NEWSPAPER DEVOTIONAL ARTICLES
July-December, 1999

    These weekly articles were written by Rev Mike Jones for South Carolina Area Newspaper on a busy Pastor's schedule. Space was limited to around 300 words per article so in depth exposition is not possible.
    To receive Devotional articles like this each week via E-mail simply request them by clicking on the envelope at the right.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 6, 1999

    One of the basic laws of science is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. To some degree, that natural law applies in our spiritual relationship with God. Over and over God tells us that He will do certain things if we will do certain things. In other words, God responds to our actions with an appropriate reaction. Here are a few examples.
    Doing Good for others prompts God to do good for you- (Eph 6:8) "Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord."
    In the same vain, The way you share with others is an indication of the way God will share with you- (Luke 6:38) "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." and (2 Cor 9:6) "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
    The respect you give God is the basis of His respect for you- (1 Sam 2:30) "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."
    And one final thought. God said that if you would really look for Him that He would reveal Himself to you- (Deu 4:29) "if thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul."
    God will if you will. Will You?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 7, 1999

    One Easter morning a pastor saw a man who had not attended church since Christmas. Wanting to convict this man about his lack of faithfulness the pastor said to him, "It seems to me that people in the army of the Lord should report for duty more often than at Christmas and Easter".
    The man looked back at the pastor and said, "I am part of the army of the Lord, Pastor. It is just that I belong to the secret service!"
    A lot of strange birds claim the "tree" of Christianity as their roosting place. Like the parable of the tares and the wheat, it will take divine judgment at the end of time to distinguish which will bear fruit and which will face the fire. But here are 3 qualifications that should apply to every person who claims to be a Christian.
    First, a Christian is someone who has FACED HIS SINS. God only saves sinners. You will never be saved until you acknowledge that you are lost.
    Second, a Christian is someone who has been FORGIVEN of his sin debt by FAITH IN CHRIST’S PAYMENT for his sins.
    Finally, a Christian is a person who FOLLOWS the PRACTICES and PRINCIPLES of Christ. A faith that does not produce change in a person is simply an acknowledgment about Christ instead of an acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 13, 1999

    Jesus Christ was the son of God. He always did those things that pleased the Father. Yet the last week of His life on earth contained tragedy and betrayal. Christ found that:
    1) Fame is Fleeting- On Sunday the crowds proclaimed Him as King. By Friday they were calling for Him to be crucified. Being right does not always mean you will be popular.
    2) Friends are fickle- Judas, who was willing to die with Jesus when He came back to raise Lazarus; and who was so trusted by everyone in the group until he was the group treasurer, ended up betraying Christ for the price of a slave. Peter, who was the most vocal of the disciples, and who had faith to walk on water at the command of Christ; was intimidated by a slave girl to the point that he denied that he even knew Christ. Sometimes people you trust will fail you.
    3) Justice is not always just- Pilate declared Jesus innocent 3 different times. Herod could find no fault in Him. But a strong "religious" group (the Pharisees) prevailed and Jesus received the death sentence. Sometimes the right are not treated right.
    No one wants the troubles that come our way. Even Jesus prayed for relief, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matt 26:39). Yet, the rejections and rigors of the cross had to come before the glory of the empty tomb could be accomplished.
    Maybe thunderstorms have come into your life in spite of the fact that you have been serving the Lord and doing the right things. Don’t let Satan discourage you. God is still on the throne even when the crowd forsakes you, your friends betray you, and justice is denied you. Stay in God’s will, the results will be "out of this world".

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 14, 1999

(Eccl 9:18) Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
    The writer of Ecclesiastes had learned an amazing truth. It is better to be smart than to simply depend on owning a weapon; but sometimes a dumb man with a gun can do tremendous harm until you become smart enough to neutralize him. Your wisdom is better than his weapon but his weapon can destroy more in a minute than your wisdom can build in a year.
    Wisdom is a long term investment. Weapons are a "no brainer" that immediately puts unreasonable power in an uneducated hand to do inestimable damage. Wisdom involves sacrifice and involvement. Weapons are a short term solution that can have permanent consequences.
    It takes work to work things out. Sometimes it seems so easy to just use brute force so people will be forced to see things your way. Sadly, you learn much too late that force can force someone to do something but it does not persuade them to accept your point of view.
    Life is full of situations at work, at home, and in school. You can use wisdom to handle them and turn bad circumstances into good results. Or you can pick up a weapon and "destroy much good". Just remember that the wrong choice has "grave" consequences.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 20, 1999

    It seemed innocent enough. Someone at work came by her office and, in the process of talking about several things, asked her to pray for his part time business to pick up. He said things were really going slow right now and he was really beginning to hurt financially.
    Not wanting to fail in her obligation, she had a special prayer for his business to pick up as soon as he left the office. The next day she noticed he was absent so she asked about him. That was when someone told her he worked at a funeral home on the side and he was out because someone had died the night before! Now she knew that, in reality, when she was praying for this man’s work to pick up it was done so at the grief of someone else!
    As a young Christian I had a tremendous desire to see my friends and family come to know Christ as Savior and Lord (Still do, by the way). I’ll never forget one time in particular when I prayed for the Lord to save a friend of mine "no matter what it takes". Within a week this person was in an accident that seriously threatened their life and confined them to the hospital for over 50 days. I greatly rejoiced in the fact that they became a Christian while in the hospital but I will have to admit I did not anticipate the pain and anguish it would take to bring them to that decision.
    The thing to remember about praying is that God answers prayers! So when you pray you need to be prepared for the consequences of your prayers as well as joy of receiving the results you wanted. God will never do wrong but He does sometimes use extraordinary means to accomplish what we have requested. That means prayer should never be taken lightly. It is communication with the God of the universe. Never forget the power that comes with prayer.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 21, 1999

    Everyone likes a present. So let’s look at some of the Gifts that God has given you and see if you are really enjoying them.
    1) The Ability to Enjoy Life- (Eccl 5:19) Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
   2) The Purpose to life that comes from knowing you are part of God’s plans- (1 Cor 7:7) For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
    (Realize also that God has given special gifts to certain people in order for them to fulfill God’s Program- (2 Tim 1:6) Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands).
    3) Pardon from the penalty and punishment of Sin as a result of the sacrifice of Christ- (Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    This gift is so wonderful because it is based on God’s grace instead of our works- (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
    What wonderful gifts God has given us- Abundant Life, a Purpose to live for, and Promise of eternal life with Him. No wonder the people of God think God’s gifts are great.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 27, 1999

