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The BIBLE VIEW #935 — Why?

In This Issue:
Lord, What Would You Have Me Do?
Why Do I Have to Be on The Leash?
Lord, Why Am I in This Storm?”

Volume: 935     December 4, 2023
Theme: Why?

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #935).  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.


Lord, What Would You Have Me Do?
Bill Brinkworth

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

In this treasure trove of God’s wisdom, Proverbs 16:9 explains why some of what is happening in lives is often not understood.  The reason, especially for the child of God, may be God is directing one’s path in the direction He knows is best for them.

We often have plans and goals, but many times they do not coincide with what God’s will for our lives is.  Some dream of being a doctor, nurse, pilot, police officer, or what they are interested in doing, but never consider what God has for them to do.

No one knows us better than God, and he may know that the direction we desire for ourselves may hurt and keep us from what is best for us.  Each of us has unique abilities, and only God knows what they are and where they should best be exercised in this needy world.

As a visually handicapped person may need more guidance than a seeing-eye dog or a prodding white cane, so do we.  We think we know best but are often blind to what is good for us.  Unsure and unknowingly, we stumble through life searching for what to do.

When we are about to make wrong steps in harmful directions, it is then that the Lord may step in and redirect us.  Often, we may not like where we are going, but trusting faith should reason with us that Father knows best.  God’s way will be better for us than we could ever have imagined.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalm 91:11
“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:3


Why Do I Have to Be on The Leash?
Bill Brinkworth

“C’mon, girl, let’s go for a walk,” I beckoned to the tail-wagging Labrador Retriever.

After I clipped the short leash to her collar, I walked off, expecting her to follow.  Quickly, I realized there was no dog on the other end.  Buddi had tucked her head and slipped out of her collar.

“Hmmm.” I put the collar back on, with the leash still clipped on.  As I again tried to take her for a walk, she firmly sat, refusing to go. 

Her tail wagged seriously.  She apparently wanted to roam the walking path, but did not want to be hooked to the restricting tether.  Buddi wanted to run wherever she wanted to go in the woods.

Then we had the master to dog talk.  “Listen, Buddi, I see you want to go out,” her tail wagged in agreement, “but you must be on the leash.  You don’t understand what could happen out there without my protection.  Why a snake could strike you as you curiously inspect a slithering reptile that you have never seen before.  Or you could walk in some tall weeds and pick up a load of ticks.  If you go to the wrong place, you just might get sprayed by Mr. Skunk near the grapes.  Buddi, this leash is for your protection.  I can guide you safely as we walk if you would  trust me to lead you.”

Folks, and even Christians, are much like the rebellious dog.  They do not want anyone telling them what to do, especially God.  Why?  They believe his commandments will dampen their style, although most have never read about His will and way found in the Bible.  Many see God’s commandments as a leash limiting their freedom and “fun.”

What little they know about God’s requirements may have been heard from an unreliable source.  Often, they may have heard part of His Word or never stopped to consider the context of the Bible verse.  Quickly, they jump to a conclusion that is not biblical.  Even if they hear a clear biblical commandment, they still will not obey their Creator.

Most people are naturally rebellious to anyone telling them what to do.  Many give little credence to certain laws, what parents say, school rules, employer’s requirements, and anyone else that hampers their doing their own “thing.”

However, God is not like anyone else.  He created man.  He knows humanity’s limitations, what lurks unseen in their lives that will hurt them, and what will help them.  The watch care offered by our Maker is for our good.  

God’s “leash” is not meant to be burdensome.  His guiding help is from an all-seeing and knowing God who wants to keep us safe and help us.  Our aimless, often temptation-led life can lead us to harm.  He loves us more than we can imagine and wants the best for us.

Follow God’s will and way for a productive and better life.  Lose the rebellious attitude and obey the One that only desires what will help and bless you!



Lord, Why Am I in This Storm?”
Bill Brinkowrth

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:2-5

Every single person has struggles.  What God allows in a person’s life often is meant to help them grow closer, stronger, and more reliant on the Lord. 

The trials another is going through may not seem to be so bad to others, but God knows that it is what is needed to test their mettle.  After successfully going through their trials, they will be able to face future storms that are allowed in their life and even encourage those with similar experiences. 

I was better able to realize the importance of our going through trials and tribulations after examining a picture of a lighthouse.  That one particular lighthouse was engulfed in waves, yet it still upheld its important purpose and was where it would do the most good.

A lighthouse is a tall structure that houses a bright light for sea-going vessels to see.  In the darkest of nights or piercing through stormy weather, ships can immediately know that they are getting close to a shoreline or dangerous, submerged rocks by seeing the tower’s warning beacon.

Although most lighthouses were constructed high above any danger from a storm’s crashing waves, this one was not.  This particular lighthouse was barely above sea level, where it often was battered by ocean waves.

The picture I saw was of the La Jument Lighthouse in northwestern France.  It was constructed in a place where there were many shipwrecks.  Between 1888 and 1904, there were 31 wrecks in the lighthouse’s area.  A wealthy French man, who almost experienced death in a shipwreck, knew how vital the lighthouse would be and financed its construction.

Because of its dangerous location and tumultuous engulfing waves, the beacon was started in 1904 but was not finished until 1911.  Its foundation was hewn in solid rock and barely stood out of the water.  There are times that the 154-foot-tall tower is battered by 65 to 97-foot waves.  Many pictures have been taken of the lighthouse boldly standing with waves appearing to cover the beacon completely.

Despite its construction’s hardships, it still stands and has saved many lives and shipwrecks.  It was a savior to many because it was built where it was most needed.  If it did not experience all the violent waves it has, it would not be where it could warn and spare so many lives.

Like the La Jument lighthouse, those Christians who have faced tremendous hardships, trials, weathered their “storms,” and are still standing are an important encouragement and boost to the hope and faith of many around them.  If they had not gone through such difficult times, they may not have been the “light” that gives others hope and inspiration to withstand their storms.  Most may not know why they faced so many difficulties, but God may have used their experiences to guide others to safe harbors.

Observing eyes are often on those who proclaim to be children of God.  They are often scrutinized for their behavior through trials and difficulties.  When they react like the unsaved and scream, holler, and curse when in the pit of despair, the name of “Christian” gets one more black eye as they are a poor testimony. 

However, those who have their foundations anchored when in adversity enable them to continue to stand proud and tall after being bludgeoned by what the world recognizes as terrible experiences.  They are the “lighthouses” that shine through the gloom of affliction.  They are the ones who can give others hope that they, too, can weather their storms.

The survivors of tremendous adversity also show that a foundation based on biblical principles can help others weather through whatever they have to face.  Their perseverance and strength prove that Christ can lead the way through whatever a person faces.

The pounding “waves” in your life can either make you shake your fist at God or draw you closer to Him for His help.  How does the world see you faring through your trials? 

Is your perseverance through what God has allowed you to experience a beacon of hope and victory, or is it making it clear that you have no expectation or directing “light” to guide you through your trials?  Be a La Jument Lighthouse and show that God can give you the strength to withstand your ordeal.
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”  Psalm 18:2

“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 Enersib Fosdick

The BIBLE VIEW #934 — Godly Women

In This Issue:
A Godly Example
The Virtuous Woman
The Ephesians 5 Husband and Wife  

Volume: 934     November 27, 2023
Theme: Godly Women

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #934).  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

A Godly Example
Bill Brinkworth

Mary, Jesus’ mother, was a remarkable woman God could use.  Luke 1 speaks much of this willing servant God used mightily.

