Anyone Whose Name Was Not Found Recorded In The Book Of Life Was Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire

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Anyone Whose Name
Was Not Found Recorded In The Book Of Life
Was Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire

Is your name recorded in the Book of Life? Are you 10% sure, 50% sure, 70%, or a 100% sure? Hell is a very real place. We don’t just cease to exist. We are going to either Heaven or Hell when we die.

Scripture

Revelation 20

¹⁴ Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Observation

Is your name recorded in the Book of Life? Are you 10% sure, 50% sure, 70%, or a 100% sure?

Hell is a very real place. We don’t just cease to exist when we die. We are going to either Heaven or Hell when we die.

A young man once told me that he was going to go to Hell when he died. I had just asked him the question, “If you were to die today where would you spend Eternity? His wife Sheila had visited our church when Kathy and I were serving at First Baptist Brandon and the following week I went to their house because I wanted to talk to her husband Greg.

I told Greg, “Do you realize what you are saying? You are saying that when you die you will be forever separated from your wife Sheila and from your son Greg Jr.” We talked a few more minutes. I gave him a Gospel tract and told him I would be back the next week to see if he had any questions about the tract that I had left with him. And he went back inside his house.

The next week I returned to talk to Greg again and this is what he said,

“Eddy, I want you to know that after you left I could not stop thinking about what you said. I couldn’t stop thinking about being separated forever from my family. I was scared. I couldn’t sleep for days. Finally I got up and I fell to my knees and I asked Jesus Christ to save me.” The last time I heard from Greg he was serving the Lord as a pastor of a local church. He and his wife Sheila were serving the Lord together.

Hell is a real place. It is a terrible place where you will be Eternally separated from your loved ones that know the Lord Jesus Christ.

 So I will ask you again, “Is your name recorded in the Book of Life? Are you 10% sure, 50% sure, 70%, or a 100% sure?”

Application

I will share the Good News with everyone that I can. The Good News that Hell is a real place but you don’t have to end up there.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, bring more people into my life like Greg that need to hear the Good News. Open their hearts to Your Gospel. Help them to understand that they are lost and that they need a Savior. Help them to trust Christ and receive Eternal Life. You are Lord. Nothing is too hard for You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 38,39; Psalms 145; Revelation 20

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Now That I Am Old And Gray Do Not Abandon Me, O God

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Now
That I Am Old And Gray
Do Not Abandon Me, O God

Okay, maybe it is because today is Monday, but this verse definitely seems to fit. I woke up feeling like I need to drink an entire bottle of Geritol! I just “googled” and found out that they still make Geritol! No, I don’t think that I need to take any more medicine, vitamins, or supplements! On some days and especially on some Mondays we just have to suck it up and get moving! We have to do things whether we feel like it or not.

Scripture

Psalm 71

18 Now that I am old and gray,
    do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
    your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Observation

Okay, maybe it is because today is Monday, but this verse definitely seems to fit.

I woke up feeling like I need to drink an entire bottle of Geritol! I just “googled” and found out that they still make Geritol!

No, I don’t think that I need to take any more medicine, vitamins, or supplements!

It is a Monday morning!

Mondays can be rough for anybody even if you are not old and gray like I am.

There are some days when we just need to tie a knot in the end of our rope and hang on.

On some days and especially on some Mondays we just have to suck it up and get moving! We have to do things whether we feel like it or not.

And some days I think that you and I need to do just like the Psalmist and cry out to our God and say, “Do not abandon me, O God.”

Application

So here is what I am going to do.
    Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

    Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 

 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 318

Prayer

¹⁷ O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
    and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
¹⁸ Now that I am old and gray,
    do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
    your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
¹⁹ Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens.
    You have done such wonderful things.
    Who can compare with you, O God?
²⁰ You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,
    but you will restore me to life again
    and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
²¹ You will restore me to even greater honor
    and comfort me once again.    Psalm 71:17-21

¹⁷ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
    and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
    and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
    and the cattle barns are empty,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
    He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
    able to tread upon the heights.  Habakkuk 3:17-19

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 36,37; Psalms 110; Revelation 19; Psalms 68-72; Habakkuk 3

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Careless Words Stab Like A Sword, But Wise Words Bring Healing.

