Have Courage

This morning I heard that Maya Angelou passed away at the age of 86. She was an author, singer, actor, and most notably an activist, especially in regard to civil rights. She had a rough life for sure and yet seemed to have a very positive outlook on life. While I cannot speak to every aspect of her life and the condition of her soul, I can say that much of her writing is motivational and challenging to the world. One of the quotes that strikes me today is about courage. She said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” 

Courage is important in many aspects of life and is one of the greatest qualities in the life of the servant of God. Joshua was challenged by God with powerful words: “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6-9).

Joshua was challenged to be strong and courageous. It would take real character to stand up to the problems of sin that would come, the difficulty of war, the temptations to follow the ways of the world, and the pressures of life. But if he would be focused on God’s will, meditating on it day and night, being faithful to it not turning to the left or the right, and doing all that is written in it, God would bless him with great success.

As men and women who have the courage to stay faithful and true to God no matter what comes our way, we have the same assurance. God has promised that if we love God and live according to His plan, we have the assurance of ultimate success in gaining THE Promised Land of heaven when this life is over (Rom. 8).

We must have the courage to stand up to the pressures of the world. The temptations of greed and immorality plague our society. Too often people try to live with one foot in the world and one in the church and that just won’t work. We must put God first in all that we do and that takes real courage and strength of character.

In the religious world, too many have failed to stand for the truth and have fallen prey to the devil. We must have the courage to stand up for what is right no matter how difficult. We must put on the whole armor of God and fight. We must have the courage to stand against false ways. It doesn’t matter where the attack comes from, whether from the denominational work, the atheistic world or even from within in the form of false teachers, preachers, professors, elders, deacons, or some famous leader within the church. We must stand up and be strong and courageous…not on something of our opinion or preference, but on the Word of God.

As we leave De Leon and move back to the Permian Basin, and with my last bulletin article, the most important thing I could tell you is to love and obey God with courage and strength. Stand up for what is right. Do not compromise the truth. If you will put God’s will at the center of your life, meditating on it day and night, never turning from it to the right or the left and observing its commands at all time, you will be successful in life. You can be faithful and receive the eternal reward that God has promised His children (2 Tim. 4:6-8). You can do it but you must be courageous and stand strong with boldness in the Word of the Lord! — Denny Wilson

Take Aim

“If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time” (Zig Ziglar).

“Many people have a good aim in life, but for some reason they never pull the trigger” (unknown).

“Goals are funny things. They don’t work unless you do” (unknown).

“Goals are like automobiles, they won’t run by themselves except downhill” (unknown).

“It concerns us to know the purpose we seek in life, for then, like archers aiming at a definite mark, we shall be more likely to attain what we want” (Aristotle).

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s heaven for?” (Robert Browning).

Philippians 3:12-14 – “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:1,2 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The hunter takes careful aim at his target before pulling the trigger. The captain of a ship charts his journey before leaving his homeport. The golfer will line up his putt before stepping over the ball. The basketball player takes careful aim on the rim before raising the ball to shoot. Likewise, the Christian must take careful aim on heaven if he ever hopes of reaching the eternal resting place.

It has been said that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people (John 14:1-3). The question is this: what are we doing to prepare? Are we aiming at following    Jesus Christ? Are we aiming at following God’s word? Are we aiming at spending eternity in Heaven? Are we aiming at living a life of Christian service? Are we aiming at loving our fellow man enough to take the Gospel to him?

Where are we directing our aim? For many of us, life consists of hard work, activities with our families, school events, financial concerns, home improvement, and various social events. Do we take the time each day to make sure that the actions we take are ones which are focused on and aimed at Christian living? If someone were to ask about your financial plans for the future, would you have an answer? What about educational plans? Or career plans? Most of us would answer in the affirmative. But what if you were asked what steps you were taking to make sure you were growing in Christian service and were improving your life every day, conforming to and being transformed by the word (Romans 12:1,2). What if you were asked if you had plans and were following through on your plans to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? Would you be able to answer with a resounding “YES”? 

Let us take aim at the study of God’s word daily, adapting our lives to His will. Let us take aim at putting the lessons learned into practice in our lives. Let us take aim at teaching the truth of God’s word with our mouths and by the example we set. Let us take aim on becoming what God would have us to be.

Jesus is Coming Back

In Acts 1:11, after the ascension of Christ, the apostles were told that Christ would be coming back. “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” When He comes back, “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16,17). What a comfort it is to know He is coming back! But are we ready for that day?

“When life’s journey shall have ended

And we stand before the throne,

When the book of life is opened

And the deeds of men made known

When the Lord shall meet the world

And shall judge the lives of all

When all men are rightly parted

And the Reaper’s cry shall call

When the righteous are rewarded

And the wicked know their end,

Will the world at last remember

That a Savior died for men?”

— Gene Carrell

On that Day, we will either hear that “Well done thou good and faithful servant” or we will hear “Depart from Me.” The heavenly home awaits the faithful. Jesus is coming back! He has made possible our eternal salvation. Don’t you want to go to heaven? Don’t you want to have eternal life? Are you living in anticipation of the Lord’s return? If you are ready, it will be a great day! Friends, get ready!

What A Great Nation!

