(Matthew 6:22; Proverbs 15:30) Many years in the past, my grandfather told me that the eyes were the window of the soul. When I asked him to explain, he said, “If you cannot look a man in the eyes when you tell him something, then maybe there is something in your heart and soul you don’t want him to know about you. The same is true if he won’t look you in the eye either.” Years later, there was a teenage boy in our youth group at church who was letting his hair grow so long one could barely see his eyes. One Sunday, I was speaking with him and I said, “With your hair so long, people cannot see the joy of Christ that I know is in your soul.” He just dropped his head a bit. I hugged him and said, “Just think about it.” The next week, he had cut his hair short. He stood before me and said, “I understand.” He is a grown man now, and I get to see him when he comes back home for a visit, and though we never talk about the original encounter, I do see the light of Christ in that young man’s soul, and I trust that he sees my love for him as a brother in Christ. We can read about an awesome eye to eye encounter in God’s Word. Jesus told Peter that he would deny knowing Him three times. While Peter firmly claimed that it

Let’s be logical in our thinking. God appointed Moses to be a lawgiver, and with the laws God gave a punishment for violation of His laws. We are also taught that those who are appointed to rule over us are appointed or ordained by God to execute judgment regarding our violation of those laws. A government is not a terror to those who obey the law, but the violators of those laws are subject to punishment for their violation of the laws. We have laws that state we are not to exceed speed limits when operating our cars. If we violate those laws, we can be brought to judgement and be fined for our violations. These laws are not only for your own good but for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in your path. We may not like the speed limit laws, but they must be obeyed or we suffer consequences, which could be injury or death for ourselves or others. Seatbelt laws require that all persons in a vehicle be belted in. A violation of this law can also lead to a citation and fine. Seatbelts are to keep you from being ejected and possibly killed in the event you are struck by another driver. These laws are not just a way of controlling you. If, however, you are stubborn and willfully disobey these laws, then you or your family or perhaps an innocent bystander may pay for your disobedience with his life. People today want to

My ship sails over life’s darkening mainTraversing lightning, thunder, and rain. Through threatening waves goes the strong prowAs in deep prayer on bended knee I do bow. My Bible, the rudder, a strong mighty forceGuiding, correcting and righting my course. With daily devotion from God’s Holy WordUrging me onward to serve my Dear Lord. Christ at the helm of the ship strong and trueHe’s the shipmaster, He captains the crew.

I have observed over many years that the true action of discipleship has been waning among true Christian believers. We have forgotten how or have been just too busy to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) in our neighborhoods, workplaces or everyday everywhere. The Lord Jesus came to earth to save all who would hear, believe, repent, confess His name and be baptized. When He went back to the Father, He left His disciples with the responsibility to “Go… make disciples.” He trusted them to do that. He left no Plan B. If His disciples had not carried out His command, you and I would not know the Lord Jesus as we do, and salvation would elude us. A great work of making disciples has been done in the intervening years between the departure of our Lord and now. However, with a world population growing as it is, we need to be aware of the following. I am not some fanatic saying that we need to forsake all and go into some foreign land as missionaries. Rather, we need to lift our eyes and see the “fields… already white for harvest” (John 4:35). We need to see the fields around us and to swing the harvesting sickle while we still have the breath of life.

Read Acts 17:24-31. Paul characterized God in various ways, each to widen the message about God! Let us all see every one of the attributes of God and praise Him from Whom all blessings flow!

Dear Lord, we want to thank youFor helping us through this year,Guiding us through the many trials,The struggles, and the fear. Thank you for your blessingsFor our families and every friendJust one more short messageTo you we want to send. You have blessed each one of usAs each day slipped slowly by,Giving us times of laughter, andBeing with us when we cry. Thank you Heavenly fatherFor your love and tender careMay the New Year bring blessingsThat everyone of us can share. Happy New Year to all!Wishing you and your loved onespeace, good health, happiness andprosperity in the coming New Year!

I awoke this morning with my usual aches and pains,but I was thankful that today there is no rain. I smiled and said, “Good morning, Lord;I’ll be looking to you for a good word. You know Lord that life isn’t always fair,but the joy I find in You there is none to compare. So, dear God, Let me live a life tried and true,totally and completely devoted to you. Yes, life is not always easy and often seems unfair,but I will live this day rejoicing, held in Your tender care.”

Jesus taught a short lesson on prayer in Matthew 7:7-11. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (NKJV) Not a day goes by without the need for help from our Heavenly Father. We struggle with difficulties everywhere we turn as we live in this world. We have health problems, money troubles, family difficulties, spiritual challenges, security issues, etc. We often do all we can do and see no way to resolve the problems. Jesus taught us that God will help His children. We can ask, seek and knock, and God will answer our requests. God will provide what is best for us every time. He knows what we need better than we ourselves know. What a blessing to know that we need only to ask to receive the impossible, to seek and find the unfindable or knock and the door of relief, rescue and safety opens. We cannot visualize the solution in any

