Tag: God

The BIBLE VIEW #946 — God’s Way

In This Issue:
His Ways Are Not Our Ways
Wild Vines
Tighten the Reins
Learned Sympathy

Volume: 946    February 26, 2024
Theme: God’s Way

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His Ways Are Not Our Ways
Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes, as Christians, we get confused and distraught by how circumstances in our lives seem out of God’s control.  We get perplexed over situations that appear to be severely altering what we thought was a good life.  Our desired path gets changed to one we never dreamed we would travel, and we certainly do not understand why. 

A doctor may have given a disastrous diagnosis, or a house may appear to be soon lost because of our inability to meet payments.  Children, who have been raised the best way we knew, seemingly are not turning out how we desired.  All that we saved and planned for is lost because of our inability to obtain employment.  Our lives and plans are in turmoil, and we wonder, “Where is God in all this chaos?”

Those feelings are not unique.  Other faithful believers have also found themselves going down a pathway they never dreamed they would travel.  Millions previously have also pondered, “Why is this happening to me?  What have I done to deserve this?”  

However, remember the trials of:

  • Joshua. Six times, Joshua and the Israelite army silently marched around the city of Jericho.  God promised Israel would get the victory over the fortress, yet they were not to say or do anything but walk around the city.  On the seventh day, they were told to shout and blow trumpets.  A seemingly illogical action resulted in something unexpected; the city walls supernaturally tumbled down so the enemy could easily be conquered. 
  • Ezekiel.  God told him to do some very bizarre things.  The prophet did all he was told to do.  Some of the tasks were humiliating to him, but he still did as he was instructed.
  • Paul.  That man of God was told to reach the lost with the saving message of the Gospel.  He did as God bid him, yet he faced beatings, attempts on his life, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and many other perils (II Cor. 11:23-27).
  • Jesus.  God’s only Son was the long-awaited fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies.  However, when Jesus came, He was not welcomed by many.  He suffered humiliation, ridicule, cruelty, and eventually death so that all who trustedon   His sacrifices for them could go to Heaven.  It was the Creator’s plan, and His Son obeyed His Father.

There are many other examples throughout the Bible of how God used unusual circumstances and events to accomplish His will.  His plan was not the way a person would have solved the situation.  In many cases, the person was not even aware that there was a “situation.”

The events may not have made sense to the believers at the time, but they did as they were shown by God to do.  After being obedient, sometimes they saw why they were to do as they were told.  Sometimes, the reason was never realized.  

After the fact and recorded in God’s Word, we now see why God told people to do what they were told.  Some of those reasons were because:

  • Man’s ways do not usually work.  Man often does not see the real problem and, therefore, cannot fix a situation.
    “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12  Also Prov. 16:25, Romans 3:16.
  • Man often does not know God’s way.
    “… They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.” Heb. 3:10
    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Isa.55:8
  • God knows what the real need is in the situation.  Man does not.  God sees the hearts of men that require alteration and knows how to change them.  Man only sees the temporal needs and cannot see the spiritual needs.
  • God wants it done His way so that He will get the credit and not man!
    “… and they shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 24:27

All, even Christians, will face trials and tribulations in this world.  For non-Christians, the experience may be meant to turn them to have a relationship with the Lord.  For the believer, the situation may be God’s way of getting it done and teaching the child of God how to discern His will and way. 

Christian, the next time you are in a situation you do not understand and are convinced you are doing what the Lord has directed you to do, there may be another reason you do not see.  You may not know the reason, but in faith, remember that God is in control.

Trust!  Be in much prayer over the troubling situation, continue in faith, and do what you have been shown to be biblically correct.  Most of all, wait patiently for Him to accomplish His will and way in His timing!

“As men trim the feathers of fowls so they do not fly too high or too far, even so doth God diminish our riches, so that we should not pass our bounds, and glory too much of the things of this world.”  — Wermullerus, 1551


Wild Vines
Downame, 1644

We, who were wild branches barren of all good fruit of holiness, are through God’s infinite mercy in-grafted into the true Vine, Jesus Christ, from whom we receive all our grace and sap.  Once born into the family of God, we are enabled to bring forth the pleasant grapes of new obedience.  Yet, if we were left alone and allowed to run out with uncontrolled liberty, we would, like the wild vine that is never pruned, return to our old natural wildness and bring forth no other fruit than those sour grapes of iniquity and sin.  

Our heavenly Vintager, for His glory and our good, cuts away the superfluities of our licentious liberty and prunes us with His knife of affliction; that being kept from our carnal desires, we may become more fruitful in all holy duties.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:1-2

“Some ships behave best in a gale.  In light winds, they can rock themselves to pieces.  To a Christian, adversity is not the most dangerous condition; fine weather tries him more.  When we are least visibly strained, we are often most sharply tested.” — Birreli

Tighten the Reins
Wermullerus, 1551

When a horse-breaker gives a wild, young horse too much leeway on his bridle, the horse is wild, out-of-control, and may slip, fall, or hurt himself.  A horseman often jerks his horse’s reins or urges the animal’s sides with a firm boot to go forward.  He does this not out of meanness but that he may enjoy the horse, and that the animal may perform all he can.

In the same way, if our Creator should give us too much liberty, we too may wax wild and may harm ourselves physically and spiritually.  This is often why the Lord frequently gives us a sharp “bit” in our mouths and “bridles” our flesh so that our precious souls do not suffer.   

“The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how
you use them.”  — Author Unknown


Learned Sympathy
W. M. Taylor

Harry the Eighth, wandering one night in the streets of London in disguise, was met at a bridge by some of his castle’s guards.  Unable to convince them of who he was, he was carried off to the jail and shut up for the night without food, a heating fire, or a candle to light the dungeon.  On his liberation, he made a grant of thirty caldrons of coal, a large quantity of bread, and candles for the night prisoners in the prison.  His experience taught him sympathy.

