October Issue 2008

Taking The Name Of God In Vain

I’ve been thinking a lot about taking the name of God in vain and what it entails. My whole life I have heard “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain”. So I don’t cuss, and I rarely say “O my God” or such like things. And I know that’s important, but I’m thinking there’s more to it then that. After all, any well mannered yet lost soul, can do the same. The Third Commandment is unnerving to say the least, yet I have to ask myself the question, “When and how do I take His name in vain?” So to understand “Vain” more clearly, I looked it up. It’s a very interesting word, one that as I examine its implications relating to how I present God, and approach God, finds me on my knees repenting. Here are just a few of the words associated with “Vain.” Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance; fruitless; ineffectual; proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; elated with a high opinion of one's own accomplishments, or with things more showy than valuable; conceited; light; inconstant; false; deceitful; not genuine; spurious; without effect. To take the name of God in vain, is to use the name of God with levity or profaneness. These are just a few of the words, but their meaning is far reaching, piercing even to the heart and soul. Exodus 20:7, “Thou shat not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain”. O God, have mercy on my soul, and forgive my ignorance and apathy concerning Your Holiness. Help me recognize when I step into an attitude and action that misrepresents You. Fill me with Your Spirit, so that my heart and life may truly represent how great You are. I challenge you dear reader, to delve deeper into this subject and allow the Spirit of Truth, to show you areas where you might be taking the name of God in vain. We all do it in some fashion, and we all need to repent, if we are to live effectually for Christ.

No Other Name

No other name has clamed my restless heart,

no other name has given courage to stand against foes.
No other name can lift the sorrows that I’ve known.

No other name,
But Jesus!
No other name is sweeter than honey
No other name shelters from the storm
No other name
But Jesus!
No other name can save a soul
change a heart, make one whole
No other name
But Jesus!

(D.M.)

How Is Your Character?

READ PSALM 41:1-13. When was the last time you heard a preacher or Sunday school teacher talk about integrity? I hope it’s been recently, because integrity is an important part of the Christian life. To have integrity means to have character. Integrity is the opposite of duplicity. A person who practices duplicity is a hypocrite, a pretender. Integrity means to have one heart and one mind and to serve one master. It means not being divided, not always changing. David wrote, “As for me. You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever"
(v.12). God knows us by our character, whereas people judge us by our conduct. When we become more worried about conduct than about character, our conduct starts to go down the wrong road. Conduct and reputation are closely related, but neither one guarantees good character. For example, the Pharisees had a great reputation, but their character was evil. God sees us. He knows all about us, and He says, “Put Me first in your life.” Not only does God see us, but we also see Him. “Set me before Your face forever” (v12). That is what gives us integrity: knowing that we’re walking, living, thinking and speaking before the face of God. When we fear Him, we don’t have to fear anything else. And when we walk in integrity and honesty, when we flee duplicity and hypocrisy, we can face anything. David was able to face all his foes because he had integrity. He prayed, “Unite my heart to fear Your name” (Ps. 86:11). Integrity unites, so it helps us put our lives together. Today, lets walk in integrity before the face of God
(Prayer, Praise & Promises)
Warren Wiersbe

Omnipresent God

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shinneth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Psalm 139:7-12. The Omnipresence of God, how often do I forget that characteristic of His being. Nowhere can I run, far or near, in or under, that He doesn’t see me. I find this fact strangely comforting right now. Lord Jesus may it be so always. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is to wonderful for me. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

Beauty Of Holiness

O WORSHIP the Lord in the beauty of holiness,Bow down before Him,
His glory proclaim; With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,kneel and adore Him,
the Lord is His name.
Low at His feet lay thy burden of
carefulness,high on His heart He will bear it for thee, Comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness, Guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
Fear not to enter His courts
in the slenderness of the poor wealth thou
wouldst reckon as thine:Truth in its beauty,
and love in its tenderness,these are the offerings to lay on His shrine.
These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness, He will accept for the Name that is dear; Mornings of joy give for
evenings of tearfulness,trust for our trembling,
and hope for our fear

(Author Unknown)

The Voice Of The Nature Of God

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send?” Isaiah 6:8. when we speak of the call of God, we are apt to forget the most important feature, viz.., the nature of the One Who calls. There is the call of the sea, the call of the mountains, the call of the great ice barriers, but these calls are only heard by the few. The call is the expression of the nature from which it comes, and we can only record the call if the same nature is in us. The call of God is the expression of God’s nature, not of our nature. There are strands of the call of God providentially at work for us which we recognize and no one else does. It is the threading of God’s voice to us in some particular matter, and it is no use consulting anyone else about it. We have to keep that profound relationship between our souls and God. The call of God is not the echo of my nature; my affinities and personal temperament are not considered. As long as I consider my personal temperament and think about what I am fitted for, I shall never hear the call of God. But when I am brought into relationship with God, I am in the condition Isaiah was in. Isaiah’s soul was so attuned to God by the tremendous crisis he had gone through that he recorded the call of God to his amazed soul. The majority of us have no ear for anything but ourselves, we cannot hear a thing God says. To be brought into the zone of the call of God is to be profoundly altered.
(My Utmost For His Highest)
Oswald Chambers
Classic Daily Devotional

