We all have some things that we do with great regularity. Certain activities are a part of everyday – things like bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, etc. Each person will have other unique practices that are incorporated into their normal routine. And, while it is possible to “get in a rut”, some of this regularity is important and helpful in making us more efficient individuals. With that idea in mind, we’d like to suggest some things that ought to become a regular part of every Christian’s daily routine. Every day we should.

• Pray. Pray daily for your fellow Christians, especially remembering the sick, the bereaved, those who are spiritually weak, those laboring under heavy burdens, and others who have special needs. Don’t let these prayers be totally “general” in nature. Think of specific individuals and mention them by name in your prayers.

• Give Thanks. In the course of your prayers, do not neglect to thank the Heavenly Father for all the wonderful blessings that He gives us. Again, be specific. Taking the time to “count your blessings” every day will help you to gain a greater appreciation for what God has done for you. Especially spend time contemplating the great spiritual blessings we have in Christ.

• Study. Find some time each day to spend in the study of God’s Word. Get up a few minutes earlier each day, break away in the middle of the day, make time in the evening – but by all means study the Word. This will help you to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11) and prepare you to explain your faith to others (1 Peter 3:15).

• Serve. The Christian’s life is to be a life of service (Mark 10:43,44). Instead of waiting for others to do things for you, look for some opportunity every day to do some deed of kindness for another individual. Your life will be happier if you concentrate less on self and more on others.

– by Greg Gwin

In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding (Proverbs 10:13, ASV).

By Ron Thomas — The words of this proverb are not hard to understand. Wisdom comes from only one of two sources. The source of wisdom is either from God or not-God. There are no other options.

If wisdom comes a source that is not-God, then whatever value it may have, its value is necessarily limited to the things of this earthly environment. On the other hand, if the wisdom one expounds comes from God, then the wisdom is not only of God but one’s life reflects that wisdom.

What about the word rod, what are we to understand in the Holy Spirit’s use of it? Some look upon the word rod as being the corrective admonishment coming from the mouth of the wise. Possible, but not likely, mostly because of the expression “for the back of him” suggesting a beating (or a different form of punishment) of some sort.

A Talmudic (Jewish) expression on this sentiment goes like this, “according to the Talmudic proverb: that which a wise man gains by a hint, a fool only obtains by a club” (Keil & Delitzsch, p. 158).

Let your wisdom be that which comes from the Lord.

Have you ever heard someone make the statement, “Satan’s been attacking me a lot lately”?

Is this true? Is Satan specifically attacking you? The problem is, many people seem to make this statement at the same time throughout the world. Is Satan literally attacking everyone all over the world at once?

Over time, we have developed several assumptions about Satan and his power that are not biblical.  So, just how powerful is Satan?  To answer this question, let’s take a look at what the book of Job says.

1) Satan is Not Omnipresent (In All Places). In Job 1:7, we see that God asks Satan where he came from. Meaning Satan only came from one specific location.

Too often we have the false impression that Satan is everywhere and can tempt everyone at once. This is simply not true. Nowhere in Scripture do we see Satan tempting many different people in many different locations. In the end, Satan is not God. He can only be at one place at a time, tempting one person at a time. He is not omnipresent.

2) Satan is Not Omniscient (All-Knowing). In the discussion between Satan and God, we see Satan had come to know, through experience, that God had placed a “hedge” around Job (Job 1:8-10). Satan had known this because he had already tried to tempt Job and failed. He came to know, through experience, that God was blessing Job’s life and that his influence was limited.

Once again, people today seem to have the misconception that Satan knows everything about them. Satan is not a mind-reader. Now, Satan has about 10,000 years of experience. He knows what buttons to press and what people typically struggle with, but this does not make him omniscient. The only way he can know what we personally struggle with is through experience and observation. Again, Satan is not God. He can only know what he learns from time, observation, and experience. He is not omniscient.

3) Satan is Not Omnipotent (All-Powerful). During Satan’s discussion with God, it is interesting to see some of Satan’s limitations. First, he had to check in with God (Job 1:6). He did not have the right to go and do whatever he pleased. Second, he was not able to get to Job (1:10).  Even though he tried, God was not allowing him to. Third, God only allowed Satan to control things to a point (1:11-12). God did not allow Satan to influence Job’s health.  What we see in these three points is that Satan’s power is limited.  He does not have power over everything in this world.  Only God has this.

Satan is most definitely a fearsome enemy (1 Peter 5:8), but too often we think he has much more power than he really does. If Satan is truly attacking you, then we can know he is not attacking anyone else at that moment. Let’s not overpower Satan. Yes, Satan is a formidable adversary, but a very beatable one. As we have said over and over, Satan is not God.  Unlike Satan, God IS omnipresent (in all-places), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful).

Let’s remember what God has said about battling sin and Satan:

• We can resist and beat Satan (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7).
• God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:1).
• “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

So, how powerful is Satan? His power is nothing compared to God’s. As we go through this life battling Satan and sin, let’s not exaggerate Satan’s power, but remember the tremendous power we have in our corner – God.

Brett Petrillo

Robert Aaron Long serves as a vivid example of how one should NOT deal with his addiction. While politicians and activists may seek to politicize the “massage parlor shooter’s” motives, law enforcement is painting the picture of a mentally disturbed man who seeks to justify the murder of others because of his sex addiction. Long evidently has a problem dealing with his lusts. Hence, these massage parlors’ existence, which he patronized in the past, presented such a temptation that he felt it necessary to kill the proprietors and workers of said establishments.

