Lose weight. Exercise more. Quit some bad habit. Read the Bible from start to finish. The new year is upon us, a time when we make plans about how we’re going to spend the next twelve months. But one of the best resolutions you can make for 2013 is the decision to bring someone to the Lord. That is not only a commitment that will change another’s life; in the process, you will start your own revolution.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at Him. I have found that there is no better way to get to know the Savior than to tell other people about Him. Since you want them to come and follow Him as you have, you will seek to present His case in the most persuasive and convicting manner.

When you describe His miracles and wonders, you will have a better appreciation of His deity. When you tell of His temptations, sufferings, and tears, you will have a greater grasp of His sympathy with the human race. When you explain His sweat that fell as drops of blood and the nails that were driven through His hands and feet, you will have a more graphic picture of the destructive nature of sin. And when you tell of His glorious resurrection from the dead, you will grow the anticipation of your own promised victory over the grave.

Help someone see Him through the eye of faith and watch how your vision for the unseen becomes even clearer.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at the Scriptures. No matter how many times you have read Rom. 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”, those words will take on a new meaning when you see them in action.

It is that gospel that has the power to penetrate stone hearts and to break stubborn wills. It is that gospel that causes hope to be realized with the news that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Pet. 2:24). It is that gospel that brings people under the condemnation of their sin and provokes the response of “what must I do to be saved?” It is that gospel that produces inexpressible joy over the forgiveness of sins like the eunuch, after he was baptized, “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).

Show someone the passages that led you to the obedience of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It will only draw you closer to Him who authored that same message.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at yourself. If you want to point someone to Christ, then let them see Him living in you. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). Your life is no longer about you. It’s about Him.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Who was more qualified to make that statement than He who practiced what He preached? Jesus never took the approach of “Do as I say, not as I do.” And He needs disciples who will follow in those steps of sincerity. You can’t recommend a way of life that you are not willing to live yourself. People have to see Jesus when they see you. Not only will that allow you to be a good example to those you come in contact with, it will ultimately bring glory to God.

Live the life of a Christian. Evangelism is as much about showing as it is telling.

The story of Jesus is too good not to tell. It’s too good not to live. You say you want a resolution? Ring in the new year by bringing someone to the Lord.

 Over the course of my lifetime wartime conflicts have taken place, mostly in the Middle East and Africa. Even now there is again another war going on in the Middle East region.  It is very hard to ignore exactly what is happening and what drives these wars, particularly in the Middle East.  Both sides of the current conflict look to spiritual issues as their driving force, just as we Christians should do in regards to our everyday life.  Mark 9:50 tells us to “be at peace with one another.”  Is that our attitude as we live here in our peaceful little corner of the world?
    Being at peace with a world that is so full of evil is no easy task; the wiles of the devil are constantly bombarding us to see how we will react.  It is during these times that we need to stay strong and follow what should be guiding our lives all the while, the Bible.  Our lives and our patience are continually being tested by the world.  How many times does something happen to you every day that simply boggles your mind?  Do we have conflicts while driving or speaking with people who are extremely disrespectful for completely unknown reasons?  This is just another way the devil looks to have us make foolish choices which will in turn lead us to sin.
    Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9).  While we all know this, putting it into action is another story.  And make no mistake, I am not comparing our everyday lives to the issues and war going on in the Middle East.  I am showing how we as Christians are supposed to act in our current situations; while we do not have to worry about going into battle, we do have to worry about the battle for our souls that rages every day.  This may involve something as simple as a bad call at a sporting event.  Are we remaining in control and showing the world how we are supposed to “live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18)?  Our influence not only is important for ourselves, but it can show those around us how Christians need to act.  When you stop to think about it, the responsibility is massive; the world is constantly looking at us to see if we will mess up; and make no mistake, we will mess up.  However, the reality is that we have to continually be moving, “pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call” (Phil. 3:14).   This is no easy task, for sure; however, with God all things are possible.
    The world always looks to what is pleasing to the flesh, and in most cases, what is easiest to do.  Do we lose control?  Do we avoid working out differences or troubles that arise?  Paul contrasts life in the flesh with life in the spirit, and the life of the flesh always leads to conflict.  One small piece of land is a driving force in the issues facing the Middle East.  Yet God teachers us to be content with what we have, which in turn will help us achieve that peace we look for.  Living for the spirit leads to that peace that we so greatly long for and are commanded to seek.   Every day we see the world actually eroding before our eyes. The peace our streets and cities once had have since been replaced with violence and evil of all sorts.  When nations stop looking towards God as their compass in life, sin is allowed to take hold and break down the fiber that was once there.  Galatians 5:19 clearly shows the negative consequences of the works of the flesh.  When these evils are prevalent and accepted, the peace that we long for is made so much harder to obtain and maintain.  Isaiah 48:22 tells us that the wicked have no peace, and we are sadly seeing that play out everyday.  Remember we must “be in the world but not of the world” (John 17:16).  While we live our everyday lives, trials and tribulations will surely come. However, we must remain at peace with all men, no matter our differences.  
    While we are not in a physical war like the one playing out in the Middle East, we are in a war for our souls against the wiles of the devil.  Every day he looks for ways to disrupt our focus on our Christian duty, which is doing what is right and acceptable towards God.  There is a reason that we are instructed to seek the kingdom of God and to dwell on him continually. If we let our guard down, the devil will slowly erode our thinking until good looks like evil and evil looks like good.  Stay on guard, brethren, and constantly be looking for that “peace which surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7). God be with us, and may we always seek peace with all.   

