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The BIBLE VIEW #984 — Christmas

In This Issue:
The Birth of Jesus According to Matthew
Bethlehem and Calvary
No Room at the Inn

Volume: 984 December 9, 2024
Theme: Baby Jesus

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say

The Birth of Jesus According to Matthew
Bill Brinkworth

Many in the world celebrate Christmas. People’s ideas of what happened at Jesus’ birth are often derived from artists’ renderings of the event or opinions, not the Bible’s words.

In Matthew 2, we see four areas where people who do not read the Bible for themselves err when they compare their knowledge of Christ’s birth to the biblical account:

The wise men followed the star to find where the young child lay, not the shepherds.
“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.” Matthew 2:7
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” Matthew 2:9
Jesus was a “young child” when the wise men visited Him, not a “babe” (Luke 2).
“… till it came and stood over where the young child was.” Matthew 2:9
The wise men visited Jesus in the “house,” not the manager. When they saw Jesus, he may have been under two years old! That time is derived from when the travelers met with King Herod and when the leader ordered children under two to be killed.
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

Herod wanted the wise men to find the child and return, telling him where Christ was. He intended to have the child killed, perhaps because the prophesied King of the Jews would take away his reign as king.

God warned the wise men not to return to Herod. They did not, and the ruler was wroth. He was so angry that he had all the boy children under the age of two murdered. If Jesus was just born, why would the king slaughter all the children under two years old? It is quite clear from these scriptures that time had passed since the wise men saw Herod and that the child may have even walked to the door when the wise men visited.
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.” Matthew 2:16

The Bible does not say there were three wise men. It states that their gifts included three different offerings: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because these wealthy merchants traveled for long periods, they often traveled in large caravans for safety. There was more than one wise man because the scripture refers to them in the plural. There could have been three or thirty merchants. See Matthew 2:11 above.

One lesson that can be learned from Matthew 2 is not to formulate your “religion” from something someone painted or what someone else says. Read the Bible for yourself to know “thus saith the Lord,” not what man thinks.

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” I Timothy 4:7

Bethlehem and Calvary
Harry Todd

Once again, it’s Christmas time.
So you will go and buy a tree
And forget the tree of Calvary
Where Jesus died for you and me.

You will trim the tree so pretty
With lights that glow so bright,
But never think of Jesus
As being the Greatest Light.

You’ll give and receive gifts
From your friends and all,
Forgetting God’s only begotten Son,
The Greatest Gift of all.

You’ll remember Jesus the baby,
In the manger meek and mild,
But if He is not your Saviour,
Then He is just another child.

If you’ve not been to Calvary,
Christmas is a meaningless thing;
You just see the baby Jesus
Instead of the new born King.

If you’ve not been to Calvary,
This Christmas let it be
A time to bow at the feet of Jesus
Who gave His life for you and me.

No Room at the Inn
Author Unknown

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

This world did not favor the Saviour. The prophecy in John 1:11 came true, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

He was to be “… despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3).

King Herod tried to kill the baby Jesus. Pharisees sought to stone Him but did not (John 8:59). Furious townspeople of Nazareth tried to cast Jesus from a hill but failed (Luke 4:29-30). Herod and Pontius Pilate, rulers of the Jews, and a mob would combine to have Him scourged and crowned with thorns and then crucified. Indeed, “there was no room for them in the inn,” or anywhere in the hearts of so many people.

I wonder if the baby Jesus, pricked by the straw in that rough bed and wrapped in swaddling clothes, knew that there would be no room for Him in this wicked world.

When I was four years old, in a country church Sunday school, a man gathered us little ones around his knee in a class and taught us a lesson. On a colored picture card was a picture of Joseph, Mary, the Baby, and a donkey. The hay was all about Him. The text was “There was no room for them in the inn.” My young heart burned with an awful sense of the wickedness of mankind.

My sister and I had a little trundle bed which, in the daytime, folded up and rolled under Mother’s and Daddy’s bed. Everybody at our house slept in comfortable beds, but there was no bed for the Baby. What a wicked world it must be that has no room for their own Saviour.

Have you made room in your heart for Jesus, or are you also rejecting Him?

No beautiful chamber, no soft cradle bed,
No place but a manger, nowhere for His head,
No praises of gladness, no thought of their sin,
No glory but sadness, no room at the inn.

No sweet consecration, no seeking His part,
No humiliation, no place in the heart,
No thought of the Saviour, no sorrow for sin,
No prayer for His favor, no room at the inn.

No one to receive Him. No welcome while here,
No balm to relieve Him, no staff but a spear,
No seeking His treasure, No weeping for sin,
No doing His pleasure, no room at the inn.

No room, no room for Jesus,
Oh, give Him welcome free,
Lest you should hear at Heaven’s gate
”There is no room for thee.”

The BIBLE VIEW #983 — Your Word

In This Issue:
Your Words
Reneging on Your Promise to God
Three Will Know

Volume: 983 November 25, 2024
Theme: Your Word

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Your Words
Bill Brinkworth

God’s words, as preserved in the Bible, are always honest and can be trusted (Prov. 30:15). Our words, however, are not always truthful and cannot be trusted. All sin with their mouth.

“Word” is used at least 704 times in the King James Bible. Although most of those times refer to God’s Word, we can see from the many references that words are important to God. Some verses show us what God thinks about what comes out of our mouths.

In Romans 1, where at least 30 sins are mentioned, at least fifteen involve what was said. Some of the iniquities mentioned are ungratefulness, debating, deceitfulness, gossiping, backbiting, pride, boasting, disobedience to parents, and covenant-breaking. Although there are hundreds of commandments in the Old Testament, the popularly known “Ten” includes at least three commandments that can involve our tongue. It should be evident to all that our tongue can be used for good, or it can be used to sin.

Here is some of what the Bible says about the words that can come out of our mouths:
• Many sins are with the tongue. Our tongues can be behind some of our iniquities.
“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.” James 3:5-6
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips….“ Isa. 6:5
“And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:32
“For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.” Job 15:5
“Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” Psalms 52:2
“Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:” Psalms 64:3
“They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.” Psalms 73:9
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” Proverbs 21:6
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” Proverbs 26:28
Also: Psalms 15:3, Proverbs 6:17, Pr. 18:21, Pr. 17:4.

• Be careful what the tongue says. It can and should be controlled!
“Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile.” Psalms 34:13
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.” Job 6:24
Also: Job 27:4, Proverbs 10:31, I Peter 3:10.