As rationally thinking people, we readily see the problem with Long’s logic. Why would the perpetrator of the violence not turn his anger inwardly? He is the sinner, regardless of who the temptress may be. Would it not have been more effective to actually pluck out his eyes or remove other body parts causing him to sin? At least, one could twist Jesus’ hyperbole in Mark 9.34ff in such a fashion to justify self-mutilation for the sake of entering the Kingdom of God. If you seek to live righteously, would such extremes not be better than taking the life of eight people?

If anything, this incident demonstrates the sad state in which our modern world finds itself. Long knew enough to realize he had a problem with his fleshly appetites. Had no one taught him to “flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2.22)? Had he pursued righteousness with others calling on God’s name, he would have learned how to “possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4.4 NASB1995). Older Christian brothers could have encouraged Long to exercise self-control (Titus 2.6).

I cannot claim to know the particulars of Long’s home life, but I can inspect the fruit born of contemporary society (cf. Matthew 7.20). These types of crimes result from a nation that has excluded God from the public square. With God’s teachings, one notes that the one accountable for sin is the individual committing it (James 1.13-15). John identifies the three main avenues the world uses to tempt us: “lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1 John 2.16 NASB1995).

The correct application of the passage from Mark 9.34ff mentioned previously is that one takes personal responsibility in removing such influences. In the case of sex or pornography addiction, turn off the television and internet. Avoid the parts of town where more seedy businesses operate. Remove your libertine friends who desire to patronize things like strip clubs and “massage parlors.” As Paul indicates of his daily walk, it is self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9.24-27).

And do not try to tackle addiction alone. Again, we observed that Paul told Timothy to flee lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with other Christians. (2 Timothy 2.22) Addiction is difficult to overcome. The addicted can fall off the wagon periodically. Hence, he or she needs others to help lift them back up. We are mindful of the truth that “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4.9-12). Join this truth with prayer and Bible study, and one can find the necessary strength to overcome. Isaiah reminds us that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40.29)

Having seen how not to deal with your addiction, like Robert Aaron Long, decide to take responsibility, purge your life of the evil leaven, ask others for help, and turn to God for strength.

Sources Consulted:

Pagones, Stephanie. “Atlanta Shooting Suspect Tells Police Attacks Not Racially Motivated, Was Purportedly Driven by Sex Addiction.” Fox News, FOX News Network, 17 Mar. 2021, www.foxnews.com/us/atlanta-shooting-suspect-police-attacks-not-racially-motivated-sex-addiction.

Mount Augustus in Western Australia’s Golden Outback is supposed to be the world’s largest rock. It covers an area of 18 1/2 square miles and rises 2,815’ above the surrounding plain. The central ridge is nearly 5 miles long.

God is first called a “rock” in Moses’ song he led just before he died and the Israelites crossed into the promised land. The song is found in Deuteronomy 32 and in verse 4, Moses sings: “The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.”

Rocks were used in the desert for a few different reasons: large rocks provided shade; they provided a hiding place; they could also be an indication that water was nearby. There were several reasons why, then, biblical writers would refer to God as a “rock” and the book of psalms are full of such references and we see several references in the prophets.

Here in Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses associates several attributes of God with the picture of Him as a rock: perfection, just, faithful, righteous, upright. Moses will refer to God as a “rock” several times in this song: verses 15 (“Rock of his salvation”), 18, 30, and 31. Then, in verses 31 and 37, Moses will say that other peoples also have a “rock” in whom they trust but their rock does not provide the benefits as the Rock of Israel, the God of heaven.

In the year of our country’s birth, a British man named Augustus M. Toplady wrote a song directed at the Rock: “The Rock of Ages.” The initial stanza of this song was published in a magazine, The Gospel Magazine, in October 1775. He wrote the hymn for an article in the same magazine in March 1776. That article dealt with the impossibility of man paying for his own sins.

I’m not sure how he reckoned it, but Toplady estimated that if a man should live to be 80 years old, he would commit 2,522,880,000 sins.

THE CLEFT ROCK – Exodus 33:17-23:

It seems verse one, which sets the stage for the whole message, is based on an event from the life of Moses recorded in Exodus 33.

Toplady uses this event to portray the protection that we receive through the blood of Christ. The only Gospel writer who mentions the blood of Christ in the context of the crucifixion itself is John, which he does in 19:32-34. In the cleft of the Rock of God’s love, we are hidden by the blood of Christ that flowed from His side on the cross.

That blood provides a double cure for sin, a cure for the guilt of sin and a cure of the power of sin. To say that we have no guilt for sin is the definition of the biblical word atonement.

THE EMPTY SACRIFICE – Titus 3:3-7:

I suggest a succinct biblical foundation for the thoughts from verse 2 can be found in Paul’s message to the young preacher Titus in 3:3-7.

There is no good thing that we can do to merit / deserve eternal life. There is no way we can live perfectly, sinlessly, fulfilling every single expectation God has of us – every minute of every day our whole life. We cannot save ourselves.

Toplady reminds us that even if our zeal for God knew no “respite,” no rest or relief, that is, even if we never ended our zeal for God and we were always hot, on fire for evangelism and faithful works, it would not be enough. He goes on: “could my tears [for my sins] forever flow…” If I cried Lake Superior full of tears for my sins, it would not cleanse a single sin, “all for sin could not atone.”

Only Christ and Christ alone can save.

THE FOUNTAIN OF CLEANSING – Zechariah 13:1:

In verse 3, Toplady will eventually portray the forgiving blood of Christ as a fountain. That imagery comes likely from an Old Testament minor prophet named Zechariah. Zechariah is living at a time when Israel was discouraged because of their 70-years in exile and they were back in their homeland but their temple laid in ruins, a constant reminder that it was destroyed and they spent 70 years in exile because of sin.

“Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.” In 1 Corinthians 2:2, the apostle Paul wrote: “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

Toplady goes on: “Naked, I come to Thee for dress; Helpless, I look to Thee for grace. Vile (extremely unpleasant!), to the fountain I fly. Wash me, Savior, or I die.”

Toplady’s song is a song that finds refuge and hope in the God who is the Rock. That Rock provides defense, shade, hope from the bite of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have to come to grips with the fact that we cannot earn our salvation. All we can do is come to Jesus with the humility to do what He tells us to do and then find joy in the salvation He offers.

God hides us from Satan through the blood of His Son. With empty hands, offer Him your heart in faith and obedience. The fountain of His love will cleanse your sins.

Paul Holland

10/12.  Until this time, we encourage you to visit and enjoy the fresh articles from https://www.lordletmegrow.com/freebiblestudy

TikTok: Christian Beware!

In a kind of ‘sting operation’ on the social media site TikTok, The Wall Street Journal created dozens of automated accounts, also called bots. They set up these bots to understand what TikTok shows young users. These bots, registered as users aged 13 to 15, were turned loose to browse TikTok’s videos.

The videos revealed that TikTok can quickly drive minors (and of course adults, too) into ‘rabbit holes ‘of content focused on drugs, violence, or sex. The article concluded that TikTok only needs one important piece of information to figure out what a user wants: the amount of time you linger over a piece of content. Every second you hesitate or re-watch, the app tracks you.

Through that one powerful signal, TikTok can learn your most hidden interests and emotions, and drive users of any age deep into rabbit holes of content—in which feeds are heavily dominated by videos about a specific topic or theme.

Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc.1:9). Sin goes back to the Garden of Eden. Our modern technologies simply package lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life in new ways (Cf. 1 John 2:16).

It’s not a sin to be on social media. In fact, I think much good could come from it. But Christians must be diligent! Think about it – just one video can lead to self-destructive sinful habits. Just one!

How then should we live? Intentionally. Parents do not let your children on social media before they can set boundaries for themselves. Everyone else, what kind of content is popping up in your feed? Would you be ashamed if others knew? Don’t play around; this stuff can be dangerous. Remember, we must be willing to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

Michael S. Green

The cross was supposed to be the bringer of sadness,

But Christ used it to bring eternal joy (1 Peter 1:8-9).

The cross was supposed to be the displayer of shame,

Yet it only showcased Christ’s glory (John 12:23ff).

The cross was supposed to be the place of dishonor,

But it instead brought Christ the ultimate respect He deserves (Hebrews 12:2).

The cross was supposed to be the deliverer of a dose of humility,

But through it Christ was exalted to the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

The cross was supposed to be for pain and suffering,

But Christ used it to bring Christians an eternity without pain (Revelation 21:4).

The cross was supposed to be a symbol of fear,

Christ turned it into the symbol of the greatest event that has ever occurred (Matthew 27-28).

The cross was supposed to be the revealer of weakness,

But it merely showed that Christ held back His superior power and authority (Matthew 28:18-20).

The cross was supposed to be one of the ultimate punishments,

But through it Christ has given us access to the ultimate reward (Revelation 21).

The cross was supposed to be reserved for the guilty,

Yet the Innocent One died on it so that we who are truly guilty can be forgiven (Romans 6:23).

The cross was supposed to be an instrument of death,

But through it Christ became the instrument of eternal life (Acts 2:38).

Brett Petrillo

A man’s home was being overrun with mice. There were so many mice, the man didn’t think ordinary traps would be enough, so he decided to go with the poison route. He set out a box of poisonous food. That night there was a feeding frenzy. The mice completely overwhelmed the food and cleaned out the box by morning. The homeowner put out a second box and the same event unfolded the next night. After the third night, the man’s house remained quiet and free of mice.

Why did this poisonous food work so well? It wasn’t just that it appealed to the mince, it was that all the mice saw the others joining in. They couldn’t be the only one left out. So a feeding frenzy occurred. In a sense, the poison became popular.  The result of this popularity was death.

Popularity can be dangerous without a moral compass. We follow today’s trends, fads, and worldly mindsets so willingly because that is what is popular. We stand for or against certain viewpoints because that is what has become popular. We decide to “restudy” Biblical issues through a modern cultural lens. It’s hard to go against the grain.

The problem is, these popular can often be interlaced with spiritual poison. They may promote lust, greed, and materialism. They might directly stand in opposition to Scripture. They may even directly encourage and entice sin. Tragically, we can fall into the same popularity trap as the mice. And the result will be worse because we should know better and we aren’t mindless rodents.

As Christ said in Mark 8:36-37, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” The things that are popular in this life could be the very things causing us to forfeit our souls in the next life. It just isn’t worth it. May we always seek to be popular in God’s eyes, not in the eyes of our culture.

Brett Petrillo

We put a “value” on just about everything. Every time we go to a store, we check to see how much the particular item is worth. An item’s value depends on what it is made from, who made it, how rare it is, what it can do, and several other characteristics. Sometimes it is too easy to look at ourselves and think we are not valuable or important. We can convince ourselves that we are broke, unuseful, or that we just get in the way. This is simply not true!

God gives us several reminders in scripture about our value. He tells He gives special interest in sparrows which are sold for a cent, and yet we are exceedingly more valuable than a sparrow, so He naturally shows much more interest in us (Matthew 10:29-31). He tells us that He takes care of all the birds of the air even though they do not work at all, and yet we are incredibly more valuable (Matthew 6:26). He tells us that lilies of the field grow and our clothed beautifully, yet God considers us much more valuable than them and will take care of our needs (Matthew 6:28-30).

