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The BIBLE VIEW #1002 — Worry

In This Issue:
Weed Right in Front of You
“But God”
The First “Don’t Worry Club”
Fretting Wastes Precious Time
The Ways of Faith

Volume: 1002   April 21, 2025
Theme:  Worry

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, a Bible study, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


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

Weed Right in Front of You
Bill Brinkworth

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34

Worrying over life’s troubles consumes much time for many.  Sometimes, the concerns are legitimate; sometimes, they are only imagined and never come to fruition.  We all have been vexed by what we perceived as problems.

God has much to say about the sin of worrying in His Word.  Matthew 6:34 compels us to take life’s obstacles on a day-by-day basis.  We have a lot on our plate for today; do not worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  Besides, what situation has worrying ever improved (Matthew 6:27)?

Looking at all the possible problems that could happen on another day is very frustrating.  I remember the same feeling when told to weed a 40-foot garden when I was younger.  

My mother gave me the chore to weed a backyard flower patch.  I worked a short time, then looked to the finishing point.  It seemed so far away and impossible.  After working a little more,  I again looked to the far end.  t seemed I would never finish, and it was almost hopeless that I would ever complete the job.

Then, I came up with a different strategy.  Instead of looking at the enormous task, I looked no further than two feet before me.  Looking up, I found my short goal and weeded hard to reach it.  When I achieved that mark, I looked up two feet further and made that my next mission.  Never did I look to the end.  I kept making short commitments.

I do remember at one point, which did not seem that long after starting, when I did permit myself to look back where I started.  Why, the beginning point was far, far behind me.  I did accomplish something.  I was beginning to realize that the task was obtainable.

Again, I returned to my two-foot tasks.  Before long, my next look at the next two-foot objective made me realize it was the end.  Small bites at the task and not fretting over the overall picture made the job seem faster and less agonizing.  From that chore, I learned to set shorter goals and keep plodding on until the main goal was reached.

Life has many challenges that we will face.  God does not give us more than we can handle.  Be concerned with what God gives us to do today.  When tomorrow comes, he will also give us the grace to meet the challenges we face that day.

“Worry is a kind of insult to the Lord.  It’s like throwing His promises and assurances back into His face and saying they’re no good, and you don’t trust Him.” — Fletcher



“But God”
Edited From Pearls, Points, and Parables, F. E. Marsh, 1908

Two significant words are often found in the Bible that indicate things will not turn out the way one expects; there will be a change.  Those hopeful words are, “But God.”

When we leave God out of our reckoning, difficulties will daunt us, temptations will triumph over us, sin will seduce us, self will sway us, and the world will warp us.   Seeming impossibilities will irritate us, and unbelief will undermine our faith.  Christian work will worry us, fear will frighten us, and all things will wear us down.  We will be defeated..

When God is recognized as the One who undertakes for us, then difficulties are opportunities to trust Him, temptations are the harbingers of victory, sin has no attraction, self is denied, unbelief is ignored, service is a delight, contentment sings in the heart, and all things are possible! God’s involvement can change anything.

“Worry is believing God won’t get it right.”  — Todd Wagner

 The First “Don’t Worry Club”
D. L. Moody

Mrs. Sangster says that we hear a good deal about the futility of being anxious as if it were a novelty.  People have established “Don’t Worry Clubs.”  The first “Don’t Worry Club” was begun by our blessed Lord Himself when He said, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?  (Mt 6:25).”

He bade us consider the lilies growing in their beauty and purity without a thought and taught us the proper way of living without care, without solicitude, bearing all burdens lightly, and having continual joy on our faces.  Only those who have the indwelling Christ in their hearts can walk through this world with bright and glad looks because they know that, let come what may, their Father will lead them safely.
“And why take ye thought for raiment?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Mat.  6:28-30 

“Don’t let yesterday mess us up today.” — Author Unknown



Fretting Wastes Precious Time
Author Unknown

Two gardeners had their pea crops killed by the frost.  One who fretted greatly and grumbled at the loss visited his neighbor sometime afterward and was astonished to see another fine crop growing.  He inquired how it could be.

“These are what I sowed while you were fretting,” was the reply.

“Why, don’t you worry?”

“Yes, but I put it off till I have repaired the problem.”

“Why, then there’s no need to fret at all.”

“True.  That’s the reason I put it off.”

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow.  It empties today of its strength.”
— Corrie Ten Boom

The Ways of Faith
F. E. Marsh, From Pearls, Points, and Parables, 1908

  • The way of faith is not the way of sight.  It is not looking for evidence, either in our own feelings or the circumstances at play.  True faith does not ask for these things.  It rests on something altogether apart from them.
  • The way of faith is not the way of effort.  That is, when we are trusting another to do a thing for us, we have ceased to try to do it for ourselves.  Genuine faith is confidence in God that He is working on our behalf.  Instead of bringing worry and effort into our hearts, faith brings rest.
  • The way of faith is the way of reliance upon the character and promise of another and upon God and His Word.  Faith looks to God to work, as He said He would, and refuses to undertake for itself, except to fulfill those conditions that God may have laid down with His promise.  Indeed, the largest part of faith’s struggle, often, is to keep from interfering and to keep from helping God out, as some think they must.

    Unbelief cannot and will not wait for God to work but must rush ahead to help itself.  Thus, it fails to receive from God.
    “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” Isa. 64:4

On the contrary, faith is willing to endure trial and wait long if need be until God is ready to interpose on its behalf.  Faith knows that.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Heb. 10:23

A significant part of faith’s work, therefore, is fighting unbelief and refusing to look at those things that dishearten and destroy confidence.  Satan is ever ready with temptations to make us doubt.  Often, too, the circumstances about us would utterly discourage us.  God frequently waits to be gracious until our self-hopes and efforts are done.

  • The way of faith is God’s way with His people.  There is no other way.
    “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
    Heb. 11:6

The BIBLE VIEW #1001 — Parenting

In This Issue:
How to Ruin a Child
Cost of a Child
Training Children
Too Little Children

April 14, 2025
Theme:  Service

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, a Bible study, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


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



How to Ruin a Child
Bill Brinkworth

Parents, psychologists, and many people have all kinds of ideas about how to raise a child.  Some of the advice may be good, but some is not sound.

Few seek advice from Someone who has raised billions and billions of children.  His counsel, if heeded, will result in well-adjusted, wise, and successful children.  This most experienced “parent” is God, whose advice has been recorded and is available to all in the King James Bible for English-speaking people.

This “expert” has never had to apologize for giving parental advice that resulted in ruining generations, as did the pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock when he realized his advice about not disciplining children caused tremendous problems. God’s advice is always right.

Still, many ignore God’s advice and “do it their way”.  Unfortunately, many techniques, practices, and behaviors prevent a child from being what God intended.  Here are some child-rearing practices that may ruin a child, according to God’s Word:

  • Giving them everything they want reinforces covetousness. Also, a parent or authority in their life who is consumed with getting things is inadvertently teaching a child that possessions can somehow bring happiness in one’s life. 
    “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Ex 20:17
    “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.” I John 2:15
  • Never teach a child that “no” can mean they can still have certain things. This is accomplished when a child learns that a parent’s “no” can be changed to “yes” if he keeps asking for something. When they are told “no” by someone who will not back down, they will become angry and act improperly toward the person saying “no” to them.
    “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious [quarrelsome, given to angry debate]  man to kindle strife.” Prov. 26:21
  • By not correcting their child.  An undisciplined child will be unruly in many situations, including school and public situations. The lack of training will be a constant challenge for the parents and teachers. It will make it harder for the child to get along with others, especially people in authority (teachers, police, bosses…).
    “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Proverb 29:17
    “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverb 19:18
    “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Prov. 29:15
  • Never teach them how to live biblically.  By not teaching them God’s way, they will quickly learn to follow the way everyone around them is going.

