Psalm 27 is so full of treasures that one is hard-pressed to decide where to start, or once started, where to stop! The first two verses describe a man of great faith; “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” This first verse gives us a key into how David was able to withstand the great trials that he faced. For David, if a person was in the hands of the Lord, then why should he fear anything?

Our Lord Jesus Christ stressed the same principle in many of his teachings. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell”. He also said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Paul wrote to the church in Philippi and said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

From these and many more passages, the truth is stated that God’s people can find peace in God. The world may search in vain for real peace, but that peace is available now to Christians. The means of achieving that peace are both simple and difficult. It merely takes trust and prayer.

David, and all of the other great men and women of faith in the Old Testament scriptures, prayed constantly to God. Prayer was, and is, the primary means by which God’s people communicate with their Father and gain access to the Divine Power that is made available through Jesus Christ.

Oh, if all people would follow the words of David! If that would happen, a much larger percentage of the world’s population would find the peace that comes from God, and they would face the world unafraid. If all Christians would allow their faith to grow, this world would be changed! As a Christian finds peace in Christ, that Christian will become increasingly effective in sharing the Gospel with others, because other people will see the love and peace of God in that person.

Another “treasure” that must be mentioned in Psalm 27 is found in verse 4. David wrote, “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple”. One of the greatest problems that individual Christians and local churches face today is keeping the proper perspective in life. It is hard to keep ones’ life directed toward the Lord and His Will. Daily problems, frequent crises, the hundreds of decisions made weekly, the daily toil of life – all of these clamor for immediate attention. “I want to do the Lord’s will, but I’ve got to do this first!”

How does a person experience peace in this life? How can a person draw closer to God? Why do some people seem to be better and happier than others? The answer to questions like this can be found in verse 11. David write, “Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.” Wishful thinking, a vague desire for something better will never bring peace into a person’s life. The only answer is to learn from God and allow Him to lead. Well, how does that happen? The answer is through careful study and application of God’s inspired word.

The Bible is not just a good book to read. The Bible is God’s instructions for all people. If men and women, families, employers, employees, and countries would apply God’s word to their actions, the world would be transformed. Unfortunately, sin and evil fights against that, but salvation can only come through an understanding of what God has do to provide the opportunity for eternal life, and what He expects people to do to be joined to Him.

A final thought is found in verse 14, “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” David could not see the future of his life. He had to deal with many terrible tragedies. Yes, some resulted from his own actions, but David learned to not only trust but wait for the Lord.

One secret to peace is patience! God is not a servant who is expected to answer prayers just because someone prayed for something. Too often, people, Christians, will pray and nothing seems to happen. Then the questions begin. “Is prayer ineffective?” “Is there something wrong with me because God didn’t answer it on my schedule?”

The answer is that Christians trust and wait on the Lord. Christians TRUST Him, because He is the Father. He loves His children, and He will do what is best for His children. Christians WAIT on the Lord, because He is God, and His will is first.

Certainly, as king of Israel, David was besieged by problems that had to be dealt with right away. But, David saw, and the New Testament scriptures teach, that the beauty and reality of God and His promise rise above the daily problems and pressures of life. “Eternal Life” – that must always be before the Child of God.

Jim Shelburn

Our home’s master bath had an ant problem. There were ants everywhere. I think the main attraction for them was the water in the shower, but they were making a nuisance of themselves all over the bathroom.

Ants are like that, you know. The wise man used them as an example of diligence and industry that the lazy human would do well to consider: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise. Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Pro. 6:6-7).

Brother, the wise man was not kidding; our colony of ants was pestering the daylights out of Amy and me with their incessant work schedule! Something had to be done!  So, something I did. I went to a local hardware store, told them of my plight, and asked their recommendation for getting rid of our little pests. The hardware store sold me some Terro Liquid Ant Bait. The salesman said it was the best thing he had ever used for ants who have invaded the inside of a home.

According to the packaging, Terro Liquid Ant Bait contains 94.6 percent “other ingredients.” That is the stuff that ants really like and is actually quite good for them (sugar, water, etc.). The ants are drawn to the bait by the 94.6 percent ingredients. But Terro Liquid Ant Bait contains 5.4 percent sodium tetraborate detrahydrate (common name Borax), which is lethal to ants (and to all other living things in high enough dosages).

The ant bait did the trick. The ants came to the bait in droves. The Borax fulfilled its mission. By the second day there were only a few ants milling around. By the third day all ant activity had ceased in the master bath.

