Category: 2025

The BIBLE VIEW #1029 — Sacrifice

In This Issue:
The Greatest Sacrifice
The Sacrifice for Others
Our High Priest

Volume: 1029     December 15, 2025
Theme: Sacrifice

The Greatest Sacrifice
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus existed before being born on Earth.  The Bible states that fact.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God…. 14 And the Word [Capital “W” so it is a proper noun.  Jesus is the “Word.”] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14  Jesus was there at Creation.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man.  And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold,  18 I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’” Revelation 1:17-18

However, God’s only Son came from a glorious heavenly home to be born as a child on Earth.  Jesus came from a place free from the ravages of sin but chose to go to an iniquity-infested world for an essential, divine purpose.  His purpose was to be the ultimate sacrifice for professing believers to be saved from an eternal punishment due them because of their inherited and committed sin.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child… 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:4-20

BUT, knowing who He was and what would eventually happen to Him when He came here, Jesus came anyway.  The eternal destiny of your soul was important to Him.

Jesus knew He was born here to die.  He surrendered Himself to be the ultimate sacrifice for all who would trust His gift to be the sacrifice for their sins.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:9-10

With all Jesus knew about who He was, where He came from, and all the terrible treatments and tortures He would face on Earth, He still came.   He endured sufferings and unpleasantries so that all who would accept His ultimate sacrifice as payment for all their sins would be spared from an eternal, tormenting Hell.  He was a willing sacrifice for what we did.

Has Jesus’ birth and suffering on Earth been for naught because you never accepted His gift for your iniquities?  Or do you have a special reason to celebrate His birth because He came to be your personal Saviour?

I am glad Jesus became the greatest sacrifice for us!  If He did not, none of us would have any hope because He is the only way anyone can get to Heaven.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“The sacrifice of Jesus is the only reason for our salvation.”  — Spurgeon



The Sacrifice for Others
Talmage

During a plague many years ago in Marseilles, thousands died.  One day, the College of Physicians met and resolved that a victim of the plague should be dissected so that the physicians might know how to treat the disease.

There was silence among the physicians, for it was known that whoever undertook that dissection would lose his own life.  After a while, Dr. Guyon stepped forth and said, “I will do the work.”

The next morning, he made his will.  He prepared for death.  He entered the dissecting room, but he did what he promised to do.  He wrote down the result of his observation, and in twelve hours, he died.

“Oh,” you say, “what a self-sacrifice that was!” The Lord Jesus Christ looked out on this plague-stricken world.  He saw that its sins must be “dissected.”  He came down and entered the hospital of the world’s suffering.  He made His will, giving all things to His dear people.  Of our plague, He died; the well for the sick, the pure for the impure, the good for the bad, the only God for man.

“Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season”



Our High Priest
Bill Brinkworth

During Old Testament times, some priests served as mediators between God and man, presenting their prayers and sacrifices to Him.  Before Moses, the priests’ duties were often performed by the head of a household, as was the case with Job, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  During Moses’ day, God appointed priests from the Levite lineage, and this practice was intended to continue until the perfect priest came, Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament priests were not perfect.  Their limitations were because:

  • They were ordained (“appointed by”) men, although they were of an ancestry ordered by God (Hebrews 5:1).  Not just any man could be a priest.
  • They had to go to God with sacrifices and gifts (Heb. 5:1, 3).  The offerings were not a one-time gift.  They had to be offered more than once.  They were only temporary appeasements to a Holy God.
  • The priests themselves were sinners.  They also had to give an offering for themselves.  (Heb. 5: 2, 3)

Soon, the priesthood stopped.  The sacrifices halted.  Intercessory prayers and gifts to God ceased, but man was still in desperate need of a mediator between him and God.

God then sent man the perfect Priest.  Man did not appoint him.  He only had to make one offering for all of man’s sins.  That sacrifice covered sins past, present, and even into our future. 

That priest was not of Levi’s lineage.  He was very much like a priest of Abraham’s time — Melchisedec.  Like Melchisedec, whose name means “king of righteousness,” this God-appointed priest was the real King of righteousness.  That priest was the only God-appointed priest.  The priest was God’s only begotten son — Jesus!  Jesus’ one-time sacrifice, which never had to be re-offered, was His own life.

Unfortunately, many have not allowed God’s High Priest to be the sacrifice for their sins.  Too many have rejected Jesus and are still appointing their own priests.  No matter what those sincere people offer to God, it will be refused by the Creator.  They are doing it their way and are rejecting the one-time sacrifice Jesus made for them on Calvary’s cross.

The Old Testament priesthood was for another time — a time before the perfect Priest had been sent by God.  Today, we have the privilege of going to that High Priest, who is not sitting in some earthly temple or church, but is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.  We can accept His offering on the cross to cover all our sins.  After we have accepted Him as our Saviour, we can go to Him anytime with our prayers and needs.  We no longer need an imperfect middleman; we have the perfect mediator — Christ Jesus.

“Jesus was born in a manger for you!”   — Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #1028 — Our Sinful Nature

In This Issue:
Die, Old Nature!  Die!
Remarried

Volume: 1028     December 8, 2025
Theme: Our Sinful Nature

Die, Old Nature!  Die
Bill Brinkworth

When a person is saved, he becomes a different, “new” man.  One may be “new” on the inside, but all have the same “flesh” they were born with.  

Those fleshly, worldly desires may be tucked away out of sight for now, but they will always be waiting for their chance to make an appearance.  If the indwelling “new man” does not keep them in check, they will ruin his life and cause him to be in the same miserable state, or worse, than he was in before.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

No, one does not get unsaved because he does not follow the “new” Holy Spirit’s guidance.  However, his life may not appear much different from that of an unsaved person.  He will not have the joy he could have, nor be all he could be.  He will go through many hardships he would not normally face, and God will not use that person as He desires.

All have to battle the pull from the old nature’s stranglehold to rule and get its way.  Many of our personal and social problems are because someone’s “old man” (Romans 6:6) is trying to rule the roost — again.  

It is that old man who is prevailing when the green-eyed monster of jealousy raises its unruly head between brother and sister, or when one gets angry quickly with another.  He surfaces again when a lie is offered to get one out of trouble.  

It is the “old man” who creates power struggles between peers, becomes selfish, and it is that same villain who spreads gossip to defame one’s testimony because someone hurt the gossiper’s feelings.  The “old man” exposes himself when a mouth spews out hurtful words and filthy talk.

The old nature retakes control when we allow it to criticize someone who is not doing things our way, when we are scared others are not accepting us, and in countless other ways.  The “old man” will always haunt our lives, until we do what God commands us to do to our old, could-be-dominating nature.  Our “old man” must die — sometimes even daily, but he must cease to control our lives!

No, do not even suggest that one commit sin and takes one’s life.  It is not what the Bible is teaching here. That thinking is definitely letting the “old man” have his lecherous control over one’s life.  Everyone, if they want to please God, must put the “old man” of the flesh to “death” and let the new, spiritual man lead.  The old nature must have as little control over one’s life as possible.  Here is some of what the Bible says about the subject:

When one is saved, he is a different person with new needs, desires, and purpose.  The second “birth” creates in him a new part of him that never existed before.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3   Also:  II Cor. 5:17 (see above).
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15  Religious ceremonies, traditions, and works should not be the governing factor in one’s life, but a new, spiritual life in accordance with God’s Word should be guiding him.