Those who have felt sharp afflictions, terrible tragedies, and forceful temptations can be zealous in consoling those in a similar condition.  Our “hard times” can be when our character is improved, and our new found compassion can be used to encourage others.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” II Cor. 1:4

“A great number of God’s best servants have trodden the depths of the valley of many shadows, and this may be so that they one day may comfort you.  The
good steps of the holy are often in the Valley of Weeping.” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #933 — Thanksgiving

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

Volume: 933     November 20, 2023
Theme: Thanksgiving

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #933).  Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

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

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

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

William Bradford
Ye Governor of Ye Colony

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


1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation  

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

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

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

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

George Washington – October 3, 1789



2019 Thanksgiving Proclamation 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DONALD J. TRUMP

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


2022 Thanksgiving Proclamation 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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

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

The Bible View #910 — God’s Provision

In This Issue:
Little Can Be Much
Little Is Much When God Is In It
“I’ve Got All I Want”
Just Enough
Looking for a Way Out
Wealth May Not Give Happiness

Volume: 910   June 5, 2023
Theme: God’s Provision

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Little Can Be Much
Bill Brinkworth

Somehow, many Christians have gotten it into their heads that if God blesses someone, there will be prosperity and ease.  Perhaps some of that thinking was drummed into them through the “prosperity Gospel” crowd, who teach that God wants you to be rich and gives one an easy life if they are right with Him. Maybe our natural thinking makes us believe that any problems we have can only mean that we are not right with God and His hand is against us.  That teaching is not evidenced in the Bible often, however.

There were times when God gave peace and prosperity to some at certain times.  The majority of the time, God’s evidence of power is more evident during “bad” and troubled times.  Those times can get one closer to Him and allow one to see God’s mightiness.

Often, God works with a little, rather than much, to accomplish His goals.  Yet, when all was finished, there was no question that God had done a great thing with just a little.  His miracles are sometimes performed with irrational objects, resulting in the most illogical solutions.  Some of these supernatural occurrences were:

  • The earth was created in six days by God only, not over millions of years, and not by many “accidents” or a “big bang.”  

    Being created by one God is not how a “natural” man would understand.  A lot was accomplished with just a little of God’s time.
  • The people were scattered at the tower of Babel, not by disease or enemy, but by a “little” confusion of languages.  From that small instance, people were scattered, and civilization spread all over the globe.
  • Moses and God’s people had a way of escaping from the encroaching enemy when Moses stretched his rod over the sea.  They watched as God took an “impossible” method to open the Red Sea for them to cross to safety.  
  • The walls of a protected enemy were knocked down by a simple shout at Jericho, not ramming machines nor by a vast army.  A big victory was accomplished by an incident that would hardly be expected to knock those mighty double walls outward.
  • Naaman’s leprosy was cured by simply dipping in the Jordan River seven times, not by some doctor’s cure or super drug.  A little obedience healed the man in a big way.
  • Gideon was vastly outnumbered but won a battle with only 300 men, lamps, pitchers, and shouts.
  • Under-sized David slew his adversary with a small, smooth stone propelled from his unthreatening sling.
  • Tiny God-controlled hornets chased vast enemies.
  • Five small barley loaves and two fishes fed over 5,000 people.
  • A blind man’s sight was restored not by surgery or some miracle cure but by a little spittle and clay.
  • Man’s Sins can be forgiven simply by Jesus’ paying for them 2,000 years ago by His shed blood on Calvary’s cross, not by our good works or our payment for them.  The death of one “man,” Christ, became the most important action in man’s history.

Anyone can get by with the help of millions of dollars; there is not much of a miracle in that.  There is not always proof that God is in the solution when money buys the way out of the problem.  When there is plenty in the checkbook, just about anybody can change any situation.  Solving situations with plenty is not necessarily God’s fingerprint on the solution.

When God is involved in a situation, He must get the glory.  He will get the credit when a “little” does the impossible.  Nothing is impossible when God is in the matter.  God’s involvement is often evident when a little goes a long way and does extraordinary and wondrous things.  Little is much when God is in it because God can do anything He desires with anything!

“When you’re down to nothing, God may be up to something.”


Little Is Much When God Is In It
Hymn by Kittie Suffield

In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do;
Hark!  the voice of God is calling,
To the harvest calling you.
Refrain:
Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame;
There’s a crown, and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

In the mad rush of the broad way,
In the hurry and the strife,
Tell of Jesus’ love and mercy,
Give to them the Word of Life.
Refrain:

Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.
Refrain:

Are you laid aside from service,
Body worn from toil and care?
You can still be in the battle,
In the sacred place of prayer.
Refrain:

When the conflict here is ended
And our race on Earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
“Welcome home, My child—well done!”
Refrain:


“I’ve Got All I Want”
Oliver B. Greene

After a Sunday school lesson one week, a little girl was heard misquoting Psalm 23:1, a familiar Bible verse that many children have memorized.  Although the child did not quote it quite right, she had the right idea when she said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I’ve got all I want.”

The truth we adults often fail to remember is that God does provide all our needs, and we should be content with His provision.

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke 12:24


Just Enough
Edited from an Article by Robert G. Lee

God miraculously dealt with the people of Israel during their wilderness wandering.  God said, “And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.  6 Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.” Deut. 29:5-6

The Israelites’ clothes did not wear out for forty years, and they received a daily ration of manna rained down on them from Heaven.   The manna was “…  like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.” Exodus 13:31  God faithfully provided for them daily.

They received enough manna daily for every man, woman, and child to eat.  If they tried to save some for the next day, it would be covered by worms and stank.  God’s reason was not because of the shortage of supplies.  It was so they would obey Him and trust Him to provide.
“Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.” Exodus 16:4

God wanted to know whether Israel would trust Him for their daily provisions.  Though it took the equivalent of one hundred and eighty freight car loads of manna each day to feed these three million Israelites and ninety-four tank cars of water per day, God did not let them lack at any time.

If we trust and obey what God has told us in His Word, He will provide for us.  He will meet your needs.

“When a train goes through a dark tunnel, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off.  You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through safely.  Trust God today, no matter how dark your situation.  God says, ‘You are
coming out!’”


Looking for a Way Out
Oliver B. Greene

At a cross-country steeplechase exhibition, one horse suddenly shied away from a hurdle and ran into a barbed-wire fence.  The result was a disaster, as the rider was taken by ambulance to a hospital, and the bleeding horse remained ensnarled in the wire until the slow process of cutting it away was completed.

The underlying tragedy was seen in the fact that the jump was a low one, which the horse could have easily cleared.  Yet, the horse mistook the fence to be an opening in the course and thus an escape from the obstacle.

We are often like that foolish horse!  When faced with difficulties, do we look for the way out rather than trusting God’s provision?  Do we break for an opening at the first opportunity, only to find that we have become ensnared and that our present difficulty is far worse than the one we sought to avoid?



