Category: 2025

The BIBLE VIEW #1009 — Hard Times

In This Issue:
Reasons for Hard Times
Difficulties One Can Face
Different Temptations
Health Problems

Volume: 1009   June 16, 2025
Theme: Hard Times

Sunday School Teachers & Preachers: There are hundreds of free lessons at http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.  One commentary for each New Testament chapter can also be used for lessons at http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/blog/.  You can be assured that all material uses only the KJV (most other Sunday School material from other companies cannot claim that)!

Reasons for Hard Times
Bill Brinkworth

Everyone has difficulties and tribulations at one time or the other.  There is no promise from God that believers are exempt from having hardships.  Ordeals still rain on “the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

It does not necessarily mean that a person facing some misery is out of the will of God.  Jesus healed a man of blindness in John 9.  Jesus’ disciples asked Him if the man’s blindness was because of some sin he or his parents had committed.  

Christ responded that there was another reason for the man’s infirmity.  It was so God could get the glory in healing the man.  God certainly was honored when the man was able to see.
“Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:3

There can be many other reasons why a person may be going through hard times.  According to God’s Word, they can include:

  • To move a person to where God wants him or to change that person for future use, as in the story of Joseph.
  • To strengthen a person, as in the story of Job.
  • To separate a person from things God wants him separated from, as in the story of Noah.
  • To teach a person a lesson he needs to learn, as in the stories of Jonah and David.
  • To get that person close to and reliant on God, as in the story of Lazarus.

Not all trials are God’s wrath on a person.  Much of the time, life’s difficulties are a loving God’s intervention in a person’s life for their best!

“Your disappointments may be God’s appointments.”

Difficulties One Can Face
Bill Brinkworth

When we get saved, we are expected to serve the Lord who saved us.  We are not to sit and just soak up God’s goodness. 

We should do as the  Lord commands us: to go and tell others the messages from God’s Word, spiritually feed ourselves, have a relationship with the Lord, and do whatever else the Lord lays on our hearts.  To some, these seem to be simple tasks, but many know those “simple” things can cause us a lot of grief when we try to do them.

The Scripture in Matthew 10 tells the disciples that Jesus had just explained their responsibilities.  They were warned that it would not be easy to tell others what they had learned from Christ. 

Although it was addressed to the disciples reaching Israel, there is much that they faced that if we try to live and do right, we can also expect to deal with, including persecution and resistance.  Here are some of the things that we can expect in our lives if we strive to be good Christians and do what we are told:

  • Some will not receive the message of the Scriptures (vs. 14).  Not everyone will jump for joy when they are told what the Word of God says.  We probably were not excited the first time we heard the truths from God’s Word either.
  • There will be problems from the “religious.”  Not everyone who has a “form of godliness” is a Christian.  It was a religious group that tried the hardest to silence Christ.  They did not want anyone exposing that their “religion” was contrary to what was taught in the Bible (vss. 16-17).  

    Many of the “religious” today also do not want to hear the truth.  They choose to believe only their traditions and interpretations.
  • The secular government will oppose many efforts to reach the world with the government of God.  After all, many government officials think their rules and laws are what the world needs.  They do not understand how a good Christian life can solve man’s needs and problems.  The government was much involved in Jesus’ murder.
  • There may be conflicts in a family when a member gets saved and lives differently than one did before (vs. 21).
  • A Christian may be hated for how he lives (vs. 22).  It’s amazing how the world “understands” and tolerates criminals, but those living right often get more criticism and hatred than those purposely doing wrong. 

    Perhaps it is the godly example that convicts and troubles their consciences.  The only way they can silence their troubled convictions is to get rid of the messenger rather than change themselves!

It was difficult for these men to stand and live for Christ.  It is not easy today, which is probably why so many do not do it.  Many quit when the going gets tough!  One cannot “quit” being a Christian if one is one.  He can only stop being a good testimony of a living God.

“Following God’s directions are the only way to get safely home.”

Different Temptations
Bill Brinkworth

James, who many believe to be the brother of Jesus, gives practical advice in his writing in James 1. One of the most sensible and oft-visited situations for all people, including believers, is discussed here.  The “good” side of going through difficulties is examined in verses 2-6.

James identifies the difficulties, trials, and enticements all face as “divers temptations.”  Although most initially shudder at even the thought of going through different problems, James exposes what can be positively gained by going through our individual “valleys.”  Instead of agreeing on how terrible it is to have problems, James encourages Christians to “… count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” (vs. 2).

How could anyone be joyful when facing joblessness, heartaches, financial problems, family problems, or the thousands of difficulties we all face in our lifetime?  James tells us we can be “joyful” because:

  • The trying of our faith during the hard times builds our patience (vs. 3).  Since there usually is not much we can do but wait until the trial passes, we learn to patiently wait and trust in the Lord during those hard times.
  • The practical lessons on patience we learn build a good Christian into a “tested” believer.  Most of us have some person in our life that we have observed as more spiritual than ourselves.  We are often amazed at how cool, calm, and patient they are when they face difficulties. 