    I was asked recently, “What is religion to you?” and had to think about it for some time before giving an answer. After some deliberation I finally came up with the answer.
    Religion to most everyone is confusing. Have you ever thought about how many different religions there are? Some people worship God, others follow the doctrines of men, some relate to the weather for direction, others give their allegiance to animals, and yes, some people worship themselves. Some believe in one god and others are convinced that there are many gods. Even the way in which people worship varies greatly. In the name of religion, people have sacrificed their very children by putting them in fire (2 Kings 17:31). Worship for some meant engaging in fornication with temple prostitutes (Numbers 25:1-3), while others renounce all relations for their entire lives. Religion is confusing!
    The apostle Paul dealt with religious people as his travels took him through Athens, Greece, a city “given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). Using their religious practices as an opportunity to preach the gospel, Paul says, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an alter with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22, 23). Paul preached to them about the one, true God and then His only begotten Son, Jesus.
    As religion goes, even Jesus has been the object of great confusion. Who was He? Even while He walked the earth, people offered differing opinions of His nature. Jesus asked His disciples who people were saying that He was. “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matt. 16:14). Was Jesus just a good man or perhaps a prophet? Instead of asking “What is religion to you?” a more direct question might be “What is Jesus to you?”
    Jesus made claims that other religions would not dare to make. He claimed to be the only way to God. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father, except through Me” (John 14:6). Either He is or He isn’t.
    Jesus also claimed to be the solution to man’s problem with death. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Man has searched for the Fountain of Youth in many ways. All men who have no hope fear death. Jesus claims that through Him, man can live after death. Do you believe that?
    Perhaps the most disturbing claim to people is that Jesus said He was deity, or God in the flesh. When asked by the elders, chief priests and scribes if He was the Son of God, Jesus answered, “You rightly say that I am” (Luke 22:70). This infuriated some of the people to the point of putting Him to death. The claims made by Jesus demand an answer. Savior or sinner? Christ or crazy?
    What is Jesus to you? Peter answered that question with, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Other people today give that same answer, yet they do not live their lives in accordance with what Jesus has said. “But why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Jesus demands total allegiance. He is the authority for everything we do. Some people will follow Him as long as it doesn’t make them change their current lifestyle or do something uncomfortable. After a hard teaching, many of Jesus’ disciples turned away and followed Him no more (John 6:60-66). Jesus asked the apostles if they too, wanted to leave. “But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:68). Peter recognized that even though Jesus may teach and demand some difficult things, there was nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to.
    The religious world is a confusing place. We can find whatever we want to satisfy our spiritual curiosity. Whether it be going to worship once a year or worshiping yourself every day. However, our answer to who Jesus is will not only have eternal consequences, it will show in how we live our daily lives.
    Jesus is my Savior. He paid the price for my sin on the cross; a punishment I deserved. Jesus is my Lord. He has authority and say so for everything I do in my life. Jesus is the truth that I believe. No other religion makes sense to me. God has given me everything I need to believe that Jesus is His Son through His word. Jesus is my way. He alone has the words of eternal life.
    What is Jesus to you? Maybe we should be asking our friends and neighbors that question!

