July, 2024 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #968 — Murmuring

In This Issue:
Against God’s Anointed
Misery of Murmuring
Do We Dare Murmur?
Danger of Murmuring
Murmuring and Contentment

Volume: 968 July 22, 2024
Theme: Murmuring

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Against God’s Anointed
Bill Brinkworth

God uses men and women for His different purposes. God has delegated many of the needs of His people to different ministries He knows are paramount. One such need that God knows is important is to have a shepherd of a local assembly of believers. That man is called a “pastor” or “preacher”.

Maybe because of jealousy that they are not called to the position of pastoring, or knowing they are not scripturally qualified for such a role of leadership, or perhaps they disagree with how he is performing his ministry, or have the belief they can do a better job than their pastor, many talk against and about their preacher. What a dangerous mistake they make when they do so.

Throughout the Bible there are examples of how God dealt with those who rose and spoke against God’s man, such as:

When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, Miriam was plagued with leprosy (Num. 12:9-10).
When the people of Israel spoke against God and Moses (Num. 21:5-6), God sent fiery serpents to chastise them for their sins.
When Korah and over 250 others spoke against Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:2-3), God allowed the earth to swallow Korah and the others up.
When children mocked God’s man, Elisha (II Kings 2:22-23), God allowed two she bears to destroy 42 mockers.
History tells us that Pontius Pilate, who ordered Jesus’ death, died by suicide.
Judas turned against Jesus and became so miserable about what he had done against Jesus that he killed himself (Mat. 27:5).
The thief who perished on the cross with Christ spoke against Jesus and did not get saved and go to Heaven.

David would not go against King Saul, even though the King did wrong several times against him. David’s heart was, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed:…” I Samuel 26:11. David knew it was wrong to oppose God’s man. However, today, many do not restrain themselves from talking against or doing ill against the leader God has placed over the local church.

The pastor of any church certainly is not perfect. No one will agree with everything anyone does, let alone the many decisions the local shepherd has to make. He probably would not agree with all we do, either. However, he is the leader of the local church that God has for this time and should be obeyed, respected, and encouraged. Unless scriptural error is involved, God takes him home, or God relocates him, he is to stay the church leader.

** Murmur: A muttered or subdued grumble or complaint **

Belittling and questioning his ministries does much damage:

Murmuring against God’s man is a sin, and sin can only harm one’s life. One will not be all one can be with any iniquity in one’s life.
Murmuring about another’s work for Christ will put one in a position of judging (Mat. 7:1), and that is the Holy Spirit’s job, in most situations, not ours.
Complaining about the pastor or any other church leader or facet of the church will only spread discontent among others. It will sow seeds of discord and, in most cases, will only hinder, not build, the ministry (Proverbs 6:16-19). Division among members will result when leadership is opposed.
Speaking against the pastor or another God-appointed leader could hinder the Holy Spirit of God from working in lives or could bring the wrath of God on violators.
Speaking ill against God’s leader will not encourage the pastor to do all he can. It discourages most pastors, and the body of Christ will surely suffer.
When we talk about or question what the pastor is doing (or other church leaders, for that matter), we are negating his authority to the listeners. If our children hear us roast the preacher after a sermon, it may not be long until the children lose respect for his ministry and do not heed the biblical advice that is delivered from the pulpit or classroom.

One day, the parent may wonder why their children are not following what was taught in church from the Bible. They would never suspect their bad-mouthing of the preacher in their home had taught them that if the parents do not respect the pastor, they do not have to either.
Murmuring against the man of God will hinder the effect any ministry has on the neighboring community if any disunity among church members is heard by them.

Aaron and Hur knew a principle about helping the man of God that would encourage and support any pastor today. They noticed that when Moses’ arms were up while directing a battle, Israel had the victory over the enemy. When the leader was tired and had no strength to lift his arms, the battle was in the favor of the enemy. Aaron and Hur made sure their leader’s arms were held high so that they would get the victory. They physically held up their leader’s arms.

If more people would realize that honoring God’s man is honoring Godand His work and would encourage and help their pastor, more spiritual battles would be won. More pastors would be encouraged. Lift your leader’s arms, do not force them down!

“If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything!” — My Mother

Misery of Murmuring?
T. Brooks

Every murmurer is their own executioner.