Here are some of what the Bible says about Mary, the mother of Jesus:

  • God had planned to use Mary long before she was born.  She was from the lineage of King David, which was the line where the prophesied Messiah would be born. 
  • She was obedient in relations with men. She remained a virgin before she was married (Luke 1:27, 34).
  • God saw she had a good testimony. She was highly favored in His eyes (Luke 1:28, 30).
  • God had unique plans for her.  She was going to have a child in a special way that would require her to have a good character and testimony (Luke 1:31).
  • God would use her child, Jesus (Luke 1:32, 35).
  • Mary was obedient. She was willing to do whatever the Lord required (Luke 1:38, 46).
  • Mary was humble. She did not think highly of herself (Luke 1:48). She would be angered at how people venerate her above Christ in some religions.
  • Mary admitted that God had done great things through her (Luke 1:49).
  • She knew about God’s mercy (Luke 1:50).
  • She knew about the mighty things God had done, His power, and His provision (Luke 1:51-53).
  • She understood the Bible (Luke 1:54-55).
  • She intended to marry a godly, obedient, hard-working man, Joseph, who paid his taxes and obeyed the law (Luke 2:4-5). 
  • She humbly accepted what God allowed her to go through. She was willing to go through hard times and not complain about it. She had her baby in a barn (Luke 2:7).
  • Mary had at least four sons and two daughters (Mark 6:3) after Jesus was born.
  • Mary needed a Saviour. If she were the mother of God, as the Catholic church claims, she would not have needed a Saviour. She was a woman that God could trust to do His will.
    “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47

Mary was a godly vessel that God could use.  Although no one will ever be used in the way she was, all can be used for God’s glory if we obey and allow Him to use us.


The Virtuous Woman
Bill Brinkworth

Throughout the Bible, there is much advice given from father to son.  Proverbs 31, however, relays a mother’s counsel to her boy.

Most likely, King Lemuel was a godly leader, as his name means “belonging to God.”  His mother advised the King on how to continue to be a strong leader (Proverbs 31:3-9).

The mother helped her son know the important values to consider when picking the right wife.  She knew a wife could make or break a man’s and family’s success.  In the rest of the chapter, she helps him with one of the most crucial decisions in his life.

The mother’s advice did not include picking a woman for her beauty and sex appeal.  She suggested picking a woman who would be faithful to her husband, a hard worker, pure, moral, and industrious.

A good wife should be “virtuous.” Beauty will change (Proverbs 31:30), but good character and morality will last a lifetime and benefit many.
“Who can find a virtuous woman?  for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

Virtuous: practitioner of duty, accomplished, and moral

According to this Proverb, a virtuous woman:

  • Can be relied upon and trusted (Proverbs 31:11).
  • Will do a husband good and make him a better man (Proverbs 31:12, 23).
  • Will be industrious, always helping and providing for her husband and family (Proverbs 31:13-15, 17, 27).
  • Will look to meet not only the family’s current needs but what will benefit them in the future (Proverbs 31:16, 21).
  • Is a hard worker (Proverbs 31:18-19, 24, 27).
  • Is kind, even to those outside her family (Proverbs 31:20, 26).
  • Provides for her own needs (Proverbs 31:22).
  • Is honorable and has a strong character (Proverbs 31:25).
  • Is wise (Proverbs 31:26).
  • Is respected and relied on by her family (Proverbs 31:28).
  • Is godly (Proverbs 31:30).

This type of woman was not uncommon in the past.  Today, perhaps because of the changed values of women in the 1970s, they are not as prevalent. 

Unfortunately, it has been drummed into many women’s minds that they can do better than being stay-at-home mothers and wives.  Many have been brainwashed into believing being a housewife is beneath them and they should seek a career in which they are worthy and is more important.

Being a wife and mother is not a menial task.  The incredible abilities and responsibilities given to women are the backbone of a family and nation.  It is the mother who can mold young lives and strengthen families and, eventually, even society.  She is the silent strength and selfless worker who may not get much limelight, but without her families and society stumble and crumble, as can be seen today. 

Despite what the “unisex” movement tried to convince women to believe, men and women are different.  Women have strengths and abilities that a man does not have.  Vice versa, a man can do things a woman cannot.  It does not imply that one sex is better than the other.  Instead of changing their created purpose and trying to be what they are not, society would benefit if the sexes would again not be confused about their strengths and gifts and fulfill the purpose and unique abilities God has given them.

Since the confusion of the sexes proliferated, the divorce rate has skyrocketed.  Many children now come from “broken” homes.  Males and females are confused about who and what they are.  An increasing number of couples are living together unmarried.  Many children do not even know who their parents are.  “Know-better-than-God” and making their own social guidelines have not worked!  Humanity is suffering greatly.

Man and woman must return to living the way God wants them to and be the man or woman He desires them to be.  Men and women, especially those who want to please God, should be virtuous, content, and proud of who they are and be the best they can be!


The Ephesians 5 Husband and Wife
Bill Brinkowrth

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.  24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.  25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it … 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.  He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: … 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. … 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” Eph. 5:21-33

Ephesian 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 divorce rate of nearly 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 an authority discussed in those verses is for both husband and wife to concede 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 is always best. God ordained the union between man and woman, so He knows how it will work.  No other way will be successful!

A wife is to submit to her husband (vs. 22).  When she is humbling herself to do so, she is doing it “unto the Lord.”  What a step of faith it takes for a wife to trust the Lord that way.

I am sure most women shudder at that 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 I don’t get my say?” and countless other scenarios.

Those situations could happen if the husband does not hold up his commitments.  That is why it is so vital that marriage is 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 holding up his part of the marriage, as the Lord commands.

There are many marriage failures because couples did not adhere to God’s way but rather 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.

Submission in a marriage is not just the wife’s responsibility. 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 his body, so he must only want to do what is right and best for his wife.

Marriage is a picture of Christ (vss. 23, 25, 27, 32) submitting His body to die for man’s sins. Jesus submitted to His Father and allowed Himself to be payment for our iniquities.  As we submit ourselves to Christ, we should also submit ourselves to each other. God’s way works! 

“The husband should be the ‘houseband,’ binding all together like a cornerstone, but not crushing everything like a millstone.”  — Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #933 — Thanksgiving

In This Issue:
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation
1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
2019 Thanksgiving Proclamation
2022 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Volume: 933     November 20, 2023
Theme: Thanksgiving

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #933).  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation
William Bradford, Governor of the First American Colony

Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as he has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.

Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings.

William Bradford
Ye Governor of Ye Colony

“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.” Psalm 117:1


1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation  

WHEREAS, It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;

WHEREAS, Both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

George Washington – October 3, 1789



2019 Thanksgiving Proclamation 

On Thanksgiving Day, we remember with reverence and gratitude the bountiful blessings afforded to us by our Creator, and we recommit to sharing in a spirit of thanksgiving and generosity with our friends, neighbors, and families.

Nearly four centuries ago, determined individuals with a hopeful vision of a more prosperous life and an abundance of opportunities made a pilgrimage to a distant land.  These Pilgrims embarked on their journey across the Atlantic at great personal risk, facing unforeseen trials and tribulations, and unforetold hardships during their passage.  After their arrival in the New World, a harsh and deadly winter took the lives of nearly half their population.  Those who survived remained unwavering in their faith and foresight of a future rich with liberty and freedom, enduring every impediment as they established one of our Nation’s first settlements.  Through God’s divine providence, a meaningful relationship was forged with the Wampanoag Tribe, and through their unwavering resolve and resilience, the Pilgrims enjoyed a bountiful harvest the following year.  The celebration of this harvest lasted 3 days and saw Pilgrims and Wampanoag seated together at the table of friendship and unity.  That first Thanksgiving provided an enduring symbol of gratitude that is uniquely sewn into the fabric of our American spirit.

More than 150 years later, it was in this same spirit of unity that President George Washington declared a National Day of Thanksgiving following the Revolutionary War and the ratification of our Constitution.  Less than a century later, that hard-won unity came under duress as the United States was engaged in a civil war that threatened the very existence of our Republic.  Following the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in an effort to unite the country and acknowledge “the gracious gifts of the Most High God,” President Abraham Lincoln asked the American people to come together and “set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”  Today, this tradition continues with millions of Americans gathering each year to give their thanks for the same blessings of liberty for which so many brave patriots have laid down their lives to defend during the Revolutionary War and in the years since.

