December 31

Revelation 12-18
In the 14th chapter, verses eleven and twelve, it reads: “There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.  This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”  As I read this I had to ask myself, why does this call for patient endurance?  And then it struck me.  Those who keep God’s commands love everyone.  Therefore, the suffering of anyone would be painful to witness.  There is another verse in the Revelation that tells us God will wipe away all tears.  This indicates that there will be tears.  It is my conviction that our tears will be for those who going to suffer eternal torment in hell.  Even though we will know that it is God’s will, it will still hurt us to see them in torment.  It will take the Lord’s special powers to help us overcome this grief.  Of course, you are free to disagree with my interpretation, as this is not a salvation issue, and therefore, open to interpretation.

December 30

Revelation 6-11
I do not pretend to even come close to being able to interpret any prophecy, much less John’s Revelation.  However, there is one section that needs no interpretation: They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”  When God decides to execute His judgment there will be no hiding place, no defense.  Conversely, for those who are saved, there is no thing or one who will be able to change that.  The saved will be just that, saved!  Whereas, the condemned will only be looking at the wrath of God, and nothing can alter that fact.

December 29

Revelation 1-5
Perhaps the most controversial book in the Bible, Revelation holds truths that are to be ingrained and honored.  It is filled with prophetic language that is difficult to interpret, and I will not even begin to pretend that I fully understand all that is written.  Having said that, I do understand the first three chapters quite well.  Jesus addresses the seven churches of Asia.  He has problems with six of them.  Yet, He calls all seven of them His church.  I dare say that many Christians would have trouble offering their hand in fellowship to some of these churches.  And, in their refusal to fellowship, they would be going against the will of God.  Jesus clearly states, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.”  If He loves them, dare we do any less?  True, He calls them to repentance, but He still loves them and calls them His own.  The divisions we have in Christendom are to our shame.  As the church of God, we need to repent, and promote unity in the love of Christ.

December 28

2 John 1
3 John 1
There are many who are always pointing to one sign or another that the antichrist is coming.  However, John writes, “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”  Thus, the antichrist is not one person, but many.  Furthermore, the antichrist has been around for nearly two thousand years, and will continue to be around until the coming of our Lord and the end of this age.  I guess it makes for good drama to point to one person, and varying signs and wonders pointing to that one person.  But, truth is not about drama.  Rather, truth is found in Jesus Christ and His teachings.

December 27

1 John 1-5
There are so many interesting points made in this letter that it would take a small book to cover them all.  However, there are two that I am led to address.  Both have to do with our eternal security.  At the beginning we read that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  In the original language, the tense for confess is past, whereas the tense for cleanse is a flowing tense.  In other words, when we confessed that we are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness, He began cleansing us, and continues to do so, much like a flowing river, it never stops.  The other aspect of our eternal security is found near the end of the letter when the author tells us that he has written these things so that we might know that we have eternal life.  Our confidence is not in ourselves, it is in the Lord.  It is in His righteousness that we are able to stand, and can confidently acknowledge that we have eternal life!

December 26

2 Peter 1-3
Jude
These two letters so closely parallel one another, one might be lead to believe they were both written by the same person. At the very least, one author had read the other's letter before writing his. All of which is immaterial, given that both are included in the canon containing the inspired word of God. What is important is our growth in understanding the Bible. 2 Peter ends with this injunction: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." Unfortunately, many Christians seldom read scripture, and are, therefore, ignorant of much of the truth revealed. They depend wholly on others, receiving interpretation that is open to error. Thus, some are misled and project a false impression of our Lord. We need to be actively engaged in the reading, study, and meditation over the Word. May it never be said that any of us are at the same place we were when we received the salvation of our souls!

December 25

2 Timothy 1-4
Paul encourages Timothy to "fan into flame" the gift God has given him. This is good advice for every Christian. Each of us are given specific gifts that are to be used in the kingdom of our Lord. In order to effectively fan our gift into flame, we must first identify what that gift is. Our shepherds can be very useful in accomplishing this task. Very often one is working at developing a gift they have not been given. Therefore, they are not nearly as effective in serving the cause. If we are in touch with the true gift we have been given, development will go much smoother and our effectiveness will be much greater. For example, we may love to sing, and sing we must! However, if we are not gifted with a good voice, our effectiveness in serving others with our song will not be very good. Therefore, we can, and should, continue to sing and make melody in our heart, while developing our true talent so as to be an encouragement to others.