Look at some of your characteristics: (1)You were made in the image of God. (2)There is no other creature and one else quite like you. (3)God Himself, the supreme ruler of all, specifically made you. (4)He even gave you special talents and thinking abilities which no other creature on earth can compare to. (5)Beyond all of this, God gave you something so unique and so valuable that it cannot be found in any other animal; He gave you a soul.  He did this because He wants us to be with Him for all eternity. We are so valuable that He even gave up His own Son to ensure we could be with Him (Acts 2:28). He even “bought” us because of the value He saw in us (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Peter 1:17-19; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:28).

No matter what deficiencies we may think we have or ways we may feel insignificant, there is still no adequate way to describe how valuable we really are. God does not want us to dwell on the negative, but to remember He finds us valuable and has a use for us. Let’s look for ways to use our value and not be down on ourselves. Besides, without God, each and every one of us is more worthless than a deck of 37 cards, a cell-phone without a battery, an airplane without wings, or a house without a foundation. God saw value in us, and it is because of Him that we are valuable in the first place. Let’s not be discouraged with ourselves, but let’s use what we have to glorify God. So, how valuable are you? You are more valuable than anything else God has created in this entire universe! So next time you are feeling down, just keep in mind, You Are Valuable!

Brett Petrillo

Being understood

The Christians at Corinth were blessed in having been given many ‘spiritual gifts’. These were miraculous in nature – they did not have them through their own study or ability.

One of these gifts in particular seems to have caused some problems, possibly in those having it thinking they were greater than other Christians. This gift is often translated as “speaking in tongues”; if we were to translate it into modern English it would be “speaking in other languages”. The ‘tongues’ referred to in the New Testament were not ecstatic syllables which meant nothing, but rather languages. Although unknown to those who did not know them, they were known by those who spoke them.

Another of the spiritual gifts was that of ‘prophecy’. For many that word means predicting the future, but this is not what is usually meant in scripture. To prophesy was simply to declare a message from God given directly to the person – in other words, they didn’t study but God just gave them the message that needed proclaimed. This is the background to what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

“Pursue love, yet strive for spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. He who speaks in an unrecognizable language speaks to God, not to men. No one understands him; by the Spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies edifies and encourages and brings good cheer to men. He who speaks in an unrecognizable language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. I want all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly might be edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:1-5 McCord)

The goal of all Christians should be to edify, to build each other up spiritually. Those who were able to declare God’s word did this – they encouraged others as Christians.

The problem is someone who speaks a language no one else knows. Although the speaker understood it, no one else does, so no one else is receiving encouragement through what he says. Although speaking other languages is needed in taking the good news of Jesus to people who speak a different language, it doesn’t help build anyone up who can’t understand it. The key is being understood.

“Brothers, if I come to you speaking in unrecognizable languages, how will I help you unless I speak either in a revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?…If I pray in an unrecognizable language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. So, what is it? I will pray with the spirit, and also I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and also I will sing with the understanding. Otherwise, how will an uninstructed person say ‘Amen’ at your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you have said? Indeed, you may give thanks well enough, but the uninstructed person is not edified.” (1 Corinthians 14:6-17)

If you have been in another country and not able to understand the language, you can relate to what Paul is writing. The goal of Christians being together is to understand what they are praying, singing and speaking. If we can understand, then we are built up and instructed.

Although most do not find foreign languages an issue when we get together with Christians, we would do well to make sure that what we are saying in our own language is understandable. Sometimes speakers may use ‘big’ words that show how well they have been educated – but if people are not familiar with the words they cannot be built up and encouraged.

This can also apply to our worship in song. Older hymns sometimes contain words no longer in common usage. If we provide an explanation for the word,  everyone is able to “sing with the understanding.”

As always, the key is love – Jon Galloway

A man in Alabama may have finally found a way to win a spot in Guinness’ Book Of World Records.  Gary Smith of Loblolly Farms recently constructed a church building that he believes qualifies as the world’s smallest church.  (To be precise, “church” in the Bible refers to people, not to buildings.)

The building Smith constructed is a charming structure that indeed looks like a miniature chapel.  It’s four feet wide, five feet deep, and from the ground to the top of the steeple it measures 19 feet.  Three average-sized people can fit comfortably inside (standing).  The current record holder for smallest church is in Spain and is about seven square feet larger than the Alabama building.

No plans were mentioned in the article about establishing a congregation that will use this tiny building, but some couples have already asked about using it for weddings.  Its location is picturesque, situated on the edge of a stand of loblolly pine trees and near a serene pond.  One must admit, however, that this church building is not very versatile.

God never placed great emphasis on structures throughout the Bible; that has always been the desire of people.  David, for example, lamented the fact that he, the king of Israel, was living in a palace “but the ark of God dwells in a tent” (2 Samuel 7:2).  He was ready to launch into building a massive and glorious temple for God, but God rejected his plan.

God responded to David’s plan: “Did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’” (2 Samuel 7:7).  God would allow David’s son Solomon to build a temple, but not David.

There was nothing wrong per se in building a temple for God, but God’s emphasis was on doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with the Lord (see Micah 6:6-8).  When basic righteousness was missing God preferred they not continue hypocritical religious practices: “Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors [of the temple], that you might not kindle fire on My altar in vain!” (Malachi 1:10).  Live righteously, or else don’t bother worshiping.

With the establishment of the new covenant there was no call for impressive church buildings.  For many years there were no buildings that were exclusively for use by churches.  Churches met in the homes of Christians (e.g. Romans 12:3-5 and Colossians 4:15) or in other places, but there is no record of a building dedicated solely to Christian assemblies until the third century.