Since the first settlers to call our country home landed on American shores, we have always been defined by our resilience and propensity to show gratitude even in the face of great adversity, always remembering the blessings we have been given in spite of the hardships we endure.  This Thanksgiving, we pause and acknowledge those who will have empty seats at their table.  We ask God to watch over our service members, especially those whose selfless commitment to serving our country and defending our sacred liberty has called them to duty overseas during the holiday season.  We also pray for our law enforcement officials and first responders as they carry out their duties to protect and serve our communities.  As a Nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to both those who take an oath to safeguard us and our way of life as well as to their families, and we salute them for their immeasurable sacrifices.

As we gather today with those we hold dear, let us give thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings we enjoy.  United together as one people, in gratitude for the freedoms and prosperity that thrive across our land, we acknowledge God as the source of all good gifts.  We ask Him for protection and wisdom and for opportunities this Thanksgiving to share with others some measure of what we have so providentially received.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 28, 2019, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.  I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

“Christians should have an attitude of gratitude and servitude.”


2022 Thanksgiving Proclamation 

This Thanksgiving, as homes across America fill with laughter, favorite family foods, and the joy of friends and relatives reuniting, we give thanks for everything that is good in our lives and reflect on the many blessings of our Nation.

This American spirit of gratitude dates back to our earliest days, when the Pilgrims celebrated a successful first harvest, thanks to the generosity and support of the Wampanoag people.  It inspired George Washington to give his troops a day of prayer and thanks amid fierce fighting for American independence.  It also moved Abraham Lincoln to proclaim Thanksgiving a national holiday, honoring America’s bounty and asking God to bring us together to care for one another and heal our Nation.

Today, Jill and I share that same gratitude for America’s promise and for the millions of heroes across our country whose selflessness and care for their communities represent the best of who we are. 

We are grateful for our family and friends and for all of our fellow Americans, even those whom we may never meet but rely upon nonetheless.  We are thankful for the scientists, researchers, doctors, and nurses who have kept us safe through a pandemic, and for the frontline workers who have kept essential services going by growing and providing food for our tables.  We are grateful to faith leaders for their counsel, comfort, and support.  We thank our brave service members and veterans who sacrifice so much for our freedom, and the first responders who put so much on the line to keep us all safe. 

As scripture says:  “let us rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.”  This is a special time in the greatest country on Earth, so let us be grateful.  America is a great Nation because we are a good people.  This holiday, we celebrate all that brings us together, grounded in history and our shared hopes for the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 2022, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.  I encourage the people of the United States of America to join together and give thanks for the friends, neighbors, family members, and strangers who have supported each other over the past year in a reflection of goodwill and unity.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.   

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

** Notice the original purpose of the day of thanksfullness to God is not emphasized in  President Biden’s address. Credit was given to people rather than God! **

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

The BIBLE VIEW #932 — Witnessing

In This Issue:
Soul Winning
Why People Don’t Witness to Others
Talking Business
Suppose
A Dying Man’s Challenge
The Ant’s Evangelism

Volume: 932     November 13, 2023
Theme: Witnessing

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #932).  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.


Soul Winning
Bill Brinkworth

When a person gets saved, all his sins are forgiven.  Although God will not remind him of his iniquities, the believer will be judged for what he did for Christ after he was saved.  

One of the responsibilities a Christian has is to tell others the biblical way to Heaven.  Although it is the most neglected commandment by Christians, it is the most important!  Here are some of what the Bible says about our personally winning souls to Heaven:

  • It is the primary way a lost person will hear about God’s way to Heaven.  
    “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?… Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” Acts 8:30-35  

    How will the spiritually lost be saved unless a child of God tells them how?  Most of us who are saved were led to the Lord by someone telling us either by mouth or written word.
  • It will rescue a soul from spending an eternity in Hell.
    “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
  • It should be done in every house, as did the early church.  Door-to-door, one-to-one witnessing is still how we are expected to tell others.  It is how the early church grew, and it is how today’s ministries will grow.
    “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts     5:42   Also Acts 2:46-47
  • It should be done by EVERYONE, not just the disciples, missionaries, pastors, and deacons!
    “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
    “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:19      Also: John 20:21, Luke 24:47.
  • It is some of the Christian “fruit” a born-again believer should produce.
    “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” John 4:36  Also: John 15:16, 20: 21.
  • The lost need to be “compelled,” as were the visitors in the parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:16-24).  “Compelling” is done one-on-one!
    “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23
  • It is commanded by God for us to do!
    “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
  • It is the wise thing to do.
    “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 
  • Many commentators teach that believers will receive a crown of rejoicing for witnessing and winning a lost soul to Christ.
    “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3
    “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?  Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” I Thessalonians 2:19


God chose us to point others to the way to Heaven.  What a shame it would be for a Christian to live a full life on Earth and never, or rarely, have won a soul to a heavenly eternity.

“Well, I just can’t do it” or “I am too shy to talk to anyone” are not excuses that biblically keep anyone from their God-commanded duty to witness.  I have never met a person who thought that it was easy for them to witness to strangers in the beginning.  However, God has always helped them when they showed they were willing to obey His commandment.

I am sure it was hard for the early church members to win souls to Christ, but because they obeyed God, their ministry grew.  After they witnessed to others, God blessed their church.

There are too many bound for Hell (Mark 7:13).  Do not be a selfish Christian and not share the way to eternity in Heaven with anyone.  

Someone probably shared it with you.  If they did not, you would most likely not be Heaven-bound.  Soul winning is the biblical way to get the message of salvation to others.  It still works today!  Have you witnessed to anyone this week?

“It has been estimated that probably 95% of all church members have never
led anyone to Christ!”

Why People Don’t Witness to Others
Bill Brinkworth

I have heard most of the excuses not to win others to Christ.  Honestly, I have used most of those justifications and listened to the same excuses from many of the best soul-winners I have encountered.  However, none of the reasons for not obeying God’s commandment to win souls to Christ are biblical. 

Here are some of the most common reasons for not winning a lost soul from an eternal destiny in Hell:

  • “I’m too shy.” All feel like this at one time or another, but should not obedience to God’s commandments supersede our pride and selfish feelings?  Is not a soul’s eternal destination more important than our feelings of self-consciousness and pride?
  • “I don’t feel like it.” Laziness to do the right thing is another non-biblical reason many hide behind.
  • “I didn’t know a Christian was supposed to tell others.”  Too many do not read the Word of God for themselves, so they do not know what they are commanded to do.  Unfortunately, many preachers who do not want to offend their members also do not make their flock aware of what they are expected to do.
  • “I’m afraid of what others may say or think.”  It is a shame that a person we may never see again may not have the opportunity to hear the salvation message from our lips because of our fear.  Jesus was not afraid to tell others the true way to Heaven, although it cost Him His earthly life, nor were the Apostles and many that gave their lives so that others could hear it.
  • “I don’t know what to say.”  Most people do not know how to tell others how to be saved when they first are born-again.  Tell them how you got saved. 

    God often convicts others through the use of His Word.  Hide Scripture in your heart by memorization so that when the Holy Spirit uses you to witness to another, you have it ready to win a soul to Him.

Talking Business
Author Unknown

A pastor was passing a big department store and followed an impulse to go in and talk to the proprietor about his salvation.  Finding the owner, the preacher asked, “Mr. T…, I’ve talked beds, carpets, and bookcases with you but never talked about my business to you.  Would you give me a few minutes to do so?”

Being led to a private office, the pastor took out his New Testament and showed the businessman passage after passage of one’s duty to accept Jesus Christ.  Finally, tears began rolling down the owner’s cheeks.  He said to the preacher, “I’m 70.  I was born in this city, and more than a hundred ministers and more than 500 church members have known me as you have in doing business with me.  You are the only man who ever spoke to me about my soul in all those years.”

What a sad commentary on the many who talked with this businessman.  Yet, many who have crossed our paths have never heard the Gospel from anyone, including us.