This can also be done by a parent’s “teaching” them by not living biblically themselves.  A child will quickly realize, “Why should I live a way that my parents don’t?  If it were a better way, they would live that way!”  Hypocritical advice rarely teaches proper behavior.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:56

  • Criticizing the authority over them in front of them!  By letting the child know that you disagree with a decision another parent has made, a teacher has made, what a pastor has said, what a policeman has done, or a babysitter’s decision, you have shown the child that authority is in error and can be questioned.  That kind of inadvertent parental reaction often reinforces rebellion. Usually, it stops an authority from ever positively impacting the child.
    “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Heb. 13:17   Also: I Timothy 5:17.
  • That biblical teaching is not important.  This is often done verbally, but it is more often “taught” by a parent who always has excuses for not going to church, not praying, reading his Bible, not speaking to them about salvation, or doing anything spiritual.  This makes it clear to an ever-learning child that spiritual things are unimportant.  When a child does have problems in his life because of the damage done by a parental example, the child will not think to turn to the Lord for help and guidance.
    “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
  • That biblical teaching does not have to be obeyed.  When a child hears a parent lie, hears of their cheating on income taxes, hears them blaspheme God, hears them lie about the child’s age to get a cheaper ticket rate at a sporting event, sees what they watch on television, or sees them live a life that is contrary to the way the Bible commands, that parent is “teaching” a child that God’s Word does not have to be obeyed!  See: James 1:22.
  • Allowing the child to be exposed to the world’s philosophy taught through the media, government education, video games, the internet, etc.  A child is a “ball of clay” that can easily be molded.  They will be molded by whom they associate with, what they are taught, and what they are exposed to.
    “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” I John 2:16


Children are a wonderful part of one’s life but also a parent’s biggest responsibility.  Although others may have some impact on their lives, ultimately, it is the parents who have been given the responsibility by God to raise them His way (Ephesians 6:4). 

The world’s way is constantly changing because they have not found a way that is successful all the time, and it is not the world’s responsibility.  God, however, has a way that always works for rearing children correctly.  It is up to the parents to learn His way and train their children in His way if they want their children to be successful.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

“Allowing a child to call a parent by his or her first name is not teaching him to honor his parent!”  

Cost of a Child
Cameron, 1871

“How much does that little girl cost!” said a mother as she and I passed a little child leaning against an iron railing.

“Cost?” I said. “You mean with her shoes and socks, plaid dress, and ribbons in her hair?”

“That is her least cost,” replied the mother, “nor was I thinking of them, but what pain and suffering she costs; what fatigue and watching; how much of a mother’s anxiety; how much of a father’s toil; how many prayers; how many fears; how many yearnings; how much patience; how much responsibility; how much instruction; how much correction; how much love; how much sorrow; how many teachers; how many sermons; how many Sunday school classes. Those things will cost her parents the most.”

When a lady once told Pastor Sharpe that she would not give her children religious instruction until they had attained the years of discretion, the preacher replied, “If you do not teach them, the devil will!” — J. Whitecross

Training Children
F. Quarles, 1871

Be very vigilant over thy child in the April of his understanding, lest the frost of May nips his blossoms.  While he is a tender twig, straighten him whilst he is a new vessel.  Season him.  Let his first lesson be obedience; his second shall be what thou wilt.  Give him education from good, clean books.  Season his youth with the love of his Creator, and make the fear of his God the beginning of his knowledge.  If he has an active spirit, rectify and curb it, but reckon idleness is among his chiefest faults.  Show him the spade and the plow and prepare him for the danger of a skirmish and the honor of receiving a prize.

“Teach your child to hold his tongue; he’ll learn fast enough to speak!”— Benjamin Franklin



“Too Little” Children
Author Unknown

Said a precious little laddie,
To his father, one bright day,
“May I give myself to Jesus,
Let Him wash my sins away?”

“Oh, my son, but you’re too little,
Wait until you older grow,
Bigger folk, ‘tis true, do need Him,
But little folk are safe, you know.”

Said the father to his laddie
As a storm was coming on,
“Are the sheep safely sheltered,
Safe within the fold, my son?”

“All the big ones are, my father,
But the lambs, I let them go,
For I didn’t think it mattered,
Little ones are safe, you know.”

Oh, my brother! Oh, my sister!
Have you too, made that mistake?
Little hearts that now are yielding
May be hardened then — too late.

E’er the evil days come nigh them,
“Let the children come to me
And forbid them not,” said Jesus,
“For such shall my Kingdom be.”

The BIBLE VIEW #1000 — Service

In This Issue:
If We Don’t Tell Them, Who Will?
Not to Be Forgotten
How Are You Serving the Lord?

1,000th Issue!

April 7, 2025
Theme:  Service

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



If We Don’t Tell Them, Who Will?
Bill Brinkworth

Around 1989, a faithful bus worker had to leave the bus ministry.  My wife and I took the Sunday school bus route over.  If we did not, our Sunday school class would have no students. 

I noticed one problem when visiting on Saturday to remind children to ride the Sunday bus to church.  We went to many houses but had little Scripture-based material to leave; it was the same tract each visit.

The Lord laid on my heart to start writing a one-page newsletter with biblical teachings, spiritual encouraging articles, and KJV scripture.   For months, I produced the newsletter and left it at hundreds of houses.  If household members did not attend church, at least they could read what the Bible taught.

In 1991, a door to another full-time ministry opened in Haines City, Florida to work at the Landmark Baptist church publishing ministry.  While there, I also worked in the bus ministry.  Every Saturday, I and around 75 other bus ministry workers visited hundreds of households, inviting all we could to church on Sunday.

After a short period, I saw the same problem I saw at the other ministry.  Many households were visited, but the same small salvation tract was left for residents to read.  It was a missed opportunity to leave biblical teachings at households for family members to read.  The only thing that will change hearts for the glory of God is the Word of God, so it was essential to try to get biblical truths into as many homes as possible.

Again, I produced another one-page weekly newsletter.  Originally, it was named The Landmark Baptist Bus Banner.

Most editions were about one Biblical theme.  A new Banner was published every week, and faithful bus visitation people left it in houses.  The paper included Bible-based articles emphasizing biblical principles, puzzles, wise sayings, Bible lessons, and scripture.

Some of the Banners not only were left at hundreds of households to read, but members have left them at stores, laundromats, business counters, handed or e-mailed to friends, and many other inventive ways to get God’s truths into as many hearts as possible.  If we do not tell others what the Bible teaches, who else will?  It is a Christian’s responsibility to share God’s truths with as many people as possible.

Years later, a fellow Christian school teacher suggested I make them available online.  That was a good idea, and soon, www.OpenThouMineEyes.com was created.  The Banner was dubbed The Bible View and was posted online for over 5,000 people to read weekly.  Bible studies, bible-based articles, puzzles, and wise sayings were published.  Churches all over the world could then print and use the material freely.

New features were constantly added.  A daily devotion was added and e-mailed to thousands.  It was called The Daily View.

The View included one KJV chapter, a short commentary on something taught in the chapter, a recorded version of the devotion, biblical-based articles, poems, wise sayings, a prayer list, and access to Bible Views.  After several years, the entire New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs were added.  The ministry attempts to reach as many people as possible with biblical truths.