Do you know that sin is like that Borax concealed in Terro Liquid Ant Bait? Sin is poison to the soul. Its effect is spiritual death to those who participate in it, even a little bit (Rom. 5:12; 6:23). Sin does not advertise itself for what it really is, but rather hides itself within promises of pleasure.
Hebrews 11:25 tells us that Moses chose to suffer with his captive brethren rather than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. The challenge for Moses is the same challenge for all of us, to see through the pleasure sin advertises and recognize it for what it really is, spiritual poison.

In 2 Peter 2:18-19, Peter makes the same point about the false advertisement of sin. He describes false teachers – presumptuous, self-willed men who bring destructive doctrines into the Lord’s church – who hide their spiritual poison behind great swelling words and allure the spiritually weak with teachings that appeal to the desires of the flesh. Peter writes that such men make empty promises of freedom, but in fact their teaching turns saints into slaves of corruption. The doctrines espoused by such false teachers are spiritual Borax.

Evidently, God did not equip ants with the ability to think through the warning signs of ant bait. They must be totally incapable of suspicion. I mean, think about it: All of a sudden, here is this ample supply of really tasty sugar water, in a nice little package that is tailor made for ants to enter, mysteriously appearing right in front of the ants’ entrance into the house. That should raise about a dozen red flags to any creature capable of raising them. And even more suspicious, there are dead ants all over the place! I am not sure what is the ant equivalent of a skull and crossbones, but whatever it is, the ants should have seen it in their minds plastered all over the Terro Liquid Ant Bait station. But they are ants, and so they did not.

Fortunately, God has equipped mankind with the capacity for suspicion, to think through the warning signs, to identify the spiritual poison hidden behind feel-good activities and empty promises. It is only to man that God has given the capacity for seeing the “poison” in the “sugar water,” to understand when something is not what it seems, to see through a lie. The Corinthian church was notorious for not being able to identify the warning signs of spiritual poison, and so Paul encourages them in 1 Cor. 14:20 to “not be children in understanding . . . but in understanding be mature.”

And it is through God’s word that we come to understand just what is spiritual poison to us. The psalmist wrote in Psa. 119:104, “Through Your precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way.” Paul wrote in Rom. 7:7 about the value of God’s precepts in this regard, “I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’” He is speaking of the Law of Moses in that passage, but what he says applies to all of God’s words; they identify the spiritual Borax that Satan tries so diligently to mask as harmless or even helpful.

The point of all this? There are two points, really. One: Read your Bible. Read it to learn what sin is and how Satan has disguised it. And two: Live circumspectly. Stay sensible. Keep a watch out for hidden dangers to your spiritual life. “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22). Remain constant in those two points, and you can avoid the deception that destroys the ant.                     Jerry King

David’s statement in verse 1 of Psalm 26 is somewhat surprising. Many of David’s psalms describe the inner turmoil that he faced in his life – turmoil that all people can relate to. As with all people, David had his faults and made many mistakes. Some of those mistakes were very severe. Yet, in verse one David wrote, “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” In light of his writings and life, how could David write that his life was blameless?

From the context of the psalm, David had probably been accused of committing some wrong or sin. In this case, David was innocent and his innocence was so apparent that he considered himself blameless. In view of the false charge, David could say with confidence, “I have led a blameless life”.

All of us today say similar things, if we have been accused of wrong-doing of which we are Innocent. Often, our statement is, “I haven’t done anything wrong!”, or, “I’m completely innocent!” Obviously, these kinds of statements, in a general sense, are not entirely true; but for a specific situation, they are acceptable. Looking at the psalm from this standpoint, David’s words become clearer.

From countless references in the Old and New Testament scriptures, it is clear that God had special affection for David. The destruction of Judah and Israel was delayed for many years because of David. Why God’s affection? Why did not God hold Saul, Solomon, or some of the other kings in equal esteem? On several occasions, David did things that displeased God (including murdering Uriah!); yet there was a difference. The secret can be found in verse 8, “I love the house where YOU live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells.” David possessed a deep, personal, unwavering love for God. God was his whole life.

Like us all, David often failed to master the sinful demands of his fleshly nature, but his love never changed. After much preparation, and one false start, the Ark of the Covenant finally entered the city of Jerusalem. A great procession accompanied the Ark. The scriptures state that “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might.”

For many, that would have hardy been the proper conduct for a king! Yet, that act was an indication of the personal love and commitment that David had for his Lord. The psalms that David wrote are actually love letters. David placed his life in the hands of God, and he poured out his needs, hurts, and love to the only being that could help him – the living GOD!

