Him? He wants you to be.
Now let’s think about “objects“. Sometimes people or things can get in the way of our view of the Saviour. Boyfriends, girlfriends, friends, and even family can be an object that the devil uses to get us out of the race for Christ.
And finally there is “light“. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” The word of God is most essential in the life of believers. God has something to say to us every day; are you listening? To run effectively you will need instruction. God gives instruction through His Word.
Written By: Bro. T. Chapman
NOTHING BETTER THAN GOD!
The righteousness we should follow is ultimately being hungry for God. When we are saved we will trust in His righteousness and mercy. We cannot be saved by our works. The fruit of that trust in a Holy God is “life” eternal. What a promise to have everlasting life. John 3:16 states “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.” This life is also a life of “righteousness”, which is right living. In other words, we do not want to live like the world, listening to the world’s music, or watching the world’s television programs. We should live holy for He is Holy. The last benefit or blessing of being a follower of righteousness and mercy is “honor.” Our desire should not be to be praised and lifted up by man, but if we live a life following after righteousness and mercy, then God will honor us. Live for Jesus and I promise you can’t go wrong. I have never seen a person go crazy by reading the Bible too much. I have never heard of anyone getting a complex because of going to church. I promise you can’t go wrong living for Jesus.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT EVER GOD WANTS!
Proverbs 26:1-2 “As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2 ¶ As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” - KJV
Just as sure as we are alive the LORD has told us that we must submit to Him or expect chastisement. Sometimes this truth is hard to swallow, but He is a righteous God that has given His life’s blood for our redemption; He can expect or demand anything He wants!
We were in a church recently that took the LORD’s Supper. I was reminded of this truth again for Christian’s when we read I Corinthians 11:28-32 “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” What a wonderful time of the year to examine your walk with the LORD and prepare to make any necessary change that would keep the chastening Hand of the LORD from afflicting you.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
It Is In Mine Heart
2 Chronicles 29:7 “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD GOD of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.” – KJV
Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings that Israel ever had. He led the country to seek God and as a result a great revival came to all Israel. However, before Hezekiah could lead the country to the religious reformation, he himself had to overcome a great obstacle. His parents were very wicked. They wanted nothing to do with God. His father was wicked king Ahaz. God writes in II Chronicles 28:1 that Ahaz “did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord” and again in verse 25 of the same chapter God writes that Ahaz “provoked to anger the Lord God.”
Hezekiah grew up in a bad home. Hezekiah did not really know much about the God of Israel that brought them out of Egypt and gave them “The Promise Land”. He had only heard stories of the past from days gone by. Hezekiah had seen his parents worshiping other gods. He had seen the ungodly parties and the immodest dress that the country was making as a standard. He was listening to the ungodly music and saw the lack of compassion for the fellow man. He saw all the self-centered attitudes and the lust for material gain. But Hezekiah knew in his heart that there had to be more to life than what he had grown up to know.
Hezekiah purposed in his heart to do right. He knew there had to be more in life than just partying and self-centered gain. He started to seek the old paths of his forefathers and started to seek God. In the first year of his reign and in the very first month of his reign as king, he went to the house of God and started repairing and cleaning out “the filthiness” from the past government. In our text verse above we see the reason why. Hezekiah had sought God and God did something for Hezekiah; He gave him a new heart, new desires, a new purpose, and a desire to do right. All Hezekiah did was start examining his life and know that there had to be more. He then started to seek God.
Hezekiah had to overcome a worldly lifestyle from the home life he grew up in. He did not stop loving his parents; he just started loving God more and the things of God more than his lifestyle.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
The Life a Christian Should Live
Titus 2:11-12 ” For the grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” - KJV
To me this verse says how each and every one of us should live. The children of God (the saved ones) should live soberly, righteously, and godly, according to the Bible (which is never wrong). You know today there are some of these people that are called Sunday and Wednesday Christians, they only act like a Christian on the days that they go to church, and all of the other days of the week they live like the world, but if you are truly saved you wouldn’t want to live like that, and if you did you would feel so guilty and miserable. Unlike the so-so Christians the true Christians (the ones who are right with God) are the happiest people, because they have a close relationship with the one and only creator (GOD). So if you are away from God or you are just not saved ………please……please……….please get saved or right with God , because you are missing out on all of his great blessings and the happiness that comes with it. Getting saved is so simple and free to anyone that will accept it.