Deuteronomy 4 declares the importance of the child of God remaining faithful to the word of God. Moses commanded the children of Israel to remain faithful so that they would live, go in and possess the land of Canaan. To receive the blessing from God, there were conditions. They were to hold fast to the Lord (v.4), not adding to or taking away from the commandments of the Lord (v.2). By sticking to the will of God, they would have wisdom and understanding and the people of the land would see the Israelites as a great nation. Moses said:

“For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren” (Deut. 4:7-9).

There are several wonderful lessons the New Testament Christian can learn from this powerful passage. The Christian in like manner is a part of a special nation: “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore we have several blessings that the world does not have.

We are able to draw near to God (Deut. 4:7). The Christian is one who draws near to God, avoids friendship with the world, resists the devil, submits to God, and humbles himself before God (James 4:4-10). As we draw near to God, He draws near to us.

Christians receive the blessing of being able to draw near to God in prayer. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12). We can approach the throne of God to receive help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 5:7).

Christians are blessed in that we have the governing law of God to guide us. The Old Law has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). But we are under a new and better law: the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ (Romans 8:1,2); the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25); the royal law (James 2:8); and the new covenant, the testament of Christ (Hebrews 9:15-17).

Because we have a relationship with the One True God and can draw near to Him, can call on Him in prayer, and have a law that guides our way in this life (Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalm 119:105), we also have many responsibilities. Every citizen must do his part to make the kingdom be a success.

We must take heed to ourselves and watch out for the temptations that may come our way. We must examine ourselves and make sure we are walking the straight and narrow. As Paul instructed Timothy, we must take heed to ourselves so that we may save our souls and others we may influence through preaching and action (1 Timothy 4:16).

We must diligently keep ourselves. Paul wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). We must fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith if we want the reward of eternal life in heaven (2 Timothy 4:6-8). We must “press on toward the goal” for an eternal reward (Philippians 3:14). Be diligent!

Moses warned the Israelites that they must not forget the things their eyes had seen (Deut. 4:9). They had first hand knowledge of God’s power and the utter failure of the idolatry of other nations. They had ample warning. Brethren, we must not forget the past. We must learn from the Scriptures so that we can live in a way that is pleasing to the sight of God. We must avoid the sin and error that has occurred within the religious world in days gone by. It is said that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Do not forget this lesson!

Failure to draw near to God, pray to God, live by His law, take heed to ourselves, keep ourselves with diligence, and remember the lessons from the past will result in a horrible condition: the way of God will depart from our hearts. In the parable of the sower, the seed that fell on the wayside was trampled down and the birds devoured it...Satan came and take it away. These had the word of God taken from their heart when they should have believed and been saved (Luke 8:15-18). Others had no root because they did not study and grow into maturity (Luke 8:13). Still others were choked out by the cares, riches and pleasures of life (Luke 8:14). Don’t let God’s law depart from you.

We are a special and great nation. We can continue the progress of the nation by being good teachers of the gospel to a lost and dying world. We need faithful, able teachers who will impart the word to others (2 Timothy 2:2). We need parents and grandparents who will teach their family the gospel (Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:5). We can live a prosperous life in Christ when we follow the ways of God and help others to do the same.

Brethren, if we will do our part to promote the kingdom of God by living the word and teaching it, growth will occur! We echo the words of Moses: What a great nation!

It is as Clear as Mud

In the last two weeks the world has been glued to the TV and media outlets waiting with anticipation for the latest information about the disappearance of the Malaysian flight 370 and the 239 souls aboard. From one day to the next more information is brought to light. It has been amazing to see the media embrace theory after theory as the information is learned. At one point the world seemed sure the plane was in the Indian Ocean. Moments later the world believed the plane was hijacked and possibly by the pilots. Then moments later the theory was a fire on the plane led to heroic efforts on the place which also was a short lived theory. Now the media is back on the pilot with the flight simulator saying he deleted some files on his computer (haven’t we all). At this moment, they have found something in the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia that appears to be a debris field. But there is nothing certain as of this moment. On and on the pulse of the media and the world changed based on partial information from a variety of sources. In truth, we don’t know much more today than we knew 12 days ago. It is as clear as mud. However, what amazes me most is how people have been tossed and turned and carried about with every wind of doctrine or every theory under the sun.

Sadly, the spiritual world isn’t much better. While we should have grown to maturity in the word of God so that we are thoroughly furnished unto every good work and are able to rightly divide the word (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2:15), far too many people follow every whim and philosophy that comes down the pipe of “Christendom.” Far too many of us jump from theory to theory and philosophy to new philosophy with the coming of a “new” book, plan, idea or program. While there is nothing wrong with learning new systems or ways to accomplish God’s will and in fact we ought to try to grow in our pursuit of a greater spiritual life in Christ, we must not follow the ways of the world to flip flop from idea to idea about what is right and wrong or about how one is saved, how to worship God, or what it means to be a Christian. God’s plan for the Christian has been laid out for almost 2000 years.

Paul told the church at Ephesus to grow and be strong and not to be people that flip flop or be carried about by the philosophies of men. After laying out different roles in reaching the lost, Paul said the purpose would be “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:11-16). If we want to grow, develop, mature and be unified, it doesn’t come from chasing one theory after another. It comes by being unified in the word of God as the body of Christ.