His Camp Is Very Great

Joel 2:11 Consider, my soul, the mightiness of the Lord who is thy glory and defense. He is a man of war, Jehovah is His name. All the forces of heaven are at His beck, legions wait at His door, cherubim and seraphim;, watchers and holy ones, principalities and powers, are all attentive to His will. If our eyes were not blinded by the ophthalmia of the flesh, we should see horses of fire and chariots of fire round about the Lord's beloved. The powers of nature are all subject to the absolute control of the Creator: stormy wind and tempest, lightning and rain, and snow, and hail, and the soft dews and cheering sunshine, come and go at His decree. The bands of Orion He looseth, and bindeth the sweet influences of the Pleiades. Earth, sea, and air, and the places under the earth, are the barracks for Jehovah's great armies; space is His camping ground, light is His banner, and flame is His sword. When He goeth forth to war, famine ravages the land, pestilence smites the nations, hurricane sweeps the sea, tornado shakes the mountains, and earthquake makes the solid world to tremble. As for animate creatures, they all own His dominion, and from the great fish which swallowed the prophet, down to "all manner of flies," which plagued the field of Zoan, all are His servants, and like the palmer-worm, the caterpillar, and the cankerworm, are squadrons of His great army, for His camp is very great. My soul, see to it that thou be at peace with this mighty King, yea, more, be sure to enlist under His banner, for to war against Him is madness, and to serve Him is glory. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, is ready to receive recruits for the army of the Lord: if I am not already enlisted let me go to Him ere I sleep, and beg to be accepted through His merits; and if I be already, as I hope I am, a soldier of the cross, let me be of good courage; for the enemy is powerless compared with my Lord, whose camp is very great.

Charles Spurgeon

Scriptures

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labor,
In watching’s, in fasting’s; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2Cor.6:1-10) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (V.16-18)

Salvation Through Christ Alone

For what purpose did Christ come into the world? “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. Why was He to be named “Jesus”? “Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21. Is there salvation in any other? “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. Through whom only may we come to God? “There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time...I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 1 Tim. 2:5:8. What has Christ been made for us, and for what purpose? “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21. How dependant are we upon Christ for salvation? “I am the vine, ye are the branches:...without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. What three essentials for a Savior are found in Christ? Deity: “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Heb. 1:8. Humanity: “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a women, made under the law.” Gal.4:4. Sinlessness: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” 1 Pet. 2:22. How did Christ show from the Scriptures that the promised Savior of the world must be both human and divine? “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He? They say unto Him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call Him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is He his son?” Matt. 22:41-45. What two facts testify to the union of divinity and humanity in Christ? “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Rom. 1:3,4. How complete was Christ’s victory over death? “I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and , behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Rev.1:17, 18. See Acts 2:24. How complete is the salvation obtained in Christ? “Wherefore, He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.What should we say for such a Savior? “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor.9:15

On His Shoulders

I hate politics! Strong word but its true. I used to find it interesting but now there are so many lies associated with it, that unless you have inside knowledge of what’s “really” going on, your just throwing darts in the dark, and praying to God that your making the best decision based on the limited information of “truth” that is in the midst of all the pretty sounding “Pie-crust” promises. Don’t get me wrong I believe we, as citizens must keep informed on all the issues and vote. I just get tired of the grand-standing; mud-slinging; name-calling politics. Our once great nation which stood for life; liberty; and justice for all; was one nation under God; indivisible, and so on. But now our nation is divided on many key issues, like marriage; family; when life begins, and when it ends. We call good evil, and evil good. We embrace every wind of doctrine that fits our life style. We are a pampered, self-indulgent; spoiled nation in for a rude awakening. Isaiah 5:20,21,23 says; “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” Ecclesiastes 12:14 says; “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 2 Tim. 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. There are many who profess to know and worship God, but are deceived, there are many who profane the Holy name of God, whither through ignorance or outright defiance. God will bring into judgment the twisted road of half-truths we are fed. Gods word is true, His promises don’t crumble, His Kingdom is sure, and His judgments are right. And I tremble before Him for He is Holy! And my finite mind can only grasp that fact in part. But I will put my trust in the One who bears upon His shoulders the government; Whose name is, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)

Shine as lights in the world
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. And if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. (Phil.2:16-18)

August Issue 2008

His Song

Psalm 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Isn’t that a reassuring verse? His lovingkindness is commanded in the daytime, and his song shall be with me in the night. So many nights I have been awakened by singing. My spirit wakes my mind singing out praises, and prayers unto the God of my life, although I have to admit my body doesn’t always appreciate being woken up. And I wish I could remember some of
the songs given long enough to write them down, but those, I believe are meant for the Lords ears and heart. Now the part of the verse that says; “and his song shall be with me in the night” makes me think of times where it “seems” as though the darkness of night overshadows the light of day. Whether it is through sickness, trial, death, or any other form, night can be difficult. But who can thwart God's commands? No one! no one can take or change it no matter how hard they try. God’s commands are set. So doesn’t that bring a smile to your face when you read; “Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime”. His lovingkindness caries over into the night, where his song shall be with you. Are you feeling imprisoned by your circumstances? I feel that way sometimes, but God says; do as Paul and Silas did “At midnight they prayed and sang praises unto God” (Acts 16:25)
How can we not help, but sing along.

Rejoice My Soul

O my soul, why hide thyself in dark places?
Cower thee for fear?
What have I to do with thee?
O my soul. I say to thee,
tear down those strongholds.
Loose thyself from fear.
Bind thyself to the Lord thy God.
Come Holy Spirit come; pour into me all that my life can hold.
And I will declare what You have done for my soul.
Rejoice, rejoice, O heart, be glad.
Sing, my soul of His mercy great. Shout for joy and be glad.
Great is His mercy towards me.
My soul hath He delivered from the lowest hell.
Therefore I lift my voice in praise.
Sing my soul in rapturous tones. Sing of light and freedoms joys.
Sing of strength that
conquers foes.
Sing my soul of your
Saviors love, for great a love it is.
Bow my soul in humble pose. For thou art not thine own.
For what have I to do with thee, but lay thee down in sweet release.
Indeed; O soul thou art redeemed by blood of purest form.
For thou art safe, O my soul, in love’s sweet embrace.
Rejoice, rejoice
O heart be glad.
(D. E. M.)

