Men of the Bible Series: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18, 28)

Daniel 3:16-18, 28, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.”

Two boys entered the dentist's office. One of the boys said, "Doc, will you pull a tooth right this minute?" The dentist replied, "You don't need any gas or Novocain?" The boy said, "Nope! Just one big yank!" The doctor replied, "Sure! That's what I call being brave and courageous. Now show me the tooth you want pulled." The boy turned to his little brother and said, "Come here Jimmy and show the Doc your tooth." We are brave for others but struggle sometimes to have our own courage.

Their Hebrew names were, Hananiah (the Lord is gracious), Mishael (who is like God), and Azariah (the Lord has helped), and they were good friends of Daniel. They were intelligent, courageous, devoted to the Lord, and uncompromising in their faith. They all excelled in Babylon until the day they refused to bow down to a ninety-foot tall golden statue of the King. Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace. The Hebrews responded that their God could deliver them from the fiery furnace, but if He didn’t, they still would not bow to any statue or any other god. This made the king furious, and he ordered them to be thrown into the furnace. These three Hebrews had genuine courage and confidence in the Lord. As a result, the Lord delivered them and the king praised the LORD God of Israel, Who was far greater than any god in Babylon.

Being accused by these influential people (the astrologers) did not frighten these young men into compromising their faith. Neither did the king’s angry threats cause them to compromise their faith. Without hesitation, they boldly expressed their loyalty to the one true God. God had given them the strength to do the right thing, and they were completely confident that He would protect them (Psalm 46:1; 56:4). They knew that God’s judgment against sin and disobedience was far worse than anything people could do to them (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). They also knew that God’s love and power to save them was greater than any power that man could provide to destroy them. They knew that their God was able to save them from the fiery furnace. In fact, they were casting themselves upon the Lord to rescue them. But even if the Lord chose not to deliver them, they still could not betray Him. The minds of the three Hebrew men were made up! These men had genuine courage and faith. They would not bend, bow, budge or break. They were not bound, burnt, nor bothered. It has been said, “If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.” God wants us to make up our minds to live for Him! We need to make that decision now before we are tested. Trials will come. Our attitude should be that of Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

From the earliest days of childhood, all three of these young men had made the Word of God the center of their lives. These three young men faced the ultimate test of their faith. They either had to disobey the Lord, or disobey the king. And their decision was a matter of life or death. Their first loyalty belonged to the Lord. They loved and believed in the Lord and knew Him in a very personal way. They risked their lives and experienced the sustaining power and presence of God in the flames. When you honor the LORD, He comes close to you in the middle of a crisis. These servants of God were not saved from going into the furnace, they were sustained in it and God did not let it destroy them. There are many times that God allows us to go through great affliction, but His grace sustains us and the trial does not destroy us. There are some that God allows to be a martyr for their faith. Our job is to be faithful until the end and leave the results in the hands of God. Jesus was in the fire with them (Hebrews 13:5). It was during the severest trial of their life that God make His presence known to these men. Their fellowship would be wonderful. No doubt it was the closet they had ever been to Jesus and their heart would be overflowing with joy. Though we do not ask for the trial that we go through, we can always rejoice in the way God meets our needs and helps us to draw closer to him in the process. God's grace is always greater than the trial that you are going through. His grace is not only sufficient, it is abundant.

Their faith was unconditional, no matter the outcome. Even if God did not rescue them in this particular situation, they refused to deny Him. Having faith does not mean we will always be spared from trouble. It takes more faith to stick with God through difficulty and danger than it does to escape the situation altogether. In a world that constantly pressures us to deny our faith and compromise our commitment to God, we must always remember that if we are ashamed of Him on earth, He will be ashamed of us on judgment day (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26). But if we stand strong and boldly live for God in this life, He will stand with us both now and forever. When our faith is tested, we must continue to trust the Lord. Even if the test is a matter of life or death for us, we are never to deny the Lord. We must entrust the keeping of our souls totally into God’s hands. No matter how strong the temptation or how difficult the trial, God expects us to continue to believe and trust Him. Our faith is not to waver nor collapse, but rather to remain strong. Through faith, we can overcome all the tests and trials of life. We will never know the true strength of our faith until it is tested.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I know strength and help comes from You. Thank You for giving me courage under fire when serving You gets hard. Help me to continue to stand for You in life’s fiery trials. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Men of the Bible Series - Joseph (Genesis 39)

