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The BIBLE VIEW #1033 — Service

In This Issue:
What To Do If You Can’t Do Any More
Do What You Can

Volume: 1033     January 20, 2026
Theme: Service

 What To Do If You Can’t Do Any More
Bill Brinkworth

One day, everyone will reach a point where they cannot do what they used to do.  Be it health issues, psychological reasons, or age restrictions, some will find themselves watching the world go by from the sidelines.

However, if a sidelined person is a Christian, quitting and not making a spiritual difference in this world should not be an option.  No one is saved to sit and soak in God’s goodness. 

We are saved to stand and serve.  No age or Bible health restriction tells a Christian, “Okay, you have done your part, now sit down and relax.”

Often, when a tire has little tread life, there is a way to keep it in service.  There still can be a use for it.

A worker removes the tire’s outer layer.  If the supporting radial fibers are still intact, a new tread can be adhered to them, allowing the critical part of the car to be used again.  It may not be suitable for a racecar, but it can still be used.

If the steel cords in the tire are damaged, there is still use for it.  It can be used for a child’s backyard tire swing or a bumper for boats approaching a dock.  It still can be used somehow. 

The same should be applied to a wounded or aged Christian.  If the desire to still do something for the Lord remains, the believer should not be sidelined There is something he or she can still do.  A Christian can still be repurposed.

The set-apart Christian is valuable in God’s eyes.  The seasoned saint has learned a lot from God’s Word, how to apply it, and how the Lord’s intervention can make a difference.  Their faith had been tested by many fires and disasters, but it relied on the Lord and stayed true to Him.  Their spiritual experience can be utilized in ways a newer Christian is not qualified.

That kind of seasoned spiritual experience is important and should not be shelved.  There is still a use for it in others’ lives.  The Christian must find what they are to do in the different stage of their life.

After realizing they still have a true desire to continue doing something for the Lord, the first step would be to immediately go to the One who guided them through their past.  “What is it you would have me do now, oh Lord?” It may take some patience to wait for His direction, but it will come.  God will not waste the life of a valued spiritual warrior.

But, while you are waiting on the Lord’s new direction in your life, do whatever opportunity  crosses your path.  Often, the reward for service is more service to a faithful, willing, obedient believer.  Those who are reluctant to fulfill a need they saw may not have any other opportunities given to them.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:11-12
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;  7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:6-8

Perhaps there will be an opportunity to visit one in a nursing home.  One never knows that one’s heart may be stirred at the needs there, and make that one’s new ministry.

A young mother may need someone to help her manage her children.  There is a great need for that, and a spiritual person could give much encouragement to an exhausted mother.

A disabled church visitor may be sitting all alone in the church, as many do not know how to act around that person, so they stay away.  That person may need a friend, and that is an area where one may feel burdened to fulfill that person’s need.  (By the way, everyone needs a friend.  Find a person sitting by themselves and spend time with them.)

Perhaps a Sunday school class has few students.  That would be an excellent opportunity to encourage the teacher by offering to visit neighborhoods and children to grow that ministry.

Prayer can change everything.  Hearing all the needs can burden one to change situations by calling on the Lord on behalf of others.  Summoning God’s help can make a big difference in lives.  No matter one’s handicap or situation, one can commit oneself to be a reliable, consistent prayer warrior!

Everywhere there are needs.  God did not call any Christian to sit and just look.  While you still have a breath, there are opportunities for an experienced Christian to go and help for the Glory of God.  Go, you can make a difference for the cause of Christ.

“Retire doesn’t have to mean ”to withdraw, to retreat, or to recede from life.”  It could mean to discard what used to be done, and repurpose oneself in a new, different way for the glory of God.”   — Brinkworth


Do What You Can!
Bill Btinkworth

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10

When J.’s daughter approached her to make a lacy collar for her dress, as the other children had at church, J. was troubled.  She could not afford the fancy collar that was so popular among girls at the time, and she had never made anything that intricate before.

Her daughter encouraged her to make one.  “They have how-to books, Mom.  You can get the materials at the store,” the daughter suggested.

It is so hard for anyone, especially a mother, to turn down a child’s requests.  After begging God to help her do such a project, she went to the store, bought a knitting needle, and the necessary thread.  After carefully following the directions and working some of the night, the accessory for her daughter’s dress was completed.

The next morning, her daughter proudly wore the dress collar to school.  God had allowed J. to do something she never imagined she could do.

Later, a young girl approached J. with what she thought was a collar like the ones all the other girls had.  She boasted she had one like the other children, but it was only the lining from some clothing and looked nothing like what the other girls were wearing.  J. was burdened to make one for that girl also.  After some long hours and hard work, J. presented the dress accessory to the girl.  The girl was ecstatic over the love and concern that J. would make her something.

