Character | THE BIBLE VIEW

The Bible View #828 — Do Right

In This Issue:
As For Me, I Will…
Make Up Your Mind

Volume: 828 September 20, 2021
Theme: Do Right

Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printable versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

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As For Me, I Will…
Committing to the Lord can be difficult and should involve conviction-led decisions. A Christian must make up his mind if, when, and how he will obey what he has seen or learned of the Word of God truths.

Many men and women of the past and present have had the tugging of the Holy Spirit encouraging them to obey God’s commandments, and they did. Their convictions and determinations to do what God spoke to their hearts to do should be models for Christians. Here are some decisions of many Bible characters and what they were convicted to do.

Joshua decided that no matter what those around him were doing, he would serve the Lord.
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No matter what others did, Samuel was determined not to sin.
“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD;… 23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you:…” I Samuel 12:20-23

David was determined to build a great work for the Lord. Although God would not allow him to build the temple because of his past deeds, David provided all the necessary items for its construction and operation. He did what he could.
“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: 8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying … thou shalt not build an house unto my name…” I Chronicles 22:7-10 Also: I Chronicles 28:2, 29:17.

Job was determined not to be a complainer.
“As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?” Job 21:4

David determined to rely on God’s protection and honor God.
“As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” Psalm 55:16 Also: Psalm 17:8-15.

David was determined to be obedient to God. One of God’s commandments was for all to attend the temple services and to worship God, and he did.
“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.” Psalm 5:7

David was determined to abide by the standards God had shown him to uphold.
“… 11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” Psalm 26:9-11

David was determined to humble himself before his enemies and not to return evilness to other’s wickedness.
“… they laid to my charge things that I knew not. 12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” Psalm 35:11-13

David was determined to have a consistent prayer life.
“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time…” Psalm 69:13

Jeremiah was determined not to quit the task God called him to do.
“As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.” Jeremiah 17:16

Jeremiah was determined to tell others what God wanted them to know, even if it cost him his life.
“Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. 13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God… 14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. 15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death …” Jeremiah 26:12-15

Daniel was determined not to be selfish with the wisdom God had given him. He made sure he shared it with those that would be helped by God’s truths.
“But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.” Daniel 2:30

Being born-again into the family of God by salvation is only the beginning. After one is saved (Romans 10:9), God must and will do much “house cleaning” in a person’s character, if He is allowed.

A Christian is to be Christ-like and to be like Him the new creature in Christ should find himself a changed person. Worldly thoughts and behaviors often are swept from a believer’s life, and different desires and behaviors will be proof of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
“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

Christian, has the convicting Holy Spirit urged you to make changes in your lifestyle and character? Heed His prompting to make even the “little” changes in your personality, and how you react to situations you will face.

As for you, what will you do with God’s Words? Determine to do what He has shown you to do. If you do, you will discover yourself to be the new creature God desires you to be.

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the others.”
— Mark Twain

Make Up Your Mind
Bill Brinkworth

Before Joshua’s death, Israel’s leader gathered his people together. He reminded them of all the mighty things God had done for them and their fathers. Joshua rehearsed how God took, gave, sent, plagued, brought, put, destroyed, and delivered for them in over 17 instances (Joshua 24:3-13).

In the remembrances of the great helps God had done for Israel, the leader also reminded them of their failures. He told them how they continued to backslide from God and repeatedly had to be rescued from the consequences of their poor choices. Many of God’s deliverances were because the people had not learned their lesson and still were of two opinions.

Sometimes they served God, and other times they served the losing side and its false gods. Trying to live for God was a constant struggle for them. Their minds were not entirely made up, or they would not have repeatedly made the same mistakes.

No matter the loyalty of Israel to God, it was not a hard decision for Joshua. His mind was already made up. A long time previously, he had decided who His God was and that he would be faithful in obedience. It was no longer a struggle for him whom he would serve when he said: “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

Israel’s leader used interesting words in describing many of the people’s desire not to serve God. He used, “… if it seem evil”. This indicates that some people thought that serving their Creator and Protector was physically, socially, or morally bad for them. This thinking is not unlike the thoughts today of many. Too many think serving God and obeying his commandments are unprofitable to them because:

They will miss all the fun if they follow God’s commands. Sin is only “fun” for a short time. Sin never gives true joy, only temporary satisfaction.
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Hebrews 11:25

They do not know that there is a price tag for sin. No one gets away with sin. Sin always does damage and only gives short-lived satisfaction (Hebrews 11:25).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverb 28:13 Also: Romans 6:23.