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Careless Words
Stab Like A Sword,
But Wise Words Bring Healing.

Careless words go straight to the heart. They do immediate damage just like a sword. There is no taking them back. The damage is done. So much damage is done in our relationships with “careless” words! Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. Proverbs 15:4 This is very short so please keep reading …

Scripture

Proverbs 12

18 Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.

Observation

You want a great verse to put up on your refrigerator then this is it!

Careless words go straight to the heart. They do immediate damage just like a sword. There is no taking them back. The damage is done.

Wise words on the other hand bring healing. Wise words bring healing, but unlike careless words, they are a process and they take time to work.

So much damage is done in our relationships with “careless” words!

Would you memorize this verse this week? Would you at least write it down and put it on your refrigerator or write it on one of your mirrors or maybe even do both?

Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. Proverbs 15:4

 Application

I will try my best this week to use “wise” words with Kathy and I will apologize every time I use words that hurt her. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to control my tongue. Help me speak words to Kathy that heal and not hurt. I pray for couples today that have allowed careless words to hurt and maim their relationships. Give them this verse for their own. Help them to own it. Help them to put it into practice everyday.

I pray for Pastor Bruce today. Use him in a mighty way to speak to the hearts of Your people. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit. Give his family strength today. Empower his wife Heather to be and to do what ever You need for her to be and what ever You need for her to do. Thank You for allowing them to serve us today at Christ Fellowship.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 33,34,35; Revelation 18; Psalms 62-67: Proverbs 12

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My Heart Is Confident In You, O God; My Heart Is Confident.

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My Heart Is Confident In You,
O God;
My Heart Is Confident.

This past week we watched as a woman in Kentucky was thrown into jail because she wouldn’t approve same sex marriage licenses. She wouldn’t do it because to do so would violate what she believed God taught in His Word. No matter what you think about this lady and I know that she is not perfect.  I admire what she did.

Scripture

Psalm 57
⁷ My heart is confident in you, O God;
    my heart is confident.
    No wonder I can sing your praises!

Daniel 3

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. ¹⁸ But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Observation

This past week we watched as a woman in Kentucky was thrown into jail because she wouldn’t approve same sex marriage licenses. She wouldn’t do it because to do so would violate what she believed God taught in His Word. No matter what you think about this lady and I know that she is not perfect.  I admire what she did.

So many Christians in our country are now being placed in situations similar to what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced.

One day in the not too distant future I believe that pastors will also be thrown into jail as they preach God’s word about what the Bible says about marriage. It is only a matter of time.

You may criticize this woman in Kentucky for what she did. You might say as many are saying that she should have just quit her position as a way of opposing or disagreeing with this new law. And I am sure that this lady is not going to do everything right after taking her stand, (she is a sinner just like you and I are) but at least she took a stand.

I personally hope that if I were ever placed in a position similar to this Kentucky clerk I would have enough courage to do the same thing.

Application

My heart is confident in You, O God! My heart is confident. How about Yours? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the courage and the confidence of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, King David, and this lady in Kentucky. I pray for Christians across our land that are being placed in positions where they have to quit their jobs or they have to take a stand. Raise up godly people in our country that will move us back under Your protection and under Your hand of mercy. Raise up some Daniels. Raise up some Shadrachs, Meshachs, and Abednegos across our land.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 3,4; Psalms 81; Revelation 17; Psalms 57-61

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He (God) Controls The Course Of World Events; He Removes Kings And Sets Up Other Kings.

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He (God) Controls The Course Of World Events;
He Removes Kings
And Sets Up Other Kings. 

Just in case this Presidential race is making you nervous I thought I would remind you Who removes Kings (or Presidents) and Who sets up Kings (or Presidents). Personally I can’t imagine our country being under the leadership of a Donald Trump or a Hillary Clinton. Sorry folks I am sure that some of you think that they would do a good job and maybe you plan to vote for one of them, but I hope it doesn’t come down to one of them actually winning.