    They did not wake up one morning and decide to be patient for the rest of their lives.  They got that way because they went through hard times, got close to God, and saw that His help was sufficient to deliver and guide them.  The next time they faced an unfavorable situation, they remembered all He had done in the past and did not get frazzled.  Their learned patience (vs. 4) built their character and trust in the Lord.
  • When we go through a “temptation,” we go to the Lord in prayer more than we ever had before.  In doing so, we get closer to the Lord, see how He supplies wisdom on handling our trial (vs. 5), and have the potential to increase our faith.

Trials and tribulations are not something anyone desires to go through, but after going through many of them and drawing close to God during those times, we can learn that they are not so bad.  The valley of “temptation” can be joyous as our God guides us through the treacherous pathways. 

“… for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Health Problems
Bill Brinkworth

Paul was a man used greatly by God.  With God’s helping hand, that evangelist survived shipwrecks, beatings, persecutions, imprisonments, and other ill-treatment.  With God’s miraculous help, that man was used in healings, revivals, and many miracles.  However, as used of God as he was, Paul still had a personal ailment (II Cor. 12:7)

Commentators have strained at attempting to name Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.”  God has chosen not to make it clear to us what it was.  

No matter what it was, Paul made it clear that it was an infirmity he faced.  Three times Paul pleaded with God to remove the malady from him (II Cor. 12:8).  God’s answer was “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness …” (II Cor. 12:9).

Here was a man who had seen glorious things in the third Heaven (II Cor. 12:2-4) and had been delivered from many horrible things, yet God wanted Paul to experience this physical problem.  God could have easily healed his body, but His answer was that God’s grace was enough for him to live with the problem and that Paul’s infirmity would be a vehicle to make him spiritually stronger.

If God would allow one of His great spiritual warriors to face such a battle, we should not be surprised if we face problems.  As with most trials, we can do one of two things when going through testing.  We can either shake our fists at God and be angry with him, which is not the wise thing to do when we need Him the most, or get close to Him and rely on Him to get us through the struggle.

Paul chose not to be foolish and get angry at God.  He decided that if God allowed him to go through the problem, he would have a good attitude about it (II Cor. 12:10) and give Him the glory.  In doing so, Paul learned exactly what God wanted him to get out of the situation: that when he was weak, he was the strongest through God’s help (vs. 10)!

“Some cry, ‘Why me?’ when they go through a trial.  My question to them is, ‘Why wouldn’t it be you?  Are you something special that you are the only person in the world that shouldn’t have problems or sicknesses?’”

The BIBLE VIEW #1008 — Jesus

In This Issue:
He Paid Our Ransom
No Other; Just Jesus
The Lord Will Provide!
He Heard His Request

Volume: 1008   May 26, 2025
Theme: Jesus

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

He Paid Our Ransom
Bill Brinkworth

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Sometimes, we take our salvation for granted after being saved for a while.  The joy of escaping Hell may have “worn off”, and as we go through another day, we say, “Ho hum, I’m saved, but what’s the big deal.”

Reading Mark 10:45, I saw six words that reminded me how special and blessed I am to be saved.  Those words are “… his life a ransom for many.”

To renew your excitement about your salvation (if you are saved), think for a minute what a ransom is.  When a crime is committed, and a person is kidnapped, sometimes the kidnappers try to make money.  They offer a person the opportunity to rescue the snatched person for a high price.  Often, they warn that if their requests are not met, the person will never be seen again and will probably be murdered.

The kidnappers do not go to a person that hates the one they took.  They send a message to someone who loves the abducted person so much that they would give anything to get that person back.

Jesus was reminding us here that we are all kidnapped by sin, and unless someone had paid the price, all would have perished; they will spend an eternity in Hell!  It is a sad, sad truth that we are all Hell-bound because of our sins.

In this case, the ransom required to save someone from a terrible end was not money or possessions.  The only payment that would be acceptable was the blood of a sinless person.

Now, the good news!  There is one who loves you so much that He would pay the price to save you.  It just so happens that He is the only one qualified as sin-free.  He was willing to pay the ransom with His life for yours.  Jesus, God’s only Son, stepped forward, willing to pay the price.  Not only was Jesus willing to be a ransom for you, but He is also willing to pay everyone’s sin debt to all who ask Him.

Now, how can anyone not be excited about salvation after that realization?  There is someone who loves you so much that He will rescue you from an eternity in Hell if you ask Him.

Jesus, thank you so much for what You have done for us!

No Other, Just Jesus
Bill Brinkworth

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 2:5

What fantastic news, as recorded in I Timothy 2:5, it must have been to the Jews who were familiar with Old Testament worship.  Before Jesus’ death on the cross, they could not go directly to God themselves.  They had to have priests go to God as middlemen for them.  After the sacrificial death of Christ, they could go to God themselves by praying (I Tim 2:1).

However, then and even today, there are still many who believe they cannot go to God themselves.  Those folks still, if they realize it or not, attempt to worship the way it was done in Old Testament times. 

Some still go to a “priest” in a confessional and tell him their sins.  With his words and by doing what he tells them to do, they believe the “priest” can order their sins to be forgiven.  They are trusting the man to be their mediator between them and God.  