The final eruption of Mount St. Helens in May of 1980 was not a sudden event. For two months prior to the massive blast—the most deadly and destructive in American history—earthquakes and volcanic activity signaled a major event was underway. Authorities had plenty of time to sound the alarm and warn those living nearby of the looming danger. Yet despite the seriousness of the threat, some people chose to disregard the warnings. Probably the best known of those who refused to evacuate was Harry Randall Truman. The eighty-three year old man was the owner and caretaker at the Mount St. Helens Lodge at Spirit Lake. He had survived the sinking of his troop ship by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland during World War I, and he was not about to leave just because scientists thought there was danger. Truman told reporters,“I don't have any idea whether it will blow. But I don't believe it to the point that I'm going to pack up.” On May 18, 1980, Truman and his lodge were buried beneath 150 feet of mud and debris from the volcanic eruption. His body was never found. It is foolish to recognize danger or temptation and think that we will somehow be exempt from the consequences if we linger. If we believe Scriptures warnings concerning temptation, we will surely flee. The only real protection that we have is the approach taken by Joseph when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. “…and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Genesis 39:12).

Joseph was the eleventh of the twelve son’s son of Jacob. His mother was Rachel. He was a great leader and organizer, able to interpret dreams, he did not give into temptation, but most importantly, he was faithful to God. God honored the pure and holy life of Joseph. Even though it nearly cost him his life, he still continued to do God’s will.

Although most of the time it appeared Joseph was alone or neglected, God was always right beside him. Regardless of where Joseph went, or the circumstances he found himself in, the Lord was with him, and He made him to prosper. Five times the Scriptures tell us that the Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23; Acts 7:9). In Genesis 39, Joseph was severely tested in the area of moral purity.

1. Joseph’ Fix (Genesis 39:1-7)
Just when Joseph prospered, was promoted, and made overseer of his master’s house, immediately, he was enticed with temptation. Immediately following Joseph’s advancement in Potiphar’s palace, he was faced with a powerful temptation (Genesis 39:7, 10, 12). Joseph did what every godly man should do when tempted by lust, that is run! In Matthew 4:1-11, Christ, when beginning His earthly ministry, was faced with a powerful temptation. Sin and temptation are both persistent and aggressive.

2. Joseph’s Fundamentals (Genesis 39:8-9)
Character played a crucial role in Joseph’s life. Joseph was a man of integrity. Rather than focusing on what he didn’t have, he rejoiced in what he did have.

3. Joseph’s Feud (Genesis 39:9)
Joseph identified the true motive of the offer from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph's reaction to temptation is also seen in the life of Christ, the perfect model, who saw these deceptive offers of Satan as temptation to sin. Satan’s goal was to cause Christ to sin. “...Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7). When in spiritual warfare with temptation, it is always best to remember Matthew 22:37. Joseph was able to fight off the advance of Potiphar's wife because he wanted to please God more than he wanted to please himself. He called this kind of behavior sin, “a great wickedness”. If we could learn to call our temptations by their proper name, we might avoid the fall into sin that so often takes hold of us. Satan knows our weaknesses and will use the relationships of our life to constantly pressure us to do things against our conscience. That is why Christians must already have enough character and integrity within when the moment arises. It is much easier to avoid temptation than it is to resist it.

4. Joseph’s Flight (Genesis 39:10-12)
The moment came to a cruel confrontation when she attempt to lure him and he ran from her, leaving his garment in her hand. During the constant pressure and temptation Joseph faced, he responded correctly. He ran! We are instructed to flee many things in Scripture (I Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; II Timothy 2:22). The message provides one of the great lessons of life. That is, we cannot always control life, but we can control how we respond to it. The real test of a person’s character is what one does when no one is looking. Joseph knew the reality of Proverbs 15:3.

Five Points to Ponder Concerning Temptation:
1) It is easier to avoid temptation than it is to resist temptation.
Proverbs 1:10, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
2) Temptation is not sin. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet He did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
3) Temptation is not from God, but it is allowed by God.
James 1:13, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
4) Temptation is Satan's attempt to lure you into sin, but he can be resisted.
James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
5) Temptation is conquered by declaring your weaknesses and yielding to Christ's power within you.
II Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

PRAYER: Father, You know the areas of my weaknesses and You know when and how I will be tempted today and in the future. Help me to take every tempting thought captive and hand it over to You before it takes a hold of me and does harm to me or to other people. I ask for Your strength and help to resist ungodly temptations and not to give in, knowing that to do is not to glorify You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series - Mordecai (Esther 6:11)

Esther 6:11, “Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.”

