2007 10 Sept

In Isaiah 14:12,13 we read about the fall of Satan. The prophet asks the question, How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: ....Evil entered into this world through pride. We might even think of the essence of sin as pride and selfishness.

Think of it this way. Jesus said that all that has been written in the law and the prophet could be reduced to two simple principles. They are: a love for God above all else, and a love for others equal to that of ourselves. Fallen humanity in sin, puts self above all else. We do this to try and protect ourselves. Psychologists tell us the instinct of self preservation is the strongest instinct of the human heart. And it is common for most people to think that this is understandable and to be expected. So much so that I wonder if even as God's people understand how wrong this is?

In Proverbs 16:18 we read that Pride goeth before destruction,....Through faith we ought to be able to understand that what is understandable is destructive. Through faith we should be able to follow a different path. Through faith we ought to be able to realize that as the prime characteristic of sin is selfishness and pride so also the prime characteristic of righteousness is humility and love.

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Satan is a very real foe who is out to bring down every Christian he can. But, Satan has been defeated by the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Now, we as Christians have claimed the blood of Christ to deliver us. Though we are victorious in Christ, Satan is still seeking to destroy Christians. Satan lost the battle for our souls but, now he's trying to destroy our effectiveness for the cause of Christ.

Through the influence of the world, Satan has a unique way of getting our minds off Christ and becoming apathetic toward the things of God. God warns us to be "sober" (clear minded) and to be "vigilant" (alert) for the attacks of Satan. God describes him as a fierce predator that is not only seeking to harm or wound, but destroy and devour. Be on guard. God's Word tells us to "Keep your heart with all diligence."

Satan is never satisfied! He will not stop until he gets you, your family, your friends and every other Christian he can before the return of Christ. He can't get you or any other Christian for that matter if we'll be sober and be vigilant and put on the armor of God and resist him.

"Bitter" is found 68 times in the Bible. However, only 12 times in the New Testament. God sees "bitterness" as sin and negative force, therefore, Christians should never allow it into their lives

Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Gall is one of the most vile and repulsive things you can put into your mouth.

Romans 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. In the context (Romans 3:10-19) you will notice 15 reasons why humanity is guilty before God. Please read these verses carefully and prayerfully and see if they mirror your life. If even one of the above controls your life, confess it, repent of it and put it away.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath , and anger, and clamor and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Verse 31 tells us what we should put off and verse 32 says what we should put on. Both commands require obedience.

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; The words "looking diligently" can also be "examine" or "inspect". The word, "inspect" here is likened to the inspector examining parts which will be inserted into a jet engine. They must be perfect to one ten-thousandth of an inch. We must examine and remove all imperfections from our hearts. Finally in verse 14, "follow" (which also means to pursue, chase, seek after) that they may see true holiness. Let there be no root of bitterness or hypocrisy seen in us.

1 Corinthians 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. "Murmur" means to "be discontented, to mutter, to grumble."

The illustration to which Paul refers in (1Cor. 10:10) is from Numbers 21:4-5. The people of Israel were discouraged by their wilderness wanderings and spoke against God and Moses, their God appointed leader. They accused Moses of taking them into the wilderness to die. They said there was no bread, but God gave them manna; no water but God provided it again and again. "We do not like this light bread or manna." And God sent fiery serpents which bit them and many died in God's judgment.

They murmured when the spies returned from spying out the Promised Land (Num 14). It was against Moses and Aaron, but also against God: Numbers 14:3 ...wherefore hath the LORD brought us into this land? This resulted in the people wanting to stone Moses and Aaron.

They murmured following the destruction of those who rebelled under Korah, Dothan, and Abiram (Num. 16).

They were a discontented people who grumbled and muttered against God and His leadership. And God was displeased with Israel's murmuring and He is displeased when God's people murmur and complain today. God's admonition to the church is: "Neither murmur ye as they did".

"Be careful of your thoughts. They may break into words any time." (Copied from "The Lifeline", Anchor Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, UT)

One day as Jesus was teaching the people, He gave some very important words of warning about covetousness. In Luke 12:15 we read where he said to the multitude...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Jesus was talking to the multitude about the danger of evil when one man in the crowd became so deeply stirred about a financial injustice he had suffered that he cried out to Jesus. He wanted Jesus to help right a terrible wrong he had suffered. In response, Jesus gives these words of warning about the danger of covetousness.