A church doesn’t have to be large in numbers or in the size of its building to be impressive to Jesus.  Revelation 3:7-13 is a letter to the church at Philadelphia.  Jesus noted “I know that you have but little power” but He went on to add that they had been faithful in every respect.  Out of the seven letters to the churches of Asia found in Revelation 2 and 3, this church with “little power” was one of only two to be commended by Christ without any rebuke.

Churches should seek to bring many into the kingdom of Christ, and that will result in larger churches.  But just because a church has a modest building (or no building!) or few members doesn’t make them less impressive to the Lord.  “Tiny churches” can be just as pleasing to Christ as large ones!

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Copyright, 2021, Timothy D. Hall

A Bible class teacher once asked her students to bring a clear trash bag and a sack of potatoes next week. At that class, she had each student take out a potato and write down some of the following on each potato: 1) A past situation where they were wronged but that still upsets them. 2) A current situation where they have been wronged and are upset about it. 3) A person they may still be upset with or holding a grudge against.

Each student’s bag was unique. Some of the bags were lighter or heavier than others. The teacher then instructed the students to carry this bag around with them everywhere for the next week. It was to be with them at all times and they could only set it down when they had to (sleep, meals, etc).

After the week was up, the students brought their potatoes back to class. As you might imagine, the potatoes now looked ugly and beaten. The potatoes had deteriorated into a nasty sight from being dropped, hit, baked in the sun, and a variety of other damaging influences. Hauling around these nasty potatoes was a burden to each kid in the class. Then the teacher explained the point of this exercise.

When we refuse to forgive, it’s a burden to carry that grudge around. We think about those situations. We think about those people. We let the burden grow and fester. The longer we carry it, the nastier it becomes. How silly it is to hold on to these grudges and to refrain from forgiving people when we could simply let go of these burdens.

Colossians 3:12-14 says, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

God has forgiven us and we should forgive others as well (Matthew 6:14-15). Can you think of someone who needs your forgiveness? Is there a situation you’re still holding on to? Why are we still holding on to these things? Let go of this burden.

Brett Petrillo

No righteousness at all

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

Jesus said that a person couldn’t enter the kingdom unless their righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and Pharisees. One might be inclined to ask: What, exactly, was the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? And how can we exceed it?

To answer the first question in a word: self-righteousness.

The difference between what righteousness is, and what the scribes and Pharisees considered righteousness to be, could not have been more different. Jesus was drawing a contrast between self-righteousness and true righteousness.

Righteousness in scripture is a legal term usually describing the condition of being tried and convicted, but still being pronounced innocent by a judge. Such a condition cannot be earned by merit or purchased with bribes. It can only be imparted by grace (Eph. 2:8-9) and received as a gift (Rom. 5:17).

Self-righteousness (what Jesus meant when he referred to the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees) is an attitude of entitlement. It considers gifts received as payment due. It is necessarily filled with pride and is joined to the hip of hypocrisy.

To the contrary, true righteousness can only be imparted by God. Though its offer comes freely, it is not received unconditionally. True enough, God provided an adequate substitution to stand in for and accept the punishment of the guilty party (see Genesis 22:8; John 1:29; Rev. 13:8), but the guilty party must be receptive to any conditions set forth to the reception of those benefits.

Jesus taught that one must demonstrate his or her love and gratitude for God’s grace by believing in His Son, Jesus  (John 8:24), by confessing faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10), by repentance from sin (Luke 13:3,5), and contacting Jesus’ atoning blood through immersion in water (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4).

Upon meeting these conditions, one can be called any one or all of these parallel terms, and others like them: saved, redeemed, pardoned, purchased, etc. Or, it can be said that they have entered the kingdom, or that they have been pronounced righteous, or justified, in the sight of God.

This is righteousness.

How do we exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?

“Scribes and Pharisees” represents the religious guardians of Jesus’ day. They denied the necessity of any of the above. They considered themselves already righteous, either by their rigid adherence to God’s word, or as a right of inheritance through Abraham, or both.

As far as exceeding their righteousness, it is not doing more good deeds, or being on your best behavior, though there is certainly nothing wrong with good deeds or behavior. But it is not a contest of points. It is a contrast of heart.

This is about going from outside the kingdom to inside the kingdom. Jesus was trying to help everyone see – scribes and Pharisees included – that self-righteousness, or assumed righteousness, leaves one alienated — lost. Only through the gracious offer of their Messiah, Jesus, could they be helped.

As a point of application, it reminds us today that one must never assume, but seek. One must take nothing for granted. One must assume he could be wrong, or that his teacher could be wrong. One must imagine he or she might have misunderstood. Anything less will not do.

Self-righteousness keeps people from the kingdom. It keeps people in the kingdom from growing. It leads people who once entered the kingdom right back out.

If our only righteousness is self-righteousness, it is no righteousness at all.

Rick Kelley

Lose some weight by casting all your heavy cares and worries on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30).

Exercise more by “walking in the light” and run the spiritual race every day (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:1).

Get strong by relying on the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10)

Have soft lips by speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and compassion (Hebrews 3:13; Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 15:4).

Make your eyes sparkle by looking out for the interests of others and focusing on eternal things. (Philippians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Have nice hands by using them for hospitality, service, and lifting others up in prayer (1 Peter 4:9; Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Have perfect feet by using them to bring the good news of Christ to others (Romans 10:15).

Have the nicest clothes by clothing yourself with Christ through baptism (Galatians 3:27).