A soldier in the service of King Charles I of England, who reigned from 1625-1649, sold most of his property and gave his proceeds to support the king's cause. He ended up also giving his life, being killed in the battle with the Roundheads. His friends paid tribute to his memory with this epitaph which is found in an old churchyard in England: "He served King Charles with a constant, dangerous, and expensive loyalty."

Mordecai was very loyal, and the rewards of his loyalty would be revealed at the right time and place. God is preparing His heroes, and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into His plan in a moment and the world will wonder where they come from. In Esther 2:21-23, we find Mordecai reporting the news of two men (Bigthan and Teresh) attempting to assassinate king Ahasuerus. It would be some time later, but the honorable acts of Mordecai would be brought to the attention of king Ahasuerus. As a result, for saving his life, king Ahasuerus honored Mordecai by having him escorted through the city on the king’s horse wearing the king’s royal clothing (Ephesians 6:11).

In adopting Esther, Mordecai showed his mercy (Esther 2:7). Although we were orphans, afar off from God, Christ showed His mercy in receiving us into the family of God by faith (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-13). As Mordecai was faithful to king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21-23), Christ was faithful to His Father (Luke 2:29; John 8:29; Hebrews 10:7). Mordecai was consistent (Esther 3:2-4), Christ fully knowing His mission was faithful and steadfast (Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51; 19:10; I Timothy 1:15). As Mordecai was despised (Esther 3:5), so was Christ (Isaiah 53:3; John 15:25). As Mordecai was tested (Esther 4:1), so was Christ (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:42). As Mordecai finally received a place of honor (Esther 6:1-3; 8:7-8), so did Christ in His resurrection (Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3).

Mordecai was loyal to God, therefore, he refused to bow down to Haman (Esther 3:4). Daniel’s three companions showed the same conviction and loyalty to God (Daniel 3:1-12). Those around Mordecai wanted to know why he did not kneel down. He gave them only one answer, that he was a Jew. God’s purpose and plan for sending the Jews into captivity to rid them from the desire to follow after false gods and idols had come to pass. As a result, these Jews would not honor anyone or anything in a way that was reserved only for God. Separated unto God, they refused to kneel down to any human or idol. Like Mordecai, we Christians also must take a firm and open stand for Christ and the righteous standards of truth in His Word, no matter what pressures come from a society that does not know or accept Him.

Five times the phrase “whom the king delighteth to honour” is mentioned (Esther 6:6-7, 9, 11). As Mordecai was a delight to king Ahasuerus, so should we as Christians be a delight to God. God blesses those who please Him. God delights in seeing His people reflect His glory and being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). There are several attributes of God that we are specifically told bring Him delight when they are manifested in our lives.
Some things that bring a delight to the Lord are:

1. Obedience to Him (I Samuel 15:22).
2. Moral life (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 11:20)
3. Singing to Him (Psalm 69:30-31).
4. Reverential fear to Him (Psalm 147:11).
5. Honest life (Proverbs 11:1.)
6. Truthful life (Proverbs 12:22)
7. Kindness (Jeremiah 9:24)
8. Mercy (Micah 7:18).
9. Service to Him (II Corinthians 5:9).
10. Cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:7)

When reading the book of Esther, one might question, “Where is God in all this”? Why is God’s name not mentioned? Although He is never mentioned by name in the entire book, God appears in every scene. God is seen in His power, providence, protection, presence, peace, and preservation. God is like the unseen rudder on the ship. However, the presence of God is evident throughout every chapter in these books. We see His providential hand of care over Israel. The purpose of the book of Esther is to reveal the sovereignty of God and His care for His people. It also teaches us that when man has reached his limit in life, God reveals His opportunity, and plans of a tomorrow. Have you ever felt discouraged, as though God was not working in your life? Understand that even when God’s work is not evident, His hand is present working behind-the-scenes. May God open our eyes to His many wonderful works in this book (Psalm 119:18).

Points to Ponder:
God’s timing and His ways ae always perfect.
Those who honor God will God honor.
One of the greatest statements a child of God can hear is “Well done” (Matthew 25:21).

Questions to Consider:
Do you have a godly heritage?
If you are the first Christian in your family, how will you begin a heritage for your children?
What are you doing to preserve this heritage and pass it along to your children?

PRAYER: Lord, I want to honor You in with my life. Guide my steps and prepare my path that I may glorify You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series - Onesimus (Philemon 11-12)

Philemon 11-12, “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels.”