Do not live for “self.”  Let the “new man” be your life’s leader.  Put self-ambition, self-goals, and self-desires behind you and let your leading force be the desire to be obedient to God’s commandments found in His Word and to be a godly testimony (example).  Listen to the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

Let many of your self-motivated desires “die,” and have no control over your life.  In so doing, God will live through you.  The “new man” has a new mind, Spirit, master, goals, and  joy.
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10  

Let your “old man die”.  Self-will will have less dominance when the “new man” is leading.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

Do not let worldly desires and habits rule your life.  Being born again is being born into the family of God.  What kind of child are you that, while a member of one family, acts like and wishes you were a member of another family?  That is what those who are living for the world, by living the world’s way, are doing.  By their actions, they are telling God, “I love you Father, BUT I like how the unsaved live, and I will behave, have the same goals, and strive to be like them.”

Christians are on the winning side!  Why would anyone ever want to act and live like those on the losing side?
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts … And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. … Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:22-32
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; ….” Isaiah 43:18-19
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
“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
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9  

You are not your own anymore if you are saved.  “I’m born again, but I don’t want to do all God wants me to do,” is what too many say by their actions and words to God.  You are not your own; you are purchased by God when you were saved.  The blood that Christ shed on the Cross bought you.  

You did not like who you were, or how you were headed to Hell, before you were saved.  God has done great things for you, including rescuing you from an eternal Hell.  Don’t you want to do something for Him?  Live the life He wants you to live!
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”  I Corinthians 3:16

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

If all the children of God would obey the “new man,” and let their “old man” “die”, their lives would be much different.  There would be fewer disagreements, tensions, and disunity in churches, families, schools, and the workplace.  All would have the same Godly purpose and direction when the “new” creature is allowed to guide them through life.  If you want the “new” life God desires you to have, let your “old man” die — and please, don’t ever let him be resurrected!

“There is but one question, and that is, what is the will of God?  That settles all other questions.”  — William E. Gladstone

Remarried
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 6, Paul lets us know that when we trust Christ as Saviour, our “old man” is “dead” (Rom.  6:6).  The part of us that was once unrestrained, did whatever it wanted to, even things that were against God’s desires for us, is “dead”.  Once we are saved, we no longer have to serve our sin nature.

Romans 7 takes that understanding and explains how we are no longer under sin’s dominion, and the Old Testament laws that identified the sins.  Paul likens the new arrangement of being saved to a new marriage (Romans 7:2-3). 

Like a marriage, one is bound to one spouse for as long as they live.  Before we were saved, we were bound to sin, until that nature died.  It led us where we allowed it to take us into bars, adulterous relationships, bitterness, blasphemy, and hosts of other places.  Our sin nature was in control.

Like a marriage, we are no longer bound to the first “spouse” when that “spouse” dies.  Our first “spouse” died when we got saved.  That first “husband” contained over 600 Old Testament laws.  A saved person is “… dead to the law by the body of Christ …” (Romans 7:6).

The law is essential, however.  It shows us what God likes and dislikes.  From it, we learned that lying is wrong, as is adultery, deceitfulness, disobedience, rebellion, hatred, and on and on the list goes (vs. 7).  Without the law of God, we would not have known the whole mind of God concerning sin.

The law is very hard, however.  It curses and condemns us for the sins we have committed.  Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, when accepted, pays for our sins, and now we can have grace and mercy.  As Matthew Henry put it, “The sentence of the law against us is vacated and reversed by the death of Christ to all true believers.”

For the believer, the “old man” is dead.  We can be “married” to another.  The second spouse is Christ.  We are not bound to the “old man” and his laws.  Yes, the old nature and new nature will still battle for control (Romans 7:18-19),  but with the new mind a Christian has, he can be free from the control of sin (Romans 6:7).

“If you are saved, you sin by choice, not by chance.” — Barbara Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #1027 — False Beliefs

In This Issue:
Filling the Empty Spot
Believe and Ask
Whosoever!
Look It Up!

Volume: 1027     December 1, 2025
Theme: False Beliefs

Filling the Empty Spot
Bill Brinkworth

Paul found himself in the world’s cultural center, Athens, Greece.  As well educated and developed in the arts as the Athenians were, Paul saw something the people were doing that deeply troubled him. 

The man of God saw throughout the city idols and other signs that it was immersed in idolatry.  On approaching a hill where many judicial duties were performed, Mars Hill, he saw something that concerned him even more about the people there.

There on the hill, he saw an altar dedicated to “The Unknown God.”  Here were people who had much of what the world desired: money, education, and pleasures.  In all this, they were not satisfied.  There was something spiritually missing in their lives. 

They tried to fill that void with worship of their own design.  Still, worshiping their created deities did not fulfill their spiritual needs.  “What happens if we leave out a god that we don’t know about?” must have been their concern.   They then created an altar to a “god” they did not even know about.

The Athenians of Paul’s time are no different from many today.  People are still not satisfied with who they are or what they have.  Most have an innate need that they do not know they have.  Throughout their lives, they unconsciously try to satisfy that need. 

Pleasure with all its laughs and imaginations does not fill the “empty spot,” nor do the degrees that come with their education.  Money never fills an insatiable pit.  It always seems, no matter how much is collected, that there is just not enough.  The searching continues.  They try this religion or that religion.  All kinds of ways to please a God they do not really know are attempted.  They remain “empty.”

The “empty spot” everyone has can be filled only through a relationship and fellowship with the real Creator.  When it is accomplished the way He requires, not our ways, He will be a part of our lives. 

God will be the direction our lives yearn for.  He will be the comfort our troubled souls desire.  He will be the supplier of all our needs.  God is the filler of everyone’s “empty spot” when He becomes the Known God to us.

“No God; no peace.  Know God; know peace.”

Believe and Ask
Bill Brinkworth

“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

Next to John 3:16, Romans 10:9 is one of the most memorized and recited verses in the Bible.  Within those 29 words is the message that has changed the lives of billions and saved countless souls from an eternal Hell.  It contains God’s directions for being saved from punishment for our sins — an eternity in Hell.

The most important step in salvation is confessing.  “Confess” is to “own, avow, or acknowledge.  To declare a belief in and adherence to” (Webster, 1828).  We are to acknowledge that Jesus, God’s only son, is alive. 

Jesus is not dead; He has risen from the dead.  Because God’s son did the “impossible” by overcoming death, He could also make it possible for His death, burial, and resurrection to be the payment for all our sins.

Unlike other religious leaders, whose remains are still on this Earth somewhere, Jesus did what no other man could do.  He died for our sins and was buried.  On the third day, He rose from the dead by the power of God.  There were no remains of His body left on this Earth. 

