Tag Archives: theology

Our Daily Bread — The Good And The Bad

September 22, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

1 Kings 14:7-16

My servant David . . . followed Me with all his heart. —1 Kings 14:8

Recently, I began studying the kings of the Old Testament with some friends. I noticed on the chart that we were using that a few of the leaders of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are labeled good, but most of them are labeled bad, mostly bad, extra bad, and the worst.

King David is described as a good king who “followed [God] with all his heart” (1 Kings 14:8) and is an example to follow (3:14; 11:38). The bad kings are noted for their willful rejection of God and for leading their subjects into idolatry. King Jeroboam, the first king to rule Israel after the kingdom was divided, has the legacy of being remembered as one of the worst kings—“who sinned and who made Israel sin” (14:16). Because of his bad example, many kings who came after him are compared to him and are described as being as evil as he was (16:2,19,26,31; 22:52).

Each of us has a unique sphere of influence, and that influence can be used for evil or for good. An unfettered faithfulness to God is a light that will shine brightly and leave a legacy of good.

It’s our privilege to bring glory to the Lord. May others see His light shining through us and be drawn to His goodness. —Cindy Hess Kasper

Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee,

My life controlled by power divine,

That I a shining light may be

From which Thy grace may ever shine. —Robertson

The smallest light still shines in the darkest night.

Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Repentance unto life

September 22, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18

John MacArthur – Dealing with Despair

September 22, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17).

We’ve seen how Satan attacks believers with his two-edged sword of doubt and discouragement. But he doesn’t stop there. He tries to take you beyond discouragement to despair by robbing you of hope. Unless you’re careful, his attacks will be successful when you’re battle-weary.

The prophet Elijah is an illustration of that truth. The highlight of his ministry came atop Mount Carmel, where he slew 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40). Yet immediately after that great victory, he fled for his life because Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him (1 Kings 19:1- 3).

He ran from Mount Carmel into the wilderness of Beersheba, where he “sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers'” (v. 4). He went on to moan, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (v. 10).

Elijah lost hope because he failed to see his circumstances through the eyes of faith; he was attempting to fight the battle on his own. He allowed himself to become emotionally, physically, and spiritually spent, and became overwhelmed with self-pity. He felt utterly alone.

But God hadn’t abandoned Elijah. He was still in control and His people were numerous (v. 18). But Elijah had, in effect, removed his helmet of salvation and received a near-fatal blow to his confidence in God’s blessing on his life.

There may be times when, like Elijah, you lose your confidence and doubt God’s faithfulness. At such times, putting on the helmet of salvation means taking your eyes off your circumstances and trusting in God’s promises. You may not always sense His presence or understand what He’s doing, but be assured He will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5) and His purposes will always be accomplished Rom. 8:28).

Suggestions for Prayer:

Praise God for His unchanging character and irrevocable promises.

For Further Study:

Read Isaiah 40:29-31 and Galatians 6:9.

What promises are given in those passages?

In what specific ways do they apply to your life?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Renew Your Mind

September 22, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].—Romans 12:2

Renewing your mind is not like renewing your driver’s license or library card, which can be done quickly and doesn’t have to be repeated for months or years. Renewing your mind is more like undertaking the job of renewing and refurbishing an old house. It doesn’t happen quickly; it takes time, energy, and effort, and there is always something that needs attention.

Don’t fall into the trap of believing you can renew your mind by thinking right thoughts one time. To get the mind renewed, you will have to think right thoughts over and over again, until they become rooted in your thinking—until right thoughts come to you more easily and naturally than wrong thoughts.

You will have to discipline yourself to think properly, and you will have to guard against falling into old thought patterns, which can happen very easily. When it does, don’t feel bad—just start thinking rightly again. You will eventually come to the place where wrong thoughts make you uncomfortable and they just don’t fit right into your thinking processes any longer.

Let me be quick to say that you should not feel condemned if you are struggling with your thought life right now or if you face struggles in the days to come. Condemnation only weakens you; it never helps you make progress. Anytime we recognize that we are allowing wrong thoughts into our minds, we should ask God to forgive us and continue pressing on toward our goal.

Celebrate every victory because it helps you to not feel overwhelmed by what still remains to be conquered, and remember that God is very patient and long-suffering. He is understanding and will never give up on you.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Power to Witness

September 22, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8, KJV).