Singing In Strange Places

Read Psalm 149:1-9 “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song” (v1).we have a tendency to want to sing the same songs in church, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The Psalmist isn’t telling us to buy a new hymnbook. He means we should have a new experience with the Lord so that we will have a new song of praise to give Him. Every new valley that we go through, every new mountaintop we climb, every experience of life ought to be writing on our hearts a new song of praise. When we face a difficulty, we have an opportunity to have renewed faith and see God do new things. In verse 1 the psalmist tells us to sing in the congregation. I can understand that command. I enjoy congregational singing when people sing to the Lord. “Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King” (v2). I am glad when God’s people gather in a congregation of celebration, rejoicing in the goodness and the glory of the Lord. But he also tells us we should be joyful on our beds. “Let them sing aloud on their beds” (v5). This could be while we’re resting or recuperating from an illness. Perhaps you’re lying in bed right now and you don’t feel well. Sing praises to the Lord upon your bed and worship Him. Then the psalmist says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations” (vv.6-7). This is a picture of warriors on the battlefield, singing in the midst of the battle. It is easy to sing in the congregation, not quite so easy to sing on our beds and difficult to sing on the battlefield. But if we sing, we’ll glorify the Lord, and we’ll grow. “He will beautify the humble with salvation” (v4). We’ll be happier and holier and more beautiful if we sing to the Lord. God brings you through different experiences so you may learn new dimensions of His love and grace. What difficulty are you facing today? Don’t simply endure or waste it. Use it as an opportunity to find a new song of praise to God. (Warren Wiersbe)

A Song At Midnight

Behold, I am near at hand to bless thee, and I will verily give to thee out of the abundance of heaven. For My heart is open to thy cry; yea, when thou criest unto Me in the night seasons, I am alert to thy call, and when thou searchest after Me, the darkness shall not hide My face, for it shall be as the stars which shine more brightly in the deep of night. Even so shall it be. And in the night of spiritual battle, there shall I give unto thee fresh revelations of Myself, and thou shalt see Me more clearly than thou couldst in the sunlight of ease and pleasure. Man by nature chooseth the day and shunneth the night; but I say unto thee that I shall make thy midnight a time of great rejoicing, and will fill the dark hour with songs of praise. Yea, with David, thou shalt rise at midnight to sing. It has been written, “Joy cometh in the morning”, but I will make thy song to break out in the night. For he who lifts the shout of faith and praise in the night, to him verily there SHALL be joy in the morning.

How Good He Is To Me

I love to sing of Christ my King,
Who died on Calvary,
For ev’ry day along the way
How good He is to me!
He makes the night of sorrow bright,
And causes cares to flee;
He makes me glad when I am sad,
How good He is to me!
He builds above, where all is love,
A home which mine will be;
There I shall rest with all the blest,
How good He is to me!
So with a song I’ll go along,
Till I my Savior see,
That souls may know where’er I go
How good He is to me!
How good He is to me,
This friend who made me free!
Each call He heeds,
Fills all my needs;
How good He is to me!
( J. P. Denton, 1916)

Conversations In The Night

Read Psalm 77:1-6,
It doesn’t have to be dark outside for us to be in the middle of the night. Sometimes the darkness is in us. Discouragement moves in, and we like Asaph, who said, “My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; my soul refused to be comforted” (v.2). Some translations read, “My sore was running in the night.” what do you do when your soul refuses to be comforted? Asaph tells us what we should do. First, talk to God. “I cried out to God with my voice—to God with my voice; and He gave ear to me” (v.1). Someone has suggested that when you can’t sleep at night, instead of counting sheep, talk to the Shepherd. That’s what Asaph did. Sometimes approaching the Lord is painful. “I remembered God, and was troubled” (v.3). What did he remember about God that troubled him? Perhaps he disobeyed a commandment or doubted a promise. Or perhaps he realized how holy God is and how sinful he is. But talking to the Lord also brings reassurance. “I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times” (v.5). In other words, God can be trusted. He has cared for you in the past, and He will care for you in the future. Second, talk to yourself. “I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search” (v 6). Talk to yourself about the Lord. Examine your life and your Christian walk. Your discouragement will be replaced by a song. “I call to remembrance my song in the night” (v.6). When you feel discouraged, get your eyes off your circumstances and onto the Lord. Also, examine your life. Have you disobeyed the Lord? Talk to Him and let Him encourage you. Then talk to yourself and encourage yourself with the things of God. He will give you a song in the night.
(From A Psalm In My Heart)

Sing A New Song

Sing a new song to Jehovah,
for the wonders He has wrought,His right hand and arm most holy triumph to His cause have brought.In His love and tender mercy He has made salvation known,In the sight of every nation He His righteousness has shown.
Truth and mercy toward His people He has ever kept in mind,And His full and free salvation He has shown to all mankind.Sing, O earth, sing to Jehovah, praises to Jehovah sing;With the swelling notes of music shout before the Lord, the King.