There are also those who pray to the dead.   Others murmur prayer needs to deceased biblical characters, in hopes that “person” can be the middle man between them and God to have their sins forgiven or requests granted.

Sincere as those people are, what they are doing is contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures.  I Timothy  2:5 tells us there is only one mediator between us and God, and that is Jesus Christ.

We no longer have to present a perfect, unblemished animal sacrifice for the high priest to take through the temple’s curtain to the Holiest of Holies.  When Christ died, God ripped the veil in two from the top to the bottom.  Now, any believer can go to God in prayer through Jesus Christ.

Telling a priest, parent, or another person one’s sins will not remove the consequences of one’s iniquity.  Those people may want to help, but they, too, are sinners needing a mediator.  Going to anyone other than Christ to meet a need in one’s life or receive help from God will not result in God answering one’s requests.  

The only one who is qualified to go to the Father on our behalf is His Son, Jesus.  He is the only mediator between God and man.

“Well, my friend, today we have a Mediator — the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus can because He is God.  He is able to save to the uttermost, and He has paid the price for our salvation.  He is a Mediator because He has also become a man. 

“Jesus can hold my hand.  He understands me.  He understands you.  You can go to Him, and He will not be upset with you.  He will not lose His temper, strike you, or hurt you… He still loves you and wants to put His arm around you.”  — J. Vernon McGee

The Lord Will Provide!
J. Newton

Though troubles assail, and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The promise assures us the Lord will provide.

The birds, without barn or storehouse, are fed.
From them, let us learn to trust for our bread.
His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied,
So long as ‘tis written, “The Lord will provide.”

When Satan appears to stop up our path,
And fills us with fears, we triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us (though oft he has tried)
The heart-cheering promise, “The Lord will provide.”

Satan tells us we’re weak, our hope is in vain.
The good that we seek we ne’er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions our graces have tried.
This answers all questions, the Lord will provide.

No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown in Jesus’ name.
In that strong tower for safety we hide;
The Lord is our power; the Lord will provide.

When life sinks apace and death is in view,
The Word of His grace shall comfort us through.
Not fearing or doubting, with Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting, “The Lord will provide!”

“He that feeds His birds will not starve His babes.”  — Matthew Henry

He Heard His Request
J. G. Wilson

A lady, who had just sat down to breakfast, had an intense urgency in her heart to instantly carry a loaf of bread to a poor man who lived about a half mile from her house.  Her husband wished her either to postpone taking the loaf of bread until after breakfast or to send someone else to deliver it to the man.  She chose to immediately take it herself.

As she approached the small hovel, she heard a voice.  Desiring to listen to what was being said, she stepped softly.  She heard the poor man praying, and among other things, he said, “O Lord, help me!  Lord, Thou wilt help me.  Thy providence cannot fail.  Although my wife, myself, and children have no bread to eat, and it is now a whole day since we had any, I know Thou wilt supply.”

The lady could wait no longer; she opened the door.  “Yes,” she replied, “God had sent you relief.  Take this loaf, and be encouraged to cast your care upon Him who careth for you, and when you ever want a loaf of bread, please come to my house.”

“Bread for today is bread enough.” — E. M. Bounds

The BIBLE VIEW #1007 — A Christian’s Testimony

In This Issue:
We’re Not Perfect, Just Forgiven
Many Will Always Find Fault
Walking As He Walked
Won by His Wife’s Faith
Our Duty to Our Neighbors

Volume: 1007   May 26, 2025
Theme:  A Christian’s Testimony

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

We’re Not Perfect, Just Forgiven
Bill Brinkworth

“And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day; that they might accuse him.” Mark 3:2

In Mark 3:2, the Son of God had come down to mankind and healed many who were sick and possessed.  Instead of lining the streets and having a ticker-tape parade to show their gratitude, they watched Him carefully to see if they could find Jesus doing something wrong.  The crowd that usually was looking for Him to fail was composed of “religious” folks.

Today is no different.  If it happened to the Son of God, then Christians can certainly expect similar treatment today.  When someone hears we are a Christian, they carefully observe our lives.  If they find us doing something wrong in their eyes, they gleefully point and sneer, “Some Christian he is” or “Hypocrite!”

Well, they can look all they want, and if they look long and carefully enough, they will find us doing something wrong. We still have the same flesh we were born with that will still sin if we let it.  A Christian certainly is not perfect, just forgiven.

We are imperfect and will make mistakes; nevertheless, we should always try our best to exemplify Christian behavior.  There will always be some watching how we go through hard times, how we react when others do us wrong, what we do when we are tempted, and how we live.  It is interesting how the observers may have no interest or experience in living for the Lord themselves, but somehow they think they know how we should live.

We have a tremendous weight on our shoulders.  The scorners and scoffers should be reading their Bible and examining their lives compared to what God requires of us all, but they usually do not.  They scrutinize our testimonies for the Saviour instead.

Quite often, they look for us to fail so that they can write off any conviction they may have for their ungodly lifestyle or for even their attempting to obey Scripture.  When they think we have failed, they feel justified for living as they do.  However, they are usually unaware of the biblical principle, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12. Also: Matthew 12:36).  Everyone will ultimately give an account of himself.  No one’s shortcomings can be a valid excuse for another’s wrongdoing.