Philemon is one of Paul’s four prison letters. The other prison epistles are Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. It’s one of four personal letters to individuals written by Paul. The others are I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus. Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s epistles, but in just 25 short verses, Philemon mentioned 11 people, made many spiritual applications, and is filled with numerous doctrines, particularly the doctrine of imputation.

In Philemon, we see a slave named Onesimus. He was owned by Philemon who was a wealthy Colossian believer and was a longtime friend of Paul. Onesimus left Philemon and he fled to Rome. Perhaps he fled to Rome because of its population and believed he would never be found. On his way to Rome, he crossed paths with Paul and that resulted in him being saved. We do not know exactly how their paths crossed. This we do know, that at some time Onesimus acceptable Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour (Philemon 10).

Upon hearing his testimony, Paul knew his master and decided to send him back to Philemon. By all rights, Philemon could have had Onesimus put to death. But first Paul would write a letter to Philemon explaining what had happened to Onesimus so that upon his return there would be no hostility. Onesimus then took this letter and journeyed back to Colossae to the home of Philemon.

Before Onesimus became a Christian, he was unprofitable (Philemon 11). He was inefficient and unfavorable to Philemon. After Onesimus’ conversion and transformation, he was highly beneficial (Colossians 4:9). Onesimus became fit for the Master’s use (II Timothy 2:21). Onesimus’ name means profitable. God can save a person and make them into something great for His glory and use. That person is very profitable for the ministry. God did not save us to sit, but to serve. But Paul is writing Philemon to let him know that Onesimus is profitable for him. Onesimus’ transformation was so powerful that Paul stated in his letter that he desired to keep Onesimus with him to serve with him in the ministry (Philemon 13). Paul wrote to Philemon asking him to receive Onesimus back, not as a servant, but as a brother beloved (Philemon 16). Paul requested Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul himself (Philemon 12). Not only because of what Christ had done for the both of them, but because of what Paul had done for them.

If Onesimus still owed anything that he couldn’t work out, to put it on Paul’s account. In this epistle, we see Jesus as the payer of our sin-debt. How undeserving we are of God’s grace and mercy. Through this epistle, we see what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. We had a debt that we owed to God that we could not pay (Romans 5:12). Because Jesus never sinned, He could pay it and did pay it. Impute means to put on someone's account; to charge something to another’s account. Imputation is the act of God whereby our sins are put on Christ’s account and His righteousness is put on our account. When a person trusts Jesus for salvation, He takes their sins upon His record and then places His righteousness upon their record. Just as it is with our sins, they have been charged to the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ taking our sins and allowing our sins to be charged to Him. If we take it for what it means, it can affect our lives in understanding how much the Lord Jesus Christ loves us.

Just as Jesus willingly paid our debt for offenses against God to free us from slavery to sin, Paul expressed the same character that Jesus showed by offering Himself as a substitute for Onesimus’ debt. Paul truly imitated Jesus and lived what he preached (I Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1). One of the most rewarding experiences in the Christian life is the privilege of introducing others to Jesus. Those who actively communicate their faith both in actions and words are fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission to take His message to all the world (Matthew 28:19). Anyone who has had the opportunity to lead another person to faith in Jesus Christ knows the tremendous sense of joy, purpose, and fulfillment that comes from helping someone enter into a personal relationship with God. Leading others to Christ is perhaps the highest good we can do for him in this life, when we are influential in helping others receive eternal life.

Jesus placed your sins on His account. If you go to the LORD, He will take Christ’s righteousness, which is perfect, and He will accredit it to your account. Because of Christ’s righteousness being placed on your account, you’ll never stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), not because you’re sinless, but because of your account. If you will receive Jesus Christ (the Gospel), He will credit your account with perfection because He has already accredited your sin onto Jesus Christ. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, call upon Him right now. Jesus earnestly wants to impute your sin to His record and impute His righteousness to your record.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Jesus to pay for our sins that we would be made righteous in Your sight. Please help me to be profitable to You and Your people as I do Your work, In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series

Job (Job 42:1-2) – PART 2

Job 42:1-2, “Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.”

If you were to study the godly life of Job, you would find his name means “assailed”. There are type of trees, some of the oldest trees on earth, that grow high in the windy White Mountains of California, near Yosemite N.P. Sierra N.F. Job was fiercely assaulted by the winds of unfortunate circumstances and in the end he came forth as gold.