We would be wise to stop for a moment and think about our day. What is the focus of our desires and concerns today. What is it that stirs and moves us? Is it something related to self or is it something related to the glory of God? Do we really love God above all else? This is the first and greatest commandment. Paul warned the Colossians that covetousness was a form of idolatry. God would have us love people and use things. For we need to realize the people around us made in the image of God are of much more value than things.

1Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1. Are your ears tuned to hear another Christian's problems, which are none of your business?

2. Does your heart desire to accumulate gossip about your brother or sister in the Lord?

3. Are you determined to elevate yourself by putting others down with your gossip and repeating things that should never be said?

The apostle Paul was only interested in knowing their good things and their relationship to Jesus Christ. Would to God, we'd practice the words of Paul--what a better church we would have!

Some people are stubborn, others are determined. Positive determination is success in different clothes.

Let us be determined to be a good witness, to show Christ in our speech, decorum and dress. The world is watching us. They are looking for our faults. Let's not be a stumbling stone to them, but rather a stepping stone to their personal salvation. This writer once read, "A rut is a grave with both ends knocked out." If you are living the the rut of complacency and mediocrity, that is, just getting along with the status quo then you are truly in a rut-grave.

Your only help is to determine, with god's help, to overcome your indifference and climb out of your living grave and begin living the life you were called to live as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul set the example, it is for us to follow.

The church at Ephesus was known, among other things, for their patience, Unto the angel (messenger) of the church of Ephesus the Lord said; ...I know thy works, and thy labour and thy patience. (Revelation 2:1-2)

Patience is long- suffering, forbearing, enduring, continuing. Another definition is "remaining under".

How does one acquire patience? God's Word says...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (Romans 5:3) Patience is a result of remaining under trials that come our way. James wrote: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:3. And we need to be careful about praying for patience, knowing what will be the results--trials of our faith.

The man of god ought to be characterized by patience. But thou, O man of god, flee these thins: and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness,(Timothy 6:11). Patience ought to characterize every child of God.

James speaks of the prophets being an example of patience. (James 5: 10). Paul says the servant of the Lord is to be patient. (2 Timothy 2:24) Again in 1 Timothy 3:3 the bishop, the pastor, was to be characterized by patience. The Thessalonian Christians were to be patient toward all men. (1 Thessa. 5:14). Believers are exhorted wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do." (The Lifeline, Anchor Baptist Church, Salt Lake City UT)

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.

A "priority" is "a state of being earlier in time, or of preceding something else: precedence in order, rank, etc." (dictionary)

While the word "priority" does not appear in the Bible, the teaching is there. Paul wrote to the Colossians that Jesus Christ is to have the "preeminence", to be first in all things. (Col. 1:18) He is to have first place in our lives, in all that we do. Jesus taught the first and great commandment was to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matt 22:37) If we do this everyone else will take secondary place in our lives.

Jesus taught we are: to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) Prior to this statement Jesus taught that "things" food, drink and clothing which are all necessary, will be provided is we put the Lord in the rightful place in our lives. (Matt 6 31-32)

It is said of the churches of Macedonia in regards to their giving, they first gave themselves to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5). they were commended for their giving, but also for their dedication to the Lord. He had the rightful place in their lives--first place. The order should be: Jesus or the Lord first, then others, then you. What a wonderful way to spell "JOY".

James 3: 5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Joshua 1:5-6, There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Here in this passage God promises Joshua what He promises every Christian that follows after Christ: He will be with us, He will not fail us, and He will not forsake us. With God at our side what do we have to fear. God then goes on to tell Joshua to be strong and of a good courage. Webster defines courage as "That quality of mind which meets danger or opposition with intrepidity, calmness, and firmness: the quality of being fearless; bravery."

God could use some more people that will follow after Him and be courageous in the midst of a sinful and dying world. What stops a man or a woman from being courageous? Could it be fear of what people may say or fear of failure? If fear is what stops us from standing up for what is right, we are cowards. God is looking for people to stand up for what is right in the face of opposition. Only then do we demonstrate true courage. God's people need to realize that He is always with us and there is no need to fear. As a Christian shows his courage in Christ, he also shows his faith in God's ability.