Not only can our lifestyle not be an excuse for someone not to live a godly life, but rather, it should be an example of how to live a godly life.  The world is confused and distraught.  They often see that their ways do not work.  They are looking for a way to live a better life.  Are you being the example they would want to follow to have a closer relationship with God and to have a better life?

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Cor. 10:12

Many Will Always Find Fault
Bill Brinkworth

“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.  19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.  But wisdom is justified of her children.” Matthew 11:18-19

You surely have heard the saying, “You can’t please all the people all the time”.  It certainly is true, especially in living for the Lord.

John the Baptist experienced much criticism.  Jesus noted of the prophet that there was none greater than John was (Mat. 11:11), yet that godly man was accused of being demon-possessed (Mat. 11:18).  Jesus, the sinless Son of God, was also charged with being gluttonous and a drunkard (Mat. 11:19) among other criticisms.

If those great spiritual giants were wrongly accused and poorly spoken of, we Christians should not be surprised when things are twisted around, and we are talked about negatively.  Here are some thoughts to remember when your reputation is being questioned:

  • If it is true, then we have some apologizing and changing to do.
  • If it is not true, consider the source of the rebuke.  In John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ case, it was people that Jesus considered immature “children” (Mat. 11:16).  Is the one speaking ill of you someone with great discernment or someone in the flesh and not being led spiritually?
  • If they are seeing things incorrectly or not hearing both sides of the situation (Pro. 18:13), it is their error, not yours.
  • Some spoke negatively of Jesus.  How could we expect better treatment than God’s only Son?

It is impossible to please all the people all the time!

“Live so you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”
— Author Unknown

Walking As He Walked
Bible Readings for the Home

  • The way of the Christian was set for us by Jesus himself.
    “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” I John 2:6
    “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” I Peter 2:21
  • The footprints that Jesus set for us to follow lead unvaryingly along the way of God’s commandments.
    “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my ather’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:10
    “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” I John 5:3
  • The pathway is the same today as when Jesus walked in Judea.
    “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Heb. 13:8



Won by His Wife’s Faith
C. H. Spurgeon

I have read the story of a man who was converted to God by seeing the conduct of his wife in an hour of trouble.  They had a lovely child, their only offspring.  The father’s heart doted on it perpetually, and the mother’s soul was knit up in the heart of the little one.  The child lay sick upon its bed, and the parents watched it night and day.  At last, it died.

The father had no God.  He tore out his hair.  He rolled upon the floor in misery, wallowed upon the earth, cursed his being, and defied God.

There sat his wife, as fond of the child as possible, and though tears came, she gently said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

“What!” he said, “You love that child!  I thought that when that child died, it would break your heart.  Here I am, a strong man; I am going mad.  Here are you, and yet you are strong and bold.  Tell me what it is that possesses you?”

She answered, “Christ is my Lord.  I trust in Him.  Surely, I can give this child to Him who gave Himself for me.”

From that instant, the man became a believer.  “There must,” he reasoned, “be some truth and some power in the Gospel which could lead you to believe in such a manner under such a trial.”

“Our example is the only Bible which millions of people read today.
— James E. Murray



Our Duty to Our Neighbors
C. H. Spurgeon

An infidel once met a Christian and said, “I know you do not believe your religion.”

“Why?” asked the Christian.

“Because,” said the unsaved man, “for years, you have passed me on my way to my house of business.  You believe, do you not, there is a Hell, into which men’s spirits are cast?”

“Yes, I do,” said the Christian.

“And you believe that unless I believe in Christ, I must be sent there?”

“Yes.”

“You do not, I am sure, because if you did, you must be a most inhuman wretch to pass me, day by day, and never tell me about it or warn me of it.”

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

The BIBLE VIEW #1006 — Serving God

In This Issue:
Is It My Life? 
Obeying God
Gifts for Today’s Christians

Volume: 1006   May 19, 2025
Theme:  Serve the Lord!

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

Is It My Life?
Bill Brinkworth

“Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?  Is thine eye evil, because I am good?” Matthew 20:15

Does a Christian have the right to do whatever he wants with his life?  According to God’s Word, no!
“Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?  Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” Romans 9:20-21

The context in Matthew 20 is the millennial reign when Christ rules Earth for 1,000 years.  It gives one an idea of what will happen during that time and how some will be rewarded. 

In Jesus’ illustration, he told of how workers starting at different times of the day got paid what the master thought was fair.  All were paid the same, whether they worked 10 hours or one hour.  The “boss” was doing the hiring, and all agreed to work for what he offered them.  The whole point of the illustration was to teach that the master was in charge, and it was by his rules they had to abide.

Although Matthew 20:15 was the reply of the landowner doing the hiring, it holds a great truth in describing a Christian’s relationship with the Lord.  A Christian is not his own.  We are purchased with Christ’s blood.  We have a promise of Heaven.  Everything after getting saved is a bonus!  Let us surrender our lives and do with our lives what God would have us do!

