Pisgah Church of Christ

The disciples had been constrained by Jesus to go to the other side in a ship. When they had departed, Jesus went to pray. As the disciples found themselves in the midst of the sea, the wind was contrary, and the ship was tossed. Jesus was seen walking on the sea. The Lord appeared amidst the troubled waves. When we find ourselves on troubled paths, we seek to find the Lord. Perhaps the Lord was going to pass them by. But, they cried out. Fear had taken them. In trouble, it is not unusual for us to find ourselves afraid. It is in these times that we call out for Jesus. If Christ is to help us, we must call out for Him. Jesus never imposes Himself upon us.

Peter wanted to step out of the boat and go to Christ. What amazing faith! Peter had no doubt that Christ would help Him. A disciple on troubled waters was seeking the Lord's help. Jesus said to him, "Come." Matthew 14:29. The Lord's invitation was extended, and Peter did not hesitate.

Jesus calls us out of the trouble of sin and despair. Do we hear and do we come? Many souls have refused to accept the invitation of Jesus. He calls for us to come and know His calm. He calls for us to come and know His peace. Faith will take us to Him. Yes, indeed, the storm of sin and danger is threatening. But, Christ says "Come." I will save you. I will heal you. Will faith cause us to leave the ship and embrace the Savior?

Salvation is in Christ alone. We must take His hand of grace. On the sea that night, Jesus said, "Come." Today, the sweet voice of Jesus can be heard across the troubled waves of life saying, "Come." Hear Him, and go to Him.

'In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar." Zechariah 14:20. The day shall indeed come when the service of God shall be no longer restricted. The bells of the horses shall announce the holiness of God. Every pot shall become holy unto the Lord. Holiness shall indeed be the garment of all. The common shall become holiness unto the Lord. One notices the sound of a bell. Just as one will turn an ear to the music from the bell, so one will turn his attention to the holiness of God.

Because of His holiness, the earth shall rejoice. A new day will dawn when the vile shall be made clean. The ordinary shall be used in the service unto the Lord God of heaven. His temple will be open and all may enter. As God is holy, so all may be holy. God will be glorified from every sphere of life. Christianity will move its borders. The marketplace will shout the holiness of the Lord. Each household will be consecrated, and over every door will be written, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD. In the lives of the pure will be seen the unblemished character of God.

Every street corner will become a pulpit. Every shop and factory will become an avenue to announce the holiness of the Lord. The bells of the horses will sound throughout the land. Every heart can hear the sweet music of heaven. Whatever your trade, you can sing of the Lord's holiness. Not only the priest or even the preacher, but all who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb can ring forth the joyful sound of salvation. Those near and those far can hear the sound of the bells. All of God's children will become the bells on the horses. Go forth and ring out, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.

One year of our life has passed and another one has begun. Life comes and goes. We reflect and we look ahead. We examine and we resolve. Our determination must be strong. However, life is without any guarantee. We have no assurance of a future. God warns us of life's swiftness and also of life's end. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1. We are to be ever mindful that "life is a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." James 4:14.

Therefore, let us not resolve for the future, but for the present. Let us not count on days or months to improve our life and our labor for God. Let us use the moment that we have. "Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation." II Corinthians 6:2. In a single instant, the saved can become unsaved and the unsaved can become saved. In a single moment, heaven can be lost or hell can be shunned. Life must not be calculated in years, but in a moment. Tomorrow does not belong to us. We have the now.

We are told not to sleep, but "let us watch and be sober." I Thessalonians 5:6. We are to be wise concerning life and death. We are to be wise about God and eternity. We are to be sober about the expectations that God has of us. We are to be sober as to our purpose for living. We are here and soon gone. It may well be that only God will remember who we were and how we lived. What others say about us and think about us will have no bearing upon God's judgment of us.

Let me not say that tomorrow I will do this or that. Let me do it now. Let me insure my future with God now. This is my only security. We must so resolve that each moment we can indeed say that "it is well with my soul." One tomorrow we will close our eyes to this world. One tomorrow we will step into another world. One tomorrow one life will end and another life will begin. One tomorrow we will either be eternally saved or eternally lost.

"Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth." Luke 8:22. Jesus is about to teach His disciples a faith lesson. From time to time, we all need a lesson in faith. I suppose that we all need at certain times a reminder of the great power of faith. Faith enables us to travel in the valley and climb the mountain. Faith helps us to see the unseen. Faith helps us to feel God and know that He is near. With faith, we please God and without faith, we do not please Him.

Jesus wanted them to travel to the other side of the lake. There comes a time in our life when we need to see things from the other side of the lake. Not only would the journey teach them about faith, but on the other side, they would see the power of Jesus pronounced again. The other side of the lake can present us with valuable life lessons. The other side of the lake may give us a different perspective on our situation. The other side of the lake may give us immense opportunities. Let us from time to time go to the other side of the lake. The trip over may put us in a storm, but Jesus will be there ready to aid us.

Without hesitation, the disciples launched forth. Sometimes we miss out because we do not launch forth. We wait. As the disciples of Jesus, we must not wait, but rather, we must seize the moment. The commands of Jesus often challenge our faith and commitment, but the journey from here to the other side will lead us to know that He is with us.

There is a time to serve and there is a time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Martha had received Jesus into her house. Mary, her sister, sat at His feet to hear His word while Martha was serving. The scripture says that "Martha was cumbered with much serving." Luke 10:40. She then complained that Mary was not helping with serving. It is vital to our relationship with Jesus that we serve. We have been called to serve. The world needs us to shed the light of Jesus. But, we must also feed our soul by sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Why has God appointed that we come together to worship and praise Him? We need the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. We need to have time in our day when we abide in prayer and the study of scripture because we need to sit at the feet of Jesus. We must not become cumbered with service. Service to Jesus is to be a joy. Never should we see service as a duty. We "serve in love." Galatians 5:13. We are blessed by the Father of heaven. Continually His love is poured out upon us. His grace and mercy toward us abounds. Our appreciation is shown in our service.

The soul needs revival. We need the "times of refreshing that come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19. We find that refreshment when we sit at the feet of Jesus. Service without sitting will become cumbersome. Our life must have the action of Martha, but we must also have the delight of Mary. In this sweet combination, we will not grow weary, nor faint. Jesus needed time alone from His busy ministry with His Father. "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12. So, we, as we serve our Lord, must also take time to sit at His feet.

Elisha told the king of Israel, "Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches." They would not see rain neither wind, but the valley would be filled with water for the men, the cattle, and the beasts. When the Moabites " rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood. And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore Moab to the spoil." II Kings 3:22-23. The Moabites did not see what they thought they saw. As a result, the Moabites were defeated in their land. Their cities were beaten down, their trees were cut, and their wells were stopped.

Jesus spoke of those who "seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive; Their eyes they have closed lest at any time they should see with their eyes." Matthew 13:14-15. Jesus speaks of spiritual sight that sees spiritual things. How we see and what we see determines our relationship with the Savior.

Paul, the apostle, spoke to those whose "minds were blinded." II Corinthians 3:14. The Ephesians had their "understanding darkened." Ephesians 4:18. Jeremiah spoke of those "who had eyes, and see not." Jeremiah 5:21.

What about us? Are we able to see what must be seen? The apostle spoke of "seeing what can not be seen." II Corinthians 4:18. These are eternal things and they can only be seen by faith. Moses, by faith, "saw him who is invisible." Hebrews 11:27. This vision changes our whole perspective of life. We are able to see ourselves differently. We are able to see others differently. We are able to see opportunities that are available for us to bring glory to God. We are able to see the future differently. What indeed can be seen by some cannot be seen by others. Our vision can change our outlook on life. What the Moabites saw or did not see brought upon them the Lord's destruction. The same will be true for every one.

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Hebrews 3:12. And so, the warning is issued because the danger is present. A serious intent or an earnest contemplation is to be given to the danger. The warning is to be heard. Beware of the trap into which one may fall. Any one of you may depart. The warning is not given to a select few, but to the whole of God's flock. Satan, like an old fox, seeks to snatch one of God's precious lambs. Do not be the one. Look around. Let your eyes be open. Mark your surroundings and be mindful of where you are.