His way is not the world’s way. By following His way, they will appear strange and different tos others. They will not fit in.

Yes, God’s way is different. Yes, you will not “fit in” if you are obedient to God, but why do you want to be like the losing side? God’s way is always better. He has raised trillions of children, and His ways are the best.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

They only see the now and forget the eternal. There is life after death. There is an eternity in either Heaven or Hell. What sense is there in missing Heaven for temporal satisfaction in a relatively short time here on Earth?
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

The world’s excuses for not serving God have always been the same. The reasons come from a similar rebellious and disobedient heart. No matter the time, the answer to God can be the same as Joshua’s, “… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) No matter what others think or do, we can always be different and do right!

“Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” — William Penn

The Bible View #819 — Seek God’s Truths

In This Issue:
Convenient Christianity
Get It Yourself

Volume: 819 July 19, 2021
Theme: Seek God’s Truths

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printable versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

A free, printable pamphlet entitled “What Does God Say about Drinking Alcohol” is available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/Drinking_Pamplet.pdf. It would be appreciated to hear who plans to use it (brinworth@frontier.com), so I can decide if I should offer more of these short pamphlets for ministry use.

Convenient Christianity
Bill Brinkworth

For over ten years, I have been e-mailing 2,000+ people a daily devotion I have written. About a year ago, I suddenly lost the ability to reach over 165+ countries with sound biblical doctrine because of a large technology company’s decision.

At first, I was furious that the company caused that part of my ministry to halt. I, of course, prayed. Soon, I came to an understanding that perhaps it was not a bad thing. I could have fought it and gone to another company, but I realized in these times, it could easily happen again.

I realized that seeking the truths from God’s Word should not always be “easy,” as perhaps my e-mails made it for some. If one pursues what He has preserved for them, it would matter more to that person and build a stronger Christian if one made an effort to get spiritually fed himself.

Christianity has been made readily available to many, but what caliber of Christian has it produced? When I e-mailed the devotion to people, how many read it, and how many lives did it change?

Because Christianity has been made “easy,” many no longer go to church because they can watch it on television. Others do not concentrate and read the Bible but listen to a Christian broadcast while doing something else. What so many call a “devotion” is a reference to a Bible verse they are supposed to look up and a short, cute story. That spiritual snack will do little in building a stronger Christian.

Very few feed themselves with the only things that will open their eyes and change their lives. Those efforts should be to read and study God’s Word and talk to its Originator in prayer.

One gets out of what one puts into most things in life. This applies to getting an education, career, and most areas. Having a close walk with the Lord is also no different. God is watching the efforts we make to hear His truths, to obey Him, and He reads our heart’s desires to know if we want to have a close relationship with Him.

Christianity today has, for many, been made too convenient and has produced fewer strong, faithful, obedient believers. Many will not pay the cost to witness to their neighbors or those they encounter because it may cost them embarrassment. Their lack of desiring to be what God wants them to be, not attempting to seek what God has for them, and not separating from what God warns them to avoid will never produce a strong Christian. The only way any Christian grows is if they pay the cost of seeking God’s truths and obeying them. That price tag includes desire, effort, and sacrifice, no matter what it takes to be close to God and be used by Him.

In the past, I have heard of one man who walked through the African jungle over 1,000 miles through swamps, dangers, and treacherous jungles to listen to a man read from the Word of God. The journey took several months. It was important to him, so he was willing to pay the price to know God and what He desired of the man.

In John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, one will read of those who sacrificed their possessions, relationships, and even their lives rather than deny Christ or stop reading His Word. God’s truths were important to them. They did whatever it took to hear His Word and obey His commandments.

Today, many Christians in Islamic countries are being slaughtered and tortured, but the believers would not recant their faith. They were willing to pay the price to be close to God with their life! No matter what happened to them, they made an effort because it was of great value to them.

Instead of making reading God’s Word easy and convenient, if people want to learn what God has for them, I urge them to get into their car and drive to every church service they can. If they want to know God’s will and way for them, they need to pay the cost of reading His Word for themselves and laboring over sincere prayers.