The full-time mininistry, as do most, constantly deals with problems. Some are technical and many are spiritual onslaughts attempting to halt the ministry.  Sometimes, hackers tapped into it and caused it to be redesigned and repackaged.  More than once, over several thousand articles and materials had to be re-installed and rewritten.

Hackers, including Chinese and Russians, still cause a lot of problems, but any work to get Bible truths out will face trials, tribulations, and obstacles.  God always halts the delays, and the problems are eventually solved.  The work continues.

The Devotions are now aired on a radio station, and many other ministries, including churches, prisons, deaf, nursing homes, and even local and Christian newspapers publish some of the material.

A translating module at www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com translates hundreds of lessons and articles into over 100 different languages.  The Internet ministry is reaching places that we cannot imagine.  If there is any hope for this world, it is that the Word of God works in lives.

Although the Bible View was printed for at least five years before they were numbered, this is the 1,000th issue.  Hopefully, it will continue to reach many and point more souls to God’s truths and His only way to Heaven.  Again, if we do not share the Truths from His Word, who will?

The task of telling others of God’s good news is on Christian shoulders.  Are you also doing all you can to reach the lost and those ignorant of God’s Truths?

See some of the ministries that use the BIBLE VIEW BULLETIN insert at
https://openthoumineeyes.com/Using.html.  Is yours?  If not, let us know at brinkworth@frontier.com.  Give us the name of the ministry, address, city, state, country, how long it has been used, how many are given out each week, how it is dispersed, and your ministry website.  Your ministry will then be listed on
https://openthoumineeyes.com/Using.html.



Not to Be Forgotten
Bill Brinkworth

Many of the Daily View devotions and weekly newsletters contain articles from writers of the past.  There are reasons for that, which include:

  • Today’s readers can read that much of what the Bible teaches was taught hundreds of years ago.  Much is not new to biblical Christianity.  Biblical doctrines are not just for today.  They have been published so that all can be saved and live the life God desires for them.
  • Writings of the past may reveal how some biblical teachings are not taught anymore as they once were but still should be.
  • Many authors had good testimonies, survived trials and tribulations, were bold in their teachings, and still have a lot of wisdom to share.
  • Many of the works of past heroes of the faith should not be forgotten for what they taught and persevered.  Their efforts can still be used to help and encourage modern-day believers.
  • Godly principles changed lives in the past, and they can do it to believers today.

This ministry’s other outreaches are
www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com
www.OpenThouMineEyes.com
www.TheBibleView.com

How Are You Serving the Lord?
Bill Brinkworth

Each Christian has different God-given abilities, interests, and calling.  Has God laid on your heart to spread His truths in a certain way?  Are you doing what He desires for you to do?

Not all positions for God’s service are preaching, teaching, and musical.  In the past, I have known some who God laid on their heart to serve Him by:

  • Working on or starting a bus or van ministry to bring people to church.
  • Visiting the sick at home or in the hospital,  the elderly, the lonely, and those who have visited the church.
  • Passing out tracks (that is what the Bible View can be used for) wherever or to whom they could.  When you pay your bills, include a tract.  You have no idea who may read it.  Leave them in public restrooms.  Hand them to clerks when you are making purchases.
  • Visit, teach, or preach in nursing homes.  I call it the “Last Chance Ministry,” For some, it may be the last chance they can hear the Gospel and be saved.
  • Regularly telephone people that miss church, are sick, or are alone.
  • Help those that cannot do what they used to do.  Everyone needs help sometimes.
  • Offer to drive people to different places.
  • Watch children so parents can have time for themselves.

Surrender yourself to serve the Lord in the way He desires.  Ask Him to show you what He would have you do!  Keep your eyes open for opportunities!

No Christian is called just to sit and soak up His goodness.  We are to help and be a godly example for others!

Please let me know how the Bible View or Landmark Baptist Banner has
been a blessing to you at brinkworth@frontier.com or at
140 Stephen’s Lane, Murphy, NC 28906.

The BIBLE VIEW #999 — Priorities

In This Issue:
Not As Important As You Think
Our Important Testimony
Beware of Covetousness

Volume: 999    March 31, 2025
Theme:  Priorities

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 aso include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, a Bible study, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

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


Not As Important As You Think
Bill Brinkworth

Many are concerned about things that often are not as important as believed.  As Christians, we need to be concerned about the priorities God desires us to have and make what He deems relevant important to us.

Webster defines “vanity” as “emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; fruitless desire or endeavor; trifling labor that produces no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit.” Vanity is a concern for things that are not that important.  “Vain” is similar in that it is defined as “worthless, having no substance, empty, and unsatisfying.” Many times, vain interests get more energy and concern than they deserve.

Here is a brief study on what the Bible classifies as “vanity” and “vain” in hopes that more Christians will realize what is truly important and what is not essential (vain) in God’s eyes:

What the Bible calls “vain”:

  • Ideas and popular trends of the world are vain.  
    “And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.” II Kings 17:15
    “They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalm 12:2
  • The “end justifies the means” philosophy is vain.  
    “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” Proverbs 21:6
  • The wages of sin are vain.  
    “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.” Proverbs 22:8
  • The love of money is vain.  
    “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” Ecclesiastes 5:10
  • Foolish desires of youth can be vain.  
    “Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.” Ecclesiastes 11:10
  • Nations against God are vain.  
    “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” Isaiah 40:17
  • Ungodly wisdom of judges is vain.  
    “That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.” Isaiah 40:23
  • Good works without salvation are vain.  
    “Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.” Isaiah 41:29
  • False religion is vain.  
    “For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.” Zechariah 10:2
  • Prideful wisdom is vain.  
    “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” II Peter 2:18
  • Cursing is vain.  God’s name should never be used lightly and without respect.  
    “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
  • Over-beautifying the flesh is vain.  
    “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverb 31:30
  • Customs and traditions are vain, especially religious ones.  
    “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.  For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.” Jeremiah 10:2-3
  • Philosophies of men are vain.  
    “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9
  • Religion without Christ is vain.  
    “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” I Corithians 15:14 Also: Titus 3:9, II Timothy 3:5-7.


What Is Not Vanity:

  • Hard work is not vanity.  
    “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Proverb 13:11
  • A godly stand is not vanity.  
    “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,” Ephesians 4:17
  • Fear of the Lord is not vanity.  
    “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverb 31:30
  • God’s creations are not vanity.  
    “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:18


The best word to define both “vanity” and “vain” is “emptiness.” No matter how much time and energy one spends on vain things, the results will be nothing of value.  God has so much more to offer you than “emptiness”.  Fill yourself with the desires of God.  They will have value that will last forever.

“A man is rich based on what he is, not what he has!” — Author Unknown


Our Important Testimony
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most valuable assets a Christian can have is one’s testimony.  What others think of him is often what they see him do, how he reacts in certain situations, and how they believe a Christian should live (although their views may not always be accurate).  Paul gave some advice on how to preserve that testimony in Ephesians 4.  Some of his advice included:

  • Do not live like the rest of the world and put the wrong value on things that are not that important (vs. 17-18).
  • Do not lust after things of this world and be consumed with greed for them (vs. 19).
  • Do not let your conversation with others be about lust for this world’s things (vs. 22).
  • Live a righteous life and strive to be a good example (vs. 24).
  • Let your conversation be honest, and do not lie (vs. 25).
  • If you get angry, get it right with those involved before the sun goes down (vs. 26).
  • Do not get close to sin, and allow the devil to destroy your testimony (vs. 27).
  • Do not steal; work hard for what you want (vs. 28).
  • Be careful of the words you utter, making sure what you say helps others (vs. 29).
  • Do not sadden the indwelling Holy Spirit by sinning (vs. 30).
  • Do not allow the sins of bitterness, violence, anger, and evil speaking to be part of your life (vs. 31).
  • Be kind to others (vs. 32).