The application today is obvious. The first great commandment is still that we shall love the Lord our God with all of our heart, our soul, and our mind. John wrote in his first letter, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him….There is no fear in love”. David knew and applied that kind of love for God in his life. He did that without the benefit of the New Testament scriptures, and the beautiful message of the Gospel. With what we have today, how much more should our love for our Lord shine forth?

Verse 12 contains an interesting statement, “My foot stands on a level place; in the congregations I shall bless the LORD.” A strong, personal faith in God allows a person to be “centered”, stable, and calm in the face of adversity. A newscast shows a town destroyed by a tornado. Yet, often people will say, “We’re alive and through the Lord, we will build again.” A man was interviewed that had been in a terrible accident at work. He lost his leg and most of one arm. Yet, he saw himself as being blessed, because he was still with his family, and he had overcome his injuries to work again.
How do people do that? Why don’t they give into despair and/or bitterness? The Lord is their anchor, their fortress, their refuge. They KNOW that this is not all there is to life. They are stable, sure, centered!

Jim Shelburn

How was your year in 2013?  Would you describe it as a good year or a bad year?  Did you achieve most of your goals?  Are you a better person now than you were last year?  Are you smarter and wiser, do you have greater self-control, and have you improved on your flaws?

I know it can be hard to sum up an entire year as good or bad because so many events happen to us over the course of a year.  Some go as we planned, a few go better than we planned, and some blindside us and knock us down.  Every so often events lean heavily in one direction and you may say “I had a great year” or “I had a terrible year.”  However, most years come and go without anything standing out to make them one way or the other.

We can also misjudge the quality of a year by using faulty logic and values.  For example, one might say he had a great year because of a new job or promotion and this may indeed be reason to celebrate.  On the other hand, would it be a great year if this new position takes you away from your family and you lose your wife and children?  If you ask a husband, who married in 2013, about last year; he had better say it was a great year.  But what if he married a non-Christian who is leading him away from Christ; would it be a wonderful year?

The problem with the way we judge events is that we often do not see the whole picture or how the actions of the past will eventually affect us.  We look to the present and how we feel now about what is going on.  Consider the year Job had. He first lost his wealth, then his children, and finally his own health.  His wife and friends turned against him.  While we do not know exactly how long Job suffered, there is some evidence it lasted for months.  It got so bad that he said, “May the day perish on which I was born.”  Yet today we know Job as a great man of patience and integrity, whom God blessed richly after his ordeal.

If you spend time evaluating your past, and I believe we should all do that, then it is good to think about the way your past influences your present and future.  Consider where you are with your family and friends.  Think about your job and how you approach work.  Past choices and actions have something to do with where you are in all of these.  By understanding the effects of our own history we can take sound measures to improve our present.

While looking back on 2013 has some limited value, I should focus most on the present.  Whatever I am because of my past, I can make changes today that will help me to become a better person.  We do this by working one day at a time, day in and day out, through each week, month, and year.  So if you want to have a great 2014, then purpose in your heart to serve God.  Stay focused on your goal and be consistent in your service.

Plan to have a good year in the areas you can control.  You decide what to think about, what is going to come out of your mouth, and the way you will treat others.  You choose how important your family is to you, the love and respect you give to your spouse, and the way you act toward your children or parents.  When you do right by others, then the issues you do not control have less impact on the quality of your time.  Purpose in your heart to treat people well, stay focused on your goal even when they do not treat you that way, and stay consistent.

If you want to have a great 2014, then purpose in your heart to pray every day.  It is not a bad idea to set a regular schedule during the day for prayer.  This way you have a measurable goal to judge your consistency.

If you want to have a great 2014, then purpose in your heart to read and study the Bible every day.  I know many people follow a yearly schedule for reading the Bible and that is great.  Again, this gives you a measurable goal to judge.  However, reading is not enough for us to grow as God wants.  We should set aside time to study and meditate on His Word.

If you want to have a great 2014, then purpose in your heart to teach others about Christ.  This is where studying and meditating helps because they help us grow to a point where we can teach others.  I would again encourage you to set measurable goals, like I am going to talk to at least one person about Christ this week.

If you want to have a great 2014, then attend services faithfully and actively join in worship and classes.  Keep a calendar and mark down when you miss and when you attend.  When you miss, you might want to write down why you did not go.

If you want to have a great 2014, then do acts of kindness and benevolence.  You need to purpose in your heart to show compassion to others by what you say and do.  You will find many opportunities for doing good, and I would encourage you to keep up with your progress.

How good is 2014 going to be to me?  I do not know what 2014 is going to bring, but if I serve God faithfully and grow spiritually then this year will be a great year.  I can deal with all the hardships of life if I keep my faith in Christ.