Smell great by becoming a “sweet aroma” and a “fragrance of Christ” to God and others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

TRUE beauty in this life has very little to do with physical looks and everything to do with our spiritual appearance to God.  Don’t worry so much about your outward appearance. Focus instead on inner beauty (Matthew 23:27).  After all, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain…” (Proverbs 31:30).  Let’s remember also remember Who we are trying to impress ultimately, “…God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Brett Petrillo

Be sensible and watch what you say.
—Proverbs 10:19

A lady kept badgering her husband to get their kaput lawnmower repaired. Finally, fed up with being ignored, she hatched a plan.

When he came home from work, she was sitting in the grass, snipping away with scissors. Going into the house and returning moments later, he handed her a toothbrush. “When you finish cutting the grass, you might want to sweep the sidewalk,” he said.

The doctor said he would probably walk again but would always limp.

A humorous reminder that words and actions have consequences.

Now, a sober reminder that words and actions really do have consequences: “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:37). “We must all stand before Christ to be judged . . . for the good or evil we have done” (2 Cor 5:10).

Well done trumps cleverly said.

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will evaluate every deed, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Heard everything. Solomon may be referring to the reading of the book. Or his hearing might apply to all that he experienced in his life. He often refers to man’s life “under the sun,” or leaving God out of consideration. After all the possibilities of a godless life, or at least, where God is not at the center, and after all the possible ideas that man might ponder, one needs to get to the end of it all. Reach your conclusion. A reluctance to embrace the conclusion might just be a flight from the reality that the author is presenting.

This conclusion. Two phrases sum up the book’s teaching. The author went through all his experiences and through the various ideas that occurred to him during his career. Now he reaches the real point of his narrative. We ought to learn from his experience and reach even faster the real meaning of life.

Fear God. The one who thinks life is complicated, who sees the futility of the whole range of activity, who is bothered by the injustice and violence in the world, ought to run toward God and show profound reverence to the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign. His person, his nature, contains the satisfactory outcome of the great questions of life. Fear of God is the realization of who he is and the proper response to his desire to establish a relationship with his favorite creature.

Keep his commandments. Fear “translates into obedience,” as a Brazilian version renders it. Fear is not mere trembling, but hearing and obeying God’s commandments. These principles of fear and obedience do not belong only to the old covenant, but the New repeats and reinforces them. (See, for example, Matthew 7.21; Hebrews 5.9.) Humble submission to God’s guidance is a necessary condition to knowing and loving him.

The whole duty of man. The word “duty” is supplied by the translators. Many versions follow the KJV by inserting the word, since the original sentence is something like this: “For this is every man.” A number of recent versions try to make sense of the phrase, as it stands.

• “for this applies to every person” (AMP)
• “because this is for all humanity” (CSB)
• “This is what life is all about” (CEV)
• “for this is what it means to be human” (ISV)
• “because this applies to every person” (NASB)
• “For this is man’s all” (NKJV)

It’s true that our relationship with God, characterized by fear and obedience, defines what it means to be human. This is the objective of life that ought to be sought out. Ignoring this demeans and defaces humanity.

God will evaluate every deed. Solomon’s conclusion is all the more valid and urgent because of God’s ultimate judgment of our lives. We must answer to him, Hebrews 4.12-13. There will come a moment when our eternal destiny will be determined and announced by whether or not we have feared and obeyed God.

In these two verses, the author uses the Hebrew word for “all” four times. He’s telling us, this is it, folks. Here’s the bottom line.* You might want to make this your mission declaration. Make this your base.

So let us be truly human by doing our whole duty so that we might know God now and be unafraid on the day of judgment.

*NET Bible notes.

J. Randal Matheny

Jesus was expected to travel to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Tabernacles.

It was fall in Palestine, about the 15^th of Tishri (October 12 on our calendar), and the harvest of wheat and olive oil was complete. It was a time of plenty and thanksgiving for God’s blessings.

The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated the wilderness wandering of the Jews at the end of the year.

Although Jesus would go to the feast, he continued walking in Galilee. He knew the Jews were seeking an opportunity to kill him. Jesus’ brothers came to him and warned him to stay away from Jerusalem.

But Jesus could not be kept away from the city of David and went into the Temple to teach. The Jews intercepted him there and began an inquisition asking how Jesus, an unlearned Galilean without formal academic qualifications could teach the scriptures. Jesus’ mastery of God’s word confused his critics.

Jesus answered the Jews by telling them his teaching was not his own (John 7:16-19). Jesus spoke from the authority given to him from his Father in heaven. Jesus knew their judgment of him was based solely on appearance.

The Jews made this same mistake with John, Jesus’ first cousin, who taught near the Jordan River. They looked at the rough John who wore camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey and immediately disqualified him. Although John was the one sent by God to testify about Jesus, the Jewish teachers disqualified him simply for the way he looked.

Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter. He told them God gave them the Law of Moses, but none of them ever kept it. What would Moses himself say if he was alive? It was God who gave the command to Moses saying, “You shall not kill.” But here were the “experts” in the law who wanted to kill God’s son!

Teaching God’s word requires great care. Not everyone should become a teacher (James 3:1). It is often tempting to assume something about someone by appearance and say something wrong. We must not make judgments just by what is seen (John 7:24). Jesus taught the truth. He knew the truth. He lived the truth. The Jews did not.

The crowd, listening to this conversation, made a surprising statement: “Can it be that the rulers know this is the Christ?” (John 7:25-26). The people were right. Jesus had told the truth. He had been doing only good. Jesus showed by his miracles exactly who he was.

Isn’t it interesting that the “uneducated” people knew more about the truth than the trained lawyers?

John Henson

A researcher at the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK published a paper called “The Spoilt Generation.” He ties the alarming rates of child depression, teenage pregnancy, obesity, violent crimes by adolescents, and more to a basic lack of respect for authority (Daily Mail).  The Cato Institute published a study simply entitled, “Respect For Authority.” One of its most basic findings is that the public believes social instability follows  disrespect for authority (Cato). 