My devotions are still available on www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and www.OpenThouMineEyes.com to provide supplemental teaching of God’s Word. However, I urge you to be willing to pay the cost (my material is always free financially) and make an consistant effort to delve in and study God’s Word yourself.

“The best truths are gotten by digging deep for them.” — D. L. Moody

Get It Yourself
Bill Brinkworth

Something has more value when you get it yourself. All can attest to feeling pride when hard, earned money is used to purchase something. “I got that myself because I worked for it” is the warm feeling one usually gets. The purchased object has much personal meaning and value because it was earned.

Pride and value are not usually gained as much when something is given to a person. Proof of this is often seen in government housing. Because of their economic situation, the people were allowed to live in accommodations provided for them at unusually low rates or free. Because it was given and not earned, it is usually not maintained. It is not uncommon that government housing areas are often the worst-looking areas in the community for that reason.

Cafeteria workers in public schools often attest to their disgust at the waste they see of uneaten, “free” food. Someone else’s tax money paid for the children to get those breakfasts or lunches. Because there was no pride in laboring for it or knowing mom and dad worked to pay for the meals, the children took a couple of bites, or none at all, and tossed it away.

When cheating on a test, a student may pass the exam, but the knowledge and self-respect of learning the material were not obtained. Study habits are not developed because the student found an easy way to pass without getting the knowledge for himself.

This “get-it-easily” attitude can also be applied to the things of God. When a person sits in the pew and absorbs what is preached from the pulpit, what is gained will not be as important to him as if he mined the Word of God himself. It may be why many Christians know so little about the Bible. Also, it may be why God has preserved II Timothy 2:15 which says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

When one becomes a “workman” and digs into the scriptures to get the truth for himself, much is gained. First, it shows himself and the Lord that knowing the truth is important enough to spend his time to obtain what God has said. There will be pride in the wisdom gained, and one will be closer to God. The time spent will help etch scriptures into his mind, help memorize it, and allow him to see how other verses teach similar truths. What is learned will not be forgotten as easily as if they were told to him from the pulpit.

After delving into the scriptures, one would “rightly” divide the truth from fiction. They would learn what God said rather than rely on hearsay, someone else’s interpretation, opinion, or non-biblical traditions. Many might even see what their religion or cult teaches is blasphemous. Certainly, they would learn from God’s Word what they must do to please Him.

Getting biblical knowledge requires too much effort for many. They never read and study the Bible for themselves. Too many would rather trust a pastor to tell them what the Bible says. The attitude quite often is “He spent years in seminary studying it,” or “I cannot understand the Bible, so I need someone to tell me what it means.”

You would be very surprised at what some of the professional religionists believe or say about the Scripture. I have talked to many only to discover that those leaders have little understanding of the Bible or believe doctrines that are not taught in God’s Word. Those sitting in the pews will not know the difference because they never got the knowledge for themselves.

If the knowledge is not gotten for oneself the hard way by reading and studying, one’s spiritual life usually suffers. One will not have the proper spiritual guidance and may go in a direction God would not have him go. Discerning right and sin will be skewed by not having the spiritual measuring tool, the Bible, to gauge decisions.

God is so good to allow us to have His Word (Isaiah 40:8). It is the only way one can know His true mind. Sadly, personal reading of the Holy Scriptures is lacking. Too many who profess to be children of God have never completely read the Word of God for themselves.

Although my main ministry is writing devotions and Bible studies, they are intended to be additional study material or a jumping-off point for those seeking His truths. I encourage you to read your Bible and obtain its truth for yourself. It will mean more to you, and the rewards of knowing His truth will change your life.

“The Bible was not given so much for our information, but for our transformation.” – Author Unknown

The Bible View #818 — Wait Patiently

In This Issue:
Handmade Socks
It Will be Here If It’s God’s Will
Bible Verses on Patience
Two Helpful Bears
Wait!

Volume: 818 July 12, 2021
Theme: Wait Patiently

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printed versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

View A NEW Facebook Video: Heaven or Hell? at https://www.facebook.com/bill.brinkworth.966/videos/534362997696494 AND share! (Make sure the sound is turned on.) There are so many headed to Hell. You CAN help them not go there!

Handmade Socks
Bill Brinkworth

One Sunday morning, a teacher assistant mentioned that she made socks. I was very interested in her craft as my feet always seem cold. The idea of a thick, handmade, wool sock intrigued me. Surely, a custom knitted foot covering would be most likely a warm solution for my frigid toes.