December 24

Hebrews 11-13
I have enjoyed reading through the Bible this year, the stories of great men and women who have spoken to us through the ages because of their faith in the Lord.  All of these demonstrated their faith in various ways, many sacrificing their very lives, in order to draw close to a God they could not see, yet knew existed.  Today’s reading begins with, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  All too often some refuse to believe because they cannot see, touch, taste, or handle.  Skeptics are everywhere.  Even when the evidence is overwhelming, these refuse to believe.  They come up with alternative explanations.  However, before we become too offended, we should remember that many of these same skeptics doubt that we ever put a man on the moon, that JFK or Elvis are really dead, that the Holocaust actually happened, ad infinitum.  This lack of faith can even be found in the church.  There are Christians who doubt the veracity of the biblical narrative, aspects of church history, even their own faith!  But, there is One who remains faithful, even when we aren’t.  We may not be able to see Him, but He sees us and loves us and longs to spend eternity with us!

December 23

Hebrews 7-10
The Hebrew writer makes a case for the superiority of the new covenant over the old.  Then, in chapter ten, in response to the gift of the new covenant, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Many Christians believe that the primary purpose for our public gatherings is to worship God.  The way I read this passage is that the main reason for our coming together is to encourage one another, spurring each other on toward love and good deeds.  As to our worship of God, that should be a continual process, seven days a week.  We do this best when we are engaged in loving each other and performing those works that speak to the faith we share.

December 22

Hebrews 1-6
I don’t know how many times I have heard someone say, “We need more lessons like that, on the basics!”  A number of years ago, an older preacher levied the accusation against me that I never preached baptism.  In my defense, I told him that I had a whole series of lessons on baptism, but that I felt no need to preach baptism to a room full of baptized believers!  The writer of Hebrews supports this position in the first two verses of chapter six: “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”  As Christians, we should be seeking the deep truths about our Lord, striving to draw closer through learning and adding the characteristics of Christ to our own character.  If we spend all our time on the basics, we will never get around to the work God has in mind for us to do.  We will be like the one talent man who hid his talent, and gave no increase when his master returned.  I, for one, do not want to share that man’s fate!

December 21

1 Peter 1-5
I make and sell pens.  One of the most common excuses I hear for not buying one is that they lose pens all the time.  My response to that is that if you have spent this kind of money on a pen, you are more likely to take care of it, and less likely to lose it.  The same can be said of our salvation.  It was bought at such a price that we are more likely to take care of it.  However, make no mistake, whether you are talking about something as inconsequential as my pens or eternal salvation, if we are careless, either can be lost.  With this in mind, we are reminded in our reading to, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  Satan is always looking for a way to rob us of the precious salvation the Lord purchased with His own blood.  This salvation is not fragile.  It is not easily lost.  But, it comes with a certain amount of responsibility.  This entire letter speaks to that responsibility.  We would do well to read and follow the instructions contained therein.

December 20

Titus 1-3
Paul tells us that to the pure all things are pure.  Some have misinterpreted this to mean that we are to just stick our head in the sand and not see anything that is impure.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We are to be alert, recognizing that which is evil, so as to avoid that which would lead us astray.  Having said that, there is another aspect of purity that one should seek.  In our relationships we should be looking for the good in others, without digging for whatever fault they might possess.  For, we all have our weaknesses.  The adage, if you can’t find something good to say about someone, don’t say anything at all, applies here.  However, if there is someone attempting to disrupt the harmony of the family through deceit, we must be ready to protect that which has been entrusted to our care.  This is the charge Paul is giving Titus, and through extension, to us.