Wealth May Not Give Happiness
Author Unknown

After the death of Abderman, Caliph of Cordova, the following paper was found in his handwriting: “Fifty years have elapsed since I became caliph.  I have possessed riches, honors, pleasures, and friends.  In short, I have had everything that man can desire in this world.  I have reckoned up the days I could say I was really happy, and they amount to fourteen.”

The BIBLE VIEW #895 — Assorted

In This Issue:
 The Church That Would Not Help
Trust God
The Clock Ticks On

Volume: 895     February 5, 2023
Theme: Assorted

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 The Church That Would Not Help
Dr. Ralph Yarnell

Once upon a time, there was an average preacher who pastored an average church in an average city.  The church was always short on mission funds.  One day a salesman approached the pastor with the following proposal.

“If you allow me to speak to your congregation for 15 minutes, I will show you how to easily add $10,000 to your mission program now and an extra $1,000 each month, if the church members cooperate.”

The average preacher consulted with the average church board.  They put it to a vote of the average congregation and quickly accepted the proposition.  A date and time were set.  Announcements were made, and every church member was urged to attend. 

The time arrived; the church was packed, and the salesman began:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I represent a home training program.  If you use our equipment, I guarantee you will quickly learn at least 32 things that will give you a thrilling experience.  Our equipment sells from $100 to several thousand dollars and $20 each month from then on.  Our equipment will teach you:

  1. How to murder anyone you don’t like
  2. How to deceive
  3. How to commit adultery
  4. How to get drunk
  5. How to use and push drugs
  6. How to curse
  7. How to have an abortion
  8. How to display your nakedness
  9. How to embrace Humanism
  10. How to get a divorce
  11. How to spread violence
  12. How to enjoy vulgarity
  13. How to be anti-God and anti-Christian
  14. How to be anti-American
  15. How to show hate
  16. How to tell lies
  17. How to be a thief
  18. How to live immorally
  19. How to have illicit sex
  20. How to be a homosexual
  21. How to show vengeance
  22. How to become a gambler
  23. How to commit suicide
  24. How to be an arsonist
  25. How to cheat others
  26. How to be continually fighting
  27. How to be a mugger and a rapist
  28. How to commit hideous crimes
  29. How to torture others
  30. How to loot
  31. How to riot
  32. How to disobey both God and the government.

“The 32 things are only the beginning of what our equipment will teach you.  I guarantee it!

“Now, by showing raised hands, let me see how many of you are willing to invest in our equipment.  None?  Can it be there is not one raised hand?

“Now, by the raised hand, let me see how many of you have a television or DVD player.  Nearly every hand is raised.

“Evidently, someone beat me to the sale, for I am selling TVs and DVDs.  I promised this church an opportunity for $10,000 plus more than $1,000 each month for your mission program if you would follow my suggestions.  The suggestions are for each of you to sell your TVs and DVDs, give the proceeds to your church missions program, and donate the monthly cable charge to your church’s program.

“Now, how many of you are willing to follow my suggestions?  Raise your hands, please.  Can it be not one hand is raised?  Tell me, why are none of you willing to help missions?”

“Wait, we don’t want to be too hasty.  There are some benefits of controlled TV,” said the pastor.

The salesman questioned, “Do you control the TV, or does it control you?  Few, if any Christians can overcome the erosion of clear thinking, traditional values, and Biblical living caused by improper exposure to TV and DVDs.”

“There are still some good things on TV,” retorted a deacon.

“Yes, of course; even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day.”

“I believe there is some good in everything,” a Sunday school teacher added.

“Yes, there is no doubt some good food in the garbage can, but we do not go there to get our dinner,” answered the salesman.

“Most of us have already signed a petition to the FCC to clean up TV,” said a choir member.

“Noble thought, but the Christian’s job is not to clean up the pigpen, but to keep the pigpen out of our homes, lives, and churches.”

“Let’s be reasonable.  There’s nothing wrong with laughing at comedy and having a good time,” interjected the youth leader.

“Yes, but we cannot laugh our life away or when sin is glorified.  Folks, the mission money your church needs is in your TVs and DVDs.  The revival you need is in the disposal of that equipment.” The salesman ended his presentation at that point as no one wanted to support missions or end their exposure to sin. 

The average church continued to wonder why they were always short of money for the missionaries.

“One leak will sink a ship, and one sin will destroy a sinner.” – John Bunyan


Trust God
Author Unknown

One morning in George Mueller’s orphanage, there was no food for the children’s breakfast.  The tables were set with empty plates and mugs.  Mr. Mueller prayed, “Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat.”  Immediately, there was a knock at the door.  Opening it, he saw the local baker.

“Mr. Mueller,” he said, “I couldn’t sleep last night.  I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at 2 o’clock and baked fresh bread.  Here it is.”

Mueller thanked him and praised God.  Then a second knock came.  It was the milkman.  His cart had broken down out front, and he wanted to give the milk to the children.

It was a happy group that gave God thanks that morning.  God never fails His child who trusts Him.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”  John 14:13-14

“Every believer is God’s miracle.”  — P. Bailey

 The Clock Ticks On
Author Unknown

The clock of life is wound, but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.

To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed.
To lose one’s health is more.
To lose one’s soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

The BIBLE VIEW #894 — God

In This Issue:
One  
God for All
Valued More Than Any
More Careful Than Mother
The Sailor’s Confidence
God’s Uniqueness

Volume: 894     January 30, 2023
Theme: God

Start your day with some good news from the Bible!  Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a brief commentary on the chapter’s teachings, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.  

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One
Bill Brinkworth

Society is concerned about the thoughts and actions of the masses.  They are often devoted to doing what everyone else is doing, dressing how the multitudes dress, keeping up with the “Jones,” and thinking and living the popular way.

God, however, is not.  His Word has quite a lot to say about “one.”  Since He is the only God, He only needs Himself to accomplish what He wants to be done.  Man cannot grasp that because his abilities are finite, and he cannot function or think like God.

Despite how the world hates His dogmatism, God is more interested in individuals and His one way rather than the world’s constantly changing philosophies. 