While I was speaking to a group of theological students in Australia, one young man became very angry and argumentative when I emphasized the importance of witnessing for Christ daily as a way of life and explained that disobedient Christians cannot be Spirit-filled. Not to witness for Christ is to disobey our Lord’s specific command. Therefore, any Christian who does not regularly share his faith in Christ cannot walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

“I work day and night to maintain good grades,” he declared, “I don’t have time to witness while in seminary. I can witness after I become a pastor.”

Many Christians make similar excuses for their lack of witness, but none are valid. Some say they do not have the gift of evangelism. Others say they are still preparing for the day when they will be witnesses. Some pastors believe it is the responsibility of their members to witness, and they are to preach and teach the Word. Yet the Bible clearly teaches that all believers are to be witnesses with their lives and with their lips. It is a command of God.

On thousands of occasions we have found that pastors, students and laymen who have never introduced anyone to our Lord become fruitful witnesses when they learn how to live a Spirit-filled life and are taught how to share their faith in Christ with others. The apostle Paul, who was a Spirit-filled witness, shares in Colossians 1:28 how everywhere we go we are to tell everyone who will listen about Christ.

Bible Reading: Luke 24:45-49

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Today – and every day – I will ask the Holy Spirit to direct me to those whose hearts He has prepared, and to anoint and empower me to speak convincingly, lovingly and effectively of our Savior.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Living in Righteousness

September 22, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In Isaiah 32, the prophet draws a clear distinction between living with eyes on the Lord and living in complacency. Someone once said that Christians need to live more righteousness-conscious and less sin-conscious; less by focusing on the pathetic sinner you are in your natural state, and more by knowing who you are through Jesus Christ.

Happy are you who sow beside all waters, who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free.

Isaiah 32:20

Abraham lived some 400 years before the giving of the law, but he focused his life on believing in God and God accounted it to him for righteousness. Call it faith living, not fear living; a grace-focused life instead of a groveling one. Yet faith and grace are not a license to ignore God’s commands and live in disobedience. No! It is the experience of true freedom in Christ Jesus, blessings and liberty, where your desire to please Him keeps you from doing wrong.

How different America would be if more people were to, as Galatians 2:20 instructs, die to self and live by faith. Pray today for the nation’s leaders to find salvation, and then live according to the grace they are given.

Charles Stanley – The Purpose of Pain

September 21, 2013 broboinhawaii 2 Comments

Matthew 16:24-27

“God, if You love me, then why must I endure pain?” This question preoccupies many believers in their darkest hours of need. While pain takes different forms and has different durations, suffering always comes with an objective greater than our comfort, pleasure, or personal goals. If we seek the Lord’s purpose for grief, we will find both His peace and His deep love for us.

Pain instructs. Christ’s sufficiency is more apparent during times of suffering than in the midst of blessing. Discovering God’s faithful provision strengthens our resolve to endure.

Pain purifies. Counterfeit faith cannot withstand hardship’s flames. Like gold in a refiner’s fire, suffering believers experience the burning away of impurities until only things of value remain. Trials bring into focus the truth about the world we live in, the nature of people we meet, and the incomparable worth of our Father.

Pain motivates. Pain drives us to God. How often do we hear testimony from people who discovered Him during their worst trial? In His wisdom, the Lord knows whether we require motivation from blessing or from distress.

Pain opens us to intimacy with God. At the end of our own resources is the Lord’s boundless strength. Running into His arms guarantees us the comfort and energy that is available only through an intimate relationship with the Father.

Living an easy life doesn’t earn rewards. Though our instinct is to sidestep pain, suffering helps us to find intimacy with God and the great purpose He sets for our life.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A Prize For Peace

September 21, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Ephesians 2:11-18

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. —John 16:33

Alfred Nobel made a fortune from the invention of dynamite, which changed the course of warfare. Perhaps because of the horrors that wars inflicted with the use of dynamite, he made a provision in his will for a prize to be given annually to those who work to promote peace. Today it’s called the Nobel Peace Prize.

God’s expression of peace to the world was His Son. When Jesus was born, the angels’ clear, unmistakable message to the shepherds was “on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).

The biblical definition of peace is, first of all, peace with God (Rom. 5:1). Sin makes us enemies with God (v.10), but Jesus’ coming to this earth and dying on the cross turned away God’s wrath. We can now be reconciled with Him. Having put right our relationship with God, Jesus now enables us to work at breaking down the barriers between us and others.