When adults are asked what they want to do in their future, they usually tell you what they have figured out they would like to have happen with their lives.  When a child is asked the same question, you similarly get a battle plan that he would like to see happen.  Seldom does one answer, “Whatever the Lord wants me to do, I’ll do!”

Sadly, that open-invitation to do God’s will is rarely even thought of by Christians.  Unfortunately, when you hear of people handing their lives over to God without any reservations, it is often only after they have tried it their way, and that way failed.

It would save much heartache and much of a “wasted” life if one would immediately, after one is saved, hand one’s life over to God as a signed, blank check to God.  “Fill it in with what you want me to do God, and I will gladly, happily, and faithfully do it until you tell me otherwise!”  Boy, would that attitude change lives and Christendom as we know it!

“Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
At the impulse of Thy love.”
 — Excerpt from Frances Havergal’s hymn, “Take My Life, and Let It Be”



Obeying God
Bill Brinkworth

In the introduction to his second letter to the Corinthian church (II Corinthians 1), Paul tells part of the secret of his success.  The preacher was used of God because it was the “will of God” (vs. 1).

I say “part of his secret” because there was another factor not mentioned here, although Paul’s testimony throughout the New Testament made it clear what it was.  It was God’s will that Paul, the one-time enemy of God and His people,  got saved, became an apostle, and was used by God.  It was critical that the preacher allowed himself to be used by God and did what God showed him to do.

This distinction between “God’s will” and obeying God’s commandments is very important.  After being saved by trusting in Jesus’ work for them on the cross, most have a purpose in God’s mind.  None of us are saved to sit and soak up God’s goodness.  There is a spiritual war raging in this world (Ephesians 6:12), and it is always God’s will that each soldier of God participates in the battle.

I believe everyone is convinced and convicted of God’s will for them, at least once.  The tugging spirit of God sometimes makes all feel guilty of involvement in sin.  Many hear that “voice” encourage them to be saved.  At times, they feel uncomfortable in their lifestyle and desire to change.  Some do heed God’s encouragement to get them to do His will.  Unfortunately, too many ignore it.

The encouragement of the Holy Spirit of God is soon not even listened to.  They did not do God’s will, and eventually, because they chose not to obey it, the “voice” of the Holy Spirit no longer “speaks” to them.  They never get used of God because they had chosen not to obey Him previously.

Paul ignored the “pricks” (Acts 9:5) of the Holy Spirit for a long time.  He ignored God’s true calling for him as he watched his acquaintances kill the first martyr for Christ.  Paul closed his ears to the cries and pleas of the Christians he had killed and persecuted. 

One day, however, God’s will was clear to Paul.  He heard the voice of the Son of God on the Damascus road, and he obeyed what Jesus told him to do.  His life was different after that decision, and the world has never been the same because of his obedience.

God’s will for every one of us is to do something for Him.  This, sadly, does not happen in too many cases.  Many get saved.  Some obey for a while.  God has great plans to use them, but because of some act of disobedience, they never get used in the way God intended.  The key to ever being used effectively by God, as was true in Paul’s life, is obedience to what one is shown to do.

It is God’s will that all that are saved serve Him.  It is not His will that we disobey Him by putting off or ignoring what He has placed in our hearts to do.  We can also have effective lives for Christ’s cause if we obey God’s will for our lives!

“The will of God will not take you where the power of God cannot keep you.”



Gifts for Today’s Christians
Bill Brinkworth

 God has plans for every Christian.  To better equip each child of God, each is given a gift to serve the Saviour.  Some may have more than one gift.  These are not the gifts the early church had before they were given the Word of God.  These seven gifts (Romans 12: 6-8) are necessary to get the work of God done in today’s world.  They include the gifts of:

  1. Prophecy.  This is not the same ability Old and New Testament prophets and Christians had.  We have the entire plan of God in His written, preserved Word of God.  We do not need to foretell the future as they did earlier.  Today’s gift of prophecy is taking the Word of God and helping others understand it better.  In his 1828 dictionary, Noah Webster defined the gift as the ability “to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects …”
  2. Ministry.  This God-given gift puts a great burden on a Christian to meet the needs of others.
  3. Teaching.  This is a gift that allows one to help others understand the things of God better.
  4. Exhorting.  This vital gift helps one be an encourager to others  — a most needed gift, especially among God’s people.
  5. Giving.  This gift gives one the burden of meeting other’s needs by giving of things and themselves.
  6. Ruling.  This gift allows one to be a leader.  Too many think they have it, but few have the God-given ability to lead God’s people.
  7. Mercy.  This gift gives one a heart to have understanding, patience, and kindness with others.

If you are a child of God, God does not plan for you just to sit.  He desires that you serve Him and help others.  He has given you at least one of the above gifts for this church age.  What are your gift/gifts, and are you using them to help others, honor God, and bringing others to know and serve the Lord better?

Additional Reading on This Subject:  God’s Toolbox (https://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/toolbox.html)

The BIBLE VIEW #1005 — Trust the Lord

In This Issue:
An Unreliable Foundation
Give God the Rudder

Volume: 1005   May 11, 2025
Theme:  Trust the Lord!