I applaud those who want to read, study and learn about ways to apply Christianity to their daily lives. It is a great blessing to know people want to be better parents, better spouses, better employees/employers, better students, or better in their health: financially or physically. Even so, let me encourage you to learn what God would have you do in each of these roles rather than to chase after the ways of this world or the newest, latest, greatest idea or philosophy of men (even well-meaning men). Let us turn to the gospel on how to live in this present world. Peter wrote, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:2,3). We must not chase after the ways of the world. We must not be tossed about by the ideas and plans of men. We must turn to God’s word for the directions for Christian living. 

In the Blink of an Eye

Have you heard someone describe a very frightening moment in their lives by saying “It all happened so fast?” Often in life, we realize that very serious things happen very quickly. More than once I have had a conversation with someone only to find out they passed away that night. Friends have commented on car accidents how someone or something just appeared out of nowhere before they could blink. At other times, we think about our kids growing up and it seems like just yesterday when they were born saying, “they grew up so fast.” On other occasions we hear the couple celebrating 50 years of marriage saying how it has flown by.

Biblically, we often think of the brevity of life. James said that life is but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Job said it is like the speed of a weaver’s shuttle. The point of thinking about the brevity of life is to take care of our spiritual needs quickly while we have the opportunity because our time will pass quickly. We need to hear and obey the gospel and live faithfully while we can. Our soul is too important to risk missing out on eternal life, especially when we realize how precious and temporary life really is in this realm.

Additionally, we think of the judgment when it comes to something happening very quickly. Paul said that in a moment, in the twinkling of time, we shall all be changed. We will put on a new body that will be incorruptible as opposed to the frail body we now have. In a moment, we will enter into a new spiritual realm where we will spend eternity with the Lord. We want to be ready for that day. We want to live in such a way that we hear the “well done,” good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.

Accidents, changes in life, the passing of our lives, the time we live, and the time between this world and eternal life all happen in the blink of an eye.

Even so, I want encourage you to consider something else that we can do in the blink of an eye. There are some things we can do quickly, with little effort, which can make a huge difference in the lives of others while helping us prepare for eternity.

In a moment, in the blink of an eye, we can…

· Lend a helping hand to those in need

· Speak an encouraging word to someone suffering in this world or dealing with health issues

· Hold a hand of someone hurting

· Preach the gospel to the lost

· Love someone who needs love (all of us)

· Show kindness and mercy to someone who is not used to being treated with Christian love

· Show compassion on the one suffering loss

· Give to the needy

· Visit the sick

· Visit the person in prison

· Provide a meal to the hungry

· Listen to someone who needs to talk

· Cry with someone who is weeping

· Celebrate with someone who is rejoicing

· Read your Bible to gain knowledge and strength

· Pray to receive God’s help

· Tell someone you love them

· Tell someone you will pray with and for them

· Sing with joy

· Play with a child

· Tell someone you appreciate them

· Hug someone who needs your love

· Give blood to help those in need

· Support the preacher

· Praise the elders

· Help the deacons

There are many things we can do in the blink of an eye to make a difference in this world. Things that happen quickly aren’t always negative. You can make a difference in a matter of seconds. What will you do this week? 

Everything is Awesome!

In the Lego movie, there was a song used repeatedly by artists Tegan and Sara titled Everything is Awesome. The lyrics in part say, “Everything is awesome, Everything is cool when you're part of a team, Everything is awesome, when we're living our dream. Everything is better when we stick together, Side by side, you and I gonna win forever, let's party forever, We're the same, I'm like you, you're like me, we're all working in harmony.”

While I cannot speak to the meaning of the lyrics from the author’s point of view, I do want to make some simple comparisons with the Christian life and with being a member of the Lord’s church.

First, let us notice that everything is awesome. Psalm 118:24 tell us that “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” That doesn’t mean every day is going to be perfect from a worldly sense or that everything will work out the way you want it. Instead, it means that we trust God and live according to His will. In doing this, everything is wonderful. I can “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! … Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4,6-7). With complete trust in God, we can say everything is awesome.

Second, when we walk in the Lord, we are not alone. In fact, everything is cool when you are a part of a team: Christ’s church. We are told to love one another (Jn. 13:34,35), be devoted to one another and have harmony (Rom. 12:10,16), forgive one another (Eph. 4:32), teach and admonish one another in worship in song (Col. 3:16), encourage/build up one another (1 Thess. 5:11), exhort one another (Heb. 3:13), consider and stir up one another (Heb. 10:24,25), and have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7). We are to have unity (1 Cor. 1:10). We are described as the body of Christ, the family of God, the flock, and the church. All of these show us a connection. In this connection, we should work together, serve together, love together, rejoice and weep together, worship together, and stand together. Everything is awesome when we have unity and work together. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1).

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 — “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Let’s be honest. Life is hard sometimes. It can be very difficult. The Christian life should not be one of denial and pretense that everything is superficially wonderful. It isn’t always wonderful to suffer health issues, to lose a loved one, to have a tragedy that takes away possessions or friends, or to lose a job. I am not suggesting we be fake people walking around with “positive mental attitude” and not be grounded. What I am suggesting is that when we have the right attitude, when we have our trust in God, when we work together as a team as Christians, and when we keep our focus on being ready for eternal life, the problems of this life will not be to us “the end of the world.” Instead, we can have the attitude of Paul: “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). We will be content in life (Phil. 4:11,12). And we will be ready for the reward (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Truly, as a Christian, everything is awesome! 