      This is the first of five warnings in Hebrews regarding the danger of apostasy. The context of this warning is a discussion of the people that died in the wilderness rather than enter the Promised Land. The problem was one of unbelief. This unbelief was manifest as the 12 spies were sent into the land. Only Joshua and Caleb believed that the people were able to go in and possess the land. The whole nation except for these men and Aaron and Moses rebelled against the will of God for them.

      This generation saw the 10 plagues in Egypt. This generation saw the Egyptian army drown in the Red Sea. They saw God provide bread from heaven and bring water out of a rock to meet their needs. They saw God part the waters of the Red Sea and they passed through the sea on dry ground. They persisted stubbornly in unbelief. This apostasy moved God to condemn them to die in the wilderness. In verse 12 the phrase in departing from the living God's the word departing is a translation of the word for apostasy. The Greek word apostasy means to stand apart. In other words, one professes to stand or believe certain things and then they stand apart from what they once professed. When the people refused to believe God, Joshua, and Caleb, they stood apart from their profession as they left Egypt. Their apostasy became evident when they refused to enter the land.

      We need to appreciate that the choices we make in life often indicate the reality of our faith more than our profession. We live in a day when people put too much emphasis on profession and not enough emphasis on the choices we make in life. Most people tend to think if they have good reasons for their choices, all is well. This is not true. The ten spies had good reasons for their opinion, and the people had good reason to accept their report, but they were still wrong. Therefore, it is not only important that we come to faith in Christ, but that we are able to sense and follow His direction in our lives. Now I do not believe that all of those who died in the wilderness were lost. Moses and Aaron died in the wilderness and they clearly knew the Lord. However, all of that generation except for Joshua and Caleb followed the path of the apostates and disobedience. Let those who think that they stand, take heed.

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. And he made a very important observation about the terrible danger of envy. In Proverbs 27:4 we read that Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Most of us at one time or another have been the object of some one else's wrath and anger. We know first hand how outrageous and cruel these passions can be.

I remember in school during a marriage and family class hearing how one husband ran through the house shooting his pistol at his wife. But in his rage, he could not manage to hit her before the police arrived. Anger and wrath are for the moment and not well thought out and directed. But the heart that gives way to envy will find that this hatred does not miss its mark. This kind of hatred corrupts the heart and soul.

We are wise to be aware of the terrible power of envy. This sin like no other has great power to corrupt the heart. In Acts 7:9 we read where, the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him... Envy would have killed their own godly brother, but for the intercession of Judah.

1 Peter 1: 15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Paganism never produced a god whose example was not the most abominable. Their greatest gods were paragons of impurity, of sexual excess and perversion. As Christians we have an advantage over heathenism. Our God is HOLY and He demands that His followers be Holy also.

15th

Television

Psalm 101:3, I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

It is hard to believe that television is only about fifty years old. For the younger people it may seem like television has always been the same for years and years. But older folk know all too well that TV hasn't been around that long and the shows continue to get worse and worse.

We as Christians need to be careful with what we allow ourselves to be subjected to. The Bible clearly warns us not to place anything that displeases God in front of our eyes. Please understand, we will see a lot of wickedness because we live in a sinful world. But, when we have the control of what is placed before us, and we set wicked TV shows before our eyes we then are flirting with sin. It won't be too long until we are entrapped in the same sins as seen on TV.

Notice the heart of the psalmist. He wants nothing to do with the wicked and their wickedness. He tells the Lord I will not set awicked thing before my eyes. Once we start down the path of sin the pleasures of sin make it very difficult to turn back. We should desire to keep our eyes, mind, and heart pure. Sin is like a cancer once it starts it spreads. To keep sin from destroying your life don't let it start by allowing yourself to become subjected to its influence.

091500jdl

16th

Obedience

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

The king God allowed Israel to have, Saul, had been given the command to destroy the Amalekites, Israel's enemies (1 Samuel 15:2-3) . The command was to destroy all, including animals. But Saul spared their king, Agag, as well as the best of the sheep, oxen, cattle-- and all that was good-- in direct disobedience to God's commandment.

God was not pleased because Saul was not following the Lord, and had not kept His commandants (v.11). When Samuel was sent to reprove Saul, his excuse was "the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to the Lord" (v.15). Saul blamed the people.