If the truth of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is believed in one’s heart, that person is saved.  He can then be assured of a home in Heaven upon death.  

Believing that Jesus paid for all our sins is admitting that there is nothing we can do to earn our way to Glory.  It was something another did for us.  Jesus paid for our sins with His blood and got the victory over death, Hell, and the grave.

Saying we believe in Jesus and still hoping our good works outnumber our bad deeds is not trusting in Jesus Christ’s work alone for our salvation.  It is adding something to what He did.  The devil believes in Jesus because he has talked to Him, so just believing Jesus exists is not enough. 

What is “enough” is believing that Jesus got the victory over death, and that He is the payment for our sins.  It is trusting with all our hearts that Jesus is the only Way to Heaven.  He is our only hope.  That is total belief in what Jesus did for us.

With this belief, we can be saved from what is due us: the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23).  Believe that Jesus died for your sins, confess Him and you can have God’s promise of eternity with Him in Heaven.

The world says, “Seeing is believing,” but Jesus says, “Believing is seeing.”
— Barbara Brinkworth

Whosoever!
C. H. Spurgeon

One time, Martin Luther saw, in one of the Roman Catholic churches, a picture of the Pope, cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, and friars all on board a ship.  They were all safe.  

As for the laity, poor wretches, they were struggling in the sea, and many of them were drowning.  Only those were saved to whom the good men in the ship were so kind as to hand out a rope or a plank.

Fortunately, that is not our Lord’s teaching.  His blood was shed “for many” (Mat. 26:28) and not for the few.  Jesus is not the Christ of a caste, religion, or a class, but the Christ for all people.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13  



Look It Up!
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 4, the doctrine of works versus faith is discussed.  Paul said (vs. 3) that no matter what biblical teaching is discussed or considered, there should be one concern that must have paramount importance.  That concern should be, “For what saith the scripture?…” (vs. 3).

Your opinion or mine has little importance in light of many topics, especially those concerning the things of God.  Unfortunately, many people’s beliefs about spiritual things are not based on God’s Word. 

Often, people discuss among themselves what they think God’s Word means.  Usually, it is just opinions.  Dr. Mickey Carter called that kind of belief “fireside religion.”  People share their opinions, and often those thoughts turn into lifelong beliefs about the subject, even though they may not be true.

There is one God, and one way to His Heaven.  It is not anyone else’s way, no matter how much education, money, or popularity one has.  Those things do not matter one iota to God when man’s philosophy does not line up with what He has said in His Word.

If this problem of different opinions were not a reality, there would not be different denominations and religions.  Shockingly, many Christian denominations do not even line up with what God has said. 

Because the majority of people do not read and study the Scriptures for themselves, the only biblical knowledge they have is what has been expounded from the pulpit.  They have assumed that the preacher went to college for biblical studies and must know what he is talking about.

Unfortunately, many who claim to know the Scriptures do not know them or even believe what they teach.  I remember being horrified when a pastor many years ago remarked, “Oh yeah, I read the Bible once when I was in college.”  Here was supposedly a spiritual leader to hundreds of people, and he had read the Bible once in his lifetime!  His lack of knowledge certainly must have hurt many lives and eternal souls.

A quick study and examination of most religions, and even denominations that are labeled “Christian,” may quickly reveal that:

  • Idolatry may be involved in their worship.  Many may deny that they are committing idolatry when they stand before a statue and pray or do some “religious” activity before it.  However, in God’s eyes, it is still idolatry.
  • According to their teachings, Jesus is not the only way to Heaven.  Unbiblical teachings often center on good deeds and works that do not please God.  Good works will not get anyone into Heaven.
  • There are other people of the past that they pray to to get answers to their prayers, help, etc., other than Jesus or God.  The Bible says there is only one person (“mediator”) we should pray to, and that is Jesus Christ (I Tim. 2:5).
  • Church teachings and writings have higher importance than the Word of God.
  • They often do not know where the Word of God is.  Leaders frequently use many different versions of the Bible, each teaching differently, and even use writings from other religions.

Many church doors would be closed shortly if attendees simply asked the same question Paul did about church doctrines.  A simple, “I heard what you just preached from the pulpit.  Show me in the King James Bible where what you just preached is written down, and I will gladly believe it.”  A biblically aligned church leader, or even one answering your query, should not be offended when you earnestly seek “What saith the Lord?”

“If you have truth decay, brush up on the Bible!” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1026 — Thanksgiving

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


Volume: 1026     November 24, 2023
Theme: Thanksgiving

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

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

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

William Bradford
Ye Governor of Ye Colony

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




1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation  

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

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

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

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

George Washington – October 3, 1789




2019 Thanksgiving Proclamation 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DONALD J. TRUMP, First Term

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




2022 Thanksgiving Proclamation 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW#1025 — Money

In This Issue:
Borrowing
The Delusion of Wealth
Never Enough
What Some Wealthy People Thought about Wealth

Volume: 1025   November 10, 2025
Theme:  Money

Read 19+ years of  free Bible Views, PLUS devotions, lessons, Bible studies,
and puzzles at:   www.OpenThouMineEyes.com

Borrowing and Lending
Bill Brinkworth

Many in the last three decades or more have developed a lifestyle of spending more than they can afford.  Yes, I know that the economy is geared to people living off their credit, and yes, I know “everyone is doing it.”

No, I do not think it is the bank’s fault for lending us money we cannot afford to repay.  We are responsible for our decision to obtain a loan.  We alone are accountable for our spending and paying back what we borrowed.

In many cases, it may be necessary to borrow money to purchase a “need.” However, there is such a thing as “responsible borrowing and lending.” Here are a few biblical principles that, if heeded, may keep many from the financial trouble that could easily happen to them if these principles are ignored:

  • The Bible does teach that it is acceptable to loan money and things.  The good lender should show mercy and kindness to those to whom he has lent.
    “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” Psalm 112:5
    “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17
    “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.” Luke 6:30
    “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” Matthew 5:42  Also: Psalm 112:5, Proverbs 19:17
  • A godly person has a responsibility to pay back what he has borrowed.  It is a wicked person who does not repay a loan!
    “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.” Psalm 37:21
  • When we give our word to repay money we have borrowed, we have an obligation to repay it.  Breaking our word is lying.  We are accountable for the promises we make!  It is our testimony, especially as Christians, to do what we say we will do.
    “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,” Proverbs 6:16-17
    Covenant breaking (promise breaking) is listed as a sin in Romans 1:31.
  • When times are tough and it does not seem possible to pay the bills, turn to God first —not the banks.  He can, if it is truly a need, help you!
    “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:24-25
    “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4
  • When a person does not repay what he borrows, he keeps what does not belong to him.  That is stealing!
  • When you do borrow, you can lose some freedom.
    “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
  • When you do borrow, do not get into a situation where your freedom is used as collateral for a debt.
    “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” Proverbs 22:26 (“Surety” can be one that is legally bound to pay off a debt. In some cases, if the debt is not paid, a person may be bound to pay off the debt by his being in slavery, in one form or another.)
  • Some debt may be accumulated because of one’s coveting.  Coveting is a sin (Exodus 20:17).  It is wicked in God’s eyes because one may not be happy with what God has allowed him to have.  