Another kind of peace is having the peace of God (Phil. 4:7). There is no need to be anxious about anything, for we are told that we can make our requests known to Him.

Having brought peace, Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 12:2). Today, we can have peace with God and the peace of God. —C. P. Hia

Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild—;

God and sinners reconciled!” —Wesley

True peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of God. —Loveless

Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – God’s Delight

September 21, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

I will rejoice in doing them good. Jeremiah 32:41

How heartwarming to the believer is the delight that God takes in His saints! We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us; we do not even take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened, conscious of our sinfulness and deploring our unfaithfulness. We are fearful that God’s people cannot take much encouragement from us, for they surely can see our many imperfections and our follies, and so be caused to lament our infirmities rather than admire our graces. But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so the Lord rejoices over us.

We do not read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains or the sparkling stars, but we do read that He delights in the habitable parts of the earth, and that His delights are with the sons of men. We do not even find it written that angels give His soul delight; nor does He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “Thou shalt be called Hephzibah . . . for the LORD delighted in thee.”1 But He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves-debased and depraved by sin, but saved, exalted, and glorified by His grace.

In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the Eternal One bursting into a song? Yet it is written, “He will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”2 As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, “It is very good”; but when He looked on those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy.

Should we not utter our grateful response to such a marvelous declaration of His love and sing, “I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation?”3

1Isaiah 62:4 KJV

2Zephaniah 3:17

3Habakkuk 3:18

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Conquering Doubt

September 21, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17).

Doubt comes to Christians in many ways. After you’ve sinned, your conscience might hiss at you, saying, “Surely you’re not a Christian. Why would God save you anyway? You don’t deserve His mercy. You’re not good enough. How presumptuous to think God could ever use you!” Such doubts are common among Christians who focus on their performance rather than God’s power.

All too often we’re quick to acknowledge God’s power to save us but slow to understand His power to keep us. To complicate matters, many Christians believe they can lose their salvation, so they live in constant fear of falling away from the faith. Still others have never learned what Scripture teaches about their security in Christ. They’re so intent on pleasing God through their own efforts that they lose sight of grace and drift into a subtle works- righteousness mentality.

Your performance doesn’t determine your standing in Christ; your standing in Christ determines your performance. Good works are the necessary result of salvation (Eph. 2:10) but they don’t save you or keep you saved. That’s God’s work.

Jude said, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (v. 24). “Able” in that verse translates a Greek word that speaks of power. “Keep” literally means “to secure in the midst of an attack.” “Stumbling” refers to falling into sin. Together they say that God is powerful enough to prevent you from stumbling into sin and falling away from Him–no matter how intense Satan’s attacks might be. He will continue to protect and cleanse you until the day you enter His glorious heaven perfected.

Sin is a serious issue and you should never take it lightly. But when you do sin, remember that as a believer you’re immediately cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7). So always confess your sins and turn from them, but never doubt God’s power or willingness to keep you saved. Trust in His grace, not in your ability to perform.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Praise the Lord for continually cleansing your sin.

For Further Study:

Memorize Jude 24-25 and recite it often as a reminder of God’s power and majesty.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Protecting Against Satanic Attack

September 20, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Matthew 4:1-11

As soldiers in God’s army, we are engaged in spiritual warfare. To hold our ground, we must be arrayed in battle gear every day.

Be sure your feet are shod with the gospel of peace. Roman military boots had metal cleats to help soldiers stand firm in battle. Similarly, our spiritual “shoes” provide the solid footing of assurance—the certainty that we have peace with God and are safe in Him (John 10:28).

Carry the shield of faith. The most powerful asset we have as believers is our faith. It helps us to resist the Enemy’s temptations by thinking, I know I have this need, but I trust in God. So I’ll wait for the Lord to provide for it in His way and in His time. We are well protected behind the shield of faith.

Wear the helmet of salvation. The mind is Satan’s battlefield; it needs to be conscientiously and effectively guarded. In a spiritual battle, our assurance that we are saved will help repel the Enemy’s lies, which might cause us to question God or to think contrary to Scripture. With such certainty, our minds are able to remain steady.