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

An Unreliable Foundation
Bill Brinkworth

The central Italian city of Pisa has many popular tourist sites.  Many come to see the University of Pisa, which was first started in 1343.  Others flock to the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) to see the famous white, marbled cathedral, baptistery, and the tilting bell tower.  Of all that the city has to show, none is more memorable and curious than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or as a 1929 Scientific American article named it, the “Sinking” Tower of Pisa.

The tower was begun in August of 1173 A. D., of which they are sure.  Many of the other details are vague because they are not documented.  Who the architect was is not clear, as at least three different times, the project was resumed and then halted.

Many believe that the tower’s tilting had been discovered by the completion of the third story.  Because of battles and possibly because of the discovery of its inclination, construction was halted.  Soft river valley sediments, sand, and clay did not support its weight, and the building began leaning.  A temporary bell was placed on the third story.

There, the semi-finished building lay, year after year, halted before it was completed.  I am sure it was a laughing stock for many.

“Hey, Luigi, see that unfinished tower those foolish builders left.  Such lack of planning.  It was a waste of money and materials, and what an eyesore.  If they had only spent the time wisely on a firm foundation on which to build,” may have been the conversation of the past.

Some later levels tried to compensate for the five-degree tilt by building them off-center, on the true vertical.  Upward the white, marbled structure’s construction went.  Over the next one hundred years, construction was started and stopped.  It is believed the belfry was completed in 1350, as one of the bells in the tower is dated.

Still, the campanile leans.  All the planning, ingenuity, and decoration did not solve or even hide the problem that the building tilts more than 17 feet from its perpendicular and continues to tilt at a rate of ¼ an inch per year.

Man still has not given up.  Many attempts have been made to stop its leaning.  In the 1930’s, cement was injected through pipes inserted under the tower in hopes that the foundation would be strengthened and the leaning would cease.  The tilting continued.

Attempts were made to tie it together with cables to keep it intact.  Numerous restoration projects were begun and then discontinued.

Plans for the structure’s righting are vast.  Some call for jacking the building up six feet on one side and moving the 14,700 metric tons to a new concrete base.  The more sure method would be to dismantle the eight stories and start construction over on a thick, firm foundation.

How many lives in the past have been erected similarly?  Instead of building a life on the Rock of Ages, the Lord Jesus Christ and around the firm foundation of the Word of God (our preserved KJV Bible), people try various ways, plans, and fads to live their lives.  They spend their entire lives compensating for a life that was not founded on a firm foundation from the beginning.  Their efforts are hopeless if they are not in line with God’s plan and method.

Lives have been directed by the advice of strangers, family, television talk shows, and even from movies.  Newspaper columnists and others’ beliefs have probably directed more lives than would ever be known.  Man-made unbiblical religion has also misdirected many.

All kinds of techniques have been tried to stop problems.  Today, there are drugs to try to solve the issues of weight loss, nervousness, lack of attentiveness, feelings of loneliness, and other of life’s problems.  The hope is in a pill to fix a problem.  Psychologists’ and psychiatrists’ advice is followed, no matter how extreme or illogical it seems.  Man’s attempts to right a tilting life usually fail.

Few of these people ever seek to get the advice from their Creator, who has raised millions upon millions of children.  Father knows best, but He is rarely sought for direction, or His word followed for guidance.  No wonder so many lives are slanting to an inevitable destruction.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”Matthew 7:24-27

Sin is usually the “tilting” force in one’s life.  There is a clear way to reconstruct a sin-troubled life.  That way can change one’s life.  It is the only way that works.  Man tries to change a life from the outside, hoping the inside will be altered.  God changes it from the inside, and then the outside will be transformed.  The amount of renovation is dependent on one’s obedience to God’s commands found in His Word.

When a man is saved, his life is changed.  The inward change is done in the heart.  That is why the Bible names a spiritually revitalized person as “born again”.  A life is started all over again.

He is a new creature.  All sins are forgiven and forgotten by God.  The new life can begin on a new foundation that will support the load of life’s troubles.  Guilt from sin will disappear.  An eternal penalty for past sins is gone!

This “second chance” can be achieved by admitting one’s sins.  The Bible reminds us that we are all sinners.  Not one of us has pleased God with our good works or kindness.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

God certainly knows we are sinners.  Our confession of our guilt shows God that we are humbling ourselves and admitting our failure in doing it our way rather than His.
“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

Once our sinfulness is acknowledged, one must know that a price has been paid for our sins.  God’s only son, Jesus, paid that price.  The death He suffered on the cross was not for His sin, as He was sinless.  It was for our transgressions.  His payment is the only fee God will accept.  We cannot pay for our sinning against God by our good works or deeds.  Jesus has already paid the price.
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15

Once we are saved, we are then in the family of God.  The Father can guide if the “born again” (John 3:3) child obeys Him.  A life can be salvaged and restarted.  There can be hope.  We can compensate and recover from our self-lived lives.

The world’s solutions hardly ever work, and if they do, they often work only temporarily.  God can come into a life and straighten the crooked course, and it can stay undeviated.