Samuel's reply was "it is more important to obey the voice of the Lord than to sacrifice animals (v.22) It was rebellion and stubbornness on Saul's part. The end result was God rejected Saul as king of Israel.

To the church Paul wrote that Christians should throw down every thought and proud thing that exalts itself against God, and bring every thought into the obedience to Christ (2Corinthians 10: 4-5).

The important lesson is--it is more important to obey God than anything else.

"Does God seem far away? Who do you think moved?" (Fellowship Paper, Union Grove, WI)

091600kdd

17th

The Heart of Gossip

What is it that moves people to gossip? Why is it that we like to talk about the faults of others? In Proverbs 26:28 we read that A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it;...It is hatred for others that moves us to hurt their reputation in this way. This hatred may be a matter of either bitterness or envy in the heart but make no mistake hatred is at the heart of the gossip.

When it comes to the Christian faith, immorality is often rightly seen as being inconsistent with the Christian profession. But sadly it is not uncommon for Christians to be gossips. Jesus said that all of what has been written in the law and the prophets could be reduced to two simple principles. They are: a love for God above all else, and a love for others equal to that of ourselves. Thus the hatred in the heart that moves us to gossip is as inconsistent with the Christian profession as we can get.

If our hearts are filled with love we will not misuse the truth. If we would not misuse the truth we must use all our words to help and to heal. In Ephesians 4:29 we are commanded to Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Thus if we would not misuse our tongues, all our words must be helpful to others and bring healing. This is not true of gossip. Gossip hurts!

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18th

Anger and Angry

These words are recorded over 250 times in the Bible, but only 12 times in the New Testament. Because of space we cannot cover them all, so we must choose only three references.

Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. Our Lord's righteous indignation" was expressed because the Pharisees were filled with contempt because he healed on the Sabbath, according to the context.

Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: I think this very literal Greek translation is self explanatory: Be constantly angry with a "righteous indignation" and stop sinning. Do not allow the sun to go down upon your irritated, exasperated, embittered anger. When Minnie and I were first married one of my Aunts gave us some excellent advice. "Don't go to sleep without forgiving one another if you have had a spat and always kiss before going to sleep or leaving the house." We will never cease to thank my Aunt for her tidbit of wisdom. It has guided us for fifty eight years of married bliss.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Be sure your parental authority is exercised in kindness, gentleness and in love. Never punish your children when you are angry. Remember your children will respond to their children, with the same emotions, either anger or love, as you have treated them. Never punish a child without reason. They understand when the punishment is needed and they know they deserve it, if and when they have broken the Biblically established laws of your household.

091800rjs

19th

Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Temptation is something that we will always face in our everyday lives. Some temptations we may pass on by without the slightest thought of succumbing, but, others may have a magnetic pull that lures us dangerously close to giving in to our flesh.

Praise the Lord for three words found in this verse: "God is faithful". We can be assured that temptations do not come from God but rather, hey come from our very own flesh. God has promised to provide a way to escape these temptations.

Temptation itself is not sin. Sin is when we chose the temptation rather than God. To put it plainly when we chose to please self rather than God. Many people have the assumption that they somehow slipped into temptation. Actually it is a choice or a series of choices that cause us to be entangled in the snares of Satan. Let us be continually reminded that temptations are ever present but, so also is our heavenly father. God has provided that way of escape. Many times it is as simple as saying NO!

"Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

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20th

Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:2...it is required in stewards, that a man (person) be found faithful.

To be faithful means, to be "steady, steadfast, being stable."

It is not brilliance or ability that God requires. It is not being the best or better than someone else that God requires. It is not how gifted a person is at which God looks. It is faithfulness, being someone on whom He can count and depend. It is not how much we have, but what we do with what we have--that which He has entrusted us with.

A number of individuals in the Bible were commended for their faithfulness. Daniel was found faithful (Daniel 6:2). Nehemiah found Hananiah, who was in charge of Jerusalem, to be a faithful man (Nehemiah 7:2). He was given responsibility because he was faithful, not to make him faithful. Paul referred to Onesimus as a "faithful and beloved brother" (Colossians 4:9). Moses is referred to as one who was "faithful in all his house" (Hebrews 3:5). this was God's testimony regarding Moses in Numbers 12:7. John bore testimony of Gaius that he did faithfully whatever he did for the brethren and strangers (3John 5). Tychicus is called by Paul "a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:21). When God looks for individuals to carry on His work He looks for faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2).