Scripture

Daniel 2

 “Praise the name of God forever and ever,
    for he has all wisdom and power.
²¹ He controls the course of world events;
    he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the scholars.
²² He reveals deep and mysterious things
    and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
    though he is surrounded by light.
²³ I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
    for you have given me wisdom and strength.

Observation

Just in case this Presidential race is making you nervous I thought I would remind you Who removes Kings (or Presidents) and Who sets up Kings (or Presidents). Personally I can’t imagine our country being under the leadership of a Donald Trump or a Hillary Clinton. Sorry folks I am sure that some of you think that they would do a good job and maybe you plan to vote for one of them, but I hope it doesn’t come down to one of them actually winning.

Lord, give us someone in the Oval office that looks to You for guidance and acknowledges You as Lord of his or her life!

But the point that I am trying to make (and I am not trying to tell you who to vote for) is that God ultimately sets up world leaders and God also takes them down. He does that because He controls world events. He has a plan for this world and He will work out His plan.

Knowing the simple fact that God is Sovereign and that He is the only One that is totally in control helps me keep my sanity in this crazy world that seems to be spinning faster and faster out of control.

The Lord has set his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over everything. Psalm 103:19

                       

Application

As our country seems to be moving farther and farther away from the One true God I will hold on to every one of His Promises. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those leading our country. I pray for our President. Give him wisdom. Guide him. Help him. I pray for a godly person to rise up and lead our country. I know that You God are in control. You plan world events. Nothing, not even this Presidential election is a surprise to You. Move in the hearts of people to elect a godly leader to lead our country. God if that is not in Your plan then help us Christ followers to live godly lives in the midst of whatever craziness les ahead.

I pray for my granddaughter Sierra on her birthday today. God bless her. May Your face shine on her. Protect her from the evil one. Help her to make good choices as she starts middle school. Give her good Christian friends. Bless her Mom and Dad as they try to raise her and her brother Louie. Give her parents godly wisdom.

Daily Bible Reading:  Daniel 1,2; Revelation 16

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When The Storms Of Life Come, The Wicked Are Whirled Away, But The Godly Have A Lasting Foundation.

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When The Storms Of Life Come,
The Wicked Are Whirled Away,
But The Godly Have A Lasting Foundation.

Kathy and I have prayed for many of you this past week that have been going through difficult times. For some of you it has been a critically ill loved one that you have watched pass from this life into the next. For some others it has been the challenge of marriage and relationships. Storms of life will come so let us prepare for them by being in God’s Word and let Jesus Christ be our firm foundation!

Scripture

Proverbs 10

²⁵ When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
    but the godly have a lasting foundation.

Observation

When the storms of life come, it is not if they come, but when they come! If you are not in a storm right now, or if you have not just passed through a storm, well guess what? You have a storm heading your way.

Kathy and I have prayed for many of you this past week that have been going through difficult times. For some of you it has been a critically ill loved one that you have watched pass from this life into the next. For some others it has been the challenge of marriage and relationships.

Storms of life will come so let us prepare for them by being in God’s Word and let Jesus Christ be our firm foundation!

Let Him be the firm anchor for our souls!

    "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Jesus said in Matthew 7:

²⁴ “All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. ²⁵ Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:6

Application

My anchor holds! How about yours?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are going through a very difficult time right now. You are the God of all comfort and all compassion and I pray that You comfort those going through a time of loss. Be with those who are having challenges in their marriages. Help them to stay in their marriage and help them fight for their marriage and not give up. Don’t let the enemy trick them into quitting. You are my Anchor. You are my Strength. I will trust in You when the storms of life come my way. 

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 3,4,5; Revelation 15; Psalms 47-51; Proverbs 10

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God Is Our Refuge And Strength, Always Ready To Help In Times Of Trouble

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God Is
Our Refuge And Strength,
Always Ready To Help In Times Of Trouble

When you and I are feeling low. When we are discouraged. When we are weak. When you and I are going through times of trouble. Our God is there for us. He is there for you and He is always there for me.    

Scripture

Psalm 46

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
² So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
³ Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Observation

 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25
 
 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. 2 Corinthians 13:4

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

When you and I are feeling low. When we are discouraged. When we are weak. When you and I are going through times of trouble. 