In departing, one moves from one place to another. Think of a ship sailing from the port. The victim moves from God and goes back to sin. They who depart leave God. They leave His habitation and fellowship. They leave His redemption and His promise. They depart from hope and security. The heart which was saved from sin embraces sin. The heart which possesses life now clings to death. A departure has occurred. A severance has taken place. How tragic the fate of the one who departs from the living God.

The cause is unbelief. Faith has been lost. The heart has been violated. A gulf has been created. Sin is the culprit. Always. Every time. Evil is the road that takes one from God. Departure may bring sorrow. When one leaves God, sorrow will come. Regret will come. Happiness will be lost. Blackness and hopelessness will cover the departed like a cloud that promises rain, but holds no water. Emptiness and despair will settle in. Unbelief is an empty hole. It is a lie without guarantee. Unbelief is a promise without fulfillment.

Listen to the warning. Secure thy soul. Drop your anchor in the harbor of safety. Make certain that it holds steady.

The Parade magazine recently had an article about awe. The heading for this article read, "How the soul stirring wonder sparked by a shooting star or a majestic peak can transform your health and happiness." The article told of a soldier who was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder had gone to Utah's Canyon Lands National Park to see the Druid Arch. The site changed his life. I have long stood in awe, as I am sure that you have as well, in the majesty of a mountain or a lake. I enjoy staring into the heavens at night and beholding the beauty of the stars as they cast their light like diamonds against a canopy of blackness. There is in my thinking nothing more awesome than a sunrise or a sunset. I am in awe at the birth of a baby. All of God's wonders cause me to be in awe. I have even been in awe at many man made structures as well. A teacher in New York takes her students on "awe walks."

In the New Testament book of Hebrews 12:28 in the King James Version, the word "godly fear" is a translation of "awe." The passage reads, "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, that we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." The American Standard Version and the New English Version translates the word as "awe." Let us serve God with :reverence and awe." Surely as we meditate on God and His grace, we are in awe. As we think about a kingdom that cannot be shaken, we are in awe. As our minds reflect upon the cross, we stand in awe. As we are reminded in the partaking of the Lord's Supper of the empty tomb, we bow in awe. We surely are awe struck at the knowledge of our own resurrection and judgment. To know that one day, the heavens and earth will be consumed by fire from God is to be awe struck. Indeed, health and happiness to the soul.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8..Is there ever a time, or even a moment, when God is not good? God is often blamed for the misfortune in many lives. A person will never give a thought to God until something bad might happen. And, then the fault belongs to God.

We must know that God is good, and, that God is good all of the time. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. This must not discredit the goodness of God. The devil is evil, and God is good. And, as a result, bad things take place. Amidst the bad, we must trust. And, amidst the good, we must give thanks.

God's goodness is seen in His concern for the human family. Evil brought sin and destruction. God provided a remedy. The answer to the evil in the world is the goodness of God. God's goodness is witnessed in His provision of forgiveness and His promise of hope. Evil provides no promise of anything being made better. But, the goodness of God promises the light of newness. God is good in His love for all. God is good because of grace bestowed. The church is a witness to the ever flowing goodness of God. Fellowship and harmony are found before His throne. Trust in His goodness for therein we find a blessing.

We come together and as we meet one another, our usual greeting is, "How are you?" I would guess that we are inquiring about physical feelings. We usual respond with an answer that is about our physical well being. And, it is important to have concerns about the physical feelings of each other. It is a question that shows concern and caring.

But, how are you feeling today? We also have a spiritual life as well as a physical life. When I inquire about how you are feeling, am I thinking of your spiritual situation? That concern may need more attention than our physical feelings. Are you discouraged? Things happen that cause us to be discouraged. A bad situation occurs and we wonder if and when it will end. Are you weak in faith? Things happen that shake our faith. We sometimes look at life without considering God. Are you having trouble with temptation? Sin comes in all forms and the devil especially enjoys serving temptation to Christians. Do we need to pray together? God wants us to pray and especially together.

I don't know if we are prone to ask for help. Perhaps, sometimes we feel ashamed. Perhaps, we think that no one else cares. Perhaps, we believe that others might think the situation silly. Maybe, we believe that we can do everything by ourselves. We need to keep in mind the character of Christianity and the teachings of scripture and the church as a family. "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another." Romans 15:14.