Man’s thinking, however, rarely lines up with God’s desires.  This brief study on “one” shows us more about God and how He thinks:  

  • There is one God, not multiple “gods,” as Hinduism and other religions teach.  Many religions, even “Christian” cults, may only have one god, but it is not the One described in the Word of God.
    “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Ex. 20:3
  • Only One should be prayed to, and that is Jesus, not the dead.
    “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” I Tim.  2:5   Also: Mat.  23:9.
  • God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are One!
    “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30
  • Mankind was started by one man God created: Adam.  He did not evolve from lesser creatures.  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1:27   Also: Gen. 2:21.
  • Sin came from one man’s iniquity and was passed down to all of us!
    “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Rom. 5:12
  • We are all sinners!  Not one of us is even close to perfect!
    “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalm 14:3   Also: Rom.  3:10, 12.
  • There is only one Saviour, Jesus.  He died for all our sins!
    “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” Heb. 10:12  Also: John 11:50.
  • There is only one way to Heaven!  There are not “many roads” to get there.
    “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
  • Each one is important to God.
    “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10
  • Each one has to give an account of himself before God.
    “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom. 14:12
  • None can straddle God’s way and the ungodly way simultaneously.  God has only one way of doing things!
    “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mat.  6:24   Also: Mat.  23:10, Luke 16:13.
  • When a man and woman marry, they become one.  “You” and “I” should become “we.”
    “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:24  Also: Mat.  19:5-6, Mark 10:8.
  • God often uses only one to lead His people in His direction, as He did with Moses, Ezekiel, Joshua, Jesus, John the Baptist, and the pastor of a local church.  Also: Luke 3:4, John 1:23.
  • In groups, even Christian assemblies, there is often at least one that is against the things of God.
    “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 6:70   Also: John 13:21.
  • Those who trust in Christ’s payment for their sins are members of His one church.
    “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” I Cor. 12:20  Also: Eph.  4:4.
  • Each one in the body of Christ should get along with the other.
    “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2   Also: I Peter 3:8.

God cannot be understood, nor can His ways, with humanity’s faithless understanding.  The Creator’s ways are often not logical to man’s comprehension because man’s thinking is limited.  Despite what man teaches, God has only one way, and that is His way. 

“God wants full custody, not just weekend visits.” — Author Unknown


God for All
John Bate

No one claims propriety to the oceans to the exclusion of others.  The massive waters are for all nations and people to use for their interests.  Oceans roll their waves against every shore and send their tides into every land, inviting the inhabitants to her riches and facilities.  The oceans show they are the property of all.

So with the living God.  No man can claim Him to the shutting out of others.  He is the God of all for their knowledge, love, and obedience.  Every intelligent being on Earth can draw from His treasury of good to the endless satisfaction of His nature.

To convince all that He is their God, He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  He fans them with His influence, draws them by His love, and sends hosts of holy agents to bring them to Himself.  By ten thousand attractions of love and mercy, He invites the world to plunge into His fullness and be satisfied.

“When God changes things, He usually begins with changing us.”  
— Author Unknown

Valued More Than Any
Author Unknown

When Antigonus was ready to engage in a sea fight with Ptolemy’s armada, the pilot cried out, “How many are there more than we?”

The courageous king replied, “’Tis true, if you count their numbers, they surpass us, but for how many do you value me?”

When our enemies come upon us like a flood, threatening to devour us with rage and fury, let us remember though we are few and they are many, our God is the God of salvation.  He must be counted for more than all that are against us.


More Careful Than Mother
C. H. Spurgeon

Look at the mother and how careful she is.  If her child has a little cough, she notices it.  The slightest weakness in the child will be observed. 

The mother has watched all the child’s motions anxiously to see whether it walked right, if all its limbs were sound, and whether it had the use of all its powers in perfection.  However, she has never thought of numbering the hairs on her child’s head.  The absence of one or two of the child’s strands would give her no great concern.

Our God is more careful towards us than a mother with her child.  He is so concerned about us He numbers the hairs of our heads.  How safe we are beneath the hand of God!
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Mat.  10:30


The Sailor’s Confidence
Author Unknown

When asked why he remained so calm in a fearful storm, the sailor gave an answer revealing his faith and trust.  He was unsure he could swim, but the man replied, “Though I sink, I shall only drop into the hollow of my Father’s hand, for He owns all these waters.”

“When God measures a man, He puts the tape around his heart, not his head.”


God’s Uniqueness
Author Unknown

Take a straight stick and put it into the water; it will appear crooked.  Why?  Because we look upon it through two mediums: air and water.  That is why we cannot discern it correctly.

Thus, the proceedings of God and His justice, which in themselves are straight, with the least obliquity, seem unto us crooked.  It appears that wicked men are prospering, and good men are afflicted.  It seems that the dishonest are succeeding, and the truthful suffer hardships.  It seems the hard-working servants should ride horses, and the rich should do the walking.  

These are some things that make many Christians stagger in their judgments.  Why?  Because they look upon God’s proceedings through a double medium: flesh and Spirit.

God’s proceedings with His justice are not discerned clearly by man.  The eyes of man alone are not competent judges of God’s actions.

The BIBLE VIEW #892 — Watching Over Us

In This Issue:
Thank You for Slowing Me Down
Ouch!  It’s Prickly!
Follow the Detour

Volume: 892     January 16, 2023
Theme: Watching over Us

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Thank You for Slowing Me Down
Bill Brinkworth

After several days of rain, water dripped off leaves, trees, and rocks.  Soon, small ribbons of water trickled down the mountainside.  Meandering driblets eventually joined others, and quickly rivulets grew in size and sped down the mountain.

A closer observation revealed that the speeding waters did not head toward the valley in a straight line.   Natural obstacles detoured the flow in unnatural directions.  The rushing waters wandered left, right, down into a washout the waters created, blocked by a rock, over the natural dam, left and again to the right.  Seemingly haphazardly, the flow wandered down to the lower ground.

Because of God’s design, even the water flow and how it was diverted caused little washout.  If the gushing waters had their way, they would have eroded much of the hillside, uprooted trees, caused mudslides, and ravished havoc on the area.  Thank you, Lord, for even watching over the water flow.

The difficult hazards we face may also preserve us more than we realize.  Left to follow our lusts and desires, without stopping or deterring us from wrong behavior and decisions, we would race to destruction, ruining our lives and those of others. 

A grade failure, car breakdown, lost job, illness, or a broken relationship may be more of a help than a hindrance, especially if a person affected is God-controlled.  Only He knows what could have happened to us if obstacles did not change our self-destroying directions.

We may not like the “roadblocks” or deterrents keeping us from the way we thought was best.  However, it may be a God-directed obstacle diverting us to His better direction rather than our destructive one.

The obstacles we encounter may not be as bad as we believe.  They may keep us from a more tumultuous life and an early grave.