Written By: Shayna
From: Tennessee, USA
Your Bucket List
2Timothy 4:6 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." - KJV
Each one of us has a time of departure from this life and this world that we live on. We have an appointed time when we must step out of the temporary and into eternity. When our appointed time comes there is not a doctor alive, a procedure available, or a pill produced that will keep us here it will just be our time to go. And because none of us knows when that day will come we need to make preparations to be ready. Even this world as wicked as it is agrees with the fact that no one lives forever. However instead of telling people to prepare to meet God they have what they refer to as a “bucket list”. A bucket list is a list of things you must do or places you must go to before you die or “kick the bucket”. One popular country music song writer says to “go sky diving, go rocky mountain climbing or ride for 8 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu”. That’s the world’s philosophy of how to prepare for eternity, but it is not God’s. That’s another reason that Christian’s do not need to listen to the world’s music whether it be country, rock, pop or whatever. You better be prepared to meet God.
So do you have a bucket list? I don’t really have one but if I did here is what I would put on mine.
1. Be saved. I’m glad that I took care of that one a long time ago.
2. Serve God. That is one that will never be completed until our time comes but I am trying to do this each day.
3. Lead someone to Jesus. This is something each Christian needs to do and I would love to do this each day until I do die. How about you are you saved?
4. Make sure my family is ready. This is one that I am still working on, but oh how I wished I knew that they all were. (If you are ready and you read this please let me know.)
5. Make sure my wife and my family knows that I love them. I think and hope that they do.
6. Start something for God or stir someone up for God that will continue long after I’m gone. This is another one I am working on each day.
These are some of the things that would be on my list. So what do you have on your list? Are you prepared to meet God? Life is short, you had better be prepared!
Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed UN men once to die, but after this the judgment:" - KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Carnally Minded
Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." - KJV
There is a constant conflict going on between the flesh and the spiritual man. The flesh wants us to think like the flesh and to act like it. The flesh compels us to be worldy, to talk, act, react, and dress just like the world does. All of this brings death. Thank God, when we are led by the Spirit we become the instruments of God's righteousness, fit for His service. Then we are able to experience the abundant life in Christ and to have true peace in our lives!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Owning or Possessing?
There is a great difference between "Owning something" or "Possessing something." Here in our text God had already given the land to the children of Israel by His promise to Abraham and then through Moses. The generation with Moses came right to the edge of the promised land and said in their heart that God could not deliver His promise. God did not let that generation enter into the land of promise. Forty years later when that generation had died out and their children and grandchildren were the only ones remaining, God once again brought them to the very edge of the promised land. They had a choice; trust and believe God, or not. You must understand the difference in owning or possessing. They already owned the land but it was not theirs until they acted by faith in God and took possession of the promised land. Yes, there were giants in the land. There were tough days ahead, but God fought for them and they just trusted God and took possession of his promised land. They were then a happy people.
Salvation is a good example of this Bible truth. The Word of God says, "For whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13 There are a lot of people who know about Jesus dying on the cross to pay for our sin debt that we owed God. There are people who know and can quote you all the salvation verses in the Bible like this one. But there is a great difference in knowing salvation is promised and actually possessing the salvation that only comes through the finished work of salvation of Jesus Christ. Question: Have you asked God to save your soul? Have you called upon the Lord to forgive your sin of unbelief that He is able to save your soul from a devils hell of torment? Or are you doubting Him and His Word? Do you only have the promise and not possession? These verses will help: Ephesians 2: 8,9; Romans 10: 9, 10, and 13; John 3:16; John1:12
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Walking in Truth
3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." - KJV
I have two children they are seven and ten years old. The are just like you, they fight, argue, wrestle, and get disciplined. As their dad and mom we try to do what is best in raising our children. One of the greatest things as parents is to hear other people tell us how well behaved our children are and how much they like having them around. Our children are not perfect I have told you that but they know how to walk in truth. They know how to obey the teachings that their mom and dad have taught them from the Word of God. Just like the Apostle John was writing about his children in the faith I too "have no great joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Would someone come to your mom and dad and say how well behaved you are? I heard the story tonight of a mother who called her son just to tell him she was proud of him. Why? Because he was walking in truth. Would you like to receive a phone call like that? You can if you are walking in truth.