J.’s lifetime ministry had started because she saw the needs of others and allowed God to enable and use her to meet them.  Her hands were kept busy for many decades to come as one sewing need after another was shown to her.  All must have been encouraged that someone thought enough of them to give her time, and often at her own expense, to meet their needs.  She was showing many what love in action was.  What a good Christian testimony she was to so many.

Not everyone is called, burdened, or qualified to be a preacher, Sunday school teacher, music director, or to serve in some other prominent ministry in the church.  However, everyone can do something to meet the needs of others and be a good Christian testimony.  Everyone, in church and all around us, has needs.

Over the years, I have seen many who wanted to serve the Lord and make a difference in others’ lives.  They have used their skills and abilities to fix cars for widows, keep the bus ministry running, watch children for single parents, sing in the choir, visit those who are housebound due to illness, and so many other ways.  They saw a need, put their Christianity into action, and gave a most valuable gift — themselves.

The requirement to be a blessing and an encouragement to others is not so much skill, but a willing heart, and compassion to see and meet the needs in others’ lives.  Everyone needs help from time to time.  Helping others is one way to show the love of Christ to those who may have never seen Christian love in action.

It is easy to talk about loving people, but the world needs more who are willing to show it.  Helping others is one way to be the Christian example the world needs to see.  Whatever need you see, put your hand to the task and help.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference:” Jude 1:22  

“It is amazing how much God can accomplish through an imperfect person who has put all his imperfections completely at God’s disposal.”  — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1030 —Dating/Marriage

In This Issue:
Bottom Feeders or Trophy Catch?
Advice for a Christian Seeking a Mate
The Bible and Marriage

Volume: 1030     December 22, 2025
Theme: Dating


Bottom Feeders or Trophy Catch?
Bill Brinkworth

I love to fish.  However, I am one of those fishermen who pose no environmental threat.  Many times, I come back with nothing, but it is still fun to try.

Sometimes, when I don’t seem to catch anything with my lures or flies, I switch to a sure-fire method that usually allows me to hook something.  I find the wiggliest worms or the smelliest chicken guts I can get.  I put them on a good-sized hook, make sure there is hefty weight on the line, and then cast it out into deep water.  There it sits on the bottom.  Every once in a while, I will reel it back in to check if the bait is still on, then cast it back out.

Rarely do I catch a wanted bass or trout on that rig (unless they are lost or very dumb).  I usually hook something, but it’s unwanted bottom feeders like catfish, suckers, or carp — at least I could tell my wife I caught something.  Most of the time, my catch from the bottom is not what a fisherman is really trying to hook, and it is rarely something he would ever brag about.

I was thinking of catching the bottom feeders after seeing a young Christian woman’s post on social media one day.  She was showing off how she looked after getting ready for a first-time date. 

There she was in her tight-fitting dress, far from being modest, with make-up that would rival many movie actors, and heels that were nosebleed high.  Although I have only seen actors portraying prostitutes showing their “wares”, she was not dressed much differently.  I was troubled about what she was doing to herself and what she was advertising to her date.

I certainly would not say anything to her, but I would like to.  I want to tell her that when a person dresses like that, she would probably end up with a “bottom feeder”; one of those catches that one usually throws back, and is not proud of pulling in. 

Her dress-up efforts most likely will not attract someone looking for a good wife, not someone looking for intellect, friendship, good character, a sparkling personality, or a good mother for his future children.  Most likely, he will only be attracted to the bait she is offering, get the biggest bite he can get away with, and will soon swim off to see what else the bottom of the lake has to offer.  Then she will be left all alone again, more lonely and rejected than she was before, and she may even wonder where she went wrong.

A child of God should not be looking for “bottom feeders.”  When a fisherman wants to catch a fish worth his time, he uses the right bait and fishes in completely different spots. 

To catch a desired trout, he fishes the cool, deep holes under a shaded tree.  It usually does not look like a likely spot, but that is where you find them.  If the goal is a lively, prized, large tail-dancing bass, then a line is cast among the tall grasses and lily pads.  A Christian should not be going to the wrong, worldly places to find a mate.

Dating should not be about trying to catch everything that is swimming around.  That type of “fishing” often does a lot of mental damage to the “fisherman” and “fish” alike, and the result is usually unhappiness.  Feelings get hurt.  Moral standards get lowered.  Regrets remain.  Frustration flourishes, and long-time marriage goals may be compromised.  Dating should be for mating.  It should be an avenue to find a lifetime marriage partner.