    A person may lust for what another has.  That coveting may lead him to spend what he should not have spent.  He may end up with payments he cannot afford.  The financial hardship may be the consequence of one’s sin.  It may be a reaping of what was sown.
  • If we borrow something, and it is damaged or dies in our possession, it is the borrower’s responsibility to restore to the lender what was lent.  The borrower needs to fix what was damaged or loss.
    “And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.” Exodus 22:14
  • If you are responsible for making a person poor, do not charge him interest!
    “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.” Exodus 22:25
  • If you are trying to help a person who is having financial difficulties, do not profit from his hardship.
    “And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.  Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.  Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.” Leviticus 25:35-37

Having a “little” may not be such a bad thing!
“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Prov. 15:16 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Timothy 6:6

The Delusion of Wealth
Author Unknown

There is a fable about a covetous man who claimed to find his way one moonlit night into a fairy’s palace.  There he saw bars, apparently of solid gold, strewed everywhere.  He was permitted to take away as many as he could carry.  He carried his treasure home with much difficulty.

In the morning, when the sun rose, he found himself waking and still clutching his “treasure”,  which he saw was only a bundle of sticks.  All around him, invisible “people” laughed and scoffed at what he previously thought was valuable.

Such will be the confusion of many a person who died in this world and who is worth much.  Awaking in the next life, they will find that their “treasures” on Earth meant nothing in eternity.  They will find themselves “… wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”  Rev. 3:17-18

Never Enough
Author Unknown

“When I was younger,” said a friend, “an older man tried to teach me some wisdom I should know about.  He once asked me when a man was rich enough?”  I replied, “When he has ten thousand dollars?”

“No,” was his answer.

“Twenty thousand?”

Again, “No.”

“A hundred thousand?”

“No.”

In an attempt to settle the discussion, I responded, “One million dollars?”

“No!” he again responded.  “When he has a little more than he has, and that is never!  If he acquires one thousand, he wishes to have two thousand, then five, then twenty, then fifty.  If he grasped all the money in the whole world, he would desire other world’s riches to possess.”

“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Proverb 27:20

What Some Wealthy People Thought about Money

“I have made many millions, but they have brought me no happiness.”  
— John W. Rockefeller 

“The care of $200,000,000 is enough to kill anyone.  There is no pleasure in it.”
— W. H. Vanderbilt

“I am the most miserable man on Earth.” — John Jacob Astor 

“I was happier when doing a mechanic’s job.” — Henry Ford

“Millionaires seldom smile.” — Andrew Carnegie

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy  6:10

The BIBLE VIEW #1024- Sin

In This Issue:
Catching Monkeys
It Cannot be Tamed
A Wormhole
A Snow Story

Volume: 1024   October 27, 2025
Theme:  Sin

Catching Monkeys
Bill Brinkworth

Many hunters use their skills with bows and arrows, blowguns, and spears to kill monkeys.  Missionary Arnold Skelton told of an interesting way that natives capture the primates.

Some clever hunters have figured out a way that monkeys can trap themselves.  The hunter would scour the jungles looking for the right-sized, wild gourd.  It would have to be large and big around the middle.

After the gourd had dried for several weeks, he would cut a two-inch hole in the side and a smaller one in the top, through which a rope could be passed and the gourd hung from a tree.  He would then take the insides out of the gourd, leaving an empty, hard-shelled trap that he would use to catch a monkey dinner.

After finding the right place in the jungle where there were plenty of monkeys, he would hang his trap from a tree.  In the center of the gourd-trap, he would place several handfuls of peanuts and then leave his monkey-catcher.

In a short time, the curious creatures would scamper over to see what the man had left behind.  A glance and a long sniff would reveal to the monkeys that one of their favorite foods was conveniently close by — and easy to get!

One monkey would venture first.  He would look the gourd over well.  The gourd was a common sight to the creature and would not rouse many questions, and inside, he would discover wonderful, plump peanuts.  What more could a monkey ask for?

Into the gourd would venture one monkey’s hand, grasp one or two peanuts, and then slowly, he would ease out his hand.  Easy pickings!  He got a handful and they were so good!

Perhaps another monkey saw how easily it was done.  He, too, wanted his share.  In would go his little hand, and not wanting to miss out on this free deal (“Why, some of the other monkeys may go next and not leave any more for me!”), he would grab as many as he could get.  His hand was now too big to get back out of the hole.  When he tried to pull back his hand, it would not come out through the gourd’s hole.  His hand was stuck.

He would pull and pull, but to no avail.  The creature was caught.  There seemed to be no way out.  His own selfishness had bound him to the trap.  It would never dawn on him to let go of the peanuts.  There, he would be captured until the hunter returned and easily killed the monkey.

So many people are in a similar trap.  It may not be a lust for peanuts that has them bound, but it may be bondage to cigarettes, drinking, drugs, lying, adultery, stealing, or some other sin that has them caught.

At first, the sin looked harmless to them.  “Everyone was doing it, and it seemed to be okay.” Finally, sin’s noose tightened, and there was no longer any fun or enjoyment in the iniquity.

It has them caught.  There seems to be no escape from the terrible wage (and there always is at least one) of the sin.  There is.  Let go, before it’s too late!

“Oh, it’s easy to say, but harder to do,” many claim the excuse.  There is only one way to escape the consequences of sin, and that is to leave it.  No person can do it for you.  No pill will take sin’s grip away.  No good work will erase it.  You have to break the bind.  The sin has to be stopped.  The longer it continues, the stronger its grip.

“Well, I can’t stop this sin.” Well, maybe YOU can’t.  There is, however, another way to get the victory.  This way is to call upon the Lord to help you.  He can help you get the win over this world, its traps, and snares.  You must trust in Him to show you the way out.

Here are some Bible verses about letting go and letting God help you get the victory over the devices of this world:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Corinthians 12:10

The only way you will know His will and way is if you read His book.  His Word is exactly that, His words.  The Bible is a book with the preserved plans of God to help you through life.  You will never know His way if you do not read it and you will never get the victory unless you obey it.

Yes, little monkey, there is a way out of your predicament.  Let go and let your Heavenly Father help release you from sin’s bondage.

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

It Cannot be Tamed
C. H. Spurgeon

I have heard of a man who kept a tame leopard in his house.  It had been nursed from the time it was a cub, and it wandered about the house like a cat.

One day, while the master was asleep, the leopard licked his hand.  As it licked a place where the skin was thin and broken, blood began to flow.  Soon,s all the wild instincts of the beast flashed from its furious eyes.  

The man suddenly woke and saw the situation.  His end was near unless he should be quick and skillful enough to destroy the animal.  

Do you think he paused or hesitated?  No, a loaded pistol was within his reach, so he stretched out his hand quietly, grasped it firmly, aimed it steadily, fired it instantly, and the creature lay dead at his feet.  It had come to this: either he must kill it, or it would kill him.