Murmuring vexes the heart.
It wears and tears the heart.
It enrages and inflames the heart.
It also wounds and stabs the heart.

Every murmurer is their own destroyer. No man is as miserable as the gossiper is. No man hath such inward gripes and griefs, and bitterness and heaviness as he who complains. Every murmurer is their own tormentor.

Murmuring is a fire within that will burn up all.
It is an earthquake within that will overturn everything.
It is a disease within that will infect all.
It is a poison within that will prey upon all.

“The very word murmur, how simple it is. It is comprised of two infantile sounds — ‘mur mur’. There is no sense in it; no wit, or no thought in it. It is the cry rather of a brute than of a man. Murmur — just a double groan.”
— Spurgeon

Do We Dare Murmur?
John Bate

The Lord of the harvest has the right to come and take any part of His grain from the field, in whatever condition it may be. He may pluck it up in the tiny spiral blade or in the blooming ear. He may let it grow until it bends under its weight and shines its golden richness.

It does not become the grain to murmur at the proprietor’s conduct. It was his grain before it was sown, his land in which it was planted, and his servants who sowed it.

Has the grain any right to complain of its proprietor? No more have we of God in any of His doings with us. Can He not do as He chooses with His own? Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right?

“If you’re busy rowing the boat, you won’t have time to rock it!”
— Author Unknown

Danger of Murmuring
T. Brooks

Caesar prepared a great feast for his nobles and friends. Unfortunately, it was a miserable day. He was so displeased by the rainy weather that he commanded all the men who had bows to shoot up their arrows at Jupiter, their chief “god,” in defiance of him for the rainy weather. When they shot them, they, of course, fell short of their target, and the arrows came back to Earth. In so doing, the arrows fell upon their heads so that many of them were wounded.

All of our murmurings and complaining, which are as so many arrows shot at God himself, will one day return upon ourselves. They will never reach Him, but they will hit us. They will not hurt God, but they will wound us. Therefore, it is better to be mute than to murmur.

Murmuring and Contentment
Trench

Some murmur when their sky is clear
And wholly bright to view,
If one small speck of dark appear
In their great heaven of blue;
And some with thankful love are filled
If but one streak of light,
One ray of God’s good mercy, gild
The darkness of their night.

In palaces are hearts that ask,
In discontent and pride,
Why life is such a dreary task,
And all good things denied?
And hearts in poorest huts admire
How love has in their aid
(Love that not ever seems to tire)
Such rich provision made.

“Ten minutes’ praying is better than a year’s murmuring.” — Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #967 — No One Gets Away with Sin!

In This Issue:
“… They Shall Know That I Am the Lord”
“How Many Do You Count Me?”
The Hand of God Was Against Them
Retaliation?

Volume: 967 July 22, 2024
Theme: No One Gets Away with Sin

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“… They Shall Know That I Am The Lord.”
Bill Brinkworth

While reading the book of Ezekiel, a phrase that occurred 24 times made me curious. It is the phrase “…they shall know that I am the Lord”. Although Ezekiel’s warnings and prophecies were to the Jews before and after the fall and capture of Jerusalem (around 587 BC), today, we can also learn from God’s warnings to those people. What angered God then, if repeated today, will also anger Him now.

My first query when I encountered the phrase was, “How did they know God was judging them?” The context around those phrases revealed what happened to them when the wrath of God was upon them. Here is a summation of how they suffered when God used circumstances to teach them a lesson:

Their land became unprofitable and a wasteland. In comparing what wayward Israel suffered, I see many similarities in what is happening to America today. Our country is not providing what it once did. Not very long ago, our country provided much for other nations. Today, our country relies on too many things from different countries. It may not be long until God’s wrath makes us more desolate. Lack of jobs and failure of the economy also happened to Israel. (Ez. 6:14, 29:9)
They reaped what they had sown. (Ez. 7:27) When any country, be it Israel or America, turns against God and does not follow His principles and precepts, they cannot expect God’s hand to bless and protect them.
God scattered them among the nations and dispersed them in other countries (Ez. 12:15). Today, we also have battles worldwide, and our soldiers are dispersed throughout the lands. Some workforces are dispersing their employees to other countries to work.
Men and women suffered from the sword (Ez. 26:6).
God sent pestilences and allowed violence in the streets. (Ez. 28:23) We have helped countries battle pestilences, and now we are fighting them in our land. Growing police forces and overpopulated prisons prove violence is increasing today.
God enabled an enemy to act against them (Ez. 30:25).
The enemy would infiltrate their own country (Ez. 30:26).
A fire was sent to devour them (Ez. 28:18).
They lost their freedom. Today, our liberties are legislated away, and we, too, are slowly being enslaved by the government.