What do you think?  Have you noticed a decline of respect in society for parents, teachers, the police, employers, and  others in a position of authority? Most of us would agree it’s happening, and that it is not good.  Peter warns about it in the most sobering of terms, speaking of the unrighteous who face eternal punishment as those who, in part, “despise authority (2 Pt 2:10). Jude offers a very similar warning, describing those who turn God’s  grace into permission to do whatever they please (4), and this includes their “rejecting authority” (8).  So why do we often have a problem with authority?

We have a problem with rebelliousness. Saul, the earthly king, had a problem with rebellion (1 Sam. 15:23). Paul writes Timothy, discussing why the Law of Moses existence of the Law of Moses. It was for unrighteous people, and at the top of that list were the lawless and rebellious (1 Tim. 1:9). Rebellion is insubordination. It characterized the period of the Judges, when everyone did what they thought was right to them (17:6; 21:25). As we look at crime in our current society, we see the fruit of rebellion. CNN reports a 33% increase in homicides in major U.S. cities from 2019 to 2020, and now it is up another 24% since the beginning of 2021 (CNN). Yet, cities like Baltimore no longer prosecute drug possession, prostitution, and other low-level offenses. In California, shoplifting has in some places ceased to have any legal ramifications. How many looters in major U.S. cities have never served a day in jail or paid a penny in fines? Romans 13 clearly condemns this. Paul says “whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves” (2). Most of us would condemn this nationally, but do we struggle with rebellion against authority closer to home? Do we struggle with it against employers, elders, and parents? Rebelliousness can be milder than murder and more limited than against government. Do we only submit if we accept what they lead us to do? Do we maintain meekness and gentleness only if we agree with them? Rebellion is not the mark of a disciple of Christ; such have a different master. 

We have a problem with respect. Paul says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Th. 5:12-13). Esteem, as a verb, is found 28 times and means to think, consider, or regard. Paul is telling the church how to regard their leaders (“very highly in love”) and why (“because of their work”). Interestingly, the noun form of this verbs is often tied to various types of leadership–“Ruler” (Mt. 2:6), “leader” (Lk. 22:26), “governor” (Acts 7:10), “chief” (Acts 14:12) and “leading men” (Acts 15:22). But in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, it is a verb and means to engage in the intellectual process of thinking of them with the highest respect. The word “esteem” deals with our character generally and not just how we treat elders and any other leaders. Philippians 2:3 says, “With humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” But Peter speaks of some who “count it a pleasure to revel in doing wrong” (2 Pet. 2:13). Respect is a matter of how you set your mind. If we don’t have it in our hearts to respect those in authority, it can’t help but show in the way we speak to them or about them. Our children learn how to treat authority figures by watching and listening to us. What are we teaching them?

We have a problem with our religion. “Religion” is only found  four times in the New Testament. It means appropriate beliefs and the devout practice of our obligations (Louw-Nida, 530). How do we properly express our religion? It is not just about worshipping the way God commands. That’s a vital part, but only one way. Paul tells us what his pre-Christian religion looked like (Acts 26:5). He tells us about the false religion on some, ruled by their fleshly minds (Col. 2:18). James uses the word “religion” twice, in James 1:26-27. He teaches that pure, untainted religion is proven or disproven by your thoughts, words, and deeds. When I show disdain toward those in authority in or out of the church context, I’m telling everyone who witnesses it about my religion. I am making an impression on them that will either lead them closer to God or farther away from Him. Whatever I tell them about the one(s) in authority, I am telling them far more about me. If they follow my lead, will they stumble (cf. Lk. 17:1-2)? 

 Our problem with authority is ultimately a problem with God. When Paul tells Rome that those who resist authority oppose God’s will, he was talking about a government ruled by wicked Caesars who murdered Christians. When I disapprove of or disagree with those in positions of authority, in the nation, church, workplace or home, I must respond how God says respond. I must leave the rest to Him. 

Neal Pollard

The first thing one must do in order to understand the Psalms is to start at the beginning. That may seem the obvious first step for any book, but it is especially true when it comes to this collection of songs and prayers. In Psalm 1 and 2, we have a great double door that must be passed through before entering the study of the Psalms. These two Psalms aptly begin the book with the idea that one must honor the word of God and the Anointed of God if he or she is to be approved of God (blessed). Lord willing, we will look at the later of those next week, and the former today.

In Psalm 1, great contrasts are seen. On one hand is the way of the righteous, and on the other is the way of the wicked. Each of us come to this great fork in the road of life and must determine which path we will take. After that, we must daily choose whether we are to stay on the path on which we travel, or abandon it for the other. When we look at the contrasts within this Psalm, the choice should seem simple.

THE BLESSED MAN:

He is not…

1. Following the advice of the world (1a).
2. Following the actions of the world (1b).
3. Following the associations of the world(1c).

He is…

1. Delighting in the word of God (2).
2. Dwelling on the word of God (2b).
3. Digging into the word of God (3a). Note that the “rivers” or “streams” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “channel” or “irrigation ditch.” The enriching water of God’s word does not come to us naturally, we have to dig!
4. Displaying the word of God by yielding fruit (3b).
5. Developing by the word of God (3c). He isn’t withering, he is growing!

All of this makes his a prosperous life and able to stand before God (3d, 6a)!

THE WICKED MAN

He is not:

1. Saturating his life with God’s word as the righteous man (4a).
2. Standing among the righteous (5b).

He is:

1. Useless like chaff (4b).
2. Unstable like chaff (4b).

All of this makes his a perishing life and unable to stand before God (5b, 6b)!