    There is a story in the Bible that most of us will recognize instantly that tells how we can defeat Satan when he comes at us during our weak times. The Midianites had invaded Israel and were like a swarm of grasshoppers compared to the few men of Israel. Yet God did a wonderful work and "Gideon’s group" led in defeating this enemy and driving them from the land. They followed Four principles to gain the victory. Four principles that will help YOU defeat Satan when he is at his worst and you are at your weakest.
    First, Get a Word from God. God told Gideon to sneak up on the Midianite camp at night. When he did so, he heard about a dream one of the soldiers had that showed God was going to defeat the enemy. When Christ was tempted He always use the word of God as His weapon. Get a word from God and Hold on to it.
    Second, Gideon organized his resources. He only had 300 men but he divided them into 3 groups so he could surround the enemy. Look at what God has entrusted you with and then find ways to use it to the best advantage. Don’t allow Satan to make you major on how small you are, trust in how big God is.
    Third, Focus on Ministry instead of Misery. Gideon’s army won the victory simply by letting their light shine (Daily living) and blowing their trumpets (testimony). Do what you are supposed to do and God will protect and keep you. Satan attacks you when you stop doing your job.
    Finally, Remain steadfast until Satan begins to run- (Judg 7:21) And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. Satan barks a big bark but he runs in fear from a person willing to stand in faith.
    At his weakest, a Christian still has more power available to him than Satan can muster. Rest in that.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 28, 1999

    Did you ever stop to think that Christ began His ministry by fasting in the desert for 40 days. At the time He was at his lowest ebb physically and emotionally Satan tempted Him in a way unparalleled anywhere else in His ministry. Do you feel that way sometimes? Just when you so weak until all you want to do is survive; that is the time Satan seems to come in his full fury.
    Let me share with you some "Weak ending words" that will help you continue to keep on keeping on even when you feel so weak in body, soul, and spirit.
    Take the Long view- (2 Chr 15:7) Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. Jesus told Satan that God had a plan and He was more interested in pleasing God than in satisfying His own hungry.
    Remember the Source of your Strength- (1 Cor 1:27) God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Even Jesus did not rely on His own abilities- He simply stated the powerful word of God.
    Rejoice that God is at work in your weakness- (2 Cor 12:10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I can’t but God can; and the fact that He does proves I am one of His children!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 3, 1999

LOOKING FOR NOTHING TO DO

    Anxiously he moved from place to place in the restaurant. He would walk to one area, look hastily around, and then scurry to another area. Other waiters were busy taking orders and delivering food but he always seemed to arrive just after another waiter began take the order or cleaning the table.
    After several minutes of observation it dawned on me that this waiter was busy looking for nothing to do! His goal was to look busy but actually to be doing nothing. He wanted to be part of the staff so he could draw a check but he did not want to be part of the operation of the restaurant.
    I know some church members like that. They want to give everyone the impression that they are busy in the Lord’s work but actually they are more busy looking for nothing to do than they are looking for ways to serve the Lord and the Church. They scurry around crumbs on the floor until someone else begins to sweep them up. Or they always raise their hand a little late in class so someone else will volunteer to read or participate.
    I know preachers like that also. Every time you see them they give the impression that they have been studying, or praying, or visiting. The lie about their living, however, is exposed on Sunday Morning when the sermon has no meat that comes from study, when the delivery has no power that comes from prayer, and when the congregation has no growth that comes from visiting.
    Jesus told us to pray for God to send LABORERS into the field; not people who are looking for nothing to do. Which are You? A looker or a laborer?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 10, 1999

PITIFUL PEDAL POWER

    When I drove up to the gas pumps I noticed a bicycle leaning against the gas island. When I looked around I found the owner of the bike talking to someone who was getting gas. As I was getting my gas the bike rider started to leave and I asked him if he used regular or Hi-test in his bike!
    We both laughed but it started me to thinking about the way some people operate in acquiring God’s power to help in their life. They "pedal their bikes" to church, go inside to the "gas pump" services, where they are shown how to have access to the mighty power of God; but, instead of filling up, they go back to their "bikes" and struggle through another week of problems powered only by their own pitiful pedal power.
    God calls them to leave their self effort and allow Him to supply the power to make their life peaceful and productive but they insist on pedaling their bike instead of riding in God’s car. It takes faith to get in the car with God and believe that He will supply gas every time you need it. In our warped human reasoning we feel more secure trusting in our own pitiful pedal power than we do trusting in the supernaturally supplied power of God. Because of this, we pedal through life defeated, discouraged, and exhausted.
    Take my advice. Park your bike outside the Church this week, climb into God’s car by faith, and begin to really enjoy the wonders of a God powered abundant life. It sure beats pedaling through life using your own strength.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 11, 1999

OUR MIGHTY GOD

    Sometimes our explanation of scriptures take away from how eloquent they really are. Isaiah told his people to "Behold your God" and then described Him in terms that can only be referred to as awe inspiring. Read these verses, and see why only the Lord God is worthy of our worship and service.
    (Isa 40:12-17) Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? {13} Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? {14} With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding? {15} Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. {16} And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. {17} All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. (Isa 40:25-26) To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. {26} Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 17, 1999

SHIRLEY'S STORY

     While we were out visiting various people recently, my assistant pastor and I remembered that one of our widows would be celebrating her birthday the next day. The Spirit of God kept nudging me that it would be nice to carry this widow a flower in remembrance of her special day so we circled by our local florist to pick up something special. That is when God's wonders became evident as we saw the wheels within the wheels of God's plan began to unfold.
     As we walked in, Mrs Shirley greeted us with her usual bright smile. We talked for a few minutes and then Mrs Shirley began to share her story. Several months before she had been very sick- sinus infection, a spot on her lungs that made breathing difficult, and other ailments. She had visited doctors but was not any better; and it looked as if she was in for a long difficult road.
     One morning God spoke to her about really trusting Him so she asked the church to pray over her and anoint her that day. She felt better after the prayer but nothing spectacular had happened. As she sat thinking about her prayer, one of the ladies in the Church came by, said she would continue to pray for her, and laid her hand on her.
     That is when it happened. Mrs Shirley said it felt like sticking your finger in an electric socket as the healing power swept over her. She said she tingled for over 12 hours as her sickness just left her. Now she is rejoicing in God's goodness and telling everyone about His wonder working power.
     Mrs Shirley gave us a flower that day to take to that widow. The widow was excited, Mrs Shirley was excited, we were excited, and God was glorified. Isn't it wonderful to see God at work? God cares about the flowers of the field and the people of His flock. Why don't you look for Him to do something special for YOU today.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August18, 1999