Are you saved? How do you know you are saved? “I know I am saved because I feel it in my heart,” many often say. But are the feelings of your heart the proper standard to determine your salvation? We do not use this standard in other matters. No one says of his bank statement, “I know it is right because I feel it in my heart,” while they ignore to properly add and subtract from their balance. No carpenter says, “I know the board is 10 feet long because I feel it in my heart”—he checks the board with the proper standard, the measuring tape! But, when it comes to a matter far more important than bank balances and board lengths—salvation—many are willing to trust their eternal welfare to their feelings.

Can you trust the feelings of your heart to tell you whether or not you are saved? The Bible says “No!” “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool” (Prov. 28:26), for “the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12). Feelings are subjective, they change from person to person and even within the same person. Truth is objective, it remains fixed and does not change, regardless of the person or the year.

The way you feel about salvation does not change God’s truth concerning it, just as the way you feel about math, does not change the truth of it. Whether or not you are saved is an objective fact, not subject to the whims of how you feel from moment to moment. So how can they know they are saved? The Scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

You do not have to rely upon your own faulty and deceptive feelings concerning your salvation. The Lord has given “the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Tim. 3:15). The knowledge and confidence of salvation can only come from the objective standard of God’s Word. God will judge you by His Word, not by how you feel. Jesus proclaimed, “the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). What is your salvation based upon? Many people feel in their heart they are saved because they have “simply believed” in Jesus. While salvation certainly requires faith in Jesus, faith alone does not and cannot save according to God’s Word. James wrote, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Other people have prayed and “asked Jesus to come into their heart” and now they feel they are saved. But nowhere does the Bible teach one must simply pray to Jesus in order to be saved. God’s Word teaches to be saved you must: hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17); believe Jesus is the Son of God (Mk. 16:16); repent of your sins (Acts 2:38); confess Jesus (Rom. 10:9; Acts 8:36-38) and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16). Those who obey God’s Word do not have to guess whether or not they are saved based upon the feelings of their heart. They know they are saved because their salvation is based on the unchanging Truth of God’s Word.