Have a Truth Filled day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Don’t Take the Crooked Way
Psalm 125:5 "As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel." -KJV
In everything that we do there are always two ways that we can do them: the right way and the wrong way. That is either God’s way or the devil’s way. This even applies to our everyday tasks such as our school work, our jobs and even our relationships.
In your school work you can do it God’s way by studying, doing your own homework and fully applying yourself or you can take the crooked way by cheating, copying, and just barely doing enough to get by. Always remember that the crooked way is not God’s way and if you choose it you will not have God’s blessing upon it.
Some may say what does it matter if I take the crooked way on my schoolwork? When you learn to handle the difficult tasks at school by taking the crooked ways then that is how your work life will become too. That is why so many on the job force work harder trying to avoid work than if they just done their jobs. They learned to take the crooked way.
This principle also applies to relationships. If you will lie to your friends or parents and sneak around doing things behind their backs that you know you are not supposed to do then that may be the way you will do your spouse. I have heard it said and believe it’s true that how a boy will treat his mother is how he will treat his wife.
This path that you are choosing, crooked or straight ultimately comes down to your relationship with Christ. Are you on the right path with God? If you are then don’t take the devils detours around doing things the right way. Take the straight and narrow way and let God be your guide in everything that you do. When you reach your destination you’ll be glad that you did. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." - KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
1 Thessalonians 3:8 "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."
How many people will you kill by not standing fast in the Lord? Paul said "For we now live..." You might say no one will die by my backsliding. Are you sure about that? True your parents, pastor, or youth pastor may not physically die because you refuse to stay in the old paths that you were brought up in but a part of them did die. Maybe your parents did not care about your spiritual well being but you found your way onto a church bus and a pastor or youth pastor invested his life into you and you turn your back on God. You will kill him! He lost a piece of himself. Have you ever lost a dog or cat that you had raised from a pup or kitten how did you feel when it died? Are you not more valuable than an animal? YES! Just like you invested in that pup or kitten someone invested a great deal into you and when you go the down the wrong path it hurts them. "Stand fast in the Lord." Not just as a teenager but as an adult. That way older people can live knowing there is someone coming after them who will take their place. They live if you stand fast.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Living the Lord’s Way
To long for means to be desirous of or to have a strong affection for. What do you long for? Do you long for the things of this world or the things of God? Many people long after the things of this world and spend their whole lives empty and incomplete. They feel as if they had just one more thing, one more dollar, a better car, a bigger house, a better job, just one more thing and they would be complete but they are never able to acquire it or buy it. They chase after it like a dog chasing its tail and never find peace. That is because the “thing” that gives us life (“quicken” means to make alive) cannot be bought or acquired through the things of this world. The Psalmist here gives us the recipe for having life in verses 33 – 39 but we must be willing to put in the ingredients. When you live your life the Lord’s way He will turn your reproach (shame) into a testimony of His goodness and glory.
These are the steps of living the Lord’s way. You have your choice and it’s yours to make, but I have been on both sides of the fence and my mind is made up. Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
What is Keeping You from Moving Forward?
Moses and the children of Israel were in a seemingly impossible situation but God had already told his man Moses (V.4) that they were going to win this battle. The enemy was pursuing them from behind, there was a sea in front of them, and it seemed that their past was about to catch up with them. Like usual the people started panicking and complaining and Moses had to tell them to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (V.13). Notice that this was Moses and not God that told them to stand still. God’s plan was for them to move forward into the land that He had promised them. However because of their actions, Moses, the Man of God, had to tell them to stand still because they were about to do the wrong thing and give up or turn back to Egypt and be defeated. So what caused them to keep from moving forward as God had planned for them?
First of all (V.10) their eyes were upon the Egyptians (their problems and their past) instead of being upon the LORD (V.14). What you have your eyes upon will affect your heart (Lam. 3:51).
Secondly their hearts were on dying and defeat (V.11). They were already picking out their graves. They were still free but had allowed their hearts to be captured. Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…" - KJV
Thirdly, their tongues were against the Man of God, Moses (V.12). They blamed him and complained instead of following him or waiting to hear what he had heard from God about their situation. What they should have used for prayer or praise was used as a tool of the enemy against themselves.
All these things hindered them here at the red sea. Although this battle would be won and they would all make it over the sea most of them never entered into the Promised Land because they allowed these type things to dictate their entire lives and walk.