Only the right “catch” should be sought.  The proper catch is one that is spiritually similar. 

A Christian should only be seeking a Christian as a soulmate.  Marriage is a joining (“yoked”) of a man and a wife intended to be for a lifetime.  Two cannot be yoked together if their relationship with the Lord will lead them in different directions.  The goals and thinking are too different between a saved and an unsaved person. 

Often, the pressures of those spiritual differences cause not only disunity between the husband and wife, but to silence marital problems, the Christian frequently changes or hides his/her spiritual feelings and desires.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14  Also:Isa. 52:11.

It is quite common that when a believer marries an unbeliever, different problems arise.  One wants to flee sin and obey convictions placed in his/her heart, and the other does not see things the same way.  Often, sin is not recognized or seen as a problem, and it would be unlikely that an unsaved person would want to live for the Lord.  

There cannot be any spiritual commonality between a child of God and a lost person.  A spiritual relationship is far more important than married people realize — until it is too late.

“Well, when we get married, I’ll change him,” is often the excuse.  Rarely can a person change another person’s spiritual condition.  It is the Holy Spirit that successfully changes anyone.  Usually, when a person tries to change another person, regret, resentment, and rebellion result.  Unless the Holy Spirit does the work, a relationship will not flourish.

There is a reason God tells believers to only “yoke up” (work together — and marriage is a lifetime “work”) with like-minded believers.  A Christian should desire to grow.  Growth will be inhibited if a mate is not a child of God also (I Cor. 5:9-13, II Cor. 6:15).  

Once a relationship with an unsaved person begins, it may be hard to end it.  To avoid regrettable actions, never allow yourself to “bottom feed” in the first place.  A regrettable relationship with a lost person will not occur if an unsaved person is never dated.  

Set your goals on a trophy catch.  Go where the “trout” or “bass” are found.  Never lower your expectations, standards, or goals.  If you are a child of God, you deserve only the best, God-selected trophy catch.  That is God’s desire for you also. 

“Ladies, if you run after God like you ran after a man, He will send you a man you won’t have to run after.” — Author Unknown

Advice for a Christian Seeking a Mate
Bill Brinkworth

  • Pray for the right mate!  I know of young people who began praying for the right life partner in their early teens.
  • Grow yourself!  Some seek a mate when they can barely take care of themselves, let alone meet the needs of another!
  • Be patient!  An opportunity for a date does not necessarily mean it is God’s will!  If you are praying about the right mate, God knows about the need.  He will provide.  You or your future spouse may not be ready yet, so do not rush God’s work in the situation.
  • Seek only a Christian (II Cor. 6:14)!
  • Seek a Christian who is as spiritually mature, or more so than you are.  A couple with one who has been saved for a long time and one who has just been saved may have problems, as the younger Christian may need to mature spiritually.
  • Seek one that you can look up to, not one that you have to “fix” to be happy with.
  • Seek in the right places.  A bar, nightclub, or other worldly place is not a place one usually finds a strong Christian.  A strong Christian will be where strong Christians hang out: in church, serving the Lord in a ministry, helping others, etc.
  • Seek one that you like.  Best friends make the best marriage partners.
  • Seek one for their character, moral values, and closeness to the Lord.  Marrying someone for their looks may lead to disappointment as age changes one’s appearance.
  • Seek God’s will and way in the search!
  • Do not necessarily seek a mate that is just like you.  I have observed and experienced that some of the best marriages are between two people who are not the same.  In areas where one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa.  The two “halves” make a perfect union that only God can put together.



The Bible and Marriage
Bill Brinkworth

  • Marriage is honorable.
    “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
  • It is a good thing to be married.  God is pleased with that relationship.
    “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” Proverb 18:22 Also: I Tim. 5:14.
  • A husband and wife should show kindness to each other.
    “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Corinthians 7:3
  • A married person’s life and body are not their own, but belong to their spouse.  Most split-ups involve selfishness somewhere.  Fewer divorces would occur if more mates did not worry about their own needs but about meeting their partner’s needs.  If both in the marriage made this their purpose, both needs would be met, and a happier, more content marriage would result.
    “The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.  Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” I Corinthians 7:4-5
  • There was no “trying out“ a marriage.  If the sin of fornication (sex outside of marriage) had been committed, the man had the responsibility to make the woman his wife.
    “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.” Exodus 22:16
  • Touching the opposite sex can lead to sin.  To avoid that trespass, a man and woman should marry.
    “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” I Corinthians 7:1-2  Also: I Cor. 7:9.
  • Although we are not under Old Testament law, the principle still applies that a husband and wife are still bound together until death separates them.
    “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” Romans 7:1-4
  • Although God’s commandments are often disregarded, and man’s laws are frequently obeyed more, God says marriage should be permanent.
    “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9  Also: Matthew 19:6.