SMELL TESTIMONY

     I was walking from our motel room to the ice machine when suddenly it hit me. A rank, raw, putrid smell that almost made me gag. It was so overwhelming until it make me stop in my tracks.
     As I was looking around for the source of the smell I heard a noise at the top of the hill. As I glanced toward the noise I saw the local garbage truck turning onto the highway. That explained the unpleasant aroma that still permeated the air.
     I often visit businesses and homes in our community. I wander in, conduct my business or visit with the people in the home, and  then "breeze" out. Behind me I leave an aroma of influence.
 If my character, my conduct, and my Christian example is what it should be then I leave people with a smile on their face and joy in their heart. If my business dealings have been quarrelsome or my home visit has been negative then I leave a garbage truck aroma behind.
     I pray this week that you will be aware of the testimony of your "smell". Your "smell" is not something you notice but those around you will be very conscious of it! Conduct yourself in such a way that your "smell"will be pleasing to God and man- (Phil 4:18) But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 24, 1999

CHRIST’S CLAIMS

    I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. I have committed my fortune, my family, and my future to this belief. This belief is not build on local customs or emotional experiences; it is based on what Jesus said about Himself in the word of God as He claimed to be God in the flesh. Four such claims make it clear that Christ is God.
    1) Christ claimed to have the Power to Forgive sins; and "Who can forgive sins but God only?"(Mark 2:7). Jesus would forgive the sins of a person then heal that person as a physical evidence of a spiritual cleansing. If Christ could forgive sins then He was God; if He could not then He was a liar and a hypocrite.
    2) Christ taught with the authority of God. He did not simply interpret as a teacher, He proclaimed as the voice of God- (Mat 7:29) "For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." In other words, Jesus taught as if His words were God’s words- (John 6:63) "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
    3) Christ said he was the source of Life and He had the power to bestow life; something only God can do- (John 11:25-26) "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
    4) Christ said that He would Judge the world at His return; again, something reserved for God- (John 5:22) "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son"
    Christ claimed to be the Son of God. If He is, and He is, then you had better build your hopes of eternity accordingly.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 25, 1999

HOW TO SEEK GOD

    If you are concerned about your sinfulness, your situation, or your future then you need to seek the Lord. He not only has the answer but He IS the answer. Here are Three attitudes you should exemplify when you begin to seek God.
    A) Seek God Humbly- (Mat 11:25) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Man’s wisdom is foolishness before God. Man’s works are as nothing before the awesome power of God. You can’t come demanding that God help you, you must seek God as an unworthy supplicant.
    B) Seek God Diligently- "Man is as lazy as he dares to be" (Emerson). God desires to be found, but only by those who seek Him- (Jer 29:13) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. God throws a "rope" to you- not as a lasso that captures you but as a line that you must grab.
    D) Seek God Obediently- We do not seek God because we know that seeking God will cause a change in our life. We want the benefits and the blessings without being obedient.
    Remember this, The Gospel is not an invitation to do something; it is a declaration of what God has done for us through Christ that invites a response; which is found in seeking God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 31, 1999

IS YOUR RELIGION REAL?

    Paul prayed for the Philippian Christians that they might "be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;" (Phil 1:10). The word "Sincere" here in the Greek means "without wax". It shows that Paul wanted the Philippian Christians to have a pure relationship with God; not one that had hidden cracked they had tried to cover over by putting wax on them.
    How about YOUR relationship with God? Jesus lived in such a way that God testified of His righteousness, His enemies said, "Surely, this was the son of God", and the people He lived with exalted Him as the pure, sinless Son of God. Can your religion stand being tested by God and man? Think carefully before you answer because the test of your religion is not:
-Your Enthusiasm- The fact that you put a lot of zeal and energy into your worship does not mean you are acceptable to God.
-Your Experience- The fact that "something special" happened in your life at one time or another does not guarantee that everything is right between you and God.
-Your Enlistment- Joining the Church does not make you a child of God.
-Your Enlightenment- Education about Christianity does not make you a Christian. It might make you a Scholar but it does not make you a Christian.
-Your Ennoblement- The fact that you live a better moral life than your friends or neighbors does not mean you have a proper relationship with God: A life that keeps you out of jail does not guarantee you will get into heaven.
    Is your Religion Real? Is it something you live for and can die with? The only way to answer correctly is to base your relationship with God on a personal Faith in Jesus Christ for the pardon and forgiveness of your sins. That will make sure your sins are not covered over with "wax"; but, instead, are covered by the blood.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 1, 1999

WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING

    As I drove up to the intersection I had to stop because the light was just changing from green to yellow. As I stopped I noticed a truck in the lane across the intersection. He saw the light turn yellow but he decided to go through anyway. The light turned red as he entered the intersection but the truck was so big until everyone decided to let him have the right of way.
    The problem came with the car behind the truck. The lady driving that car was following so close behind the truck until she could not see the traffic light; so, unbeknown to her, she was going through a light that had been red for a significant amount of time.
    Everyone on the cross streets were busy watching the truck so they could go as soon as it got through. They didn’t know about the car that was trailing close behind the truck. No one crashed, but it was close, very close.
    The lady in the car made two classic mistakes. She was following someone she didn’t know, that was doing the wrong thing. And she got so close to the truck until she could not see the light so she did not know how much danger she was in.
    Can you see the spiritual principles here. If you are going to follow someone then you better be able to trust their leadership. And never get so close to someone until they block your view of the "light"! Life is dangerous when you violate these principles.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 7, 1999

FEELING BAD ABOUT HOW BAD YOU ARE

    I think every Christian has times when he feels bad about how bad he is. We want to do good but, it spite of our best intentions, we still "goof up". Well, if it makes you feel any better, even the Apostle Paul had these same feelings. Listen to his lament in Rom 7:15 "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."
    Paul was basically saying, "The Bad that I hate I end up doing but the Good that I like I end up not doing." He was living the opposite of what he wanted to live! No wonder he cried at the end of this chapter- "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Rom 7:24) (The word "wretched" here means someone exhausted in battle and shows what a struggle Paul was undergoing.)
    Now, before you throw up your hands in despair, let me assure you that there is help and hope for you. Immediately after Paul cried out as a "wretched man" and asked who would give him help he was able to exclaim, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom 7:25). Paul realized it was not his reacting to the Law in a different way that would free him; deliverance from his "badness" would only happen through a proper relationship with Christ!
    This relationship with Christ (and the Holy Spirit) gives us the victory we crave- (Rom 8:2) "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." It is no longer a "wretched man" struggling in his own energy to do better. Now it is God in our life giving us all the help we need- (Phil 2:13) "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
    So if you feel bad about your badness; allow it to bring you closer to Christ. That will change your outlook as well as your outcome.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 8, 1999

WHAT ARE YOU INVESTING?