“Many Christians complain of the condition of the world today.  If they believed what they confessed, they would lead the lost to Christ, then the world would be changed!”  — Author Unknown

Suppose
“Suppose,” A tract from the Great Commission Prayer League

Suppose someone was to offer me a thousand dollars for every soul I earnestly tried to lead to Christ.  Would I endeavor to lead more souls to Him than I am attempting to do now just for the money?  Is my love of money stronger than my love of God or souls…?

“Whatever God gives you to do, do it as well as you can.  This is the best possible preparation for what He may want you to do next.”  — MacDonald


A Dying Man’s Challenge
Baptist Standard

A young married man went into a Christian man’s office on an errand of business.  As he was leaving, the proprietor said, “My young friend, are you a Christian?”

The young man replied, “I regret to say I am not.”

The faithful friend then kindly urged him to seek Christ at once and to delay no longer securing salvation.  The young man thanked him politely and said he would “think of it.”

In three weeks, the young man’s widow called the office to bring the man’s last dying words.  She said, “He thought much of your kind advice and resolved to seek Christ.  He was suddenly taken sick.  After a few days, he found sweet peace in believing, became entirely resigned to God’s will, and died in the assurance of faith.  ‘Tell the businessman,’ he said, ‘that I thank him with my dying breath for his faithfulness in telling me the way to Heaven.’”

“It is only God that saves souls!  However, Christians are to be His messengers of the wonderful, saving news.”


 The Ant’s Evangelism
Author Unknown

A gentleman laid a piece of food on the table, picked up an ant, and placed it on the morsel.  He was astonished to see the little creature rapidly descend by one of the legs of the table and seek his fellows.  They appeared to understand the ant’s news.  He then returned to the food, followed by a long train of his fellow citizens and directed them to the prize.

Are there not many who know the sweetness of the Gospel, who might learn a lesson from that ant?  If we have tasted and have seen that the Lord is good, let us now do what we can to lead others to a similar blessing.

“Witness to the person as you have the opportunity today.  They may not have a ‘tomorrow’.  It may be their last chance.”   

The BIBLE VIEW #931 — Christian Examples

In This Issue:
Be A Worthy Example
A Christian Home
An Encouraging Example
An Encouraging, Cleaned Example
Showing Hope and Love

Volume: 931     November 6, 2023
Theme: Christian Example

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #931).  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Be A Worthy Example
Bill Brinkworth

“Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.” II Thessalonians 3:8-9

Every Christian is responsible for a very important task: to be a good Christian example (“ensample”) to others.  Many do not read the Word of God for themselves, have not learned what God has for them to do, and are more reliant on a godly example than they should be.  It is dangerous to their spirituality to totally follow someone else, but it does happen.

For this reason, Paul the Apostle was aware of eyes attuned to his behavior and actions.  He wrote some important points to be “… an ensample unto you to follow …”.  In II Thes. 3, he pointed some of them out:

  1. That obedience and understanding of God’s Word would be seen in his life, and God would get the glory.  If we are a godly example for someone, it should always be God and His work that get the glory, not us!
    “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:” II Thes. 3:1
  2. Keep your distance from others who are not doing right (“disorderly”), even if they are Christians (“brethren”).  He defines “disorderly” in verse 11 as those who are lazy and not working and those who are meddling in other people’s business (“busybodies”).  Association with those types of people may give others the impression that you are also like the crowd you are with.
    “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” II Thes. 3:6
  3. Do not stop living and doing right.  Others around you, even Christians, may be acting worldly, not obeying God, or not involved in reaching others for Christ, but that is no reason for you to abandon your post!  Keep on keepin’ on, no matter what others are doing.  Do not tire of doing it alone.
    “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” II Thes. 3:13

It would be better for all if each Christian faithfully read God’s Word and obeyed all that he is shown but not many do that.  They often follow the actions and behavior of those they associate with.  With this reality in mind, our responsibility to be a proper, godly “ensample” is thrust on us.  Lead those who are watching or following your example down the right path.  There are eyes on your testimony — constantly!

“A godly, virtuous man shines the purity of his righteous life.  He is a lighthouse set by the sea-side, whereby mariners sail safely and avoid danger because of his light.  But, he that lives in sin is a false lantern, which shipwrecks those that trust him and follow his example.”  — Fellthan, 1668


A Christian Home
D. L. Moody

A godly house should be the best proof of true Christianity.  It is not my church; it is my house that knows me best.  It is not my pastor; it is my home companion who can best judge me.  It is the servant, the child, the wife, and the friend that can discern most of my real character.

A good man will improve his household.  Rowland Hill once said he would not believe a man to be a faithful Christian if his wife, children, servants, and even the dog and cat were not the better for it.  That is being a good Christian.

If your household is not the better for your Christianity, if men cannot say, “This is a better house than others,” then be not deceived; ye have nothing of the grace of God.  

Let not your servant on leaving your employ, say, “Well, this is an odd sort of a Christian family.  There was no prayer in the morning, and I saw no prayer at night.  I was kept at their home all Sunday working.  Once a fortnight, perhaps, I was allowed to go out in the afternoon when there was nowhere for them to go so that I could hear a Gospel sermon.  My master and mistress went to a place where they heard the blessed Gospel of God; as for me, I had to work.”

Surely, Christians should not act that way.  Carry out your godliness throughout your home.

An Encouraging Example
Bates, 1625-1699

Precepts instruct us what our duty is, but examples assure us they are possible.  Examples resemble a clear stream wherein we may not only discover our spots and sins but also be encouraged to wash and clean them.

When we see men like ourselves, united to frail flesh and in the same condition as us, but they overcome the most glorious and glittering temptations, we are encouraged in our spiritual warfare.  We are encouraged that we, too, can get the victory over such temptations and sin.

“Men can ‘live’ long after they are dead.  They can outlive their memory and may be more enduring than any monument of brass or marble.

“Their example may be like the circles rising around a sinking stone.  The waves it makes grow wider and wider, embracing a larger and larger sphere, until it dies in gentle wavelets on a distant beach.  Likewise, your example can also reach a distant time.  Take care, then, how you live now.” —Guthrie

An Encouraging, Cleaned Example
Talmage

A child from a filthy home was taught at school to wash his face.  He went home so much improved in appearance that his mother scrubbed her face.  When the father came home and saw the improvement in domestic appearances, he also cleaned his face.

The visiting neighbors also saw the change and tried the same experiment until all on that street were cleansed.  The next street copied their example.  Soon, the whole city felt the result of one schoolboy washing his face.

This tale illustrates the best way for the world to be washed of its sins and pollution.  It can start by cleansing our hearts and lives.  

A man with grace on his happy face, Christian cheerfulness in his heart, and consistency in his behavior is a sermon that many will see and will impact many lives.  Your godly Christian behavior and attitude will make a difference!

“The flower blossom cannot tell what happens to its fragrance.  Neither can any man tell what becomes of his influence and example.”  — Unknown


Showing Hope and Love
Deb McCoy

Recognizing hope in unexpected places,
Displaying courage and character that shines forth on our faces.
Joy unrestrained in heartfelt authenticity,
Facing challenges without sinking to fleshly complicity.

Persevering by faith against all odds,
Battling exhaustion through the lenses of facades.
’Tis grace that is unleashed from Heaven above,
Telling the story of our Father’s great love.

Beyond the most painful chapters in each of our lives,
We are met by the mercies of God as our hearts He revives.
This pathway of hope strengthens our testimony in the Lord.
Growth and vitality permeate our hearts and minds as we lift up His Sword.

Our commitment to God will reveal our willingness to obey,
May we always be mindful that salvation was costly as on Calvary’s cross He did pay.
Whatever your circumstances, Christ is your truest and most loving friend,
Hope is assured as you receive God’s favor and victoriously run the race to the end.