Our God is there for us. 

    "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

 God is there for you and He is always there for me.    

 Application

God is my refuge. He is my Strength! I will trust in Him today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are my refuge and strength, always ready to help me in times of trouble. So I will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 46:1-3 personalized

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5

Daily Bible Reading:  Lamentations 1,2; Obadiah; Revelation 14; Psalms 42-46

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His Number Is 666.

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His
Number
Is 666.

Just watch 5 minutes of news about what is happening in our world today and see if you don’t agree with me that we are moving closer and closer to meeting this 666 guy face to face. Seems like we are on a collision course with disaster doesn’t it?

Scripture

Revelation 13 

¹⁶ He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. ¹⁷ And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. ¹⁸ Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.

Observation

Just watch 5 minutes of news about what is happening in our world today and see if you don’t agree with me that we are moving closer and closer to meeting this 666 guy face to face.

Seems like we are on a collision course with disaster doesn’t it?

The Presidential race and its possible outcome is frightening enough but add to it the images of all of those thousands of people fleeing the war in Syria and knowing that many of them are Christians. And knowing that so many Christians in recent months in Syria and other parts of our world have died for their faith paints a bleak picture of our world today.

Revelation is a fascinating book that comes at the very end of the Bible. I guess that is why every life group wants to pick it for a topic of study. The problem with the book of Revelation is that none of us can completely understand it. God intentionally wrote it that way!

What I do know about the book of Revelation is that all of the bad stuff mentioned in the book is going to happen. One day an evil world leader will rise to power!

Okay that is the very bad news!

The Good News is that Jesus Christ our King will return. He will destroy evil once and for all.

I know that because I have read the end of the Book. I know how it is all going to end. You can know the ending too! All you have to do is read the end of Revelation to see how it is all going to work out!

¹⁰ Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
¹¹ And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. ¹² I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. ¹⁴ Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:10-15

¹² “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13

Bottom line is that our God is Sovereign. He is in control. And we who follow the Lord Jesus Christ are on the winning team!

Application

I will filter world events through the lens of my Bible. My confidence will be in the Lord and not in men. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it would be nice if the best person running for the office of President actually was the person who won the election. I pray for those running for office. Give them courage and boldness. Give them convictions that come from a personal relationship with You. I pray for those immigrants fleeing the war in Syria. I pray that You take care of them. Open the hearts of the people in the surrounding countries to take care of them.

Fear, mistrust, and all kinds of conspiracy theories run rampant and the minds of people are being taken captives by lies and by the father of lies, Satan himself. Open their eyes to see the truth of Your Word. Help them the ability to depend on You.

Give us all peace in the middle of the storm.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 42,43,44; Psalms 48; Revelation 13

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A Beautiful Woman Who Lacks Discretion Is Like A Gold Ring In A Pig’s Snout

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A Beautiful Woman
Who Lacks Discretion
Is Like A Gold Ring In A Pig’s Snout

I had to smile when I read this Proverb! I am so glad that I have a woman that is both beautiful inside and out. Men, how about you? Here is a chance to brag on your wife! Please Keep Reading…

Scripture

Proverbs 11

²² A beautiful woman who lacks discretion
    is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find! Proverbs 31:10

Observation

I had to smile when I read this Proverb!

“Pretty is as pretty does” “Beauty is as beauty does” These expressions are probably some that you have heard before! They came to my mind this morning as I read Proverbs 11:22.

A beautiful woman who acts foolishly is like a gold ring on the snout of a pig. CEV

An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?” Proverbs 30:20

A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find! Proverbs 31:10

I am so glad that I have a woman that is both beautiful inside and out. 

Men, tell your wife how beautiful she is. Tell her several times today how much you love her.  

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. Ephesians 5:25

Women, don’t act like the woman described in Proverbs 11:22; 19:13; 21:9; 21:19; 25:24; 27:15; or Proverbs 30:20. 

Strive to be the good wife that is described in Proverbs 31!