    Have your LOST YOUR JOY in your service for the Lord? Maybe it is because you have stopped investing anything in the Lord’s work. Let me tell you about the "Golden Ball Theory". A Pastor spends all week working on his "golden ball" sermon. On Sunday morning he takes his shining ball and brings it out for the people to admire. But, instead of admiring the sermon "ball", many of them just sit there and look bored.
    These people have forgotten the basic premise of the "Golden Ball Theory"- only those who help shine the "Golden Ball" gain great satisfaction from its glow. If people don’t have a part in polishing the ball then they will simply observe it or ignore it, instead of JOYING in how the ball shines.
    This leads to the following principle- If you do not invest much in a project then your commitment will be lukewarm and your emotional enjoyment about the success of the project will be minimal; defeats will not be devastating and victories will not be invigorating. Good news or bad news will all be boring to you.
    You can come each Sunday to simply see the "ball" that is presented; or you can become part of the "shining crew". Know this, however, simply looking at the "ball" will never satisfy the craving of your heart. And it certainly will never obey the command of God for total commitment.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 14, 1999

PROVIDENTIAL PATTERNS

    A Pattern is something to follow that enables us to do things right. Maybe the reason so many people are failing to live joyfully and to act righteously is because they have followed the wrong patterns for their life- developing your patterns for life from morally depraved musicians, money hungry TV personalities, and misery expounding horoscope readers will not give you a life worth living; nor will it ease your fear of dying!
    When God gives us a pattern you can be sure it has been well thought out. Take the pattern of a Person. The Bible states that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps 139:14). This means that while each of us is a different and unique person; yet, all of us are build from the same "pattern".
    Let me give you a few illustrations. No matter how a person looks, or how old they are, the distance from the top of their thumb to the top of their first finger is also the length of their nose. Here is another, the length of everyone’s foot is the distance from their wrist to the inside of their elbow (I know you don’t believe that but put your shoe on your arm and be amazed).
    Look at all the faces you see each day. Everyone is different, yet everyone is formed based on the same pattern. Everyone’s face is exactly 3 noses high and, since there is exactly one eye distance between your eyes, everyone’s face is 3 eyes wide.
    Don’t allow Satan to try to shape you according to his corrupt patterns. You were make by God, for God, and he has a wonderful plan for your life-(Eph 2:10) "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
    Next week we will look at proper patterns you can follow that will build you into the kind of person that God intended for you to be.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 15, 1999

PARTING WITH THE PAST

    Do you know why some people are so miserable in their Christian life? They can’t part with their past. They remind me of the man who came home one day and found his cat was dead. He went out behind his house, dug a hole, and buried his cat; but he left the cat’s tail sticking out of the ground. When someone asked him why he had done such a thing he replied, "I just go back from time to time and pull that cat out of the ground to make sure he is dead. And, you know what, he stinks worst each time!"
    Don’t allow Satan to make you dig up your "cat" each time he reminds you of your past sins. Jesus Christ paid the FULL price for your sins on the Cross; and they just stink worst every time you try to bring them back up! So when Satan brings up your past just remind him what happens to forgiven sins:
    Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hast God removed our transgressions from us.
    Isaiah 38:17 for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
    Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me: for I have redeemed thee.
    Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us: he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
    Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 21, 1999

PROVIDENTIAL PATTERNS (II)

    Last week we looked at how important it was for a person to follow the right pattern in their life. We then showed how God uses the same "pattern" to create different people with a common goal; glorifying Him. Today, I want us to see three patterns that God wants us to follow in order for our life to develop the way God intended.
    1) Our Pattern in Salvation- (1 Tim 1:16) "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." Paul’s conversion shows how Mighty God’s Salvation is, how Merciful God’s Salvation is, and how Magnificent God’s Salvation is.
    2) The Pattern in Worship- (Heb 8:5) "Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." God’s Pattern in worship meant that first you brought a blood sacrifice to deal with your sin, then you go by the laver of water where you deal with your daily sins on your way to the Holy Place where you find the light of revelation, the bread of life, and the daily prayers of incense. All of this leads, of course, to the Holy of Holies, where God meets with His people through the word (10 commandments in the ark) and the Spirit.
    3) Our Pattern in Growth- (Titus 2:7) "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity," The Pattern for Christian Growth shows the need of development in our Character, our Conduct, and the Christian faith. It also bears witness to the fact that we should never be content to be "lukewarm" in our lives; growth should be a normal part of our relationship with God.
    What patterns are you following to develop your life?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 22, 1999

TOTALING THE TRUCK

    He was only three and his brother was only six when they totaled the family truck! The six year old brother was standing in the seat pretending to drive. The younger brother was playing in the floor board with the pedals. This was in the days when the starter for the truck was located beside the gas pedal.
    It was fairly easy to understand what happened. After playing with the gas pedal for awhile the younger brother decided to push the other pedals and suddenly the truck was running. When the six year old yelled at the three year old to mash the brake the three year old mashed the gas instead.
    The six year old said he did a good job, he hit the tree directly in the middle of the hood! Wondrously, while it totaled the truck, both boys escaped unharmed- as least, until their dad got to them!
    All of us have made mistakes in our life. Some have ended up totaling trucks while others have ended up totaling lives. Sometimes our mistakes were helped along by a friend while other times we got into all the trouble we need right by ourselves!
    Thankfully, we can now laugh about the totaled truck as a humorous incident of by gone years. And isn’t it marvelous to know that the grace and mercy of God makes it possible for us to also laugh at the tragedy of our sins. By the blood of Christ our sins are forgiven and by the Spirit of God we are given a new life; even if we have totaled the truck!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 28, 1999

REASONS FOR REVELATION

    We are presently studying the book of Revelation during our Sunday School. Sometimes people wonder why we should study such a controversial book. I think there are at least Five Reasons a study of the book of Revelation is vital.
    1) Revelation is part of the Bible. Enough said.
    2) Revelation reveals the "rest of the story". Without it’s exposure of God’s completed dealings with Israel and His judgment upon sinful men it would appear that God started many programs in motion and then went off and left them. Revelation reveals the end of the Church age, the establishment of God’s promised kingdom with Israel, the consequences of failing to repent and turn to God, the final defeat of Satan, and the glorious future of God’s children.
    3) A special Blessing is promised to those who read Revelation- (Rev 1:3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,...
    4) Studying Revelation will purify your life. It will make you more aware than ever of how important it is to live a clean and pure life as you await the coming of the Lord- (1 John 3:2_3) ...we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
    5) Seeing the agony and torment coming to the unsaved revealed in Revelation should make every Christian a consistent soul winner. Noone would want anyone they loved to go thru the tribulation that is to come-(Jude 1:23) And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
    That is why you should study Revelation. So join us this Sunday at 10am and study it with us.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 29, 1999

IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE FUTURE

    We are presently in a study of Revelation in our Sunday School. Many people say they have enough problems now so they see no need in studying about future events. Let me tell you why it is important to know about the future as revealed by God.
    1) It keeps us from error- (2 Tim 2:17_18) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
   2) It keeps us expectant about His return- (Titus 2:11_13) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
   3) It eases our mind about present events and future happenings- (2 Th 2:1_3) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 5, 1999

ASHAMED

    Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote of a day when men were not ashamed of their sin and wrong doing- "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush:" (Jer 8:12). We live in that same kind of time today. People boldly do badly and then don’t even have the decency to blush!
    Let me give you three Bible reasons to be ashamed; and hope they will cause you to re-examine your reactions to anything wrong in your life.
    SIN IN OUR LIFE SHOULD MAKE US ASHAMED- And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. -- Ezra 9:6 When we do wrong it is not cute or cool; it is contemptible and wrong- to be repented of, not rejoiced in.
    LACK OF CHRISTIAN CONVICTIONS SHOULD MAKE US ASHAMED- Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. -- Mark 8:38. When we fail to make a positive stand for the right it hurts God’s work and breaks God’s heart.
    REBELLIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING SHOULD MAKE US ASHAMED- And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. -- 2 Th 3:14. When Christians fight and argue, or allow sin and self to control their life, it brings shame to the cause of Christ.
    The only right cure for shame is salvation- For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. -- Rom 10:11. Get a good "dose" today.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 6, 1999

PREDETERMINED PLANS

    Why do people waste their life? They spend all their time and energy on things that really don’t matter. Then they sit before a stupid TV night after night and allow their minds to be warped into weird beliefs that would never even enter their mind if they took any time to really thing about situations.
    Maybe it is because they don’t know how valuable they really are. Some way we must get them to realize that they are not an Accident of nature; they are a design of God- (Job 33:4) The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
    They must learn that even before they were born God knew what He wanted to do with them- (Jer 1:4-5) Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
   Oh, if we could just grasp the fact that we are special people designed by God for a prepared purpose- (2 Tim 1:9) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
   God made you, just the way you are, for a special reason. Don’t waste all the work that God has put into you.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 12, 1999

SENIOR WISHES

    We have some wonderful Seniors at our Church. As I pray for them, and attempt to work with them, I often find myself wondering what I can do to make their life the success God intended for it to be. This has caused me to come up with a four-fold prayer for my Seniors. I pray they will have:
    - The HEALTH of Moses- He lived until he died! "And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." (Deu 34:7). His death was "sudden" and he was able to be productive until the end. His burial was inexpensive and was attended by God! And his memory was cherished.
    - The HAPPINESS of Jacob- He was able to live with those he loved and enjoy the fruit of his labors on this earth- "And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:" (Gen 45:10)
    - The HARMONY of the Psalmist- Unity and Peace marked his dwelling. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psa 133:1). Family was also friends and reunions were times of joy and sharing to be looked forward to; not dreaded.
    - The HEAVENLY vision of John- He enjoyed his life and anticipated the wonders of Heaven at his death "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter." (Rev 4:1). He realized this world was not his home and, because of his faith in Christ, he looked forward to a wonderful eternity.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 13, 1999

CLOCK CHRISTIANS

    I have noticed that most Christians are a lot like clocks. See if you agree?
    Some Christians are like old time WIND UP CLOCKS- As long as someone keeps them wound up with an exciting activity or some great entertainment they work great but they run down very quickly if neglected.
    Other Christians are like BATTERY CLOCKS- They run longer than the wind up clocks but they still must have that yearly "boast" of a new battery in the form of appreciation, rededication, or supplication (begging them to teach that class for just one more year!). Also, if someone ever forgets to change their "battery" one year they suddenly turn up missing from their duties and place in Church. (And, for some reason, their battery always seems to run down at the most inconvenient time).
    Finally, there are those wonderful ELECTRIC CLOCKS-They are connected to a constant power source and they just keep going and going. They are durable, dependable, and reliable. Oh, I know a major problem (like a hurricane) can come along once and awhile and knock out the power but as soon as power is restored these clocks "rededicate" (set their time back correctly) and go right back to work.
    Are you a Christian? If so, what kind of clock are You?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 19, 1999

WHO DO YOU TRUST?

    For decades, anyone living within five or six miles of the hat factory in Denver, Pennsylvania, set their clocks by the sirens the factory set off five days a week. At 5:30 a.m., the wake-up siren would begin the day followed by the starting, lunchtime, and quitting sirens at the designated times.
    When the siren system was eventually disbanded, someone was reminiscing with the timekeeper about his job. "What did you use to determine the exact time?" With a twinkle in his eye, the man reached in his pocket and pulled out a child's Mickey Mouse watch.
    Some people trust in Magic, I trust in a Mighty God who is greater than circumstance or condition that may come my way. Some people trust in Picking a winner, I trust in a Provision Meeting God who meets my needs based on His love and not on the fickleness of luck. Some people trust in Wishing things will get better, I trust in Working Hard so God can bless my efforts- (Prov 14:23) "In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury."
    Some people trust in hoping they will do enough good works to make them eligible for Heaven. I am reminded of how shocked some people were when an ancient Church building burned down. Everyone thought the Church was beyond harm since the cross on top of the steeple contained the ashes of several saints of by gone days. They learned that, no matter how good dead saints were, they can’t save you from the fire!
    As for me, I trust in the blood stained cross of Christ who died for my sins, who was raised for my justification, and who will come again soon to gather His children to live with Him in glory forever. I pray you are trusting in this mighty savior also. Anything else is just Mickey Mouse!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 20, 1999

SPIDER WEB SECURITY

    In days gone by, a daredevil attempted to climb one of the tallest buildings in New York using only his hands and feet for grips. From crack to crack he climbed as he worked his way ever higher. A large crowd gathered below to watch as he laboriously made his ascent. Suddenly, everyone heard a blood curling scream as this man plunged to his death.
    When police were examining his body they noticed his hand was tightly clinched. Upon prying it open, they found he was clutching a handful of spider webs. Time and dust had made the spider web look like part of the building. When the climber grabbed it he made a life ending mistake.
    Life is tough. Sometimes it feels as if you, like this man, are having to climb a great building with very limited resources. Marriage is not like the movies, your kids turned from happy bubbly babies into heart attack producing teens, and your money keeps making itself wings and flying away.
    Day by day you struggle on this upward trek; and sometimes it feels as if your energy and enthusiasm are about gone. During these tough times it becomes all to easy to grab something without testing it first- Maybe I’ll be lucky gambling today, maybe this one hit of drugs will provide the energy I need without hooking me, maybe an affair is what I need, ...
    Sadly, as this climber found out, this can lead to disastrous results. Be careful of those spider webs you grab.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 26, 1999