“When asked how the married couple stayed together for 65 years, the wife answered, ‘We were born in a time when something was broken, you fixed it, not throw it away as they do now.”— Author Unknown

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 #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 #1004 — Don’t Quit

In This Issue:
They Kept On Despite Difficulties
In the Master’s Hand
Don’t Quit

Volume: 1004   May 5, 202
Theme:  Don’t Quit

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

They Kept On Despite Difficulties
Bill Brinkworth

Heroes of the faith have continued since biblical times.  Here are just a few of the countless faithful ones:

  • Hundreds of thousands of Christians lost their lives rather than deny that Jesus is the only way to Heaven or that the Bible is the preserved Word of God.  The unwavering faithfulness of those heroes of the faith is why the truth from the Word of God is still preached in many churches, and we still have the preserved Word of God available to us.  The testimonies of many of those heroes who died by the sword, fire, torture, and other hideous ways for their faith can be read in Foxes Book of Martyrs (1563).
  • Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane van Alstne Crosby)  March 23,1820 – Feb. 12, 1915.    Although blinded shortly after her birth, Fanny did not let her handicap hinder her from being a Christian testimony and serving the Lord.  Her over 8,000 hymns are still sung today, including: “Blessed Assurance” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour”.  She also spent her life teaching and doing rescue mission work.
  • Horatio Spafford.  Horatio lost many of his properties to the devastation of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and was ruined financially.  He sent his family to Europe while he stayed behind and handled some business.  On the trip over, four of his daughters died after their ship sank in the Atlantic.  Only his wife survived.  Traveling to join his wife, he penned one of the greatest hymns about having peace during a crisis.  It is entitled “It Is Well with My Soul” and has encouraged many people going through life’s difficulties.
  • John R. Rice, Billy Sunday….  These men, and many more, took a stand in the early to mid-twentieth century to stop the damage done by alcohol.  Because of their strong stand against sin, many came to church, were saved, and allowed the Lord to change their lives.  This angered many saloon owners to the point that the preachers’ lives were threatened.  Still, the faithful men and women would not deviate from telling those involved in alcohol consumption the biblical truth.  Many were saved and had their lives turned around by the strong stand of those faithful Christians.
  • A wheelchair-bound Sunday school bus worker in the Chicago area.  Many years ago, a disabled woman felt called to the ministry of busing in children so they could attend Sunday school.  Every Saturday, despite how she felt or the weather, she had someone take her to the neighborhood where she wanted to invite children.  Although it was the city, and she could not go up to most of the apartments because of the inaccessibility of her wheelchair, she either sent helpers to knock on doors or stood outside the apartment until she got someone’s attention.  As a result of her determination, many, many Chicago children got to church and were saved!

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:13



In the Master’s Hand
Deb McCoy

Lord, I cannot imagine my life apart from your grace;
Gratitude flows from my heart as tears begin to stream down my face.
These trials and hardships you have allowed for a specific good reason;
Though I don’t understand, help me to endure these afflictions, if but for a season.

Let the pathway of my heart never forsake what Christ endured;
May my testimony of Christ within never tragically be obscured.
Let bitterness and anger not hinder my course lest I stray;
May the Holy Spirit flow freely through my life each and every day.

My perseverance, my strength, and my courage are inspired by you Lord.
Knowing you as Father and Saviour is my greatest reward.
You are my creator, deliverer, provider, and guide;
Through the most painful chapters of my life, there is comfort with you by my side.

Ingratitude and self-pity have dissipated as hope has dawned again;
Overshadowed by unhindered expressions of your love time and again.
I struggle at times with insignificance, powerlessness, and even purposelessness.
It is during those times you never cease to amaze and inspire me with glimpses of your goodness.

Lord I know you have so graciously preserved me;
It is my desire to embrace your truth for others to see.
Thank you Lord for your mercy, understanding, and patience.
Your Word is my foundation to provide for all of my substance.

Regardless of circumstances help me to continually abide in your Word;
Continually seeking you alone, as there is never a prayer that has returned unheard.
My gratitude and praises no price can it measure.
Heavenly Father, you are the most gifted treasure!