As hard as we try, some will always see our example wrongly, no matter how we adhere to the above advice and other godly principles.  Although it is impossible to please all the people all the time, we are responsible for trying to have the best testimony we can.  Our example is not so much about what others think about us but what others think about Christ from our example.  We are often all the unsaved will ever know about Christ.  Will they determine that they do not want to be a Christian because of what is observed in our behavior, or will they consider being one because of how we live our lives?

“Your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” — Author Unknown

Beware of Covetousness
C. H. Spurgeon

Beware of covetousness.  It is one of the most insidious of all sins.

Covetousness is like the silting of a river.  As the stream flows down, it brings sand and earth and deposits all these at its mouth.  Soon, unless cleared and dug out, it will block itself, leaving no channel for ships to travel.  Daily deposits create a sandbar, which is dangerous to navigation.

Many people, when accumulating wealth, ruin their lives similarly.  The more that is acquired, the more closely one’s spiritual life is blocked.  Instead of doing more for God, a person does less.  The things of this world get in the way.  The more that is saved, the more that is wanted, and the more that is wanted, the less one cares for the world to come.

“The greatest deception is to equate success with wealth.” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #998 — Assorted

In This Issue:
A Failure?
Appearance of Evil
The Lament of a Backslider
Doing It on Their Own
A Good Example
A Burden for Others
Christ, Forever

Volume: 998    March 24, 2025
Theme:  Assorted

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, a Biblestudy, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


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


A Failure?
Cameron

Many years ago a merchant’s business had failed.  He went home greatly upset.

“What is the matter?” asked his wife.

“I am ruined.  I will be a beggar.  I have lost it all!” he exclaimed, pressing his hands upon his forehead.

“All?” said his wife.  “No.  I am left.”

“Papa?” questioned his eldest boy.  “Here I am!”

“And I, too,” piped in his little girl, running up and putting her arms around his neck.

“I’m not lost, papa,” repeated Eddy.

“And you have your health left,” reminded his wife.

“And your hands to work with,” said the eldest, “and I can help you.”

“And your two feet, papa, to carry you about, and your two eyes to see with, papa,” chimed in Eddie.

“And you have God’s promises,” added grandmother.

“And a good God,” added his wife.

“And a Heaven to go to,” said his little girl.

“And Jesus who came to fetch us there,” said his eldest.

“God forgive me!” said the poor merchant, bursting into tears.  “I have not lost it all.  What I have lost is nothing compared to what I have,” and he took comfort and began the world afresh.

“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

Appearance of Evil
John Bate

A thing may have the appearance of wrong-doing and not be evil in itself, just as an apple may have the appearance of sweetness and soundness and yet be both sour and rotten.  Why, then, are we to abstain from the “appearance of evil”?

  1. Because most judge by the appearance and would therefore judge us wrongfully.
  2. Because in this judgment, our characters would be damaged and Christianity be defamed.
  3. Because by following the appearance of doing something wrong, we would promote and encourage evil.
  4. Because we are positively commanded to keep from even looking like we are doing something sinful.
  5. Because it is directly inconsistent with the good we profess we do.
  6. Because by abstaining from even looking like we are doing something wrong, we do not appear as hypocrites.

“If you want your neighbor to see what the Christ spirit will do for him, let him see what it has done for you.”  — H. Beecher



The Lament of a Backslider
Author Unknown

Where is the Saviour now,
Whose smiles I once possessed?
Till He return, I bow,
By heavy grief oppressed.
My days of happiness are gone,
And I am left to weep alone.

Where can the mourner go,
And tell his tale of grief?
Ah, who can soothe his woe,
Ah, who can give relief?
Earth cannot heal the wounded breast
Or give the troubled conscience rest.

Jesus, Thy smiles impart;
My gracious Lord, return,
Bind up my broken heart
And bid me cease to mourn;
Then shall this night of sorrow flee,
And peace from Heaven be found in Thee.


Doing It on Their Own
H. W. Beecher

Many say, “I can find God without the help of the Bible, church, or minister.”  Very well.  Do so if you can. 

The ferry company would feel no jealousy of a man who should prefer to swim to New York City rather than ride in their ferry.  Let him do so if he is able, and we will talk about it on the other shore, but probably trying to swim would be the thing that would bring him quickest to the boat.  So God would have no jealousy of a man’s going to Heaven without the aid of the Bible, church, or minister, but let him try to do so. It will be the surest way to return him to the three helpers for assistance.



A Good Example
Author Unknown

A chaplain told this story of a young soldier who consulted with a question of Christian duty.  “Last night,” said the young man, “in my barrack, before going into bed, I knelt and prayed in a low voice when suddenly my comrades threw their boots at me and laughed.”

“Well,” replied the chaplain, “suppose you defer your prayer until you get into bed and then silently lift your heart to God?”

A week or two afterwards, the young soldier called again.  “Well,” said the chaplain, “you took my advice, I suppose?  How has it gone?”

“Sir,” he answered, “I did  take your advice for one or two nights, but I began to think it looked rather like I was denying my Saviour. I once more knelt at my bedside and prayed in a low whisper as before.”

“And what happened?”

“Not one of them laughs now, sir. The whole fifteen kneel and pray, too.”

“I felt ashamed,” added the chaplain in narrating the story, “of the advice I had given him.  That young man was both wiser and bolder than I was.”

“A good example has twice the value of good advice.” — Author Unknown




A Burden for Others
K. Arvine

Ancient history records that a city was besieged and, at length, obliged to surrender.  In that city, there were two brothers who had, in some way, obliged the conquering general and, because of this, received permission to leave the city before it was destroyed, taking with them as much of their property as each could carry.  Accordingly, the two generous youths appeared at the city gates, one carrying their father, and the other their mother.

If we could all be as generous and burdened as those brothers after we get saved, we would be concerned to tell as many family members, friends, and neighbors as possible about the way to Heaven.  More would be Heaven bound from our efforts! 


Christ, Forever
S. Coley

When King Ptolemy built Pharos he wanted his name upon it.  Sostratus, the architect, did not think that the king, who only paid the money for its construction, should get all the credit while he had none.  Sostratus put the king’s name on the front of the structure in plaster, but underneath, in the eternal granite, the architect had his name chiseled deep into the stone.

The sea dashed against the plaster and chipped it off bit by bit.  It lasted out the time of Ptolemy, but by and by, the plaster was chipped away, and there stood the name “Sostratus”.

I am not sure that there are not “waves” that will chip off all human names from the true church that Christ built.  I am sure that the one name of Christ shall last forever after all others fade away.

The BIBLE VIEW #997 — Encouragement

In This Issue:
The Brake Is On!
Assurance
“I Have Nothing to Complain About!”
Christ, Our Banner
Prepare for the Daily Battle


Volume: 997    March 14, 2025
Theme:  Encouragement

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
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The Brake Is On!
Bill Brinkworth

“Yippee” was the feeling of glee the young driver felt.  It was the first time for her to drive after she got her license.  All those school classes on driver safety, reading and reciting that boring driver’s manual were finished, and now the moment of freedom was not far away.  She could go anywhere daddy’s car would take her.