My next question when encountering the phrase “…They shall know that I am the Lord,” was what was it they were doing that God would not tolerate? Since God has not changed what he would not tolerate then, He will not accept today. Here are some of the things He would not tolerate and judged His people because of their commissions of these violations:

Idolatry, which is the worshipping of other “Gods”. The “god” of certain religions is not the God of the Bible. The false teaching that there are many ways to get to Heaven is not biblical and encourages many people to allow idolatry, even if the religion is labeled “Christian”.
They were rebellious against God (Ez. 12:9). They were not obeying His commandments.
They spoke against God’s people (Ez. 25:8, 26:2). Although these verses were prophetic, lately, we can see governments taking sides against God’s people, Israel, and Christians.
They defiled His sanctuaries (Ez. 28:18) by not worshipping the way God expected them to worship. Are we not doing similar things by changing His Word, worshipping Him the way we think we should worship Him, mocking and cursing His name, and justifying away His creation and plan?
They boasted against God (Ez. 35:13) and spoke against Him. This is done by many today, who tell others how to treat God and how to live. Every man is doing what seems right in his own eyes.
They had evil ways (Ez. 36:31) and personal sins. Our nation can also be judged for our own personal, contagious sins.

Ezekiel certainly cannot be summed up in so few words. However, it does contain warnings. We can learn from these cautions against people who were doing wrong so we do not repeat what they did.

It appears, however, that history is repeating itself. Throughout the world, people are doing the same things that Ezekiel warned ancient Israel of. The people of Ezekiel’s day did not get away with their sins, and we certainly will not. We can stop the vicious cycle by changing our lives and doing what God wants us to do — today.

How Many Do You Count Me?
Author Unknown

When Antigonus was ready to engage in a sea fight with Ptolemy’s armada, the pilot cried out, “How many are they more than we?”

The courageous king replied, “’Tis true, if you count their numbers, they surpass us, but for how many do you value me?”

When our enemies come upon us like a flood, threatening to devour us with rage and fury, let us remember that though we are few, and they are many, our God is the God of salvation. He must be counted far more than all that are against us.

“Man is unjust, but God is just, and finally justice triumphs.”
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Hand of God Was Against Them
C. Buck

Many say it is a presumption in pronouncing calamities of sinners are particular judgments from God. A study was made of many cruel persecuting tyrants who delighted in tormenting their fellow creatures.

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

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

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

Retaliation?
Sunday

Seth Joshua, one of the leaders of the great Welsh revival of generations past, once arrived in a town where he was scheduled to preach and found placards everywhere announcing the “Great Seth Joshua”. They told all about him but were advertising a stage imitation of the minister at a local theatre that night. Grotesque drawings promised much fun at the expense of the servant of the Lord.

The theatre was packed that night, and the crowd cheered as the actor came on the stage in perfect imitation of preacher Joshua. The actor raised his arms as he circled the stage, burlesquing the Bible and the evangelist.

The third time around, the actor fell with a thud, and a hushed audience soon discovered that he was dead. God does not hold His wrath forever.

“True justice brings joy to the righteous and fear to the evil.”
—Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #966— Fear

In This Issue:
Stopping Worrisome Thoughts
Hand Them Over to God
When Fear Is Sinful
Be Not Afraid

Volume: 966 July 15, 2024
Theme: Fear

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Stopping Worrisome Thoughts
Bill Brinkworth

Like so many, Asaph was troubled and pondered his situation as he lay down to sleep. Bedtime, while overwhelmed with concern, is an excellent time to talk to the Lord about problems. Asaph did just that (Psalm 77:1-3). However, as do most, the more he thought about his predicament, the larger the problem seemed.

After the musician’s constant contemplation of his calamity continued, more terrible thoughts added to his dilemma. “Will God no longer help me (Psalm 77:7)? Will His mercy never intervene on my behalf (Psalm 77:8) again? Because of God’s anger, will He never again be gracious (Psalm 77:9) to me?