December 19

1 Timothy 1-6
As Paul instructs his protégée, he makes an assumption that isn’t always true.  He tells Timothy to teach others to treat the older people as they would their father and mother.  The assumption is that people treat their parents well.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  Many are very disrespectful to their parents.  Instead of honoring and respecting them, some treat their parents as if they were a nuisance to them.  I have seen many adult children treat their parents very shamefully.  It’s as though God’s commands to honor and obey them is only a joke.  For this reason, my wife and I have always had a special ministry to the aged.  We find that many of them are neglected, lonely, and hurt.  The most common causes for these feelings are children who ignore them, reject them, and say horrible things to them when they do take the time to speak to them.  Even more tragic is that many of these families, if you can call them that, are in the church, professing to be faithful Christians!  So, if you feel the need to offer yourselves in a much needed ministry, try looking in on the elderly.  It is extremely rewarding, not to mention, educational!

December 18

Philippians 1-4
Paul was an evangelist in every sense of the word.  He wanted to see the great commission fulfilled.  With this goal in mind, he writes, “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”  Recently I listened to a politician quote scripture in a speech he was giving.  Even though I doubted his sincerity, I rejoiced that he was quoting from God’s word.  It can be frustrating when you see someone using the cause of Christ for their own personal gain, especially when you know that they don’t really believe what they are saying.  However, if Christ is taught, and others are inspired through that teaching, a good thing has been done.  God is able to use anyone and any circumstance to His glory, whether we are able to see it or not, whether or not we agree with the method.  In all things, and in every way, God is still in control!

December 17

Ephesians 1-6
What a wonderful letter, written to promote unity!  From beginning to end, Paul is making it clear that unity is of the utmost importance to God.  He gives practical instruction on how this can be accomplished, both in our regular families and in the family of believers.  There is instruction on how we can overcome the evil that is always present, ready to destroy our happiness and unity.  In chapter four, verses 31 & 32, he writes: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  If this simple instruction were to be followed, families would be closer, and the church would not be so divided.  Key to this is forgiveness.  We are all fallible humans, making one mistake after another.  If God did not choose to forgive us, we would be eternally lost.  However, when it comes to our forgiving each other, it is often quite a different story.  We hold on to bitterness and malice, even when we speak words of forgiveness.  The old adage, “actions speak louder than words” applies.  Our words of forgiveness are hollow without our acts of kindness and compassion.  Jesus not only spoke words of forgiveness, He backs those words up with continued blessings.

December 16

Colossians 1-4, Philemon
The apostle Paul sets the example for any who desire to serve the Lord and His church.  He’s in prison, using the circumstance as an opportunity to promote the gospel, and then takes the time to minister to those whom he has served in the past.  This is putting the greatest commandments into practice.  Loving the Lord by fulfilling His commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and then loving one another.  What better way to demonstrate our love than to be interested in their spiritual walk?  Seizing opportunities to share what we have learned in the Word, and encouraging others as we see growth in their lives, are practical demonstrations of our love that distinguishes our sincerity as something tangible and real.

December 15

Acts 27-28
I can just picture the raging seas as the ship carrying Paul crashes near the shores of Malta.  For weeks, being buffeted by the winds and waves, taking drastic measures to stay afloat, going without food, and finally having to swim or float on debris to gain land and life!  This is not an adventure one would like to repeat.  Yet, God saw them through and used the situation to support Paul’s witness.  It is our steadfast faith, seen as we patiently endure the storms of life, that demonstrates the reality of our Savior more wondrously than any sermon ever preached from any pulpit.  In the aftermath of a recent school shooting, I read the hopeless remarks of a non-believer who was mocking God for His allowing such a tragedy to take place.  I couldn’t help but think of how terrible it would be to face such horror without faith.  To live through such an unimaginable event, only to have nowhere to turn for solace, no hope for the slain or self!  Despair is the only thing one has to hold on to if they don’t know the Lord.  However, when they can witness the hope, exhibited by the believer in such circumstances, it just might open their eyes to the One who is able to save both the body and the soul!

December 14

Acts 24-26
As the apostle Paul is moved from one place to the next, speaking to one authority after another, being in chains, he views each circumstance as another opportunity to promote the gospel. On this journey, he appeals to Caesar so as to reach the highest echelons with the good news. Roman law would have freed him from the false charges brought against him by those wishing to hinder the spread of the gospel message. Yet, he is willing to subject himself to prison for the sake of that message. His dedication and focus should be an inspiration to all who love the Lord and are grateful for His gift of grace.