Life is but a stopping place. It might be called a resting place as we are traveling from here to sweet eternity. We all have a destination for our journey, but different paths along the way. We’re all meant to learn some things, but we were never meant to remain here. Our destination is far greater than we could ever know. For some, the journey is short, while for others, the journey is long and slow. When the journey ends, perhaps we will claim a great reward. We may find an everlasting peace together with the Lord Jesus and God the Father [and God the Holy Spirit]. When we go home for the holidays, to a commencement ceremony, a wedding celebration or perhaps just a vacation, there is a price, a cost, a fare for that journey. It is the same for the journey of life. We research the ins and outs of getting to our anticipated destination. Our Creator gave us a guidebook to insure our safe arrival at the chosen destination. Within that book He placed plans and expectations for us. Our God is the Author of the book, and His son Jesus Christ is our Travel Guide. In order that we may reach that sweet eternity, we must heed every instruction that God gave us. We must go where He says go and avoid all from which He asks us to refrain. When Jesus instructed us to put ourselves in a position of second place importance, He

During this terrible pandemic, many are weeping in lament for the loss of friends, family, neighbors, fellow Christians or folks we don’t even know. I know it is a heart-wrenching situation, but we do not weep alone in our sorrow. Jesus hears every sigh and every moan of sorrow, and He sees every tear we shed for ourselves or for others. John 11:35 records, “Jesus wept” (NKJV). If we read the entire account of Jesus about to restore Lazarus to life, we will notice the following. Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha were friends and followers of Christ. They sent for their friend Jesus to come to their brother in his hour of death. They believed that Jesus could have saved their brother from death. Jesus, knowing that a mighty work was to be done in order that men could see the power of God, delayed His coming until Lazarus was certainly dead. On arrival, and learning that Lazarus was already entombed, He wept and commanded the tomb be opened. The rest is history. On another occasion, recorded in Luke 19:41-44, we read: Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level

Many years ago, I read this post on Facebook. “When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. One of two things will happen. Either He’ll catch you when you fall, or He’ll teach you how to fly!” At first it seemed quite good, but after a moment of consideration, I thought better. I told myself that something was not quite right about this. Then, I read Matthew 4:5-7. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” (NKJV). Would God actually lead us to the edge of a cliff? Would He really tempt us to throw ourselves over? The answer is a resounding, “No!” Only Satan would tempt us as he tempted our Lord Jesus. The voice of Jesus tells us “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7 ESV).

An Open Letter from a Father toHis Children and Grandchildren “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them…” (Psalm 127:3-5 NKJV). We are heirs of the Lord, and children are our heritage. They are a gift we are given because we are so fortunate to belong to the Lord, not because we have done any hard work to acquire them. One of the ways God can bless us is by giving us children. It matters not how the children come to us, by birth or by adoption; each child is a gift. Whether by adoption or by the melding of a blended family, they are truly family and as such a part of our heritage. My entire family is my heritage from the Lord. I am a man so blessed and so happy that my family is full of sons, daughters, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law. A family of children, grandchildren who are a conglomerate of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. I am so thankful for my wonderful family who are truly, as the Psalmist said, a heritage from the lord. Through the years it has been my prayer that I have given you words of wisdom, enlightenment and encouragement, and in my own small way, shown you a light on the path of life that leads

A penny for every time I said, “I can’t”A nickel for each time I said, “It won’t work”A dime for all the times I said, “It can’t be done”A quarter for each time I said, “That’s impossible”Over the 80+ years of my life, I would have amassed a fortune. However, since no one is going to make me rich that way,I would be miserable, penniless and frustrated because… “It won’t work” begs the question, “Did you try?”“It can’t be done” says, “How do you know?”“Impossible” says, “Is it?”Then, there is, “I can’t,”But of course, “I can’t” never did do anything anyway!

Someone needs to know about Jesus, someone so lost in sin,To experience the joy of salvation and new life in Christ to begin. Will you tell the story of Jesus? Will you spread the most wonderful Word?For many are groping in darkness, and so many have never heard. Through Him sin’s bonds are broken, and blind eyes are made to see.So let the message be spoken, that sin’s captives are forever free. His light will drive away darkness and turn your dark night to day.He will fill up our hearts with gladness, driving shadows of doubt away. Come to the loving Savior, whom everyone needs to know,Give your heart to the Master, and salvation He will bestow.

We have sung those lines so many times, and yes at times, we may find ourselves lost and wandering aimlessly to find our way through times of toil and trouble. We, though, have lost our way, and we must find our way again. My question is this: “Does God, or His Son Jesus, have to seek us when we are lost?” I guess my point is that God and Christ both know exactly where we are. The omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God made us all and knows all things about us. “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:1-4 NKJV). God has no need to “find” us because He knows who we are and where we are. [In one sense, Jesus Christ did come “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The word “seek” here can include the meaning of desiring, reasoning or requiring; clearly, the Godhead desires those lost in sin to be saved (2 Peter 3:9) and reasons with mankind regarding his salvation (Isaiah 1:18). Subsequently, God requires mankind to obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Hence, lost humanity must “seek” to “find” redemption (Matthew 7:7). “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell

Jesus told us to evangelize the world. Here are four steppingstones from Scripture that can make you a successful evangelist for the Lord Jesus. [Editor’s Note: Belief or faith is more than a mental assent; otherwise, demons would be saved (James 2:19). True biblical faith requires action (James 2:20, 26), for faith without activity – “not by faith only” (James 2:24) – will not save anyone from anything. Regarding salvation, faith must be coupled with repentance (Acts 20:21), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and baptism (Mark 16:16). After conversion, one must be faithful even in the face of death, awaiting the Second Coming (Revelation 2:10). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12 NKJV). While listening to a song, I heard the question asked, “Where’s the light?” The singer then asked, “Could what I just heard be right? I’m the light, I’m the light?” May I suggest to you that the answer is, “Yes.” I am the light; you are the light; we all are the light. If we are truly followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, then, we are the light. Jesus not only said “I am the light,” but He stated that all who would follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. He has given us that light, and we are to go forth lighting this dark world. We must also light the world with our words and deeds. Our deeds speak even louder than our words. If we sit in our easy chair giving only lip service claiming to be a disciple of Jesus, then we have hidden our light under a bushel. It is then of no use to anyone. We must arise, go out and find the lost and the destitute. We must let them know that we bring light and life, as well as help them in whatever way we can. If consolation is needed, let us provide that. If strengthening of faith is the need, we must supply that.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?’” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to

Just for Today decide to be happy today, to live with what you have,your family, your friends, your business, your job, your good fortune.If you can’t have what you like, maybe you can like what you have. Just for today be kind, cheerful, agreeable, responsive,caring and understanding. Be your best, dress your best, talk softly,and look for the bright side of things.Praise people for what they do, and don’t criticize them for what theycannot do. If someone does something stupid, forgive and forget. After all, it’s just for today. When all is said and done,it might just turn out to be a really nice day.This is my wish for you.

Praise Him praise HimPraise Him all peoplePraise Him in the highestHeights to which He brings you.Praise Him even in the depths of despairDepths in which He comforts youPraise Him for the joys He will grant to youPraise Him for the sorrows He guides you throughPraise Him for the beautyThe beauty of His HolinessPraise Him for the gloryThe glory of His majestyPraise Him for the powerThe power of His mighty creationPraise Him for His strengthThe strength which made us His people.Praise Him in your peace, or your anxietyPraise Him with full assurance thatHe is there and He will control all things.

It seems that no matter how good a thing is, there is always someone wanting to mess it up. However, when God created the heavens and the earth for us in which to live, the Bible tells us that God looked at what He had done and pronounced it “good.” In the day that God finished His creation, He looked and said it was “Very Good.” When God acknowledged that among all the creatures there was not a helper for man, He created the woman whom Adam called Eve, for she would be the mother of all living mankind. In telling man to be fruitful, reproduce and fill the earth, God made the first pair agents of a free moral spirit. He gave them the choice of whether to follow His instruction. God told them one little thing they could not do and left them the choice to obey or to disobey. At this point all was still “very good” in the eyes of the Lord God. Satan, however, could not leave well enough alone. He had to stir things up for mankind, leading humans to rebel against what God had said. Ever since that time, there has been someone (every accountable soul at some time, Romans 3:10, 23) among the human race who sought to prove that he knew better than the Creator what was good for man to do. Such schemes have always been a dismal failure. Man was not put on this earth as a sinful being,

Shortly before Jesus left this earth to return to Heaven, He had some final words to give to His disciples. Matthew 28:18-20 is often called the Great Commission passage, and it says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” These instructions are the final marching orders given to the followers of Jesus. While the missionary preachers of the New Testament did “Go” far and wide preaching the message that Christ commanded to be taught, there is a different view to the work of evangelism. The emphasis is not on the “going” but rather on “making disciples.” The emphasis in these verses is the main verb that is translated “make disciples.” That thought in these words is the driving force behind our discipleship and our evangelism. Jesus was telling us also as His followers to go along in life making disciples by baptizing and teaching others to obey. This is what discipleship is all about. Every one of us is to be involved in discipleship if we are followers of Jesus Christ. This is not just for those of who have special abilities for teaching and evangelism. This is for all of

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Genesis 2:7). When God created mankind, male & female, did He show any concern as to what color the dust was? The dust could have been black as coal, tan as desert sand, red as clay, yellow as an Asian desert or white as sand by the seashore. What seemed to be of greater importance to God was that He was making man in His own image. He was more concerned that His creation was to be pure, perfect and sinless. The breath of life that He breathed into man was pure, holy and spotless, and no hue found within the color spectrum can describe the color of the human soul. However, coming from God, it was as He is – pure, clean and without blemish. When Satan came upon the scene, he brought with him temptation. He placed the temptation before the woman (and her husband who was with her), and they both yielded to the temptation. Then, the spotless soul of man was stained with a blackness that he could not wash away no matter how he tried. The hatred and animosity between mankind today is not due to the color of one’s skin. It is because of

One song will spark a moment,One flower can wake a dream.One tree can begin a forest,One bird can herald spring. One smile can bring forth a friendship,One handclasp can lift a soul.One star can guide a ship at sea,One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation,One sunbeam can light a room.One candle can remove the darkness,One laugh will surely conquer gloom. One step is the start of a journey,One word will start an ardent prayer.One hope can lift the sagging spirit,One touch can let another know you care. One voice can speak truth and wisdom,One heart can know what is really true.One life can make the difference,You may be that one, it’s all up to you. Cliff Holmes has served variously over the years as a minister, a deacon and a song leader. He resides in Decatur, Alabama, USA.