• We will be accountable for every word we say!
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36
“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:” Psalms 12:3
“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” Psalms 139:4
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26 There were times when Jesus, our example, knew to say nothing. Sometimes, it would be best to take His example and keep silent in certain situations.
“And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” Matthew 27:14

• The tongue can be used for good.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalms 35:28
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.” Proverbs 10:20
Also: I Timothy 4:12, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 14:15.

• There will be times when we can speak what God wants us to say. Use it for His glory now.
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:11

Like the rest of our body, our tongue was part of God’s creation. Its creation was not intended for us to sin against our Creator. A saved person should strive to control what is uttered by his tongue. Some of the best advice for those desiring to please God and wanting to control their tongue comes from the adage, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything.”

“Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance may turn them into enemies.”— Benjamin Franklin

Reneging on Your Promise to God
Bill Brinkworth

“When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.” Deut. 23:21

In desperation, sometimes people plea to the Lord for His help. They beg and promise Him that if He remedies a situation, they will do or stop doing something in return for His intervention. No matter the dire, compelling circumstances, they vowed they would do something.

A frantic mother at the bedside of her deathly ill child may beg God that if He heals her child, she will go to church every Sunday and bring her children. Distressed about losing his job, a man may promise God that he will quit drinking if only God would get him work. Anxious from seeing unpaid bills piling up and visions of being homeless, a parent may promise God all kinds of changes if only He will deliver them from the financial mess they were in.

Often, God does deliver the despairing one from the serious situation. However, the rescued person sometimes goes back on his commitment to the Lord. He reneges on keeping his promise to God.

Such was the situation in Jeremiah’s day. God had the prophet Jeremiah relay a commandment to the Hebrews. The commandment was that they were to release all the Jewish maids and manservants from bondage. They were to be set free (Jer. 34:8-10), and the servants were released from their servitude.

However, as do so many in a similar situation, many changed their minds (Jer. 34:11). They went back on their commitment to the Lord. Those that were freed were again put into bondage.

Their doubled-mindedness, unfortunately, cost those who broke their promise to the Lord quite a lot as He dealt with their disobedience and promise-breaking. Enemies attacked them; pestilences plagued them; famine ravished the people; their reputation was tarnished; many lost their lives (Jer. 34:17-22); and other punishments. They paid an extremely exorbitant wage for breaking their word to God.
Let this hard lesson Israel learned from the judging hands of God be a wake-up call to you for any promises you have made to Him. The Lord takes our words very seriously. Be honest; be true; keep your word as God expects you to!
“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Num. 30:2
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes. 5:45

“A promise made is a debt unpaid until you keep your word1”
— Author Unknown

Three Will Know
Author Unknown

A newly saved man was tempted to cheat. Upon his refusal, his tempter asked why.

“Because three will know that I cheated,” replied the Christian. “You will know. I will know, and Heaven will know.” This applies to all of us.
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13

The BIBLE VIEW #982 — The Word of God

In This Issue:
Where Is the Word of God?
Untrue Statements about Modern Translations and Versions
Examples of Changes in Different Bible Versions

Volume: 982 November 18, 2024
Theme: God’s Word

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Where Is the Word of God?
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important yet controversial topics concerning the things of God is whether the English-speaking people still have the inspired (“God-breathed”) and preserved Word of God with them today. Many shrug this topic off as a subject to be discussed only by preachers or Bible scholars. It, however, should be very important to all.

If we do not have all the words of God, how do we know that John 3:16 is accurate? Was something added or removed from the verse? Are we saved, as the words we have been trusting for salvation may have been altered? Do we know how God wants us to live as the verses that give God’s directions to us may also have been changed? If the reliability of God’s Word is questionable, we cannot know anything about God’s will and way for sure.

It is essential that we know what we read in the Bible is what God has commanded. We must be sure we have God’s entire, word-for-word, preserved, God-breathed Word and trust it wholly.

With over 300+ English translations and versions available, and each teaching something different, how can one know where the real Word of God is? A very complex subject cannot be completely answered in this brief article. Still, some facts can be revealed, making it easier to discern where the Word of God is today.

The Jews had preserved the Old Testament in the Masoretic, Hebrew-language text long before Christ. New Testament writings were collected and originally compiled in the Greek Textus Receptus. Godly men precisely translated those two manuscripts through history.

In 1611, a collection of some of the most godly translators took those texts, compared them with other books, and assembled what today is known as the King James Bible. Later, as the English written language became consistent, the KJB (also called the KJV) went through corrections, mostly spelling, and is the King James Bible we have today. The Word of God’s inspiration is preserved in today’s King James Bible.

However, there have always been those who have corrupted and changed God’s Word.
• Eve did. She added that she was not to touch the tree of the knowledge of good and evil when God only said not to eat its fruit (Gen. 2:17, 3:3).
• Satan got Eve to doubt God’s commandments (Gen. 3:4).
• Another Gospel was preached even during the time of the first churches (II Cor. 11:4, Gal. 1:6-7).
• Some added their traditions to the Gospel (Mark 7:13).
• Some corrupted God’s Word (II Cor. 2:17).

Today, the same spirit that has always been around to confuse readers and alter what God wanted all to know is still perverting God’s Word. Although there are many renditions, most have a different origin than the KJV. They have their roots in the Latin translations of the Sinaitic manuscript (331 A.D., rediscovered in 1844 A.D.), the Vaticanus text (around 331 A.D.), the Latin Vulgate, and other writings1.

The influencers and authors of those texts were men such as Origen, whose writings reflect his beliefs that Jesus Christ was a created being and did not have eternal existence as God. Eusebius, who introduced tradition into his works, and others not dedicated to preserving God’s word, had their hand in perverting God’s words. They all interjected their philosophies rather than accurately translating what was already written.

Those texts were the foundation for most of the 300+ perversions of God’s Word. Because the original root texts were corrupt, there is no way their translations can ever be accurate. That is one reason modern versions have changed, added, and deleted words. They convey doctrines the writer or the religious organization re-writing the Scriptures wants to be taught rather than what the preserved Word of God says.

It does not even make sense that:
• Until the influx of modern perversions started around 1881, man had been without a copy of God’s Word.
• Many of the liberal translators, some of them with poor Christian testimonies, unsound beliefs, and some denying major doctrines of the Bible (the deity of Christ, Hell, Christ’s blood atonement, etc.) would be used to give us God’s Word, rather than those spiritual, intellectual giants that helped bring the English world an accurate translation of God’s Word in 1611.
• God would give us a new version that contradicts the preserved manuscripts in many places.
• God, who is not a God of confusion (I Cor. 14:33 ), would allow those honestly seeking Him to be confused without knowing what He wanted them to know.