The Foolishness of Men

Jamie Coots, a Middlesboro, Kentucky preacher for the “Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name” church and co-star of the National Geographic TV show Snake Salvation, died on Saturday night after he was bitten by a rattlesnake that he was handling while leading their denomination in “worship.” He was bitten on the hand during the service but when offered medical care at his home later that evening, he refused the care of the EMS or being taken to the hospital. Less than an hour after refusing medical, Jamie Coots was dead. He is not the first to die in that particular denomination (Melinda Brown 1995) or among those who practice snake handling. He will not be the last if they continue the practice, which I am sure they will.

Why do they do this you ask? Because they have a faulty view of Mark 16:17,18 — “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” They do not understand that miracles had a purpose to confirm the word preached (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4). Those miracles were not done to test God but to prove that the sermon they preached came from God. Those miracles have ceased with the death of the last apostle and with the temporary nature of the miracles (Acts 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12). Because of their failure to understand the word of God, they have developed a faulty interpretation that cost Jamie Coots his life and will cost many people their souls eternally.

The members of that denomination are not the only people on the face of the earth that pervert religion and The Faith by their own false doctrines. Too many believe God’s ways are foolish and choose their own path. As a result of the foolishness of men, they will reject the wisdom of God laid out for mankind in the Scriptures and will be lost.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 — “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe…but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called…Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Errors of all sorts have been added to the worship and practice by a variety of denominations and religions. Everything from exorcism in the Catholic church, baptism of the dead in the Mormon church, nudity in Jainism, refusal of blood transfusion by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, mistreatment of women by Islam, a variety of strange ideas of Dianetics and Scientology, as well as worship of ancestors by Eastern religions have become part of the worship and life of those following the ways of the world. Snake handling is an addition of men never intended by God to be part of the authorized worship.

Christians are not exempt from additions of false practices in worship. Some have perverted the means of entrance into the church rejected the clear teaching of Scripture that we must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Some have perverted the authorized leadership within the church from qualified men to just about anyone including women (1 Timothy 3:1ff). Some have perverted the Lord’s Supper by taking it on some other time than the first day of the week or by not taking it on a weekly basis (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17ff). These practices are just a few of the departure from the truth of God’s Word but they are just as wrong as snake handling. 

When it comes to worship, let us be a people who worship according to the pattern of the New Testament (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11).  — Denny Wilson

Psalm 22

Psalm 22 – Psalm of the Cross

In the first verse of this psalm it becomes obvious that the psalm is prophetic and that it is pointing to the cross upon which our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ was executed. This psalm is the most quoted in the New Testament. Here are just a few where it is quoted: Verse 1: Matthew 27:46; Verse 6: Matthew 27:39-44; Verse 8: Matthew 27:39,43; Mark 15:29-30; Luke 23:35; Verse 16: John 19:37; Verse 17: Luke 23:27,35; Verse 18: John 19:23,24; Verse 22: John 20:17; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:12; Verse 31: John 19:30. This psalm has also been referred to as “A Passion Psalm” because it pictures the rejection and pain of Jesus as He died on the cross for our sins. It has long been thought of as a “messianic” psalm.

At the same time, this psalm deals with the pain felt by David. David suffered much loss in his life. He was separated from Jonathan his good friend. He suffered because of his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. He felt the pain of losing his son Absalom. He almost gave up the throne to Adonijah. He understood both victory and defeat. He knew how important it was to turn to God and trust in Him with a faithful life. Thus David points us to the Messiah, the only One who could save us from sin and give us victory.

Christ bore our sins on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). He had to humble Himself and be faithful until death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-12). His death was cruel and unlawful, but He willing died so that we might have life. In so doing, He realized that separation from the Father so that we might be united with God once again. Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). Since there is not a one of us who is sinless or righteous we need a Savior so that we would not suffer the consequences of sin, including being lost and spending eternity in Hell (Romans 3:10,23; 6:23).

In Psalm 22 we recognize the pain and frustration of this world can be taken away by the Savior because of His death on the cross. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus spoke those awesome words, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus suffered amazing pain and loneliness for each of us because of His love (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16). If you love Him, you must obey Him (John 14:15; 15:14; 1 John 5:3). If we can help you to know, love and obey God, don’t hesitate to contact us.

What Do You Dream About?

“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” Socrates

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” Og Mandino

“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Jim Rohn

Each of these quotations from men tells us that we can accomplish great things but we must take responsibility for our actions and our lives. Socrates suggested we ought to be who we pretend to be in our minds. So what do you dream about in your mind? Are you thinking about being an athlete, business man, or celebrity? Do you ever dream about being the one who tells your friends and family about Jesus? What do you pretend to be in your mind?

Walt Disney believed if you set your mind to it, you could accomplish your dreams. It takes work. It takes dedication and determination. But you can accomplish your dreams. Do you ever dream about how you can make a difference in the life of someone who is hurting or suffering?

Og Mandino asserts that if we will plant seeds with all of our might toward those desired goals, eventually we will have a harvest. Are you planting seeds in the vineyard of the Lord?