SONS OF GOD

    Sometimes when you read a verse of Scripture it just makes you want to shout for joy. Take for instance First John chapter three, verse one -"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:" Wow! What an honor to be called the "son of God".
    How, I asked myself, could a poor person like me, with little abilities and influence, come to be called a "son of God"? That is when I found another of those shouting verses- (John 1:12) "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:". Now I understood. The Love of God mentioned in the first verse motived God to allow His son Jesus to die as a payment for my sin debt. Now all I have to do is receive Him as my savior by faith and this will give me the power (authority) to become a son of God. That shout is wanting to bubble up again!
    But how can I live with this new responsibility of being a "son of God"? I know me. I am weak. I fail. Just forgiving my past won’t help me not to blow it in the future. That is when I found one more wonderful verse- (Rom 8:14) "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.". What joy! What a promise! It is not just me anymore. When I receive Christ as my Savior then the Holy Spirit comes into my life, makes me a new creation, and enables me to live as a "son of God". Excuse me, but I believe I am just going to have to stop and shout!
    You know what? You can be a "son of God" also. If I can do it anyone can. Receive Christ today and turn your complaining into shouting and your sorrow into joy.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 27, 1999

LOCKED IN A HEARSE

    The funeral director was proud of his new hearse. Everything was new and shiny and, despite the cargo that it carried, he thought his new hearse would make a good impression on everyone who saw it. It made an impression, alright, but not the kind he anticipated!
    Everything went fine at the church. After the memorial service, the casket was loaded into the hearse for the journey to the cemetery. Wanting to be extra safe, the funeral director locked the back door of the hearse. It was only when he drove up at the cemetery and tried to unlock that back door that he found his mistake. The ignition key did not unlock the back door of the hearse and he did not have another key!
    They tried everything they could think of but finally the preacher had to conclude the memorial service with the casket still in the hearse!
    I thought of that hearse the other day when a dear Christian lady died. Once her soul had been locked in "Satan’s Hearse" where sin and death destroyed and doomed. People tried every way they could think of to open the "hearse" and get her out but no one had the key. That is when, praise the Lord, a man called Jesus stepped forward with the keys of hell and death and set her free. Now the hearse has been exchanged for Heaven as sin has lost its sting and death has lost its victory. Thanks be to God!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 2, 1999

FAMILY QUOTES

    People keep giving me quotes about family. Some them are very thought provoking; and some are just cute. Thought you might enjoy a few.
    If Motherhood was going to be easy it would never had started with something called labor!
    Raising a teenager is like nailing Jell-O to a tree!
    Parents are defined as people who bare infants, bore teens, and board newlyweds.
    Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he is really in trouble.
    There are only 2 things a child will share willingly- communicable diseases and his mother’s age.
    A Teen is someone who has stopped asking all those questions because they know all the answers.
    Kids really brighten a household; they never turn off any lights.
    I just wish I could be half as wonderful as my child thought I was when he was small; and half as stupid as my teenagers now thinks I am!
    One final thought- Why is it that our children cannot read a Bible in school, but they can in prison?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 3, 1999

PRECIOUS TO GOD

    While studying in Revelation recently I discovered that the prayers we pray to God are so precious until He preserves them as the perfume of Heaven (Rev 5:8). Wow! Shouldn’t that change the way you pray!
    Then I thought, If my prayers are precious to God, I wonder what else God considers of great value (The meaning of Precious).
    I found that the temptations and attacks of Satan on my life were precious to God. I thought of them as problems but God thought of them as precious! (1 Pet 1:7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
   I also found that the salvation of a lost soul is precious to God- (Psa 49:8) For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever: That is because the sin debt for our souls was paid by the greatest gift Heaven had to offer- (1 Pet 1:19) with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
   Finally, I learned that the time of greatest sadness in our life is also a time of great value to God- (Psa 116:15) Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of Death and then welcomes us Home to be with Him. What a precious promise

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 9, 1999

CASTAWAY CHRISTIANS

    It is one of those verses you sort of wish were not in the Bible. It talks about self discipline; and the awful consequences that come when we allow our life to get out of control- (1 Cor 9:27) "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
    What an awful thought, to become a "castaway Christian". Webster defines a castaway as "A rejected or discarded person or thing." This means that a "castaway Christian" is someone who has been rejected or discarded from their service or position for the Lord. Once they sang heavenly anthems in the choir, or instilled Bible knowledge in Junior boys and girls during Sunday School, or preached life changing, marriage saving, hell forsaking messages from behind a sacred pulpit. Now, at the best, they warm a pew or, at the worst, they warm a bar stool.
    How could this happen? What could cause a useful vessel to be tossed onto the scrap heap of mankind? What would move a person from committed to complacent to castaway?
    The answer, according to this verse, is that they failed to keep their body under "subjection". When you subject something you bring it under control or authority. So this person became a "castaway Christian" through failure to keep their body under control or subject to proper authority. Somewhere along the line their body became their boss; and a bossy body is a terrible taskmaster! A bossy body destroys our health, ruins our ambitions, steals our energy, and conquers our commitment.
    Jesus said, (Mat 16:24) "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Denying self is still a key to victorious living. Remember that the next time your body tries to be boss as it leads you down a castaway course.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 10, 1999

  WHEN JESUS LOOKS

    Sickness and circumstances placed me in charge of several young people recently. Just as Church was beginning they began doing things they shouldn't be doing in church. So I gave them the "Look". You know the one I'm talking about. The "look" that said, "If you don't straighten up and do right then as soon as Church is over I will put the board of education on the seat of learning and it will not be a pleasant Sunday afternoon!"
    Later that day I began thinking about that "look" and wondered if Jesus ever had to look at me in that way. That is when I began to remember all the times in scripture in which Jesus looked on people; and the difference it made.
    The Look of Compassion- Over and over the scriptures tell how Jesus would look on a person with compassion. This means He looked at them through eyes of Love and saw their need instead of their failure.
    The Look of Converts- The disciples stopped in Samaria and looked for a meal. Jesus looked on the fields white unto harvest and won a wicked woman for the kingdom. We miss so much because we are looking for crumbs instead of converts.
    The Look of Conviction- His best friend had just cursed and denied he knew him. A rooster crowed, Jesus looked, and Peter was never the same again. How those eyes must have pierced him!
    Jesus is looking for you today. Which look will He use?.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 16, 1999

