Growth
Now Playing: In what ways are we growing?
Topic: Growing
Today a nephew was welcomed into the world (Monday 5:37 am, 11 pounds 13 ounces -- Nathan Andrew), there are now 19 children who can call me uncle. But it was not too many years ago (13 to be exact) when there were none. A child grows ever so gradually, but it grows nonetheless. Peter wrote, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1 Peter 2:2-3). Spiritually we should desire to grow that it may not be said, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe." (Hebrews 5:12-14)

Even when there is failure, yet still God desires to restore and bless His people and see them grow. "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel, he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon...They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine..." (Hosea 14:4-5,7). The psalmist could write, "The righteous shall fluorish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall fluorish in the courts of our God" (Psalm 92:12-13).

We can be thankful that there was One who grew and through whom we have all our blessings. "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground" (Isaiah 53:2). "And Jesus increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). Jacob desired for his descendants that they would increase, "Bless the lads, and let my name be named among them... and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth" (Genesis 48:16) In the end of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi could write, "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall" (Malachi 4:2).

Paul could write to the Ephesians, "That we henceforth be no more children...but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." (Ephesians 4:14-15) He was very thankful "because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity (love) of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (2 Thessalonians 1:3). The apostle Peter could exhort the believers, "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18). May we grow more into His likeness day by day!!

Forsaking
Now Playing: What are we clinging to ?
Topic: Follow
We have clear choices we make each day as to what is important to us. We have to put His promises and our plans in proper perspective. Joshua began his book by recording, "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life...so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Joshua 1:8) David could say to Solomon his son, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee..." (1 Chronicles 28:20)

Nehemiah could write of the children of Israel and the children of Levi, "we will not forsake the house of our God" (Nehemiah 10:39) Solomon urged, "My son, keep they father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother" (Proverbs 6:20). Jeremiah warned, "O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed...because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters" (Jeremiah 17:13).

Of the Lord we have the sure promise, "He hath said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, 'the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me'" (Hebrews 13:5,6) May we not only not "forsake the assembling of ourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25), but not forsake the One to whom we owe everything!

Learning
Now Playing: What are we learning ?
Topic: Learn
Every day, whether we realize it or not, we are gaining knowledge and insight; the only question is what are we finding out and how does it affect us?

The prophet Isaiah could write "Cease to do evil, Learn to do well" (Isaiah 1:16-17). "Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law; And that their children, which have not known anything, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God..." (Deuteronomy 31:11-12)

In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus could say to the Jewish people, "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall be all taught of God'. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (John 6:45). Of the Lord, it was written, "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). The Romans were instructed, "For even Christ pleased not Himself...For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:3-4).

Paul could write to the Ephesians, "But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have learned Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:20-21) To the Philippians he urged, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:9) To Timothy He wrote, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (2 Timothy 3:14) May we each seek to "learn of Him" (Matthew 11:29) more and more!

Beginnings
Now Playing: How do we end; where do we start?
Topic: Change
Solomon could say, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." (Ecclesiastes 7:8) We like to start well, we must seek to end well, whether it be a calendar year, or in our Christian life. Bildad the Shuhite could answer to Job, "Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age..." (Job 8:7-8). Daniel inquired "I heard, but I understood not; then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?" (Daniel 12:8) The psalmist David could write, "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is..." (Psalm 39:4) We have much to learn from those who have gone before of where to begin and how to end.

The Lord said to Samuel, "In that day I will perform...all things which I have spoken concerning...when I begin, I will also make an end." (1 Samuel 3:12) David could write, "He sent redemption unto His people; He hath commanded His covenant for ever; holy and reverend is His Name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have they that do His commandments; His praise endureth for ever" (Psalm 101:9-10) We know of God's Word, "Thy Word is true from the beginning; and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." (Psalm 119:160) Even the Hebrews were instructed, "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end". (Hebrews 3:14)

The wisest man who ever lived wrote in the Proverbs, "(v.11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (v.14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding; I have strength. (v.17) I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. (v.20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. (v.21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (v.22) The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. (v.23) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (v.32) Now there hearken unto me, O ye children, for blessed are they that keep my ways. (v.34) Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. (v.35) For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD." (Proverbs 8:11-35, selected)

"Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." (Luke 24:27) May we begin with the One Who was "in the beginning" and "from the beginning" (Genesis 1:1, 1 John 1:1) and Who possesses all that is of value in this life!!