“One watch kept on time is good to set the time of others.  On the other hand, if one is not on time, it will be a poor example for others to set their time by.  Christian, be careful by whom you set your ‘time’.”  — E. Cook

The BIBLE VIEW #930 —Tabernacle Giving

In This Issue:
Give and Give
Before Anyone Gave

Volume: 930     October 30, 2023
Theme: Giving for the Tabernacle

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/EmailVersion/BibleView930email.pdf.  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.


Give and Give
Bill Brinkworth

God had just given Moses the instructions for the construction of the first “church,” the Tabernacle.  It was to be a beautiful place.  It was a “tent” and very portable, as it would be taken up and down as the people of Israel followed God through the wilderness.

Although the tabernacle was a tent, it was a holy dwelling place for God.  It would be richly laden with gold, silver, weavings, and precious stones.  The place of worship would be a monument honoring God.

“Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord… (Exodus 35:5)” commanded God of His people.

The people of Israel had been delivered from the cruel clutches of the Egyptians.  They had seen God open the sea so they could walk through it on dry ground!  God’s people saw the pursuing enemy drowned by the waters that had been their escape route.  

The Hebrews had seen the sky darken and the Earth shake as their leader, Moses, ascended a mountain to meet with God.  They saw and felt the Earth tremble as Moses talked with God.  

Israel felt the fury of God when they displeased Him. God was very real and wonderful to them.  What a wonderful opportunity God’s people had to obey their heavenly Father and give back to Him!

So, the people gave and gave.  Animals were skinned, and the hides were prepared for the Tabernacle’s outer coverings.  Oil was readied for the tabernacle’s lighting.  Wood was hewn.  Gold and silver were collected and crafted.  Furniture was constructed.  

Women labored over weaving looms.  Men collected precious stones and polished them.  The people had a mind to work.  All continued to give of themselves and their possessions with which God had richly blessed them.

Rich men contributed.  Leaders donated.  Socially important men and women shared.  Families sacrificially offered what they could.  Poor men and women gave.  

What a sight it must have been to see the pile of goods given to the service of God continue to grow.  How it must have felt to feel the air of unselfishness and zeal amongst God’s people.

One day, Moses stepped out amongst the people and commanded their attention.  “ … Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary … for the stuff we have is sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” (Ex.  36:6).  The people were restrained from giving as they gave more than enough!

Oh, Christian, if only we would have the same spirit of giving today.  Many today stop short when giving has anything to do with their pocketbooks.  

There is not one person who has anything that God has not given or allowed them to have.  Still, it is hard for people to give.

“Well, God had nothing to do with the new car I have sitting in my garage,” retort some.  Not true.  God blessed them with the job to earn the money to buy it.  He allowed them to have the health to be able to work.  Their heavenly Father blessed them with the intelligence to learn the skills that enabled them to earn money.

King Nebuchadnezzar once said almost the same thing.  He was proud of what he had done and gave God no credit for his accomplishments.  

Within one hour, God removed the leader’s intelligence.  High and mighty King Nebuchadnezzar was not so high and mighty any longer.  He ate grass and crawled on all fours like cattle.  

The once powerful ruler stayed that way for four years.  After finally recognizing that God had used him in doing all the marvelous things, God restored his sanity, and he became the leader again.

Do not learn the hard way, as did Nebuchadnezzar.  If you have anything, it is through God’s blessing.  Be a cheerful giver and give unto the Lord.  The most you can give is only part of what He has allowed you to have anyway.

We are responsible for being good stewards with our money, helping others, and seeing that the Gospel is carried throughout the country and world.  You can give of yourself, talents, time, and money to see that God’s will and way are accomplished.  He could do it Himself, but he chose to allow us.  

We also have the opportunity now to give and give.  Would it be wonderful for our spiritual leaders to get us to stop giving because we had given too much?  Oh, for giving hearts, as Israel once had.

“It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.”  — Braunstein


Before Anyone Gave
Bill Brinkworth

After fleeing Egyptian slavery, one of the most significant accomplishments of Israel was building the Tabernacle.  That portable tent was a God-designed place of worship for the over two million refugees seeking a new land God had promised them. 

All gave to support the monumental task that was to be laden with gold, silver, woven materials, and other materials (Exodus 35:5-19).  However, giving did not come naturally to those people.  Before they would provide, a change had to be made in their hearts.

Their leader, Moses, gathered the people together and pronounced they would head to a new land of great wealth and opportunity, but God would not lead them.  Moses highlighted their sin as a reason for God’s not guiding them.  He said they were a “stiffnecked people” (Ex. 33:3, 5, 34:9).

Their stubbornness and hard-heartedness cost them God’s protection, provision, and other blessings.  They immediately knew what angered God.  It was their clinging to ornaments (jewelry) they had brought from their bondage in Egypt.  What in particular about their adornments was sin is not clear.  The decorations were somehow tied to Egyptian idolatry and false worship. 

God had them gather these treasures from Egypt in the first place for His pre-known purpose of decorating the Tabernacle.  Most likely, the pagan etchings and engravings on the rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces depicted idolatrous images they were to flee from, not covet.  

Israel removed their jewelry (Ex. 33:4,6), which was a remnant of their ungodly past.  The realization that they were still hanging on to the old world and life they had been delivered from broke their hearts (they “mourned” – Ex. 33:4).  

Turning from their sin changed their heart about giving.  Those “treasures” of ungodliness lost their luster and value.  The things became a tool to glorify God.

People then gave so willingly that Moses did what every pastor dreams of doing; he commanded Israel to stop giving as what they had given was “sufficient” (Ex. 36: 5-7) for the task God had for them.  It is also recorded that they not only gave the valuables they were allowed to have while in Egypt, but many gave themselves to the task of building the place of worship.

This remarkable change in heart was all because they recognized their sin and desired to flee from its clutching grasp on their lives.  When they truly repented, their giving and service to the Lord were given more willingly (Ex. 35:21, 22, 29). 

Hearts were changed as their selfish priorities changed.  They were more united because they now had one important goal, and they accomplished what God had for them to do.

Too many today also have barriers that will keep them from living for God and serving Him.  It may be the pull on their lives of coveting, idolatry, dishonesty, or another sin.  They may have moments of “religious” activity, but a relationship between them and the Lord is missing. 

Unless sin is recognized, confessed, and repented of, people will not have the Lord’s leading in their lives.  Not until they get to the place of being grieved over the waywardness from obedience to God will anything change.  It is never too late to have the right change of heart!  It will change many things, including one’s giving.

“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” — Corneille

The BIBLE VIEW #929 — Modern Bibles

In This Issue:
The Attack to Change God’s Word
False Statements about Modern Bible Translations and Versions
Can’t Silence Conviction

Volume: 929     October 23, 2023
Theme: Modern Bibles

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView928.pdf.  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

The Attack to Change God’s Word
Bill Brinkworth

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” II Corinthians 2:17

The most important possession anyone can ever have is God’s Word — the Bible.  His Word will save a person’s soul from Hell, help one live a successful and fruitful life, protect one from sin’s damage, and help one get eternal rewards.  Because of its great importance, unfortunately, great efforts have been made to keep man from its truths and to change it.  None of the interferences have been from God!

  • In the Garden of Eden, the woman God created was first tempted to question and doubt God’s Word.  It was Satan, using the serpent, who attempted to confuse Eve with what God had said.  She fell for his trickery and allowed sin to enter the human race by disobeying God’s commandments.
    “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.  And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  Gen. 3:1
  • Satan’s tool of tempting others to question and disobey God’s commandments continued throughout the Bible.  The enemy of God and His people was most likely behind much of Israel and its leaders’ sins of disobedience.  Satan certainly was behind King David’s defiance of God’s commandments to him.
    “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” I Chron. 21:1
  • Early churches faced deceitful corruption of God’s truths and Jesus’ teachings.  Some false preachers claimed to have seen Christ and other “ministers” of God’s work deceived their flocks.
    “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” II Cor. 11:13
    “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:” Acts 15:24
    “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” II Pet.  2:1-2
  • Many tempted God’s people with their words rather than God’s.
    “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” Gal.  1:7  The perversion of the Gospel is continuing in many of today’s churches.
    “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” Col. 2:4
  • Most that taught false doctrines and not what God’s Word says did it for their benefit and motives.  Many false teachings continue today for the same reasons. 
    “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Rom. 16:18
    “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Tit 1:10-11     Often these “deceivers” are “religious” (the circumcision).
    “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:” Philip.  1:15


The main reason for all new “bible” perversions is to make money!  That is why each version varies from another, so it can be declared different and abide by copyright laws.  The KJV can be duplicated without paying royalties, whereas most modern “bible” owners are paid royalties when their revision is reprinted or even quoted, in some instances.