Carry the sword of the Spirit. God’s Word is both an offensive and defensive weapon. It makes inroads for the gospel (Heb. 4:12) and also protects us. As Jesus proved in His desert temptation, the Devil cannot stand against it.

The spiritual battle raging around us is real and fierce (Eph. 6:12). We are not in the reserves, simply waiting to be called up. We are in the war. Soldier of God, are you fully dressed for battle?

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A Difficult Place

September 20, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Acts 8:4-8,26-35

I will never leave you nor forsake you. —Hebrews 13:5

When a sudden change in technology made his job obsolete, a highly trained scientist found himself working in a fast-food restaurant. One evening after our Bible study he described the situation as difficult and humbling. He said, “One good thing I can say is that the young people there seem very interested in my faith.” A member of the group responded, “I admire you for being humble. I know your faith must have something to do with it.”

Like my acquaintance, Philip may have wondered why God would pull him off an assignment in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8) and plop him in the middle of the desert (v.26). But then he found that the Ethiopian needed help understanding the Scriptures (vv.27-35), and his place made sense.

When Jesus promised He would never leave us alone (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5), He meant in the hard times as well as in the good times. Our mission in the difficult seasons of life is to work or serve remembering we are doing it for God, and then to watch as God works to accomplish His purposes.

Look for God in your difficult place and discover what He’s doing in and through you there. —Randy Kilgore

Disappointment—His appointment,

No good thing will He withhold;

From denials oft we gather

Treasures of His love untold. —Young

What’s better than answers to our why questions? Trusting a good God who has His reasons.

Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Things that accompany salvation

September 20, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Things that accompany salvation.” Hebrews 6:9

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

The “things that accompany salvation” make a glorious march in the forefront of it— from election down to these precious opening buds of virtue in the sinner’s heart. What a godly array! Sure the angels do sometimes fly along in admiration, and see this long array that heralds salvation to the heart. And now comes the precious casket set with gems and jewels. It is of God-like workmanship; no hammer was ever lifted on it; it was smitten out and fashioned upon the anvil of eternal might, and cast in the mould of everlasting wisdom; but no human hand hath ever defiled it, and it is set with jewels so unutterably precious, that if heaven and earth were sold they could never buy another salvation! And who are those that are close around it? There are three sweet sisters that always have the custody of the treasure—you know them; their names are common in Scripture—Faith, Hope, and Love, the three divine sisters; these have salvation in their hearts and do carry it about with them in their loins. Faith, who lays hold on Christ, and trusts all in him; that ventures everything upon his blood and sacrifice, and has no other trust. Hope, that with beaming eye looks up to Jesus Christ in glory, and expects him soon to come: looks downward, and when she sees grim death in her way, expects that she shall pass through with victory. And thou sweet Love, the sweetest of the three; she, whose words are music and whose eyes are stars; Love, also looks to Christ and is enamoured by him; loves him in all his offices, adores his presence, reverences his words; and is prepared to bind her body to the stake and die for him, who bound his body to the cross to die for her.

For meditation: Faith, Hope and Love are close companions of one another and of salvation (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3;Hebrews 6:9-12). How well are you acquainted with them?

Sermon no. 152

20 September (1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Repelling Discouragement and Doubt

September 20, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17).

The Roman soldier’s helmet was a crucial piece of armor designed to deflect blows to the head–especially the potentially lethal blow of a broadsword. Soldiers of that day carried a swift and precise dagger designed for close- quarter hand-to-hand combat. But they also carried a giant broadsword, which was a two-edged, three to four-foot long sword. It had a massive handle that, similar to a baseball bat, was held with both hands. With it they could take broad swipes from side to side or deliver a crushing blow to an opponent’s skull.

To protect us from Satan’s crushing blows, Paul tells us to “take the helmet of salvation.” Now considering all he’s been telling us so far, he was not saying, “Oh, by the way, go get saved.” Paul was addressing believers. Unbelievers don’t have to put on spiritual armor. They aren’t even in the battle. Satan doesn’t attack his own forces.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Paul describes the helmet of salvation as “the hope of salvation.” That implies Satan’s most fierce and powerful blows are directed at the believer’s assurance and security. Therefore Paul was encouraging believers to have confidence in the salvation they already possess. He knew that doubting their security in Christ would render them ineffective in spiritual warfare–just as a blow to the head renders one’s physical body incapable of defending itself.