December 13

Acts 20-23
As Paul makes his way toward Jerusalem, he is warned numerous times of the danger awaiting his arrival.  However, he was intent on going.  At one point, he is convinced to perform certain rites to appease the Jews.  Yet, even this was not enough.  They simply refused to believe his message, and they wanted to silence him.  Of course, we know that this was all part of God’s plan to get Paul to Rome, so that he would be able to proclaim the good news even more.  But, I believe there is a message here for those of us who are seeking to promote the truth.  In his desire for peace, Paul compromised with his detractors to no avail.  While peace should always be a goal, compromise is not always a good vehicle to get there.  Truth is powerful, and it doesn’t really need our help.  Truth can stand on its own.  There will always be those who will reject the truth, but that doesn’t negate our obligation to stand firm in the truth.  Don’t misunderstand me.  I’m not saying that Paul was compromising the truth.  What I am saying is that there will always be those who are intent on discord, and no amount of compromise will ever stop them.  Thus, whether we suffer persecution or not, we must continue to stand, as Paul did, for the truth.

December 12

Romans 14-16
During my Christian journey, I have focused on two primary objectives: reaching the lost, and promoting unity.  Justification for this concept can be found throughout scripture, but nowhere more succinct than in these chapters.  In defining his own objectives, Paul writes, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”  He understood that his time on earth was limited, and he would not be able to reach all the lost in his lifetime.  He also rebukes the church for their divisions: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”  Instead of standing in judgment on Christians who don’t practice their faith in the same manner as we, Paul’s injunction is to “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”  Think about this statement.  We were steeped in sin when the Lord accepted us.  Yet, our divisions exist because some will not accept others over matters of opinion, or interpretation of scripture.  If the Lord waited for us to share His opinions or interpretation of scriptures, salvation would be very elusive.  Throughout my entire Christian walk, I have been attempting to share the Lord’s opinions and interpretations.  Even though I am closer to that goal than at the beginning, I know that this task will not be completed until I see Him face to face.

December 11

Romans 11-13
Paul calls us to be transformed, and then he goes on to tell us how.  Each of us are given spiritual gifts that are to be used to the glory of God, and the building up of the church.  We should all seek out wise counsel on helping us to identify our strengths and weaknesses.  Once our talents are discovered, we should take whatever steps are beneficial in developing the gift to its maximum potential.  It’s sad to witness someone attempting to do something in which they are not gifted.  That same person could be using that for which they are gifted, and be so much more of a blessing to themselves and the church.  When I was a young Christian, I thought that I must sing bass at church, because that it what men sing.  Fortunately, a wise brother pulled me aside and suggested I sing tenor.  The end result was an improvement for all.  This is a weak example, but the concept is the same for any gift or talent.

December 10

Romans 8-10
This reading is so rich with valuable instruction that builds our faith!  I could write a book on what is said in chapter eight alone.  So, I chose one passage to comment on: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”  Have you ever prayed not knowing what to say or how to say it?  There have been many times that I have approached God’s throne, only to find myself speechless.  And, even when I do know what I want to pray about, I often don’t know how to put it into words.  It is such a comfort to know that God’s Spirit is able to relay my intent through “wordless groans.”

December 9

Romans 4-7
In this reading we see every Christian’s struggle.  When we accept the gift of grace given by our loving Savior, we are filled with gratitude and long to please our Heavenly Father.  Even though my intellectual being knows that I cannot be perfect, my heart desires perfection, so I strive to be as righteous as I am able.  Unfortunately, failure meets me on a constant basis.  I am weak and often succumb to temptation.  Of course, repentance quickly follows the transgression, but it still bothers me that I am not able to completely overcome.  Thus, I find myself echoing Paul’s words, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”  Driven to my knees, I pray to the Lord for mercy.  Reminded of His faithfulness, I am lifted up with praises to the One who willingly gave Himself for me, so that I might be found in His righteousness, and not my own.  Thank you, Jesus!

