2 Corinthians 7:4-7
Comforted by Others
Key
Verse: A pastor was deeply discouraged. He
wondered whether it would matter to anyone if he
were to quit the ministry. His past successes were lost in the present
discouragement. He prayed God would help him recover from his despair. His
anxiety arose whenever the phone rang. No one ever called with good news, just
complaints. A caller that day would be different. The caller told the pastor
how much he had been blessed by his ministry and how much he appreciated him.
This encouragement lifted the pastor from his discouragement.
Satan desires every believer to be discouraged. Discouraged believers are not as faithful to God as encouraged Christians. Satan will use every weapon at his disposal to discourage believers. He uses negative words spoken out of anger. He uses an unforeseen negative circumstance such as an illness to cause discouragement. Satan uses the negative influence of backslidden Christians to cause despondency among God’s faithful people.
Paul found comfort in Titus. Titus was a faithful companion to the apostle. He rejoiced with him in times of joy and cried with him in times of sorrow. He did not add to Paul’s problems but was a source of encouragement to him. Friends like Titus are a blessing.
Just A Thought: To have friends a person must be a friend (Prov. 18:24).
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 7:25-27
Jesus
Assumed Our Debt
Key
Verse: “Who
needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up
sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did
once, when he offered up himself,” Hebrews 7:27.
The following advertisement appeared in the classified section of a newspaper. “House for sale. Take over payments.” The owner of the house had lost his job and could not make the mortgage payments. He was looking for someone to assume his debt.
It was the duty of the high priest to offer animal sacrifices to God seeking forgiveness of sin. The blood of these sacrifices could not forgive sins. These sacrifices pictured the sacrifice the coming Messiah would make on behalf of all humanity. The high priest was a sinner and made a sacrifice for his own sins before making a sacrifice on behalf of others. Jesus offered Himself on the cross once for all to pay the sin debt of all humanity.
Every person has a sin nature (Rom. 3:23). The price paid for the sin nature is death (Rom. 6:23). It is impossible for mankind to pay his debt to God to inherit eternal life in Heaven. Good works will not pay the debt. Someone was needed to pay the debt for sinners.
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6). Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. When He died on the cross, Jesus assumed our debt.
Just A Thought: Jesus paid the sinner’s debt in full once and for all time.
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 6:10
God
Will Not Forget
Key
Verse: “For
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour
of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in
that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister,” Hebrews 6:10.
Apostasy was rampant at the time of the writing of Hebrews. Many who had once professed Christ as Savior had left the truth and embraced idolatry. Those who served Jesus Christ were being persecuted for their faith. Many believers kept silent about their faith out of fear for their welfare. Some wondered if God had forsaken them.
The author of Hebrews exhorted believers to faithfulness. They were warned to expect persecution. It is never convenient to be faithful to the Lord. The forces of evil should not prevent our faithfulness to God. The writer of Hebrews exhorted them to remain faithful to God whatever the cost. God had begun a good work in them, and they should have continued that good work (Phil. 1:6).
God promised to remember their good works and labor of love. The praise of man is soon forgotten. If we serve only to achieve the glory of others, what do we have once the cheers have died down? God remembers every good work done on His behalf. He remembers something as small as a cup of cold water given in His name (Matt. 10:42). Anything done to even the least of the Lord’s disciples is done unto the Lord (Matt. 25:40). Children of God should strive to hear the well done of the Lord (Luke 19:17). God will reward every good work performed in His name by those who have experienced His saving grace.
Just A Thought: Do not brag about your good deeds. God has a better reward in store.
Marc Shultz
Acts 11:19-21
Persecuted and
Preaching
Key
Verse: “And
the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned
unto the Lord,” Acts 11:21.
Stephen was a deacon with an evangelistic zeal. Not only did he help care for
the physical necessities of widows in the
Not only did Stephen proclaim the gospel while being persecuted, but he also saw fruits for his labor. The hand of the Lord helped him remain faithful even though he was persecuted. He did not concentrate on the pain of persecution but on the proclamation of the gospel. He would not be content to remain silent. He knew souls were at risk if he did not share the good news of the gospel. A great number of lost people heard his message and believed on Jesus Christ as Savior. This made the persecution worthwhile. His persecutors could cause him pain, but they could not silence his lips.
Christians should react to persecution by continual faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel message. Do not allow Satan to have the victory by being silent. When suffering for the cause of Christ, be more determined to share the gospel.