As a believer, you should have the assurance that you are secure in Christ. If you don’t, you haven’t put your helmet on, and that makes you vulnerable to discouragement and doubt. Romans 8:29-30 assures us that all whom God justifies He sanctifies and glorifies. No one is lost in the process.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). That’s a wonderful promise. So don’t let your enemy rob you of the joy and assurance of knowing you belong to Christ, for the Lord will never let you go (Heb. 13:5).

Suggestions for Prayer:

Praise God for your eternal security in Christ!

For Further Study:

Read John 6:37-40.

Who receives eternal life?

How does Christ respond to those who come to Him?

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Maturity – In His Timing

September 20, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control” (Galatians 5:22,23).

One of my dear friends had a 25-year old son who had never grown past the baby stage mentally or physically. He had greeted the birth of his beautiful baby boy with great joy, but his joy turned to heartache and sorrow with the passing years as his son never matured.

Unfortunately and tragically, many Christians never pass the baby or childhood stages. Think of the heartache and sorrow that God experiences when He looks upon those of His children who have never matured, though they have been Christians for many years.

Martha, a new Christian, approached me with this question, “With all my heart I want to be a woman of God, but I do not experience the consistency of Galatians 5:22,23 in my life. What is wrong?”

Maybe you are asking the same question, if so, it will be helpful for you to understand that the Christian life is a life of growth. Just as in our physical lives we begin as babies and progress through childhood into adolescence, young adulthood and mature adulthood, so it is in our spiritual lives.

The Holy Spirit takes up residence within every believer at the moment of new birth. The growth process is greatly accelerated when a believer consciously yields himself to the lordship of Christ and the filling and control of the Holy Spirit. A believer who is empowered by the Holy Spirit and is a faithful student of God’s Word, who has learned to trust and obey God, can pass through the various stages of spiritual growth and become a mature Christian within a brief period of time. Some Spirit-filled Christians demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit within one year than others who have been untaught, uncommitted believers for 50 years.

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I am determined that I will become a spiritually mature Christian, in whose life the fruit of the Spirit will be demonstrated. Through the enabling of the Holy Spirit I will dedicate myself to prayer, reading the Word and witnessing, and living a life of obedience.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Satan’s Strategy

September 17, 2013 broboinhawaii 2 Comments

John 8:42-47

We who follow Jesus Christ have an enemy, and his name is Satan (Mark 1:13). A created being, Satan is loose in the world but limited in what he can carry out against us (Job 1:12). Many people consider him nothing more than a figment of the imagination, which allows him to work undetected. While he is a defeated foe (John 16:11), he pretends otherwise.

Let’s look at some of Satan’s objectives:

1. To draw us away from God through both direct and subtle means.

2. To thwart God’s purpose in our lives by getting us out of our Father’s will.

3. To deny God His rightful glory and honor, which results from our choosing to live obedient lives.

4. To destroy us in this world.

The Father of Lies (John 8:44) uses falsehood, deceit, and temptation as tools for achieving his goals—and he has chosen our minds as a battleground. Why? Because faulty thinking leads to disobedient behavior, which impedes God’s purposes for us. Erroneous ideas produce vulnerabilities like worry or fearfulness, which Satan can exploit to hinder our spiritual progress.

Although setbacks may occur, believers will not be overcome, because “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Scripture says, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5 niv). Offer a prayer of surrender: “Lord, I offer You complete control over my mind. Reveal any thinking that does not agree with Your Word, and teach me Your truth. Amen.”

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – A single eye and simple faith