THE CHRISTIAN CHANGE

    Can you imagine anyone so crazy that they would want to spend forever in the eternal agony of the outer darkness of the lake of fire instead of enjoying the eternal pleasures of Heaven with God? Why then do men reject the pardon and peace offered by God through faith in His son Jesus Christ and continue to live in the confusion and chaos of sin? The answer, I believe, is the simple word, Change (Repentance).
    People just "instinctively" know that becoming a Christian involves Change. As soon as the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sinful state they realize they can't come to God and remain the same. They know that Christianity changes your character as well as your future destination and, as much as they want to go to Heaven,  they are unwilling to implement the changes they know are a necessary part of becoming a child of God.
    This Christian change involves at least three areas. First, there is Vocal Change- (Rom 10:10) "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Many people allow fear of others to prevent them from openly professing their faith in Christ.
    Second is a Visible Change- (2 Cor 5:17) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." It is faith that saves you but it is works that show this change to those around you. You will not be perfect but you will be different.
    Finally, there is a Victorious Change- Becoming a Christian means we have passed from death unto life. Our future destination is different so we live as pilgrims and strangers on this earth. These changes have made a difference in my life; and I pray they will in yours.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 17, 1999

SIN'S SAD STORY

    The Fact of Sin- ALL have sinned and come short of the glory (ideal standard) of God. Sin is a problem for people regardless of their race, their riches, or their social standing. The common trouble in EVERY life is sin's actions and consequences.
    The Fault of Sin- Sin is not the result of society's pressures, missed educational opportunities, or parental neglect. The heart of the problem is the problem of the Heart. That means we don't become sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. In fact, the Bible declares that our heart is desperately wicked from our birth and our very nature is corrupt.
    The Folly of Sin- Sin takes us further that we want to go and keeps us longer than we want to stay. Once we arrive at sin's house, we find Despair, Disasters, and  Disappointment instead of the joy, excitement, and fun that sin promised.
    The Filth of Sin- What an awful problem sin becomes. It dirties you mind, your morals, and your manners. It causes people to do things they would never have thought they were capable of doing; and then corrupts everyone they touch with its filth.
    The Fruit of Sin- It produces chaos and confusion in this life and condemnation in the next. It is always a rotten "apple"
    The Finish of Sin- Jesus Christ, by his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead conquered sin. He offers forgiveness and life changing strength to all who come to Him by faith.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 23, 1999

HALLELUJAH HELPS

    The word "Hallelujah" is not found in the English Bible but its translation "Praise the Lord" is found a tremendous number of times. God is so wonderful, His works are so magnificent, and His grace is so marvelous until the people of God find themselves continually looking for new and better ways to praise and glorify Him.
    Here are a few "Hallelujah Helps" to assist you in your praise and worship of our great God. Put them into practice today.
    HOW should we Praise the Lord? With our mouth (Ps 145:21), With joyful lips (Ps 63:5), with a shout (Ex 3:11), with the trumpet and the sound of cornet (Ps 98:6), and with stringed instruments and flutes (Ps 150:4). With our mouths and our music let us praise the Lord.
    WHERE should we Praise the Lord? In the gates of the camp of the Lord (II Chron 31:2), In the midst of the congregation (Ps 22:22), Among many people (Ps 35:18), and among the Nations (Ps 57:9). In our business, in our Church, in our daily living, and in all the world, let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Ps 150:6).
    WHEN should we Praise the Lord? All day long (Ps 35:28), At all times (Ps 34:1), Seven times a day (Ps 119:164), Continually (Ps 71:6). Now is the time to praise the Lord for "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord" (Ps 115:17-18).
    WHAT should we Praise God for? His mighty acts (Ps 150:2), His power (Ps 21:13), His excellent greatness (Ps 150:2), His word (Ps 56:4), His name (Ps 54:6), His wonders (Ps 89:5), and His faithfulness (Ps 89:5). You’ve got a reason to praise God. Just make sure you take advantage of it!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 24, 1999

COURTYARD CHRISTIANS

    God had always been worshiped where ever people stopped in their nomadic wanderings. Now he wanted to change Israel from a wandering tribe into a great nation. He began this process by putting a Tabernacle of witness and worship in the very center of the people. This Tabernacle became the guide for the people (They only moved when the Tabernacle moved) and the center of their work and activities.
    The design of this Tabernacle has intrigued Bible students for generations. As you entered the only door you were confronted with a brazen altar where sacrifices were made for sins. Just past this altar was a bronze laver full of water for washing that showed our need of daily cleansing even after the sacrifice for sin.
    In the center of the Tabernacle was a tent called the Holy Place and in the end of this tent was the Holy of Holies containing the ark of the covenant. Surrounding this tent was a vast courtyard area where people milled and priest worked.
    When Christ died on the cross the curtain to the Holy of Holies was rent apart by the hand of God signifying that everyone now had access into a personal relationship with God. Sadly, many Christians still spend their lives milling around in the courtyard doing "work and activities" instead of going into the Holy Place and building a relationship with God. No wonder their Christian life is a burden instead of a blessing.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 30, 1999

HOW TO ENJOY LIFE..

    There are a lot of "formulas" for happiness in the world today, Yet it seems more and more people are enjoying life less and less. Here are 5 Bible principles for enjoying life that will work for you if you will work them.
    1) Put a seal on your lips- (1 Pet 3:10) "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:" It is amazing how much more you enjoy life when you don’t let your tongue get ahead of your brain.
    2) Practice Holy living- (Heb 1:9) "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." You never regret doing right. You are never ashamed of being righteous.
    3) Participate in life now instead of always looking for later- (Eccl 5:19-20) "Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. {20} For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart." Take time to smell the roses: even God walked in the garden each day in the cool of the evening.
    4) Pray like you mean it; and God will surprise you with the answer- (John 16:24) "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." God delights in giving "present" to His children. But He wants you to ask.
    5) Place yourself near to God- (Psa 16:11) "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Know God, Know Joy. No God, No Joy.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 1, 1999

BLANK FILM

    It all began as a gesture of kindness. I am supposed to assume the duty of state promotional director for South Carolina Free Will Baptist in January of 2000. I had stopped by the office to talk with the present promotional director and in the course of our conversation I mentioned I needed to get some film developed so he asked me to carry a roll for him also.
    My wife and I dropped off the film at a local one hour processing store, went to lunch, and returned at the end of the hour to pick up our prints. The look on the clerk’s face when I walked up started alarm bells ringing. Quickly, she explained that in the process of winding the film it had been exposed and now was completely blank.
    Please, I begged, let it be my roll and not the current promotional director’s roll. No such luck!! All the pictures of special events he had taken as he chris-crossed the state were now gone. I was unhappy. He was VERY unhappy!!
    Most of you have special plans for a wonderful holiday season. If you build them around family and festivities and leave out Christ you will come to the end of this year as disappointed as I was at that film counter. Anticipation will turn to anguish as you find life unrolling into a blank instead of a blessing. The reason for the season is really what makes this a special time of year. Remember everything just turns out a blank when you leave out Christ.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 7, 1999