Just A Thought: It is rarely easy or convenient to share the gospel.
Marc Shultz
Romans 8:28
All
Things Work Together for Good
Key
Verse:
“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.
A woman attending a Texas Rangers’ baseball game was hit in the stomach by a foul ball. The injury left a severe bruise and caused her a lot of pain. When the injury did not heal as quickly as she expected, she visited her doctor. While running tests to determine the extent of the injury, it was discovered that she had a small tumor in her stomach. The tumor was in its earliest stages and was successfully removed through surgery. While the original injury was painful, it was a blessing for her long-term health.
Life is filled with pleasant and sorrowful experiences. It is human nature to look at the individual circumstances instead of the big picture. Each individual circumstance is a piece in the big picture puzzle that is called life. As the pieces fit together, it becomes possible to see the effect each individual circumstance has on life. The pleasant circumstances bring joys and blessings to life. The unpleasant experiences add strength to individual character and help us to see the power of God at work. It does not require much character to rejoice in the pleasant events of life. It requires Christian character to find the good in life’s unpleasant experiences. God works both pleasant and unpleasant experiences for good.
Just A Thought: Do not get upset when unpleasant things happen but look at the circumstances as an opportunity to see God at work.
Marc Shultz
2 Timothy 3:12
Persecuting
the Godly
Key
Verse:
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” 2
Timothy 3:12.
There were many things the administration of a high school could have considered a risk to the campus. Gang activity permeated the campus, but the administration only gave it casual attention. The drug culture had a strong presence on campus, but the administration seemed to do little to rid the campus of illegal drugs. Instead, they focused their attention on one particular female student. What was her crime? Had she committed a violent act on campus? No! Had she cheated on a test? No! Why was she the focus of negative attention from the administration? She used her free time after lunch to read her Bible. She was told by the administration this was against school policy and to refrain from doing it in the future. She decided to stand up for her rights and took the school board to court. She was ridiculed by many of her fellow students as being a Bible thumper. She endured the ridicule and stood up for her rights as a Christian. She won the case.
Believers have been persecuted throughout time. They were persecuted during the time of Christ. Jesus Himself was the object of persecution during His earthly ministry. John the Baptist was beheaded for his stand for the faith. During the Dark Ages fifty million believers were martyred for taking a stand for their faith. Faithful Christians are persecuted even today.
Just A Thought: Do not be surprised when you are persecuted for Christ’s sake. Christ was persecuted for your sake.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 4:12, 13
Fiery
Trials Are Not Strange
Key
Verse: “But
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his
glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy,” 1 Peter 4:13.
A young student was resuming classes at school after undergoing cancer treatment. He was self-conscious be cause he had lost his hair as a result of the treatments. Upon entering the classroom, he saw something amazing. All of the boys and a couple of the girls in class had shaved their heads so he would not feel self-conscious.
Believers who suffer persecution may feel self-conscious. They should realize they are in good company. Jesus was persecuted because He proclaimed Himself as the Messiah. Some considered Him a lunatic for making such a claim. Instead of fretting over His persecution, Jesus continued His ministry. Among His dying words, the Lord sought forgiveness for His executioners (Luke 23:34).
Faithful Christians should expect persecution. Satan is poised as roaring lion to attack those who are faithful to Christ (1 Peter 5:8). He will use everything at his disposal to prevent children of God from faithfully serving the Lord. Satan will not just bring suffering but will bring fiery trials. Christians must remain faithful in the midst of such trials.
They should consider persecution a badge of honor. It is a result of faithful service to the Lord. Christians should seek divine help in facing persecution. Persecution should not cause believers to falter from serving the Lord. Persecution should make believers more determined to serve the Lord.
Just A Thought: Instead of complaining about persecution, remember how much Christ suffered on the cross.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 1:6, 7
Precious
Trials of Faith
Key
Verse: “That
the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found
unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of
Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 1:7.
Examine the class ring or wedding band on your finger. It consists of a combination of precious metals that have an intrinsic value. The ring could be sold for the value of the metal. Yet, the ring has a greater value to you because of what it represents. There is no way to place a price on its sentimental value.
Consider the trials of your faith. Being placed under such trials is evidence of spiritual faith. A person who does not have spiritual faith will not face a trial of faith. It is also evidence of faith that makes a difference. Some trials require more faith to overcome than other trials.