Words: Author unknown.
Music: "Austria," arranged by Franz Josef Haydn, 1797

Only Jesus

It is 10:03pm and all that I can think about is; “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved this wretched, wretched, clown, I once was lost but now am found, amazing grace, now come to town.” Only Jesus can give the song in the night that truly comforts the weary, brings peace in the storm, and sets captives free. Only Jesus, can make a melody so soothing that when life is tossing
you every which way on a sea of emotion, that there is a calm that goes beyond understanding. Only Jesus; can strum the heart strings of a soul, and breathe within it the song of redemption. O Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that resonates within this clown, no longer lost, but now am found, Amazing grace spread thru our town.

The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Ex. 15:2

It's Not Just About Singing

This Issue for August isn't just about “singing” in the night; but about the still small voice that impresses upon our heart, during the "night” of trials, heartache, sickness, and such, a melody of hope. I remember God giving songs to me when I was alone on the floor of my apartment in Penn Valley begging God to let me die because my heart was so broken, even now when I think about it, it still brings tears to my eyes. But God gives songs of encouragement and reminds me of His faithfulness and I press on. Knowing that these “Light Afflictions” are not worthy to be compared to the glory yet to come. (2Cor.4:17) it isn’t always easy, but when we’re still before the Lord, listening, there is a melody of hope and love He sings within our soul, that carries on through the darkest of nights. Your love Lord sustains me.

Lifesong

Empty hands held high Such small sacrifice. If not joined with my life I sing in vain tonight. May the words I say. And the things I do Make my lifesong sing. Bring a smile to You. Let my lifesong sing to You. Let my lifesong sing to You. I want to sign Your name to the end of this day. Knowing that my heart was true. Let my lifesong sing to You. Lord I give my life. A living sacrifice. To reach a world in need. To be Your hands and feet. So may the words I say. And the things I do. Make my lifesong sing.
Bring a smile to You. Hallelujah
Hallelujah. Let my lifesong sing to You. (By Casting Crowns)
Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” When my heart is not united to fear His name, then what becomes of the lifesong that Jesus purchased on my behalf? My hands will be empty and my sacrifice vain. Instead of a beautiful lifesong resonating the sound of redemption, all that will be heard is a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1 Cor. 13:1. I know that the only way my heart can be true is by walking in the truth, and the only way I can know the truth, is by God, teaching me His way. Then my hands and feet can be used to reach a world in need, and the things I do and the things I say, as a living sacrifice will bring a smile to the beautiful face of my Lord and there will be no shame in the signing of His name to the end of the day. Than Hallelujah, Hallelujah, knowing my heart was true. The lifesong Jesus gave, can once again ring true.

Come Ye Who Thirst

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Matthew 5:6 blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

John 4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 4:15 And the women saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.


I Am that living water
Jesus!

July Issue 2008

Follow After Holiness

"Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4 Vanish for ever all thought of indulging the flesh if you would live in the power of your risen Lord. It were all ill that a man who is alive in Christ should dwell in the corruption of sin. "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" said he angel to Magdalene. Shoud the living dwell in the sepulcher? Should divine life be immured in the charnel house of fleshly lust? How can we partake of the cup of the Lord and yet drink the cup of Belial? Surely, believer, from open lusts and sins you are delivered: have you also escaped from the more secret and delusive lime-tiwgs of the Satanic fowler? Have you come forth from the lust of pride? Have you escaped from slothfulness? Have you clean escaped from carnal security? Are you seeking day by day to live above worldiness, the pride of life, and the ensnaring vice of avarice? Remember, it is for this that you have been enriched with the treasures of God. If ye be indeed the chosen of God, and beloved by Him, do not suffer all the lavish treasure of grace to be wasted upon you. Follow after holiness; it is the Christian's crown and glory. An unholy church! it is useless to the world, and of no esteem among men. It is an abominatin, hell's laughter, heaven's abhorrence. The worst evils which have ever come upon the world have been brought upon her by an unholy church. O Christian, the vows of God are upon you. You are God's priest: act as such. You are God's king: reign over your lusts. You are God's chosen: do not associate with Belial. Heaven is your portion: live like a heavenly spirit, so shall you prove that you have faith in Jesus, for there cannot be faith in the heart unless there be holiness in the life. "Lord I desire to live as one who bears a blood-bought name, as on who fears but grieving Thee, and knows no other shame." Charles Spurgeon

God's Painful Grace

No greater grace that I have seen

than the painfl grace of Calvary

each drop of blood, speaks of Your love

with every stripe, and every bruse

no greater grace can there be proved

than the painful grace of Calvary

and with every thorn upon Your brow

nail pierced hands and feet

no greater grace that I have seen

could ever be so sweet

this bitter cup, on my behalf

oh, what wondrous love

the painful grace of Calvary

(by D.M. 2008)

Righteous Judgment

OK this is cool, or at least I think so. Last night I was dreaming about standing before a judge for sharing the gospel, and said respectfully to him, that some day we will all stand before the "Righteous Judge", that He was no respector of persons, and that for one He will say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant" and to the other, "depart from Me I never knew you". And today as I was reading, I came across this short devotion and it was so near my dream I thought this has to go in the publication. So here it is.