Everyday, countless situations occur which directly affect the individual’s life. Situations often come and go without any apparent long-term consideration or effect. A trip to the local grocery store will involve all kinds of situations, but most are met and dismissed without much effort. Although the overall effect of such things does not immediately become apparent, the effect is still there and it grows.
The pace for most people appears to be so fast that there is little time to spend on any one thing. The only things that seem to slow people down are bad health, some crisis, or advancing age. In such an environment, things are forgotten, overlooked or ignored. Yet, it IS critical to remember what is truly important.
Unfortunately, the important things of life are all too often forgotten as Christians face daily demands and situations. Bills, schedules, meetings, appointments, unexpected events begin to build up and all clamor for attention and decisions RIGHT NOW. When this happens, the peace and confidence that comes from God can be disrupted. In it’s place is the growing burden, “How can I do all this?!”
On the other extreme, there are good Christian men and women who suffer from what they see as a stifling or unfulfilled life. Some, who were once active, can no longer do the things they once did. Variety and challenge gradually give way to a sameness that threatens to ruin the remaining years of life.
Christians see national and social powers rise up in opposition to Christian principles, and it seems like they will sweep everything away in front of them. Various worldwide problems such as immorality, crime and pollution seem to have no solution. All of these things tend to tear away at the faith and peace of a Christian.
In contrast the psalmist begins the 93rd Psalm with the stirring proclamation, “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.” The great fact that all Christians must remember, is that the Lord IS KING, and is robed in majesty (This was emphasized TWICE in the same sentence). No matter what Christians face in this life, the Lord reigns, His plan WILL BE fulfilled and all the righteous in Jesus Christ WILL HAVE the promise of Eternal Life. There is no power in this universe that can defeat the will of God. When THIS is remembered, everything else very quickly falls into its proper place.
From verses 3 and 4, it seems that the stimulus for the theme of Psalm 93 must have been the sea. The rolling waves are almost hypnotic as they attack the land. Nothing seems to capture the picture of great power more than crashing waves during a storm, and nothing built by man has stood up to the strength of the sea. Everyday problems and concerns suddenly become very small for those who find themselves in the path of a hurricane or a great winter storm.
Yet, the power, strength and majesty of the Lord is greater than anything the sea can do: “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty.” If people stand in awe or fear of the power of the sea, how much more should there be fear of the Living God of all creation?
Paul wrote in Romans 8:31-35, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? “
Yes, instead of fear, God has offered love, protection and security through Jesus Christ. Through the sacrifice of the Lord, the power of God the Father is working within each Christian. That power is infinite – it will never fail; and in light of this, the press and demands of daily life should become secondary very quickly.
Isn’t it good to know that the Lord reigns, and that he is robed in majesty? Isn’t it reassuring to KNOW His power is absolute, and it is there to help each Christian? Thank you Father.

Recently a small struggling church in Texas divided because of a misunder- standing between brethren. More recently, a good church in East Texas suffered a similar fate. A young and growing church in California had nearly a third of its members to leave last year because of internal strife. Many other churches are threatened with the possibility of division. Some are, for all practical purposes, already divided but still meeting together — often times in an atmosphere scarcely conducive to worshipping the Lord. Regardless of what has caused the conflict, its consequences are always hurtful.

For instance, weak Christians are often disillusioned and discouraged to the point of giving up when they witness such controversy and the conduct usually associated with it. They are encouraged to take sides without really understanding why. Such conflicts are often characterized by hard feelings and bitterness between brethren. All still claim to love each other, but their claim is often contradicted by their words, attitudes and conduct. James says plainly, “Speak not one against another, brethren” (4:11). It’s amazing how many reasons bitter brethren can find to justify doing what James says not to do! Even when we feel that we’re in the right (and we always do!), could we justify our violating a dozen truths in order to uphold one? Spiritual truth always suffers when defended by carnal means. Conflicts have a way of impairing our vision. In B.C. days (before conflict) we saw no evil in these brethren; now we see no good. Back then, we never impugned their motives; now we find ourselves suspicious of their every activity. We see our good friends and brethren of past years transformed into some kind of enemy. It appears that Satan has blinded the minds of some believers too (2 Cor. 4:4; 11:3).

Brethren, may God help each of us to swallow our pride and to sincerely “follow after the things which make for peace” (Rom. 14:19). God’s people are to be peacemakers, not peace breakers (Matt. 5:9). That means we must aggressively seek to make things right, regardless of who made things wrong. We must have such humility as to recognize the remote possibility that we (I) may have contributed something to the misunderstanding; perhaps I may have spoken harshly or manifested a poor attitude. There is the possibility that I have not been longsuffering, kind, and considerate as a Christian should be (1 Cor. 13). Is there a chance that I have not treated my brethren as I would like to be treated? (Matt. 7:12) Have I prayed for them? And, do I really want things to be made right between us? Am I willing to cease seeking some justification for being divided and work for unity? Am I willing to even take the wrong if need be? (1 Cor. 6:7) Can I forgive? Will I?

Finally, we must ask ourselves if we have such lowliness of mind so as to count others better than self; whether we are looking to our own things or to the things of others, and whether we are truly Christ-minded? (Phil. 2:2-5) God offers the remedy for these problems. Will YOU be a doer of His word?