“Well, what’s the first thing I should do? Check the driver’s mirror.  Check.  Check the rear-view mirror.  Oops, my lipstick needs a little more on the top lip.  Double-check.  Adjust seat.  Put on the seat belt.  Check.  Put the key in, and turn it on.”  A little burst of excitement made her smile as she was seconds from a world she had wanted to enter for way too long.  “Put it in drive, and away we go,” she giggled.  This was it.  “A little bit on the accelerator, and?”

The car would not move.  “Maybe a little more gas?”  The car inched forward, lurching and jerking.  It did not want to cooperate.  “Hmm.  What didn’t I do?”  The novice driver double-checked everything she had done so many times before.

More gas, and still the car lurched forward.  “Something is wrong here,” she concluded.  “I had better check with Dad.”  As she put the car in park, turned off the ignition, and prepared to leave the vehicle, something caught her eye.  Someone had left the emergency brake on.  Again, she restarted the car, removed the emergency brake, put it in gear, applied the gas, and she was off.  The brake made it almost impossible for her to get anywhere!

In church, there also may be securely applied brakes that keep many from going forward for God.  The appliers of the brake often mean well, but sometimes, they unintentionally restrict others from moving smoothly forward in Christian service.

These “brakes” are often:

  • Unkind, unthought-out words such as, “We ain’t done it that way before,” “That’s not how we do it around here,” “When you’ve been saved as long as I have, you’ll know better,” and “I’d never do it that way.”  Although there should be proper ways to do things, since any ministry is representing the church, too often we can deflate one’s enthusiasm to move forward for God because of unedifying, self-purposing, wrong words.
  • Very few attend church-wide events such as church, prayer meetings, visitation, church dinners, or other church functions.  Lack of attendance instantly sends a message to those who attend that they are not like anyone else, and maybe they are “taking this “Christian” thing too seriously.”  Immediately, their zeal is quenched, and they soon could become one more Christian who is sitting and not serving.
  • The longstanding members and leaders do not attend church regularly.  New converts and visitors see their lack of support for the ministry and instantly halt their zeal in attending.  “Well, if they’re not coming, then maybe it is not important for me to attend all the time,” could be their thoughts.
  • Members are late.  Lateness gives a clear impression of the importance of attendance.  One would not think of being late for school or work because it is essential.  Church attendance is also important!
  • Complaining and murmuring among members magnifies to the on-looker that maybe this is not a happy church family.  It also does not help when someone in public prayer makes it clear that they are not satisfied with something that is going on in the church.  Under the guise of spirituality, it is sometimes prayed aloud, “Please pray for Brother So-and-so that he will get his heart right and stop lying,” or some other cutting remark about a situation.  Those cowardly attacks never do anything positive; they only increase discord and hurt feelings.  No one is usually fooled and realizes that the person is venting his opinion about how they think people or situations should be dealt with in the church. 

    The Holy Spirit should handle most situations and not us!  If we need to ensure the matter is handled, it should be dealt with first on a one-to-one basis (Matthew 18:15-17)!



There are enough obstacles in serving the Lord without discouraging others, intentionally or unintentionally.  The work is great, and so is the battle (Ephesians 6:12).

There is more said in the Bible about encouraging others and ourselves than there is in our being volunteer holy spirits, and our telling others how to serve God.  The real Holy Spirit can certainly do a better job in speaking to hearts and guiding one in the way He would like it done.  We need to be more like accelerators, and less often “brakes”!

“If you are busy rowing the boat, you won’t have time to rock it!”

Assurance
Author Unknown

Pelopidas, when informed that the number of the enemy was double that of his army, replied, “So much the better.  We shall conquer so many the more.” His intelligent self-assurance was more powerful than a thousand spears.

“It takes little intelligence, character, or spirituality to criticize.  However, it does take all three to encourage others!”  

“I Have Nothing to Complain About!”
Bill Brinkworth

One of our favorite blessings in the nursing home ministry is L.  We asked her the other day how she was, and she cheerfully replied, “Brother Bill, I’d like to complain about something, but I honestly cannot find anything to complain about.” 

Another time, when asked what she was thankful for, she quipped, “I am so thankful for my health.”   She meant this from her heart, as she sat in her wheelchair receiving oxygen much of the day and needing the care provided for her by the nursing home.

What a testimony she is to us who have so much more, but complain too often about our “little” afflictions.

“The men who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than they criticize.”  — Elizabeth Harrison

Christ, Our Banner

C. H. Spurgeon

The army’s banner was a source of consolation to the wounded.  There he lies, the good knight.  Well has he fought without fear and without reproach.  A chance arrow pierced the joints of his harness, and his life is oozing out from the ghastly wound.  

No one is there to unbuckle his helmet or give him a draught of cooling water.  His frame is locked up in that hard case of steel, and though he feels the smart from the wound, he cannot gain the remedy.  He hears the cries, the mingled cries, the hoarse shouts of men that rush in fury against their fellows, and he opens his eyes as yet he has not fainted with his bleeding.  Where, think you, does he look?  He turns himself around.  What is he looking for?  For friend?  For comrade?  No.

Should they come to him, he would say, “Just lift me, and let me sit against that tree awhile and bleed here, but go you to the fight.”

Where is that restless eye searching, and what object is it looking for?  Yes, he has it, and the face of the dying man is brightened.  He sees the banner still waving, and with his last breath, he cries, “On!  On!  On!”  He falls asleep content because his troop’s banner is safe.  It has not been cast down.  Though he has lost, the flag is secure.

Even so, every true soldier of the Cross rejoices in its triumph.  We fall, but Christ does not.  We die, but the cause prospers.  When my heart was most sad, sad as it never was before nor since, that sweet text, “Him hath God the Father exalted, and given him a name that is above every name,” immensely cheered my soul and set me again in peace and comfort.  Our banner is still flying, and there is hope!

Prepare for the Daily Battle!

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

The BIBLE VIEW #996 — Complaining

In This Issue:
Sweet or Miserable?
It’s Temporary
Complaining?
Contentment
Discontentment

Volume: 996    March 10, 2025
Theme: Complaining

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
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Sweet or Miserable?
Bill Brinkworth

Every living person has or has had difficulties.  This certainly is not Heaven because of Eve’s and Adam’s sin.  This planet is cursed because of the original iniquity.  All will experience hardships.
“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;” Genesis 3:17

Some may have a period of grace where life seems to be treating them well.  Others are not having that experience now.  Sooner or later, all will face trials and tribulations.

Many in the valley of challenges and hardships, even if it is a slight rumble or complaint, blame others and God.  When blessings pour out on them, they are not always satisfied, grateful, and still find something not to be happy about.  Often, they are just miserable.

Others, however,  have a sweet spirit, even though they seem to have much to complain about and be angry over.  They may be facing humbling health situations, financial fiascos, or social separations, but they usually seem to be smiling and have something positive to say through it all.  Why is there such a vast difference in attitudes between the two reactions?

Those with a closer walk with the Lord, trusting His leadership and having a more positive outlook has much to do with why some have a healthier attitude toward what they are experiencing.  Grumbling, ungrateful Christians usually do not have a closer, surrendered, trusting relationship with the Lord.

Why would an unsaved person want to have a life like the proclaiming Christian who cannot find anything good in their life?  What a poor testimony the grumbling believers are for the cause of Christ.  They are often a black-eye to Christianity. 

Their complaints may:

  • Convince others that God is not real or cannot help.
  • Convince some God cannot take care of His own.
  • Convince others that there is no difference between the lost and saved.  One’s discontentment may encourage unsaved people to shy away from Christianity.
  • Convince others that they are fine as they are because they have a better attitude than the complaining “Christian.”