"He shall judge the people righteously Psalm 96:10"

Righteous Judgemnt, Justice Gray of the Supreme Court once said in a lower court to a man who would have been sentenced, except for a technicality: "I know that you are gulity and you know it, and I wish you to remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser Judge, and there you will be delt with according to justice and not according to law." How assuring to the people of God! How frightening to those who are not! God the Creator, God the Provider, is also God the Righteous Judge, better and wiser than man. He is all-pure, never corruptible, all-knowing, all-merciful Judge of souls. "He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth" (Verse 13). Judgement Day will be a day of great rejoicing for the people of God, rewarding time, the crowning day. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appering.--II Timothy 4:8 It will be a day for which we have lived to hear Him say."Well done, good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt. 25:23). (A Psalm In My Heart)

His Strength His Glory

2 Cor. 12:9 And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Yes Lord, thy grace covers all my weakness, and brings strength. You are sufficient for all circumstances, what ere may be, Thou art with me. Shyness has been one of my battlefields, a weakness in my character. I do not consider it a flaw because "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139:14, but it is a weakness. I say that because it causes me all too often, to avoid some situations. It causes me to not reach out, and sometimes fail in the grace of God. It keeps me bound at times, and brings about a feeling of loneliness, and isolation. Other times it brings on the thoughts of helplessness, failure, regret, fear. Shyness can be debilitating in many ways. It can keep you from froming friendships, or from speaking up when you should. Shyness can prevent you from doing everyday tasks, like going to the bank, or grocery store. Shyness can cause you to do or not do many things. But the good news is that in all these things we can be more then conquers through Christ Jesus. Romans 8:37. relying on God to provide the strength needed to face the day in and day out struggles is not something that comes all at once. It is a process that spans across the years of ones life time. But He gives us the grace that we need; it is a love gift to us. I can not imagine my life apart from Christ, when I look back at all the victories He has given; all the times He has provided the strength and even boldness, to face what are to me giants. I am more in awe of who He is. I have had glimpses of life spent outside of Gods grace and the conviction and heartache that it brought about was so acute that it caused me to run and fall to my knees before God, repentant, seeking His forgiveness, to be so contrite before Him, and the joy of His grace and forgivness was and is like a warm gentle embrace that makes you feel safe and loved. Perhaps the thorn in my flesh is being shy; for only God knows how and what I would be or do, had I not been shy. Perhaps I would have relied on my strength, instead of His, or used the talents He gave, not for His glory but for mine. I used to pray that I would not be shy, but I still am. So now I pray, "Lord in my weakness, be my strength." For His strength is made perfect in weakness. (D.M. 08)

The Discipline of Disillusionment

"Jesus did not commit Himself unto them...for He knew what was in man." John 2:24-25

Disillusionment means that there are no more false judgements in life. To be undeceived by disillusionment may leave us cynical and unkindly severe in our judgement of others, but the disillusionment which comes from God brings us to the place where we see men and women as they are, and yet there is no cynicism, we have no stinging, bitter things to say. Many of the cruel things in life spring from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts; we are true only to our ideas of one another. Everything is either delightful and fine, or mean and dastardly, according to our idea. The refusal to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering in human life. It works in this way--if we love a human being and do not love God, we demand of him every perfection and rectitude, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; we are demanding of a human being that which he or she cannot give. There is only one Being Who can satisify the last aching abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Why our Lord is apparently so severe regarding every human relationship is because He knows that every relationship not based on loyalty to Himself will end in disaster. Our Lord trusted no man, yet He was never suspicious, never bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God and in what His grace could do for any man, was so perfect that He despaired of no one. If our trust is placed in human beings, we shall end in despairing of everyone. Oswald Chambers.

Worth Repeating

I have been thinking a lot lately about God's painful grace; the whys, the reasons, the wherfores. Intellectually I know that we live in a fallen world, but still there are things that make my heart cry out, "WHY". Then while I had set this portion of thought aside for a few days, I came across a writing from Oswald Chambers, called "Worth Repeating" it says; "The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on Jesus Christ's errands, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, "Do not be bothered with whether you are being justly deat with or not." To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we begin to grouse and indulge in the discontent of self-pity-"Why should I be treated like this?" If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says, "go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance." The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; We do not believe God, we enthrone comon sense and tack the name of God onto it. We do lean to our understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts". This is exactly what I needed to hear right now! For the last month I have had several painful encounters which have caused me to try and "reason" them out, and "justify" myself, for they are unwarranted. But God has clearly said; "Lean not upon your own understanding" so though painful these circumstances may be. I will believe God that He is the "Justifier" and my defense. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience...Romans 5:1-3. Whatever form His grace comes in, rest assured; and it is worth repeating, it is "Sufficient"

Grace For The Journey

2 Cor. 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." I am challenged by this scripture, the depth of its reality in light of my inward desire to please God and my outward shying away. For inwardly I know God's grace truly is sufficient; and His strength is made perfect in weakness; but outwardly it's like pulling teeth to get me moving. This is ironic concerning the ministry God has placed me in. But truly is a testament to His strength and grace. For I am well aware of the fact that apart from Him; I can do nothing! (John 15:5). So with this in mind I can move to the second half of this verse, which requires laying down any self-erected pride or preservation. For God resist the proud and gives grace to the humble, (James 4:6). Therefore as th Apostle Paul proclaimed, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities," Why? "that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Not for my glory, but His! And perhaps those who struggle with the same or similar weakness can find the courage to step out of their comfort zone, taking one step at a time in faith, thus passing on the encouraging reality, that God's grace truly is sufficient! This can be a life long journey; but; "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31). (D.M)

Simply Praise

July 2008

April Issue 2008

Don't Be An April Fool

Doubtless, playing pranks on the unsuspecting can and does afford one with many laughs, but can also hurt. But when it comes down to your "Soul", and where you will spend eternity, don't be a fool and say in your heart "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1).

i found a website that lists the top 100 April Fools Days pranks of all time. Which some are very clever, and some bring into question our intelligence. To make a fool (out) of someone, is to deceive, or trick, or make them look ridiculous.