We certainly should not want our lives to be a “washout.”  Thank you, Lord, for loving and protecting us.  You keep us safe even when we do not have the sense to know that our will and way may not be the right and best direction for us.

“O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.”  Psalm 25:20


Ouch!  It’s Prickly!
Bill Brinkworth

Many natural things are “prickly.”  Thorns are the natural defense of many roses, orange trees, and weeds.  Grabbing hold of a prickly stem results in one letting it go and coming up with another plan.  

God uses the “pricks” of uncomfortable moments to change our direction.  He did this in Saul’s life as the unsaved but religious man traveled on the road to Damascus.
“And he said, Who art thou, Lord?  And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Acts 9:5

Saul had spent much of his life trying to serve God his way.  Unfortunately, he did not detect nor heed the “pricks” God sent in His life to put him in the right direction.

Pricks that Saul, later renamed Paul, ignored:
Pricked ears – When Saul heard the preachers of the Gospel, he did all he could to stifle their preaching.  Instead of pricking his conscience so he could change his wrong path, it angered him and encouraged him to do more to silence Christians.  

Young Saul (Paul) even held the coats of those that stoned the preacher, Stephen.  While Saul stood there, he probably heard the Word of God as at other times when he was around Christians.  Still, he held to his religion, even when the people of God preached and warned against it.

Pricked eyes – Undoubtedly, Saul saw Christianity in action.  He saw families split, people die, and heartache inflicted.  In all the trouble he instigated against Christians, he saw they had a peace that he surely did not have or understand.  He was like his name-sake, King Saul, who persecuted righteous David.

Pricks that others ignore:
Pricked by circumstances: Hard times, sickness, failures, testings, aggravating situations, disasters, etc., are often meant to draw us closer to God and make us trust Him more.  Instead, folks often grow farther from the source of strength they need.

Pricked ears: Perhaps, God sent a godly mother, grandmother, neighbor, friend, Sunday school teacher, or let us hear a preacher on TV, but still, His invitation was ignored.

Pricked eyes: Many have seen bits of the Word of God in tracts and good Christian testimonies, yet their example has been ignored.  

Too often, God’s “pricks” to our hearts and lives are ignored.  What does God have to do to you to get your attention and obedience?

“The greater thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are going.”    — Oliver Wendell Holmes



Follow the Detour
Bill Brinkworth

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

No one likes the aggravation of being slowed down to going to his destination by a road detour.  One has to change direction another way.  We are not in control and must follow someone else’s plan to get us to where we want to go.

“Who do those construction people think they are?  Making me go this long way.  I just want to go a little way down the road.” However, we obey the signs and the flagman and get there safely.  We may not have been able to say that if we did not heed those diverting our direction.

Too many ignore the “flagman” God has put in our path to move them in another direction — His way.  Maybe that test you failed, even though you “studied your brains out,” was a “flagman” to get you to know and later witness to a tutor or to get you to study more efficiently.  If you cheated and passed, you would not have gone down the road God had planned for you.

Maybe the family split, although not God’s first plan, has something you could learn.  Sticking it out and praying through the problem may have helped you, so divorce never happens to you, or you can minister to others in that situation.  Running away from that situation would be going through the “detour,” and you would not have learned what God intended for you to get out of the experience.

Use your imagination to see how God could use the “bad” things in your life for His glory and your good.  He is aware of the “roadblock” you experienced or are experiencing.  God may have allowed it in your life, so you would spiritually grow or be strengthened.

A Christian should be sensitive to the leading as well as the halting of the Lord.  Give Him credit for all that happens in your life.  Let him direct you!

“Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in the difficulties.”  — C. S. Lewis

THE BIBLE VIEW #879 — Grace

In This Issue:
Abounding Grace
What Is Grace?
Grace Is Sufficient
Grace  Day by Day
In the Nick of Time

Volume: 879     October 10, 2022
Theme:  Grace

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Please forward this Bible View to someone going through a difficult time.  It may encourage them and help draw them closer to God, who can be the giver of grace they may require for their trial.


Abounding Grace
Jay and Linda Aarseth, Missionaries in Thailand

Faith.  Trust.  Trusting not by what is seen, but by faith.

I thought I understood ‘Hope.  I have read many accounts of courageous men and women who have lived these simple words and made them embraceable.  We long to be able to follow their example of godliness and strength if we are ever called upon to do so.  One day, those words became our exam.

My husband, Jay, and I had been missionaries in Guam for five years.  We were in love with the church and the people and had never enjoyed the ministry more.  God had blessed us, and we were content, then a dreaded middle-of-the-night call came.

Our pastor reached us with news that our youngest daughter and her children had been in a house fire.  Our hearts pounded as we tried to secure our home in Guam and acquire tickets to the States, a task not easily done on such short notice.  We did not know the full extent of the injuries sustained until much later that day.

Three flights and 18 hours in the air separated us from the facts.  We thought the very worst.  Visions of burn victims flooded my mind’s eye and kept me nauseous and weak.  However, God gave me rest and quieted my soul in a way I had never known.

Our pastor met us in Atlanta with a car for us to drive to Augusta, where Lindsay, our daughter, and her two children had been flown via helicopter from Chattanooga, TN.  Our oldest daughter, Jessica, and her husband met us at the burn unit.  They tried to gently prepare us for what we would see.  We donned the sterile garb, scrubbed ourselves, and entered room #1.  As it turned out, Emma had been burned over 65% of her body, Lindsay 53%, and Ewan 45%.

Jay kept me from collapsing.  The three of them were swollen beyond recognition and their bodies were connected with tubes and staples. 

“God?  Faith?  Trust?  Hope?”  I had never known a time that I could not pray, but there were no words.  I didn’t need any.  God provided every ounce of emotional strength and physical ability I needed.  My heavenly Father was there!

My grandson, Ewan, was taken to Heaven three days after his arrival at the burn unit.  His little heart could not sustain his physical trauma.  Lindsay and little Emma, age 4, spent the next 62 days in ICU.  Both underwent miraculous skin grafts and rehabilitation.  Lindsay was in a drug-induced coma when Ewan died.  She had to be told of his death upon awakening. 

Day after day, I sat in the waiting room waiting for my 15 or 30-minute visit with each of my girls.  In the hours in between, I watched for others who were there because their loved one was also on the brink of death.  We sat with many family members who looked just like we did.  “Can anyone live through such a trauma?” I wondered.

The doctors said, “Yes.”  I did not see how any length of time could heal what I saw lying in those hospital beds.