The word “mercy” is found hundreds of times in the Bible, being translated from various Hebrew and Greek words. The primary meaning behind the word is having pity on those who are afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.

Webster’s Dictionary defines mercy as “a refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in one’s power, etc.; kindness in excess of what may be expected or demanded by fairness… a disposition to forgive, pity, or be kind.”

Everything we learn about mercy has originally come from God. He is the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3).

God’s mercy is abundant, providing more than we will ever need. “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (Ps. 86:15).

God’s mercy is reliable, faithful, and trustworthy. “But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation” (Ps. 13:5).

God’s mercy endures forever. “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Ps. 103:17). Read Psalm 136 and notice the refrain “For His mercy endures forever” is repeated 26 times!

Forgiveness is available from God because He is merciful towards us. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy… For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him” (Ps. 103:8, 11-13).

Because of the richness of His abundant mercy, God took pity on our spiritual condition and sent His Son to die for us (Eph. 2:4-10).

God’s mercy is worthy to be praised, but it is conditional. His mercy must be received on His terms.

1. Call on the Lord. “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” (Ps. 86:5). God will not grant His divine mercy to those who refuse to acknowledge Him.

2. Confess and Forsake Our Sin. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Is. 55:7). God has never obligated Himself to forgive us of our sins if we refuse to acknowledge and turn away from them. Repentance is essential.

3. Have a Penitent and Contrite Heart. “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:13-14). God sees our hearts, and extends His mercy only to those whose hearts are humble and acknowledge their unworthiness before His holiness.

4. Fear the Lord and Keep His Commandments. “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them” (Ps. 103:17-18). This is the summation of our duty before God (Eccl. 12:13) and is required if we are to remain in fellowship with God and continue to receive His mercy.

5. Show Mercy to Others. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Ingratitude is an ugly trait. Those who receive God’s mercy are, at the very least, obligated to show it to others. Our willingness to show mercy will result in God showing mercy to us on the Day of Judgment (James 2:13).

6. Love Mercy. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). We are not to dismiss or downplay the importance of mercy, nor are we to merely acknowledge mercy as a good trait. We must appreciate and value mercy as a cherished part of God’s character. God delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18). We must learn to do the same.

Mercy is an important subject. We will all need mercy from God. He is ready to show us mercy, but only if we have learned to be merciful ourselves.

The actions of the Good Samaritan are summed up as “he who showed mercy on him,” to which our Lord replied, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Let’s learn to be merciful people.