  • In man’s last days, there will be an increase in the corrupting of God’s commandments.  That occurs in ALL modern “bible” translations and versions.” 
    “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” I Tim 4:1-2

A spiritual battle rages (Eph. 6:12) to turn many from obeying God’s Word.  His Word is still being changed and hidden in all the new “bibles.”

With all the deception continuing today, how can one protect himself from those false teachings?  Following God’s Word is the only protection from being a casualty in today’s spiritual war.  It is preserved in the King James Bible for English-speaking people (the same Hebrew and Greek of the KJV is also preserved in Bibles in other major languages).  

“Try” or test what is said about God, Jesus, or His Word to see if it aligns with God’s ruler — the Bible.  If it does not line up, it is not the truth.  It is a lie, and it is not of God!

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” I John 4:1

“People and organizations that declare to be of God are not always what they claim!  Do not be deceived.  Read and study your Bible to discern what is truly of God!” — Author Unknown

False Statements about Modern Bible Translations and Versions
Bill Brinkworth

“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.” Revelation 22:19 

Much is said to sell new “bible” versions and their changed doctrines.  However, much of what is said to convince readers to adopt their version of God’s Word is untrue.  Here is a brief examination of incorrect statements said about the modern “bibles”:

  • “They make the Bible easier to understand.”  Much of the King James Bible is at a 5.8 grade reading level (1) (Flesh-Kincaid Grade level indicator).  The New International Version is at 8.4 grade level, New King James is at 6.9, and the New American Standard Bible is at 8.12.  Besides that, it is the Holy Spirit that allows anyone to know God’s Word, not man’s editing (I Cor. 2:14)!

Another motive is also behind “making the ‘bible’ easier to understand.” That motive is to make money.  If there are numerous changes, it can copyrighted, and its owner can earn money from its sales, as it is a new and different book.  The King James Bible is not copyrighted, so no one makes any royalties from its sale!

  • “They come from the originals” or “originate from more reliable manuscripts.”  The originals were never assembled in one place together.  What some call more “reliable” manuscripts were the ones that earlier believers rejected because of their corruption,  errors, and were seldom used.  That is one reason some of the older manuscripts were in good condition.
  • “They change ‘archaic’ words.” They do, but in many places the words replacing them change the meaning of the verse.  There are less than 20 words, not including verbs with “eth” added to them, in the KJV that are not commonly used today.  It would make more sense to understand their meaning by using a dictionary rather than changing the Bible.  Many modern books have words that the reader often has to look up in the dictionary, and no one even thinks of rewriting them to make them easier to understand.
  • “Scholars now know more than they knew then.”  Many of the authors and translators of the new versions did not even know Hebrew or Greek, nor were they experts in over 10+ ancient languages, as were many on the 1611 King James translating committee.  The translators of the King James were some of the most outstanding scholars and Christians of all time.
  • “They come from older manuscripts.”  The Masoretic Hebrew Text and the Greek Textus Receptus used in the KJV are older and more reliable manuscripts, not what is used in most modern versions.  Some of what are called the “older texts” are not reliable at all.  Historically, they were avoided because of their known mistakes and alterations.  Also, some “most ancient manuscripts” are over 100 years newer than those used in the KJV.
  • “They are correcting errors.”  There are no known errors in the King James Bible!  Most of what people call errors are intellectual or spiritual problems people had with what God said and recorded.  Changing His words may have eased their consciences, but it does not make it God’s Word, will, and way.  If the new “bible” versions are correcting “errors,” why are all 300+ versions different from each other?  Don’t they have it right yet?  Why are they still changing them?

    Several years ago, a website offered a large sum of money to anyone who could find an error in the KJV.  As far as I know, no one has ever found an error and has never collected a cent from the site!
  • “The new versions are more reliable.”  Most versions are written to teach the beliefs of the author(s), religion, or organization that produced the work.  Scripture that was contrary to their beliefs was removed or changed.  Also, the King James translators were honest enough that if they added words to make the context understood or to show what the Hebrew or Greek meant, they italicized the words.  Most modern versions remove the italicized words or do not italicize them.
  • “It is egotistical to think that only the King James in English is preserved.”  There is a text that comes from the Masoretic Text and Textus Receptus for all the major languages, including English, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Spanish.  Most of the major languages also have the preserved Word of God available to them.

Stick with the King James Bible!  It is the reliable, preserved Word of God!

 ** The King James Bible has 783,137 words, whereas the New International Bible has only 727,969. **  
1 Riplinger, G. A. New Age Bible Versions, Ararat, VA, 1995

“I notice if a man goes to cut up the Bible and comes to you with one truth and says, ‘I don’t believe this, and I don’t believe that,’ and doubts portions of the Word of God, he soon doubts it all.”  — D. L. Moody


Can’t Silence Conviction
Author Unknown

A child was in the habit of going to room where there was a store of apples.  She occasionally went to steal apples but encountered something that greatly troubled her.  

There happened to be in that storeroom an old oil painting.  It had a large face with eyes that appeared to be following her and a voice that seemed to say to her as she stole apples, “I see you.  It is very naughty.  I’ll tell on you.  You are sure to be found out.”

That picture annoyed the little girl and she was determined to stop the convicting portrait.  She got a small knife and struck the eyes out.  

Two large holes remained in place of the eyes, and she never could look at them without thinking of what she had done and what they used to “say” to her.  She had put out the eyes, but she had not, nor could she, get rid of her reminding conscience.

The same conviction of one’s sin is experienced after reading the real Word of God.  One may find a modern “bible” translation that changes wording so one’s sin is no longer mentioned, but it is still remembered what the real Word of God said about one’s iniquity.  

“God’s Word is meant to change the sinner, not for the sinner to change His Word to ease their conscience.”

The BIBLE VIEW #928 — Worldliness

In This Issue:
Why They Never Matured
Terrible Goods for Sale
The Ice Palace Is Gone
It’s All Vanity
Shaky Ground

Volume: 928     October 16, 2023
Theme: Worldliness

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView928.pdf.  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Why They Never Matured
Bill Brinkworth

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” I Cor. 3:1-3

The church in Corinth was often rebuked for its lack of spirituality.  As much as Paul the Apostle wanted to preach and teach the harder and more spiritual principles of living the Christian life, he could not because of their immaturity.

Many may have been saved for a longer time, but they still had not learned or practiced the basic spiritual concepts they had been taught.  Paul had to repeat and reteach principles they should have known and incorporated into their lives.

Why did they not grow in the things of the Lord?  Why were they still at the same spiritual level as some who had just been saved?

It was not their intellectual level that was holding them back from growth.  It was their carnal trust in their leaders rather than Christ Himself.  They had good, godly leaders, but their trust was more in the man who had taught them the principles of God than faithfully following the One the preacher spoke of!
“For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?  5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?  6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” I Cor. 3:4-7

They boasted and were more proud that they had had Paul or Apollos as their preacher than that they were Christians and were following all the principles taught by Christ Himself.  Their carnality and immaturity were because they were not following Christ!

Today, similar carnality abounds!  Instead of obeying all they read from God’s Word, people choose to give earthly leaders and religions more credence than the Bible’s truths.