What blesses my heart most about this poem is that it was written by a person going through great trials and tribulations, but she still has great faith, hope, and strength.  She writes: “My kidneys are back and forth between improving and failure.  The report on my injuries from recent falls and diabetic complications has come to the forefront of serious concerns.  My diabetes is brittle, and the shots caused elevated dangerous levels.  I see the orthopedic doctor again next week and believe I will be sent to a team of surgeons.  I am looking at multiple surgeries as the trauma from falls has caused considerable damage.  Once I meet with the surgeons, I will just need to continue praying for wisdom to make difficult decisions.  It will be rough as each surgery is very complicated.  I am just praying for guidance and peace to know what to do.  I am feeling so poorly and have too many diffuse pains competing with each other on top of the already existing neuropathy.  I push through, but have no energy.  The struggle, both physically and emotionally, seems overwhelming, I love the Lord so much, and He will get me through this!”

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Chorus:
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
From the Hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” by Horatio G. Spafford

Don’t Quit
Bill Brinkworth

Too many quit or want to stop when the going gets rough.  In most cases, one never really quits the problem.  One may move away from it, but it follows a person, often much of one’s life.  The obstacle is still there.

Quitters are everywhere:

  • Husbands feel they cannot handle the burden of being a husband and father and run away.  Although he is distant from his family, he is still a father and husband.  His running away has not changed that.  The problems he ran away from usually get far bigger than they originally were.
  • Wives run off leaving families and husbands; however, each is still a wife and mother.
  • Children sometimes do not like their parent’s rules.  They run away, but they still have the same parents.  They just put space between themselves and the unsolved problem that will most likey haunt them for the rest of their lives unless they stay and work out the problem.
  • Students quit school but usually have a future without training and education.  The rest of their lives are often stalled because they never learned the necessary lessons to further their lives.
  • Friends quit long-term friendships because of arguments.
  • Employees quit when they do not like what is happening at the workplace.

It usually is easy to walk away from an uncomfortable situation.  It does not take character, intelligence, or common sense to run away when the way gets tough.  Rarely is anything solved by quitting.  There will always be problems in life.  Unsolved problems have a way of following us wherever we go.

Many take their quitting lifestyle and apply it to their spiritual lives.  Here are several reasons why one cannot quit on God:

  • You cannot quit being a Christian: Once a true Christian, always a Christian.  You did not earn it.  It was a free gift of salvation if you trusted Jesus’ finished work on the cross as payment for all your sins.  However, too many quit being Christ-like.
    “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29
  • You cannot quit because the enemy has nothing to offer.  There are only two sides – Satan’s and God’s.  If one is truly saved by faith, he cannot get unsaved and be on the loser’s side.
    “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
  • You should not quit because victory may be just around the corner.  Troubles and tribulations are part of the school of life.  You may be very close to passing the “test” and going on to life’s next lesson.  Do not quit now.
    “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.” II Timothy 4:18
  • You cannot quit when you make a mistake.  Just get back in the saddle and try again.
    “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39
  • You cannot quit now; you will miss the harvest.  Maybe your problem will be over one day, and you will reap a blessing from the tribulation.  Perhaps it will be tomorrow or the day after.  Spiritual fruit does not always come the day it is planted.
    “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  Also: John 15:4.

Many times, life is very difficult.  If you are a Christian, you are on the winning side.  Do not quit now.  Victory is possible; it is a blessing when achieved and may be just around the corner!

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”   Romans 8:37

The BIBLE VIEW #992 — Lying

In This Issue:
Lying Lips
Real Christians With A Trustworthy Testimony
The Boss Is Never Out!
You Can’t Fool God

Volume: 992    February 3, 2025
Theme: Lying

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


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

Lying Lips
Bill Brinkworth

From a young age, most know it is wrong to lie. Perhaps it is an innate guilt or a learned ”no-no”  from reprimands from parents, friends, or teachers. 

The unacceptance of untruths is universally frowned upon, and the bearer of falsehoods is often mistrusted and avoided. One should learn quickly that dishonesty is not an accepted behavior.

 A lie exposed has cost many future suspicions from friends, fellow workers, and casual and long-time acquaintances. Because of discovered untruths, relationships have been shattered, jobs have been lost, and even jail time has been the penalty for many who lied. 

Lying lips have cost many much more than ever realized.   God also does not tolerate falsehoods and demands people, especially Christians, be true to their word.