Trials of faith are precious to faithful Christians. It is evidence of salvation and faithfulness to God. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). It is impossible for a person who does not know the Lord to suffer a trial of faith. Trials of faith are not just a possibility but a reality to believers. Those who are saved should count it an honor to be considered worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).
Just A Thought: Those who suffer for Christ will receive divine rewards for their faithfulness (James 1:12).
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 2:19-24
Following
Means Suffering
Key
Verse: “For
what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take
it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God,” 1 Peter 2:20.
A faithful employee of twenty years was laid off when the company downsized. Though disappointed, he took it in stride and looked for new employment. On the way home, he was ticketed for speeding. Again he took it in stride, knowing the patrolman was only doing his job. Once home his wife told him she had had it with the kids and could not take it anymore. He would have to take care of the kids the rest of the day. Again he took it in stride, being thankful the kids were healthy. He had shown extraordinary patience in spite of the day’s events.
The next Sunday the same man took his family to church as usual. He taught his Sunday School class and sang in the choir. After completion of the day’s services, he overheard one of the students in his Sunday School class complain about the boring lesson. The music director scheduled a special choir practice because the bass section was off-key during the offertory hymn. Once home he told his wife he was tired of all the criticism and would not attend the evening service.
People often show patience in everything but spiritual matters. Believers should be willing to show extraordinary character in suffering for the cause of Christ.
Just A Thought: Patience places persecution into perspective.
Marc Shultz
Acts 8:1-4
Good
Results from Bad Circumstances
Key
Verse: “Therefore
they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word,” Acts 8:4.
The members of the
Saul of Tarsus was creating havoc within the
The persecution of Christians in
Just A Thought: Christians should not just have a local vision for souls. The world is our field.
Marc Shultz
1 Corinthians 6:19, 20
Believers
Belong to God
Key
Verse: “What?
know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in
you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own,” 1 Corinthians 6:19.
A car is in the shop for an engine overhaul. A relative’s car is borrowed until the repairs on the car were finished. One is not free to do with the borrowed car as he wishes. If it is damaged, he is responsible for repairing it. One can not set the buttons on the radio to his favorite stations. The car is parked away from other cars so as not to get a ding on the body. One can hardly wait until his car is repaired so he can give the relative’s car back.
The attitude of many people today is, “It is my body and I will do with it as I please.” This statement is false. The Holy Spirit indwells believers at the moment of salvation and leads them according to the will of the Father. Every action and word of a believer reflects upon God. When a believer takes the Lord’s name in vain, not only does it reflect negatively upon his personal testimony, but it also places God in a negative light in the eyes of the unbeliever. Would a believer have any spiritual influence upon a lost person who heard him take the Lord’s name in vain?
Just A Thought: What a Christian does, the words he speaks, the places he goes, and the way he looks matters.
Marc Shultz
2 Corinthians 5:14, 15
Live
for Him Who Died for You
Key
Verse: “And
that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live
unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again,” 2 Corinthians 5:15.
A father suffered the tragic loss of his son. After this incident, he dedicated his life to capturing alleged criminals. His young son was abducted and killed. He travels with bodyguards because many threats have been made on his life. His goal is for other parents not to have to face the tragedy he faced. His efforts are dedicated to his son’s memory.
The blood Jesus shed on the cross purchased eternal life for everyone who accepts Him as Savior. Jesus died that believers might live. Those who have accepted the Lord as Savior should live to please God who saved them. Divine forgiveness is not a license to sin. Jesus defined discipleship as self-denial and following Him daily (Luke 9:23). Believers are to reflect the actions and attitudes of God. They are to seek His will before their own (Matt. 6:33).
Living to please the Lord is not an option but a command. Everyone who loves the Lord should keep His commandments (John 14:15). Believers should heed all the instructions of God and serve Him with their whole heart (Joshua 22:5). They should offer God the sacrifice of a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). Christians should serve God with a heart of gratitude for the sacrifice He made on their behalf.
Just A Thought: Jesus loved you enough to die for you. Love Him enough to live for Him.
Marc Shultz
Romans 14:7-9
Dead
or Alive You Are His
Key
Verse: “For
to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord of
both the dead and living,” Romans 14:9.
A sick person places himself under a doctor’s care. The doctor prescribes medicine and treatments to bring the patient back to health. His expertise is for the living. When the patient dies, the doctor no longer can be of benefit to the patient, so the mortician takes over.