Terry Starling

Why Saints Assemble

“Not forsaking tile assembling of ourselves together–” (Heb. 10:25) is a clear statement of God’s will in the matter; and some babes in Christ may “go to church” compelled by fear of God’s wrath. This is a legitimate motive, albeit one that is less needed by the more mature Christian. The collective action of saints, with its attendant assemblings, is far more than an self-justifying end. It grows out of the basic character of saints, and their God-appointed purposes.
Early Christians were “together” “with one accord”. (Acts 2:44-46) A closeness, and singleness of purpose such as theirs brought them together physically, just as it will bring true Christians together today. They gravitated toward one-another for prayer as fishermen gather to discuss lures; they had a common interest and object of worship.
They loved the truth, and their “delight” was in the law of the Lord. (Matt. 5:6 Psm. 1:2) When people are hungry, they do not have to be urged to go where there is food; nor do they eat “because of a sense of duty.”
Faithful Christians had great respect and veneration for Jesus Christ (1 Cor.11:23-f.) hence, welcomed opportunity to participate in the memorial supper. Their hearts were warmed and faith renewed as they worshipped “in remembrance of” Christ.

Each one’s concern for his own spiritual welfare, as well as that of fellow Christians, was reflected in the assembling. In Heb. 10:23-25 note how “let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” is related to their gathering together. And because “every man according to his ability, determined –” the making of a common treasury brought them together. (Acts 11:29 1 Cor.16:1-3) A pooled fund is the means of exchange by which a plurality of saints act as one to do God’s will. Some early churches were so anxious to do God’s work they begged Paul to take their offering. (2 Cor. 8:4) The next verse explains this eagerness: they had given themselves to the Lord.
Saints today assemble for these same reasons. I do not refer to those who occasionally “attend” worship; I mean those who worship with regularity, the faithful few or many.
The indifferent and the hypocrites make excuses; perhaps even try to make some “logical” argument, as, “I can worship God, being alone.” Of course what one could do, being alone, is hardly the question. The hypocrite is seldom alone (i.e., there are other saints within reach) and if one were alone there is little reason to believe he would worship God. Such people usually compound their wrong by lying — to others, to themselves, and to God.
If you are a “oncer” (once-a-week) or worse, allow yourself a moment of truly honest self-inspection, Can you believe that one who loves his brethren because they are brethren, who delights in Bible study, has deep respect for the Lord’s Supper, and is truly concerned for God’s work and his own soul, would “do as you do”??
Robert F. Turner

The Challenge of Truth

There is challenge in TRUTH. Towering, majestic and awesome, it beckons the climber. Great and wonderful, clothed in mysteries, it threatens and promises. Benevolently reaching to the world, it summons all; yet sternly holds aloft its’ crown, to challenge each who comes.
Below, in railed and graded trails move masses. Camera-clicking tourists, worn by travel; scarce grasp their guide’s trained words, and far less understand the magic scene. And as the way grows steeper, more and more are faint, and wander aimlessly– adrift in parks and glades of theory, with their creeds.
Content to pay lip service to the fountainhead above, they sip its waters, grimace, and add sweets or bitters to their taste. “It’s wonderful,” they say. “We must organize a party and bring others to this way.” So they sip, and talk; they praise with shallow phrase, then pause to rest, and resting, sleep.
Still TRUTH– glorious, wondrous, whole truth, wreathes its head with hoary clouds and calls with voice of thunder: Onward! Upward ! Excelsior! Error shouts derision, and stops the ear. With arrogance he hides his wounds and walks another way. Tradition, richly garbed and stiff with age, dares not attempt the rugged path. And weaklings, fearing to look heavenward, support a course that others plan, and wish themselves in better clime.
But faith responds, and in the earnest seeker whets desire. He dares look up. Toiling, sweating, step by step, he climbs. Struggling across downed timbers on the slope, he pushes upward. Pressing through the brush slipping with the shale, he moves onward. Onward, upward, higher and higher, his lungs afire, .he climbs with foot, and hand; with heart, and soul.
For TRUTH he lives and, if needs be, dies. He asks no quarter, hears no scorn. His hope is fastened on this goal, whose misty drapery sometimes part and to his raptured eyes reveal its sun swept crest.
He needs no other prize than this for here men humbly walk with God.
Robert F. Turner

Psalm 20 was a song supplication. The king and his men were about to embark upon a military campaign against a foreign enemy. The people and the king prayed for success, and the key to the psalm was written in verse 7. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Psalm 21 was probably written as a companion to Psalm 20. The first was a psalm of supplication, and the second was a song of victory. The battle had been fought, and God’s people were victorious. The faith of the people had been vindicated. Once again, for many people, there does not seem to be any kind of direct application that can be made from the psalm. However, this psalm, and its message, does have a bearing upon the lives of Christians today. That application can be seen in two ways.