Rather than letting his worrisome thinking make matters worse, his logic and memory returned, putting the situation back into perspective. Asaph recalled the years that God had helped in the past (Psalm 77:10-19). He reasoned and was reassured that God would do them again!

People need to pull themselves out of the destructive worry cycle. Instead of being frightened and overwhelmed by the vast mountain of troubles they may face, they need to look back and remember all that God had done for them in the past. That is what Asaph did, and fear and hopelessness were replaced by faith and hope.

If our walk and relationship with the Lord are the same as when God delivered us in the past, He will do it again. Our warranty with the Lord has not run out. He is the same God who helped us face the last mountain of fear in the past. He will see to it that His will for our lives is accomplished!

“Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.” — Author Unknown

Hand Them Over to God
Bill Brinkworth

Fear is an emotion that all experience. David wrote about his fearsome feelings often. In Psalm 56, he admitted that he was struggling with many things that made him afraid.

David daily faced enemies (Psalm 56:1-2). Peace must have escaped him as he was often cautious of attacks. Not knowing who or where he would be attacked, physically or mentally, would have most people on edge.

The leader’s enemies twisted his words around (“wrest”) — Psalm 56:5. Quite often, I imagine, he had to defend himself from their convoluted remarks and slander, much like those currently hurled at ex-President Trump. Much of what the president says is misinterpreted and bent to make him look bad to the public. David seemingly faced a similar battle with his opponents. Having what you have said being constantly misquoted and questioned would also put one on alert and cause cautiousness.

David’s adversaries regularly watched what he was doing to find something that could be misconstrued as being wrong. He was under the intense scrutiny of many wanting him to fail or to find a weak point where he could be rebuked. His demise was often planned and discussed in private meetings (Psalm 56:6, 8).

In all that he faced and feared, his defense, often his offense, was the Lord. He had faced so many troubles and trials that he learned an invaluable lesson. One cannot handle most problems onself. David was determined to let go and let God handle his opposition. When he was afraid, it was the perfect time to trust God — again!
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

David’s fear subsided when he turned his troubles over for the Lord to handle. That is one thing all should know. We cannot handle most troublesome predicaments. We need help, and that help is, again, just a prayer call away.
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalm 56:11

“Don’t try to hold God’s hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding, and you the trusting.” — Webb-Peploe

When Fear Is Sinful
C. Buck

Being afraid is sinful when:

It proceeds from unbelief or distrust of God.
When it ascribes more to a frightening situation than is due.
When we fear a situation without considering that God is in control.
When we fear that God cannot be trusted or that He will break His promises.
When our fear is extreme and that fear distracts us from living everyday life.

Be Not Afraid
Bill Brinkworth

Fear is one of the biggest stumbling blocks most youth and adults face. We are afraid of what could happen, what did happen, or what others may think.

We fear for safety, and we fear because of the unknown. Is there something under the bed or beyond the next dark corner? Will the bully be there today? Will I answer incorrectly in class, and will the kids think of me as stupid and laugh? Young stomachs are tied in knots because of something an adult meant figuratively (“I’ll kill him” or “the hurricane will blow us away”). Adult stomachs, eaten by years of worrying, can develop ulcers.

We fear. We fret. All is in vain: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Mat. 6:27) What good will worry do? It won’t make you taller or thinner. It never solves situations; it just adds to the problem.

Over 50 times in the Bible, we are admonished not to be afraid, including:

When Moses prepared the people for their new life in a new land, he told them of the enemies they would face and not to fear them:
“Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;” Deut. 7:18
Instead of worrying about what could happen, remember how God has helped you in the past and how He will again, if you ask.

God reminded Israel that when it looked out-matched and outnumbered, He was still with them and could help them.
“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Deut. 20:1
Remember who God is and how no one is a match against Him.