WHAT CHRIST GAVE

    In the hustle and bustle of Christmas giving it's easy to overlook what Christ gave up in order to be born in that Bethlehem Stable. And when we forget that, we loose the real meaning of Christmas.
    Probably the best description of what Christ gave us when He came to earth is found in Philippians 2:5-11 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
    This passage describes Four Things Christ Gave up in order to come and redeem mankind.
1. HIS ROYALTY- He left the splendors of Heaven for the squalor of a stable so that you and I could have eternal life. The King became a Babe so you and I could become sons of God.
2. HIS REPUTATION- He became of no reputation so that we who have a bad reputation might be restored to God.
3. HIS RIGHTS- The Son became a Servant. He gave up His rights that I might have the right to call on God as Father.
4. HIS LIFE- He who was life came to die in order for those who were dead in sin to have life.
    Christ has given the greatest Christmas present possible. Accept it today.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 8, 1999

CHRISTMAS JOY

    This is the time of year when everyone should be singing Christmas songs, anticipating Christmas joy, and smiling about the decorations that fill our land. Instead, people are pushing and shoving at the mall, irritated and grouchy at home, and longing for Christmas to finally be over.
    Christmas shopping has turned into a dreaded job instead of an anticipated joy because we have to spend money we don't have, to buy presents we don't like, to give to people who don't need them anyway! Kids don't care about the Love in your gift anymore; they just want to know it is the same thing all the other kids have!
    These problems stem from the fact that we have forgotten what happened on that first Christmas. Christmas is not about God receiving a Gift, it is about God GIVING the Gift of His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (The Wise men probably did not bring their gifts to Christ until almost 2 years after his birth).
    It's easy to put joy back into Christmas; simply put Jesus back into it! Let the example and love of Christ be the center of all you do and you will be amazed at the difference.
    You can make this a wonderful Christmas or a stressful season full of bills, battles, and burdens. The difference will depend on what you do with Christ; and that choice is up to you.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 14, 1999

SHEPHERD SYMPHONY

    The cold wind whipping relentlessly around the fire only added to the anger and frustration of the Shepherd as he sat huddled under his blanket. Below twinkled the bright lights of Bethlehem thronging with the hustle and bustle of the throng of new people who had descended on the town to comply with the latest government census. Behind him, the only sound that disturbed his despair was the bleating of sheep and the snoring of fellow shepherds.
    Trapped in his pity and complaint at being forced to miss all the excitement of this once in a lifetime gathering of people he thought at first that the brightness that suddenly appeared before his eyes was simply the wind flaring up the fire. Slowly he lifted his head and realized that the brightness emanated from above. Self pity suddenly turned to tremendous fear as he saw an angelic being hovering above where he sat. He sensed more than saw his fellow shepherds stirring also but he was too fearful of what was happening to take his eyes off the wonderful being above him who radiated light and glory.
    The voice, it was so strong and yet so soothing. The word were too wonderful to fully grasp at first, "I come to bring you good news of great joy that shall be unto all people, for unto you is born this day in Bethlehem a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
    Suddenly, the entire sky was filled with angelic being singing the most beautiful song human ears have ever heard. The melody simply washed over his soul and left him filled with hope, purpose, and love. And the words, how they thrilled the very core of his being, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".
    Then it was over. They were gone. But the shepherd knew he had heard the greatest symphony in human history and he, like his friends, could not wait to go into Bethlehem and see the wonderful child that the angels sang about.
    This Christmas take your eyes off the throng and the bright lights and you might just hear a supernatural symphony. And above all, take time to visit with the Christ child. After all, Christmas is all about Him.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 15, 1999

    Maybe the answer is more simple than you imagined. You have lost the joy and excitement of the Christmas season and you think the reason for that is because the world has become so complicated and stressful. What if there were something YOU could control that would bring back the wonder and joy. Well, there is a solution; its found in learning to give at Christmas the way God gave on that first Christmas!
    One of the most familiar Bible verses in the world describes how God gave- (John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The SOURCE of His giving- "For God so loved". A gift from the heart pulls you into the heart of the receiver. That is when you learn it is more blessed to give that to receive.
The SCOPE of His giving- "the world". Reaching out to others will some way reflect their joy back to you.
The SACRIFICE of His giving- "He gave His only begotten Son." A gift that comes from the pocketbook only touches the hand. A meaningful gift from you includes you in the gift.
The SPLENDOR of His giving- "That whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave to help people’s need, not their greed. His gift had eternal impact, even after the wrapping was gone!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 21, 1999

    You could almost read his mind. "Why did the maid take this week to get sick? Doesn't she know this is the biggest crowd we've had at the Bethlehem Inn since we opened? Now I'll have to tend to the rooms as well as tend to the guests and it's more than I can do."
    It was about this time that he heard another knock on the front door. Tired and pressed for time he went to the door and saw another stranger looking for a room. He already had his "No Vacancy" speech down pat but this one looked especially pathetic; tired, hungry, and with a wife expecting a baby any time. He felt sorry for the man but he didn't look like he'd be able to pay the rates he was charging this week, so he sent him away into the night.
    Later that week he heard some wild stories about this couple spread by some ignorant shepherds but he was too busy counting his money to pay any attention to rumors. In fact, He had made so much money until he decided to give a larger than normal offering at the temple this Sabbath so the Priest would know he was doing everything he could to prepare the way for the Messiah.
    What about YOU? Are you so busy with the Christmas celebration until you wouldn’t have time for the Lord even if He came knocking at your door? The scriptures say that we must not be forgetful to entertain strangers because we sometimes entertain angels unawares (Heb 13:2). Wouldn’t it be awful if we got so busy celebrating the birth of Christ until we would not even have time to visit with Him if He came to our door!

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 22, 1999

    Ever noticed how cranky a little baby gets when it needs a nap? I see that a lot in grown up lately! The season to be jolly has left a lot of people jaded and grouchy. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
    One reason we don’t rejoice at this time of year as we should is because we do not get the REST our bodies require. Exhaustion and stress end up making us grumpy, irritable, and hard to live with! Let me share a few principles with you that will help you get through this season with some joy still left in your soul.
    1) MAKE time in your busy schedule to find a place for rest, reflection, and renewal- (Psa 55:6) And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
    2) Realize that rest is just as important as the other activities in your schedule- (Isa 30:15) For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
    3) Keep the reason for the season at the forefront of all you do. A good relationship with Christ will provide the rest you need so you will not lose your joy in the swamp of shopping or the pressures of parties - (Mat 11:28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
    So get some rest and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!