Build your life around the Word of God.  It is as true today as when God inspired its writing.  Since then, God has used it to raise, support, and guide millions.  It is the firm foundation.  It will never let you tilt.

“Life is a long lesson in humility.” — Barrie



Give God the Rudder
C. H. Spurgeon

I have heard of a young man who went to college, and when he was there one year, his parents said to him, “What do you know?  Do you know more than when you went?”

“Oh!  Yes,” said he, “I do.”

Then, after he attended the second year, he was asked the same question, “Do you know more than when you went?”

“Oh!  No,” said he, “I know a great deal less than I thought.”

“Well,” said the father,” you are getting somewhere now.”

Then he went to the third year and was asked the same question.  “What do you know now?”

“Oh!” said he, “I don’t think I know half as much as I should know.”

“That is right,” said the father; “you will now profit since you say you know nothing.  He who is convinced that he knows nothing of himself as he ought to know gives up steering his ship and lets God put his hand on the rudder.”

“The truest end of life is to know the life that never ends.” — William Penn

The BIBLE VIEW #1003 — Temptation

In This Issue:
Drifting Away
Shame!  Shame!
Don’t Dig It Up!
Tested before Deemed Trustworthy

Volume: 1003   April 28, 2025
Theme:  Temptations

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

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
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Drifting Away

The battle for living a godly life does not end when one is saved. It begins when one trusts Christ as Saviour, especially if one is determined to live an obedient, Christian life.  

Some succumb to the temptations of this world and lose their love for the things of God. Demas, spoken of in II Timothy 4, was one such causality.
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” II Timothy 4:10

For a while, Demas was a faithful fellow laborer in Christ (Col. 4:14, Philemon 1:24) alongside Paul. Paul relied on Demas to help reach the lost.  Like countless millions, however, the allure of this world caught Demas’ eye and lured him away from his main purpose in life.

Since I have been saved, I have seen many Demases. They got saved and started sitting next to us in a pew. They never missed preaching. 

When the doors of the church were opened, they were there. As the preacher preached, they jotted down what was said as fast as possible. Their marked Bible was evidence that they read the Word of God quite often. Conversations with them indicated they had a consistent prayer life. 

Then, a downward decline started. A once faithful believer missed one church service. It was not long until another was missed. Soon, only one service a week was attended, and then their pew was permanently empty.

A visit to their home revealed that, like Demas, their priorities had changed. No longer was pleasing the Lord their number one goal. Faithfulness to Him had been replaced by a new job, girlfriend, hobby, or sport. Like a fish tempted by a shiny, fluttering lure, they had gotten hooked by something the world offered.  They were soon out of a lifestyle purposing to obey the Lord.

“Drifting away” from living a God-pleasing life can happen to any Christian.  It may begin when one reads the Bible and does not get excited about what was read or by sitting through church and not getting anything out of it.  It can be a spiritually downhill slide when one has too many spiritual “used-to-does”.

When those temptations come, do as Paul did; fight the “good fight” (II Tim. 4:7). Fight any change from doing right.  It may be a lifelong struggle.  If you fail, get back up and do what you used to do.  Finish the course (II Tim. 4:7).  Its benefits are everlasting!

“When a man who professes to be converted says that he goes into the world and sin for pleasure, it is as if an angel went to Hell for enjoyment.”
 — C. H. Spurgeon

Shame!  Shame!
Bill Brinkworth

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” Ephesians 5:11-12

The Bible commands Christians to keep far away from the luring grasp of sin.  We are not only to do our best not to commit sin and avoid those involved in it, but we are not even to talk about the iniquities in which others are involved.

This last principle has been ignored by most, and the opposite is practiced.  Many, instead of obeying God’s command, “educate” the masses about certain behavior.  Their hopes are often that knowledge of the side effects of certain socially unacceptable practices, often what the Bible identifies as sin, will help people stay away from them.  Unfortunately, education about something one should not do frequently stimulates an interest in trying to do that very thing.

Programs to educate youth about not doing drugs quite often put the ideas in their minds about doing them and show them how to do something they would never have known about if they had not been shown how or introduced to it by “education”.  The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D. A. R. E.), a publicly-funded program that uses law enforcement resources to help children resist drugs and gangs, illustrates this fact.

Instead of reducing the number of children involved in those things, it has been found that there has been an increase in their involvement in drugs and gangs.  The Family Council of Drug Awareness reported, “Since its curriculum (D. A. R. E.’s) went national, two patterns have emerged: more students now do drugs, and they start using drugs at an earlier age.” Education about something that should not be discussed often increases the practice, not decreases it.

Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money have been spent over the decades to give young people a sex education under the guise that knowledge will help them keep from making “mistakes.”  Instead, education about sex has increased and encouraged its practice at an early age before marriage.  

Birth rates quickly prove this fact.  In 1950, when sex outside marriage was not openly talked about, especially in the school curriculum, birth rates for unmarried women were about 30 per 1,000.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the birth rate has decreased from previous years.  However, it is now over 450 per 1,000 unmarried women.  The CDC also noted that abortions in 1970 were 10 per 1,000 and increased to over 70 per 1,000, not including the effects of growing usage of birth control, including the day-after “emergency” birth control drugs.  Again, education about not doing something has become a “how-to” and an invitation to “do.”