Is it so with you?  Your sins may have begun to draw “blood” from you already.  Those stings of conscience, that empty purse, that lack of peace, those red eyes all are starting to tell what sin can do.  

Not yet do you know all sin’s horror.  Before the leopard of iniquity springs upon you and speedily tears you to pieces, God help you to give it up!

“Secret sin down here is open scandal in Heaven.”  — Dr. Chafer

A Wormhole
Author Unknown

You have seen an apple with a wormhole in it.  Do you know whether the worm began to bore the hole in the apple from the inside or from the outside?  Many would say from the outside, but a scientist will agree with the observer who declares that the worm began on the inside.  In fact, they tell us that the egg was laid in the blossom and that the worm was hatched in the heart of the apple, whence he bored his way out.

That is precisely the way the worm of sin starts work in the human life.  It begins in the heart and bores its way out.  We know it is true that out of the heart are the issues of life.  We must never forget that the heart must be sound, or the life will be mutilated.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23



A Snow Story
Author Unknown

It was wintertime, and the freshly fallen snow had clothed the whole face of the country in a beautiful white robe.  Crossing a field with her milk can in hand was a little girl.  She was on her way to the farmhouse to buy some milk.  In the middle of the field, she stopped and took three looks.

She looked around.  All was pure and white: the hedges, the trees, the ground, and the house.  All were covered with snow.

She looked within.  The little girl thought of her sins, of how many wrong words she had spoken, and of how many bad things she had done.  She felt she was dirty with her sins and not at all like the snow around her.

She looked up.  She turned to the Saviour of sinners, and from the field rose her cry, “Lord, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

Would the Lord hear that cry?  Indeed, He would.  He answered it at once and gave that little girl knowledge and confidence that His precious blood cleansed her from all sin, and that she was whiter than snow in His sight.

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

The BIBLE VIEW #1023 — Difficulties

In This Issue:
Why Me?
The “Bad” Times
A Shelter in The Time of Storm

Volume: 1023   October 27, 2025
Theme:  Difficulties

Why Me?
Bill Brinkworth

Even if a person is well-educated, lives a good life, has wealth, and may be able to protect themself, but lives in a bad neighborhood, it does not guarantee they will be exempt from lawlessness.  It is a crime-ridden neighborhood, and all who reside there will most likely have terrible things happen at some time.

It is the same for good Christian people in this world.  Earth is a sin-infested place where we reside.   All who live here will be affected or involved in iniquity because of the “neighborhood”  where they reside.  

The hardships encountered by living here may include financial, health, accidents, social, and many other areas.  There will be problems that happen to all of us at some point in our lives.  Many of the difficulties and bad experiences are because we live in a cursed residence.
“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; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;  19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Genesis 3:17-19
“The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” Isaiah 24:5-6

Christian souls may be saved, and we may be doing much better than our neighbors, but all will encounter the consequences of iniquity from our own weaknesses or those committed by others.   Nowhere in the Bible does it say that followers of Christ will not have problems as a result of sin.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

Do not expect not to have problems.  We are all born sinners; that is why we need to be saved.  All will be affected by sin’s side effects.
“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

So, why are bad things happening to you?  Not only are you a sinner and possibly reaping the repercussions of your iniquities, but you live in a sin-oppressed world.  Sin hurts everyone, even the innocent.  Believers are not exempt from its terrible consequences.
“For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night.  This is also vanity.” Ecclesiastes 2:23

As overpowering as the plague of sin on all is, Christians can have protection during iniquity’s storms.  We can limit what happens to us by living a God-centered and God-lead life. 

If waves from wickedness do crash spray over your life’s bow, it is a time to draw near the Master of the Sea to help you through sin’s gale.  He may be using that trial to make you a stronger Christian.  It is not time to abandon ship!

“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

The “Bad” Times
Bill Brinkworth

No one likes troubles, trials, and tribulations, but we all will or have had them.  Since we will all encounter them in our lives, it only makes sense to view them properly.

God often sends “bad” incidents to make us into what He desires us to be.  They will teach us lessons in life’s school that will never leave us the same.  It can be for this reason that God preserved the words in James 1:2-4:“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [trials] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

We are to take these challenging times as a “joyful time”?  How can anything as miserable as some have experienced be joyful?  Usually, the lesson is learned and thankfulness is appreciated after the fire is passed through and when we’re out on the other side of calamity.  It is then that we can have “joy”.

After one goes through so many “temptations” and remembers how they benefited from those experiences, one can easily develop the right attitude the next time unpleasantness comes into view.  “Ah, I don’t like the class, but the lesson I will learn will be worth it.” That is joy.

The Bible gives us many different reasons why hard times come into our lives.  Those amidst trials learn many lessons.  Some did not learn their lesson the first time they took the “course.”  Later on, they faced more difficult training further down life’s path because they had never learned it previously.

Sometimes tempestuous times are meant to strengthen us.  We can be made stronger when we are awed at His deliverance from the impossible.  When we get to that point, we can look back and say, “Only God could have gotten me through that”.
“He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.” Deuteronomy 10:212

At other times, our turbulent trials build our faith after we see what God has done.  After passing through enough testing and remembering how we were delivered in the past, we have faith that He will guide us through the next time.
“Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” I Samuel 12 24

Part of what happens when our faith is strengthened is that we are taught.  We learn more about Him, what He can or will not do, and His other character traits when we see God work in our lives.

There are many lessons to be learned from life’s trials.  When Israel was led through the wilderness, they learned to fear and follow God.  Jonah’s experience also taught him to obey – the first time.  

Paul’s blinding experience on the road to Damascus taught him that there is only one way to please God, and that it is God’s way, not the traditions or religions of man.  After Jesus healed a blind man from a lifetime of darkness, the man came to know of His power.

All these events changed the lives of those going through what they initially thought were unwanted times.  What would they have been like if they had not experienced them?

Reading the Scriptures, one can easily see how hard times were used to teach God’s people how He could protect them.  God has used hornets, earthquakes, darkness, disease, fear, and water, to name a few, to guard and direct His own.  What an unforgettable lesson must have been learned when they got to see the mighty works of their protective Father.

Hard times can also direct us.  The trials we go through often change the direction we are going and put us on the course God desires – much like the road detour no one likes.  

If our route had not been changed, we would have ended up in the construction workers’ freshly dug trench, possibly damaging our vehicle and ourselves.  The many extra miles were worth the aggravation we could have faced in the body shop or even in the hospital.  When we look back on what could have happened, we can be joyful about what did not occur and are thankful for His direction.

Certainly, tough times can change us.  Jonah’s attitude was surely changed after his stay in the whale’s belly.  Saul had a new perspective about persecuted Christians after he was one.  

Joseph was certainly appreciative of all the hardships he endured after recognizing how they prepared him for his future.  We can lose all our self-righteousness and self-worth in a short hurry when we face trials and realize that in those times, only God can make a difference.

Not all trials are punishment of God, but some are.  Our miseries can be an act of God to correct us when we do wrong.  A proper punishment will change wrong behavior and quickly.  

