March, 2025 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #999 — Priorities

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

Volume: 999 March 31, 2025
Theme: Priorities

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

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

Not As Important As You Think
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

What the Bible calls “vain”:

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

What Is Not Vanity:

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

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

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

Our Important Testimony
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

Beware of Covetousness
C. H. Spurgeon

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #998 — Assorted

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

Volume: 998 March 24, 2025
Theme: Assorted

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

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

A Failure?
Cameron

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

“What is the matter?” asked his wife.

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

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

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

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

“I’m not lost, papa,” repeated Eddy.

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

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

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

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

“And a good God,” added his wife.

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

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

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

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

Appearance of Evil
John Bate

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

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

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

The Lament of a Backslider
Author Unknown

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

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

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

Doing It on Their Own
H. W. Beecher

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

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

A Good Example
Author Unknown

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

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

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

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

“And what happened?”

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

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

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

A Burden for Others
K. Arvine

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

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

Christ, Forever
S. Coley

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #997 — Encouragement

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

Volume: 997 March 14, 2025
Theme: Encouragement

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

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

The Brake Is On!
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

These “brakes” are often:

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

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

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

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

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

Assurance
Author Unknown

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

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

“I Have Nothing to Complain About!”
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

Christ, Our Banner

C. H. Spurgeon

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare for the Daily Battle!

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #996 — Complaining

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

Volume: 996 March 10, 2025
Theme: Complaining

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

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

Sweet or Miserable?
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their complaints may:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Temporary
Burroughs, 1599-1646

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complaining?
Watson, 1696

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

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

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

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

Contentment
Trough, 1599-1646

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

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

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

Discontentment
Charnock,1628-1680

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

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