It does make sense:
• That we still have the perfect copy of God’s Word, just as He promised:
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8
• That no one should add, alter, or remove His Words (Deut. 4:2, Prov. 30:6, Rev. 22:19).

Today, we have the same words as given by Moses, David, kings, prophets, apostles, and other men God used to preserve His Word. We do not have to doubt if we have it all. God’s Word has been preserved and is still available to all who seek it. It is found within the pages of the King James (1611) Bible.
1 Ray, Jasper J. God Wrote Only One Bible, Eugene, Oregon, Eye Opener Publishers, 1983

“The claims of many of the perverters of the Word of God are to make the Bible easier to read and understand. However, few today have read it, and fewer have understood it.”

Untrue Statements about Modern Bible Translations and Versions

• They make the Bible easier to understand. The King James Bible is at a 5.8-grade reading level (Flesh-Kincaid Grade level indicator). However, the New International Version is at 8.4. The New King James is 6.9, and the New American Standard Bible is 8.12. Besides, it is the Holy Spirit that allows anyone to understand God’s Word, not man’s editing (I Cor. 2:14)!
• They come from the originals. The originals were never assembled in one place together!
• They change archaic words. They do, but the words replacing them often change the meaning of the verse in many places. Since less than 20 words in the KJV are not commonly used today (not including verbs with the added “th”), It would make more sense to understand their meaning by using a dictionary rather than to change the whole Bible.
• Modern scholars now know more than they knew then. Many of the authors of the new versions did not even know Hebrew or Greek, nor were they experts in over ten ancient languages, as were many of the 1611 King James translating committee members.
• They come from older manuscripts. The Masoretic and Textus Receptus used in the KJV are older and more reliable manuscripts, not what most modern versions use. Some of what are called the “oldest texts” are not reliable at all. Also, some “most ancient manuscripts” are over 100 years newer than those used in the KJV.
• If the new Bible versions are correcting “errors,” why are all the versions different? Don’t they have it right yet?
• “So you are saying that it is only preserved for the English-speaking people?” There is a text that comes from the Masoretic and Textus Receptus for all the major languages, including English, Greek, Jewish, French, and Spanish.

2 Riplinger, G. A. New Age Bible Versions, Ararat, VA, 1995

The King James Bible has 783,137 words, whereas the New International Bible has only 727,969.
“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:19

Examples of Changes in Different Bible Versions

There are thousands of changes in all of the different versions. Here are only a few so you can get an idea of how man has changed what God has said!

King James (KJV): “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:37
New International Version (NIV): Verse removed
New American Standard Version (NASB): Verse removed.
New World Translation (Jehovah Witness Bible): Verse removed.
Revised Standard Version (RSV): Verse removed.
New Century Version (NCV): Verse removed.
These re-writers wanted to do away with the biblical teaching of baptism!

(KJV) “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” Mat. 1:25
American Standard Version (ASV) “and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.”
(RSV) “but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.”
(NIV) “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
(NWT) “But he had no intercourse with her until she gave birth to a son; and he called his name Jesus.”
Other versions remove wording indicating that Jesus was Mary’s first born son. The facts are altered.

(KJV) “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Mat. 18:11
(NASB) This verse is footnoted and implies that it should not be there.
(NIV) Verse removed.
(NWT) Verse removed.
(NCV) Verse removed.
The important reason for Jesus Christ’s coming has been deleted! The way of salvation is removed!

(KJV) “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Eph. 5:18
New King James Version (NKJV) “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation …”
I thought they were supposed to make it easier to understand.

(KJV) “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” Daniel 3:3
(NKJV) “And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” A difficult word was inserted and facts were changed.

“If the modern authors are supposed to make the Bible easier to understand, why did 300+ versions still not make it easy enough? Why do they still feel it was not simplified enough and still requires other versions?”

The BIBLE VIEW #981 — Changes

In This Issue:
Changed!
The Wrong Doctors
What Christ Did
Just As I Am
Need of a New Birth

Volume: 981 November 11, 2024
Theme: Changes

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will also include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Changed!
Bill Brinkworth

When a person is saved, there will be changes in him. He will act, live, and think differently than he did before.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

After the Holy Spirit becomes the controlling conscience of a born-again individual, there will usually be at least one area that His convicting Spirit urges us to deal with. He often “speaks” to our hearts about our flesh’s desires.
“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” I Peter 4:2

Fulfilling the lusts for the things in this world never actually filled us in the past and did nothing to help us. After salvation, the Holy Spirit directs us to eliminate the sinful, damaging baggage we do not need.

In the past, indulgences of animal desires (“lasciviousness”), lusts, drunkenness, partying (“revellings”), and putting other things above the Lord (“idolatries”) ruled our lives (I Peter 4:3). Now, on the side of salvation, they are to be halted.

Another important area the indwelling Spirit of God will most likely address is the company one keeps. Those who were once part of our sinful lifestyles will either get saved or need to be separated from a saved individual. It is not uncommon that those who were “friends” in sin break off the relationship and even speak negatively of the saved person they used to sin with (I Peter 4:4).

The changes in the new believer are often emotionally painful. If they are not made, the person will certainly not lose their salvation. However, their testimony for Christ and their living for Him will not be what God desires for His child.

Many get saved, and immediately the Holy Spirit of God deals with their heart about an area of their lives that needs to be changed. Often, the child of God will try to obey the voice but may fail and fall back into sin. The Holy Spirit does not give up. Repeatedly, He deals with the person’s heart. He is undoubtedly a second, third, fourth, etc., chance God.

However, when the individual hardens his heart and purposely disobeys or ignores the convicting Spirit, God may cease dealing with the child of God until he repents. When he says “No” to God too many times, God’s “voice” stops speaking to him. It is in that place many Christians find themselves. God urged them to forsake a sin they had before their salvation or their association with the ungodly, but they refused to obey.

The key to having a victorious Christian life is to listen to the convicting “voice” of the Holy Spirit and to obey it. When He deals with past involvements, He attempts to remove us from what He knows will harm us.

When saved, we are new creatures in Christ. We have a second chance in life not to make the mistakes we made in the past. Listen and obey the Holy Spirit’s directions!