How you put the words into my head, I cannot understand.You seem to open up my heart and guide my writing hand.I write of truth and love divine the true and living way.My words are merely mortal, as I think of you each day.Lord, let me never fail with paper and pen to say,Words of truth and beauty, as you lead me day by day.In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

When I enlisted in the military service of the United States of America some 64 years ago, we knew that we would have to stand duty as sentries (i.e., a watchman). We soon learned that there were certain orders – standing orders, as it were. The same orders applied to every sentry on every post to which a man might be assigned. Failure to understand and observe these orders brought sure and strict discipline to that erring watchman. Listed below are the eleven general orders that every sentry had to memorize in proper numerical sequence because he knew he could be called upon to recite them whenever asked simply by the number. A good soldier knew he had better know the number as well as the stated order. Below that list I have suggested a similar list of eleven general orders for watchmen in the service of the army of the Lord. Eleven General Ordersfor a Military Sentry Eleven General Orders for aWatchman in the Army of the Lord In comparison of these two lists, how would we stack up as watchmen for our Lord and our God? [Editor’s Note: Though not a perfect match, the two sets of “Eleven General Orders” above encourage a devotion and a degree of service worthy of every child of God. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

When you can’t find your directionAnd your heart won’t guide you homeLet Go and Let God lead you! When your dreams are broken in the dustAnd you’ve lost the will to trustLet Go and Let God support you! When the fire of faith is dyingAnd there’s no spark to feed the flameLet Go and Let God rekindle you! When your courage fails youAnd the well of hope runs dryLet Go and Let God revive you!

I sit in the early dawn and watch the morning glory vine.I do enjoy just watching every twist and twine.It wraps around the birdbath and the gazing ball of blueAnd wrapping ’round the fence rail each bud comes into view.I watch them slowly open, and right before my eyesThey reveal to me each morning, a colorful surprise.In the cool and dew of morning the blossoms open wideUntil the heat of sunshine makes them shrink and hide,But surely, tomorrow at the dawning,There will be glory in the morning.

I recently read a question in the local newspaper directed to a well-known preacher or evangelist. I am in no way casting stones at those who say they are evangelists, for many are indeed very wise men. As a teacher of God’s Word, I have observed that many preach a lot of truth but not all of it. I have observed through the years that some men preach lessons that bring folks to the verge of true faith, and then they tell them to accept Jesus as Savior, after which, to join the church of their choice. This does not get the job done and leaves men still wandering in search of the one, the true, the holy God. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). He did not say dozens of religions or 5,000 or more denominations from which we can choose. No one can join the church that Jesus built. When one completely yields to Christ and becomes His true disciple, the Lord Jesus then adds that person to His Church (Acts 2:47). Those who ask, “How can I find, know and understand who God is?” are usually directed to Matthew 7:7-8. It reads, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Colossians 1:15 speaks of “He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 NKJV) We have heard and read the Scriptures concerning the three crosses on calvary the day that Jesus was crucified. Each cross has its own meaning and significance for all of us. Cross Number One: The Crossof Rashness, Rebellion and Rejection The criminal hanging there in agony took no thought for the reason that he should suffer this awful fate. He rashly taunted Christ. He, in anger and rejection, mockingly called out “are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” He not only rejected Christ, but in total rebellion, he refused to acknowledge his own responsibility for his sinful ways. Cross Number Two: The Crossof Repentance, Reception and Request This man showed repentance in his rebuke of the man who had railed on the Lord Jesus. He, in asking, “Do you not fear God?” accepted the fact that he himself was responsible for his own plight. He, then, expressed his acknowledgment of who Christ was,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places, even as He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3-14) If God the Father has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, and has chosen us before the

The Bible tells us of the Messiah who was born of low estate, cradled in a manger, heralded by angels, greeted by lowly shepherds and honored by rich wise men. He did all of this in order to come and rescue humanity from the penalty of sin. What He did rises above all earthly comprehension. Two thousand years ago, God Himself became human in order to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. When Jesus became a man, He understood and proclaimed that He was born to rescue. “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27 NKJV). “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Let us praise our wonderful Savior—Jesus Christ—who was born to rescue all who will accept His offer of salvation. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16).

Anything and everything can change in the blink of an eye.Fear not, because the eye of God will never blink. You have overcome great challenges before.With God’s help, you can overcome greater challenges still. Life is a learning experience. God has given life to you. Live it,be strong, be courageous and learn what God holds for you. Not having all that you want can be a true blessing for you.Let God show that He will bless you in ways you can’t yet imagine. Allow yourself to have some fun. Let God bless you with restand relaxation amid the toil and strife of a busy life. Being kind to yourself is good for body, soul and spirit.He was being kind by giving you the world in which you live. The negativity of others toward you is none of your concern.God is aware of it. He can and will handle it. There is always something for which to be deeply thankful.Let God rule in your life. He will reward you immeasurably.