However, a joyful, grateful, trusting believer will have a different attitude and affect on those they are in contact with.  People may see that a believer:

  • Truly believes there is a God, relies on Him, trusts what the Bible says, and has peace that most do not have amidst trials and tribulations.\
    “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Hebrews 10:34
    “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:12
  • Reacts differently when confronted with bad news, hard times, and a scary future.
    “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:12
  • Has hope, peace, and joy even when experiencing difficulties.  Those are rare reactions that unbelievers seldom see.  The better attitude becomes a positive advertisement for Christianity to those desiring the same comforting trust while facing problems.
    “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” James 1:2 
  • Does not throw up one’s hands in frustration, wanting to quit, but is calm and knows that there will be a positive outcome eventually.


    Most people want joy, peace, and hope.  They gravitate to those that seem to hold the treasure they seek.

Count your current blessings, not your past difficulties.  If you do count your trials, you certainly will be depressed and unappreciative.  Besides,  enduring difficulties can strengthen one’s faith.  No strong Christian got that way without facing hardships and coming out on the other side of their situation with more faith and trust.

Rehearsing the “good times” will remind you that there is hope.  God fixed the situations in the past, and He WILL do it again.  If you are saved, you are on the winning side.  Have a good attitude and be happy.

“A complaining Christian may unwittingly be giving free advertisement for the devil.”   — Bill Brinkworth

It’s Temporary
Burroughs, 1599-1646

Though we experience trials, it should not be grievous to us.  This is not our permanent, eternal home.  No matter what the trouble is, it will not exist forever.

The scripture tells us that we must behave as pilgrims and travelers.  Our life here is only temporary.  We are just passing through.

Abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul.  Consider your temporary condition here.  Do not think to satisfy yourselves forever. 

A person coming into an inn, if there is not a full stock of food there to last a while, is not troubled because it is not his own.  He is going away soon and will not be there long. 

So let us not be upset when we see other people with great estates when we have not or at those who seem to have everything we wish for.  Why?  Because we are going away into another “country.” 

You are not  “lodging” on Earth here, but only for a relatively short time  If you should live a hundred years, in comparison with eternity, it is not much more than a temporary “night.”  Again, you are only a pilgrim just passing through this life.

“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.”
I Corinthians 10:13

Complaining?
Watson, 1696

Are you complaining about your troubles? The trial may not be the biggest problem, but your discontent attitude may be the underlying issue.

It is not the water outside the ship that is the trouble but the water that gets through a hole in the hull, which can sink the vessel.  Likewise, it is not usually outward affliction that can make the life of a Christian intolerable but one’s spiritual flaw.

A contented mind would sail above troubled waters. Still, when there is a leak of discontentment available, trouble may get into one’s heart. Then, one will be disquieted and “sink.”

Apply the principles mariners follow.  Pump the water of discontentment out and stop the spiritual leak of your soul, and no trouble will harm you.

Contentment
Trough, 1599-1646

One who has been in the school of afflictions for a long time is not very bright in Christ’s school of life if nothing has been learned about contentment.  Those that God exercises much with afflictions should have learned how to be content.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

One newly coming into the care of Christ, perhaps, has complained about their situation and seemingly cannot bear the affliction.  Lord willing, their faith and trust will improve as they allow God to work in their lives. Yet older, supposedly more mature Christians still wilt murmur and whine when facing challenges. Oh, it is a shame for any that have been a long time in the school of Jesus Christ to murmur and allow discontented spirits to ruin their walk with Christ.

“Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” — A reminder from Johnson Oatman’s hymn, “Count Your Blessings”

Discontentment
Charnock,1628-1680

Discontentment is a secret boasting of some excellency in ourselves as if God does not govern well and we could manage better.

Shall an inexperienced ship passenger, who does not understand the use of the compass, be angry that the skillful pilot will not steer the vessel according to the way the traveler thinks best? Must we give our orders to God, as if His infinite wisdom is not as trustworthy as what we believe and want?

The BIBLE VIEW #995 — Hell

In This Issue:
“Uh-oh”
What the Bible Says about Hell
Hell

Volume: 995    February 24, 2025
Theme: Hell

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/



“Uh-oh”
Bill Brinkworth

“Consciousness came and went in short spurts.  For a brief second, bright surgical lights came into sight, and then sleep over came me. 

“Again, for a glimpse, I saw doctors and nurses scurrying about me.  Some were adjusting electrodes on my chest.  Another nurse was quickly putting a needle into my arm, then sleep cameupon me.  I do not know how long it was, but I was vaguely aware of my mother talking to me.  She was crying.  There was urgency in her sobbing voice. 

“Again, doctors were shouting orders to those nearby.  The beeping of a monitor increased.  Some were running for more equipment, and then silence.

“Darkness surrounded me, but I was quite conscious.  No longer were there bright lights; no doctors’ voices; no mother’s sobs.  It wasn’t like the previous in’s and out’s of consciousness.  I was aware with all my senses.  There was a sense of my moving, but not one of my body parts was at all involved.  It was as if I were drifting somewhere.  I could feel it getting warmer and warmer, and it wasn’t long until the heat was unbearable.  Where was I?  What was happening to me?  I knew my eyes were wide open, but all around me was darkness.  Was this, was this, was this Hell?  Oh no, that must be where I was.  I’ve died!  Fear like I never experienced before forced screams out of my mouth.  Hell!  Oh, no.  What have I done?

“Then, through all the fear, the intense heat, and now an increasing pain in what seemed every pore of my body, I remembered some things from my past.  I remembered Mrs. Corner’s Sunday school lesson and the parts of the verses she read about Hell.  I remembered my snide remarks mocking what she said.

“Distant shrieks in the tormenting darkness told me I was not alone in my imprisonment.

“Memories continued to flood my mind.  I recalled the times my friend Gary and I mocked Hell and proudly boasted that we would be together in Hell and would have a party together.  This was no party.  Perhaps one of the screams in the distance was his, but we certainly were not together.

“A horrible series of blood-curdling shouts told another was not able to bear the torture they were experiencing, but there was no way out.  There was no escape for anyone!  Another cry hollered, ‘Not forever.’  All hope was gone from that voice.  His ‘Oh-nooooo’ seemed to be a whisper as he realized the hopelessness of his situation.

“A brief memory of my brother’s coming back from church one day reminded me how I reacted when he told me he had just gotten saved and had God’s promise of going to Heaven when he died.  I thought I was so smart when I retorted, ‘No one can know for sure that they’re going to Heaven.  How can you believe that Bible?  It’s just an ol’ book that some men wrote.’

“I was so wrong.  If I had only listened to him!  If I only had taken him up on his invitations to go to church, I may have gotten what he had.  I may not have been in the place I am now.  How wrong I was.  How foolish my opinions were.  If my memory of what I heard in church serves me well, it is going to get worse; a judgment before God; the Lake of Fire — forever.  Uh-oh, what have I done?”

This story, of course, is a fictitious account of what may be happening to billions of unsaved souls right this very second.  It is based on many Scriptures and may be very close to reality.  If you have never trusted Christ as your payment for your sin, it may very well describe what you may experience one day.  Do not be foolish.  While God has allowed you the opportunity, decide to be saved from Hell today before it is eternally too late!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“Everyone who finds himself in Heaven will have to thank God for it, and everyone who finds himself in Hell will have to thank himself.”   — C. H. MacKinosh

What the Bible Says about Hell
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most feared doctrines of the Bible is about the place called “Hell.”  Many go to great lengths to belittle and scoff at it.  Many deny it.  However, it is mentioned 54 times in the Bible and referred to in many other places.