Jim Rohn made a wonderful statement making it very clear it is up to us to reach our desired destination. If we allow the world to dictate our direction in life, or if we fail to work toward our desired goal, we will accomplish absolutely nothing in life. What designs do you have for your life? Are you striving to be a soul winner, a servant to God and your fellow man, a faithful soldier in the Lord’s army? What are your designs for your spiritual life? Are you determined to know the Bible more fully? Are you focused on steady growth and progress as a Christian? What are your spiritual designs for your life? If you do not plan and work toward that end, you will not accomplish anything for the Lord during your lifetime?

Paul instructed the church at Corinth saying, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). This type of instruction is a wonderful motivation for the Christian to work toward faithful living with purpose and courage. We must have a dedication to keep on fighting for what is right with the strength of character that will carry us to the end in victory (1 Cor. 15:57). We can accomplish great things for the Lord but we must have both a goal and a plan. We will not accomplish anything if we do not have a direction we want to go.

2 Timothy 2 helps us understand the right mindset. There Paul told Timothy that he should be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ (v.1). He was to teach faithful men who would teach others also (v.2). He was to fight the Christian warfare as a soldier focused on the commands of Christ with a determination to overcome hardship (v.3,4). He was to run like an athlete trying to win a race (v.5). He was to plant and work like a farmer looking toward the harvest (v.6). Like his instruction to Corinth saying have a goal for your spiritual work and life and be determined to accomplish it, Paul is telling Timothy that he could do great things for the cause of Christ. It would require strength, hard work, determination, dedication, and focus. With a dream, goal, plan, or focus in life, he could make a difference in the lives of the people in Ephesus and he could live faithfully in Christ Jesus.

What are your dreams: not your physical or financial dreams; but what are your dreams as a Christian? What will you accomplish for the Lord? Know this: if you make the right plans and work hard, you can do it! You can have your dreams come true! — Denny Wilson

Psalm 21 - Rejoice in the Lord

Psalm 21 – Rejoice in the Lord

The 21^st Psalm is a declaration of the wonderful blessings that King David received from the Lord. David received joy, salvation, his heart’s desires, goodness, length of days, and the crown from God. David praised God for the honor God had granted to the king. These blessings came because David was “exceedingly glad with (God’s) presence” and because he put his trust in God. As a result, David rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord (v.1).

We should follow David’s example and praise God for the salvation He has made possible in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; Luke 15:7,10,24,32). There is only one way to be saved (Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Jesus came into this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15). God desires for all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). He does not want anyone to be lost but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Who then shall be saved and be able to have joy in the salvation of the Lord: Those who hear the word of God (Romans 10:17); Those who believe Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24); Those who repent of their sins (Luke 13:3); Those who are baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21); and those who live faithfully in this life (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 2:10). Those who follow the teaching of God will be saved and this salvation brings joy into the hearts of the child of God (Acts 8:39; 16:34).

Sadly, there are many who will not obey the will of God and they will be lost (Matthew 7:13,14). The Psalmist used language that describes the end of those who are enemies of God: fiery oven, anger, swallowed up in wrath, fire shall devour, destroy, and arrows toward them (8-12).

Friends and neighbors don’t wait until it is too late. Turn to the Lord who can save you from sin. Your life will be blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Then as a faithful child of God, you can rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). If you would like help in coming to know God, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to help. Don’t forget to ask for a free DVD.

Accurate Information

Have you ever received a phone call, email or heard someone tell a story telling about a person, an event or some news report proclaiming doom and gloom? I’m sure you have. I am sure we all have. Many times upon receiving such information, I was eager to pass that on to someone else. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion, I found out the information was not true. In our information age there are many internet sources that cannot be trusted. In fact, some “sources” are actually satirical in much of what they produce. An unknowing individual will read the report and pass on that report as if it were fact. It is kind of like the old game “telephone” where the person at the start of the line says something like “my shoes are red” and by the end of the line the last person declares to the whole group, “he said ‘I choose to go to bed.’” We must be careful not to gossip or spread lies or false information, knowingly or unknowingly.

In dealing with the Sadducees, Jesus had to explain that they were basing their views on some faulty assumptions. They thought they would trap Jesus with a question about marriage and the Jewish Laws/Customs in dealing with bringing up a child for a deceased relative. Their question would mock the resurrection asking, “In the resurrection whose wife...will she be?” To their foolishness Jesus declared “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). They had faulty information causing them to be wrong about the resurrection. They needed accurate information so they could believe and obey.

In Acts 19, Paul traveled to Ephesus and found an interesting situation that needed some accurate information. Paul found some disciples that had believed and been baptized in John’s baptism. They didn’t understand being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They didn’t know about the Holy Spirit. They had tried to do the best they could with what they knew and were even baptized into John’s baptism. But something was missing. They needed to know whole truth. Paul preached unto them Jesus and they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus (v.5). Once presented with the accurate information, these 12 men obeyed the gospel. In order for our friends and neighbors to have the opportunity to do the same, we must tell them about the Lord’s plan of salvation so they too can be saved.

In the previous chapter, Acts 18, we learn of a man who was also willing to obey once he learned the truth. “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue” (v.24-16). When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, the realized he didn’t know the whole story. He needed to gain the accurate information. So they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. We know that Apollos obeyed the gospel and went forth preaching the gospel in accuracy from this moment on because the brethren in Ephesus wrote of letter to pass on to the disciples in Achaia when Apollos traveled to work with them. We are told that he “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (v.28). Apollos had the courage and character to be corrected and make adjustments in his life when he heard the truth. All he needed was the accurate information.