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3 NKJV). It may seem that with so many people living on this earth today, we are so small and insignificant that God might not care to observe our day to day actions. If this were true, we might be able to hide our sometimes sinful actions from the Almighty Creator of the universe. That is not now, nor has it ever been, a possibility. God created the universe of stars, planets, comets and moons. He made the human body with all of its functioning systems to make us live, breathe, walk and talk. Then, He placed us exactly where He wanted us, in an environment perfect for our ability to sustain life and to grow. Consequently, He has an eye on each of us as His creation. The proof of that is evident when God conversed with Satan concerning His servant Job. God knew the very heart of the man Job. He knew there was no other man like him on the earth, blameless, upright, always fearing God and always turning away from evil. Job was a man holding his integrity even in the face of Satan’s onslaught to do total evil to Job. Satan’s goal

Psalm 95:1-2 reads, “Oh come let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.” The Psalmist invited his readers into the presence of our Holy God with a heart full of thanksgiving and to express our thankfulness in songs of praise. We are to show devotion to our Mighty Creator and Keeper. Then, he gave powerful reasons and sound logic for us to show our devotion and love to God. The Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. His possessions are the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains. The very sea belongs to Him because He made both the sea and the dry land. It is then befitting of us to worship, to bow down and kneel before the Lord, our Maker. Why—because He is our God, and we are His people, the sheep of His own hand by virtue of the simple fact that He created us. Next, the tenor of the psalmist shifted from a plea for devotion to a sense of warning. He said if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as your fathers did at Meribah, as on the day at Massah, putting God to the test. Do not put Him to the proof when you have seen His mighty works. God found the Israelites to be a people who would go astray and forget His ways. Because of this, God held a loathing for even His people so that

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have built bigger houses to shelter smaller families. We spend vast sums of money to have more conveniences, but we have less time for family and friends. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgment and huge debt to pay for our education. We have more experts, more problems and still fewer solutions to our problems. We have more medical technology but less wellness and healthcare. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but do not have a better life. We’ve added years to life but less living to our years. We’ve been to the moon and back but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things but not better things. We’ve tried to clean up the air but allow movies and TV to pollute our souls. We’ve conquered the atom but have not curbed our prejudice and bigotry. We

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Jesus Christ is our Hero, our Defender, our Guide and, most of all, our Savior. In looking to Jesus, as we are told by the writer of Hebrews, what can we expect to find in Him? Seven very vital things are found when we look to our Lord Jesus. Look to Jesus for Life: In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” We must be one with Jesus. There is no other way but in unity with our Lord Jesus to live life on Earth and truly anticipate everlasting life in Heaven. Look to Jesus for Aid: Hebrews 2:18 reads, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” There is no other source of real help for us except Jesus the Son and God His Father. Look to Jesus for Love: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reads,

Disciplined to be pillars of strength for Jesus Christ,Disciples in the truest sense of the Word,Disciplined to seek the truth of God’s Word,Disciplined to love it with all the heart,Disciplined to spread its message to all the world. Furthermore, we must beDisciplined to love all mankind fervently,Disciplined to love each other more dearly,Disciplined to pray for each other daily,Disciplined to present ourselves asservants of righteousness before God.

“And God spoke these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me’” (Exodus 20:1-3). The creation account in Genesis states very plainly that “in the beginning, God”! From that point, He created all things. He made everything that was made. It was a beautiful view: sun, moon, stars—the very universe in which He would soon place man. Mankind, then, could look upon the beauty of God’s total creation. Man has been looking farther and farther into the universe ever since. Man, which God created, was deceived by Satan into believing that he—man—could be as wise as God, knowing good and evil. This was a great lie that led to more trouble than man could imagine. Mankind fell deeper and deeper into the mire created by his own disobedience of God’s first command—“thou shalt not.” This led man into a spiral that eventually placed the children of Israel under bondage and slavery in Egypt. Even so, God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from that vile servitude. God, however, found it necessary to remind them just who He is. He was the one and only God. In His work of creation, there is no record of God creating other gods to compete with Him for supremacy in the whole of the universe. From where would the idea of “other gods” come? The answer is very simple. Other gods were the figment and

Who is man or the federal government, for that matter, to tell God that He cannot be where He wants to make His presence known? America, by way of the federal courts and Congress, has tried to tell God to stay out of our schools, our businesses, our state offices, every aspect of daily lives and livelihoods. God will go and be anywhere He pleases, and all the courts and laws will not be able to stand in His way. He is in the halls of Congress watching the graft and corruption that goes on there. He watches the greedy get rich at the expense of the righteous poor people. He stands behind the Justices of the Supreme Court, watching their every move as they ban Him from schools and authorize the murder of unborn babies. God will be in His place in the lives of men whether He is wanted there or not. He will be in the marketplace where merchants deal rightly or deceitfully with the customer. He is in the hospital operating rooms, by the sickbed and by one’s deathbed. He is in the classrooms of our nation even as some teachers try to train our children with good moral values, even while some try to teach young people that God does not even exist. Eventually, everyone will have to admit God’s existence and His very nearness as He surrounds us in all His power, wisdom, strength and very presence. It is time that we as a unified people