Well, well, well, dosn't that sound familiar? Isn't that exactly what Satan does? The Word of God warns us of false prophets, who shall rise, and deceive many. (Matt. 24:4) tells us to take heed that no man deceive you. (v.5) warns that many will come in Christ's name and shall deceive many. What does God's Word tell us we should do? "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matt.26:41) oh that is so true! Here is a "fill in the blank" verse for you. Gal. 3:1 "O FOOLISH--------, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" Not only do we have to contend with false prophets, teachers, the Devil, each other, etc. But also ourselves! Gal. 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. The Bible says, "Fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Psa.1:7b) so how do we avoid being fools? Well, we start at the beginning! (Psa.1:7a) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" We keep our heart with all didigence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Prov. 4:23) We ponder the path of our feet. (Prov. 4:26a) We "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph.6:11) We pray without ceasing, (1Thess.5:17).

In the book of Revelation we read how, "The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever. (Revelation20:10) So consider Jesus, and what He has done on yours, mine, and all of mankind's behalf. Don't be an April fool! Or any other kind. Choose LIFE.

Through The Book To God

With us the training is of the inner ear. And its first training, after the early childhood stage is passed, must usually be through the eye. What God has spoken to others has been written down for us. We hear through our eyes. The eye opens the way to the inner ear. God spoke in His word. He is still speaking in it and through it. The whole thought here is to get to know God. He reveals Himself in the word that comes from His own lips, and through His messengers’ lips. He reveals Himself in His dealings with men. Every incident and experience of these pages is a mirror held up to God’s face. In them we may come to see Him. This is studying the Bible not for the Bible’s sake but for the purpose of knowing God. The object aimed at is not the Book but the God revealed in the Book. A man may go to collage and take lectures on the English Bible, and increase his knowledge, and enrich his vocabulary, and go away with utterly erroneous ideas of God. He may go to a law school and study the codes of the first great jurist, and get a clear understanding and firm grasp of the Mosaic enactments, as he must do to lay the foundation of legal training, yet he may remain ignorant of God. He may even go to a Bible school, and be able to analyze and synthesize, give outlines of books, and contents of chapters and much else of that invaluable and indispensable sort of knowledge and yet fail to understand God and His marvelous love-will. It is not the Book with which we are concerned here but the God through the Book. Not to learn truth but through truth to know Him who is Himself Truth. There is a fascinating bit of story told of one of David’s mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:9,10. one day there was a sudden attack upon the camp by the Philistines when the fighting men were all away. This man alone was there. The Philistines were the traditional enemy. The very word “Philistines” was one to strike terror to the Hebrew heart. But this man was reckoned one of the first three of David’s mighty men because of his conduct that day. He quietly, quickly gripped his sword and fought the enemy single-handed. Up and down, left and right, hip and thigh he smote with such terrific earnestness and drive that the enemy turned and fled. And we are told that the muscles of his hand became so rigid around the handle of his sword that he could not tell by feeling where his hand stopped, and the sword began. Man and sword were one that day in action of service against the nation’s enemy. When we absorb this Book, and the Spirit of Him who is its life that people cannot tell the line of division between the man, and the God within the man, then shall we have mightiest power as God’s intercessors in defeating the foe. God and man will be as one in the action of service against the enemy.
(Quite Talks On Prayer, pg. 163-165, by S. D. Gordon)

Winter Is Past

Winter is past, and with it, the memories of cold dark days, that can bring even the strongest to their knees. When our hearts are overshadowed by sorrow, it can feel as though the cold of winter is burying any hope of warmth or life. And with our tears, we water the seeds of believing, that there will come a Spring. So we wait, we hope, we trust. We look to the Son to shine His light and melt away all that covers our heart, so that the new life given can spring forth with beauty and grace, and the fragrant Rose of Sharon can bring a smile to our faces and to our hearts once again.
(D.M 2008)

"Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us"

When once I mourned a load of sin; when conscience felt a wound within; when all my works were thrown away’ when on my knees I knelt to pray, then, blissful hour, remembered well, I learned Thy love, Immanuel. When storms of sorrow toss my soul; when waves of care around me roll; when comforts sink, when joys shall flee; when hopeless grief's shall gape for me, one word the tempest’s rage shall quell—that word, Thy name, Immanuel. When for the truth I suffer shame; when foes pour scandal on my name; when cruel taunts and jeers abound; when “Bulls of Bashan” gird me round, secure within Thy tower I’ll dwell—that tower, Thy grace, Immanuel. When hell enraged lifts up her roar; when Satan stops my path before; when friends rejoice and wait my end; when legioned hosts their arrows send, fear not, my soul, but hurl at hell thy battle-cry, Immanuel. When down the hill of life I go; when o’er my feet death’s waters flow; when in the deep’ning flood I sink; when friends stand weeping on the brink, I’ll mingle with my last farewell Thy lovely name, Immanuel. When tears are banished from mine eye; when fairer worlds than these are nigh; when heaven shall fill my ravished sight; when I shall bathe in sweet delight, One joy all joys shall far excel, To see Thy face, Immanuel.
By C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
written at age eighteen

Precious Are Thy Words O God

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path. As I sit and mediate on that portion of Psalms 119:105 I am reminded of how precious Gods word is, and was to me as I grew up. I can remember sitting at my Grandfathers feet listening to him read. I can remember at ten years old receiving my first Bible and how I slept with it, took it everywhere. I still have it today, its like a special treasure from childhood, which was stolen and returned to me three times. I have my Mother’s Bible she used daily, she is now with Jesus, but when I hold it, I feel closer to her, knowing she read and held the same pages. All these memories are special, but cannot compare to the joy of meeting God face to face within the pages of His word. All the struggles I have faced and continue to face, are lightened by the Truth, the Way, and the Life. I still sometimes sleep with my Bible, it brings me comfort knowing that these are God’s words, given to us to help us know Him. Yes Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, may it never grow dim. But shine ever brightly, lighting my path, leading me the way You have chosen.