God’s Word, the Bible, has much to say and warn about untruths:

God and His Son, Jesus, are honest. Since believers should be like their Saviour, Christ-like, we should also be truthful.
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; “ Titus 1:2

God hates untruths!
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

God commands us not to lie!
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18

Lies are often told because of pride.
“For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.” Psalm 59:12
“The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:69

Liars twist and change God’s truths to enable them to do what they desire rather than what God commands.
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Romans 1:25 

Although usually our weak flesh succumbs to dishonesty, often people may be encouraged to lie by Satan’s influence. Since an unsaved person does not typically heed God’s commandments it may be easier to follow the leading of God’s and humanity’s enemy.“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44 

God knows who is honest.
“The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” II Corinthians 11:31

A good witness of a situation should tell the truth of what was seen, heard, or experienced.
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” Proverb 14:5 Also: Exodus 23:1.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16 “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.” Proverbs 21:28 

ALWAYS be honest.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Psalm 31:18 
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” Ephesians 4:22-23
“Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:2

We can lie about anything, including about being right with God.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”  I John 2:21
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation  3:9

Because of the rejection of God’s will and way, our world has become one of dishonesty, distrust, misdirection, and deceit. It is a tolerated sin among politicians, police, and most people. It should not be.

Dishonesty separates many and breeds mistrust. This must stop for a society to be healed and get along with each other. Start today, especially if you are a born-again child of God. Always tell the truth!

“Your words are the most valuable possessions you have. Do they have
 great value from those who know you, or are they remembered as possibly a distortion, deception, or a lie?” 

Real Christians With A Trustworthy Testimony
Sunday School Times

In her book, Floods on Dry Ground, Eva Stuart Watt described missionary work in the Belgian Congo, and said, “Even among the enemies of the Gospel there was growing secret admiration for those whose lives were out and out for God.

The term “Bakrustu ya kweli,” was often heard from heathen lips. It means “real Christians.”  Far and wide the believers were known as men of truth and men whose prayers were answered. 

One day the paramount chief had a big court case in which a Christian was charged with hiding a Mabuda prisoner. At the tribunal, the chief said to the accused, “Tell me, did you hide that man?”

“No, Chief. I didn’t.”

Then turning to his soldiers, he said, “You liars, the lot of you. This man is a ‘Bakrustu ya kweli!’  He couldn’t tell a lie!”

“A liar is not believed even when he tells the truth.” — Cicero

The Boss Is Never Out
Sunday School Times

A storekeeper went away for the day and left a clerk in charge. A customer came in and asked a favor of the clerk, which meant he would have to do something dishonest.

“You can do it, if you want,” argued the customer, “because your boss is out.”

The clerk looked the man in the face, and said, “You are mistaken. My Boss is Jesus Christ, and He is never out!”

“Aye, sir: to be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of a thousand.”— Shakespeare

 

You Can’t Fool God
Granville Kleiser

You can fool the hapless public,
You can be a subtle fraud,
You can hide your little meanness,
But you can’t fool God!

You can advertise your virtues,
You can self-achievement laud,
You can load yourself with riches,
But you can’t fool God!

You can criticize the Bible,
You can be a selfish clod,
You can lie, swear, drink, and gamble
But you can’t fool God!

You can magnify your talent,
You can hear the world applaud,
You can boast yourself somebody,
But you can’t fool God!

“Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.” — Thomas Paine

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The BIBLE VIEW #976 — Judging

In This Issue:
It Can Happen to Anyone!
Would You Dare
The Hand of God Was Against Them
What Inspired William Booth

Volume: 976    October 7, 2024
Theme: Judging

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It Can Happen to Anyone!
Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes, we can be very judgmental of a person.  We are reluctant to show mercy when one sins or makes a mistake.  However, we should remember no one is exempt from making a wrong decision.

Anyone of us could make a mistake and get involved in thievery, dishonesty, immorality, or any other sin.  It is only God’s grace and our character that separates us from those that get involved in sin.  

Peter was a prime example of unexpected, ungodly behavior.  Peter boasted to Jesus that he loved Jesus so much that he would never turn against Him.  The apostle was determined that he would lay down his life for the Saviour.  Prophetically, Jesus responded, revealing that He knew Peter would deny Him three times (John 13:37-38, Mat. 26:34) before the rooster crowed.

After an angry mob took Jesus away, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled.  When a woman opened the door and accused Peter of being one of the ones with Jesus, Peter denied that he was even associated with Christ (John 18:17).

Another damsel asked Peter if he was one of those who was with Jesus as he warmed himself at a fire (John 18:25, Mat.26:71).  He flatly denied any association with Jesus.  Later, another servant asked the disciple if he was one of those with Jesus.  Peter denied even knowing the Lord (John 18:26) for the third time.  A rooster then crowed. Peter, I am sure, “Gulped!” He had done what he thought he would never do.