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." II Corinthians 8:9. Do you know of anyone who was rich and yet, for the sake of others, was willing to be poor? I have heard of many who were rich and out of their abundance have given freely to others. But, one becoming poor so that others might be rich is beyond my knowledge.

Jesus, however, gave His wealth that others might be blessed with wealth. Jesus gave that we might be rich. We are able to know the riches of His grace and the riches of His inheritance because He was willing to know poverty. The poor of the world became the rich in Christ. On His part, this gift bestowed upon others was because of His grace, His love, and His sacrifice.

We ought surely to show our thankfulness for these riches which Jesus has so freely given to us. But, should we not also feel a debt? Paul, the preacher, saw himself as a debtor. Romans 1:14. The debt which we owe to Christ cannot be paid. However, there should be on our part a willingness to do for Him what we are capable of doing. Since Jesus made such a great sacrifice in leaving heaven as God and coming to earth as man, we must be willing to make a sacrifice. Jesus cannot be served without sacrifice. What have I given up as I have chosen to follow Christ? What am I willing to do for Jesus since He has been so willing to do so much for me? His poverty allows me the privilege of service unto Him. Let me give unto Him because He was willing to give unto me.

God has an antidote for the ills of His people. “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any among you merry? Let him sing psalms.” James 5:13. Affliction comes in varied forms and degrees. Affliction can be both physical and emotional. God tells us to pray when affliction comes. “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High. And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me.” Psalms 50:14-15.

Trouble should not drive us from God, but rather, bring us closer unto God. His ear is open and He is ever ready to extend His hand of help. God can pull us from the pit of despair and bring light to our darkened days. Our deliverance comes when we cry unto Him. We must seek His help and ask for His blessings. “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” Isaiah 25:4.”

Pray when you are needy. Pray when you suffer. Pray when you are in distress. Pray when the storms come to steal your peace. Pray when you are lost in the darkness. Pray when the demons come to ravage your soul. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1. Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving brings the peace of God that is beyond our understanding. Philippians 4:6-7.

God’s antidote for affliction is prayer.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again, I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4. Happiness comes and goes. Happiness is dependent upon our circumstances. Happiness has different definitions by different people. What makes one happy will not make another one happy. Books have been written on the ingredients for happiness. Forums have been conducted seeking the "how to" for happiness. The search continues to find the magical secret for happiness. And, yet, like a vapor, happiness dissipates in a moment

Joy is found in a relationship. Joy deals with the negatives of life. Joy triumphs and continues. Joy fights battles and wins wars. Joy finds itself tempted, and yet, destroys the enemy. Joy is undisturbed and unwavering. Joy does not fail. The secret ingredient for joy is found in a person. "In the Lord" is God's recommendation. Why would we seek something that is elusive when we can possess that which can be secured?

Joy is commitment to God's way of life. Joy is a rule of life by which one walks. Joy is faith in a revelation. Joy is security in a future. Joy is strength from on high. Joy lives today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows that are yet to come. Joy controls the destiny of our lives. Joy gives meaning. Joy knows fulfillment. "Rejoice in the Lord" now and always.

The psalmist speaks of the frailty of life. “Lord, make me to know mine end and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” Psalms 39:4. But does man realize how frail he is? God knows that we are frail because He has made us from the dust of the earth. “Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” Psalms 39:5. An automobile accident; an incurable disease; a heart attack; in a moment, a fleeting moment, life is no more. This is indeed the frailty of life.

The answer to this disturbing dilemma of life’s frailty in the mind of the psalmist is God. “And, now Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.” Psalms 39:7. Riches can be heaped up, but “he knoweth not who shall gather them.” Psalms 39:6. God knows our future. He knows how many days that you and I have left upon the earth. But, more importantly, He has made available our security for eternity. In our brief journey here, we may forget to be mindful of eternity. Time has an ending and eternity does not. Amidst all the dying, we should constantly be aware that we are soon to depart from this life. Even the most beautiful flower fades in its temporary glory.

God is everlasting. His creation in His image is everlasting. God, amidst frailty, has provided hope. We have a hope that will deliver us from the bondage of frailty into the glorious awareness of God’s eternity. “Because the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:21.