It is interesting that in each of these accounts, someone had to tell the others that they were mistaken. Jesus told the Sadducees the truth, but they rejected the gospel because they did not believe in a resurrection. They chose to follow the false information of men. Paul helped the 12 men know the difference between following John and following Christ. Those men had the courage to obey the gospel and to get busy in the kingdom. Aquila and Priscilla had the courage to take Apollos aside and show him that he was missing some of the vital information in being a Christian. Apollos was willing to accept the message and give his life to following Christ while preaching the gospel to the lost. We appreciate those who will tell others the truth.

Additionally, we understand that each of us has a responsibility to respond to the accurate information. The Sadducees rejected the message of Christ because of their own bias. The 12 men were humble enough to listen to Paul and obeyed the gospel. Apollos, who had so much going for him (zeal, powerful speech, and eloquence), did not reject the truth in arrogance but received the message in submission to the gospel of Christ. Let us be a people who speak the whole truth and obey the whole truth when it is spoken to us! 

Psalm 20 - The Day of Trouble

Wilson’s Weekly

Psalm 20 – The Day of Trouble

Some days are better than others. Some days are filled with excitement and our hearts are filled with a zest for life. Some days are filled with grief and sorrow so that our hearts ache from the difficulties of life. You have heard the expression, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” While it may not always be so easy…my luck is I wouldn’t have any sugar or ice…our outlook does affect the direction of our life.

In the day of trouble, David declared a glorious blessing upon those who call upon our Lord and King (v.9). The Lord will defend, protect, strengthen and remember us, accepting our offering if we do His will (v.1-3). God can make all of our dreams come true (provided they are in accordance with His will). Notice David’s blessing for God’s children: “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand” (v.4-6). My first reaction at reading these words is to say “WOW!” My second reaction was to say, “I want some of that.” Seriously, Our God is a great God and He “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Let’s dig a little deeper…

The key to receiving the blessings of God is that we must first be in Christ for all spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). We must be subjects to the King. Our hearts desires and our purpose should be to serve our King faithfully. In those difficult days, God will help us because we are His children and are living according to His purpose.

Sadly, many think they should receive the blessings of God even though their hearts desires, their purpose and their citizenship have nothing to do with God. Too many put their “trust in chariots” or in “horses” (v.7). In our day, people still put their trust in uncertain riches. They are not aware that “life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). They do not realize that they are lost if they lay up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

If one will remember the name of the Lord and serve Him, salvation is waiting. God will be there to fight for us and help us in our journey. Our dreams will come true because we are living according to God’s purpose. Whether it is a good day or a bad day, our focus should be on serving the One True God. 

You may have thought that the way this article started you would find it reaching the conclusion you see on so many TV “preachers” that if you serve God you will be rich, especially if you send me your money. However, in truth the article reaches the conclusion that is the main theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation: the redemption of man. Our prayer for this community and for our world is that all will become citizens of the kingdom of God with all its reward: abundant life (John 10:10). If we can help you to know God and His plan for men, please contact us. We would love to study with you. We have a free DVD we would love to share with you. Let us know how we can help you grow closer to God.

What if it Were You? part 2

Last week we looked at some of the amazing things God asked men to do in the past. We saw their faithfulness. We saw even some reluctance but a redirection of that focus to do what is right. The focus of the article last week was to make you think about what if it were you that was asked to build an ark, or to offer your son as a sacrifice, or to prepare the way for the Lord. We aren’t asked to do those things these days. However, we have been asked to do several things for God. My question still stands: What if it were you? Are you ready to do what God asks of you?

Jesus said that if we love Him we will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:14). The amazing thing is that those commands by God are not too difficult for us to follow (1 John 5:3). Jesus is the author of eternal salvation for those who will obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Will you obey Him?

What if you were asked to:

· Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24). And just so you know, belief is a work. “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:29). Most people in the U.S.A. claim to believe but do you honestly believe with such faith to follow His instructions?

· Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30). Would you really be willing to change your life from worldliness and sin toward Christian living? Would you have godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9,10)?

· Make the good confession before men of your faith and your desire to live for Christ (Romans 10:9,10; Acts 8:37;  1 Timothy 6:12)? After having made that good confession and becoming a Christian, have you continued to make the confession of your faith in Christ before men as you live daily (Matthew 10:32,33)?

· Be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38), put on Christ in Baptism (Galatians 3:27), be added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47), which will save your soul (1 Peter 3:21), and give you a new life in Christ (Romans 6:3,4).

· If you were asked to do these things, would you do it? I am sure that most of you would and have.

However, there is more to faithful living than obedience of the plan of salvation. We must be obedient in all aspects of our lives:

· Parents who teach their children the will of God

· Husbands who love their wives

· Wives who love their husbands

· Marriages devoted to God and to one another

· Children who obey their parents

· Members of society who are obedient to government, who work hard, who help our fellow man

· Christians who are faithful to the Lord by attending Bible classes and worship at every opportunity

· Christians who tell their family and friends about Jesus

· Christians who give generously

· Christians who keep themselves pure and holy as they keep themselves separate from the sinful ways of the world.

When we look at it, there really isn’t much that God asks of us for all that He has done for us. He gave us life, breath, and all things. It is in Him that we live, move and have our being. He sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to die on the cross for our sins paying a debt that we owe and can never earn. In return, He asks that we follow His plan for living.