I sought family members of other ICU patients and shared God’s grace and peace with them.  For 62 days, that waiting room was my mission field.  I cried and prayed with others as we shared a common pain.

I could write volumes about the love and compassion of those God sent our way.  My pastor and his wife were unbelievably supportive and compassionate.  They found a hospital in Chattanooga to hold our Ewan’s little body until Lindsay recovered enough to make arrangements for his burial. 

We did not know from day to day if Lindsay or Emma would survive.  God was there, though; I cannot say more.  He was everything we needed at every moment of every day.

Many more battles and trials followed.  I suppose there will always be pain and scars for my girls.  They are walking testimonies of the goodness of God, and they both allow their scars to speak of the Lord’s faithfulness.

I will never be the same.  My God had comforted me and helped me to grow.  He had given us a comfort wherewith we may comfort others.

Now we walk with a genuine sense of faith.  We have learned what it is to trust with no reservations and to believe in His goodness because He cared so tenderly for each of us during those awful days.

We can now embrace whatever He allows in our lives as having been filtered through His hands.  Such beauty has erupted from those ashes.  To God be the glory; great things He has done!

“’Grace’ means undeserved kindness.  It is the gift of God to man the moment man sees he is unworthy of God’s favor.” — D. L. Moody


What is Grace?
Noah Webster, 1828

Grace is:

  1. Favor; goodwill; kindness
  2. The free, unmerited love and favor of God
  3. Favorable influence of God
  4. The application of Christ’s righteousness to the sinner


Grace Is Sufficient
Author Unknown

“… My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Cor. 12:9
Booth-Tucker preached in Chicago one day.  Out from the crowd, a burdened toiler came and said to him, before all the audience, “You can talk like that about how Christ is dear to you and helps you, but if your wife was dead, as my wife is, and you had some babies crying for their mother who would never come back, you could not say what you are saying!”

A little later, Booth-Tucker lost his noble wife in a railway wreck.  The body was brought to Chicago and carried to the Salvation Army barracks for the funeral service. 

After others had conducted the funeral service, Booth-Tucker stood there by the casket, looked down into the face of the silent wife and his children’s mother, and said, “The other day, when I was here, a man said I could not say Christ was sufficient if my wife were dead, and my children were crying for their mother.  If that man is here, tell him that Christ is sufficient.  My heart is all broken; my heart is all crushed; my heart is all bleeding, but there is a song in my heart, and Christ put it there.  If that man is here, I tell you, though my wife is gone and my children are motherless, Christ comforts me today!”

That man was there, and down the aisle he went and fell beside the casket, saying, “Verily, if Christ can help us like that, I will surrender to Him.” 

“The Law detects.  Grace corrects.”   — Author Unknown


Grace
Author Unknown

He giveth more grace when burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction, He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance;
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done;
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources;
Our Father’s full giving has only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace knows no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

“Prayer is the practice of drawing on the grace of God.”  — Oswald Chambers 


Day by Day
D. L. Moody

A man can no more take a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next six months.  Nor can he take sufficient air into his lungs to sustain life for a week to come.  We must draw upon God’s boundless stores for grace from day to day, as we need it.

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


In the “Nick of Time”
G. Campbell Morgan

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
I am never tired of pointing out that the Greek phrase translated, “… in the time of need,” is a colloquialism of which the “nick of time” is the exact equivalent: “… grace to help in ‘the nick of time.’”  God can give us grace just when and where we need it.

You may be attacked by temptation.  At the moment of assault, you look to Him, and grace is there to help in “the nick of time.”  No postponement of your petition until the evening hour of prayer, but there in the city street, with the flaming temptation in front of you, turn to Christ with a cry for help. The grace will be there in “the nick of time.”

“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.” 
— Martin Luther 

The BIBLE VIEW #863 — God’s Promises

In This Issue:
You Can Trust Him
Promises about Salvation
Promises about Forgiveness
Promises of Courage
Promises about Fear
Promises of Help in Time of Trouble
Promises for The Lonely
Promises and Commandments for Marriage

Volume: 863     June 20, 2022
Theme: God’s Promises  

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You Can Trust Him
Bill Brinkworth

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability [unchangeable] of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 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: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”  Hebrews 6:17

Unlike sinful man, God cannot lie.  What He has preserved in His Word, the Bible, was true when it was penned, and it can be relied upon today with no reservations.

Truth about most matters is difficult to find. News medias too often air only part of the facts they want listeners or readers to believe.  Many politicians state only what they want the public to know.  Others often make statements without knowing or communicating the other side of the argument or story.  Opinions are often touted as facts when they are not!

Absolute truth is hard to find.  However, our Creator knows all sides of situations, loves us, and wants us to have the truth.  Authenticity, realism, exactness, and accuracy of situations and experiences are so important to Him that He has preserved truths for all to know.  What he has saved for us between the pages of our Bible can be relied upon.  If God said it, we can believe it.  God will not lie!

“If God said it, you must believe it!”


Promises about Salvation
“That whosoever believeth in him [Jesus] should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:15-16

“3 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…  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

“For he hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” II Corinthians 5:21

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“We are saved by someone doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.”
— Lester


Promises about Forgiveness
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  37   Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:35-37  Also: Matthew 5:44.

“The habit of judging and condemning others is usually a great deal more serious blemish than are the things we so glibly point out as flaws or faults.” — Author Unknown


Promises of Courage
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14   Also: Psalm 31:24.

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:12-13 

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the smaller ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.  God is awake.  — Victor Hugo


Promises about Fear
“For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalm 37:28

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?  how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark 4:40

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverb 1:33

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”  I Peter 3:12


Promises of Help in Time of Trouble
“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalm 37:39

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Nahum 1:7

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 32:7

“Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.  Selah.” Psalm 37:24

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Psalm 73:26  Also: Psalm 73:26.

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3   Also: Psalm 18:2-3, 28:7.

“Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.” 
— Beecher


Promises for The Lonely
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18

“Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.  If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;” Isaiah 58:9

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”  II Corinthians 6:17-18  

“But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.” Psalm 40:17


Promises and Commandments for Marriage
“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 9:9

“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Corinthians 7:3

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Ephesians  5:31

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” Colossians 3:18

The Bible View #834 — God Is in Control!

In This Issue:
It’s Under God’s Control
How Long?
My God Reigneth
How Peace Was Won

Volume: 834    November 1, 2021
Theme: God’s Will and Way

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It’s Under God’s Control
Bill Brinkworth

When reading of current events, seeing how society is morally declining, and hearing of one tragedy after another, it can be very discouraging.  It sometimes seems chaos surrounds us and is gaining a foothold closer to us each day.

