Exceeding
Now Playing: What causes us to overflow?
Topic: Overflowing
In each of our lives, there are issues and events which touch us deeply. What is special to one person, may be trivial to another. But in spiritual things, for the believer, we should have a common appreciation for what God has given to us and has promised to His own. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Ephesus, "(v.17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: (v.18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of His glory of His inheritance in the saints, (v.19) And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power..." (Ephesians 1:17-19) Also, "(v.4) God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us...(v.6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (v.7) That in the ages to come He might show us the exceeding riches of grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4,6,7).

We have some examples for our warning and encouragement. "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, 'Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward'." (Genesis 15:1) We find in the book of Numbers, "(v.6) And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: (v.7) And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, 'The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. (v.8) If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. (v.9) Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not'." (Number 14:6-9)

In the book of the Kings, we learn of Solomon, "(v.29) And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. (v.30) And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. (v.31) For he was wiser than all men..." (1 Kings 4:29-31) "(v.5) And David said, 'Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it.' So David prepared abundantly before his death. (v.6) Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel (1 Chronicles 22:5-6).

We find in the book of Daniel, "(v.19) Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (v.20) And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, 'O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?' (v.21) Then said Daniel unto the king, 'O king, live for ever. (v.22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.' (v.23) Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. (Daniel 6:19-23).

The book of Jonah holds for us a good lesson. "(v.1) And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, (v.2) 'Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.' (v.3) So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. (v.4) And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, 'Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.' (v.5) So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. (v.10) And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not" (Jonah 3:1-5, 10). When Jonah was obedient, God brought in great blessing.

In the following chapter, Jonah's heart was revealed. ==> "(v.1) But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. (v.2) And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, 'I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest Thee of the evil. (v.3) Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech Thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.' (v.4) Then said the LORD, 'Doest thou well to be angry?' (v.5) So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.

(v.6) And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. (v.7) But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. (v.8) And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, 'It is better for me to die than to live.'

(v.9) And God said to Jonah, 'Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd?' And he said, 'I do well to be angry, even unto death.' (v.10) Then said the LORD, 'Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: (v.11) And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more then sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle'?" (Jonah 4:1-11). What a lesson for us to consider!

Paul's prayer for the saints at Ephesus was, "(v.16) That He (Christ) would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; (v.17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (v.18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (v.19) And to know the Love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (v.20) Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..." (Ephesians 3:16-20).

We also find in Peter's epistle, "(v.3) According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (v.4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (v.5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge; (v.6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (v.7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (v.8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:3-8).

So when we have trials, we can remember, "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. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are ye..." (1 Peter 4:13-14) "(v.16) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (v.17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (v.18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

The final epistle given to us in the scriptures closes with the following: "(v.20) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (v.21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (v.22) And of some have compassion, making a difference: (v.23) And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (v.24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, (v.25) To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 20-25) May we overflow exceedingly with that which is dear to the heart of God and true to the Word of God!!

Prudent
Now Playing: How can we show prudence ?
Topic: Wisdom
No one wants to be foolish and stupid in our day-to-day actions and responsibilities. How then can we find the wisdom and prudence we need as a believer? Solomon wrote quite a bit on the subject. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness" (Proverbs 12:15,16,23). "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." (Proverbs 14:15) "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. The wise in heart shall be called prudent and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning." (Proverbs 16:21) "Houses and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD" (Proverbs 19:14). "A prudent man forseeth the evil and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 22:3, 27:12)

We must be careful not to consider ourselves capable of judging rightly in our own natural wisdom alone. As Isaiah said, "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:21). Jeremiah prophesied, "Is wisdom no more in Teman? Is counsel perished from the prudent? Is their wisdom vanished?" (Jeremiah 49:7) The prophet Hosea concluded his discourse by writing, "Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them..." (Hosea 14:9).

When He walked on this earth, the Lord Jesus could say to His Father, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight" (Luke 10:21, Matthew 11:25). May we not rely upon our own "wisdom and prudence", but lean upon Him who has all the answers to the perplexing situations we may face in our lives! "Behold my servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high" (Isaiah 52:13)

Holiness
Now Playing: What does it mean to be holy?
Topic: Holy
Each of us that has become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has had the desire to be true to Him and to be holy in our lives. The following verses bring to light some of God's thoughts on our seeking to walk in holiness. "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." (Ephesians 1:4) "Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it...that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25, 27). "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus.." (2 Timothy 1:9). "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (manner of life) and godliness" (2 Peter 1:11).

May we each take the apostle Peter's admonition to the belivers scattered abroad, "(v.13) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (v.14) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in your ignorance; (v.15) But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (v.16) Because it is written, 'Be ye holy, for I am holy'. (v.18) Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things... (v.19) But with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:13-19 selected)

Patience
Now Playing: Are we willing to wait in patience?
Topic: Patience
How many times do we want an answer, and we want it now. The waiting is not easy, particularly if there is something burdening our heart. The One who holds all time in His hand can provide the solution, but we cannot always have it now. The apostle Paul, who wrote several of his epistles from a jail cell, could instruct the Romans, "Whatsoever things were written...were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" (Romans 15:5-6).

Peter could write "Besides all this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love)" (2 Peter 1:5-7). Paul likewise wrote, "Thou O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:11) James was very pointed, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:2-4). "Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord, Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:7-8).

In Hebrews we are instructed, "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:12). Also, "Cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Hebrews 10:36-37). The Lord spoke of those who were like the seed on good ground, "having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).

The apostle Paul, in defining a true minister, wrote, "In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness..." (2 Corinthians 6:4-6). John could write of those in Smyrna, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience" (Revelation 2:2). May we seek to "run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2). Only the "God of patience" can help us through every difficulty which He chooses to place in our way! May our lives be as the apostle Paul's, who could record, "Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience." (2 Timothy 3:10)

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!