When God’s people were doing wrong, God sent enemies, bondage, plagues, and other deterrents to change their mindset.  Parents sometimes have to punish their child for wrong behavior; our heavenly Father sometimes needs to do so also.

Not too many people get excited when terrible things happen to them, but if you have not already learned, there is much to be learned from the “bad times.”   Not one spiritual, close-to-God Christian got that way without going through a lot of heartache.  Sometimes the most spiritual have gone through the most.  Hard times can have a positive effect on us if we learn our lesson properly.



A Shelter in The Time of Storm
A Hymn by Vernon Charlesworth

The Lord’s our rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:
Oh, Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Je­sus is a rock in a weary land,
A shel­ter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes af­fright,
A shel­ter in the time of storm.
Refrain:

The raging storms may round us beat.
A shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:

O rock divine, O refuge dear,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:

The BIBLE VIEW #1022 —Anger

In This Issue:
Get It Right Before Bedtime
When Anger Is Sinful
Uncontrolled Anger
When Humor Helped Keep His Shirt On
Yielding Personal “Rights”
Unhappy and Last Place

Volume: 1022   October 20, 2025
Theme:  Anger


Get It Right Before Bedtime
Bill Brinkworth

Part of man’s makeup includes the “anger” emotion.  Perhaps, because we are made in the image of our Creator, we received this reaction in certain situations from God.

Reading the Scriptures, one will quickly see some instances where God was angry.  There were times when God was angry with Moses (Ex. 4:14), Aaron (Deut. 9:20), Israel (Deut. 9:8, II Kings 17:18), Solomon (I Kings 11:9), and the wicked on a daily basis (Psalms 7:11). 

God’s only son, Jesus, also got angry at times.  He was angered by hardened hearts (Mark 3:5).  Most likely, Jesus was angered when He saw people making the Temple, a place of worship, into a place of commerce (John 2:14-15).

However, when God and Jesus became angry, no sin was involved.  God is Holy (Lev. 19:2, I Sam. 2:2) and does not sin, nor does His Son (Heb. 4:15).  Anger does not necessarily need to be sinful.

There are still things that make God angry, and I am sure they still break Jesus’ heart.  We encounter plenty in this life that should make a Christian angry. 

The killing of 4,000 innocent babies a day by abortion should make a Christian angry.  The world’s brainwashing attempt to get people to accept and tolerate sin should get a believer mad.  

Punishing righteousness and godly living should make one displeased.  Christians live in a world where many things are done contrary to what the Bible teaches we should do, and they should get upset over that.  We should love the sinner, but sin should make us angry.

Sometimes people’s reactions to things, which may not necessarily be a sin, can get them mad.  Regardless of what upsets us, we must be cautious, as anger can lead to sin.  A Christian must always be wary of getting involved in iniquity.  One must avoid anything that may, at one point, lead one to do wrong.

For this reason, God has given us a blow-off valve so the pressures from our anger do not evolve into sin.  God’s warning is that no matter what gets you angry, make sure you get it right before the day is over.  Before the sun goes down and before you put your head on your pillow, make sure you deal with your anger.

If you find yourself angry with your wife, family member, coworker, or anyone else, make sure to address it before the end of the day.  That means someone may have to surrender their pride and discuss the day’s provocation with their spouse before bedtime. 
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Ephesians 4:26

A child may need to be apologized to because a parent’s temper got the better of them during a discipline situation.  Perhaps a phone call is necessary to re-establish a good relationship with an employee or neighbor.  If we want to end the possible consequences of improper handling of anger, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Failing to address anger promptly often results in hostilities and feelings being bottled up.  When one wakes up the next day, those emotions are strengthened and hardened in one’s mind.  The longer they remain undealt with, the harder they will ever be to reconcile.

Unreconciled feelings often lead to hardened, unpliable hearts.  A hardened heart leads to bitterness.  Before long, one may develop a bitter spirit towards an individual or even a group of people, all because anger was never addressed and instead it festered and grew.  

Often, the person may not even realize what has happened to him.  Anger and bitterness can fester in a relationship all because one let a day go by without humbling oneself and getting a problem resolved before the sun went down.

Perhaps, many suns have set on your anger.  The resulting bitterness has robbed you of the joy you once had. 

Every time you see a certain person or hear his name, the old, unforgiven memories churn up, and you find yourself facing the same anger.  It would have been much easier to remedy those feelings on the day it happened, but it is never too late to get your angry feelings right with another. 

Yes, it may be the other person who did something terribly wrong.  However, your anger has robbed you of your joy, and that sin may have kept you from having a closer walk and relationship with the Lord.  Get hostilities and anger right today, before the sun goes down.

“A man that does not know how to be shaken to his heart’s core with indignation over things evil is either a fungus or a wicked man” — Beecher


When Anger Is Sinful
J. Beaumont, 1871

Anger is sin:

  • When we are angry with the providence of God.
  • When we are angry with the laws of God.
  • When we are angry at the doctrines taught in the Word of God.
  • When we are angry at the good we see in others.
  • When we are angry with those who differ from us in religious sentiments.
  • When we are angry at reproof.
  • When we wish evil upon our reprover.
  • When we use unlawful means to avenge ourselves.

“To be angry is often to revenge the fault of others upon ourselves.” — Antinomy

Uncontrolled Anger
Oliver B. Greene

Alexander the Great was one of the few men in history who truly deserved his descriptive title.  He was energetic, versatile, and intelligent.  Although hatred was not generally part of his nature, several times in his life, he was tragically defeated by anger.

The story is told of one of these occasions, when a dear friend of Alexander, a general in his army, became intoxicated and began to ridicule the emperor in front of his men.  Blinded by anger and quick as lightning, Alexander snatched a spear from the hand of a soldier and hurled it at his friend.  Although he had only intended to scare the drunken general, his aim was accurate, and the spear took the life of his childhood friend.

Deep remorse followed his anger.  He was overcome with guilt, Alexander attempted to take his own life with the same spear, but he was stopped by his men.  For days, he lay sick, calling for his friend and chiding himself as a murderer.

Alexander the Great conquered many cities and countries, but he had failed miserably to control his own spirit.

When Humor Helped Keep His Shirt On
Author Unknown

In early 1952, President Truman appointed Newbold Morris to investigate crime and its management in high government circles.  Later that year, Morris was in the witness chair answering a barrage of pointed questions from the Senate subcommittee regarding the sale of some ships by his New York company.

The investigation was becoming hot and fierce.  Morris’ face took on a look of pain, then of surprise, and then of anger.  Amidst the excitement, he shouted as he reached into his coat and produced a sheet of white paper.

“Wait a minute.  I have a note here from my wife.  It says, ‘Keep your shirt on.’”

Everybody laughed, and the angry excitement died down, at least temporarily.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Yielding Personal “Rights”
Author Unknown

The public library had a system called “Dial-A-Tale.” Anytime a young child wanted to hear a fairy tale, they could call the number, and a voice would read a short fairy tale to the listening young ear.  However, the number was only one digit different than Rev. Tom Erickson’s number.

Because the small fingers often made mistakes, Tom received frequent calls from a child wanting to hear a fairy tale.  