First, every Christian faces struggles with life that are very similar to the battles that armies have, and do, face. Part of the struggle is internal. Earthly, or worldly, natures are in continual conflict with the spiritual orientation that comes in Christ. Like Paul, God’s children often cry put in prayer, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Pain yet victory. What Christian has not experienced that?

In addition to the internal battles, Christians face hostility in the world as well. The dark, evil power of the prince of this world is pitted against those who are joined to Christ. Time after time, the New Testament scriptures urge that Christians be on the alert – be prepared – endure in faith until the end. Satan is constantly probing for weaknesses in Christians’ faith. Once he finds it, he strikes!

But, as in the time of David, Christians trust in the name of the Lord God. The Word of God is very clear. Christians will have to do battle in this life, but Christians also know that in Him the battle will be won. In fact, in Christ, the victory is already won! A Christian’s responsibility is to love the Lord, applying His instructions to the events that occur in life, and persevere until His return. This is the first great principle from Psalm 21, Christians are engaged in a struggle, but there is victory in Christ Jesus.

The second point has to do with prayer, and the desire of the heart. In Psalm 21, the people said to the Lord, “You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips”. One of the most important weapons available to a Christian is the power of prayer. At the same time, what God sees in prayers is the desire is what that person really desires.

What makes a good prayer? Some Christians are reluctant to pray, because they “aren’t good at it”. Still other Christians seem to be able to lead a very polished prayer without too much effort. But what determines a good prayer? The key is what is in the heart of the person. Time after time, Jesus and the New Testament writers pointed to what is in the hearts of Christians as the secret to successful prayer. James wrote, “You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

Yes, Psalm 21 has a very definite application today. Prayer, a person’s requests to the Lord, must be based upon trust and the real desire of a godly heart. In addition, the message is clear that when prayers are answered, voices should be raised in praise to God, and in thanksgiving. Many will pray as a final desperate act. Yet, when the prayer is answered, the Lord is quickly forgotten.

As the New Testament scriptures have clearly shown, those in Christ are already the victors. Therefore, much of a Christian’s life and prayers should be an expression of Thanksgiving. As Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Jim Shelburn

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Who is Jesus?

He is God—Matt. 1:23 & John 1:1
He is the Creator—John 1:3
He is the Son of God—Matt. 3:17
He is the messiah, the chosen One—Matt. 16:16-17
He is the Savior—Luke 2:11
He has all authority—Matt. 28:18
He is our mediator between God—1 Tim. 2:5
He is the final judge—2 Tim. 4:1
More could be said about Jesus, but these points suffice to show why we should love and honor Him.  Anyone who rejects any part of His Being or work cannot be saved.    (TS)

We sometimes wonder if we can trust what people say.  After all, most of us know what it is like when someone burns us with lies or false data.  I know we would like to believe people, but experience tells us to use caution.  So, we often take their word with a “grain of salt.”

I am not suggesting that when people mislead us they always do so on purpose or with malice, because they may believe what they say.  However, what they think changes nothing about the facts.  Wrong is wrong and right is right despite what anyone thinks is true.

Sadly, we live in a time when lying is commonplace and almost viewed as an honored skill.  We have nearly come to accept dishonesty as normal in certain circles; after all, “everyone” does it.  Who’s surprised anymore when businesses or politicians deceive us?  What about a parent lying to protect a child or an employee calling in “sick” to get a day off?

Can we trust anyone anymore to tell us the truth, and nothing but the truth?  Thankfully the answer is yes.  The One who has never and will never lie is God. In fact, He must tell the truth every time, no matter the circumstances, because His Nature demands it. (Titus 1:2)  God does not even accidently tell an untruth because He is all powerful, knowing, and wise.

As we examine the Bible we read about His promises and prophecies.  He told Adam and Eve if they ate the forbidden fruit they would die, and they did. (Gen. 3)  God told Noah to build an ark because He was going to destroy the world with a flood, and He did. (Gen. 6)  God said that He would send foreign powers to conquer Israel and Judah, and He did. (2 Kings 18:11 & 2 Kings 25)  From the earliest biblical writings God promised to send the Savior, and Christ came. (Matt. 1:20-23)  So, we can trust everything He says and know it is the truth.