Other once unwelcomed behaviors are also on the increase.  There was a time when few even knew a divorced couple; now, it is difficult to find couples that have not been divorced.  Perhaps the exposure in movies and television about divorce and adultery has made a once feared occurrence a ho-hum common one. 

Homosexuality, imprisonment, poor parenting, lack of respect for Christianity, crime, and hosts of other once frowned-upon activities are common in public-school lesson plans and media “entertainment,” that they have lost their social stigma and are now acceptable and even encouraged in some areas.  Knowledge of what was once taboos again has contaminated society by going against God’s commandment to discuss something that should not even be whispered about.

The world often defends its efforts in “educating” by belittling God’s commandments and labeling it as making the masses willfully ignorant or “censoring the truth.” The truth, however, is that in most situations, speaking of practices that should not be committed only puts the idea in one’s head.  It does not take much thought to develop the idea to, “I’ll just try it this once”.  Once it is experienced, inhibitions are worn away, and a more frequent practice is easily accomplished.

The human brain is an amazing organ.   It seldom completely forgets something to which it has been exposed.  Conversation about doing improper things often is where the idea to commit them originates.  

God’s wisdom warns us not even to talk about sin because it will not be long until you are neck-deep in it — paraphrased, of course.  God’s commandments are always the best.  If heeded, they will keep you from the hurtful consequences of sin.

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.” Barbara Brinkworth

Don’t Dig It Up!
Salters, 1871

Worms and other insects take up their habitation under the surface of the Earth.  A plot of ground may be outwardly covered with grass and decorated with flowers.  Take a spade in your hand and turn up the solid ground, and you soon have a sample of the creatures and filth that lurk beneath.  Temptation is the spade that breaks up the ground of a believer’s heart and helps him discover the corruptions of his fallen nature.

“In diving to the bottom for pleasures, we bring up more gravel than pearls.”
—Spurgeon

Tested before Deemed Trustworthy
C. H. Spurgeon

A further reason why you are tempted and tried is that God, in His wise providence, is testing you to see whether you are fit for His work.  Before a firearm is sold, it is taken to the proof shop.  

It is loaded with a charge, perhaps four or five times heavier than it will ever have to carry at the ordinary sportsman’s hand.  The barrels are filled, and no great hurt is done if they burst in the proof house.  However, it would be exceedingly dangerous if they should burst in the hands of some unskilled man in the field.

God often tests His servants.  Some that He will make special use of are put to the “proof house.”  Perhaps they are loaded with five times more temptations than any person should ordinarily endure so that God may see and prove to onlookers that they are fit for His Divine service.

We have heard that the old warriors before they would use their swords, would bend them across their knees.  They had to see whether the weapons had the right stuff before they would venture into battle with them.  God does this with His servants.

If it had not been for the devil, Martin Luther had never been the Martin Luther he was.  The devil was, as it were, the proof house for Martin Luther.  One must be tried and tempted before he becomes fit for the Master’s use.

“God doesn’t give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given.”

The BIBLE VIEW #1002 — Worry

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

Volume: 1002   April 21, 2025
Theme:  Worry

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


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

Weed Right in Front of You
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Fretting Wastes Precious Time
Author Unknown

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

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

“Why, don’t you worry?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #1001 — Parenting

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

April 14, 2025
Theme:  Service

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


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



How to Ruin a Child
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

  • Giving them everything they want reinforces covetousness. Also, a parent or authority in their life who is consumed with getting things is inadvertently teaching a child that possessions can somehow bring happiness in one’s life. 
    “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Ex 20:17
    “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15
  • Never teach a child that “no” can mean they can still have certain things. This is accomplished when a child learns that a parent’s “no” can be changed to “yes” if he keeps asking for something. When they are told “no” by someone who will not back down, they will become angry and act improperly toward the person saying “no” to them.
    “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious [quarrelsome, given to angry debate]  man to kindle strife.” Prov. 26:21
  • By not correcting their child.  An undisciplined child will be unruly in many situations, including school and public situations. The lack of training will be a constant challenge for the parents and teachers. It will make it harder for the child to get along with others, especially people in authority (teachers, police, bosses…).
    “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Proverb 29:17
    “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverb 19:18
    “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Prov. 29:15
  • Never teach them how to live biblically.  By not teaching them God’s way, they will quickly learn to follow the way everyone around them is going.

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

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


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

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

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

Cost of a Child
Cameron, 1871

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

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

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

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

Training Children
F. Quarles, 1871

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

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



“Too Little” Children
Author Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #1000 — Service

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

1,000th Issue!

April 7, 2025
Theme:  Service

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Not to Be Forgotten
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

How Are You Serving the Lord?
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #999 — Priorities

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

Volume: 999    March 31, 2025
Theme:  Priorities

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

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


Not As Important As You Think
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

What the Bible calls “vain”:

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


What Is Not Vanity:

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


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

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


Our Important Testimony
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

Beware of Covetousness
C. H. Spurgeon

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

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

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

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