My Dad was a great fellow.  He was rather introverted, even bordered on being timid.  But there was a kind of inner stability about him that made you know that his timidity was not a sign of anything–except the wisdom it takes to be quiet and listen.  He had a philosophical bent about him and when he did say something, you could usually put it in your pocket and use it later because it was something that made good sense.
   We moved to the Plains of West Texas when I was 5 years old.  My dad kept books at the cotton Gin for Hume Russell.  Later, when we had saved up a little money, he bought a dry cleaning shop in Morton.  In addition to cleaning clothes, Dad ordered tailor-made suits for the National Tailoring Company in Chicago.  We still have a nice quilt Mom made out of the wool suit samples he would show to prospective buyers.  He was an expert at measuring a person for clothes and “that’s the key to having satisfied customers,” he would say.  We didn’t always have much– didn’t even have a car until I was 12 or 13–but we had nice clothes, so everybody thought we were better off than we were. 
   One thing my Dad said about clothes has stayed with me all these years.  “Things wear out where they don’t fit,” he said.  In other words, if you buy things that fit you, you can wear them much longer.  Things wear out where they don’t fit.
   That’s true of humans, too, you know.  Folks soon wear out where they don’t fit. 
   If you’re in a crowd where you don’t fit, chances are you won’t stay long–mainly because you don’t think you look good there.  When you feel welcome–that is, when you fit–you’ll more likely stay longer and be more of a part of the overall picture.
Where do you fit here?  Let’s look at some things that are necessary for a good fit.
A good fit begins with a good measurement. You have to measure yourself.  Introspection may be the hardest kind of inspection.  First of all, it requires complete honesty.  You have to take a long look at your assets and liabilities and see how you can best use what you have and try and do better at what you lack.  That’s not easy, but just remember, not everybody fits into every slot, and you’re apt to wear out if you force yourself into some area where you don’t fit.  Paul said, (Gal. 6:4), “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another.”  Self-examination always begins with a good heart (Psalm 15:1-2).
   You have to want to.  You won’t fit if you don’t want to. Many times people who complain about not being a part, don’t fit in because deep down, they don’t really want to. If you want to, you can fit.  How sad to see some folks who complain bitterly–and talk loudly–because they don’t have a place when they never tried to fit in.  The one talent man (Matt. 25:25) didn’t fit into his master’s plan not because he couldn’t, but because he decided not to.
  You have to stay in your own place.  Not everybody fits everywhere and not everybody can do everything.  Sometimes you have to just be satisfied with where you fit and try to fit nicely into your own spot.  Actually, if you try and force yourself into a place where you don’t fit, you mess up the whole picture and someone who actually fits where you’re trying to is left to fit where he doesn’t fit either.  And that makes for trouble.  The various parts of the body function together to make the whole body strong, but the liver doesn’t try to be what’s it not and the feet don’t try and take the place of the ears (see I Cor. 12:14-f).
  Everybody fits.  There are no unimportant parts in this picture.  Every single part–no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may seem–has a place.  When a part is missing, it messes up the entire picture and, rather than blending in to the whole, the void causes people to see only the missing part, thus distracting terribly from the big picture.  And how wonderful just to know that you have a place, and one that no one else is fitted for.  When Paul says we are “knitted together,” he says the knitting is supplied by every joint contributing its part by “the effective working by which every part does its share” (Eph. 4:17).  Only when every part does its part can the whole body be effective.
So, let’s get together.  Let’s gather together all the parts of this church and fit them into the over-all scheme of things and get to the business of being lights in the world–a picture that will reflect to the world around us that we’re serious about the business of going to heaven and that we’re interested in taking as many people with us we can.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim 1:7).

Power is an interesting word that can carry with it several ideas. We may think of power connected to electricity, and when we lose it we realize how dependent we have become on it. We like having power. Sometimes the statement, “We have no power,” becomes a bit of a code for “look at our plight,” when we are really saying, “This is pretty inconvenient.” In some cases, that power can mean life or death, which makes many of our complaints seem petty. Power has saved lives. Then there are the vast numbers of people in the world without such power at all, and they manage normal days without it and may not feel as though they miss it. And let’s not forget that the vast majority of people who lived before our modern era never knew such power at all. May God help us put this perspective!

Power is much more than electrical, of course. The term can also indicate one’s abilities to accomplish something. I have power to turn my power at my residence on or off provided we have power. I have power to write something (for good or ill). I have power to stand, walk, and eat. We all have different levels of ability and opportunities that allows us to act with some sense of power. To be empowered is to enabled, and we often see this is a vital part of who we are. We do not like feeling powerless.

Power also means strength, and this can be good or bad. We think of political power or the power that one individual might have over another. We think of positions of power and authority. Such power can be wielded for the good of others, but often power is corrupted and becomes abusive and oppressive. God has words for people who abuse the powerless (cf. Isa 1:17).

But here’s where I really want to go: we all have access to the very same power, and this is the power found in Jesus Christ. The power of God is seen in the cross for those who are being saved, and this is no little power (1 Cor 1:18). Our faith needs to rest not in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Cor 2:5). Through Christ, then, we will be able to accomplish all that He intends by His strength (Phil 4:11-13). It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we have hope (Rom 15:13). We can go on a long time in these thoughts, but the reason we have power is that God has the ultimate power to empower us. Think of God’s power for a moment:

“When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses” (Exod 14:31). “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power…” (Exod 15:6). “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We will sing and praise Your power” (Psa 21:13).