Cherish My Words


O My children, obey My words. Do not wander in unbelief and darkness, but let the scripture shine as a light upon thy path. My Words shall be life unto thee, for My commandments are given for thy health and for any preservation. They will guard thee from folly, and guide thee away from danger. Hide My commandments in thy heart, and make them the law of thy life. Cherish My words, and take not lightly the least of them. I have not given them to bind thee, but to bring thee into the life of greatest joy and truest liberty. I have asked thee to give, in order that I may bless thee more. I have challenged thee to pray, so that I may respond and help thee. I have asked thee to rejoice, in order to keep thee from being swallowed up by anxieties. I have asked thee to be humble, to protect thee from the calamities that fall upon the proud. I have asked thee to forgive, so as to make thy heart fit to receive My forgiveness. I have asked thee not to love the world, for I would have thee loosed from unnecessary entanglements, and free to follow Me. Sanctification is accomplished in no one by accident. Learn My rules, and put them into practice consistently, if ye desire to see progress in the growth of thy soul. Holiness is not a feeling, it is the end product of obedience. Purity is not a gift, it is the result of repentance, and a serious pursuit of God. (Come Away My Beloved, pg.22 by Frances Roberts)

A Sure Refuge

April showers bring May flowers, that’s how the saying goes, but sometimes those showers can turn into storms and “wreck havoc” on those caught in them. So where do we run? (Isa.4:6) And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. What a beautiful promise and gift, our Lord is a refuge for us, if I could only grasp the magnitude of that reality, than perhaps my heart wouldn’t fret over things I cannot control, or that overwhelm my soul. With all the self-help techniques out there I will choose to trust in God and say, O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit. (Jer. 16:19)

A B C's of Knowing Jesus

Anointed One
Bread of Life
Chosen and precious cornerstone
Defense
Eternal King
Faithful and True

Great High Priest
Holy and Righteous One
Immanuel
Jesus Christ our Lord
King of kings
Lamb of God
Man of Sorrows
Never ending
Our only Sovereign and Lord
Prince of Peace
Quickens the dead
Redeemer
Saviour of the World
Truth
Unspeakable Gift
Victorious in all things
Word of Life
X-ray of God
Your salvation
Zealous Servant of God

Moral Decision About Sin:

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6. Co-Crucifixion. Have I made this decision about sin—that it must be killed right out of me? It takes a long time to come to a moral decision about sin, but it is the great moment in my life when I do decide that just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world, so sin must die out in me, not be curbed or suppressed or counteracted, but crucified. No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be earnestly convinced, and religiously convinced, but what we need to do is to come to the decision which Paul forces here. Haul yourself up, take a time alone with God, make the moral decision and say—”Lord, identify me with Thy death until I know that sin is dead in me.” Make the moral decision that sin in you must be put to death. It is a divine anticipation on the part of Paul, but a very radical and definite experience. Am I prepared to let the Spirit of God search me until I know what the disposition of sin is—the thing that lusts against the Spirit of God in me? Then if so, will I agree with God’s verdict on that disposition of sin—that it should be identified with the death of Jesus? I cannot reckon myself “dead indeed unto sin” unless I have been through this radical issue of will before God. Have I entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ until all that is left is the life of Christ in my flesh and blood? “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
(My Utmost For His Highest)

Things to Think about

A. W. Tozer: “Christianity is so entangled with the world that millions never guess how radically they have missed the New Testament pattern. Compromise is everywhere. The world is whitewashed just enough to pass inspection by blind men posing as believers…” Scriptures to consider: Ezek. 13:6 “They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, the LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.” Lam. 3:7 “Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commendeth [it] not?” Jer. 23:25-31 “I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall [this] be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, [they are] prophets of deceit of their own heart; which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and let he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? Saith the LORD. [Is] not my word like as a fire? Saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbor. Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

False Prophets:

I find these scriptures interesting in the light of our times: Jer. 8:6-9 Actually, I find the whole book of Jeremiah fascinating concerning false prophets and end times. And we would do well to take heed and learn how to recognize their message and not slip from our steadfastness in Christ. “I harkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Every one turned to his course, as a horse rushes into battle. Yea, the stork in heaven knows her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. How do you say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?” Now think about today's mindset of many who teach “Peace, peace, without repentance” don’t get caught unaware, 2 Peter 2:1-3 is great also, take time to meditate upon it.

Graven Images:

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods. Psalm 97:7. confounded be the idolaters. Let them be ashamed. Let them be disappointed. Let them learn that their idols are not real gods. May their boasting be in vain. The heathen had their idols, but the people of God at times have also drifted into idolatry. The Israelites once made a golden calf and said, “These are thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:8. Of course, they knew the golden calf which could not walk did not bring them out of Egypt. So the calf was only a symbol of deity, which constituted idolatry. Then why did the people resort to image-making? Because they wanted a concrete manifestation of an invisible being. Man thinks it is difficult to remain close to a being he cannot see with the naked eye, so he creates some symbol to represent the being. But this is not needed, for our relationship to God is one of faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). The Ten Commandants forbid the making and worshiping of images: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them. Exodus 20:4,5. (A Psalm In My Heart)

Shall I Rouse Myself Up To This?

“Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1. “Having therefore these promises.” I claim the fulfillment of God’s promises, and rightly, but that is only the human side; the Divine side is that through the promises I recognize God’s claim on me. For instance, am I realizing that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, or have I a habit of body that plainly will not bear the light of God on it? By sanctification the Son of God is formed in me, then I have to transform my natural life into a spiritual life by obedience to Him. God educates us down to the scruple. When He begins to check, do not confer with flesh and blood, cleanse yourself at once. Keep yourself cleaned in your daily walk. I have to cleanse myself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit until both are in accord with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I insubordinate in intellect? Am I forming the mind of Christ, Who never spoke from His right to Himself, but maintained an inner watchfulness whereby He continually submitted His spirit to His Father? I have the responsibility of keeping my spirit in agreement with His Spirit, and by degrees Jesus lifts me up to where He lived—in perfect consecration to His Father’s will, paying no attention to any other thing. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Is God getting His way with me, and are other people beginning to see God in my life more and more? Be serious with God and leave the rest gaily alone. Put God first, literally.
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

Idols In The Church:

I have been studying about Idolatry and came across a quote by Keith Green which I liked because it mirrors my own thoughts in which I do not deserve or desire praise or applaud for any work or ministry that I do for God and His children. It says; “My dearest family in Jesus, why are we so star struck? Why do we idolize Christian singers and speakers? We go from glorifying musicians in the world, to glorifying Christian musicians. Its all idolatry! Can’t you see that?...Satan is getting a great victory as we seem to worship these ministers on tape and records, and clamor to get their autographs in churches and concerts halls from coast to coast . Can’t you see you are hurting these ministers? They try desperately to tell you that they don’t deserve to be praised, and because of this you squeal with delight and praise them all the more. You’re smothering them, making it almost impossible for them to see that it’s really Jesus. They keep telling themselves that, but you keep telling them that it’s really them, crushing their humility and grieving the Spirit that is trying to keep their eyes on Jesus...lets all repent of idolatry.

Not for Our Glory:

When we properly relate ourselves to God, we put ourselves in the background. We wear the Lord’s name to glorify Him—not ourselves. We shine to His glory—not to be applauded. We give of our means because we have given ourselves—not to be seen of men. We pray to be heard of God—not to be acclaimed by others. Now these personal questions: Why attend church? To worship God or to hold up our reputation? Why construct a new church building? To glorify God or to exalt ourselves? Why give? To please God or man? Why seek a church office or position? To serve God or to dignify ourselves? If we follow a make-believe religion to impress people, our only reward will come from people—none from God (Matthew 6:5). (A Psalm In My Heart)

The Relapse Of Concentration:

“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chron. 15:17. Asa was incomplete in his external obedience, he was right in the main but not entirely right. Beware of the thing which you say— “Oh, that does not matter much.” The fact that it does not matter much to you may mean that it matters a very great deal to God. Nothing is a light matter with a child of God. How much longer are some of us going to keep God trying to teach us one thing? He never loses patience. You say— “I know I am right with God”; but still the “high places” remain, there is something over which you have not obeyed. Are you protesting that your heart is right with God, and yet is there something in your life about which He has caused you to doubt? Whenever there is doubt, quit immediately, no matter what it is. Nothing is mere detail. Are there some things in connection with your bodily life, your intellectual life, upon which you are not concentrating at all? You are all in the main but you are slipshod; there is a relapse on the line of concentration. You no more need a holiday from spiritual concentration than your heart needs a holiday from beating. You cannot have a moral holiday and remain moral, nor can you have a spiritual holiday and remain spiritual. God wants you to be entirely His, and this means that you have to watch to keep yourself fit. It takes a tremendous amount of time. Some of us expect to “clear the numberless ascensions” in about two minutes.
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

Temptations by the World:

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The term world does not always refer to the universe as created by God. It often is used to describe the community of sinful humanity that possesses a spirit of rebellion against God (1 John 5:19). Because of its opposition to God, the world values those things which are contrary to God’s will: “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Its temptations to the believer are thus twofold: lust for the sensual and pride in mastery of his own life. Some of the tragic effects that love of the world will produce in the believers life are:
(1) A turning away from the Lord’s work and other believers 2 Tim.4:10.
(2) Alienation from God: James 4:4 (3) Corrupting sins: 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 2:15-17 (4) Deception by false teachers 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7 The solution to the love of the world is to have a greater love for the Father 1 John 2:15. (Bible footnotes)

Distractions:

I have had trouble formulating my thoughts as of late, I’ve engaged myself with to many distractions. And neglecting the more needful things that keep my heart and mind at peace. Or to be more accurate neglecting the “One” who keeps my heart and mind in peace. Hebrews 2:1 says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” This scripture is a warning of the danger of neglect; which we know is true in all circumstances. For if we neglect our cars they break down, if we neglect our home it begins to fall apart, weeds
grow in yards left unattended, and when we neglect our loved ones they too grow distant. So it is when we neglect God, His word, and prayer. It is easy to let the things of God “slip,” I speak from experience. I’m not saying that “all” distractions are bad; only those that carry us away from time with God. When we for whatever reason distract from the course set before us by God, then what are we to conclude; but that we have charted a new course, not set by God, but ourselves, and even worse, Satan. “THEREFORE we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard” We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19, This then is the message we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, (which is anything that distracts us from the “Light”) we lie, and do not the truth (1 John 1:5-6). But, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Lord, I confess that the things that have distracted me from time spent with You, is unrighteousness and sin, that when I step out of Your Light, I am walking in darkness, I humbly ask Your forgiveness. 1 John 1:4 “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (D.E.M)