I woke up early today, anticipating all I had to do before day’s end.I have responsibilities to fulfill today.My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, orI can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free. Today, I can feel sad that I don’t have more money, orI can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan mypurchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today, I can grumble about my health, orI can rejoice that I am alive. Today, I can lament over all that I didn’t have when I was growing up, orI can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today, I can cry because roses have thorns, orI can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today, I can mourn my lack of friends, orI can excitedly embark upon a quest of being friendly. Today, I can whine because I have to go to work, orI can shout with joy because Godhas given me the power to “create” wealth. Today, I can murmur because I have to do housework, orI can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelterfor my mind, body and soul. Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.Here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.What today will be like is up to me.I get to choose what kind of day I will have! Have a really Great Day—unless you have

God is always aware of where we are, what we are doing, what we think and what we speak. He is with us always. “For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps” (Job 34:21). He knows our thoughts and our words. “For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it all together” (Psalms 139:4). Nothing is hidden from His sight. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). God knows everything. “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20). God is aware of all our temptations, every worry, each broken heart, all illnesses and sorrows that we face. These are all known to Him. What a comfort to experience care from one of whom it is said, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). Under His watchful eye, God’s saints safely dwell in the hand that holds the universe and guards all His children well.

Before Jesus ascended unto the Father, He gave instructions to His disciples. Why did He give these instructions? Our Lord gave these directives because He wanted us to know what our purpose is as the church. He didn’t want us to get sidetracked from that purpose. Jesus knew that we could get so busy doing good things that we would possibly neglect doing the really important things. In Matthew 28:18-20, we see that disciples of Christ were charged to evangelize a lost world. That evangelization is to be carried out aggressively. We are to go into the world and not wait for the world to come to us. Evangelizing a lost world can be as simple as relating how God freed us from the clutches of Satan. If we share the Gospel, God will anoint our efforts, and we will see some of our fellow men come to know Christ as Savior. Then, we are commanded to baptize those who receive the good news and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and Savior. The new believer is to be baptized as an act of obedience to have his sins washed away by the blood of Christ. When the new believer is baptized, and he is added to the body of Christ, which is the church, by Jesus (Acts 2:47). Another command Jesus gave preceding His ascension was to teach “them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Notice that Jesus commanded us to observe all things which

Jesus Christ is at the center of our religion. He is the focal point, and so He must remain. Notice how central He was in the early church. He was the message. When Christians scattered after Stephen’s martyrdom, they went to Antioch, “preaching the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20).Paul preached Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23). He preached the good news of our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Likewise, Jesus must remain the content of our preaching—the main point of our Gospel. He was the One to whom people converted. In Antioch, those who heard about the Lord Jesus believed and “turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). Paul remembered how the Thessalonians had turned to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Sometimes, one will ask another, “When did you become a member of the church?” True, we become part of the Lord’s body, the church, when we become Christians (Acts 2:47). However, it might be better to ask, “When did you turn to the Lord?” When a person becomes a Christian, he establishes a relationship with Jesus. He is the One to whom we turn. He was the Person to whom Christians gave their allegiance. Barnabas encouraged new Christians in Antioch to remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:23). A Christian’s loyalty is pledged to Christ. He is the flag around which we rally. We are only loyal to sound doctrine and to God’s people because we are loyal to Christ. If we are unfaithful to the truth or to the church, we are

How can I find the sure way to be pleasing to God? How can I discern between all the organizations that claim to be “the church”? These questions perplex many people, but others are oblivious to the dangers of never knowing the right way to God or to His son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” He did not say that He would establish dozens of religions or 5,000 or more denominational groups from which we may choose. Those who may claim to preach the truth will take their followers up to the verge of baptism, and then, they tell them to go join the “church of your choice.” No one can just choose to “join” the church that Jesus built. The choice is that of obedience to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus, then, adds to the church all who desire to follow Him in His kingdom. When one completely yields to Christ and becomes His true disciple, the Lord Jesus adds that person to His church. Some may ask the question, “How can I find, know and understand who God is? How can I know the right way?” Those who ask these questions are usually directed to Matthew 7:7-8, which reads, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” It should further be pointed

In Nehemiah 8:1-8, Ezra was instructed to “Bring the Book.” What book? The book of the Law of Moses, which was known and acknowledged to be “the Word of God.” It was read to the people; they heard it and paid attention to it. When the Book was opened, the people stood and revered it saying, “Amen, Amen”! They worshiped and bowed their faces to the ground, because they knew it was the Word of God. It was made certain that they understood it. What has happened here? The book of the law, by which the people had not been abiding for a long, long time, was brought to them to hear, to learn, to know and to obey. They heard it, they paid attention to it, they were in awe of it and they revered it, but most of all, they understood it and obeyed it—starting that very day. Please observe this. The whole Bible is accepted widely by godly people and many non-Christians, too, as “the Word of God.” In particular, today, the New Testament is as necessary to be heard, to be heeded, to be approached with reverence as God’s Word, to be understood and to be obeyed as the rest of the Bible. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as

Bless this building Lord we prayKeep it safe by night and day. Let the walls so firm and stoutKeep all strife and trouble out. Make strong the roof and rafters tallLet peace and joy reign overall. Widen the door that it may proveAlways open, to joy and love. See the windows shining brightStreaming in God’s heavenly light. Keep the pulpit standing hereFirm amid strong fervent prayer. Keep those who pray and sing withinStrong and pure and free from sin. Guide us Lord that we may beFit O God to dwell with thee. Bless us all that one day weMay dwell O Lord! With thee.