Too often in life, man chooses to do things His own way. In worship, man has created his own devices. In marriage, man has decided that divorce is acceptable regardless of the words of Jesus stating there to be only one accepted reason for divorce and subsequent remarriage. In living, man has determined that we can live like the world 6.5 days a week, but if we somehow show up for one hour of worship on Sunday morning then we are pleasing God. I wonder how well that kind of thinking would have worked for Abraham, Noah, or John.

The question is not “what if it were you?” but will you obey the commands of God? He has given us instruction. He has given us His word to guide us. He has given us forgiveness of sins and an eternal home in heaven, but you must obey!!! There is no other way but His way.

The Law of the Lord is Perfect

Psalm 19 – The Law of the Lord is Perfect!

The nineteenth psalm is a beautiful expression of the power of God. From it we learn that God created the world and creation proves there is a Creator. We learn of the circuit of the sun (we are part of a planetary system with a star with planets orbiting it as the system itself orbits within the Milky Way Galaxy). Thus God has revealed Himself in nature (v.1-6).

God has also revealed Himself through His word (v.7-10). The Psalmist wrote, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

If you think of all the problems that exist in this world, it seems that there is no hope. But the truth is that God’s word provides us with the answers for the world today. God’s word converts the soul, gives us understanding, gives us joy in righteous living, opens our eyes in pure living, and are more valuable to us than the greatest possessions or pleasures. The word of God should be our guide and then we would conquer our problems through Christ and Christian living (Philippians 4:13).

The way we live demonstrates our devotion to God (v.11-14). We should be servants worthy of reward. We should strive to be free from error, secret faults, and presumptuous sins. Instead we should be clean, blameless and innocent of great transgression (or sin).

God created the world, sustains the world, His word directs the world, and our lives should be devoted to Him. Our goal should be to live according to the perfect law of the Lord saying, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (v.14).

Are you living in a way that is acceptable to the Lord? Do you know what the Lord wants for your life? If you would like to know about the perfect word of God or what it means to be a Christian, we would love to help you as you open the wonderful words of life. Let us know if you would like to have a home Bible study or if you would like to study on your own through a free DVD. We would love to help you. 

What If It Were You?

In the gospel of Mark, John the Immerser is introduced by describing his role in the preparing the way for the Lord.

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2,3).

John was a wonderful man who lived in service to the Lord. He kept himself pure. He stood up to the sins of the spiritual leaders of the day. He stood up to the sins of the King. He did his job and he did it well. He was faithful until death. He died at the hands of the very King and Queen he opposed because of their adultery. John was truly a wonderful soldier. Jesus praised him highly in Matthew 11:11 saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” What an amazing statement! When the Son of God says you are the greatest man born that is saying something.

There are many wonderful lessons we could learn from John, his parents and his life’s work. However, my question today is not about John, his baptism, his preparation for Jesus, or his stance against sin that cost him his life. My question is what if it was you that were asked to carry out such a great task for Jesus? What if it were you?

What if you were asked to give a great sacrifice like Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac? Would you be faithful to God?

What if you were asked to stand opposed to Pharaoh like Moses and Aaron and demand “let my people go?” Would you stand strong before him?

What if you were given the opportunity to stand in faith against a giant like Goliath with only a few stones and a sling? Would you understand like David that you were actually fighting for God and He is on your side? Would you run toward Goliath?

What if you were asked to march around the city of Jericho for 7 days rather than use conventional weapons and wisdom to fight your enemy? Would you put your trust in the Lord?

What if you were asked to fight your enemy with only 300 men being completely outnumbered and for weapons you carry pitchers and torches while the enemy had swords, spears and more? Would you come boldly to the outskirts of the camp with truth that the Lord was fighting for you?

What if you were asked by the Father, to give up the glory of heaven, to come to this earth, to live as a man, to be persecuted unmercifully, to be rejected by your own, and to be crucified by your creation? Would you have the dedication to the Father to say, “Not My will, but Thine be done” like Jesus?

I am afraid that too many are like Naaman and think that what we have been asked to do isn’t worthy of us or is too simple. We are asked to worship in spirit and truth. We are asked to tell our friends and family about Jesus. We are asked to be faithful in life and service. Sometimes we act like Naaman. We need someone to remind us that it isn’t beneath us and why do we think we need to be asked to do “some great thing” before we obey the Lord (2 Kings 5).

I am afraid that sometimes we act like Jonah and run and hide from our responsibility. Sometimes we try to pretend like we are doing more than we really are like Ananias and Sapphira. Sometimes we love the world more than Jesus like Demas. Sometimes we elevate ourselves and want preeminence like Diotrephes.

When you examine your life, what do you see? We must examine ourselves to make sure we are living in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). Be honest! When you look at your life, are you a soldier like John? Or do we question what we are asked like Naaman or Jonah? What if you were asked to do something for God?

Often we I read my Bible or study a person’s life, I look at their life and their faith, and then I look at my life and wonder how I would act in the same situation. We are so blessed with air condition, plumbing, refrigeration, vehicles, internet, TV, radio and so many other blessings. We could do so much. Yet, a man eating locust and wild honey, wearing camel’s hair and living in the wilderness puts us to shame. What if it were you? Would you be praised by the Lord for your faithfulness?