The apostle Peter saw Jesus as Savior. Peter’s judgment of himself was that he was a “sinful man.” Luke 5:8. He wanted Jesus to depart from him. But, the sinful were the ones whom Jesus had come to save. Jesus was promised to be the Savior. “And, she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. Jesus saw his mission as Savior. “For the son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Jesus taught of His concern for the lost. Luke 15:4-32. These lessons were spoken because the Pharisees wanted to know why he companied with sinners. Luke 15:1-3.

Many have come claiming to be a savior. Many follow one whom they believe to be a savior. But, only Jesus is the Savior. None have been born as Jesus was born. “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35. The birth of Jesus was a divine birth. None have lived as Jesus has lived. “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. Jesus lived in sinless perfection unto God so that He might offer Himself as “a lamb without blemish and without spot.” I Peter 1:19. None have died as Jesus died. He died the “death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8. In shame, He “endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2. And through that death, He obtained for us “eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12.

Peter called Him Savior. Peter had been redeemed from the filth of sin. He had been snatched from the grave of eternal death. He had been born into sonship. All who believe Jesus to be Savior, repent of sin, confess the sonship of Jesus, and are immersed in water will know Jesus as Savior. Blessed are those who know Jesus as Savior.

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thou shield and buckler." Psalm 91:4. Boaz reminded Ruth that "under his wings thou art come to trust." Ruth 2:12. The protective power of God is promised to those who trust in Him. Jesus wanted to "gather thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not." Matthew 23:37. The protection of God's wings were not afforded them because they would not trust Him.

The wings of God's protective care reveal the tenderness and affection that He has for each of us. We are, like small chicks, helpless and easy prey. But, through our trust, He affords us the security, comfort, and warmth of His wings. Fear is removed because of the refuge and habitation found in Him. Storms and terrors cannot avail against the covering provided.

May we "come to trust under His wings."

The church has been established according to God's design. If man had established the church, there would be flaws. But the church which Jesus purchased with His blood is without flaw. The church is perfect. In the words of Paul, "Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:25-27. The church is glorious because of the sanctification which Jesus has made possible with His blood. No other religious order can claim to have been bought with the blood of Christ. Notice that the penman of these verses declares that the church is "holy and without blemish." No other institution can claim to have such purity and cleanliness.

It is impossible to separate the church from the word of God. The word of God has aided in the purification of the church. The church is ruled by the word of God. We as the members of this special body are to uphold and defend the word of God. Paul wrote by inspiration, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." I Timothy 3:15. The church came into existence by the proclaimation of the word of God. Acts 2:14-47. The church is eternal because the word of truth is eternal. "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." I Peter 1:25.

Christ is to be glorified through the church. "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:21. Until time shall be no more, the Christ is to be honored and praised by the church. The only honor that can come to Christ will be through the church. Indeed, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Matthew 6:13.

Several years ago I read a book entitled The Cost of Discipleship. The author was Dietrich Bonhoffer who was hanged by the Germans two weeks before Allied forces liberated the camp where Bonhoffer was a prisoner. In his book, Bonhoffer wrote, “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” Jesus Christ made the mission of His life calling individuals to discipleship. But, He made certain that those who come must be willing to pay the cost. In the fourteenth chapter of Luke’s gospel at verses 25-35, Jesus speaks of those who cannot be His disciple. At verse 27, He states, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Again, at verse 33, He states, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” There is a price that one must be willing to pay in order to accept the grace that Christ offers to sinful men.

In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoffer wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” All of the apostles of Jesus, except John, paid the ultimate sacrifice for being the disciples of Jesus. From a prison, the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “I am now ready to be offered.” II Timothy 4:6. Not only do the scriptures show us the saving power of grace, but the price that must be paid for that grace is also revealed. The followers of God in every age have paid dearly for the reward achieved. Read Hebrews 11:32-40. Cheap grace will not save. Discipleship comes at a high cost.