Sin can happen to any one of us.  We can never put down our guard and think that sin cannot control or overtake us.  Do you think you are so spiritual that you will never fall?  Be careful; a rooster may be getting ready to crow for you at any minute.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”   I Peter 5:8



Would You Dare?
Bill Brinkworth

One of man’s natural tendencies is to judge others by his measuring stick, usually himself.  Paul, in Romans 2, powerfully addresses that weakness.
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same thing… 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:1-3

Many times, when we judge others, we have or have had the same problem ourselves.  Those who have had or are still having the biggest issues seem to complain the loudest of another’s weaknesses.

It is often the ex-smoker who criticizes the loudest about another’s smoke he is inhaling.  An older man grumbles to a son about his child’s late hours coming home, forgetting how his father used to rebuke him in his younger, cohorting days.  One who recently lied on his income tax form somehow is not convicted when he judges a worker who just lied to him.  On and on our hypocritical judging goes.

God, however, knows the truth, and He remembers (Rom. 3:3).  For the born-again child of God, there is no judgment for sins.  All one’s sins are paid for and no longer remembered (Hebrews 10:17).

All Christians, however, will be judged (Mat. 12:36, Gal. 6:7, Eph. 6:8, Col. 3:24) for what they did or did not do for the Lord.  It is called the Judgment Seat of Christ (II Cor. 5:10), and it will involve reward or loss of rewards (Rev. 22:12).

Sadly, the unsaved person’s judgment will be at the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).  That fearful condemnation will be at the end of Christ’s 1,000-year reign on Earth.  At that judgment, the lost will be judged for their sins (Rev. 20:14).

In light of our future day of judgment before an Almighty God who knows everything about us (including real intents for doing something, what we did when no one else saw us, and all other dark secrets), our judgment of others seems so insignificant and embarrassing on our part.  We certainly want our mistakes and sins overlooked when we stand before our Judge.  Can we stop judging others and leave that to the One who knows all?

“Reputation is what man thinks of us.  Character is what God knows us to be.”



The Hand of God Was Against Them
C. Buck, 1871

Many say it is a presumption to pronounce the calamities of sinners as particular judgments of God.  A study was made of many cruel, persecuting tyrants who delighted in tormenting their fellow creatures.

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

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

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



What Inspired William Booth
Walter Knight

Many Christians say they believe in the day of accountability.  However, they are as silent as the sphinx when warning others to flee from the wrath to come.

The words that had much to do with William Booth’s being a “fiery” Salvation Army preacher was the indicting, taunting statement from an infidel.  The man said, “If I believed what you Christians say you believe about the coming judgment, day of reckoning, and the eternal lostness of impenitent Christ-rejecters, I would crawl on my bare knees on crushed glass all over London, England, night and day, telling men and women to flee the wrath to come!”

The BIBLE VIEW #972 — Telling Others

In This Issue:
“You’re Forcing Your Religion Down My Throat!”
Too Late!
Bloody Hands
Verses on Soul-winning

Volume: 972      August 26, 2024
Theme: Telling Others

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“You’re Forcing Your Religion Down My Throat!”
Bill Brinkworth

Infrequently, after telling another what the Bible says one must do to know they are going to Heaven, I have heard, “You’re forcing your religion down my throat.” Often, that might be a tactic to halt what one doesn’t want to hear. 

In most cases, when someone is explaining the Bible’s way to Heaven or what the Scripture says about a subject, it is because they are concerned for another’s soul and life.  Why would anyone knowingly want another to spend an eternity of torment?  How can anyone not say anything when they know, according to God’s Word, that the person may face terrible consequences for their actions?  A caring, concerned Christian should want to do one’s best to alert any from a terrible future.  It is not “forcing” a belief on anyone.  It is a warning!

Can you imagine being on a nearby hill overlooking cars traveling on a two-lane road?  From that vantage point, an onlooker could see a distant truck swerving all over the road, from one lane to another. 

From that point of observation, down the road, traveling toward the upcoming danger, the observer could also see a car traveling in the direction of the dangerous swerving truck.  Unless the car pulls over to the safe side of the road, the vehicle may be struck by the oncoming lane-wandering vehicle.  Someone could be hurt from the possible danger the observer could see.

Would the onlooker not do his best, if it was possible, to warn the car of what may await it in the immediate future?  The vehicle could be damaged, and the driver and any passengers could be harmed or killed. 

Would he not scream as loud as possible to get the driver’s attention?  I am sure arms would frantically be waved or anything done to prevent the accident that would soon happen.

One warning another of a burning eternity in Hell or consequences of a drastic wrong decision are similarly alerting another, as anyone should do, when one sees an imminent danger.  That person knows of the Bible’s promises about everyone’s future and cares enough to attempt to keep anyone from being eternally punished or affected by wrong decisions.   At the cost of possibly being misunderstood, disrespected, or disliked, the believer bravely heralds the upcoming danger.  He is not “forcing” anyone to do anything.  He is just relaying dangers he has learned from God’s Word.