Read Hebrews 11

"God rewards not success, but faithfulness."

(The Lifeline, Anchor Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, UT)

092000kdd

21st

The Flood and Fire

From time to time those with faith in Christ will go through difficulty. Through the prophet Isaiah God spoke to his people. He said, (Isaiah 4:1-4) ...O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For...thou wast precious in my sight, ...and I have loved thee;...

God did not promise His people that they would not go through great difficulty. In our text, He speaks of the greatest of natural calamities. This is interesting. For of the two great judgments that come on this earth, the first was a great flood of water in the days of Noah, and the last one spoken of in God's work is a time when the whole earth will be on fire. We read in 2Peter 3:7 that ...the heavens and the earth, which are now, ...are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Thank God that though we may pass through the very greatest difficulties in this life, God will always take care of us. God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He has promised not to tempt us above that which we are able (1Corinthians 10:13), and He has promised to work all things that come into our lives for good (Romans 8:28).

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22nd

VICTORY

Victory is recorded 12 times in the Bible and 6 are in the New Testament, and 3 times in 1 Corinthians 15.

1 Corinthians 15: 54-57 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which (who) giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ's bodily resurrection and victory over death and the grave guarantees our bodily resurrection. From the book of Job (2:6) we deduce that Satan has the power of death. From Job 19:26 we know that Job believed in a bodily resurrection. We will all die if the Lord does not return soon, but all born again believers have the assurance of a glorified body like Jesus' resurrection body. That's why David referred to the "Valley of the shadow of death." Psalm 23:4. The physical death is only the death of the body not the soul and spirit. They physical resurrection is eternal and everlasting. There will be no suffering, pain nor tears in heaven. Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:8 we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. It behooves us to take advantage of whatever time we have and use it for God's glory.

"Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last." Selected

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23rd

Worry

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us to "be careful for nothing" (do not worry). People will find themselves at some point in time worrying about one thing or another. It has been said that worry is a form of atheism. We must always remember that we serve the one and only true God, and He is in control over all things. Often times our worries are actually a form of doubting the existence of God and His control.

When we find ourselves worrying about something, we must take it directly to God in prayer. Then, as we take our care to Him we are admitting to God that it is He who is in control. Only when we give God our burdens, our cares, and our worries can He relieve us of those pressures. Then God gives us peace that passeth understanding. This peace, the Bible says, "will keep our hearts and minds though Christ Jesus." So the choice is ours--Peace or Worry. It will all depend on who or what we put our trust in.

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24th

Hate - Hatred - Hating

The writer of Ecclesiastes says: Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heave.: Among the times mentioned is "a time of love and a time of hate" (v. 8).

The Greek word "miseo" is used of "malicious and unjustifiable feelings toward others; of a right feeling of a version from what is evil or wrong doing" (Vine). Another Hebrew word "sane" speaks of enmity, hostility. One means to hate with deep malice and persecution. One word is not always to be understood in the strongest sense, but sometimes means only a less degree of love in regard; to be cold and indifferent." (Wilson).

It is said of God, of the Lord, that He does hate. It does not mean He has malicious feelings toward people. "Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity." Psalm 5:5. "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness." Psalm 45:7. The writer of Proverbs says there are six things, yea seven are an abomination to the Lord, things He hates. "a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Proverbs 6: 17-19. God's people ought to hate the same things.

The Christian ought not to hate his brother. If he does he is walking in darkness (John 2 9-11). The admonition of Jesus is: "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you." Luke 6:27.

Read 1 John 3

"It is a good thing to be saved and know it- But it is better to be saved and show it."

(The Lifeline, Anchor Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, UT)

25th

Complacency

In the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ gives a series of messages to seven very different churches. In His message to the church of Laodicea we find some very shocking words. In Revelation 3:15 we read where Jesus says to this church, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:; I would thou wert cold or hot. God has a much different way of looking at things than we do. We tend to judge things in a gradually increasing scale from cold to hot. But when it comes to spiritual things, God only values hot.

Think of your life today for a moment. Are you full of godly zeal? Is your heart filled with love for God? Or are you cold? Most of us would probably place ourselves somewhere in between these two extremes of temperature. And we would tend to take comfort in the fact that we are not cold. God takes no such comfort. He would rather have us cold than in between. In other words, complacency is something that He despises even more than carnality.