December 8

Romans 1-3
Romans 3:23 is that famous verse that is often quoted: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  However, in chapter one, verse twenty, Paul gives us this sobering thought: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”  Very often people will use God’s grace as a vehicle to justify their sinful way of life.  They do this to their own destruction, because God does not justify willful wrongdoing.  While it is true that none are righteous, save Jesus, we are expected to repent of our sins and to live righteous lives to the best of our ability.  If we choose to ignore His injunctions, we will be without excuse in the day of judgment.

December 7

2 Corinthians 10-13
It is difficult to rebuke those we love.  There is the fear that we will damage the relationship beyond repair.  However, where one's eternal salvation is involved, the risks outweigh the benefits.  Such was the case as the apostle Paul writes the Corinthian church.  They had serious difficulties!  Salvation for some was at stake.  So, he uses harsh language in order to reach them.  That this is done in a spirit of love was absolutely essential.  That he has the authority to do so is implicit, in that he is an apostle.  Yet, one does not need to be in a position of authority in order to rebuke another.  We simply must need to care enough about their souls.  Love should compel us to help our brother or sister to be restored in their relationship with the Lord, if that relationship has been damaged by sin.

December 6

1 Corinthians 5-9
Paul was constantly promoting grace.  I believe this was because he was so grateful for the grace shown him after he had so vigorously persecuted the church.  However, he offers this response to God’s grace: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”  Much of what he writes following these words has to do with the Corinthian brethren giving a financial gift to help those in other places who are in need.  One of my early mentors would say that the contributions of a church are often a good barometer of their spiritual health.  As children of God, we are blessed beyond knowing in everything!  Sharing our wealth is but a small expression of our gratitude.  Unfortunately, for many, it is a very small expression.  What does Christ’s love compel you to do?

December 5

2 Corinthians 1-4
Paul is dealing with grace in this second letter to the church at Corinth. He states that the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. This is in reference to law and commandments. Having spent my life in a church that has a legalistic history, I can really relate to these words. It has my very sad experience to witness the demise of several congregations due to legalism. On a more positive note, it has been my pleasure to be associated with several congregations that have moved away from the legal foundations, embracing the spirit of what has been written, and discovering the life God desires for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.

December 4

1 Corinthians 15-16
As Paul brings this letter to a close, he reminds the Corinthians of the gospel and the importance of the resurrection.  Without the resurrection, there is no gospel.  If Jesus were not raised, He would not be the Messiah.  If we were not raised in a new spiritual body, our resurrection would be meaningless.  The gospel is a simple message.  It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Nothing more, nothing less.  We share in that gospel by faithfully submitting to the watery grave of baptism, so as to be buried with Christ and raised with our sins washed away, so that we might live a new life in the Spirit!  This is the message we need to bring to the world.   This is the message that provides hope in the darkness many find themselves.  This is the message of love, God’s love, that saves for eternity!

December 3

1 Corinthians 12-14
In broaching the subject of spiritual gifts, Paul explains that whatever gift one uses it should be done for the benefit of the church.  However, he offers the most excellent of all with what is commonly called the love chapter.  In this, he says that the three remaining gifts are faith, hope, and love, with the greatest being love.  At any discussion of spiritual gifts I always come back to this.  For I know that I have not fully developed these three gifts.  It is only when I have mastered these that I would give serious consideration to the lesser gifts, such as, healing, prophesying, and speaking in tongues.  Those who have had the greatest positive impact on the church are those who are excelling in faith, hope, and love.  I have yet to find anyone outside of the Bible who has benefitted the church in any meaningful manner with the other spiritual gifts.

December 2

1 Corinthians 9-11
The apostle is giving instructions to a church that has lots of problems.  One can almost feel the tension that exists.  It would seem that there are those who are selfishly concerned about their own lives, placing themselves above one another, and causing dissension in the process.  Division is the word of the day.  Indeed, when we have a lack of concern for others there will be division.  Unity is only accomplished when we are willing to put our own desires behind us so as to demonstrate love and concern for others.