After several unsuccessful attempts to explain a wrong number to the small child, Tom felt he had only one alternative.  He obtained a copy of Three Little Pigs, and set it by the phone.  Whenever a child called, he simply read him the tale.  A beautiful illustration of yielding personal rights and avoiding anger.

He didn’t, as you might have thought, change his telephone number to avoid the “invasion of his privacy”, as some might have done.

“Anyone can become angry.  That is easy.  But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, and in the right way — that is not easy.”  — Antinomy

Unhappy and Last Place
Author Unknown

A Do-it-yourself catalog firm received the following letter from one of its customers: “I built a birdhouse according to your stupid plans, and not only is it much too big, but it keeps blowing out of the tree.  Signed, Unhappy.”

The firm replied: “Dear Unhappy, We’re sorry about the mix-up.  We accidentally sent you a sailboat blueprint.  But if you think you are unhappy, you should read the letter from the guy who came in last in the yacht club regatta.”

The BIBLE VIEW #1021 — Being A Christian

In This Issue:
When the Holy Spirit Whispers to Your Heart
What We Do Have
Paul’s Good Advice
“Insiders” Can Do More Damage

Volume: 1021   October 13, 2025
Theme:  Being a Christian


When the Holy Spirit Whispers to Your Heart
Bill Brinkworth

Paul had corrected the carnal Corinthian church in his writings to them.  He got no joy out of rebuking them for their sin and weaknesses (II Corinthians 7:8), however, he rejoiced over the results of his correcting them. 

The Corinthians weighed his remarks about their sin, found the accusations were correct, saw that it was wrong in God’s eyes, were sorrowful over their iniquities, and corrected their behavior (II Cor. 7:8-9).  Paul’s verbal stand against their wrongdoing helped them repent of their error.

That is usually the intent of every preacher who preaches behind the pulpit.  They labor over the portion of the Scriptures God had laid on their heart to preach and deliver a message.  Many times, the preacher would rather not say what he has to say.  He knows very well how some will react.  

The preacher has a duty, however (II Cor. 7:12).  That duty is to deliver the truth, no matter how hard some may take it.  As did Paul, the preacher is to put the spotlight on spiritual problems in our lives.  Once we see the error, it is up to us to correct the wrongdoing.

Some hear the message pounded from the pulpit and do as the Corinthians did.  They listen to it, and most likely do not like what they hear.   Then they realize that it was not the preacher who was rebuking them, but God’s Word. 

When the seriousness of the matter is realized, they become “sorrowful” over the matter.  They become so sad about what they had done that they committed themselves not to do it again.  The Holy Spirit’s work through the preacher’s sermon has done what it was intended to do!

However, many react differently to the sermon.  Instead of getting their sin or spiritual weakness corrected, they get mad at the deliverer of the Good News. 

It is not unusual for some to storm out of the church, never to return, blaming the preacher for, “He was personally attacking me, and embarrassing me before the whole church!”  Quite often, the preacher has no idea that his words hit the mark the Holy Spirit was aiming at or to whom it applied.

Others react badly by discrediting the Spirit’s tugging at their heart by saying, “The preacher doesn’t know what he is talking about,” “That Scripture was for another time, and doesn’t apply today,” “I don’t agree with what he said”, and on and on the excuses flow.  The truth is that the Holy Spirit spoke to their heart, and they refused to obey what He was convicting them of doing.

Preaching is often the medium God chooses to speak to hearts.  However, God speaks to our hearts, it is up to us to heed the warning and turn from our rebuked ways. 

Have you heard His commands?  Did you get glad and repent, or did you get mad and not correct what He desired you to change?

“When God’s Word convicts you of sin, don’t shoot the messenger; heed the message!”

What We Do Have
Bill Brinkworth

From time to time, one hears a complaining Christian murmur, “I am a Christian.  I can’t do this or that.”  They sound like they do not enjoy being a Christian.  They forget who they are and what they have. 

Romans 8 reminds us of some of the many advantages of being a Christian.  When we are saved, the blessings include:

  • We are not condemned for the many sins we commit.
    “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Matthew Henry wrote, “Paul does not say, ‘There is no accusation against them,’ for this there is; but the accusation is thrown out, and the indictment quashed.  He does not say, ‘There is nothing in them that deserves condemnation,’ for this there is, and they see it, and own it, and mourn over it, and condemn themselves for it; but it shall not be their ruin.  He does not say, ‘There is no cross, no affliction to them or no displeasure in the affliction,’ for this there may be, but no condemnation.” We are protected from the law’s judgment on our sins because of Christ.

  • We have the opportunity to be led by the indwelling Spirit of God.  We do not have to follow the flesh that only wants to do what feels right to it, and leads us to commit damaging sin.  We can follow God’s perfect, safe guidance (Rom. 8:5).
  • Because we can follow the Spirit of God, we can please God (Rom. 8:8).  Before the Spirit guided us, we did not please Him.
  • We are “sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).  Praise the Lord!  We are family members!
  • We are adopted into God’s family when we are saved (Rom. 8:15).  He is our “Abba”, our Father.  There is no greater honor than to be able to call the Creator of everything “Father.”  We can, once we are saved!
  • We are no longer bound by sin; we are freed from its control (Rom. 8:15-16).
  • The indwelling Spirit lets us know that we are different; we are the children of God (Rom. 8:16).
  • When we love God, we know that all that happens to us can turn out for our good and God’s glory (Rom. 8:28).  There is no need to be afraid, because God is for us (Rom. 8:31).
  • No person or circumstance can separate us from our loving God (Rom. 8:35-39).

So, praise the Lord!  If you are saved, you are on the winning side.  You have much for which to be thankful.

“If you live for God, you might miss some things: drunkenness, AIDS, divorce,
jail, etc.” — Barbara Brinkworth



Paul’s Good Advice
Bill Brinkworth

In Paul’s concluding remarks to the Galatians (Galatians 6), he left them with some good advice.  His counsel included:

  • If someone has a weakness, and you truly are spiritual, help them with their problem.  That advice is contrary to what so many do when one is having difficulties (Gal.  6:1).  Too many talk about the dilemma of those who are hurting, ridicule them, and “kick them” when they are down.
  • Take others’ hardships to your own heart.  Bear the burdens of others (Galatians  6:2), as if they were your very own.
  • No matter how successful you think you are, do not fool yourself into thinking you are better than you really are (Gal.  6:3).
  • Hardships and trials are difficult and exhausting, but when you persevere through them, you will feel better about yourself (Gal. 6:4, 5).  Too many try to keep others from learning a valuable life lesson by making it easier for them.  Those people never experience the joy of overcoming the difficulty.  Often, facing a problem alone can lead a person to draw closer to and become more reliant on God.
  • Never forget or be fooled, one always reaps what one sows!  If one plants a crop of sin, he will reap the harvest of some really rotten “fruit” (Gal. 6:7, 8)!
  • Do not quit doing right!  You may feel that there is no reward in doing so, or that no one may ever give you the credit for doing right, but God promises that, in time, you will reap the blessings of a good “crop” (Gal.  6:9)!
  • Be a blessing to others, especially other Christians (Gal. 6:10)!