Politicians, particularly liberals, are no longer backing common sense and the apparent betterment of those they represent. Public education seems to enforce and encourage their charges to grasp godless theories and thinking.  A media that was once expected to expose the truth and help preserve law-abiding has also accepted and joined to move society against godly behavior and force heathen philosophies on the public. Too often, it seems there is little order and only destruction on society’s horizon. Hope for a promising future appears to be disappearing daily.

Stop right there!  Be not deceived.  As the beginning words of a hymn remind us, “The Lord reigneth.”  Most of us do not understand why such changes in society are allowed, but we can be assured God is still in control.  He knows exactly what is going on.  He knows who is lying.  He knows who is deceiving.  Our God knows all about the greed that motivates so many.  None of what is going on is a surprise to Him.
“The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.” Psalm 93:1 

God uses many horrific actions and attitudes that we see for society’s eventual betterment and to accomplish what He has planned to happen from the beginning.  From the Genesis flood to what will happen in the future (Revelation 19:6), God has and will use those events, as wicked as they often seem, for His purpose. Despite what our leaders, media, and other influences believe, God reigneth!  Nothing happens without His allowing it for His purposes.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28  Also: II Tim. 1:9.

“He who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting His children.”   — C. H. Spurgeon



How Long?
Bill Brinkworth

Psalm 94:3, and many others, question the same thing. How long are the wicked going to get away with their sin?  We see and hear so many in blatant disregard for God’s moral laws and His desired behaviors.  It is often wondered how some get away with the terrible things they are doing.
“LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?” Psalm 94:3

The answer is, they will not get away with their sin.  The payday for iniquity will come someday.  It may be today; it may be ten years from now.  They may appear unscathed by their wrong-doing in this life.  However, we have God’s promise that in the next, they will stand before a judge, who will issue a verdict they will fear and which will cause them to regret their past actions.

As I have told many Sunday school classes, no one gets away with sinning against God.  True to that biblical promise, I have seen many sinners pay the price for their wrong-doing that they never thought they would pay.  The wage for their offense against God came after the transgression and brought grief and regret that lasted much of their lives.

When raising my daughter, I remember her observation of one in our church that regularly sinned. One day, she commented, “See, so-and-so is doing this and that, but nothing is happening to them.”

My reply was, “Be patient.  They won’t get away with it.” Sure enough, a time came, several years later, that they received the wage for the transgression they had sown, and it was devastating. 

God is the judge, and nothing escapes His scrutiny.  Vengeance is His, and He will receive it (Psalm 94:1-2). All wrong-doing will be dealt with (Psalm 94:4-6).

A sinner may think their iniquity escaped the eye of the Lord, but it did not (Psalm 94:7-10).  He even knows our thoughts (Psalm 94:11), so there is no escaping sin’s consequences.  With this in mind, it is prudent and wise to flee iniquity and get as far away from it as possible.
“And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.” Psalm 94:23
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

“It is much easier to repent of sins that we have committed than to repent of those we intend to commit.” — Billings


My God Reigneth
Bill Brinkworth

No matter the chaos and troubles about us, God is still in control.  Often, what we see as a terrible situation is God’s means to turn people to Him, teach others a lesson, punish sin, or accomplish His will and way.

Some of the biblical proofs confirming He reigns on this Earth are:

God (John 10:30) reigned over His creation.
When the raging waves threatened a ship and the crew’s safety, Jesus bestilled the waters.
“And he [Jesus] was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow… 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”  Mark 4:38-39  Also: Mat. 8:26, Luke 8:24.
“He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.” Psalm 106:9  [Rebuke: to sternly correct (often exhibiting authority over the one being corrected), to restrain, to put to shame]

He reigneth over the ungodly.
“Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.” Psalm 9:5
“Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.” Psalm 119:21

He reigneth over demonic influences.
“And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.” Matthew 17:18
“And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.” Luke 9:42   Also: Mark 9:25.

He reigneth over the weak.
“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” Mark 8:33  Also: Luke 9:55.

He reigneth over health problems.
“And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.” Luke 4:39

He reigneth over His own.
“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:” Hebrews. 12:5

“One God helping is more than all men opposing.” — Joseph Caryl



How Peace Was Won
Author Unknown

With eager heart and will on fire,
I sought to win my great desire.
“Peace shall be mine,” I said. But life
Grew bitter in the endless strife.

My soul was weary, and my pride
Was wounded deep. To Heaven, I cried,
“God give me peace, or I must die.”
The dumb stars glittered no reply.

Broken, at last, I bowed my head
Forgetting all myself, and said,
“Whatever comes, His will be done,”
And at that moment, peace was won.”

The Bible View #823 — Our Mighty God

In This Issue:
Our Mighty God
Whose Coop Is It Anyway?
It’s Father God, Not Mother Nature!!

Volume: 823    August 16, 2021
Theme: Our Mighty God

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/.

All should daily read the Bible!  While at your computer,  go to www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and read a chapter each day, and learn something from what you read.


Our Mighty God
Bill Brinkworth

Psalm 29 is a Hebrew poem that perhaps was put to music.  Hebrew poetry is not like modern poems with rhyming words.  Their poetry, as is this one, often repeats a thought from different angles.

This poem is about a storm. It was not a weather anomaly sent from the fairy tale character “Mother Nature.”  It was provided and controlled by Father God!  Outbursts that only God commanded got the attention of even powerful people (Psalm 29:1).  They recognized where the winds, lightning, and rains came from — God.

God showed His mighty power in the torrential rains and exploding thunders (Psalm 29:3). His voice bellowed across the countryside, letting all know of His great power (Psalm 29:4).

His voice ordered the lightning to attack a tree that all admired to be strong and resilient against whatever it faced.  The towering cedar fell cracked and splintered (Psalm 29:5) on the forest floor.

Even the pregnant cattle were so frightened that they gave early births (Psalm 29:9). Nature even bowed down in fear of the display of the majesty of mighty God.

The Almighty’s voice sent down to His Earth lashing lightning (Psalm 29:7) that sent much aflame. He shook the Earth with His powerful commands (Psalm 29:8).

With all the chaos and frightening display around the people, the Creator was still in control.  His strength can do such powerful things for all to see, but He will give strength and protection to His people. 