So how is your walk with Christ? The Promised Land for us is to be in the center of God’s will for our lives so that He can both use and bless us. What do you have you eyes upon? Where is your heart at? What are you using your tongue for? Keep moving forward in your walk with and for Christ.
Have a great (moving forward) day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
What house are you building in your life?
Zechariah 5:11 "And he said unto me, to build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base." - KJV
Zechariah is seeing a vision that the Lord is giving him. In this vision he sees a scroll that is 20 cubits (30ft) by 10 cubits (15ft) that is flying over the whole earth. This scroll symbolizes the judgment that is coming. In the next part of the vision he sees and ephah (basket). This ephah symbolizes the sum of the sin that is in the nation of Israel. This ephah was large enough for everyone to see. The angle shows him a talent of led that was placed on the top of the ephah to hold in the sin while it is carried out of the land of Israel and into the land of Shinar. This vison was given to Zachariah to show the impending judgment for sin and that sin needed to be removed out of the lives of the Israelites.
Now what about you today. Is there sin in your life that if the Lord returns or you where to die you would be judged for? If you notice in our text verse that a house was going to be built in the land of Shinar for the sin that was being carried away. Are you building that house for sin in your life? Are you trying to get the sin out of your life so that you can better serve God? I am not talking about being perfect. I am talking about being right with God and growing and maturing in HIM. So are you cleaning out your temple? Or are you starting a building project for sin?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Which Mind Do You Have?
James 1:8 "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." - KJV
The Bible declares that we as God's people are to have the "Mind of Christ." To be double minded is to refrain from the godly and to turn to the carnal. Our thoughts, lifestyle, and attitudes should reflect what the word of God commands, not the dictations of society or Hollywood! If the way you live is a pattern of how the world lives, you are double minded. Let us get our minds back on Christ!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Decisions Decisions
Exodus 1:6 “And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.” - KJV
Here we find an interesting passage. The children of Israel had moved to Egypt (the world) because of the famine in the land. This verse of scripture says that Joseph and all the generation that new how good the land of Canaan was died. There came a time in the lives of the children of Israel when they choose to stay in Egypt (the world). They thought they had it good and they did. The thing that they failed to realize was, it was not going to be good for their children and grandchildren. We notice in the next several verses that Pharaoh starts killing the baby boys and forcing Israel into slave labor. Now for those adults who thought Egypt (the world) offered them everything, Egypt began taking everything away from their children and grandchildren. Do you think that Joseph's generation thought their grandchildren would be murdered or forced into slave labor because they chose to stay in the world and not return to the promised land. I do not believe so, I believe they thought everything would be okay but it was not. My friends you may think the world will sustain you and take care of you, it will for a season. There is going to come a day when it wants a return on its investment. Will the return it wants be our children and grandchildren. How many times have you seen a parent weep over their child that went astray and you knew it was because of poor decisions earlier in life. So PLEASE Remember as we go into a new year 1. You reap what you sow. 2. There is always a payday. So I beg of you to make a decision today that you will make good decisions this next year.
Have a Great Day and a Happy New Year
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Your Best or Your Worst
Did you ever play sports in school? If you ever played baseball, or softball I feel sure if given the choice you had always rather hit a home run than to bunt. In football I was never allowed to carry the ball but I did get to hit the quarterback. I did not always get too and I was far from a star. But I promise you I never did try to tickle him it was always a tackle. I wanted him to remember me for a long time if you know what I mean. Why is it that in times like these we tried to give it all we had then when it comes to the things of God we hold back? Why don’t we try to hit a home run for Jesus? That was the problem in this scripture; they were not giving God their best, or putting Him first. They were giving Him the things that were useless to them instead of what they knew they were supposed to do. They were presenting their offerings and sacrifices like people do at a bad yard sale. They take the worn, broken and of no value to them items and try to pass them off as valuables and treasures.
In verse 14 God told them “But cursed be the deceiver”. So what are you giving God? Are you giving Him your best or are you trying to pass you scraps off to Him? Why don’t you save you scraps for the dogs and give God your best?
Give Him the best times of the day. Don’t wait until you’re too tired to pray and study. Give Him the best years of your life. Don’t wait until you hindered by the side effects of age to serve God. Don’t wait until you get to heaven to give Him the praise and glory. Stand tall, square up your shoulders and knock a home run for Jesus. Give Him your best, He gave His for you!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WE STINK!