Do you enjoy daily communion with God? The child of God has easy access to God. But, we might fail to commune as often as we should. Enoch and Noah “walked with God.” Genesis 5:24 and Genesis 6:9. What a blessing they enjoyed, and, as a result, Enoch was taken by God and Noah was saved from the flood. Jesus was the Son of God, and yet, saw the need and found the time for daily communion. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35. Away from the crowds and from his disciples, Jesus sought alone time with God.

Daniel was one who sought daily communion with God. This young man who sought to develop a character that was pleasing to God “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10. Communion was found by being alone in his room as he prayed and gave thanks. The Psalmist speaks to our soul as he writes, “As for me, I will call upon God: and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Psalms 55:16-17.

We miss something very special when we fail to commune with God. He is all about us. We cannot go from His presence. He loves us as no one can. Let us “walk with Him” in daily communion. Let our heart seek Him and our voice cry unto Him. Let us adopt the philosophy of the aged apostle, “For to me to live is Christ.” Philippians 1:21.

God’s antidote for affliction is prayer.

Prayer is our access to the throne of God. God allows His childdren to "come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16. Access is granted because of our high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14. We are to "hold fast our profession" so that we might "come boldly unto the throne of grace." As our high priest He makes intercession for us. For whom does He make intercession? "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25. God opens the door of His throne room to those who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and who hold fast their profession of faith, commitment, and devotion unto Him. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16.

Prayer involves the help of the Spirit. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit: and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints:" Ephesians 6:18. Prayer is a piece of the armour that is worn so that we might stand "against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-18. The Spirit is a seal to those who have heard, believed, and trusted the gospel of salvation. Ephesians 1:13.

Prayer is a petition of an obedient heart. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." I John 5:14. We submit our wills to the will of God. The prayer of the cleansed soul who has been obedient to the gospel ascends to the throne of God. The Spirit and the high priest, Jesus make our petition known unto the Father. Prayer is a communication between the Godhead and the redeemed.

Matthew Henry, a Bible commentator, wrote, "Those who are diligent and faithful in improving their light and means, shall have further discoveries." This tremendous lesson was taught by Jesus. In Matthew's gospel at chapter 13 and verse 12, Jesus said, "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." In this passage, Jesus is discussing the mysteries of God. A similar statement is recorded in Matthew 25:29. This statement is made concerning the talents that are bestowed upon men. Teaching and talents must be used.

God has a rule of entrusting grace. Grace lays a foundation and upon that foundation one must build. The receiptent of grace is responsible for the use of that grace. What one does not use, he will lose. God will have no waste of talents. One who does not make use of grace which has been freely bestowed will see it wither and finally decay. The God who gave the gift will take the unused gift. But to those who manifests a vigilence and diligence will more gifts be bestowed. Our lives will only be enriched by the use of the many blessings of grace freely bestowed. More opportunity comes to those who willingly and carefully make use of opportunities.

The blessings and graces of God are given as a trust. This trust demands wisdom and labor. Slothfulness will only diminish the gifts. The receipent of the talent in Matthew 25 was described as a "wicked and slothful servant." Grace bestowed became grace wasted. And he lost that which he had received. But two other individuals received, used, and increased. The wisdom of Proverbs states, "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18. May we be diligent and faithful to improve so that our lives may behold greater discoveries in our pursuit of the kingdom of God and that perfect day.

"God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18:13. This was a fitting prayer for a needy soul. Jesus says that "this man went down to his house justified." Luke 18:14. Justification was granted because of the prayer which this man prayed. The sinner recognized his need of mercy because of his sin. Each individual is responsible for his own sin. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15. I must readily identify myself with this one who prayed for mercy. I, because of my sin, need the mercy of God. I, alone, am responsible for my sin.

Confession and prayer bring the showers of God's forgiveness. Jesus taught about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-35. The application of this lesson is "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you," Matthew 18:35. God is willing to forgive even "until seventy times seven." Matthew 18:22. I am thankful that He as my heavenly Father has such a disposition of forgiveness. But, I must have that disposition as well. Forgiveness is shown unto the one who forgives.

A bad attitude; an evil thought; an ugly dispostion; a sinful word. All of these sinful acts must bring me before the throne of mercy seeking forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9. Sin must not be denied, but confessed. The man in Luke 18 came to the source of true forgiveness. He brought the right spirit. He knew his own heart. He understood his need. And without shame, he asked God to show him mercy. Mercy is never deserved. I, personallly, am thankful that God is willing to show mercy, I need it.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee shall not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber not sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121:1-8.