Application

I will let Kathy know that she is beautiful both inside and out. I will tell her how beautiful she is. I will tell her over and over again that I love her today. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is great to know that You can transform us into something beautiful. It is not how we look on the outside that really matters, but how we are on the inside now that makes a world of difference. Help me to reflect my relationship with You to those I meet.

I pray for any woman who may read this blog today. Help her to walk close to You so that she can influence the man in her life. Help her walk in a close relationship with You so she can be a godly influence to her children. Help her to be both beautiful inside and out. Help a man that may read this blog to take extra time with his wife today. Help him to verbally express his love to his wife today.


Daily Bible Reading:  2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40,41; Revelation 12; Proverbs 7-11

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Taste And See That The Lord Is Good

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Taste
And See
That The Lord Is Good

Maybe you think that because I am a pastor that I always loved going to church? Actually there was a time when I was a young man (now that was a long time ago) that I actually got angry because a guy kept inviting me to church and he would not leave me alone. At that time in my life I thought that I was a rough and tough construction worker and so I was doing the stuff that rough construction workers did and going to church was not top on the list.

Scripture

Psalm 34

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
        Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! 

Observation

Maybe you think that because I am a pastor that I always loved going to church?

Actually there was a time when I was a young man (now that was a long time ago) that I actually got angry because a guy kept inviting me to church and he would not leave me alone. At that time in my life I thought that I was a rough and tough construction worker and so I was doing the stuff that rough construction workers did and going to church was not top on the list.

It was because of the persistence of this man (Charles Hartwig) that I finally decided to go to a Bible study that he was leading. I told Kathy that the guy was never going to leave me alone unless I went. For the life of me I do not know what caused me to go back the next Sunday and the next and every Sunday after that.

It wasn’t that I planned all of a sudden to change my life and start living for God. My motives for going to church when I first starting going were not at all for the right reasons. It was God who was pursuing me even though I didn’t realize it back then.

When I went to church (even for all of the wrong reasons) I had the chance to taste and see that the Lord is good!

And now I totally agree with King David when he said, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
 
God changed my life. I am forever grateful! I have tasted the Lord and He is good.

Application

I will continue to invite people to church. How about you?

Prayer

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
    Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
⁹ Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
    for those who fear him will have all they need.
¹⁰ Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
    but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:8-10

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 29,30,31,32; Revelation 11; Ps 26-35: Proverbs 6

   

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Oh, Why Didn’t I Listen To My Teachers? If Only I Had Not Ignored All The Warnings!

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Oh, Why Didn’t I Listen
To My Teachers?
If Only I Had Not Ignored All The Warnings!

Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman? Straight talk this morning to us men from the book of Proverbs…

Scripture

Proverbs 5

³ For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
    and her mouth is smoother than oil.
⁸ Stay away from her!
    Don’t go near the door of her house!
¹² You will say, “How I hated discipline!
    If only I had not ignored all the warnings!

¹³ Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
    Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
¹⁵ Drink water from your own well—
    share your love only with your wife.
 
¹⁶ Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
    having sex with just anyone?
¹⁸ Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
    Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

¹⁹ She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
    Let her breasts satisfy you always.
    May you always be captivated by her love.

²⁰ Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
    or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

Observation

Enjoy your wife today. May you always be captivated by her love.

Application

I will enjoy my wife today! I will let her captivate me!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You brought Kathy into my life when we were just 17 years old. Next to my life in Christ she is the best gift that I have ever received from You! Help me to always be captivated by her love. Don’t ever let me mess up our relationship.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 25,26,27,28; Revelation 10; Psalms 21-25; Proverbs 5

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How Can I Know All The Sins Lurking In My Heart?

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How Can I Know
All The Sins
Lurking In My Heart? 

I have a friend that was in Seminary the same time that I was. Our families were very close. This friend of mine served on a church staff while we were in school preparing for the ministry and we both felt that God had called us. He did not take care of his marriage. He became involved with another woman and then other women and over the years has gone from living with one woman to yet another. I ask myself all the time, “How did that happen to him?” 