Psalm 17 - Walking in His Footsteps

Walking In His Footsteps (Psalm 17:4,5)

“I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.”

This time of year, many make new resolutions to improve their health, their finances and their relationships. In so doing, plans are made to make changes. Most of these plans come from man’s ways. Self help books and tapes fly off the shelves this time of year. It is good to make changes for the better, but who determines the right changes? Is it the latest guru? Do we devise our own plans? In truth, God must determine our paths.

The Wiseman said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Jeremiah wrote, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Instead of coming up with our own ways, we must put our trust in God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6).

It is good to make changes to improve our condition in this life with our health (physically and spiritually). We should all strive to be better people in the new year. But in order to be truly productive in this life, we must follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. In fact, if we are to be Christians, we must walk as He walked (1 John 2:6). Turn to the Bible for your answers. If you need help finding these answers, please contact us. We would love to study with you.

Psalm 18 - I Will Call Upon the Lord

The 18^th Psalm contains the words to one of my favorite songs. Verse three declares, “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praise: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” At the time of writing these words, David was being pursued by Saul. David was in a fight for his life, yet he wasn’t worried because he knew what to do. He knew that God would protect him. He wrote, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (v.1,2).

As we begin 2014, let us take the same courage and confidence in trusting in the Lord. Surely there will be good days this year, but there may also be very difficult times. Rather than letting our enemies or circumstances hold us down, let us remember that we can call upon the Lord! He will provide for and protect His children. However, even if we must deal with terrible tragedy in the New Year, let us have courage to trust in God and the confidence to take up the cry of Paul, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

The 46^th verse declares, “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” When times do get tough, stand upon the Rock! Remember that all things work together for good for those who love God, for the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Put your faith in God, call upon Him in time of need and in time of joy, and remember that in the end, if we live faithfully until death (no matter how hard life may be), we will have eternal life through Christ who makes possible our salvation.

If you would like a home Bible study to learn more about Christ and His church, or if you would like to study from a free DVD, please let us know. God provides us with solid footing when we stand upon the promises of His word. Make every opportunity in 2014 to study from the word of God. Let us know if we can help.

The Loving Father Listens

There are times in our lives when the pressures of this life beat down upon us with such intensity that it is hard to pick oneself up and keep going. In times like these, it doesn’t seem anything will work out the way we hoped. Then when we try to talk to others about our pain and suffering it seems nobody wants to listen. On these occasions, it would be easy to just give up and throw in the towel. Don’t be hasty! Never forget that God loves you and He will listen to you.

In Exodus 2, we are told of Moses’ actions stopping an Egyptian from beating a fellow Hebrew. He killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. The next day, Moses stopped two Hebrews from fighting. The response was “Do you intend to kill me as you did the Egyptian?” Moses knew that his actions would be found out. Rather than being a source of strength for the Israelites, a deliverer of the children of God, and a source of power to stop the bondage, Moses was looked at in a negative light. Moses fled to Midian and tended flocks for Jethro.

 

In the process of time (40 years — Moses being content living with Zipporah, his wife, serving his father in law) things did not get better for the children of Israel. They “groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage” (Exodus 2:23). God’s children, His chosen people, were crying out for help. They were hurting. They were oppressed. They were forced into labor. They needed help. They needed a deliverer. They cried out to God who not only would hear, but would respond to help His children.

God Hears His Children: God heard their groaning (2:24). He heard their cry (3:7,9). When a father hears the cry of his children, he wants to help and does whatever he can to provide for his loved one (Cf. Matt. 7:7-12). God, our Father, hears our cries (1 Peter 5:7). When others do not seem to care, when it seems others will not listen, take your heartache to the Father.

God Knows Our Sorrows: God knew the sorrow felt by the children of Israel because of the taskmasters (3:7). Likewise, God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15). The Father knows what we need before we ask (Matt. 6:8). God will supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). Because of the great gift of Jesus Christ, we can come “boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). God knows and sympathizes with our pain.

God Watches Over Us: God looked upon the children of Israel (2:25). He saw their oppression (3:7,9). “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cries” (Ps. 34:15; 1 Pet. 3:12). As much as we try to look out for one another, we cannot always be there. As much a blessing as it is to have a judicial system to punish the evil, and law enforcement to help enforce and execute the laws, harm sometimes comes upon us. The best security system in the world cannot guarantee that they will be there for us when we really need them. However, we have a Father who is always watching over us. What comfort it should bring to us to know that God is always there for us.

God Remembers His Promises: God remembered His covenant with Abraham (2:23). It isn’t that God had forgotten, but that the time had come to deliver on His promise. The children of Israel were about to start home. This is good news for Christians. God will keep His promises. We can trust Him. He is faithful and just (1 John 1:7-9). God has promised those who obey Him eternal life and one day, He will deliver.

God Knows His Children: God acknowledged them (2:25). God knows those who are His (2 Tim. 2:19). He cares about us and recognizes us as His.

God Delivers The Oppressed: God came down to deliver His children out of the Egyptian bondage (3:8). God sent Moses to lead the people to the promised land of Canaan. Our loving Father sent His Son, Jesus, the Christ, to be our Savior. He delivered us from sin, bondage and death.

When times get tough, remember, God knows His children, watches over us, hears our cries, knows our sorrows, keeps His promises, and will and has delivered us from oppression. Our loving Father is listening!