Listen to those delivering the truths from God’s Word.  Heed the biblical warnings they are sharing with you.  Their cautions are to help you.  They may be the last opportunity to prevent you from a nearby eternal disaster.

Too Late!
D. L. Moody

Many years ago, a merchant lay dying.  When the physician who attended him saw there was no chance for him, he thought it would be time to talk about Christ to the dying man.  

There are many Christians just like that physician.  They wait until a man is just entering the other world, just when the sands of his life are about to run out, and when the death rattle is in their throat before they speak of Christ to the person.

The physician stepped up to the dying merchant and began to speak of Jesus, the beauties of Christianity, and the salvation He has offered to the world.  The merchant listened quietly to him and asked, “How long have you known of these things?”

“I have been a Christian since I came from the East,” he replied.

“You have been a Christian so long and have known all this and been in my store daily.  You have been in my house, associated with me, knew all these things, and why didn’t you tell me before?”

The doctor went home and retired to rest, but could not sleep.  The question from the dying man rang in his ears.  He could not explain why he had not spoken before but saw he had neglected his duty to witness.  He went back to his dying friend, intending to urge upon him the acceptance of Christ’s salvation, but when he began to speak to him, the merchant only replied in a sad whisper, “Oh, why didn’t you tell me before?”

Oh, my friends, how many of us do the same as the physician?  We do not make the eternity of those we meet a priority, and we let too many slip through the cracks into an eternal Hell.  If we do not tell them while we have the opportunity, they will continue stumbling in a godless direction.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverb 11:30


Bloody Hands
Bill Brinkworth

“If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he [the watchman] blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.  … 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Eze. 33:3-6

When God gave His words to Ezekiel, as recorded in Ezekiel 33:1, He first gave the prophet an example so he would understand the importance of the task he was to be given.  The parable was about a watchman who was selected and placed in a position to observe any enemy entering the country.

If the guard saw the enemy arriving in the land, he would blow a warning trumpet (Eze. 33:3).  The watchman was not responsible if any perished for not heeding the instrument’s blast in either fleeing or facing the enemy; their blood was not “on his hands”.  He was not guilty of any deaths (Eze. 33:4) if they occurred.

However, if the lookout saw the enemy coming and did not alert the people with the instrument’s warning sound, the death of any slain would be on his hands.  He would be guilty of their demise (Eze. 33:6).  His negligence made him accountable (Eze. 33:6) for their shed blood. 

God then gave Ezekiel the task to be the nation’s watchman (Eze. 33:7).  It was not so much a physical enemy he was to warn his people of, nor was he to man a trumpet and perch high on an observation post.  The prophet’s task was to take the warnings God gave him and ensure God’s people heard His words.  After Ezekiel delivered the message, it was up to the people what they did with the warnings.  The rest of the book’s chapters reveal that Ezekiel fulfilled his commission.

Today, according to God’s Word, there are no longer prophets (I Cor. 13:8), no matter what many claim.  All God wants us to know is preserved within the pages of the King James Bible for English-speaking people, so there is no longer a need for one to give us the message from God’s lips, as did Ezekiel.

However, since we have God’s Word, it is still imperative that all hear His message.  Every Christian is responsible not only for reading God’s Word and obeying it but also for making sure as many as possible hear God’s warnings.  We are to be watchmen warning of a horrifying eternity, telling of the one Way (Jesus) to avoid it, and telling all we can about how God wants us to live.  Yet, most Christians have not done what is expected of them.  There is blood on many hands!

God’s name is cursed, while most are silent.  Our Savour is mocked and ridiculed, yet not much is said.  Many live an ungodly life, yet nary a word that would help them leaves few Christians’ lips.  Most around us have never trusted Christ as their Saviour and are doomed to eternal torment, yet not a word is offered to rescue them from a horrible future.  Too many of today’s watchmen are silent! 

Their warning “trumpets” are hushed as many are never warned of God’s words.  There is innocent blood on too many hands.  Oh, that we would have diligent, bold watchmen who would sound the warnings God wants us to announce.  Sound the “trumpet” loudly as danger is close, lives are at stake, and it is up to us to sound the alarm!  Keep your hands clean from the blood of others!

“Oh, how many we have encountered could have been saved or have their lives changed if we were bold enough to share the Word of God with them!”

Verses on Soul Winning

“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I Cor. 9:22
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”  I Cor. 9:19
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” Rom. 11:14
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” I Tim.  4:16