Being outnumbered means nothing to God. Nothing is impossible with God.
“… Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” II Chron. 20:15
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Nehemiah had a seemingly impossible task before him: rebuilding a city. To make matters worse, the government and others tried to stop him from his mission, but he still remembered God was on his side.
“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” Nehemiah 4:14

David, the great warrior and leader, also had fears. He reminded us not to be:
Fearful of getting hurt.
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalm 56:11
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” Luke 12:4

Afraid of the night or enemies.
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” Psalm 91:5
Afraid of what could happen during your sleep.
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Proverb 3:24
Afraid of fear itself or being alone.
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” Proverb 3:25

Life has many questionable twists and turns. They can be daunting and frightening at times. However, a Christian does not need to be alarmed or troubled. The Christian is never alone. His heavenly Father looks over him day and night. Nothing can happen to a believer without the Father’s knowing, and He can keep His children safe.

“The powerful hydrochloric acid can burn much of what it touches, including human skin. Put it in a glass bottle, and it will stay there forever without doing any damage.

“Worry can be as destructive to people as that acid, but put it in the right container, and it will do no harm. That right container is our Lord’s hands. Don’t try to handle worry. Give it to God.” — B. B.

The BIBLE VIEW #965 — Christian Service

In This Issue:
God’s Toolbox
Do What You Can
God Uses the Faithful

Volume: 965 July 8, 2024
Theme: Service

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God’s Toolbox
Bill Brinkworth

Every handyman has a toolbox in which his tools are stored. Since maintenance repairs are varied, so are his tools.

The box usually does not contain just hammers or screwdrivers. It is filled with different tools to help fix whatever may be broken. Most likely, there are wrenches, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, sockets, and many others. There is much to be maintained.

Just as a person maintains what one has, or at least should, God also has tasks around His creation that also need attention. He has angels and other heavenly creatures who do His bidding. On Earth, He often uses people to meet the needs of mankind.

To accomplish what the Master requires, God gives His workers specific tools to get His job done. No, the tools are not hammers, wrenches, or saws. The tools provided to each of His born-again family members are special, spiritual gifts. When God meets the needs of a person or a group, He often selects one to complete the task utilizing the gift God has given the person to accomplish what needs to be done.

The tools to meet man’s everyday needs, both spiritual and physical, have changed as church ages have progressed. Before God had man compile the complete Word of God, He handled mankind’s needs differently.

Since the early church did not have His written guidelines, He presented people with other abilities; many of them are referred to as sign gifts. They were “signs” that God was with His people.

Those nine spiritual gifts included words of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12: 8-10). Many of these gifts stopped or changed when “that which is perfect is come” (1 Corinthians 13:10: the Bible.

When the Bible was made available to people, they were to live by faith (II Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 3:1) and no longer needed to live by sight. Christians no longer needed the “proof” by miracles.

God is not done with mankind yet. He still has big plans for those willing to turn to and heed Him. Although God still does miracles, the believer no longer needs the sign gifts of the early church because they have God’s written instructions. Instead of “sign gifts” to accomplish the tasks God desires, He equips the child of God with at least one of seven gifts (Romans 12:6-8) that He has provided for this church age. These gifts are the tools God knows will be necessary to do the tasks He requires. These “tools” include:

Prophecy. This gift of prophecy is not the same as the early church had. They were able to foretell the future. We no longer need to foretell the future, as God has recorded all He desires us to know about it in His preserved Word. That ability to predict the future has stopped (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Prophecy also can mean, as Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines it, “to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects …” This is an essential gift still needed amongst today’s believers. This gift from God enables certain believers who have read and studied the Word of God to help other believers by sharing its meaning. These people can shed light on a dark situation in a person’s life and can tell a troubled person God’s solution to the problem, according to God’s Word.

Ministry. Another essential tool needed to support the needs of God’s people is the gift of meeting the needs of and ministering to others. The service to others often does not get the spotlight it should, but the body of Christ suffers when the possessor of this gift does not exercise it.

The gift of ministry has no limits as to what it can encompass. When a need is seen, service can be rendered by feeding those who cannot feed themselves, bringing children to church who cannot get there themselves, pushing an invalid in a wheelchair, helping a sick person recover, helping the deaf “hear” the Gospel by signing for them, cleaning the church’s restrooms, and on and on. People’s needs are so many.

Teaching. Just as a student in school needs guidance to understand required subjects, so does the child of God need a teacher who has the gift of teaching the truths of the Bible. God has given some the gift to teach the principles, doctrines, and facts found in His Word. As the eunuch told Philip when he could not understand the scriptures, “… How can I, except some man should guide me? …” (Acts 8:31).