Scripture

Psalm 19

¹² How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

¹³ Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
    Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
    and innocent of great sin.
¹⁴ May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,

    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Observation

Lurking, it was the word that caught my attention as I read this Psalm! The sins lurking in my heart and the sins lurking in your heart that are hiding waiting to destroy us and will do just that if we don’t confess them and change the direction of our lives back to God.

David says in verse 13, “Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.”

Once we say, “yes” to sin and we continue to deliberately sin then that sin controls us. And if we don’t confess that sin and turn back to God then that sin allows sins to control and ultimately destroy us.

God’s Holy Spirit desires to be in control of our lives.

No matter how far we have let sin control the way we are living we can still repent and turn back to God.

I have a friend that was in Seminary the same time that I was. Our families were very close. This friend of mine served on a church staff while we were in school preparing for the ministry and we both felt that God had called us. 

He did not take care of his marriage.

He became involved with another woman and then other women and over the years has gone from living with one woman to yet another. He doesn’t even seem to care about seeing his kids or his grandkids anymore. Evidently he just doesn’t care about his family anymore.

I ask myself all the time, “How did that happen to him?”

Sin is lurking in our hearts. It is waiting to destroy us.

Left unchecked sin will destroy your marriage, your family, your ministry, and the life that God has planned for you. Oh, how I hurt for this friend of mine. I hurt even more for his wife, his children and grandchildren.

What sin is lurking in your heart? What sin is lurking in mine?

Lets not let sin control and destroy us!

Even today if my friend would turn from his sin and get himself right with God I believe that his wife would be willing to have him back. She has never remarried and I believe that she would take him back if he came back a broken, humbled, and a changed man.

Application

I will ask the Lord to show me any sin that is lurking in my heart. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I am no different than my friend. We are both sinners. I pray for him today and I know that it is never too late for him to change. Open his eyes. Open his heart. Give him the ability to see sin for what it is and help him to repent.

I pray for men today that might be close to stepping over the line. And I pray for men today that have stepped over the line. Don’t let sin destroy them. Don’t let them keep going in the direction that they are headed.

Keep me from deliberate sins. Don’t let them control me. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 22,23,24; Revelation 9; Psalms 17-20

> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

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Praise The LORD! I Will Thank The LORD With All My Heart As I meet With His Godly People.

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Praise The LORD!
I Will Thank The LORD With All My Heart
As I meet With His Godly People.

Scripture

Psalm 111

¹ Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
    as I meet with his godly people.

Observation

Last night was amazing!

We were blessed last night to be in a life group with 11 other couples. It is so exciting to be a small part of what God is doing at Christ Fellowship Church!

Praise The LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with His godly people.

There is nothing better than getting together and meeting with His godly people!

Dr. David Clark is speaking on “Relationships” at 6:30 – 7:00 pm and it has been a blessing to be able to listen to him share some very practical stuff about marriage and relationships using his good sense of humor.

Maybe you are dealing with a tough relationship situation and need some insight and encouragement. If that is the case then why don’t you join us next Wednesday at 6:30 pm to hear Dr. Clark cover the topic of “communication” in our relationships!

I hope that you are part of a life group. If you are not why not take the risk and try one out – you will be glad that you did. God created us, the body of Christ, to be together!

Application

I will keep inviting people to get involved in a small group/life group at our church. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for our church. Thank you for every person that You are bringing to Christ Fellowship. It is amazing. They come with so many needs. They come looking for help and looking for answers. I pray that they are able to find them as they open up Your Word with others in small groups. 

I pray for our small group/ life group leaders. Give them wisdom. Keep them close to You. Help them to lead well. I pray for those who want to come and join a life group that have yet to have the courage to come. Give them boldness. Help them to follow through on what You are putting on their hearts to do.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 20,21; Psalms 111; Revelation 8

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Your Unfailing Love Will Last Forever

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Your
Unfailing Love
Will Last Forever

God wants our marriage to be a reflection of the Gospel. He wants our marriage to be an example of His unfailing love. He wants us to keep our marriage promise!

Scripture

Psalm 89

¹ I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
    Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
² Your unfailing love will last forever.
    Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

33 But I will never stop loving him
    nor fail to keep my promise to him.

Observation

Promises! 