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

The Wrong Doctors
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

Have you been to Doctor Ceremony? He is, at this time, a fashionable doctor. Has he told you that you must heed him and obey his rules? Has he prescribed you so many prayers and so many church services? Ah! Many go to him, and they persevere in a round of religious observances, but those yield no lasting ease to one’s conscience.

Perhaps you have tried Doctor Morality? He has an extensive practice and is a fine old Jewish physician. He suggests, “Be good in outward character, and it will work inwardly and cleanse your heart!” Many persons are supposed to have been cured by him and his assistant, Doctor Civility, who is nearly as clever as his master. I have it on good evidence that neither of them apart nor the two together could ever deal with inward sin’s disease.

Do what you may, but your doings will not heal the wounds of a bleeding heart. Doctor Mortification also has a select practice, but men are not saved by denying themselves until they first deny their self-righteousness.

Doctor Excitement also has many patients. However, his cures seldom outlive the setting of the sun.

Doctor Feeling is much sought after by tender spirits. These try to feel sorrow and remorse, but the way of cure does not lie in their efforts.

Apart from accepting our blessed Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, everything that is done will not better the sin-sick soul. You may try human remedies for a lifetime, but sin will remain in power, guilt will cling to the conscience, and the heart will be as sinful as ever.

A young woman turned aside a friend’s appeal for salvation immediately by saying, “I only want time enough when I die to say two words to the Lord, ‘Save me’”

Having neglected her soul’s salvation, she was soon called away by death, but the only two words she could utter were the wails of despair, “Too late! Too late!” — Author Unknown

What Christ Did
Edited from an article by Clarence Larkin

Those who are saved, the Bride of the Lamb, are from a disowned and outcast race made so by the disobedience of the head of that race in the Garden of Eden. However, Jesus, the Bridegroom, saw her and loved her.

To redeem her, He came from His own lovely home in Heaven to her sin-cursed home on Earth. It was there He was rejected by members of her family, seized and subjected to a mock trial, and nailed to a cross as a malefactor. He voluntarily laid down His life for her, though, thus demonstrating His love and opening up the way for her redemption from the Law that held her in bondage.

Jesus then left her to return to His Father’s House to prepare a home for her. During her betrothal, He has left her with her own family. He sent the Holy Spirit to teach, protect, and fit her for the day of her marriage. One day, He will descend midair to meet her on her way to the bridal halls of Heaven.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4:16-17

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:9

Just As I Am
Edited from an article by Pentecost

A London artist had hired a dirty, wretched beggar to come to his studio so that he might paint the man’s want and woe. The painter was disappointed to have the man appear with his face washed, hair combed, and store clothes put on.

“I don’t want you that way. I want that beggar I saw in filth and squalor.”

Many a sinner falsely feels that, before he comes to Jesus, he must fix up a little, improve his condition, and borrow the second-hand garments of empty righteousness instead of coming just as he is, waiting not to cleanse away a single blot.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Need of a New Birth
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

I was staying at an inn in one of the valleys of Northern Italy, where the floor was dreadfully dirty. I had it in my mind to advise the landlady to scrub it, but when I perceived it was made of mud, I reflected that the more she scrubbed the worse it would be.

The man who knows his own heart soon perceives that his corrupt nature admits to no improvement. Outward “cleaning” will not change its nature. A new nature must be implanted, or the man will be only washed like that mud floor.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:6-7

Ours is not a case for mending but for making new. No outward actions can make you clean. Your sin-leprosy lies deep within, and only accepting the sacrificial death of God’s only Son, Jesus, can change one’s heart and make one born into the family of God.

The BIBLE VIEW #980 — Knowledge

In This Issue:
They Think Themselves Wise, But…
The Blessings of Living Righteously
Knowledge, But Without Experience
Why?

Volume: 980 November 4, 2024
Theme: Knowledge

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will also include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

They Think Themselves Wise, But…
Bill Brinkworth

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2

Every person believes they know what is best for them. They usually decide what they think is right and good. However, their beliefs are often wrong in God’s eyes.

Unfortunately, with that self-centered philosophy and thinking, what is sinful and wrong to God often becomes acceptable and right, especially in godless minds. Many have not realized that if they reject God’s ways, their ideas and actions will frequently fail.

Proverbs 21 reveals some consequences of refusing God’s ways and laws. The ungodly believe:
• Their lies often are justified by what is thought to be achieved. However, God will not bless ill-gotten gains, and they will find what they believe they accomplished will not last and may be a hindrance rather than beneficial.
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” Proverbs 21:6

• Gaining something without earning it or stealing is a faster way to get what they want. Unfortunately, their thievery will cost them more than they thought possible. Many thieves behind prison bars will attest to that fact.
“The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.” Proverbs 21:7

• The one who lives in defiance of the way God commands will not reap consequences for their sin. However, one may face loneliness and social rejection for their rebellion against God. One may find oneself only associated with those in the same sinking “sin-boat” as they are.
“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15
“The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.” Proverbs 21:10
“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16

• They should be committed and determined to have “fun” while they can. However, it may be discovered they have little to show for their lives. What gives them temporary happiness will rob their life of having real meaning.
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.” Proverbs 21:17
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20

• It is not necessary to work in this life. However, those who refuse to labor will be destroyed and robbed of what could have been obtained. Their laziness will cheat them of what they could have made of themselves.
“The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.” Proverbs 21:25

Living a life contrary to God’s desires costs everyone a price that is often regretted. A godless life ungoverned by God’s commandments is not the “easy” way of living. It creates more hurdles, difficulties, and problems than may be realized.

Live your life the way God commands. You will avoid many hardships and will have God’s perfect leadership along the way.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

The Blessings of Living Righteously
Bill Brinkworth

Proverbs 12 continues a style that started in Proverbs 11. In each verse’s wisdom, an excellent moral trait or action is mentioned, as well as the positive result of that behavior. The same verse reveals the consequences and effects when godly wisdom or morality is not exercised.

That chapter would be ideal for putting in a two-column chart. The “good” results of wisdom and positive character behavior found in each verse would be in one column. The other column could contain the consequence when righteous wisdom is not followed in the same verse. It would be a great comparison of biblical morality versus godless behavior.