With confidence the Psalmist looks unto the Lord for his help and strength. He looks unto the one who created the heavens and the earth; he looks unto the one who does not slumber; he looks unto the one who keeps and preserves. "Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel." Jeremiah 3:23. There is within this psalm a dependence upon God. It is a dependence upon His power, His goodness, His providence, and His grace. We must "lift up". We must, as the Psalmist of old, seek the care and the comfort that is provided by the Almighty. In the words of Jesus, "Ask, seek, and knock." Matthew 7:7.

The God of the hills supplies protection and the preservation of our soul. His protection comes in the face of our temptations and trials. He guards us when the enemy strikes. Within His powerful arms, we are kept. Within His undying love, we are protected. All enemies are kept in check by the keeper of our soul until at last an entrance into the everlasting kingdom shall be ours forevermore.

The church was established by God to meet the need of redemption. The need for the church to change has been the cry of many throughout the existence of the Lord's church. But God has never sanctioned change. Change has always been the outcry of men. In the early days of Christianity, change began to occur. "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6-7. The law of the church has remained constant. This law is described as "the perfect law of liberty." James 1:25. The "one faith" which governs the church has been sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of ethernal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15. No other offering for sin will be made. "Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:26. Since redemption has been secured, the church has been secured. The cost of the church has and remains to be the blood of Jesus Christ. Acts 20:28.

We must guard against change. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matthew 7:15. The doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes had crept into the church of Christ at Pergamos. Revelation 2:14-15. Unless repentance occured, God was going to "fight against them with the sword of his mouth." Revelation 2:16. That sword was and continues to be "the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17), or the "everlasting gospel." (Revelation 14:6). The church of Jesus Christ is guarded by the wisdom which "hath been revealed by his Spirit." I Corinthians 2:7-10. Since the Holy Spirit revealed the last word of sacred truth, His voice has been silent. Jude 3. The church must not change. Such would be a violation of divine law.

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11. Most of us are not content with daily. We are told to invest so that our future will be secure. We strive to prepare for the "rainy day." How much savings do we have? Jesus would conclude this chapter at verse 34 with this admonition, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." Do you suppose that we spend more time thinking about tomorrow than we do today? A parable taught by Jesus seems to emphasize this very point. The lesson is found in Luke 12:13-21. The farmer concluded that he had much goods laid up for many years. Perhaps the goods lasted for many years, but the farmer died and left the goods.

In the Old Testament, God provided Israel with a food that they called manna. God would feed them in the wilderness, but they were responsible for gathering the manna. They were instructed to gather enough for "daily bread." Otherwise, the manna would rot. Some did not choose to follow God's instruction, but rather, gathered for the morrow. These were reprimanded for disobedience. Read the account in Exodus 16:15-36. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Psalm 68:19. We have no promise of tomorrow. God blesses daily. "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow." James 4:14.

Our concern for the morrow lessens our concentration on the God who provides. Genesis 22:8. Our concern for the morrow breeds worry and anxiety. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7. Jesus taught us to pray for "daily bread." That admonition frees the soul to discover the God who cares and the God who provides and the God who blesses.

Moses was destined to enter in the land of Canaan. This land was the land which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants. This land was described as "a land which floweth with milk and honey." Numbers 14:8. On the journey, Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock from which water was to come instead of speaking to the rock. As a punishment for his transgression, Moses would not be allowed to bring the congregation into the land. Numbers 20:9-13.

In the New Testament, we are challenged by this passage: "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." Hebrews 4:1. I am impressed by the thought of this passage that I do not have to miss heaven by much. This passage impresses me with the thought that I must put forth great effort to enter into that eternal rest. How sad it was for Moses that he barely missed the promised land. But, it was still only an earthly land. To barely miss the eternal land would be the great tragedy of life. In regard to the betrayal of Judas, Jesus said, "it had been good for that man if he had not been born." Matthew 26:24. If we miss heaven, regardless of how much, indeed, it would have been better had we never been born.