For example, God promised to “make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” (Jer. 31:31-34)  The Jews thought this meant He would reestablish David’s earthly throne and once again make them a great nation.  However, God was talking about a spiritual kingdom, one where all people could come to Him. (Heb. 8:6-13)  He kept this promise through Christ, and the apostles’ teaching.

We should also believe what the Bible says about Jesus being “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Heb. 5:9)  And God is telling the truth when He says that only Jesus can save us. (Acts 4:12)  So anyone who suggests that salvation can come from Mohammad, the Jewish Law, or by any other means is wrong.  It is startling to me just how many “Christian” leaders and followers deny God’s plain teaching on this subject.  They want to leave room in heaven for all the good Muslims, Jews, and religious people, even though they deny the Lord.

God is clear about the origin and power of Scriptures, and yet many reject what He has said.  The Bible did not come from men, human reason or wisdom did not influence its message, and it is the complete and final Word from God. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)  It is God’s power to save, and it reveals all that we need to please Him. (Rom. 1:16-17)  If we tamper with it, change it, or add to or take away from it, then we sin against Him. (Rev. 22:18-19)

The book of Acts plainly states God’s plan to save, and the inspired apostles preached its message. (Acts 2)  They taught about the Lord’s life, death and resurrection with the goal of convincing people to believe.  The message also included the sinner’s response to God’s Will.  They had to repent, confess, and wash away their sins through baptism.  We need to trust what God says because He is telling the truth.

I believe what the Bible says about the One True Church of Christ.  Our Lord died to build it, the apostles preached to set it up, and their message was consistent and uniform.  God condemns denominationalism, yet many religious people support the idea anyway.  They exist because people do not follow the same teaching or respect the same authority.  We cannot trust the words of those who excuse such division, but we must believe God when He says “there is one body” (church). (Eph. 4:4)

How can Christians live immoral lives and still please God?  They can’t, but the way so many live it is clear they do not believe God.  The Bible’s teaching is plain about divorce and remarriage, sex before marriage, homosexuality, modesty, drinking, and many other issues, yet religious people do them anyway. (Matt. 19:3-9 & Rom. 1:24-32)  Saints must rise above sin and put off all that would corrupt their spiritual lives. (Col. 3:1-10)  Believe God when He says that these sins will condemn you.

According to every recent survey I read, most religious people do not believe in an eternal hell.  Even among those who say they are Christians, only about half think there is a real place called hell.  Let’s face it, the idea of eternal punishment is unpopular, and so many would rather deny its existence.  But again, I believe what God has said over what anyone else says.  Hell is real, it is a place of torment, and its duration is eternal. (Matt. 25:41)

As you might guess, more people accept the idea of heaven, but among those, many do not believe what God says about getting there.  For example, many people think that everyone will go to heaven or that most will go to heaven.  But God says that few will get there. (Matt. 22:14)  Many feel that it is easy to get to heaven, but God says that it is hard. (Matt. 7:13-14)  If you want to go to heaven you must faithfully serve Christ, overcome the temptations of this world, and remain steadfast until the end. (Col. 1:21-23)  You can count on God’s word and know that any contrary message is false.

Terry Starling

We don’t know the events In David’s life that motivated him to write many of his psalms. We do know that the inspiration of God was with him during his writings; however we often only have hints of what actually had happened. In Psalm 15, we can make some more educated conclusions concerning David’s motives.

We could entitle this psalm, “The Guest of God”. This is exactly what this psalm deals with – who can be a guest of God? Who can approach His presence? David may have been thinking about this while he was a fugitive and could not approach the place of the Lord. It may have been when the Ark of the Covenant was moved into the city of Jerusalem and placed in a tent. It could have been written toward the end of his life when he offered sacrifices to God on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. That threshing floor would later become the location of the temple of God.

Whatever the occasion, David explored the question, “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” In awe, David began to think on the moral, ethical, and spiritual requirements that the Holy God might require for entrance.

David did know the requirements: walk blameless, do righteousness, speak the truth from your heart, have no slander on your tongue, do no wrong to your neighbor, cast no slurs, honor those that fear God, keep your oaths, do not make money at another’s expense, and do not accept a bribe against the innocent. David knew that if he kept all these things, then he could enter into the Lord’s sanctuary.

After reading that list of requirements, one might ask; “Is that all?” “Why don’t we ask for the world while you’re at it?” Yet, within these five short verses, David, through the workings of the inspiration of God, has touched on the real blessing that comes in Jesus Christ. David knew the answer to the question, but the problem of HOW to achieve it could not be satisfactorily answered.