But when the Pharisee heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him “You shall love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40) The Pharisees were intent on tangling Jesus in His own words. When the young lawyer was confronting Jesus about the greatest commandment, he did not want the truth. Instead, he wanted to make our Lord stumble in His own teachings. When Jesus was found in the Temple engaging the learned men of His time, He was not just a child jabbering about things beyond His understanding. He was teaching them that the Lord God of Israel was one God. This was the theme of His entire ministry. He taught that God the Father should be the primary love and devotion of all men for all times. Secondly, man should look to his neighbor with the love and concern that he desires for himself—“love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving our neighbors is to realize that our neighbors are as we were at one time—lost, without God and without hope in this world and in the next.  Just as someone

My ship sails over life’s darkening main.Traversing lightning and thunder and rain. Through threatening waves goes the strong prow.As in deep prayer on bended knee I do bow. My Bible, the rudder, a strong mighty force.Guiding, correcting and righting my course. With daily devotion from God’s Holy Word.Urging me onward to serve my Dear Lord. Christ at the helm of the ship strong and true.He’s the Shipmaster, He captains the crew.

To what were you called, and from what were you called? The call of the master is found in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We are called from labor to rest (Matthew 11:28). We are called from death to life (1 John 3:14). “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love, abides in death.” We are called from bondage to liberty (Galatians 5:13). “For you were called to freedom brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” We are called from darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9). “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” We are called to the fellowship of His son (1 Corinthians 1:9). “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Above all, we are called by Jesus Christ from bondage to peace. Friends and Dear Readers, have you answered the call of Jesus Christ? Our Precious

Evangelism requires preaching the Gospel and converting souls from sin. This is how Christ lived, what He taught and what His followers practiced. The full message of the Gospel was preached for the first time in approximately A.D. 33, and within less than 30 years, it had been taken to all the world. What a story! Jesus was always on the move during His personal ministry. He went to villages and to cities. He spoke to multitudes and to individuals. He used physical acts to teach spiritual lessons. No man ever spoke with greater authority or showed the power of God more clearly in His mighty works. Truly, He is the Son of God. Calling twelve men, known as apostles, Jesus taught them and trained them to carry on His work after His death, burial and resurrection. Some of His final words were, “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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28 19-20). Just before returning to the Father, He said to the apostles, “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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Turning to

It is becoming more and more common to see church attendance dominated by women. Worldwide there is a shortage of preachers and adult male Bible class teachers. In congregations all over the world, it is becoming more and more difficult to find deacons and elders. In the homes of so many people there are countless problems because of absent fathers. “Where are all the men?” I acknowledge that there are many fine Christian men with the ability to be good, sound teachers, preachers, elders and deacons. They, however, are becoming more difficult to find, and sometimes harder to persuade that their service in the Lord’s church is most imperative. From the creation, God’s plan was for men to be the leaders in the family and in the church (Genesis 1:16; Ephesians 5:22-24; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:1-13). Many men have not fulfilled their responsibilities. When men fail to assume their responsibilities as leaders in the home and in the church, the problem is compounded. The result is that many young men have not truly been taught what it means to be a man in service to the Lord. If this problem is not addressed now, there is greater trouble for the Lord’s church in the future. Every father needs to think daily about the example he is setting for his sons and grandsons. What will they view as important in this life based on our example? Will they be ready when the time comes to be leaders in the

The saddest times often come when friends turn their backs on us and desert us. Jesus found this to be so, and it is recorded in the John 6:67-68. “So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” There was happiness at the feeding of the people with a few loaves and two fishes. There was also happiness on the occasion of Jesus walking on the water, as well as when our Lord brought relief to replace the fear expressed by His disciples as He entered the boat and brought them safely to shore. Next, we find Jesus teaching the people about the real bread of life, which God sent to all mankind. The Jews, though, grumbled about it, and even many of His disciples turned back and walked with him no more. Imagine the sorrow and distress of the Lord as they turned away from the free gift of God. He had taught so well, so diligently, so tenderly, and yet, they turned away. You can almost feel the heartache when Jesus asked the rest of them, “Will you also go away?” Immediately, Simon Peter answered Him saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” We need every day to renew our resolve that we

A denomination is a way of calling something a portion of what it really is. Money is referred to in denominations. The Yen, Franc, Lira, Euro or dollar may refer only to a portion of the worldwide monetary system. Often there are differing values of these monetary denominations. A dollar may not have the same value tomorrow as it had yesterday, because “men” say it’s value is not the same. Thus, it’s value is subject to the will of man. So it is with regard to religious denominations, too. They are sectarian and are rooted in division. The very word “denomination” suggests the idea of division. The Jews were God’s chosen people, but they fragmented themselves into sects such as Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes because they could not agree as to what the Scriptures taught. In their own minds and vain conceits, they would not resolve those differences. Could they disagree so much with each other and still be following God’s Word? “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). The Jewish sects were not walking with God because on some issues they could not agree with each other or with God. The same is true of religious denominations today. Jesus prayed to the Father, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that