When asked if a person is going to Heaven, one often hears, “I’m Catholic” or “I’m Methodist.”  Sometimes, one hears, “I went to Billy Graham’s church,” or another popular preacher.

We all need to attend a good, Bible-believing, Bible-obeying local church faithfully.  Still, one must never put their faith in any leader, church, or even their teachings, especially if they do not align with God’s Holy Word.  Just being a member of a Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Catholic, Hindu, or Islamic group and following their teachings alone also will not save anyone, nor will anyone ever grow spiritually! 

That kind of “religion” only creates more carnal followers.  That is why this world is full of religionists and baby “Christians” rather than God-obeying Christ-followers.  Grow in a good ministry, but most importantly, be a Christ-follower!
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I [Paul] have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Cor. 3:10-11

“Ah, vain world!  Thou art a poor reward for the loss of Christ and Heaven.  While Satan is pleasing thy fancy with the rattles and baubles of the Earth, his hand is on thy treasure, robbing thee of that which alone is necessary.  It is more necessary to be saved than to be in Hell.”
— Curnall, 1617-1679

Terrible Goods for Sale
Downaine, 1644

Like a subtle merchant, the world offers us a good sample of bad wares and outwardly presents the best end of the stuff to our view.  The innermost and middle parts of what was offered are usually coarse and unsatisfactory.  What we are tempted to partake in is slight and unworthy.  What we end up with is counterfeit and purposely falsified.  We find all this out when it is often too late to change our minds, and a life is often ruined by what the unsaved world offered.

“If you can get along with the world, then you are out of step with God.” — Dr. Harold Sightler

The Ice Palace Is Gone
Edited from an article by Newton, 1725-1807

As a boy, I read of an ice palace built one winter at Petersburg.  The walls, the roof, the floors, the furniture were all of ice and were finished with taste.  All that was in the ice palace could be found in a royal palace.  The ice, while in the state of water, had been previously colored so that all seemed formed of proper materials to the eye, but all was cold, useless, and transient.

Had the cold continued until now, the palace might have still stood, but with the returning spring, it melted away.  There should have been one stone in the building with an inscription reminding people of what once had stood on the spot, as there was no sign of it after the spring thaw.

Men build and plan as if their works were to endure forever, but time passes, and they are often gone.  After all their preparations and labor, there is usually no reminder of what they spent their money, passions, labors, and priorities on.  They put their life’s priorities on temporal things rather than those that would last for eternity.  Their priorities were spent on the wrong temporary things.

“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

It’s All Vanity
Edited from an article by Szvinnock, 1673

Men in the valley of poverty, disgrace, or pain often think that if they were on the top of a certain mountain, they would be far above their current position and be in a better place.  They think if they were there they would have riches, honors, fewer problems, more delights, and would be happier.

King Solomon had gotten to the top of that mountain and realized what he had done to get there.  It was there he said, “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Eccl.  2:11.  The things of this world can only bring temporary satisfaction.

“Those who go to the limit to enjoy all the things that the devil provides in this world find that the way in the end is hard.  For the moment, sin appears to be the thing that you need, and there is a thrill in sin, but the thrill soon destroys the sinner, and it becomes a burden and a heartache.”
— Dr. Harold Sightler

Shaky Ground
Spurgeon

In Chile, where the ground is subject to frequent shocks from earthquakes, the houses are built of low height and are unenduring structures.  It is useless to dig deep foundations and pile up high walls where the earth is so unstable.  It would be foolish to build something that would stand for ages, when the whole edifice might be in ruins in a week.

Herein, we read a lesson as to our worldly schemes and possessions.  This poor, fleeting world deserves not that we should build our hopes and joys upon it as though they could last us long.  We must treat it as treacherous soil and build but lightly on it.

“Let us use worldly things as wise pilgrims do their walking staves and other necessaries they pack for their journey.  So long as they help us forward in our way, let us use them and accordingly esteem them.  But, if they become troublesome hindrances and cumbersome burdens, let us leave them behind us, or cast them away.” —Lowname, 1644.

The BIBLE VIEW #927 — Salvation

In This Issue:
“She’s Going Down!”
“The Walking Dead,”
“How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Sved?”

Volume: 927     October 9, 2023
Theme: Salvation

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView927.pdf.  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

“She’s Going Down!”
Bill Brinkworth

Unbeknown to the S. S. Human Race, she was sailing her last voyage.  In the misty darkness, at around 12 bells, the mighty ship struck a partially sunken shipping container that had previously strayed off a cargo ship.

The mighty vessel had been struck mid-ship, and there was a gashing, gushing hole on her bottom.  The incoming seawater could not be stopped, nor could the tear in the ship’s metal belly be covered.  Sea water was pouring in faster than all the bilge pumps could handle.  She was riding deeper in the water and was slowly sinking.

Those in the low-rate berths were the first to experience the danger.  Their cabins filled up with water quickly.  Some drowned without even waking from their slumber.  Many who did escape found that the passageways were blocked with floating debris and could not get out.  They, too, drowned.

On the more luxurious upperlevels, a different situation occurred.  They heard the warning alarms.  They listened to the screams and heard of the disasters in the lower-class levels, but most were unalarmed, as most assumed they would be rescued.

“Why, we are important people in our society.  Some of us are leaders in our country and are essential to our nation’s well-being.  Others are wealthy and mean so much to the companies and foundations they run and support.  We are all well-educated and have far more degrees and honors than most.  Many are the elite and have done nothing but good to all around them.  We are nothing like those poor, ignorant folks below deck.  When the danger we are in is heard of, all effort will be made to keep us from the tragedy those other poor brutes below deck have faced,” was the thinking of those in the upper decks.

However, help never came in time.  The vessel expelled its last breath of air and succumbed to the water’s pull.  She went down with no survivors.  The liner went down with all aboard: the poor, the rich, the ignorant, the intellectuals.  All perished on the sinking ship.

Humankind is also on a similar “ship.”  It has always gone down morally, spiritually, and socially since the first sin in the Garden of Eden.  It is destined to perish.  Finances, knowledge, good works, kindness, man-made religion, or goodness can never plug its leaking hull.  Although it is still above water, it is riding lower in the sea of sin and shame daily.  One day, it will be too late for anyone to be rescued from the doomed vessel.

However, right now, there is an opportunity for any to be rescued from her sinking demise if they do what God requires.  God hates all of the sins we are guilty of, but He does not wish any to perish.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9

Many years ago, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be a sacrifice for all of man’s sins if individuals would accept what Jesus had done for them.  All that is needed to escape the sinking, Hell-bound “ship” is to acknowledge and confess to the Father the truth that we are sinners and are headed for a hot, lonely, eternal torment.  After recognizing our sinful situation, the only life raft available can be boarded by trusting that Jesus’ death was the only payment God will accept for our sins.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:23

No good works, kindness, good living, religion, or anything we can do can rescue us from our doom.  Only calling upon Jesus to save us will get us off the sinking “vessel.”
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

A “savior” rescues a person from harm, but no person can save anyone from eternal destruction.  Only a “Saviour,” who is God, can do that. 

The only real Saviour is Jesus Christ, and He can save anyone from eternal damnation.  Trust Christ alone as your Saviour to keep you from the Hell many on the S.S. Human Race will one day experience.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

“I am not a Christian because I am strong and have it all figured out.
I am a Christian because I am weak and admit I needed a Saviour.”  
— Author Unknown


The Walking Dead
Bill Brinkworth

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Ephesians 2:1-3

Is it possible to be dead, still walking, and appear alive?  Could scenes from the old horror movies where the dead staggered through the villages be close to reality?

Of course not!  When a person is dead, they either go to Heaven or Hell.  However, it is possible to walk, talk, see, hear, smell, touch, and be spiritually dead.

When sin first entered humanity through Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience, something terrible happened to them.  God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  He told them (Genesis 2:17) that if they did eat of the fruit, “… thou shalt surely die.”