We, as the church, have been blessed with the great opportunity of serving Jesus Christ. Our discipleship will bring unto us the beauty and glory of that heavenly land. "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:24.

"And I say also unto thee,..." Matthew 16:18. You can hear the authority with which Jesus speaks. Moses had predicted, "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." Deuteronomy 18:18-19. Peter noted the fulfillment of this prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ. Acts 3:22-23. Notice these four truths: 1. God would raise up a Prophet like Moses. 2. God would put His own words into the mouth of this Prophet. 3. The Prophet would speak only in the name, or by the authority, of God. 4. Judgment would be pronounced upon those who would not hearken.

Christ received His authority to speak from the Father who had sent Him. "Hear ye him." Matthew 17:5. John, the fiery voice of the Judean wilderness, spoke his own testimony concerning the authority of Jesus. "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand." John 3:34-35. Even the woman at Jacob's well was aware that when the Messiah came, "he will tell us all things." John 4:25. Jesus' own declaration concerning His authority was, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." John 8:28. After hearing the sermon in the mountain, the multitude reacted with astonishment at His doctrine. "For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Matthew 7:28-29.

Having heard Him speak at the age of twelve, "all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." Luke 2:47. The officers sent to take Him gave the true assessment of His words, "Never man spake like this man." John 7:46

"Our soul waiteth for the Lord; he is our help and shield." Psalm 33:20. We live in a rushed society. Many things that we do can be done in a very brief period of time. Microwave popcorn, TV dinners, and instant coffee have made their mark in our lives. We have not been trained to wait, but yet, we must learn to wait on the Lord. Time is of no consequence to God. "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." II Peter 3:8. Noah waited for the coming flood; Abraham waited for the birth of a son; Joshua waited for the promised land; and a condemned race waited for a redeemer. In waiting, we receive the help which we need. Since "the way of man is not in himself;..." (Jeremiah 10:23), man needs help. The spirit of man longs for a spiritual help in a wilderness of sin. Battles must be fought; mountains must be climbed; obstacles must be overcome. Temptations and trials assault us; difficulty and defeat confront us; sadness and despair engage us. We need help. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalms 121:1-2.

The power of the Creator can sustain the helpless soul who will believe. No enemy can stand against the power of God, our helper. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Romans 8:37. The enemies of God have fallen in days long gone because of His great power. Elijah was able to stand against Jezebel; Gideon was able to stand against the Midianites; Moses stood against Pharaoh. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews recounts the courageous lives of "those of whom the world was not worthy." (38). They "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,"...Hebrews 11:33-38. They fought. They suffered. They endured. They overcame. The heart of faith gave its allegiance to the power of the Almighty. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6. As with the ancients who held to a steadfast belief, so shall we.

"Our soul waiteth for the Lord; he is our help and shield." Psalm 33:20. We live in a rushed society. Many things that we do can be done in a very brief period of time. Microwave popcorn, tv dinners, and instant coffee have made their mark in our lives. We have not been trained to wait, but yet, we must learn to wait on the Lord. Time is of no consequence to God. "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." II Peter 3:8. Noah waited for the coming flood; Abraham waited for the birth of a son; Joshua waited for the promised land; and a condemned race waited for a redeemer. In waiting, we receive the help which we need. Since "the way of man is not in himself;..." (Jeremiah 10:23), man needs help. The spirit of man longs for a spiritual help in a wilderness of sin. Battles must be fought; mountains must be climbed; obstacles must be overcome. Temptations and trials assault us; diffficulty and defeat confront us; saddness and dispair engage us. We need help. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalms 121:1-2.

The power of the Creator can sustain the helpless soul who will believe. No enemy can stand against the power of God, our helper. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Romans 8:37. The enemies of God have fallen in days long gone because of His great power. Elijah was able to stand against Jezebel; Gideon was able to stand against the Midianites; Moses stood against Pharaoh. The eleveneth chapter of Hebrews recounts the courageous lives of "those of whom the world was not worthy." (38). They "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,"...Hebrews 11:33-38. They fought. They suffered. They endured. They overcame. The heart of faith gave its allegiance to the power of the Almighty. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6. As with the ancients who held to a stedfast belief, so shall we.