Too many people see Jesus as a way to escape hell after death. The influence of Jesus does not cease from salvation until people die. Believers should not put God on the shelf after conversion but daily seek His leadership. The work of the Holy Spirit includes directing believers in the paths of righteousness. God wants to be in every decision made by Christians. He wants to be the Master of life.
It is the duty of believers to be faithful to God after conversion (1 Cor. 4:2). The Lord is consistent and changes not (Heb. 13:8). There should never be a time when believers do not follow the Lord. “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). David had seen God’s faithfulness from his youth to his old age. He knew God would not forsake His own nor allow them to be deprived of His provision.
Just A Thought: The Lord never ceases to be faithful to His own. Christians should never cease to be faithful to God.
Marc Shultz
Galatians 6:14
Glory
in the Cross
Key
Verse: “But
God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world,” Galatians 6:14.
Kirk Gibson was on the World Series roster of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988 but was not expected to play. He had suffered a serious knee injury and was barely able to walk. He was inserted in the game against the Oakland Athletics as a pinch hitter. He hit the game winning home run. The home crowd roared their approval as he limped around the bases. He was the hero of the moment. Upon entering the jubilant locker room, he exclaimed, “What a team!” He did not focus attention upon himself, but rather he focused on the team.
The apostle Paul was a highly visible preacher of the gospel. Many Christians consider him the greatest preacher of his time. Paul did not want to bring attention upon himself but on God. Paul knew the grace of God was the enabling factor in his success (1 Cor. 15:10). He knew it was Christ who enabled him to succeed (Phil. 4:13). Paul’s greatest joy came when Jesus saved his soul.
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Believers should not glory in their accomplishments as a personal victory, but rather how their accomplishments have benefited the work of the Lord. The Christian focus must be on God and not self. They should seek to praise God instead of themselves.
Just A Thought: Christians must not allow ego to prevent them from praising God.
Marc Shultz
Romans 8:35-39
Death
Does No Harm
Key
Verse: “For
I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come . . . shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans
8:38, 39.
The nation mourned after the assassination of President John Kennedy in November of 1963. Before the president’s untimely death, his political agenda was faltering in Congress. After his death many of his proposals passed Congress in the late president’s memory.
Death is not an ending but a beginning. For the un saved it is the beginning of eternal judgment in hell. For the child of God it is the beginning of eternal life in Heaven. The family and friends of those who died in the Lord mourn their absence but not their eternal destination. For the child of God to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). There is no reason to fear the valley of the shadow of death because God is always with the child of God (Psalm 23:4). The spirit goes to be with the Lord.
“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers” (Acts 13:36). David spent his life serving God. He was described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). David was not a perfect man but served God faithfully. His legacy of faithfulness to God is an example to us. The apostle Paul did not fear death because he served God faithfully (2 Tim. 4:6-8).
Just A Thought: For the child of God, death is a blessing (Rev. 14:13).
Marc Shultz
2 Corinthians 5:1-8
Absent
Here
Key
Verse:
“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home
in the body, we are absent from the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 5:6.
A traveling salesman was in big trouble. It was Christmas Eve, and he was thousands of miles from home. His only hope to make it home for the holiday was by air, but a snowstorm had grounded all flights. While he was stranded on the road, he was stranded from his loved ones at home.
Children of God live in the assurance of a home awaiting them in Heaven. Words fail to explain the beauty and glory of Heaven. If it were possible to get a glimpse of Heaven, nobody would want to continue to live on the earth. It is impossible for a person to be both in Heaven and continue to live on the earth. Christians must continue the present life in anticipation of the greater life which is coming.
Death should hold no fear for the children of God; they simply change addresses. They will no longer reside in their mortal body but will exist in the presence of God. The sorrow and anguish of the present life will be replaced by the bliss of Heaven. Believers have no reason to dread moving to Heaven.
Until the Lord calls His children home, they should continue to faithfully serve Him. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
Just A Thought: The present suffering is pale in comparison to the bliss of Heaven.
Marc Shultz
Romans 12:1, 2
Be
Transformed—Not Conformed
Key
Verse: “And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,
will of God,” Romans 12:2.
The Old Testament animal sacrifices pictured the sacrifice the coming Messiah would make on the cross. The animals placed upon the altar were a complete sacrifice. The sacrifice Jesus made on behalf of humanity was total. He willingly became our sacrifice. Jesus did not die on the cross for Himself but for sinful humanity.