In this passage we find Moses I the process of freeing Israel out of the bondage of the Egyptians. He has confronted Pharaoh and asked to go 3 day’s journey into the wilderness to worship God. Pharaoh looks at the situation and basically says if you have time to go worship you are just sitting around doing nothing, that means you can do more work so get to it. He tells his men right there not to give anymore straw to the Israelites. When the Israelites get the news that they have to produce the same amount of bricks but they have to get their own straw they take their case to Pharaoh. He tells them if you have time to worship your God for 3 days you have time to work. This brings me to my point. Many times companies want their employees to work on Sunday. They have the same outlook as Pharaoh If you have time to worship you have time to work. The problem is from the beginning of creation God has wanted us to take a day off. He did not institute it as a worship day until Exodus 20. My friends I have taken a stand at every job that I had that the job would not keep me out of church. That made me and some of my friends unpopular because we refused to work on Sunday so that we could go to church. We stunk in the eyes of our employers and some of our fellows employees. My friends you have to understand we are not of this world so why should they understand us? Also why do we care if we stink in their eyes as long as we are honoring God? I am not saying we should be lazy on the job and have a bad testimony. We should have a testimony of being the best employee they have and when they ask us to do something against God we should say like the apostle Peter said “We ought to obey God rather than man.” Have a great day!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Stronger than I
Here David is calling out to God for deliverance from his persecutors. We all have them and they are many. The main persecutor that a Child of God has is the devil, but he manifests himself in many ways. Sometimes he shows up as temptation. Other times he may be frustration, aggravation, or irritation. However he may reveal his ugly head we are no match for him (stronger than I). He may be stronger than I as the Psalmist said, but he is not stronger than God. God is our answer; He is our Deliverer in these times. Satan does have some power and in our flesh alone we cannot defeat him. The good news is “we” don’t have to. With God’s help and strength we can overcome temptation, frustration, aggravation or whatever else he appears as.
There is a danger in so called self- reformation. That is you in your flesh trying to clean yourself up. Our flesh is weak, and our flesh is wicked and can be vulnerable to the deceptiveness of the devil. Our God is strong, and mighty and able to deliver. Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Don’t try to fight these persecutors by yourself, for they are stronger than you. Luke 11:21 "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But God is stronger than him." Luke 11:22 "But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."
The only way to overcome the things of the devil is through God. Let Him be your strength today and forever. He is able!
Written By: Missionary L. Key
Striving
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown;but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25"- KJV
We need to be striving and fighting for God. Sometimes we find ourselves satisfied just sitting in a church pew. Does the devil know you for your service in God's ministry? Why did the devil know Paul? Because Paul strived and fought vigorously for God. When was the last time you prayed vigorously for something? We need to strive vigorously in our prayers. We need to strive according to the Scriptures. Strive lawfully. Our problem is that we say that it's impossible, but with God, all things are possible. If we vigorously strive in prayer; God will reward us, and give us the desires of our heart. Make time for prayer today!
Written By: Leah
From: Virginia
THOU SHALT NOT KILL
Congressional Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Alvin C. York had a real problem when he joined the army. He purposed in his heart to obey God and to obey his government. But “thou shalt not kill” was plainly in the Bible. While in the army, York’s commanding officers, Major Buxton and Captain Danforth, helped York with his dilemma by using the Bible on this subject. They used our text verse of Ezekiel 33:2-6 and Matthew 22:21. Notice that they used one passage from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. York learned “Thou shalt not kill” refers to murder and suicide which is taking life from which God has given. God said that it is not for man to take life away with murder and suicide. God gives life and only God is to decide when to take that life away. In times of war and armed conflict the Bible teaches to protect and defend family and country and obey the laws of the land. With the second verse that his commanding officers used, he learned the Bible also teaches us that we are to pay taxes and obey the laws as civic duty and moral obligations require.
Matthew 22:21 “They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”- KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Have We in America Forborn to Fight
HOW TO BE WISE
Matthew 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,” – KJV
Get the message, be wise and visit Jesus! Wise men of old knew what to do. They invested their lives in the things of God. They saw the star and by faith they planned the trip to the Lord. And by faith they proceeded on the trip to Jesus no matter what opposition they faced along the way.