When we read the requirements in this psalm, they appear unreasonable – impossible, and they are! No man or woman, alone, can satisfactorily please God. In the age of the Law of Moses, any person who approached the presence of God in the tabernacle or temple did so with fear and trembling. The sacrifices of animals only temporarily atoned for the sins of the people. God’s righteous anger had not been appeased. But today, because of the saving sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can approach with “boldness” and “confidence”!

In Hebrews 12:18-24, the writer described two mountains. Mt. Sinai was the scene of smoke, fire, storm, and thunder. There Moses said. “I am trembling with fear.” But, on Mt. Zion is seen joy, rejoicing, a great assembly of angels, the church of the first-born, Jesus the mediator, and God the Father and righteous judge. What a difference!

Yes, David could answer the question as to who could approach the Lord, but the “how” would come many centuries later. In Jesus Christ came the news that sinful man CAN be rejoined to the perfect and Holy God. What was a mystery to David and so many others – is the clear “Good News” today.

Think about the infinite blessings. At any time, day or night, we, as children of God, can approach the eternal God, Consider the wonder of that. We would probably be barred from many of the homes of the rich and famous of this world; but we can enter into the presence of the Eternal God at anytime!

In addition, we approach God, not as servants or His people, but as His children. Because we accepted His offer of love in Jesus Christ, God willingly adopted us and added us into His family. As His children, we are eligible to receive the eternal inheritance that is waiting for all members of His family.

David closed his psalm by saying, “He who does these things will never be shaken”. Again, David touched on a universal need of all humanity – security. All of us want to stand firm. Today, millions of people surrender to despair, because their lives are adrift. But Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give then eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” “The world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” Yes, we can truly answer David’s question, “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?”  Jim Shelburn

A wise older preacher once advised me to pay very close attention to Solomon‟s words in Ecclesiastes 12:9-12. As a young man eager to receive such advice, eager to learn the best way to succeed in a life dedicated to studying the Scriptures and relaying the fruit of those studies to others, I found the great king‟s words to be helpful indeed. So, it has been my goal to emulate “the Preacher”.

“In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.”

I would like to suggest to you that you don‟t need to be in my company—in the company of any other „preacher‟ or minister or evangelist—to be preached to. Time spent with an open Bible is time spent with “the words of wise men”, to be certain. Many men who publicly proclaim the gospel may strive to resemble this self-portrait that Solomon provides for us, and in truth there is a need for all Christians to be ready when needed, to “go into all the world” (Mark 16:15), to “save others, snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23). However, it is impossible to reach that point without first receiving the proper instruction; one must learn before one can teach.

Therefore, what is the student‟s responsibility as he delves into the Book? What goal did Solomon (and other writers) have in mind when leaving behind such words of wisdom?

We begin at the logical starting place—Solomon hoped to teach the people knowledge. At the most basic level, we must actually be engaged in learning when we devote ourselves to study of God‟s word. Are you reading for content? Are you reading with comprehension? Are you remembering what you‟ve read? A bad habit I formed during college was „cramming‟ (actually, I believe I turned it into more of an art form than a habit by the time things were said and done). You‟ve probably taken tests in that way before—a few hours of study before the exam, a few minutes more to complete the exam itself, and then a lifetime to never again remember what it was you were just tested over. That is learning without knowledge. The serious Bible student retains the wonderful information presented to him, information which originated in the mind of God Almighty. When you search the Scriptures, absorb the knowledge found therein.

The Preacher then pondered and arranged many proverbs. Proverbs are useful because they are practical, applicable, and memorable. When you are committing portions of Scripture to memory, you don‟t need to find the most difficult, lengthy, and obscure passages—there is not a thing wrong with starting small. Latch onto that which is useful in your daily life. Do not stunt your own growth in knowledge of the Word, but be aware that there is a great deal to be gained by understanding that which is easily understood. Additionally, however, make sure that your studies cover broad ground; Solomon searched out “many” proverbs—he had wisdom for every occasion and situation. Involve yourself in similarly voluminous studies, and you will benefit.

Also, Solomon found delightful words of truth. Never apologize for „enjoying‟ a Biblical story simply for its content, for appreciating a certain psalm because of the beauty of its language. Just take care that, in all things, you see all the way to the truth of what is read. One of the true joys of the Scriptures is that they are satisfying on so many levels—beautifully written, historically accurate, interesting in content, and truthful to the very last letter. Learn the truth “correctly”, and allow yourself to be thankful for the delightful words you read.