Overcoming
Now Playing: Are we strong enough to overcome ?
Topic: Resist
Each of us have different areas where we struggle, and seek to succeed spiritually despite our weakness. The Lord could say to His disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The apostle Paul could write "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

Moses recorded for us in the book of Beginnings, "I have waited for Thy salvation, O LORD. Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the last" (Genesis 49:18-19). We are warned by the apostle Peter, "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage" (2 Peter 2:19). The apostle John could write, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:3-4). May we seek to be as those in the Book of Revelation, who "overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11).

"(v.10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. (v.11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (v.12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against prinicipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (v.13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (v.14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (v. 15) and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (v.16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (v.17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (v. 18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:10-18). May we keep all of our armor on at all times!!

Thanksgiving
Now Playing: What are we grateful for ?
Topic: Thanks
During the holidays, when we see our relatives and receive gifts, we have to consider what we appreciate and what draws out a response of thanksgiving. There may be a Canadian holiday in October and an American holiday in November, but thanksgiving should form a natural part of every day of our lives. Paul could write to the Ephesian believers, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Thanksgiving should form a natural part of all our everyday activities. "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2). "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory" (1 Corinthians 15:57). "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God" (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10). "Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6).

Nehemiah made some of his choices based upon some good criteria, "Then I brought up the princes of Judah, upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks..." (Nehemiah 12:31). When the apostle Paul met his brethren, "he thanked God, and took courage." (Acts 28:15) King David appointed the Levites, "to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at evening..." (1 Chronicles 23:30). Paul wrote to Timothy that "meats [food], which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:3).

Daniel could say, "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and might are His; and He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding; He revealeth the deep and secret things; He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, Who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee; for thou hast now made known unto us..." (Daniel 2:20-23) May we be as thankful to God for the rich blessings, both natural and spiritual, which He has given to us!

Compassion
Now Playing: What moves our emotions ?
Topic: Compassion
Some of us can be a bit hard-hearted at times. Walking thru a downtown and seeing the homeless, and less fortunate may make me feel, "they deserve it". So how are we to respond to those in need? "Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1 John 3:17) To other believers, the apostle Peter wrote "be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren..." (1 Peter 3:8) Jude wrote "...of some have compassion, making a difference" (Jude 22).

In the gospels, the good Samaritan, "came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds...and took care of him" (Luke 10:33,34) The father of the Prodigal Son, "when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:20) The Lord graciously chose those of us who are believers, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion" (Romans 9:15).

When He was here, the Lord Jesus "saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36) Also, "Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). "So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him" (Matthew 20:34) "Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, 'I will; be thou clean'" (Mark 1:41)

When know of our Lord that "His compassions fail not, they are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23) Also, the prophet Micah could write, "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity?...he retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:18-19) May we likewise be compassionate to those who transgress, desiring their repentance and blessing!

Resisting
Now Playing: What do we oppose ?
Topic: Resist
In our Christian lives, we are sometimes known as much for what we oppose as for what we support. God has "enemies" whom He opposes: "Wherefore he saith, 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble'. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you". (James 4:6-8) In the end of the apostle Peter's 1st letter, he writes, "ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5), and "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (vv. 8-9).

However, there will always be those of whom Stephen could say, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51) There are the wicked who, "so do these also resist the truth; men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Timothy 3:8) The apostle Paul could write, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God..." (Romans 13:1-2)

We should not resist the truth, but we certainly are to resist sin. "For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (Hebrews 12:3-4) There are consequences to those who resist God and not sin. "Therefore He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted His will? Nay, but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing that formed say to Him that formed it, 'Why hast thou made me thus?' " (Romans 9:18-20)

In the book of the prophet Zechariah, "he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, 'The Lord rebuke Thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee; is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?' " (Zechariah 3:1-2) What was the conclusion? "The angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, 'Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then ... I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by' " (vv.6-7). There is a "real enemy" who will oppose the believer, and we are to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3), "unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless..." (Jude 24).