Jesus is our example not only in death but also in life, and we should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21). His goal was to be about the Heavenly Father’s business (Luke 2:49). He sought to do the Father’s will (Matt. 26:39). In His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus served humanity through the will of the Father.
Once the Lord’s sacrifice on the cross was complete, there was no further need
for animal sacrifices. Believers are called upon to present their body to God
as a living sacrifice (
Believers should resemble God more than the world. A dramatic change should show in a person who receives Christ as Savior. Such a complete change is not possible until a person accepts the Lord as Savior.
Just A Thought: Nothing is able to change people as dramatically as the grace of God.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 11:28-30
Take
Up His Yoke
Key
Verse: “Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls,” Matthew 11:29.
The invention of power steering for automobiles has changed the way people drive. Before power steering, turning the car required a laborious turning of the steering wheel. Power steering requires much less effort. Drivers learned not to wear themselves out but let the power steering do the work.
Most yokes have space for two oxen. One ox carries much of the load. The other ox does not have to expend as much effort. If both oxen are of equal strength, they would both attempt to carry the bulk of the load rather than working in cooperation with each other.
Life can be exhausting. The stresses of life can take a toll on the strongest individuals. The Bible instructs Christians to cast their burdens upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Once casting their burdens upon the Lord, they should allow Him to take care of those burdens, His way. With God in charge of the burdens, it is futile to worry. There is peace in knowing God is in charge and working things out for good (Rom. 8:28).
Do not attempt to do what God does best. Allow Him to care for the burdens and quit worrying about the outcome. Find refreshment in what God is doing for your good. Worry takes away from the quality of life.
Just A Thought: It takes less toll on life to trust God than to worry.
Marc Shultz
1 Corinthians 15:58
Abound
in the Work
Key
Verse: “Therefore,
my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain
in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
A severe tropical storm was dumping large amounts of rain. A person watched the rain through the picture window of the house, a familiar figure walked by. It was the mailman. His poncho had done little to protect him from the elements and he was drenched. He smiled and waved as he deposited the mail in the mailbox. The storm had done little to dampen his enthusiasm for his occupation. He epitomized the postal slogan, “Neither rain, nor snow, nor gloom of night, shall stop the carrier from the swift completion of his appointed rounds.”
Believers should have a similar determination in serving the Lord. Satan will use negative circumstances to discourage them from faithfully serving the Lord. The apostle spent many days in jail for his faithfulness to the Lord, but he never wavered in his determination to preach the gospel. He did not complain about his situation but used it for his advantage. Instead of asking King Agrippa to spare his life, Paul told the king how to be saved. When chained to prison guards to prevent his escape, Paul preached to his captive audience. He steadfastly served the Lord whatever the circumstances. He did not worry about his circumstances but gave God his best effort.
Just A Thought: Give your best effort in serving the Lord.
Marc Shultz
Galatians 6:7-9
Not
Weary in Well Doing
Key
Verse: “And
let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not,” Galatians 6:9.
An attendant in a toll booth grew bored with his job. It was not very exciting collecting tolls all day long. He decided to add a little excitement to his job by singing “thank you” in an operatic voice to drivers passing through his booth. It was not only good public relations for the toll authority but also helped pass the time of day.
Which is more exciting, planting the seed or reaping the harvest? Most people would say reaping the harvest. There would not be a harvest time if the seed were not planted. The sower plants the seed in anticipation of the harvest. The monotony of sowing the seed is required to wait for the crops to grow. The harvest comes in the proper season. It requires patience to wait for the harvest season.
Believers serve the Lord in anticipation of the spiritual harvest. For example, few people respond to the gospel witness the first time they hear the plan of salvation. The witness should not become discouraged but continue sharing the gospel in hopes the hearer will eventually be saved. Persistence in sharing the gospel often leads to the desired results.
Christians should not grow tired of serving the Lord. Faithfulness to the Lord will be rewarded in due season. Nothing is more exciting than seeing the spiritual harvest while serving the Lord.
Just A Thought: Too much is at stake not to give God your best effort.
Marc Shultz
1 John 1:9
God
Is Faithful To Forgive
Key
Verse: “If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9.
The parents of a child killed in a car accident confronted the young man who had caused the accident. He had been convicted of drunk driving and was serving time in a juvenile correctional facility. With tears in his eyes, he asked the parents to forgive him. Much to his amazement, they quickly expressed forgiveness. When he asked them why they were willing to forgive him, they replied because they were Christians. They were exhibiting the character of Christ in forgiveness.