Examine some of the results of wise, godly thinking and a righteous lifestyle found in this chapter:
• Love of knowledge (Proverbs 12:1, 15).
• Favored by the Lord (Proverbs 12:2, 22).
• Steadfastness (Proverbs 12:3, 7).
• Will be a blessing to their spouse (Proverbs 12:4).
• Righteous thinking (Proverbs 12:5).
• Help to others (Proverbs 12:6).
• Recognition as being wise (Proverbs 12:8).
• Prosperous (Proverbs 12:9, 12).
• Kind to all, even to animals (Proverbs 12:10, 18).
• Hard-working and not lazy (Proverbs 12:11, 27).
• Discerning (Proverbs 12:13).
• Honesty (Proverbs 12:14,17, 19).
• Sensible (Proverbs 12:16, 23).
• Joy (Proverbs 12:20, 25).
• Protected (Proverbs 12:21).
• Responsible and can be trusted (Proverbs 12:24).
• Recognized as a good person (Proverbs 12:26).

To most, reading the above benefits would sell the positiveness of reading the Bible, obeying God’s commandments, and receiving godly wisdom. Sadly, however, much on the list would be seen negatively and not achievable because insight and knowledge are foreign to so many.

No matter what others think, God’s way is best. Follow His commandments, and your life will differ from most. However, it will have benefits and blessings that the unwise will never experience.

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”
Proverbs 4:13

Knowledge, But Without Experience
C. H. Spurgeon

I heard two persons on the Wengern Alp talking by the hour of the names of ferns. Not one word was about their characteristics, uses, or habits. All they spoke about was different fancy names and nothing else. They felt they knew their botany but only had head knowledge and no experience in seeing the plants.

Their “knowledge” was about as reliable as those who speak of the Bible but know nothing by experience of its spirit and power or its Author. Are we, too, like those “botanists” who throw around fancy Latin names of plants but have no real experience? Too many have biblical head knowledge but no spiritual relationship or experience with the God of Heaven.

“To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge.” — Disraeli

Why?
Downname, 1642

• For what purpose do men spend their time and wits in discerning biblical truths, but do not use it to direct them in their ways?
• Why do people read and study to discover the “light” of God’s Word if they prefer spiritual darkness and dwell in it?
• Why do many labor to heap up rich treasures of biblical learning and knowledge if they miserly keep it to themselves and do not use or share it with others?
• Why do people spend their whole lives sowing spiritual seed but never wait or attempt to reap the crop?

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.” Luke 11:33

The BIBLE VIEW #979 — Repentance

In This Issue:
It’s Not Too Late!
Repentance
A Changed Heart
A Broken Heart
Verses on Repentance
“Stop Now”

Volume: 979 October 28, 2024
Theme: Repentance

The Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will also include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

It’s Not Too Late!
Bill Brinkworth

Psalm 137 is a sad hymn that Israel sang. The time referred to in this song was when God’s people had been captured (Psalm 137:1-3) by the Babylonians and taken to a foreign land.

There, Israel found themselves slaves to their captives. Their freedom was lost because of their sin (Lamentations 1:8). They found themselves surrounded by godless people and all Israel could remember was what it was like in Jerusalem. Their beloved Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed.

Israel pined for their freedom and their country. They remembered how it was before captivity left them grief-stricken.

In the past, they and Jerusalem were known for joyous singing and happiness. In their bondage, they could not (Psalm 137:4) utter a note when requested to sing. Their hearts were broken, and their spirits were crushed.

Too many today find themselves with a similar sadness. They remember their joy and good times before reaping the consequences of their sin. When their memories drift back to those joyous days, they, too, are not happy. It is heartbreaking to think about what one’s life could have been without involvement in iniquity.

The captive Israelites must have constantly pondered, “It’s too late!” Maybe they shook their heads in despair, thinking, “There is no taking back what we have done. We have sown sin and are now reaping its terrible consequences.” Today’s sinners also will one day have similar regrets.

There is no way to take back what was done, that is why it is so important to stay away from sin. Unfortunately, most have to live with iniquity’s consequences, but they can go forward without making the same mistakes.

A repentant, regretting heart can decide to start over. Seeking God’s forgiveness and help can give one a second (or third, or fourth…) chance.

Moping about “spilled beans” will not clean up the mess sin made. God is a forgiving God. There may still be a sinful crop that one will reap from the seeds sown by iniquity, but with God’s help, one can still go forward.

Seek God’s forgiveness and His help. There is hope!

“The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.” — Sophocles

Repentance
Edited from an article in Homilies of the English Church.

Repentance is a true turning or returning unto God. People forsake their idolatry and wickedness with a stronger faith and embrace, love, and worship only the true, living God. They give themselves to good works and changed behavior, which, according to God’s Word, they know to be acceptable unto Him.

The four parts of repentance are contrition, confession, faith, and amendment of life’s wrongdoings. They may be likened to an easy and short ladder. From that “ladder,” one may mentally climb from gut-wrenching guilt to the castle where the Lord is pleased.

“When the soul has laid down its faults at the feet of God, it feels as though it had wings.” — Guerin

A Changed Heart
Bill Brinkworth

Repentance is the “… pain, regret, or affliction which a person feels on account of his past conduct…” (Noah Webster, 1828). This sorrowful attitude over one’s sins was a vital part of John the Baptist’s ministry and is essential today when one is saved from the eternal wages of one’s iniquities.

Although a repentant person will usually change their behavior, just changing conduct alone will not save anyone. If a lifestyle change were necessary for salvation, those acts would be good work, and no good deed can save anyone from the eternal wages of sin (Ephesians 2:8-9).

John, the Baptist, illustrated that a broken heart over sin would produce a better life when he spoke to four types of people:

To the religious but not righteous, John told them that if they were convicted over their sins, they would prove it by a lifestyle that would show “fruits” from their inward changes. Their changed heart would change how they lived, and others could see what the changes had done in their life (Luke 3:8).
To the common people, he told them that a giving attitude would show a changed heart (Luke 3:11). John must have known that they were covetous of the things of this world and that they were not trusting God daily for their needs.
To the publicans, he also said there would need to be some changes in their lives. Publicans were notoriously dishonest tax collectors. John told them their spiritual remodeling should include honesty (Luke 3:13).
To soldiers, he did not tell them to quit the army. He told them their change of heart would include halting unnecessary violence, lying, and dissatisfaction with their salaries.

A changed, repentant heart is proof of one’s salvation. The areas John said should change in lives over 2,000 years ago should still change today when one’s life is altered by salvation.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

“Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce.”
— Spurgeon

A Broken Heart
Spurgeon

What man can stand against his children’s tears? When King Henry II was provoked to take up arms against his ungrateful and rebellious son, he cornered his son in a French town.