September 17, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:22,23

Suggested Further Reading: Philippians 3:17-21

God will say to thee, “Take no thought for the morrow, be careful for nothing;” Mammon will say to thee, “Look ahead, be careful for everything;” and when God says to thee, “Give of thy substance to the poor;” Mammon will say, “Hold it tight, it is that giving that spoils everything;” and when God will say unto thee, “Set not thy affections on the things of earth;” Mammon will say, “Get money, get money, get it anyhow;” and when God saith, “Be upright;” Mammon will say, “Cheat thy own father if thou canst win by it.” Mammon and God are at such extreme ends of the earth and so desperately opposed, that I trust, Christian, thou art not such a fool, as to attempt to serve them both. If thou dost thou hast the worldling’s eye, and thou art a worldling thyself. Remember, too, if thou triest to do this we may suspect thee of having the hypocrite’s eye. As Matthew Henry says, “The hypocrite is like the waterman; he pulls this way, but he looks that. He pretends to look to heaven, but he pulls towards his own interest. He says, ‘he looks to Christ,’ but he is always pulling towards his own private advantage. The true Christian, however, is like a traveller; he looks to the goal and then he walks straight on to it; he goes the way he is looking.” Be then not like the hypocrite, who hath this double eye, looking one way and going the other. An old Puritan said, “A hypocrite is like the hawk; the hawk flies upward, but he always keeps his eye down on the prey; let him get up as high as he will, he is always looking on the ground. Whereas, the Christian is like the lark, he turns his eye up to heaven, and as he mounts and sings he looks upward and he mounts upward.”

For meditation: Not looking where you ought to be going can have disastrous consequences (Luke 6:39-42).

Sermon no. 335

17 September (Preached 16 September 1860)

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – The Church Will Prevail

September 17, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church: and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

You and I can truly rejoice: no matter how weak and ineffective our church may seem to be at times, the fact remains that “all powers of hell shall not prevail against it.” Remarkably fulfilled to this date, this promise has the Word of God Himself to back it up.

Sometimes, we see the human frailties of one another in the church – which will always be there – and we forget for the moment the great strengths that are present: the Word of God; fellow believers who are fully committed to the Lord; genuine worship of our heavenly Father.

Primarily, we have the promise that the church is God’s instrument for worship and instruction of His children. It is a rallying place for believers; a powerhouse of prayer; a training school for sharing our faith.

A parallel to this promise has to do with the Word of God. Men have tried to destroy it down through the ages, but it remains the all-time best seller and so shall it ever be. Men have tried to count the church down and out many times, never with any degree of success whatsoever. And so shall that ever be, as well.

Rejoice: all the plots, stratagems and machinations of the enemy of the church shall never be able to overcome it. You and I, meanwhile, can do our part to help make the church all that God intends for it to be.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:21-24

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will praise God for His protecting hand over the church and do all in my power, the Holy Spirit enabling, to keep it strong and triumphant – the center of spiritual revolution.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Devoted to God

September 17, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The Olympic Games reward the top three winners by positioning them on a platform of honor. But a fourth podium would have to be erected to give praise to King David’s warrior Abishai. His place came beside David’s “mighty three,” but was one earned because of his courage and loyalty to the king.

Now Abishai…wielded his spear against 300 men and killed them and won a name beside the three.

I Chronicles 11:20

David’s men differed from those who followed his predecessor Saul. Saul’s armies couldn’t be trusted and had to be bribed to do his bidding. Devoted men risked their lives for David because of his honest character and stature in leadership. They understood that the Lord’s hand was upon him and wanted to be a part of what God was doing.

David’s bravery, as well as his humanity, made him worthy of mention in the Bible over 1,000 times. His sinfulness is not hidden, but neither are his confessions and turning back to God.

And so it should be today. Be devoted to God…an example to those around you. Give testimony of the Lord’s goodness – His mercy and grace – in your life. Pray that those in leadership would turn from their sinful ways and look to God for guidance.

Charles Stanley – Peace With One Another

September 16, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Romans 14:19

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of peacemakers (Matt. 5:9)—the passage almost sounds as if they are a special breed with unique abilities. Some people do have a way about them that brings peace wherever they go. All of us, however, can become peacemakers because, according to 1 Corinthians 7:15, “God has called us to peace.”

Unfortunately, though, success in this area oftentimes eludes us, and the reason is that we quit too soon. With certain people, it is necessary that we go the extra mile and not only seek peace but also pursue it (Ps. 34:14). Such a pursuit can be very costly at times, but apparently God expects some pretty heroic attempts in this area, because He tells us to “pursue peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14).

In addition to this, Romans 12:18 instructs us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Sometimes we try too hard to analyze the words “so far as it depends on you.” We can get bogged down trying to figure out whether we should take the initiative to be reconciled to someone or wait for the other person to approach us.

Jesus made it clear that unity within the church is a top priority. It doesn’t really matter whether we have offended others or they have offended us—in either case, we should take the initiative to be reconciled with our brothers. Even if a brother will not listen, we can still “pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom. 14:19).

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Devoted to God

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