December 1

1 Corinthians 5-8
I sometimes think that God did too good a job in giving us a sex drive so that we might procreate.  It seems that this drive gets us into a lot of trouble.  Paul devotes a lot of words to this subject: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.”  I have seen people sacrifice everything in order to fulfill a sexual desire.  It’s sad when families are broken and relationships destroyed because of sexual immorality.  The apostle makes a distinction between this sin and all others.  I wonder how many Christians consider that when they are engaged in practicing sexual immorality that the Lord is right there!  Our bodies are His temple, His dwelling place!  How do you suppose it makes Him feel when His temple is invaded in such a manner?

November 30

1 Corinthians 1-4
Throughout the years, as I have worked with different congregations, it has always been a challenge to direct those I teach to focus on Jesus, not me.  Those who labor in the Lord have a tremendous amount of influence, and we aren’t careful we will produce a group of our own followers.  Paul said it right when he says, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”  No matter how fine the preacher, how righteous his life, how uplifting his message, our faith should always rest on God.  We are mere men, prone to error, simply being used as tools by the Lord.  Even though we should honor and respect those who devote themselves to teaching, we must never exalt them to a place equal with the Lord.

November 29

Acts 18-19
The saying, “Follow the money” comes into play in our reading today.  Those making money with the sale of idols had their business threatened with the preaching of the gospel.  So, they devised a plan to get rid of Paul and his associates.  It’s amazing that such a strong church was established in Ephesus.  Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world.  Ephesus is a good demonstration of the Lord’s power over evil.  My wife and I have often commented on how much smut we find in Houston.  Alongside the smut, we find an abundance of churches.  Satan keeps the attack going where he finds his biggest threat.  On a smaller scale, we can know that if we are living our lives in the way of the Lord, there is a good chance we will be attacked by Satan.  However, we are in good company when we are thus attacked.

November 28

1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3
What do you write to a church that is already doing all that you’ve taught, living above and beyond the instruction given?  Well, Paul uses the opportunity to encourage them, while reminding them of some of his teachings.  The students I found the most difficult were those who were extremely intelligent.  These challenged me, because I had to look for ways to help them improve what was already excellent work.  This is what the apostle was doing with the Thessalonians.  One of his teachings near the end of these two letters bears repeating:  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “Anyone who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”  In our present condition we find many able-bodied people who are perfectly happy to live off the welfare system.  While we have an obligation to help those who cannot help themselves, we should be encouraging the others to earn their living.  Even so, we should be taking a lesson from Paul’s play book, seeking to encourage all.

November 27

Acts 17
Paul found himself among the intellectuals of his day and he ceased the opportunity to present the gospel in a way that would appeal to them.  Being people who sought out learning, they were a willing audience.  Even though they didn’t all accept the good news, they all welcomed the presentation.  My wife and I enjoy a small group study on Sunday evenings with a group of older, mostly retired people, most of whom just happen to be either former or current educators.  Studying the scripture with such a group as this presents some interesting challenges, as well as many enlightening moments.  Being highly educated, these folks don’t automatically go with traditional teachings with which many grew up.  They are constantly pushing the envelope.  The end result is a deeper faith in God, a greater appreciation for His word, and a richer relationship with the Lord.

November 26

Galatians 4-6
There have always been those who would impose as set of rules upon believers, leading them to believe that their salvation is based upon those rules.  There must be, of necessity, laws to guide mankind, to keep us from harming one another in a civil society.  However, in the church, Paul says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”  Those things that are wrong to do are obvious, so we avoid them because to do otherwise would not be an expression of our faith through love.  As followers of Christ, we do that which is good and right, not because those things earn our salvation, rather, we grow in the fruit of the spirit because our faith is demonstrating itself through love.  Anything less is hypocrisy, and just as harmful as legalism.  Because we love as the Lord loves, we do not need a law to guide us.  Love is the guiding principle.  God’s Spirit is the means by which we are able to put that principle into practice.

November 25

Galatians 1-3
A fundamental teaching of Paul, if followed, would do much to restore order to the church, as well as, honor in the sight of man and God: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  This basic teaching removes all prejudices, promoting the freedom Christ died so that we might receive in Him.  It is in this freedom that unity can be had through harmonious fellowship with saints of all stripes.  Through this, we would no longer make harmful distinctions by elevating one above another.  Pride would take a backseat to humility as we would allow the Spirit to guide us into all righteousness through the love of Christ.