Sin is an abomination to God. He hates sin as much as He loves the sinner. He is anxious to forgive anyone who seeks forgiveness. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5). There is no end to His mercy. Everyone who calls upon the Lord will be forgiven. There is no sin so great that God cannot forgive. King David was forgiven of adultery and murder. Saul of Tarsus was forgiven for persecuting Christians. God desires to forgive sins.
One reason God will not forgive is because of a failure to believe in Jesus. God will not turn a deaf ear to the sincere prayer of repentance. God separates sins of the repentant sinner as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Divine forgiveness is compete and eternal.
Just A Thought: Divine forgiveness is available to everyone who repents.
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 12:1, 2
Run
with Patience
Key
Verse:
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
Hebrews 12:1.
It requires different types of
athletes to run a one hundred yard dash and a marathon. The finish line in the
one hundred yard dash is visible as soon as the race begins. The runners run as
fast as possible from the beginning of the race. The marathon is over
twenty-six miles long. Runners that run at full speed from the beginning of the
race will tire out and not finish the race.
The Bible is filled with examples of servants of God who completed the tasks God set before them. Abel did not engage in a contest of sacrifices with his brother but offered God an acceptable sacrifice (Heb. 11:4). Noah did not listen to the naysayers but was moved with fear to build the ark as instructed by God (verse 7). Abraham followed God’s instruction to sojourn to a new land to receive the divine promises (verse 9).
God only requires reasonable service (
Just A Thought: Focus only on the race set before you.
Marc Shultz
Titus 3:14
Do
Not Be Unfruitful
Key
Verse: “And
let our’s also learn to maintain good works for
necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful,” Titus 3:14.
The motto of a national department store chain is “Satisfaction guaranteed.” Any person can return any item bought at one of these department stores for any reason. A man once returned a riding lawn mower for a refund. It performed as it was designed to do but did not meet his needs.
Christians are ordained by God to do good works (Eph. 2:10). These good works are not performed to be saved, but because the person performing the good works is already saved. Children of God are to continue to perform good works throughout life. There is never a time Christians are to retire from faithfulness to God.
Believers are to perform good works out of a heart of love for God. They should perform good works to please God and not men (1 Thess. 2:15). Believers are to abound in good works (1 Thess. 4:1). Christians are known by the spiritual fruits (Matt. 7:20). Good works should be performed with the goal to fulfill God’s will. Christians should press toward the mark of the high calling of God (Phil. 3:14).
Unfruitful believers are not an asset to the service of God. They do not please God because they have failed to maintain His high standard. God does not tolerate lukewarmness among His servants (Rev. 3:15, 16). God expects all of His children to produce spiritual fruit.
Just A Thought: Christians should serve God’s purpose rather than their own.
Marc Shultz
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The
Incorruptible Crown
Key
Verse: “And
every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate
in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
incorruptible,” 1 Corinthians 9:25.
A man was notified he had won a million dollar sweepstakes. Upon hearing the news, he had a heart attack and died. The reward he experienced in life was not transferable to eternity. The person who only cares about rewards during this life has nothing in which to glory.
An Old Testament custom stated it was wrong to muzzle the ox that treads the corn (1 Cor. 9:9). The ox that was allowed to eat some of the corn would be more faithful to turn the millstone. Those who are faithful to serve in spiritual matters should enjoy the material fruits of their labors (verse 11). God who made sure the needs of the ox were met also desires the same for His faithful servants.
The greatest rewards for the faithful servant of God are not material but spiritual in nature. The apostle Paul preached the gospel out of necessity (verse 16). His motivation was not the adoration of man but the greater reward of God (verse 19). Paul served for the gospel’s sake and not his own glory (verse 23). He cared more for the eternal reward of God than the fickle praise of man. He desired to hear the “well done” of God rather than the applause of man. The rewards of God are the greatest man can achieve.
Just A Thought: Pleasing God should be the greatest desire of His children.
Marc Shultz
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9
Loving
and Serving Others
Key Verse: “But we
were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her
children,” 1 Thessalonians 2:7.
Love and service should be what distinguishes believers and/or church members from other secular clubs and organizations. Sadly, too often this is not the case.