The Preacher had a specific result in mind, however; he intended his words to act as goads or well-driven nails. God‟s word isn‟t light reading, the kind that entertains for a moment but can be quickly forgotten. We have an obligation to respond to what we study, to be driven by those expertly-aimed nails written down by God‟s chosen vessels in times past. Read with a mind towards action! Let the picture of hope and the warning of judgment that is carried throughout the entirety of Scripture spur you on, and inspire growth, responsibility, and zeal.

Finally, the wise king warns that endless devotion to other knowledge is harmful. Solomon points out the folly of constantly pursuing the world‟s wisdom, reading (or writing) as many books on as many different scholarly subjects as possible. This simply wearies the body, and can potentially damage the soul. Instead, there is one thing to which we should devote ourselves, and one source of true wisdom—“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Bible I use most often has just slightly over 1000 pages; it is a fairly small volume when we consider that it contains everything necessary for the salvation of a man‟s soul.

This week, spend some time with the Preacher—spend some time with the Word.

By Drew Jones

Drew Jones is a young man preaching the gospel in Alabama.

To reach a destination you must begin the journey. The journey itself can be fun and fulfilling or difficult and dreary. Some trips have moments of both, like when you drive a thousand miles from south Texas to Colorado to ski with three young boys in the car. “Are we there yet”, “I’ve got to use the rest room”, and “we’re hungry” never stops. But then there’s the time when your kids see their first real mountain or see snow on the mountaintops. The excitement on their faces and in their voices helps to make the travel worthwhile, but you still haven’t reached your destination.

How do you think the journey would go if one of the children developed a stomach bug? Crying, screaming, and the mess that goes with this sickness seems as if it’s unending. There is not a moment of peace for anyone in the car and everyone is wishing they had never left home. But once you are there and the bug has run its course everyone has a blast skiing.

Some trips kindle greater excitement than others, and what makes the difference is not so much the journey but what awaits one there. Would a child look forward to a trip to the principal’s office for misbehaving as much as he does going to his birthday party? Of course not, because the two destinations have different expected results, one he’s excited about and the other he dreads.

I want to consider the journey of life for a few moments. It’s rightly called a journey because life is taking us somewhere. We travel to the next moment of time, where there’s a renewal of opportunity and choice. Life is about doing what we want, need or should do. It is about serving God. (Eccl. 12:13)

This voyage is long and difficult at times, but it can also be fun and fulfilling. (Heb. 11:24-26) We sometimes become impatient with its routine and we can’t wait to get there. Along the way we enjoy success and new experiences. This is the time when it’s fun to be alive.

Some might describe life as a journey to death, but it’s more than that because death ushers in eternity. (Heb. 9:27-28) While it’s difficult for us to appreciate eternity, we prepare for it by the way we live. It’s a voyage each person must take, but not everyone will arrive at the same place. (John 5:28-29) It all depends on the road traveled – the choices we make in life.

We can travel more comfortably by doing the things we want now, but at what cost? By living in sin each person does right in his own eyes. (Prov. 30:12) Moral and religious issues become self-regulated rather than divinely controlled. (Rom. 1-4) Life may be easier when we do what we want, but in the end it will disappoint us. (Prov. 14:12) I’m not sure an easy journey to hell is what we are looking for.

Consider the story of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32) A rebellious young man leaves his father and journeys to a far country. It was a trip to despair and poverty because he wasted his inheritance in sin. Once he hit rock bottom and realized his sin, he made a trip back to his father’s love and blessings. The father received him with open arms and celebrated his return. The application is simple, when man journeys away from God, disaster and heartache result, but God is waiting and willing to receive those who return. (2 Peter 3:9)

No one wants to be in a car with someone who has a stomach bug. The world has its own stomach bug called sin. (Matt. 9:12) It stinks up the place and can infect those who are around. As unpleasant as it is to be around sin, Christians will forget all about it once in heaven. (Rev. 21:1-4)

It’s only natural to want an easy trip, but it is more important to arrive at the right destination. The journey to heaven is difficult and filled with obstacles, but it is worth the effort. (Matt. 7:13-14) Whether you know it or not, you’re on a journey to eternity and you are traveling to a place called heaven or hell.

The good and bad news is as long as you’re alive you can change your destiny. If you are heading to hell, change your direction by following Christ. (Rev. 22:17) If you are a Christian, remain faithful and don’t change your course. Remember, Heaven is worth any price and you should avoid hell at all cost. (Rev. 2:10) Would you rather be the boy heading to the principal’s office or the boy going to his birthday party – the biggest and best birthday party every?

By Terry Starling