I have my weaknesses and limitations, and I’m growing older much more rapidly than I like to consider. Each morning, I open my medicine box and consume an assortment of prescription doses to help provide what my body needs to maintain a reasonable portion of health. Each formula has something that I need, but no one source is enough to provide all that I need. How thankful I am that in my relationship with the living God, I can truly say that He alone is sufficient for my every need. I never have to ask, “Is God enough?” The following Scriptures show the answer to that question, which many may be seeking. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The shepherd always supplies every need for his flock. I am part of Christ’s flock, and He will supply in some way or another all I could possibly need. Most of us, myself included, have known good times and bad, prosperity and perhaps want, but thanks to the God who meets our needs, I have never been hungry or begging bread. We are not sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. We all work with heart, hand, mind and body to provide the needs for ourselves and for our families. We toil diligently to provide food, raiment, shelter and safety for ourselves and for our children, but we do not do this alone. Scripture says “…but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians

Micah 6:8 reads “He has told you O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah presents us with a lesson to be well learned. Here are eight ways we can follow the words of the prophet. This is not only a suggestion from the prophet Micah, but it is expected of each of us by our Lord, Master, and Creator God. “He has told you O man…” Are you listening?

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you. Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. (Psalms 119:160-176) During a mid-week Bible study, I was fascinated by the reference to Psalms 119:160. As is my custom, I usually read around the quoted text seeking context, and I think

The Earth is whirling, twirling, spinning, spinning,Turning from night to day and back again.The Earth is speeding, fleeting, through itsCourse in space appointed by the Master’ plan. The Earth is hurrying, scurrying in its orbit day by dayOn its axis rotating daily, weekly,Monthly on its hastening way,To complete another year set by the Master’s plan. Three months to a season, Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn.Each brings its anticipations, and joys for one and all.Winter, with the deep sleep of cold to rest the Earth.Spring, with a vibrant, fragrant awakening of the Earth.Summer, with flowers, warmth and rain to restore the Earth.Autumn, with golden trees, falling leaves, preparation for Earth’s rest.Again according to the Master’s plan. What do I experience in each season?In Winter I see the work of God in the design of the snowflake.In Spring I feel softness of God in every bud and blade of grass.In Summer I know the gentleness of God in the rain upon the Earth.In Autumn I see the rich artistry of God as He paints the leaves of trees.And with each day He grants me to live, I find something to be grateful forThat He has seen fit to let me see this day.For you see, I know that it is all part ofThe Master’s plan, held in the Master’s hand.

“I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock and one Shepherd” (John 10:16). There are four outstanding points in this Scripture. Other Sheep, Not of this Fold Who were the sheep in the fold of Jesus Christ, the good shepherd? His disciples, the apostles and all who came to Him seeking salvation from sin, sorrow, trial and tribulation. There were many others who needed to be drawn to that sheepfold. Twelve or more were listed as listening to Peter’s sermon on that day of Pentecost, to say nothing of Jews, Greeks, Gentiles, Romans, as well as totally heathen pagan nations. Today there are 34,000 sects and denominations who claim some sort of connection with the Christ. They have created 3.5 million congregations, and claim a membership of 1.9 billion souls. There are sects which practice vile teachings of which Jesus would never approve. Millions still worship false gods, or even Satan himself. Would Jesus say I must bring them also? I Must Bring them Also Would Jesus say “I must bring them also” to just anyone? Yes, it is His will that all men come to repentance and be saved from their sins. The only way this can happen is if they “listen to my voice,” Jesus said. How can they believe in Him whom they have not heard, how shall they hear without a teacher, and what if no teacher comes

William Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” If that is true then, how long is our performance? What is our role in the performance? What entrances? What exits? What lies between curtain up and final curtain call? We appear in the age of love and innocence, born of two people who love each other dearly. We are brought in to a family filled with love and devotion to the idea that we are going to be the wisest, most charming child, grandchild, brother, sister, niece or nephew ever. We learn to walk, talk, eat, dress ourselves and deal with living among siblings or other children. Our family tries to teach us how to be the best person we are capable of being. Education we receive will help us achieve that goal. As we age a bit, we begin to believe that we can find a better way on our own. We have our own desires and wishes for what we will do with this life we have been given. A dark shadow of temptation comes into focus. We see things, ways and ideas that appear to be enjoyable. Yet, fellow players on this stage may say that it is not so. We wish to “find” ourselves. We want to make our own way through this performance. This is the age in which we think we

Faith is the eye through which I can see,The wonderful home, now waiting for me.Faith is the substance of things not yet shown,Things of the future, which God shall make known. Hope is a lifeline which anchors the soul,The calming assurance that God will control.Hope is the rock which we must build upon,Eternally lasting when this world is gone. Love is a gift, given by God the Father,Which he told us to share with each other.Love is a blessing, the greatest by far,Outshining the light of the brightest star. “Faith, Hope, and Love” said the apostle Paul,But of these, love, is the greatest of all.