He is a great God!  He is our God.  We have no reason to fear.  He is always in control! With storms of trouble and conflict all around us, we can still have His peace that surpasses all the world’s understanding.

“There is a God. The plants of the valley, the cedars of the mountain bless His name.  The elephant salutes Him with the rising day; the bird glorifies Him among the foliage; the lightning bespeaks His power, and the ocean declares His immensity.  Man alone has said, ‘There is no God.’” — Vicomte de Chauteaubriand



Whose Coop Is It Anyway?
Bill Brinkworth

“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

For the last few years, I have had small flocks of chickens to provide us with eggs.  The current flock is the first we have had with a rooster.

In the beginning, “Rocky” was like the other birds.  As he got older, he has been more aggressive to me.  Whenever I would approach, he crowed; I supposed to warn the hens that I was coming. Sometimes, trying to be friendly and keep on his good side, I would crow back.

However, lately, after I would crow, he would charge me.  I suppose I unknowingly was challenging him.  The other day, I had to push him away to thwart his aggressiveness.

I thought and even explained to him, “Now, Rocky. Let’s get some facts straight. This is my chicken coop.  I built it myself.  I bring you water every day.  It is also me that makes sure you get your food every day.  When I hear an unusual commotion up here, again, it is me that comes up here to make sure a coyote or dog is not trying to get at you.”

I realized that is how so many treat God.  This Earth is His.  He made it in six days.  He put the sun in place to shine and warm this planet.  It is God that created the plants, all creatures, and even us.  Yet, as mighty as He is and all that He has done, too many want Him out of “their coop.”

They want God and His commandments out of their lives, out of their education, and out of any explanation as to how we got here.  In many situations, His name is not to be uttered, nor His son, Jesus.  Even his rule book, the Bible, cannot be mentioned.  In so many circles, the things of God are taboo, although all types of evil, perversion, and sin are allowed.

People try so hard to kick God out of His own “coop.”   He feeds them, makes sure they have drink to drink, air to breath, and even so many luxuries that man can do without, but because He still loves them, he grants them those extras.

Rocky, the rooster, may have had his authority challenged when I tried to “talk” with Him.  Perhaps when God is mentioned, people are also reminded that they are not in charge of the “hen” house.  Most likely, that is why their feathers are ruffled when He comes to mind.  They fail to acknowledge they are just living here with His permission and help.

We are no better than Rocky when we try to remove God from the world that He created. How foolish many are.  They are angry at the holy Hand that meets their needs.

Do not force God out of your “coop,” as it is His anyway.  He is temporarily letting you stay here, and He wants to take care of you.

“God, who made the earth,
 The air, the sky, the sea,
Who gave the light its birth,
Careth for me.” — Rhodes



It’s Father God, Not Mother Nature!
Bill Brinkworth

Regularly, we are bombarded with terminology that is not biblical and has origins in paganism and other false religions. We constantly hear that “Mother Nature sent us another hurricane,”  “Mother Nature brought rain today,” or “she” was responsible for some other earthly phenomena. It is heard so much that it is accepted.  Hardly anyone gives the reference to a mythical deity a second thought, but they should!

In case you have not stopped to think about it, there is no “Mother Nature.”  There exists no proof, scientific or otherwise, that there is such a “she.”  Implying Mother Nature is somehow in control of the environment, atmosphere, or even how things grow is giving recognition to one that does not exist, let alone deserves any credit.

The credit for all on this Earth belongs to God, the Creator, only. He is the one that allows the rain, flowers to bloom, birth, and death of species and has created everything.

He is a He!  In the Genesis account of creation alone, God is referred to as a male at least 14 times with the pronoun “he.” In the rest of the book, “he” is also used to describe a male God at least 15 times. Even the Hebrew words for God are masculine. Nowhere in the preserved, time-honored King James Bible is God referred to as female.

If the Word of God names him as male, where did the notion come from that His domain and creation are controlled by the mystical Mother Nature?  Some part of giving maternal credit could be given to the modern practice of not wanting to offend anyone by mentioning “God.”  The politically correct terminology has gotten our society by the tongue and will not let it go.  Many have allowed the few ungodly who have gained public recognition for their dislike of God to influence what is said.  Sadly, we have gotten to the point that we are concerned about mentioning God in a nation that not long ago was termed a “Christian” nation.

Perhaps giving credit to a non-existent being is easier or less embarrassing to many than saying “His” name. For a group of people that prides themselves on their intelligence, it is quite childish to give credit to a non-existent “Momma.” Well-educated television weathermen have said on the airwaves that “Mother Nature has brought us another gorgeous day” and other fictitious quotes.

Maybe man is even changing terminology to reflect his ideas of who and what God is. Pagans of the past and present certainly had no qualms in making Him anything they wished. They have even given credit and worship to trees, water, mountains, and other parts of the creation.

Women representing “mother Earth” and “mother nature” have been around for a long time. Goddesses were attributed to fertility and “nature” for many millennia. Female deities being given credit for what God has done have been worshiped in Assyrian, Babylonian, Greek, Incan, Indian, and Roman civilizations, to name a few. Even to this day, “Gaia,” “Sophia,” and other female “deities” are mentioned among Christians as if they exist.

These influences, wherever they came from, are not Christian. It is the Christian that should have instilled in his own heart and should influence the thinking of others that there is one God: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

For a Christian, God is the God of the Bible. The Bible is the window showing us who and what God is. It is from the preserved Word of God that we get the unshakable account of how we got here, how the earth was created, how God worked through time with our ancestors, and how he will work with us. Just because some have rejected what the Bible says about God and are highly rebellious against Him does not mean we have to join them in their philosophy and sin.

Some have even changed “bibles” to reflect that God is female, or that He is non-sexed. It seems that ploy has been around since the beginning, even in the Garden with Adam and Eve. It was Satan that got the first man and woman to question what God has said. That ruse is still being played today. Many are changing what the truth says in the Word of God, but they can never change what is the truth, no matter how hard they hide or distort it.

The truth is preserved in the precious Word of God. It clearly says that God is the creator and controller of all that goes on in this universe. Do not allow non-Christian philosophies and influences to erode slowly your beliefs in what the Bible says. It is Father God that created this world, and it is He that is still the one that is allowing all that happens to His Earth. May your speech even reflect what you believe. Say it was Father God that brought the rain today and that it was He that brought out the sunshine later. Give God His due glory.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

“Nature is the art of God eternal” — Alighieri Dante