They disobeyed God and ate the fruit, but it is clear that they did not die right away.  They talked, walked, hid, and had children.  Was God not telling the truth?  No, God cannot lie.  Eventually, their bodies died.  They are definitely not walking the streets today.  However, something more important in them did “die” long before their bodies gave their last breath.

When God made Adam, he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7).  When sin was committed, that part of him “died.”  He still walked, talked, and lived life, but not to the fullest because the most important part of him, his soul, became separated from God – a type of death.  From then on, every person born was born separated from God.  They laugh, cry, talk, and sometimes live long lives, but spiritually, they are far from God and are “dead”!

All are the “walking dead” until that dead part of them is made “alive.” When people realize they are guilty of breaking God’s heart and commandments with their sin and trust that Christ’s death on the cross is the only payment God will accept to cover their sins, they can be saved from Hell.

John 3:3 calls salvation being “born again.” When one is born again, he is a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).  The new person should see, think, talk, and live differently.  

The famous hymn, “Amazing Grace,” touts this revived difference in the changed person when it says, “… I once was blind, but now I see.” A born-again person has a new, spiritual birth, and many things in his life change.  He sees and experiences life quite differently.

It is possible to be alive but missing one of the most important facets of life: a soul in fellowship with God.  Without that living part, there may be laughter but no joy, and sight but no understanding of the danger to which one is headed.  There may be hearing, but only heeding the voice of the world and the wicked, and thinking only of themselves and certainly not what God desires of them.  

Just as the deaf or blind are certainly alive but missing some of what life has to offer, so are the “walking dead.” Those that are not born-again are the walking dead.  Are you born-again or one of the spiritually unborn?

“The most important question concerning any man living is this: Is he a saved soul or not?  Is he a child of God or an heir of wrath?” — Spurgeon

How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Saved?

  1. Know that you are a sinner:
    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23  Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.
  2. Know that Hell is the payment for all that have sinned.
    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
    “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
  3. BUT, there is good news!  Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
    “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
    “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

“There are only two classes of people in this world: the saints and the ain’ts.”
— Vernon McGee

The BIBLE VIEW #926 — Temptations

In This Issue:
The Weapon Against Temptations
There’s A Battle Out There!
Satan Knows
Always a Way of Escape
Making Provision

Volume: 926     October 2, 2023
Theme: Temptations

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView926.pdf.  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.


The Weapon Against Temptations
Bill Brinkworth

All people face temptations at one time or the other.  Often, we can choose to do God’s will and way or ignore His desires and do what we desire. 

Jesus was not exempt from facing similar temptations.  The most famous of Jesus’ trials is in Luke 4, where the devil tempted Jesus.

Although most of us will not rank the personal attention of Satan’s temptations, we can learn how to face our temptations by following Christ’s example.  What gave Christ the victory then will help us succeed today.

In all three testings (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus faced, He was victorious.  We can also win when we are tempted to sin.  We do not have to succumb to the impulse to lie, cheat, deceive, commit adultery, or any other weakness our flesh wants to give in to.

None of Jesus’ trials were won by clever answers, reasoning with the enemy, or compromising.  They were overcome by simply quoting and abiding by biblical principles.

When Jesus was tempted to turn the stones into bread, He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “… make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”  Satan attacked again and tried to tempt Jesus by offering power and the things on Earth.   Christ’s defense was scriptural: “…Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve.…” Deut. 10:20.

By the third temptation, Satan knew how Jesus would fend him off.  Satan attempted to counter with Scripture.  Satan’s misquoting and misusing of God’s Word (Psalm 91:11, did not hamper Jesus.  Jesus simply quoted Deuteronomy 6:16: “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God….”

The key to facing temptation is not running from it, ignoring it, or giving in to it.  It is determining if it is wrong, and if so, sticking to the guidelines given in the Bible.  That is why reading and studying God’s Word is so important. 

One never knows what temptations will be faced.  When you do encounter them, will you know what God’s Word says about the confronting trial?  Do you know Scripture well enough to make it your protection and guide you through the pitfalls you are encountering?

“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

There’s A Battle Out There!
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important principles for a Christian to understand is that there is a spiritual battle going on.  Most of the assault is invisible, but the war against God and His followers rages.
“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.” Ephesians 6:12

Peter closed his letter in I Peter with a similar warning as was stated in Ephesians 6:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

Many Christians trust Christ as Saviour, but that is as far as the relationship goes.  They never see there is a spiritual battle around them, they are involved in it,  and they are a casualty.

A Christian cannot lose his salvation in the battle.  It is already bought and paid for.  His name was already written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  However, a Christian can have his testimony destroyed in the foray.  That is the intent of the enemy, Satan.  He cannot take a saved man to Hell with him, but he can make sure the child of God is of no use to the cause of Christ.  If he can wound one of God’s warriors, that Christian will be out of the battle, at least temporarily.

Sadly, Satan has won many battles.  Many Christians have been saved, but the “roaring lion” sought them and devoured their zeal and testimony. 

The enemy of God and mankind may have pounced on a Christian’s pride and sent the child of God permanently home from church because his feelings were hurt.  Satan’s efforts may have crippled a babe-in-Christ by making it seem like the Word of God was too hard for him to understand, so the believer never read the Bible and was weakened by spiritual ignorance.  

Perhaps the enemy used the ploy of leading the Christian to a dead or liberal church.  The child of God never grew because he was not spiritually fed or educated with the Truth. 

The enemy also may have encouraged believers to read a modern perversion of the Word of God, so they never hear all God desires them to know.  They are also weakened because they were not fed meat from God’s Word.

There are thousands of weapons in the enemy’s war chest.  Satan hates God and the things of God.  Satan’s primary purpose is to make sure that the cause of Christ is hampered.  Sadly, he has succeeded with his attacks on many attempting to live for Christ.

We have been warned.  There is a battle for the souls of mankind and for the disarming of Christian soldiers.  However, if the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6 is spiritually donned, all can be victorious in the battle for the cause of Christ.  With God’s help, we can overcome the trials and temptations we face.
“Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world,”  I John 5:4

“You cannot win the war if you are not even in the battle.” — Author Unknown


Satan Knows
T. Watson, 1871

The devil does not know the hearts of men, but he may feel their pulse, know their temper, and accordingly can apply himself.  As the farmer knows what seed is proper to sow in such soil, Satan, discovering one’s temper, knows what temptation is suitable to plant in such a heart.  He tempts the ambitious man with a crown, the sanguine man with beauty, and the covetous man with a wedge of gold.  Mankind’s enemy provides savory temptations he knows the sinner loves.  

“The temptations of Satan, which he intended for their destruction, frequently become jewels to adorn the crowns of God’s people when they stand before the eternal throne.”  — Author Unknown


Always a Way of Escape
Author Unknown

There is a place in the Hudson River where, as you sail, you seem to be entirely hemmed in with hills.  The boat drives on toward a rocky wall, and it looks as if it must either stop or be dashed to pieces.  However, as you come within the shadow of the mountain, an opening is suddenly discovered, and the boat passes out into one of the grandest bays on the river.

So it is with temptation.  You are not to seek it and not to surrender to it.  God promises no way out in such a case.  But, if it meets you on your Heavenward journey, you are to go straight on, though you see no way out.  

God does not promise “… a way to escape …” (I Cor. 10:13) until the temptation actually comes.  If you keep on, the “way” will reveal itself in due time.  Remember, as in that river, the beautiful bay lies just around the frowning rock.  So often, your sweetest and best experience in life lies just behind your most threatening temptation.

“When meeting temptation, turn to the right.” — Author Unknown


Making Provision
W. B. Knight

One day Bob was given definite instruction by his mother not to go swimming in the nearby pond.  Shortly afterward, he was to pass the pond enroute to the ballpark.  He took along with him his bathing suit, just in case he was tempted.  The boy made provision for the flesh to fail.

It was different for an older man.  He knew what tempted him and how he would react.  “When I pass a watermelon patch, I can’t keep my mouth from waterin’, but I can run past it.”

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”   Rom. 13:14