The Lord promised His followers, "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist." (Luke 21:15) Of Stephen it was said, "They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." (Acts 6:10) May the Lord help us to resist sin, but submit ourselves to Him and His Word! (James 4:6-10)

Labor
Now Playing: On what are we spending our energy ?
Topic: Laboring
One of the aspects of the holidays we look forward to is more time with friends and family and less time at work, laboring for our employer. Solomon could say "in all labour there is profit" (Proverbs 14:23), but also lamented, "for what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?" (Lamentations 2:22). The warning is given, "Labour not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom" (Proverbs 23:4).

Paul could write "Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). Likewise, the Lord Jesus warned the people at Capernaum, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you..." (John 6:27) Jesus had said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are urged, "My beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immovable, 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) "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Hebrews 6:10) Paul said to the believers in Thessalonica, "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ..." (1 Thes. 1:3)

In seeking to work for the Lord, there will be opposition, as Nehemiah found. "And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, 'the work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye ... unto us; our God shall fight for us'. So we laboured in the work; and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared." (Nehemiah 4:19-21) We have an enemy who will oppose God's work. But we are encouraged, "Now he that planteth, and he that watereth are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are laborers together with God..." (1 Cor. 3:8-9)

Of the martyrs it could be said, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord...that they may have rest from their labours, and their works do follow them" (Revelation 14:13) For those who seek to be true to Him, it was recorded, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience..." (Revelation 2:2) May we use our energy and resources to labor for Him! "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest." (Luke 10:2)

Holidays
Now Playing: Time with our family
Topic: Administrative
My postings will be less frequent during the next few weeks due to the holidays. We can be thankful for our earthly family and for the position of the believer to be "sons (children) of God" (John 1:12, Ephesians 1:5, 2:19, 1 John 3:1-2, 1 John 5:1). He has gone to prepare us a home that we might be "with Him"! (John 14:2-4)

The Child
Now Playing: Has He affected you ?
Topic: Meditations
Over two thousand years ago, the "fullness of time" (Galations 4:4) was come. Our Divine Creator allowed that, "the days were accomplished" (Luke 2:6). Matthew records, "thou shalt call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

What were the responses? For the shepherds, the "angel of the Lord came upon them, and...said, 'Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people'". (vv. 9-10). "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad..." (v. 17) "And all they that heard it wondered at those things..." (v.18). The mother Mary, "kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (v.19). Then the "shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen" (v.20). What are we doing with the glorious news of our wonderful Saviour ? Like Simeon (vv. 25-32), may our praise flow to Him!

Openings
Now Playing: Are we open to Him in our lives ?
Topic: Openings
When the apostle John is directed to write to the believers in Philadelphia, he says to them, "He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" (Revelation 3:7) There were two blind men who pleaded with the Saviour, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened" (Matthew 20:33). To us it is promised, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Luke 11:9, also Matthew 7:7-8).

Paul desired that, "we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). For those who were faithful, the Spirit had the apostle John record "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name" (Revelation 3:8).

The two on the road to Emmaus met the Lord, and when they had broken bread (v30), "their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight" (Luke 24:31), "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures" (v 45). May we be as the wise men, who "fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts" (Matthew 2:11), and as David, who could say "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psalm 119:8).

Strong
Now Playing: What gives us strength ?
Topic: Strong
We all desire to have strength, both natural and spiritual. But how can we find it? The apostle Paul admonished Christian believers "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). But spiritual strength is not found in the most obvious place. Paul also wrote "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong". (2 Cor. 12:10) Similarly, "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection." (2 Cor. 13:9). How could he say this ? "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor. 1:25) We know we were not born with this capability, because we know that, "when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).