The son, near death, desired to see his father and confess his wrongdoing, but the stern older man refused to look the rebel in the face. His offspring was sorely troubled in his conscience and said to those about him, “I am dying; take me from my bed, and let me lie in sackcloth and ashes, in token of my sorrow for my ingratitude to my father.” Then he died.

When the tidings came to the older man that his boy had died in ashes and was repentant for his rebellion, the man threw himself upon the earth. Like King David, he cried, “Would God I had died for him.” The thought of his boy’s broken heart touched the father’s heart.

If ye, being evil, are overcome by your children’s tears and grief, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven find your moanings and confessions an argument for the display of His pardoning love through Christ Jesus our Lord? This is the eloquence which God delights in: the broken heart and the contrite spirit.

“Contrite”: Full of guilt and remorse for a wrongdoing or sin

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Verses on Repentance

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
“And they went out, and preached that men should repent.” Mark 6:12
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30
“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20

“Stop Now!”
Tillmage

Some young men were ice-skating on a pond around an half-melted spot in the ice some years ago near Princeton, New Jersey. As they neared the dangerous place, the ice began to break.

Most of the skaters stopped. However, one young man said, “I am not afraid. I will skate around it one more time.” He almost was able to glide entirely around it, but the ice broke, and he fell in. Not until the next day was his lifeless body found.

Similarly, people often get too close to sin. They were warned, but they were determined to do it “one more time.” That last willing iniquity may be their permanent downfall.

Do not risk one more attempt at ignoring God’s sent conviction not to commit that sin any longer. Stop now! He can deliver us from the foolhardiness and temptation of doing wrong “just one more time.”

The BIBLE VIEW #978 — Strengthening A Nation

In This Issue:
Benjamin Franklin’s Motion
True Then. True Now! What America Needs
Lincoln’s Plea Lincoln’s Bible
“If They Slip Too Far, the Light Will Go Out of America!”
Different Motive The Greatness of America
MacArthur Was Right! Only Way Out Is Up!

Volume: 978 October 21, 2024
Theme: Strengthening A Nation

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Benjamin Franklin’s Motion
Our Hope

At the meeting of the 1778 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin made the motion to those assembled that the Convention should not proceed without an opening prayer each day.

“I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth that God governs the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire cannot rise without His aid.

“We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it….’ I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall proceed in politically building no better than the builders of Babel.”

Prayer was the foundation stone in our country’s beginning. There should be more national prayer today.

“Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.” — Cowper

True Then. True Now!
President Woodrow Wilson

Our civilization cannot survive materially unless it is redeemed spiritually. It can be saved only by becoming permeated with the Spirit of Christ and being made free and happy by the practices which spring out of the spirit. Only thus can discontent be driven out and all the shadows lifted from the road ahead.”

“Our prayer and God’s mercy are like two buckets in a well; while the one ascends, the other descends.” — Hopkins

What America Needs
Wall Street Journal (Many years ago!)

What America needs more than railway extensions, western irrigation, a low tariff, a bigger cotton crop, and a larger wheat crop is a revival of religion, the kind that our fathers and mothers used to have. We need a religion that made men quit work a half hour earlier on Wednesday so the whole family could get ready to go to prayer meeting.

“Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God.” — Keith

Lincoln’s Plea
Christian Beacon

During the days of the Civil War, a visitor to the White House said, “I had been spending three weeks in the White House with Mr. Lincoln as his guest. One night, just after the Bull Run battle, I was restless and could not sleep.

It was near dawn when I heard low tones proceeding from a private room where the president slept. The door was partly open. I walked in and saw a sight I shall never forget. It was the president kneeling before an open Bible.

The light was turned low in the room. His back was toward me.

I shall never forget his tones, so pitiful and sorrowful. “Do thou God, that heard Solomon in the night when he prayed and cried for wisdom, hear me! I cannot lead this people. I cannot guide the affairs of this nation without Thy help. I am poor and weak and sinful. O God, thou didst hear Solomon when he cried for wisdom, hear me and save this nation.”

God heard, and He answered him. Will He not answer today if we had leaders who sought God’s help?

Lincoln’s Bible
Moody Monthly

Abraham Lincoln’s well-thumbed Bible in the Lincoln Museum, among other things, would abundantly prove that he was a Christian.

On the way to be inaugurated, Mr. Lincoln uttered these impressive words, “I go to assume a task more difficult than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He would never have succeeded but for the aid of Divine Providence upon which he relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same divine blessing which sustained him, and on the same Almighty Being, I place my reliance for support. I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive the divine assistance without which I cannot succeed but with which success is certain.”

“Oh, for more leaders that seek God’s help and guidance rather than those adopting sinful philosophies in hopes of gaining more votes.”

“If They Slip Too Far, the Light Will Go Out of America!”
President Herbert Hoover

“The ‘New Order,’ ‘New Freedom,’ ‘New Day,’ ‘New Outlook,’ ‘New Epoch,’ ‘New Economy,’ ‘New Deal,’ ‘New Deal,’ ‘New Religion,’ ‘New Liberalism,’ ‘New War,’ and ‘New Policy’ are popular to the ears of many. We have overused the word ‘New’ to escape the misery from 37 years of hot and cold wars, with intervals of hot and cold peace.

If we want to strengthen the country, the practical thing is to use the word ‘Old’ more often. Some “old things” made this country.

Many old things are slipping. If they slip too far, the light will go out of America! Old virtues, religious faith, whole truth, integrity, honor in public office, economy in government, individual liberty, and willingness to sacrifice for righteousness need to return to our leaders and nation. We have a cancerous growth of dishonesty among our leadership. Our great danger is suicide by complaisance with evil.

Different Motive
Christian Digest

Roger Babson, the statistician, was lunching with the President of Argentina. “Mr. Babson,” the president said, “I have been wondering why it is that South America, with all its natural advantages, its mines of iron, copper, coal, silver and gold, its rivers and great waterfalls which rival Niagra’s, is so far behind North America.

Babson asked, “Well, Mr. President, what do you think is the reason?”

The president was silent for a while before he answered, “I have come to the conclusion, South America was settled by the Spanish, who came to South America in search of gold, but North America was settled by the Pilgrim Fathers, who went there in search of God.”

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17

The Greatness of America
Author Unknown

Over a hundred years ago, De Tocqueville of France visited America. Upon his return home, he wrote, “I sought the greatness of America in her harbors, rivers, fertile fields, mines and commerce. It was not there.”

Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

MacArthur Was Right!
Prairie Overcomer

General Douglas MacArthur, recognizing a spiritual awakening was imperative, said, as quoted by Moody Monthly, “History fails to record a single precedent in which nations experiencing moral decay have not passed onto political and economic success. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimately a national disaster.”

“Choosing to honor and allow sin to flourish will lead to the destruction of any nation. NO ONE gets away with disregarding the morality God demands in His Word!”

Only Way Out Is Up!
Walter Knight

On a gray morning during World War One, David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of Britain, stood grim-visaged before his compeers and members of the British Cabinet. The seriousness of the situation was evident on the faces of all.

The prime minister said, ”Gentlemen, we are fighting with our backs to the wall. The only way out is up. Our only hope is God. Let us pray!” When nations turn to God in their trouble, deliverance is not distant.

The BIBLE VIEW #977 — Why?

In This Issue:
There Is A Reason
… But God Had Different Plans

Volume: 977 October 4, 2024
Theme: Why?

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

There Is A Reason
Bill Brinkworth

While walking my four-footed friend, Buddi, I almost walked into a thread from which a one-inch green worm descended. It hung 10 feet from a hanging oak branch. The barely noticeable thread was used to safely lower the creature that distance.

As I watched the creature work, he struggled and wiggled. His efforts, however, seemingly did nothing to lower him, let alone the five more feet to the ground. Finally, he was still, but to my surprise, more thread was quickly produced from his posterior, and he was lowered safely and speedily to the ground. After touching the ground, he wiggled away as if nothing had happened.

How similar is that creature’s 15-foot journey to what many experience. Life often throws serious obstacles in the way of many. They start out attempting to deal with the situation. There may be some progress, but shortly they quit.

As the little worm experienced, many attempts to remedy a bad situation do not seem to get anywhere. People struggle; they wrestle with the problem the best they can, but soon, they get tired and stop. Then, out of nowhere, it seems the problem is solved, and they glide gently through the situation they never thought they would conquer.

For a Christian, a daunting situation is often when God will allow a change in one’s life. Nothing that happens to us is a surprise to God. He always has a plan for us that we often do not recognize.

Some believe life’s catastrophes are a punishment allowed by God. For some, they may be. The unpleasant predicament may be a price-tag for doing wrong, disobedience, or even sin. Hopefully, the struggle will get the person’s attention, and they will change the direction they are going.

Years ago, my friend Kenny fell off a high ladder. As he lay there knowing parts of his body were broken, he immediately went to God in prayer and asked, “Is this accident for something I have done or haven’t done?” When no reminder of wrongdoing evaded his thought life, Kenny quickly assumed the fall would have another purpose in his life and prepared to endure what the Lord allowed.

For others, the challenge may be for another purpose. The reasons can be different for each person. No one should assume they know why a person has the trials they are experiencing. Only God knows the real reason!
“When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.” Job 22:29

Some may go through fires of tribulation to teach a lesson requiring trust or patience for future benefits. For others, the trial may move one in another direction, to keep them from further hurt from an unseen future calamity, the consequences of living in a sin-cursed world (sin often hurts more than the sinner), to use their character to show others how they should react in a similar situation, or many other reasons.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” I Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you.” James 4:10

As the wiggling inchworm soon figured out, when attempts to fix a situation are seemingly for naught, relax and trust God to do what He will. Do not develop a blame-God-attitude, but trust, be patient, and have faith that His leadership in handling the bad situation will bring glory to God and be for your best.

“He who knows no hardships will know no hardihood. He who faces no calamity will need no courage. Mysterious though it is, the characteristics in human nature which we love best grow in a soil with a strong mixture of trouble.”
— Harry Emerson Fosdick

… But God Had Different Plans
Bill Brinkworth

We all, at one time or another, have had hard times. Sometimes, those difficulties are caused by a group or an individual. It seems that they are in control and changing the direction of one’s life.

However, even if situations are meant to hamper or hurt, there could be a good result in the future. Joseph in Genesis can certainly attest to that.

The young man could not help that his father, Israel, favored him. Israel’s blessings on his son made Joseph’s siblings quite jealous. Their jealousy festered, and their hearts became bitter to the innocent younger brother. It was not long until their bitterness resulted in their throwing the boy into a pit. An opportunity arose, and they sold their sibling into slavery.

From there, many hardships happened to the teenager. Joseph was sold in Egypt to Potiphar. There, he served his master, but “.. the Lord was with Joseph…” (Genesis 39:1). He was in a bad situation, but God had a purpose for the boy.

Later, a lie from Potiphar’s wife got Joeseph thrown into prison. Even in this horrible situation, “… the Lord was with Joseph…” (Gen. 39:21).

While in prison and after some time, God used Joseph. After a series of God-directed events, Joseph became second in command over Egpyt.

Joseph spared Egypt and his family from a consuming famine using his new lofty leadership role. All the terrible happenings in his life were to place him where God would use him to help many.

Those hard times may have been intended to abuse and use him, but the hand of God allowed those circumstances to put Joseph in the place where the Lord needed him. As the powerful man stood before his family, Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (Gen. 45:5 Also: Gen. 45:7, 8). Joseph realized that God had plans for him and put him in the right place by allowing him to face some difficulties.

Others have also found themselves facing unfair treatment, as did Joseph. While wearied and discouraged from tumultuous trials, they also discovered that God used events to put them in a position where God could use them.

God allowed Satan to do his worst to the godly Job. After perhaps a year of losing possessions and having friends and family turn against the non-wavering child of God, Job was blessed with much more than he originally had.
“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

Moses remembered all the years Israel faced hardship and servitude in Egypt. Still, he saw how God dealt with the pharaoh and the Egyptians in His timing. Israel then saw that their prayers for freedom were answered as God led them to a land He had for them.
“… 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.” Exodus 19:3-4

God used the hatred of the Jews, the cruelty of Roman soldiers, and the betrayal of Judas to give us eternal hope because of Jesus’ death. God’s only Son was beaten, mocked, embarrassed, and nailed to the cross so that sinners would have an acceptable payment to cover their sins. We are blessed because of His sacrifice, and now Jesus sits on the right hand of God.

The apostle Paul also was on the receiving end of unfair treatment. However, what seemed like misfortune on his part, God used those methods to make him a witness in Rome.
“And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 23:11

We should also recognize that perhaps something happening in our life is ordered by the Lord. A child of God was bought by the price of His Son’s blood. If born-again into His family, we are His. God will use His own as he sees fit.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” I Corinthians 6:20 Also: I Cor. 7:23.