Mainly, we teach about love and service without practicing what we teach. Paul, however, was a doer not just a teacher. He served without pay, supplementing his own income when the poor believers could not pay him. Paul traveled many miles and suffered many inconveniences to teach and preach to the frequently confused and persecuted believers. He reassured them that their hope was in Christ and His return.
Believers should emulate people like:
Reflection: Lonely? Make a new friend; depressed? Take a teenager out to lunch; bitter? Make or buy a meal for an elderly neighbor and see if your attitude does not change.
Beverly Barnett
1 John 3:16
Our
Lives for Theirs
Key
Verse:
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren,” 1 John 3:16.
John wrote in verse 11 of this chapter to tell us that Christians are to love one another. This was an important encouragement in the days of the early church, when believers were taken away, tortured and ordered to give the names of fellow-believers before being killed.
In America, we may not be seeing this kind of martyrdom, but we are no less called to sacrifice for our brothers and sisters in Christ. This may not call for our actual death but, it may call for giving up our time. It may call for inviting a child from a loveless home to an activity with your family. It may mean giving more money to missions than to recreation. This includes perhaps getting involved in someone’s messy, mixed-up life even when we had rather distance ourselves from the problems.
Reflection: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1John 3:18).
Beverly Barnett
Hebrews 13:15, 16
Offering
the Sacrifice of Praise
Key
Verse: “By
him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is,
the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name,” Hebrews 13:15.
Jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for us to go directly to the throne of God. We do not have to wait for a priest or place before we can reach Heaven with our prayers or praises.
In this verse believers are admonished to continually offer up the sacrifice of praise to God; not in some mono tone or artificial, holy way, but with a genuine, grateful heart. God knows the difference.
However, continually sacrificing praise takes practice. A person with a critical view of life’s everyday state of affairs does not always see a situation for praising God. One must train his eyes, heart and lips to give God the glory and thank Him for each situation. After all, each circumstance presents an opportunity to sacrifice praise to God with thankfulness.
Reflection: “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20).
Beverly Barnett
1 Corinthians 4:17
Timothy,
Beloved and Faithful
Key
Verse: “For
this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my
beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of
my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church,” 1
Corinthians 4:17.
Paul loved and mentored Timothy as a son in the ministry. And, although Timothy may have had his own ideas, he was still willing to listen to and consult with Paul on many occasions.
Arrogance and stubbornness are great hindrances to successful ministries and leave a legacy that is reflective of unattained goals and faithlessness.
Young preachers, should attach themselves to a respected and well learned man of God, one who will always direct them to God’s Word and who will encourage them to stretch themselves beyond their abilities into the realm of total faith in God.
Seasoned ministers need to make time for these young men in the ministry. Seasoned ministers should not be unapproachable. They should allow young ministers to serve as understudies in their ministry—walking in their shadow until they gain some maturity.
Reflection: Did you know that your legacy is currently being recorded in the hearts and minds of your family, friends and acquaintances?
Beverly Barnett
Matthew 16:24
Sacrifice
To Follow Jesus
Key
verse:
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,” Matthew 16:24.
When Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming and Ed McCully flew over the jungles of Ecuador trying to make contact with the Woarani people, they realized it would require sacrifice. Their dedication to God as missionaries to the unreached Auca Tribe became a spiritual obsession to them. They knew about the love and sacrifice of Jesus and wanted to share His love to this group of people. But did they realize it might require them to give up their lives before this group of people would be won to Christ?
Jim Elliot recorded in his journal before that final flight, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”* These Christian men were fine examples of those who counted their lives worthy by what they gained, not what they lost when they followed Jesus.
Reflection: “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt. 16:25).
Beverly Barnett
*Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot
James 1:2-4
Count
It All Joy
Key
Verse:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing
this, that the trying of your faith worketh
patience,” James 1:2, 3.
Have you ever looked at a negative situation (a test) in life as an opportunity for God to show His hand and be glorified? While it may be difficult at the time to say praise God, we should be aware that God tests us for our good (Rom. 8:28).
Testing puts elastic in our faith. It stretches us to places we have never been before, or that we would not choose to go if it were not because of the circumstances.
For instance, we wait outside the emergency room for the doctor to come out and tell us that everything is going to be all right when the circumstances say otherwise. Or we see a child self-destruct from bad choices, and we are only able to stand by and pray. In these times, God is working behind the scene, and we must be patient and trust Him.
Reflection: Each time you go
through a trial or test; your faith is being purged like gold in a fire. (See 1
Peter 1:7.)
Beverly Barnett