Most people who have heard about Jesus plan to get saved but many just keep putting this decision off with procrastinations. Notice what the wise men did not do; they did not procrastinate to go to Jesus. Please come to Jesus this Christmas. Remember, without Christ in Christmas you just have a “mess.” The gift of God is salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus to pay for your sin on the cross. Please, just ask God to save your soul! Be wise, come to Jesus!
Hebrews 11:6 “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.”
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHO I KNOW, MY HEAVENLY FATHER
Ephesians 1:21 “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” – KJV
Because I am saved this is referring to my heavenly Father. If you are saved He is yours too. Why should we ever have to worry? While we are in the flesh we will, but we don’t have to. We have access to the Throne room of the Most High, and we reach Him through prayer. I’m glad I know Him, and most of all I’m glad that He knows me. Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair, you can do it all day but it does not get you anywhere. However I know it’s hard to sit in a rocking chair and not rock and it’s hard to live in this world and not worry. But we don’t have to when God is our Father, He is in control. Have you talked to your Heavenly Father today?
Have a great (worry-free) day.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
Psalm 37:30, 31 “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” – KJV
How would you like to put a blind fold over your eyes during the night and run as fast as you can into a forest that you have never seen before? You have to admit that would end up in total disaster. If you did that, it would not be the smartest thing you ever did in your life. However, many people do this type of thing every day with how they live their lives. If for the first time into a wooded forest, would you not need a guide to show you the correct path to take? If in the dark, do you not need a light to illuminate your way? The correct answer to all these questions is obviously, yes! But when we do not ask questions to qualified people we can often be led astray with bad advice.
Have you ever been 100 years old? Have you ever been 90? Have you ever been 80, 70, 60, 50, or even 40 years old? People who are older than us can often be that source of illumination, or guide, on the path of life that we are traveling. They have lived longer and have made their mistakes or have seen others make mistakes. The older people are there to help keep us from disastrous mistakes while traveling on life’s paths. The Bible is the same way. It is the best place for character, morals, and ethics, for everyday life events. We should be reading the Bible through each year for the best directions of life that will never fail us. Our text verse is a beautiful promise from God that we can count on in our lives. Ask yourself a question. How can I have the word of God in my heart? It will only come by reading or listening. Do you know what you talk about most? What ever is in your heart! Do you talk about God’s word?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
A Multitude of Counselors
I thank God for all the wise people of God that He has put in my life over the years. One of the worst things you can get is the "wrong advice!" So many people seek counsel from the wrong sources. Our 1st source should be the BIble. It contains the answer to all of life's problems. After seeking help in the Word, we should follow that up with careful prayer. it never hurts to pray, pray, and then pray some more! Seek counsel from people that have the power of God on their lives. Follow the Bible and you cannot go wrong!
Written By: Pastor Larry Eaton
From: Kentucky
Wise Men Still Seek Him
Matthew 2:1-2 "1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him" - KJV
This phrase is such a cliche`. Many churches put it on their church signs this time of year to remind us about the wise men and their journey to see the Christ. The truth of the matter is though that wise men (and women) still seek Christ. In our every day routines there should be a desire to have Christ in our lives. Their should be a seeking of Him early and through out the day. Yes people are going to say "Wise men still seek Him" and not seek Him. It is not about them it is about us are WE, are YOU seeking Christ in your life today?
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
I Believe God
Proverbs 3:5-7 " Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own: eyes fear the LORD, and depart from evil." - KJV
So many times I try to rationalize events in my life. I try naturally (carnally) to figure out the whys and reasons it is happening. My mind cannot figure it all out. That is why these verses tell us to trust in the Lord. He knows all the whys. He knows my past, what today is going to bring, and He has graciously even walked ahead to mark my path. I must trust Him. I must not lean into my own knowledge and wisdom, for I know not what is best. If we allow God to lead our paths we will not stray. When we choose our own path we set ourselves up for heartache and sorrow. We must not get angry with God for a life path that we choose. He is patiently waiting for us to get back on the path HE has laid for us. I am thankful for God's Word. I am thankful for a forgiving God.