Perhaps, if they convince themselves and others that Hell does not exist, the scoffers think they will alleviate the guilt of their sins and will cover up the fear they have of spending eternity there.  One’s personal opinion does not negate facts.  There is a place called Hell.  Here are some facts about Hell according to the King James Bible:

  • Hell is down:
    Luke 16:23 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”  Also: Ez. 31:16,17, Ez. 32:21, Is. 14:9, 15.
  • Hell is for the wicked:
    Psalms 9:17 “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Also: Mat. 5:22, 23:33.  All are wicked, but Hell will be the destination for those who did not allow Christ’s payment for sin to cover their iniquities.
  • Hell is a place of sorrows:
    Psalm 18:5 “The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” Also: Psalm 116:3.
  • Hell is a place of pain:
    Luke 16:24-25 “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. … thou art tormented.” Also: Luke 16:28.
    Mark 9:44 “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Also: Mark 9:46, 48, Isaiah. 66:24.
  • Hell is a place where the dead without Christ go:
    Proverbs 9:18 “But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” — Life is not over when our flesh stops breathing in this world.
  • Hell has levels:
    Deuteronomy 32:22 “For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Also: Psalm 86:13.
  • Hell is growing:
    Proverb 27:20 “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Also: Isaiah 5:14.
  • Hell was different before Christ died on the cross and rose again:
    Luke 16:26 “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” — Hell was down and was divided into two parts.  Abraham’s bosom was where the godly went.  There was no tormenting there. The lower terrible region is where the ungodly went.  It was separated by a “great gulf” no one could cross.
  • Jesus went to Hell (It was “Abraham’s bosom” and, again, it was not a place of torment!):
    Acts 2:31 “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
  • Jesus led the godly out of “Hell” when He died:
    Ephesians 4:8 “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Also: Psalm 68:18.  Rev. 1:18.  — Before Christ ascended back to Heaven, he led the godly Old Testament saints out of the upper region of Hell (Abraham’s Bosom).
  • Hell is not for those who trust Christ as their Saviour.
    John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
  • Hell is a temporary place, and then things get worse:
    Rev. 20:13 “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” — All those that are in Hell, will be released, judged, and put in eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.  Also: Rev. 20:14.

Hell certainly is a horrible place.  No one should want to go there.  The only way to avoid an eternity in that horrible place is to be saved!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

** This is a condensed  version of a study of Hell.  A more complete version can be found at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/hell.html.

“Don’t let scoffers laugh you into Hell; they cannot laugh you out of it.”
— D. L. Moody


Hell
John Milton

A dungeon horrible, on all sides round,
As one great furnace, flam’d, yet from those flames
No light, but rather darkness visible
Serv’d only to discover sights of woe,
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
And rest can never dwell, hope never,
That comes to all; but torture without end
Still urges, and a fiery deluge fed
With burning sulphur unconsum’d.
Such place eternal justice had prepared
For those rebellious; here their prison ordained
In utter dakness, and their portion set
As far remov’d from God and light of Heaven
As from the center thrice to th’ utmost pole.

“When some editors have proofread my work, they often made notes that ‘Hell’ and ‘Heaven,’ should not be capitalized because the Bible does not capitalize them.  The rules of capitalization have changed since the KJV Bible was finalized. Heaven and Hell ARE real places and I will continue to capitalize the proper nouns!  — B. Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #994 — God’s Provision

In This Issue:
Just Enough
Little Is Much When God Is in It
God Provided 
Matthew 6:25-34
God’s Ravens

Volume: 994    February 17, 2025
Theme: God’s Provision

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.

Just Enough
Bill Brinkworth

After two months of being led out of bondage in Egypt, the people of Israel complained (Exodus 16:2) about not having the food they liked.  They ignored the fact of being mistreated in slavery, God had delivered them from their bondage, and they daily saw God’s leadership and provision as they traveled through the wilderness.  God heard their complaints but still met their needs.

God rained “bread” from Heaven every morning for the people.  The sweet, small bread was also called “the corn of Heaven” and angel’s food (Psalms 78:24-25).  

Six days a week, the manna rained down.  There was just enough for every man, woman, and child to eat.  Each family gathered what they could eat, about one omer (3.6 liters).  After the sun burned hot, there was no manna left.  The manna melted.  They had just enough for that day!

If the people did not trust that God would provide the “bread” the next day and tried to hoard it, it would stink and turn to worms.  They had no choice but to trust God would provide their daily needs.  To compound God’s miracle of provision, on the day before the Sabbath, when they were not to work, God rained down a two-day supply of manna.  The bread gathered that day would last two days.  God gave them just enough food every day for 40 years until they ate corn in the land (Joshua 5:12) that God had led them to.

Throughout the Bible there are examples of God’s meeting the needs of His own.  Jacob had a son, Joseph, in the right position to provide his family with food during a drought.  God provided just enough food to meet all of Israel’s needs when they were in the wilderness.  The widow’s miraculously refilling barrel of meal and the cruse of oil were just enough to meet Elijah’s and the widow’s needs.  Jesus told the disciples to reach the world with the Gospel and not carry anything extra.  In all cases, God provided just enough.  They were not to have extra because they were to trust God and see what He would do for them daily.

Man’s distrusting nature relies too often on his provision.  There needs to be a correct balance between saving for a “rainy day” and amassing as much as possible because he thinks only he can provide.  We are to be wise and good stewards of what we have, but not dependent only on what we do.  It is often forgotten that God wants us to trust him for everything, including our daily needs. 

Most people have long forgotten, or never given any thought or trust, that God is the one that ultimately provides all we have.  It is not the government’s food stamps or its welfare that we should rely on.  It is not our big barns of storage, as the “fool” in Luke 12:16-21 trusted in.  It would not take much for a government to collapse, especially these days, or “barns” of investments or savings accounts to fail, and then where would those people who were relying on themselves be?

My wife and I have learned long ago that God will meet our daily needs.  We saved what we could, sometimes only ten dollars a week, and have been frugal with our purchases, but still tithed (gave to the Lord through the local church). 

We soon learned that God honored His promises and did provide our “daily bread” (Mat. 6:11).  We have always had enough to pay our bills.

When we desperately needed housing, God gave us just enough money from an insurance claim to fix up an old house.  When our house desperately needed paint, the paint I found was just enough to cover the job and just “happened” to be the right color.

Without planning, I purchased seeds for the garden, which were just enough to cover the available space.  Repair jobs around the house are often met by having just enough materials lying around the house.

Food prepared is just enough to meet the needs of all the unexpected guests who drop in for dinner.  The clothes given to us just happened to fit exactly our sizes.

On and on, I could go of 40+ years of God’s precise provision.  Sometimes, we had a little extra, only to find, in a couple of days, that it would be just enough to replace a damaged tire or meet the needs of another emergency.  After thousands of examples of just having enough, we quickly learned it was not a coincidence but God’s provision. 

If we had had a surplus, we may not have been reliant and appreciative of God’s provision.  If we had had everything we wanted, we may have been like the wealthy man I once visited.  After I told him the Bible’s plan of salvation, he looked me in the face and said, “Look around.  Do you see all I have?”  He did have a large mansion, cars, and other splendid things.  “Does it look like I need God?”  He needed to know that God had provided, not himself.  Without God’s help, he may not have the health or the intellect to earn that money.  People like that who have such self-trust often have to, and do, lose all they have to find out Who really is in control.