The divine source of our strength we find in Paul's desire for the Ephesians that the Lord, "would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man". (Ephesians 3:16) Paul proclaim, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". (Philippians 4:13) He also wrote to the Colossians, earnestly desiring that they would be "strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11) The Ephesian believers were urged, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). But the believers at Sardis had to be warned, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God". (Revelation 3:2)

But the apostle John commended some, "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one" (1 John 2:14). Timothy was encouraged, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1) The Roman Christians were told, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves". (Romans 15:1) Peter could say of the lame man who had been healed, "his name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all" (Acts 3:16)

What are we to do when we have this strength? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself" (Luke 10:27) The Lord Jesus could say to Peter, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32) The apostle Paul could write to Timothy, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion". (2 Timothy 4:17)

The Lord Jesus Himself, "grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him". (Luke 2:40) As we grow in the faith, there is maturity, "strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil". (Hebrews 5:14)

We have many good examples: Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God". (Romans 4:20) Of Joseph it was said, "his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob" (Genesis 49:24).

After the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, and see the Lord's protection, they could sing "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him" (Exodus 15:2) Moses reminded the children of Israel of the Lord's provision, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:25), and "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee". (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Faithful Caleb could say, "yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in" (Joshua 14:11) When he was younger Joshua said, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9) Some years later, he also said, "Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight" (Joshua 10:25) And even at the close of his life Joshua could say, "For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day". (Joshua 23:9)

King David could say, "God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect" (2 Samuel 22:33), and "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually" (1 Chronicles 16:11)and, "riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all" (1 Chron. 29:12)
David also encourage his son, "David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD" (1 Chron. 28:20) King Solomon also sought the Lord, "Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly". (2 Chron. 1:1)

A man of God warned King Amaziah, "if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down" (2 Chron. 25:8) The prophet Hanani said to King Asa "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him". (2 Chron. 16:9)
Faithful King Hezekiah kept himself busy when, "he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance". (2 Chron. 32:5)

Ezra could write, "I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me". (Ezra 7:28) Nehemiah likewise expressed, "I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, 'Let us rise up and build'. So they strengthened their hands for this good work" (Nehemiah 2:18), and when he was discouraged Nehemiah said "they all made us afraid, saying, 'Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done.' Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands". (Nehemiah 6:9)

Job could say of the Lord, "With him is wisdom and strength, He hath counsel and understanding" (Job 12:13). May we be as the believers in Philadelphia, "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name". (Revelation 3:8) His strength is enough for us today!

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Follow
Now Playing: Who are we following ?
Topic: Follow
There are many well-known personalities who are imitated, often by the young in our modern culture. But what pattern should we be following? When the Lord Jesus called His disciples,He said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him". (Matthew 4:19-20) The Saviour made some forceful statements when He was here on earth, "Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead" (Matthew 8:22), "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" Matthew 10:38), "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24), "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me". (Matthew 19:21), "As He (Jesus) passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed Him" (Mark 2:14), "When He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).

He also said in Luke's gospel, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). "When Jesus heard these things, He said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). "Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in" (Luke 22:10).

Likewise in John's gospel, "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will my Father honour" (John 12:26). "Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards" (John 13:36). "Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me" (John 21:22).

We are also given instruction in the epistles of Paul, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Romans 14:19), and "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14), and "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men" (1 Thessalonians 5:15), and "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God" (3 John 11), and "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22), and "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children". (Ephesians 5:1)

Paul could also say, as led of the Spirit, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1), and "Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thessalonians 1:6), and "Ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen" (1 Thessalonians 2:14)

Likewise Paul said, "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (1 Timothy 6:11), and "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:12), and "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12), and "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" (Hebrews 13:7)

Peter remember the One who had called him to follow the Saviour, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16), and "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).

We can close with a promise, "And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" (1 Peter 3:13). We may suffer for Christ down here, but if we follow Him, no one can take away from us anything of eternal value!