Exhorting. Exhorting is an essential tool that God has given certain believers. This gift is used to encourage and comfort fellow believers. Many more would be encouraged and still be fruitful in the ministry if more spiritual cheerleaders were urging Christian soldiers onward.

Giving. Anyone can get and take, but with the tool of giving, God has for some, many have the desire to give and give. They give of themselves, their time, and often their finances. Most churches physically would not exist if givers had not provided for their existence. Many are encouraged to serve and live for God because someone thought them important enough to give time and energy to help them.

Ruling (Leadership). Too many want to be boss, but God does not give this gift of ruling the local flock of believers to everyone. With this gift, a leader can lead and encourage the work of God to grow and accomplish much. He also has wisdom in the administration of the church and other ministries.

Mercy. In a very angry world, this unique tool can soothe and aid those in hard times. With this gift of kindness and understanding, many are given second chances and encouraged to keep serving and obeying the Lord, no matter what has happened. It is because of this gift that some have that many lives have been changed.

God loves His people and wants to help us. He also wants us to help others. With the tools He has given all believers, if they are used the way God intends, the body of believers can be strengthened, encouraged, and able to accomplish much for the glory of God.

Unfortunately, too many have never recognized their gift or even taken it out of the “box” and used it. The church is weaker than it should be because too many believers are not utilizing what God has given them.

Today, pray and study the gifts found in Romans 12:6-8. Ask the Lord to help you realize what gift or gifts are yours. When He shows you, use that special tool. We are saved not just to sit but to serve. We believers would be much stronger and able to accomplish more if we would all use our spiritual gifts.

The full-length version of this lesson is found at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/toolbox.html.

“Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy.”

Do What You Can
Author Unknown

We cannot all be heroes,
And thrill a hemisphere,
With some great daring venture
Some deed that mocks at fear;
But we can fill a lifetime
With kindly acts and true;
There’s always noble service
For noble hearts to do.

We cannot all be preachers,
And sway with voice and pen,
As strong winds sway the forest,
The mind and hearts of men;
But we can be evangels
To souls within our reach;
There’s always Love’s own gospel
For loving hearts to preach.

We cannot all be martyrs,
And win a deathless name
By some Divine baptism,
Some ministry of flame;
But we can live for truth’s sake,
Can do for Christ and dare;
There’s always faithful witness
For faithful hearts to bear.

“Service is not a list of things to do — it is a way of life.”

God Uses the Faithful
Bill Brinkworth

Despite previous warnings (Acts 23) not to go to Jerusalem, where it was prophesied he would face trials and tribulations, Paul went. The fearless evangelist was burdened to give out the message that had transformed his life. He endured beatings, near assassinations, and cruel treatment. He was determined not to quit or turn back.

After a day when Paul was beaten, accused by hypocrites, and almost pulled to pieces (vs. 10) by an angry mob, the Lord verbally encouraged the preacher (vs. 11). In the encouraging remarks, the Lord told the evangelist that as he had testified for the Lord in Jerusalem, he must next be a witness the same way in Rome.

For Paul’s faithful, non-teetering service, the Lord rewarded Paul with more opportunities to serve Him. Paul had shown himself faithful in the tasks he was given, and God was going to use him further.

Many need to understand that God will usually use a person for more and more incredible things if one had first done all one was previously required to do. Some are sitting around waiting for the Lord to call them to be a minister in a faraway land, but refuse to do anything for the Lord while they are waiting.

Some have grand ideas of preaching heart-rending sermons to jam-packed stadiums but will not take the time or the opportunity to preach to a Sunday school class of just one child. Others will go to years of Bible college to learn more wonderful truths of the Word of God but will not share their biblical knowledge with those around them. Many will never be used any further for the cause of Christ because they have failed to obey God’s command in baptism, tithing, or church attendance.

God wants to use us. The small tasks He speaks to our hearts about or the little, daily opportunities He allows us to stand up as a testimony for the Saviour are the training and testing God wants us to go through. An all-seeing God is observing daily occasions we have to be a witness for the Saviour.

God will use a person who has proven himself faithful in what he has already been shown to do. The next time the Lord needs something done for His cause in your area, will the He automatically think of you, as you have always done what He has asked you to do? Or will he look for another that has already obeyed His commandments?

“God reigns in the hearts of His servants.”