So, when you look at the two paths, the choice should be clear. Choose the way of God. Choose the way of His word. Choose the Way of the Righteous!

Corey Sawyers

What is the toughest question you’ve ever been asked? What is the rhetorical question that everyone in the world nowadays is asking? Many millionaires and billionaires around the world are in a quest to find the answer for the rhetorical question, which the whole world is asking. Many great people, including philosophers, have sacrificed their lives to find the answer to this question. So, without further suspense, let me bring that question to you – “How can we be Happy?” Many people have family, love, money and everything they wish. Yet, sadly, the only things they can’t find are happiness and contentment. Many people, especially young people, have not found happiness. As a result, some of them resort to suicide, drug addiction, game addiction, etc. There are many reasons for depression. Rejection and stress are two main reasons for depression. These days, many people move away to the mountains or to the seashore in their quest to find peace in their lives.

Let me elaborate with a real story of a man who lived in London between 1771-1837. He was depressed, and hence, he went to a doctor for advice. The doctor suggested that he go to a show by a very popular clown named Joseph Grimaldi. The doctor said that Mr. Grimaldi was capable of even making the stones laugh. Then the man said, “I am that Grimaldi!” Even the people who make others happy find themselves depressed, too. Some time ago, I read an article about the suicide of a motivational speaker who had motivated more than 3,000 people to achieve their dreams. Even motivators need motivation.

Look at a man from the Bible, the second richest king who ever lived on the planet with a net worth of $2 trillion dollars (USD). He had an income of 25 tons of gold every year (2 Chronicles 9:13-29), He was the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 4:29), a great writer (1 Kings 4:32) and a man with a thousand wives (1 Kings 11:3). Even after having great luxuries, many riches and a giant family, Solomon wrote, “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). [While not able to confirm the precise wealth of Solomon, he was the wealthiest man of his time and perhaps who ever lived. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

The answer to the question of how to be happy is “Jesus.” The only way one can find happiness – not only for a lifetime on the earth but also for eternity – is Jesus Christ. One cannot be happy without having Christ in his life. Men have been trying to find happiness in the physical realm. Yet, the happiness we may find on Earth doesn’t last forever, but the happiness we need to seek lasts for eternity.

The Bible Tells Us to Be Happy.

We must rejoice as our names are written in Heaven (Luke 10:20). One’s name is written in Heaven only after being baptized. Acts 8:39 says the eunuch went on his way rejoicing after he was baptized. Acts 16:34 talks about the jailor and his family who rejoiced with all his house after they were baptized. So, are you baptized? Rejoice! Your name is written in the book of eternal life! Galatians 5:22 says that happiness or joy is one among the nine qualities of the fruit of Spirit. In Acts 11:23, Barnabas exhorted the church to cleave to the Lord. We find happiness when we hug the Lord. I always felt safe when I was wrapped around by the arms of my parents. Hugging also releases oxytocin, which is a stress relieving hormone in the human body. Our Lord is spirit. Hence our physical bodies can’t touch Him, but we hug the Lord when we give first priority to Him in our lives. We hug the Lord when we put him first in everything. Also, we must note that hugging the Lord is neither advice nor a request. It is an order! Put God first in everything and you will find happiness in your life for sure (Matthew 6:33)!

Great Men of the Bible Rejoiced in
the Lord, Irrespective of the Situation.

You might have a question. “I have been facing many rejections, teasing and bullies. How can I be happy in all circumstances?” Let me show you two men who rejoiced while bearing shame for the Lord’s name (Acts 5:41). Even after being severely beaten and being thrown into prison, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:23-25). We generally sing when we are happy. Paul and Silas were happy for being in prison for no reason except the Gospel. Also note that the time at which Paul and Silas were rejoicing was midnight! Do little irritations from your family disturb your happiness? Do rejections in your life unseat your joy? Neither irritations nor rejection in our lives are bigger than the troubles and rejections that the apostle Paul faced.

Many people think that having money can buy happiness. Money can buy many things but not all things. The Bible teaches us to believe in the Lord, rather than in unstable and temporary wealth (1 Timothy 6:17). First Peter 4:12-13 tells us to rejoice even when we take part in Christ’s sufferings.

Why Should I Rejoice in the Lord?

Philippians 4:4 reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (NKJV). Verse 5 says, “…Lord is at hand.” Wow, what a convenient God we have! We need not go to Jerusalem, we need not climb a hill or go to a valley to find our Lord. He is at hand! So, rejoice! Acts 14:17 says that He is the only one who fills our hearts with joy. He defends us and He protects us (Psalm 5:11). So, rejoice in the Lord.

The happiness or joy in the Lord lasts forever. It is an eternal happiness. All the pleasures of this world are something that last for a period (Hebrews 11:24), and they will come to an end (1 Corinthians 7:31). There is a day coming in which the whole world, along with tears and depression, will be destroyed. Then, there shall be no more death and no more tears (Revelation 21:4). Those who are victorious in the battle with worldly pleasures shall reign forever with the Lord (Revelation 22:5).

Let me conclude with some important questions. Are you baptized? Do you have Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you put God first in everything you do? Do you seek heavenly things? If the answer for the above questions is “Yes,” then, you shall reign with the Lord. Congratulations! You are a victorious Christian! If the answer is, “No,” to any one of the questions, I once again urge you to think of Christ. Our lives are unpredictable. One’s life is like a vapor that appears and vanishes in no time. So, please come to Christ, accept Him as your savior by obeying His command to believe and be baptized (Mark 16:16). Put God first in everything you do, and you will find the happiness that lasts forever.

Pedapaga Akash Babu