Those seven bits of advice will make one’s life more rewarding and limit many unnecessary bad consequences that many face.  Paul’s wisdom, if followed, would result in fewer selfish people and many more others-oriented, content, and fulfilled Christians.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”  I Corinthians 15:58



“Insiders” Can Do More Damage
Author Unknown

We who have believed can hurt Christ more than those who have not.  Enemies within the fort are more dangerous than enemies without. 

God’s worst enemies when He sought the world through His Son were not the unbelieving Romans, but the Jews who believed in God and had worshipped Him for centuries.

What a responsibility this truth puts upon those who bear Christ’s name.  For the damage is just as severe from unintentional disloyalty as from open enmity.  Every lowering of our standard is a worse stab at our best Friend and Saviour than can be dealt by scoffers or unbelievers.

The BIBLE VIEW #1020 — Grief

In This Issue:
Tip-toeing Through the Tombstones
There Is Hope.  He Is Alive.

Volume: 1020   September 29, 2025
Theme:  Grief


Tip-toeing Through the Tombstones
Bill Brinkworth

After visiting cemeteries, I often wandered among tombstones that, for many, were the only remaining memories of people who once lived.  The visits were a solemn reminder that life will come to an end for all, and our mark on this world may soon vanish.

Only cold granite stones remains of lives that once laughed, traveled, did good or bad deeds, brought lives into this world, and so much more.  Invisible to us, however, their soul still lives on, but where?
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

Towards the front of a cemetery were five large plain stones without an etched name or date.  The rocks were carefully manicured to remove overgrown grass, just like all the other monuments.  A sign near the markers stated that they were monuments to unknown people. 

Perhaps the markers were placed before a stone mason was available to chisel their personal information on the rocks.  Maybe they were very poor and could not afford a better monument.  Not even their names were remembered.  There was no memory of them at all.

They are forgotten to us, but not to God.  He knows who they are, what they did, and why and when they died.  I wonder where they are.  Are they in Heaven or Hell for all those centuries?

Further along in a graveyard, there were three crudely carved headstones.  All three had the same last names, different birth dates, but the same day of death.   From the dates on the stones, I could tell they were very young children. 

What happened that they all died on the same day?  Was it a raging epidemic?  Was it a catastrophic fire that they all perished in?  Lord knows, and their ages were very young, so they probably were not old enough to decide to trust and understand Christ as their Saviour.  But, if that is so, they are still in Heaven with their Heavenly Father.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14   Also: Matthew 18:10, 21:16.

Next to their markers were no headstones with the same last name.  Their parents were not buried next to them.  How did the adults handle the great loss of their children?  Did they get angry, shake their fist at God, and blame Him?  Did they ruin their lives because they did not overcome their grief?  Or did they turn their sadness over to the Lord and remain faithful to Him even through that great loss?  Wherever they are buried, what was chiseled on their headstone?
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”  Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Four or five stones together were a reminder that there lie the remains of local soldiers who died in a World War II battlefield.  They gave their lives to secure their country, but where are their souls now?  Are they in Heaven or Hell?  Although great was their sacrifice, that great deed alone would not get them to Heaven. 

Did they get saved before the Service, or perhaps a rare conversion just before leaving this world?  Did they cling to the promises underlined in their small Blbles they were given when they first enlisted and always carried with them?
“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

Side by side were two other stones, marking the resting places of a husband and wife.  Apparently, the husband died first.  Was he a born-again child of God?  Is he in Heaven? 
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Twenty years later, the wife apparently died, with the same last name as her husband.  As her last name was the same as her husband’s, I suppose she never remarried. 

She spent all those years most likely by herself.  Did her children visit her, or did they go about their lives ignoring their mother’s great grief? 

How did she handle the great sadness she must have carried?  Did she ever get saved?  Is she in Heaven with her husband, or is she in agony alone in Hell?  If she and her husband were both saved, I am sure it was a grand reunion when they remet in Glory.

Another stone clearly told whose remains were under the chiseled little lamb headstone.  Apparently, a young child died and was buried there.  Again, how did the parents handle the grief?

I imagine it was difficult for them.  But did they take the time of great sadness and realize that one day their time would come?  Did they get saved?  Their child was older according to the etched dates.  Was the child saved?  Was there a great reunion for that family in Eternity?

A whole row of memorials all had the same last name.  Most had some indication that the person was saved.  There were crosses and verses etched on many of the monuments.  It appeared to be a family including grandparents, parents, and some children.  It was apparently a Christian family. 

Were they all saved, or did some of the “residents” claim to be born-again but were not, and opened their eyes to a terrifying eternity?  Or were they all born-again and living for the Lord?  If so, I am sure there is still a great reunion in Heaven.

One stone had a last name that was not on any of the other nearby monuments.  The dates indicated that the person lived a long life.  Did he live it alone?  Was he ever married?  Did he die alone?  If alone, how did he manage?  Did that person ever get saved?  Where is he residing now?

Then I  came upon a newly laid stone.  The plastic flowers put down by the funeral parlor remained.  It was the burial place of my wife of 36 years. 

I did not have to wonder about that woman’s past or where she is living for eternity.  She was saved and served the Lord for over 40 years.  I know where she is now.  There is no guessing.  
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

I know in the future, we too will have a great reunion.  What a comfort it is to remember her great faithfulness, her toiling for the Lord, and her diligence in reaching others with the Gospel.

Every life has a story.  We can surmise how some lived and died by reading the etched brief information on their headstones.  But all that we can read is their past.  All souls live on, and we have little knowledge of their eternal “life” now and in the future.

When your body gives its last breath and your body lies in a cemetery, what will an onlooker remember, wonder, or read about your life?  Are you confident that your eternal soul will be in Heaven with the Lord, or will you finally recognize that you wasted an opportunity for Heaven?  Oh, what an agonizing eternal error that would be.

Trust Christ and live for Him today.  Life is shorter than you think.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14

“Grief drives men into habits of serious reflections, sharpens the understanding, and softens the heart.”  — John Adams

There Is Hope.  He Is Alive.
Gotthold

A wife observed her husband, who was dejected by some misfortune that had befallen him.  To such a degree was the grief that he could not sleep.  His sadness was quite apparent.

She pretended to be very upset in the morning and cried and moaned.  As she had spoken cheerfully to her husband the evening before, and exhorted him to dismiss his sorrow, he was concerned about his wife.

He asked her the cause of her sudden grief.

Hesitating a little, she replied that in a dream it seemed a messenger had come from Heaven and brought news that God was dead, and that all the angels and others were weeping.  Hope was gone.”

“Foolish woman,” said the husband, “you know quite well that God cannot die!”

“Indeed,” replied the wife, “and if that be certain, how come it is that you are now sorrowful over your problem as if He really did no longer exist, or, at least, as if He were unable to control what is happening in your life.  My dear husband, learn to trust Him.  He is in control.  He is not dead.”

“The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.”  — Sophocles