From the New Testament perspective, God’s power is demonstrated through Christ, and because He has such power, He empowers His people. Meditate on these great thoughts in Ephesians 1:19-21:

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”

The biblical theme of power is impressive and something we would do well to think about because it is rooted in God. God has all power and from Him comes power given by His grace that we may live an abundant life through Christ. This is available to all, whether they have physical power, electrical power, or any other kind of power. God’s power, strength, and authority is offered to all, and this empowers us to do what we need to as we stay true to Him: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). But we must relinquish our own sense of personal power (deny self) if we will see God’s power for what it is and what it can accomplish in our lives. God surely emboldens us with a spirit of power.
Doy Moyer

If one word can describe this psalm, that word is PROTECTION. People often ask, “Why should I become a Christian? How will it help me NOW?” One answer is that God provides protection for those who are joined to Him. Life is infinite variety. Some of what each person experiences is good and beautiful. However, there are also times of trials and hardship. When life’s problems or trials loom bigger and bigger, a person often feels alone and inadequate in dealing with such things.
Every person has experienced such feelings, but Psalm 91 is a beautiful assurance that God is able to care for His children daily. The psalmist wrote in verses 1-2, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” For the Christian, there should be a great sense of security and steadiness, because the power of God is working within each Christian. No matter what happens in this life, the REAL life and destiny of God’s children is safe.
Satan tries to trap a person through lies and deceit. The Psalmist described the Devil as one who traps birds in verse 2, “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare…” A bird can only be trapped when it is lured from the sky to the ground by some bait that “looks” inviting. In the same way, the Devil displays his bait and beckons to the naive, “Come down here. Leave your spiritual life with God for just a moment and sample my delights.” Tragically, if a person gives in to the Devil’s lies and the temptation of sin, the trap will suddenly spring shut and the person is caught.
That is the promise that God the Father offers to His children. When the cry for help is made, the Lord will provide a way of escape. Paul wrote that no Christian is tempted beyond what he can bear. James reminded Christians that trials lead to patience and maturity.
When a Christian truly submits to God’s direction, God will guide that Christian to the right decision. The Lord does not force a person to do the right thing. The power to choose still rests with each person; but if a Christian will remain receptive to the Lord’s words, the trap will remain empty. In verse 4, the Psalmist uses the idea of a bird to further describe the protection of God, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Chicks find refuge and safety under the mother hen. Regardless of the temperature or conditions, those protective wings provide dry warmth. When a child is frightened or hurt, that little one will want to crawl up into his, or her, mother’s lap. As those loving arms wrap around the child, you can see the look of comfort and security.
The message is plain – when the storms of life strike, each Christian has a place to go for help! No Christian is left alone or isolated in the face of problems, anytime, a Christian feels alone, forgotten or unprotected, those feelings are lies! They are simply Satan’s attempts to panic people so that they will flee from God. However, God’s power, and the Christian’s faith in the Lord provides a place of safety. Many Christians have said, “Times are tough, but I know that in the Lord I have an inheritance and a home. I know that God will help me now.”
The Psalmist described the same thing in this way, “You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.” One quality all Christians should always have is CONFIDENCE in God’s protection. A frightened, fearful Christian is a contradiction in terms!
In the last three verses, God Himself speaks, “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.”
God gave two conditions. A person must love and acknowledge the Lord. Love obviously means an active love that includes obedience. What did Jesus say was the first and great commandment? “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind!” Love and acknowledgement are demonstrated when a person becomes a Christian. Once a person is joined to the saving power of Jesus Christ, there is warmth, there is love, there is compassion – there is protection. As a Christian begins to grow and live the Christian life, the spiritual quality of that life will become deeper and richer. Then the final reward of that life will be realized in an eternal home that is so beautiful that it is beyond our ability to comprehend. That’s the promise! Thank you, Lord for the security we have in you.
Psalms 91—Jim Shelburn