Think of it this way. If my wife is upset with me, or if she is very pleased with , both of these demonstrate her love. But if she does not care, I am in trouble.

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26th

Materialism

1 John 2: 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

It is unfortunate that we as Christians et caught up in the world and all its trinkets. In our very materialistic society we often purchase things because they are a status symbol. We don't need them, but someone we know has them and we want to keep up with our friends and neighbors. Plastic money is destructive, both in the easy way we can make purchases and in the excessive interest we pay. Some people are married to the Band or to their credit cards and can't get ahead of the bills.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. We are informed by the Lord Jesus, not to lay up treasures on earth, but in heaven. Many people, even Christians, are living and accumulating money and personal possessions as though they were going to live here forever. Me thinks, many have never learned the lesson of the rich farmer, in the text of Luke 12: 16-34 who laid up for himself much goods and lost it all that very night. Especially note Luke 12: 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Matthew 6: 19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth...But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, ...For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? What is important to you? Is there idolatry in your heart? Do you worship at the throne of materialism? Are the things of this world more important than your eternal soul? The Lord God said in Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. You cannot take your money into heaven, but you can invest it for eternity.

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27th

Music

1 Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Can music have an effect on a person mentally, physically, and spiritually? Here in this verse we have a demonstration of how if does have an effect in these three areas. When David played the harp, Saul was refreshed, or relieved mentally. The Bible also says that he became well physically. And then lastly, the evil spirit that was in Saul departed from him.

If godly music has such power to drive away the evil spirit that was in Saul, could worldly music drive us further from God? Romans 12:2 tells us that we are transformed form the world by the renewing of the mind. What a person allows to dominate his thinking will determine the direction he takes. Because music has a powerful effect on our minds, the Bible has some specific guidelines for us in this area of our thought life. Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Music is a powerful took that can help a person be drawn closer to God or drive farther from Him. Let us be sure that the things we allow to enter our minds are pleasing to God.

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28th

Prayer

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

What a wonderful privilege God has given Christians to come to Him in prayer. With this privilege also comes the power of answered prayer. In the last portion of this verse we notice three important aspects: the man, the prayer and the results.

Notice first the man. God gives a qualification concerning the man. He must be a righteous man (a man with a right standing before God). Psalm 66:18 tells us what will happen if a man prays with an improper standing before Him: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. So if we want our prayers to be heard by God we must be righteous people.

Then God's word tells the righteous man how to pray: effectually and fervently. When a person prays effectually he is trusting God's power to produce results. When he prays fervently he demonstrates his passion for the desired results. God wants us to make our request made known unto Him.

Lastly, the righteous man that prays effectually and fervently will see God produce results. Christians have a great advantage when they live righteously and pray faithfully. There is much to profit from by being a righteous man and praying effectually and fervently.

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29th

Forgiveness

As Jesus is teaching His disciples about how to handle problems among God's people, Peter asks a very good question. In Matthew 18:21 we read that Peter came to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? In other words, he thought that there should be some reasonable limit on forgiveness or grace. In Matthew 18:22 we read, Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Now I don't think our Lord meant that on the 491st time we no longer need to forgive. I think that He meant that there is no limit to grace.

Jesus went on to warn us that there is a link between the grace we extend to others and the grace that God extends to us. He told about how a man was forgiven a great debt by the king and went on to refuse to forgive a small debt to someone else. He said that this king, was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all...So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18: 34-35.

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30th

Separation

Many references can be found in the Bible regarding separation, but many readers do not understand separation

Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens;... This verse gives us a picture of Christ as our ever living High Priest. It is this writer's opinion that people reject the Lord and do not find Him as their Savior, because Christians are looked upon as hypocrites. Our Lord was without sin; we are saved sinners; we should reflect a Christ-like example to our unsaved neighbors and loved ones. We are different! The word "Christian" means to be like Christ!

2 Corinthians 6: 14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of god with idols? for ye are the temple of the living god; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Separation is a positive action on the part of all born again believers. Our words, deeds, types of entertainment, habits, places we frequent, business decorum, dress, temperament, body language and host of other activities, too numerous to mention, should be controlled by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

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