Written By: Amanda
From: Kentucky
Forsaken Counsel
Armed with Wisdom
No Understanding
Dancing with the Devil
THE BIBLE AND SECULAR JOBS (PART 1)
1Timothy 6:1-2 “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.” - KJV
The Bible teaches us that employees are to purposefully perform their jobs at a high level of performance every minute they are on the clock. The employee also needs to remember that even if they are not “on the clock” they are still “on the job” as a Christian. No matter how high a position or how low a ranking the employee is in the chain of command, they still represent Christ and need to have a good testimony. Our life and work habits may be the only Bible the other employees or neighbors ever read.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
THE BIBLE AND SECULAR JOBS (PART2)
Colossians 3:22-4:1 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 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. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” - KJV
As we continue our study of “The Bible and Secular Jobs,” notice in this passage the term “eye service.” Never be the employee who gets busy only when the boss or supervisor walks by or is near. Remember that God gave you the job in the first place. We are to work the job as if we were working directly for God. After all, we really are working a testimony for all to see God in us. The person who only gets busy when the boss walks by is really being deceptive to the point of cheating the employer of doing the task that was assigned to the employee. That person is actually embracing bad habits, bad attitudes, and a decay of self respect by not doing the job well. Remember, if you are a born again Christian, we represent God in all our actions everywhere we go.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
THE BIBLE AND SECULAR JOBS (PART3)
1Peter 2:18-20 “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” - KJV
Notice in this Bible passage that God expects us to be devoted and do the best job we can even for an earthly, unfair, or even a cruel boss. If we are not careful, we will develop a bad attitude when we deal with the bad attitudes of others. The Bible tells us that every boss deserves the same respect and consistent work performance that we would give if we were working directly under the immediate supervision of God Himself. Remember, you may be the only Bible that the ungodly will ever read. Sometimes people may even press you to see if you are different since you are a Christian. If they see you handle things with integrity according to the Word of God, God will then work a testimony through you in many hearts unto His Glory!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
Labouring for a Fool
The world has a saying that he who dies with the most toys wins. That is a foolish statement because when you die it is certain that you will not take one physical thing with you that you have laboured for. As the scripture plainly tells us here when you die someone else will take over all that you have worked for. I do believe that it is scriptural to leave some things for your family when you pass on but it is also scriptural to lay up treasures on the other side. Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: What we leave behind down here are just things, but those we lay up over there are treasures.
We lay up treasures in heaven by helping others. When we point others to saving knowledge of Christ we lay up treasures in heaven. When we give what we do have to help those who do not have we lay up treasures in heaven. When we have completed the job that God has given us to do we lay up treasures in heaven.
So what are you labouring for: things or treasures? Are you labouring for the temporary or the eternal? Are the things you’re labouring for going to be left to rust, be eaten by moths, stolen by a thief, or left to a foolish person, or are they treasures being layed up in heaven? Lay up treasures on the other (eternal) side. When your race is over you’ll be glad you did.
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
PREPARING TO WORSHIP
1Kings 10:5 “And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.” – KJV
The Queen of Sheba had heard so much about God and King Solomon that she had to come and witness this testimony for herself. After experiencing it all for herself she makes a statement in 1Kings 10:7 “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me:” One of the greatest things that she marveled over was the way King Solomon prepared to worship God. In the preceding verses the Bible states that after she had seen “his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was not more spirit in her.” The word “ascent” refers to the amount of sacrifices put before the Lord before worship and to Solomon’s humbleness before God. Never had she seen so much wealth and power with so much humility, determination, and love to just prepare for worship. People notice true love for God, and that makes a testimony beyond compare. How many times do we go to church with unprepared hearts to worship God and expect the preachers to fix what we should have done in preparing to worship? May we be more careful to prepare to worship!
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
COMMITMENT UNTO THE LORD
Psalms 119:33,34 “Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” – KJV
In our day and time we have a lot of deals being made with God to get someone out of trouble or to try and manipulate God to conform to some ones desires. In our text we see that the psalmist humbly asks God to teach him and to give him understanding. But the key to complete this request is what he commits to do. In verse 33 he says “and I shall keep it unto the end.” Then again in verse 34 after the request the psalmist again commits to the Lord with: “and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”
Many times if we are not careful we will become self centered with God and our request in prayer. Many times we expect God to act upon our opinions and desires forgetting that we are talking to the one who created us. Since when does the created dictate what the creator will do? Our commitment to God is to act upon what understanding he has given unto us and to search and keep His Scriptures in our heart, and faithfully do it every day. Commitment scares most people these days, but God is worthy to commit our lives unto! We have a responsibility of commitment unto the Lord our God.
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” – KJV
Written By: Rock of Ages Missionary
“Other lords”
Written By: Missionary L. Key