Today’s world has become more dependent on their own devices or government aid, including Christians!  Unfortunately, those provisions frequently let those who trust them down.  The ways of man are not trustworthy nor always reliable.  God, however, will never let his own down that trust in Him.  Rely on God to provide.  He may give you just enough, but it will be He that you will reliably trust on.  You will then see what the mighty hand of God will do in your life.
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Mat.  21:22
“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:22

“When you’re down to nothing, God may be up to something.”

 

Little Is Much When God Is in It
Hymn by Kittie J. Suffield

 In the harvest field now ripened,
There’s a work for all to do.
Hark, the voice of God is calling,
To the harvest calling you.
CHORUS:
Little is much when God is in it.
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

 Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.
CHORUS:

When the conflict here is ended
And our race on Earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
“Welcome home, my child, well done.”
CHORUS:

“God strengthens shoulders to bear the burden.”

God Provided
Dr. J. Campbell

  • Abraham’s knife lifted up to kill his son; an angel appeared.
  • Lot was near destruction; angels intervened.
  • Hagar and her son were dying; an angel showed them water.
  • Moses was trapped from escaping his enemy by the sea: God parted the waters.
  • Rabshakeh insulted God; his army was destroyed in twelve hours.
  • Haman formed a plot to kill Jews; the king could not sleep and read what Mordecai had done for him.  Because of his discovery, Mordecai and, eventually, the Jewish people were spared.
  • Peter was in jail; angels released him.



Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they? 27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?  or, What shall we drink?  or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

“Worry is irreverent — God will provide!”

God’s Ravens
F. B. Meyer

Having read the story of how God fed Elijah by the ravens with his mother, a little boy sat on a wintry night in a fireless room beside a bare table.  With a simple, child-like trust, he asked his widowed mother if he might set the door open for God’s ravens to come in.

“I feel sure they must be on their way,” he said.  The trustful mother granted the request.

The mayor of the German town, passing by, was curious by the sight of the open door and entered, inquiring why it was open.  When he learned the reason, he said, “I will be God’s raven!”  He met their needs then and long afterward.

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:3-5

“What God ordains, He sustains!” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #993 —Marriage

In This Issue:
A Biblical Marriage
The Differences Between Men and Women
The Marriage Institution
Marriage Is Not A Mission Field

Volume: 993    February 10, 2025
Theme: Marriage

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



A Biblical Marriage
Bill Brinkworth

Ephesians 5 discusses a subject that bristles the hair on the back of many necks.  It takes a position that has been hated and rebelled against for generations.  Unfortunately, the refusal to follow God’s commandments in this area has resulted in a current divorce rate higher than 50%.  

In Ephesians 5:21-33, Paul discusses submissiveness between a married man and a woman.  According to Noah Webster, “submitting” is yielding or surrendering to an authority.

The first surrendering to authority discussed here is for both husband and wife to surrender to each other (vs. 21) because they respect God’s commandments!  They are to submit to each other because God tells them to, and they should know God’s way works.  God ordained the union between man and woman, so He certainly knows how it will work.  No other way will be successful!

A wife must also submit to her husband (vs. 22).  When she humbles herself to do so, she is doing it “unto the Lord”.  What a step of faith it takes to be a wife and trust the Lord that way.  I’m sure most women shudder at this point, thinking about all kinds of situations: “What happens if I submit to him, and my husband mistreats me?”; “What happens if I let him be the authority and decision-maker, and he makes wrong decisions?”; “What happens if he doesn’t make any decisions?”; “What happens if I don’t get my say?”, and countless other scenarios.

If the husband does not hold up his commitments, those situations could come true.  That is why it is so important that a marriage be between believers (II Cor. 6:14).  However, there are no retractions for bad decisions in marriage partners in God’s Word.  No matter the spiritual status, one is still committed to upholding his part of the marriage as the Lord commands.

There are many marriage failures because couples do not adhere to God’s way but try to cohabit the way “everyone else is doing it”.  When a marriage fails, it is usually because someone is not holding up their end of God’s commandments for that person.

Submission in a marriage is not just between the wife and her husband.  The husband also has a part in making a marriage work.  His part is not just surrendering to his wife, but he is to love his wife as Christ loves His church (vs. 25) and as much as he loves his own body (vs. 28, 33).  One should not want to do wrong to one’s body; he must only want to do what is right and best for his wife.

As a husband and wife submit themselves to Christ, they should also submit themselves to each other.  God’s way works.

“If a child of God marries a child of the devil, the child of God will surely have trouble with his father-in-law.” — Author Unknown


The Differences between Men and Women
Author Unknown

In the current world, many are trying to make both sexes the same and even confuse their roles.  God has created men and women and has made them different, with strengths and weaknesses.  

When married, God can use a man’s strengths to complement a woman’s weaknesses and take the strengths of a wife to make up for the husband’s shortcomings.  The two different halves can produce a stronger whole.

This article from an unknown author (before 1871) points out some of the differences between men and women and shows the strengths they can bring to a marriage:

  • Man is strong; woman is beautiful.
  • Man is daring and confident; woman is diffident (“showing modest reserve”) and unassuming.
  • Man is great in action; woman is long-suffering.
  • Man shines abroad; woman excels at home.
  • Man talks to convince; woman to persuade.
  • Man has a rugged heart; woman, a soft and tender one.
  • Man prevents misery; woman relieves it.
  • Man has science; woman taste.
  • Man has judgment; woman sensibility.
  • Man is a being of justice; woman has mercy.

Each possesses peculiar gifts and a wide sphere of usefulness, and, by the wise use of these respective gifts, society is benefited, a marriage is strengthened, and God is honored.

“As a husband and wife grow closer to God, they also grow closer to each other!”


The Marriage Institution
Excerpts from Bible Reading for the Home, 1943

  • After creating man, what did God say?
    “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Gen. 2:18
  • What did God say He would make?
    A help meet for him (Gen. 2:18).
  • Could such a help be found among the creatures God had already made?  No.
    “… but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.” Gen. 2:20
  • What did God do to remedy Adam’s need?  God made Adam a mate.
    “… And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Gen. 2:21-22
  • What did Adam say as he received his wife from God?
    “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Gen. 2:23
  • What great truth was then stated?
    “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:24
  • What did Jesus say about marriage?
    “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mat.  19:6

“Marriages may be made in Heaven, but man is responsible for the maintenance work.” — Changing Times

Marriage Is Not a Mission Field
Author Unknown

Mark Twain, the well-known American humorist, fell in love with Miss Olivia Langdon.  “Livy,” as he called her, grew up in a Christian home and held firm religious convictions.  Mark Twain made no profession of faith, although he appeared to have been touched by Livy’s life.

Mark Twain and Olivia Langdon were married.  Early in their marriage, Mark regularly asked for a blessing at mealtime and joined in family worship, but this did not last.

One day, Twain announced, “Livy, I don’t believe in the Bible.”  Bit by bit, Mark Twain’s lack of faith worked like a cancer destroying his wife’s spiritual life.

Later, during a period of pressing sorrow, he tried to strengthen Livy by saying, “Livy, if it comforts you to lean on the Christian faith, do so.”

His wife sadly replied, “Mark, I can’t.  I haven’t it anymore!”

Marriage is not a mission field.  God never called one into marriage to convert one’s partner. 

Marriage strains under the burden of an unshared faith.  Not only will you harm the person with whom you join your life, but you will harm yourself if your partner is not a Christian.  Too much is at stake to ignore God’s commandment.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14

“If you never date an unsaved person, you will never marry one!”