So, child of God, first examine yourself if you find yourself in trying times. Are you reaping what you have sowed in sin’s field, and maybe you are facing iniquity’s consequences? Is it possible that you are not a child of God, and He is using your situation to get you to turn to Him for salvation? If you are sure of your salvation, is God trying to get your attention to change your course?

If self-examination does not reveal any reasons, it may be quite possible that you are in the same boat as the above heroes of the faith were and where many other Christians have found themselves. It may be God has future plans for you, and He is moving you to a place where He can use you.
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:3-4

Be encouraged, Christian, if you find yourself in a similar situation like so many others had. You are on the winning side, so be patient, always do right, and wait for the Lord to use you the way He desires.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“God has one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial.”
— Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #976 — Judging

In This Issue:
It Can Happen to Anyone!
Would You Dare
The Hand of God Was Against Them
What Inspired William Booth

Volume: 976 October 7, 2024
Theme: Judging

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

It Can Happen to Anyone!
Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes, we can be very judgmental of a person. We are reluctant to show mercy when one sins or makes a mistake. However, we should remember no one is exempt from making a wrong decision.

Anyone of us could make a mistake and get involved in thievery, dishonesty, immorality, or any other sin. It is only God’s grace and our character that separates us from those that get involved in sin.

Peter was a prime example of unexpected, ungodly behavior. Peter boasted to Jesus that he loved Jesus so much that he would never turn against Him. The apostle was determined that he would lay down his life for the Saviour. Prophetically, Jesus responded, revealing that He knew Peter would deny Him three times (John 13:37-38, Mat. 26:34) before the rooster crowed.

After an angry mob took Jesus away, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled. When a woman opened the door and accused Peter of being one of the ones with Jesus, Peter denied that he was even associated with Christ (John 18:17).

Another damsel asked Peter if he was one of those who was with Jesus as he warmed himself at a fire (John 18:25, Mat.26:71). He flatly denied any association with Jesus. Later, another servant asked the disciple if he was one of those with Jesus. Peter denied even knowing the Lord (John 18:26) for the third time. A rooster then crowed. Peter, I am sure, “Gulped!” He had done what he thought he would never do.

Sin can happen to any one of us. We can never put down our guard and think that sin cannot control or overtake us. Do you think you are so spiritual that you will never fall? Be careful; a rooster may be getting ready to crow for you at any minute.

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

Would You Dare?
Bill Brinkworth

One of man’s natural tendencies is to judge others by his measuring stick, usually himself. Paul, in Romans 2, powerfully addresses that weakness.
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same thing… 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3

Many times, when we judge others, we have or have had the same problem ourselves. Those who have had or are still having the biggest issues seem to complain the loudest of another’s weaknesses.

It is often the ex-smoker who criticizes the loudest about another’s smoke he is inhaling. An older man grumbles to a son about his child’s late hours coming home, forgetting how his father used to rebuke him in his younger, cohorting days. One who recently lied on his income tax form somehow is not convicted when he judges a worker who just lied to him. On and on our hypocritical judging goes.

God, however, knows the truth, and He remembers (Rom. 3:3). For the born-again child of God, there is no judgment for sins. All one’s sins are paid for and no longer remembered (Hebrews 10:17).

All Christians, however, will be judged (Mat. 12:36, Gal. 6:7, Eph. 6:8, Col. 3:24) for what they did or did not do for the Lord. It is called the Judgment Seat of Christ (II Cor. 5:10), and it will involve reward or loss of rewards (Rev. 22:12).

Sadly, the unsaved person’s judgment will be at the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). That fearful condemnation will be at the end of Christ’s 1,000-year reign on Earth. At that judgment, the lost will be judged for their sins (Rev. 20:14).

In light of our future day of judgment before an Almighty God who knows everything about us (including real intents for doing something, what we did when no one else saw us, and all other dark secrets), our judgment of others seems so insignificant and embarrassing on our part. We certainly want our mistakes and sins overlooked when we stand before our Judge. Can we stop judging others and leave that to the One who knows all?

“Reputation is what man thinks of us. Character is what God knows us to be.”

The Hand of God Was Against Them
C. Buck, 1871

Many say it is a presumption to pronounce the calamities of sinners as particular judgments of God. A study was made of many cruel, persecuting tyrants who delighted in tormenting their fellow creatures.

The study revealed that they died not the common deaths of most men. They suffered plagues and fatalities that were horrible and strange. Even a skeptic would be moved by the evidence and would be apt to suspect that the hand of God was in their demise. Here are some biblical-related examples:

Herod the Great attempted to destroy the baby Jesus Christ by ordering the deaths of all the male children that were in and near Bethlehem. The historian Josephus reported that Herod had a long and grievous fever, a voracious appetite, difficulty breathing, swelling of his limbs, loathsome ulcers, violent torments, and convulsions, so much that he endeavored to kill himself. The Jews thought his evils to be Divine judgments upon him for his wickedness.
Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and treated Christ contemptuously when He was brought before him. Aretas, an Arabian king, defeated Herod, and his dominions were taken from him. He was sent into banishment, along with his infamous wife, Herodias.
Herod Agrippa killed James, the brother of John, and put Peter in prison. The angel of the Lord soon smote him, and he was eaten of worms and died.
Judas, who betrayed our Lord, died by his own hands.
Pontius Pilate, who condemned Jesus to death was, not long afterward, deposed from his office, banished from his country, and died by his hand.
The wicked high priest, Caiaphas, condemned Christ for fear of disobliging the Romans. He was turned out of his office by the Roman governor, whom he had sought to oblige.
Ananias was the high priest who persecuted Paul and ordered him to be smitten on the mouth (Acts 23:2, 24:1). He was slain, together with his brother, by his son.
Domitian persecuted the Christians and was said to be the one who threw John into a cauldron of boiling oil. The man was later banished to the isle of Patmos and murdered by his people.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8

What Inspired William Booth
Walter Knight

Many Christians say they believe in the day of accountability. However, they are as silent as the sphinx when warning others to flee from the wrath to come.

The words that had much to do with William Booth’s being a “fiery” Salvation Army preacher was the indicting, taunting statement from an infidel. The man said, “If I believed what you Christians say you believe about the coming judgment, day of reckoning, and the eternal lostness of impenitent Christ-rejecters, I would crawl on my bare knees on crushed glass all over London, England, night and day, telling men and women to flee the wrath to come!”