November 24

Acts 15-16
It has been said that truth is stranger than fiction. We live in a world that is fascinated with action heroes. Blockbuster movies are made filled with the exploits of real and fictional characters. Today's reading could easily be the basis for such a film. Paul and Silas' missionary journey has all the makings of an action packed, larger than life, adventure movie. I can picture a strong leading man playing the part of Paul, with his faithful companions, Silas, and Luke, the recorder of events, being directed and empowered supernaturally by the Spirit of God. This would truly be an edge-of-your-seat, nail-biter, movie! Perhaps we could get Peter Jackson or Steven Spielberg to direct it. What do you think?

November 23

James 1-5
The primary message of James is the control of the tongue.  I don’t know how many times I have seen lack of control results it disaster.  We often say things that are hurtful, destroying relationships, reputations, and this very often happens to those we love the most.  When we are, ourselves, hurt by another we strike back with ugly words.  The result it two hurt people.  When, if we were to respond with kind words, even if rejected by the other, the end result is less harmful.  Words mean things.  They are easily spoken, and impossible to take back.  We live in a nation that celebrates freedom of speech.  Unfortunately, that freedom is often abused.  Profanity is rampant, and this “freedom” is often used in ways that ought not be.  As Christians, we should know the boundaries of our freedom of speech, and gladly live within those boundaries.

November 22

Acts 13-14
Paul uses a really great line when he is bringing the gospel message to the Jews: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life . . .”  Those who reject the gospel do not consider themselves worthy of eternal life!  I wonder how many of those who are rejecting our message would reconsider if we brought this to their attention?  Of course, there are those who truly do not consider themselves worthy because they are so filled with guilt and remorse from a sinful past.  We would probably need a different approach with them.  However, there are many who reject the truth out of pride, thinking that our message is archaic, and that our God is a myth.  For these, it might be worthwhile to ask them if they consider themselves worthy of eternal life?

November 21

Acts 11-12
When Peter was giving his testimony concerning the conversion of Cornelius and his household, he makes the statement: “So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”  There is a principal in that statement that extends beyond this event, a principal we Christians should heed.  When we witness the gift of the Spirit in other believers and we refuse to offer our hand in fellowship because they might not share all our views, we may want to ask ourselves, “Who are we to think we can stand in God’s way?”  God is sovereign, and He will save who He chooses to save, regardless of our views about who should or should not be saved.  Jesus stated it another way when He said that a house divided cannot stand.

November 20

Acts 9-10
Such exciting times were these in the infancy of the church! Saul, the powerful enemy of the church, becomes the apostle Paul, specially chosen by Jesus to be His appointed messenger to the Gentiles. And, then Peter opens the door to the Gentiles through God-delivered visions, and a faithful Gentile centurion, Cornelius. Through these well-orchestrated events the gospel was opened up to the entire world, no one can be denied! God's chosen people are no longer limited to an earthly nation. We are now a heavenly nation, without discrimination regarding race or nationality. The only requirement for citizenship in this nation is faith in the Head, that is, in the Lord, Jesus Christ. May He be forever praised! Amen.

November 19

Acts 7-8 Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr, died in much the same pattern as the Lord. He asked the Lord to receive his spirit, and he also asked God to forgive his executioners. A brave and heroic ending, Stephen represented the Lord admirably. And, as much as we are able to see the similarities, there is one glaring difference -- Stephen died, and he remained in the tomb, while Jesus died, was buried, and then arose. He who was completely dead was completely alive three days after His death! Because of His resurrection, Stephen, along with all his fellow Christians, will experience a resurrection into God's heavenly home!

November 18

Acts 4-6
As the Pharisees were attempting to still the voices of the apostles, Peter tells them that they cannot help but speak about what they had seen and heard.  The message of the gospel is so compelling that it must be told!  Do we modern Christians have that same drive?  I often hear the words, missional, or mission-minded in our churches.  However, mission work begins wherever we are.  One doesn’t need to go a foreign land in order to proclaim the good news.  We are surrounded by throngs of people that we come into contact with every day.  The enemy would have us be silent.  But, we, along with Peter, should not be able to help but speak the words of the gospel!