In marriage “I love you” really means: “I promise to be there for you all of my days.” It is a promise that says, “I will be there when you lose your job, your health, your parents, your looks, your confidence, your friends. 

It is a promise that tells your partner, I’ll build you up; I will overlook your weaknesses; I’ll forgive your mistakes; I’ll put your needs above my own; I’ll stick by you when the going gets tough.” 

This kind of assurance will hold you steady through all of life’s ups and downs, through all the “better or worse” conditions. 

I Eddy, in the presence of God, our family and friends, take you Kathy, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity. 

God wants our marriage to be a reflection of the Gospel. He wants our marriage to be an example of His unfailing love. 

He wants us to keep our marriage promise!

You and I will break promises, but lets not break the promise that we made to our spouse and to our God when we said, “I do” or when we said, “I will”. 

If you are now divorced and your ex has remarried or maybe you have remarried then I know that getting back with your husband or wife would not be possible, but if you are both available why not work and fight to win him or her back while you still can? 

With unfailing love, with God’s love anything is possible!

Application

I will continue to try to help couples strengthen their marriages. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I hurt with the couples that I know who are going through difficult marriage situations. The enemy has attacked their marriages and he seems to be winning. I pray for them right now. You know exactly whom I am thinking of as I write this blog. Help them to keep their marriage covenant with You and their spouse. Don’t let them give in to divorce. Don’t let them give in to adultery. Protect them as they work on getting their marriages back together. Don’t let them give up.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 17,18,19; Revelation 7: Psalms 6-10; Psalm 89

> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

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In Peace I Will Lie Down And Sleep, For You Alone, O LORD, Will Keep Me Safe

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In Peace
I Will Lie Down And Sleep,
For You Alone, O LORD, Will Keep Me Safe

God woke me up this morning at around 5! Immediately I was impressed to pray for people. One right after another God brought people to my mind. I knew that He wanted me to pray for them. As I prayed for some people who are very dear to Kathy and I God showed me that my attitude towards them needed to be adjusted. I needed to have a more compassionate heart for them.

Scripture

Psalm 4


⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Observation

As I read Psalm 4 this morning I remembered a 3 x 5 index card on the night stand over on Kathy’s side of the bed. Kathy has written Psalm 4:8 on that card and has plans to memorize it.

One of the verses that God often brings to my mind at night when I cannot sleep is Isaiah 26:3 which says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Yes, I memorized it in the King James Version of the Bible!

God woke me up this morning at around 5! Immediately I was impressed to pray for people. One right after another God brought people to my mind. I knew that He wanted me to pray for them. As I prayed for some people who are very dear to Kathy and I God showed me that my attitude towards them needed to be adjusted. I needed to have a more compassionate heart for them.

One young man who is very close to us recently thanked me for speaking truth to him from God’s word and he let me know that he was taking steps to get things right in his life.

But another young man who I have tried to encourage and who I have tried to speak truth into his life thinks all of us who have tried to help him are just judging him. And he evidently has no intention, at least not at this moment, of changing the direction of his life. Oh, how I hurt for him and his family.

Even though the Lord woke me up early (for me) this morning to talk to Him I do want you to know that when I went to bed last night I fell asleep secure in the promises of Isaiah 26:3 and Psalm 4:8 and many more.   

If you have trouble going to sleep at night why don’t you try memorizing some scripture verses that God can bring to your mind that will help you sleep.

If you wake up during the middle of the night and can’t sleep, maybe it is because the Lord wants to have a talk with you. Maybe God wants you to intercede for some people and ask Him to help them. 

Application

When I wake up and can’t sleep I will intercede for those that God brings to my mind and heart. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me have the right attitude towards those that You bring into my life. I pray that You will change the hearts of those who have decided to disregard Your word and who have rejected godly counsel. I know that I am broken and I am sinful and I realize that I am capable of doing exactly what they are doing. Give me the right words to say to people when I need to exhort them or correct them. And also help me to receive godly counsel when I get off Your path. Don’t let me be hard headed. Don’t let pride keep me from walking close to You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 15,16; Psalms 70; Revelation 6; Psalms 1-5

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