She offered to make me a pair of heavy warm socks, and I quickly accepted her kind offer. It was not long until she presented me with the product of her labors. After putting them on at home, they certainly were warm, but the fit was not snug, and after a little walking, they always had to be pulled up. The idea of a custom-made sock sounded, felt, and appeared wonderful when hearing of them, but they did not fit right. My store-bought foot coverings, which I usually wore, were snug and fit my feet perfectly. What I already had was just what I needed.

Most people’s choices in life, without God’s intervention, are often like those socks. An idea of something different may sound enticing, but it may not be what is needed.

Often, without asking and waiting for God’s provision of what He deems to be the right spouse for us, our pick turns out to be the wrong one. The wife may have looked beautiful or the husband handsome, but those qualities no longer mattered, as our choice was not the right fit. If only God was asked to choose the right mate and His choice was patiently waited for, the perfect fit for a life partner might have been provided.

People jump at the possibility of a new career and job. The different livelihood sounded great; the wage was far more than was currently earned. A job interview showed even more opportunities. It certainly appeared like the dream job that was always wanted.

Not long after starting the new position, it was quickly realized that the old job was much better. Yes, there were many future possibilities at the new position, but the people at the new job were hard to get along with, and it was not a nice place to work. If God was waited to open or close the doors of opportunity, the worker might have been in the perfect position for him.

Finding the right friends is so important. Too many, however, pick the wrong companion. It seems the new “bestie” is not who it was thought she was and that any confidence shared with her is soon spread around to others. If only God were asked to supply the right friend and patiently waited for, one would not be in the bad relationship they now have found themselves.

All of our decisions are important. The wrong choices can result in a large heap of regrets. What we see, hear, or determine is not always the right fit for us. Our picks are often blindly chosen as we do not always see the whole situation.

God, however, knows us better than we know ourselves. He realizes what we need, not just what we want. To make His help more necessary, He also knows everything about the other person, job, and situation just as well. When He is asked to choose, one can be assured that it will be the right pick for us.

Ask God for direction in all things and wait PATIENTLY for His provision. If you do not have His clear leadership, stay, and be content with what you currently have until His guidance is shown. His selection will be the right choice for you.

“Opportunity is not always God’s will!” — B. B.

It Will be Here, If It’s God’s Will
Bill Brinkworth

When buying a new car, a real “beauty” was discovered and was very enticing to buy. The forceful salesman insisted that I purchase it immediately, as it was such a good deal “that it wouldn’t be on the lot long.”

Usually, I do not buy a big item without first praying. I told the salesman, “I want the car, but I have to go home and pray about it first.”

Wanting the sale right away, the dealer warned, “You will probably lose this wonderful opportunity if you don’t get it now.”

“If it is God’s will for me to have this car, you won’t be able to sell it until I come back,” I confidently replied.

The salesman looked very confused.

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” – Rousseau

Bible Verses on Patience
“… I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
“… Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.” Psa. 62:1 “Salvation” here is referring to deliverance from a bad situation.
“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” Psa. 25:5
“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:26
“Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.” Jeremiah 14:22
“The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.” Psa. 145:15 “Due season” is referring to God’s timing, not ours.
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” I Thessalonians 5:14
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” II Timothy 2:24

“There is no such thing as preaching patience into people unless the sermon is so long, they have to practice it while they hear.” – Beecher

Two Helpful Bears
Christians Advocate

There lived an old couple who quarreled frequently. The whole village knew about it, and when at last they ceased their fighting, questions were asked as to how it all came about.

“Two bears did it,” said the wife.

“Two bears? questioned a neighbor.

“Ah!” said the husband, “but these are two new bears which we found in the Bible. We have learned to love, “Bear ye one another’s burdens…” and “… forbearing one another in love.”

Wait!
The Believer’s Magazine

God’s delays are not denials;
He has heard your prayer;
He knows all about your trials,
Knows your every care.

God’s delays are not denials;
Help is on the way;
He is watching o’er life’s dials,
Bringing forth the day.

God’s delays are not denials;
You will find Him true,
Working through the hardest trials,
What is best for you!

“Wait in prayer. Call on God and spread the case before Him. Express your confidence in Him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it.” — Spurgeon