November 17

Acts 1-3
As Luke begins his history of the beginnings of the church we see Peter taking charge and leading the movement.  He preaches powerful sermons, convicting his hearers of their guilt; calling on them to repent and be baptized.  Along with the preaching, miracles are performed, confirming the teachings of the apostles.  It is important to see that the apostles never take the glory for themselves.  They always turn their hearers eyes toward Jesus.  Peter reminds them that the works they are seeing are only accomplished through the Lord.  He performs these deeds through His apostles, confirming their word, so that people might believe and be saved.  It is the goal of any preacher of teacher of the gospel that our hearers would focus on God.  Salvation is found in no other name!

November 16

Luke 24
John 20-21
After the resurrection, the Lord appeared to many people, leaving a strong witness to His resurrection.  However, Thomas had said that he wouldn’t believe until he saw the nail-scarred hands and the pierced side.  When Jesus appeared to Thomas, he loudly proclaimed his faith.  Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  In our efforts to prove that God is real, we often forget that faith is believing in the unseen.  God is bigger than any proof we might be able to offer.  He doesn’t need our physical proof.  He is God!  That is really the sum total of the discussion.  And, we know this, not because of any proof that has been offered.  No, we know this because of our faith!

November 15

Matthew 28
Mark 16
When Jesus was resurrected, the Jews devised a plan, involving a lie, to discredit His resurrection.  This sort of thing has continued on throughout the ages.  Many have come up with all sorts of ways to explain away the Lord.  My stepfather was an alcoholic and an atheist.  He spent hours pouring over the Bible, studying so as to discredit it.  He looked for contradictions, and came up with farcical explanations for different miraculous events.  However, as he lay in the hospital, dying with cirrhosis of the liver, he gave up on his life quest to disprove the existence of God.  Instead, he decided that he wanted to believe in one who could overcome death, offering eternal life to all who believe.  How about you?  Are you looking to discredit the Lord, or are you placing your faith in Him?

November 14

Luke 23
John 18-19
Just before He dies, Jesus fulfills His duty toward His mother, by appointing John to be her steward, thus, setting the example that He had earlier reprimanded the Jews for not doing.  He had convicted them of their hypocrisy by demonstrating that they were not honoring their parents.  So, in this final act, Jesus honors His mother by providing a caretaker.  During my parents final years I was separated from them by distance.  It gave me great comfort, however, to know that they had caretakers.  My dad’s wife faithfully looked after him until his death, and my brother did the same for Mom.  In our present era, the fifth commandment is often overlooked.  Instead of honoring parents, people often revile them, or simply ignore them.  Unfortunately, this even happens in the church.  Lord, help us to fulfill all your commandments!

November 13

Matthew 27
Mark 15
The crucifixion was a gruesome affair.  And to make it worse, the leader of the people, Pilate, knew Jesus was an innocent man!  However, he bowed to the people and allowed the Lord to be beaten, mocked, and crucified.  I think we often forget that those calling for His execution were the religious people of that time.  These were supposed to be the people of God!  When those who are supposed to be the ambassadors for God act in such a manner, is it any wonder that those in the world find it difficult to believe in a loving God?  And, before we start casting stones at the Jews, consider the crusades, along with all the other wars that have been fought using the Lord as an excuse to kill and maim our fellow man.  It is extremely important that we help others to understand that those who do such things are not true representatives of the one, true God.

November 12

John 14-17
“If you love me, keep my commands.”  Grace is truly the only way any of us can ever have salvation.  When judgment day comes, I want mercy, not justice.  However, we obtain that grace through our loving the Lord faithfully.  If we flaunt His commands, our love is a lie, and our salvation is a joke!  Some have been fed a false doctrine that leads them to believe they can live life on their own terms, just so long as they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  The word of God rebuts that teaching.  If we are to enjoy the grace of the Lord, we must obey His commands.  This is not a works-based salvation.  It is the reality of our love, or lack thereof, of the Lord.  Those who willingly go against the Lord’s commands are living in delusion if they believe they will continue to receive the grace and mercy of God!