The Bible speaks of Job as “perfect and upright” (Job 1:1). The word upright means of straight and level. Although this man was afflicted in ways that would knock most men out to the point of never getting back up, Job remained steadfast. Though struck with numerous calamities, he refused to give up. He clung to the Lord. Crooked circumstances could not bend his heart. His trust in the Lord kept him pointed directly toward Heaven.

Job had a deep respect and holy fear of God. Blameless refers to Job’s moral integrity and wholehearted devotion to God. Upright conveys his words, thoughts, and actions that measured up to God’s standard of what is right, honorable, and true. God Himself gives this description of Job’s character (Job 1:8; 2:3). God gives us Job’s life as evidence that He can work in a person’s life to make that person truly good, righteous, and victorious. With the Lord’s help, we can have victory over evil influences and desires of sin. This does not mean that Job was sinless, however, God’s people can and should live morally pure and righteous lives. It is spiritually unhealthy and Scripturally inaccurate to teach that it is impossible to live a blameless and upright life and that it is to be expected that a believer will regularly sin in word, thought, or deed with no hope of overcoming the temptations of life. Like the testimony of Job, with the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance, we Christians have the power available to overcome our sin nature and the pull of sin so we can walk blameless and upright before God.

Perhaps no question is asked more often than that when Christians try to witness for Christ. We tell others about the magnificent love of God, but they have a problem. One of the most asked questions concerning God is, “Why?”. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do the righteous suffer? Why are the innocent murdered? Why are children abused? Why was this good person’s life taken so suddenly? These questions rise in our hearts and we demand to know why? We ask, “God, if You are all powerful, all knowing, and all loving…Why?”

Job’s flesh, family, farm, fortune, and faith were attacked. In the end, Job refused to blame God and acknowledged the divine sovereignty of the Lord. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, Job knew that God could be trusted. When injustices were shouting in his ears, Job persisted in believing that God was just. If you are hurting, may you come to the point where your faith will lead you to say, “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).

Rooted in the Word of God does 4 Things.
1. Roots are unseen: First, the important thing to do is to set aside time in privacy (underground). By doing this we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and grow in Him.
2. Roots are for taking in: Perhaps one of the most productive times to absorb God’s Word is in having quiet time alone in it and to feed upon it so that it will ensure your spiritual growth.
3. Roots are for storage: As you daily study God’s Word, you’ll find a vast, deep reservoir of Divine hope and strength forming for the rough times ahead.
4. Roots are for support: A deep-rooted Bible study will help you to stand firm against the pressures of life. The routine care for your roots through exposure to God’s Word will cultivate you into a remarkable Christian of endurance.

Christians are to be people of faith and dependence upon the Lord. It is when we get independent of God that we get ourselves into trouble. The Bible tells us that the just shall live by faith. If we are to please the Lord, then we need to trust in Him. God can do all things.
Look at what the Lord has done for His people:
1) Joseph – Promoting him from the prison to the palace, making him the most powerful man in the Middle East.
2) Israel – Causing the walls of Jericho to fall flat and parting the waters of the Red Sea and Jordan River so they could cross.
3) Gideon – With the odds 450 to one, Gideon and his 300 men, defeated the Midianites.
4) 3 Hebrews – His presence with them in the fiery furnace and allowing not one hair to be singed on their bodies.
5) Daniel – Cast into a den of lions, the angel of the Lord Stopped the mouths of hungry lions.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, when the winds of adversity bear down on me, I will trust in Your love for me. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series

Job (James 5:10-11) – PART 1

James 5:10-11, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the LORD, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the LORD; that the LORD is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

Job was a righteous man who walked with the Lord and his life pleased Him. From the very beginning of the book of Job, we here about Job’s character and his testing (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). The Bible declares Job was perfect, upright, feared God, and eschewed evil. Both before and after he lost everything, God was able to say Job had the same characteristics. His faith, family, farm, finances, and flesh were all tried. Even though this man suffered numerous losses that would knock most of us out, Job remained steadfast and faithful to the LORD.

In James 5:11, the word “patience” means cheerful, “endurance”, “steadfastness”, and “perseverance or waiting”. It is endurance without murmuring. Job suffered affliction without murmuring. Perhaps the best characteristic to describe Job is patience. Patience is something we all need and want, but we rarely like to go through what it takes to obtain it. James 1:3, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” As believers, we will all have our faith tested. If there is no testing, there will never be patience. In Titus 2:2-8, when God lists specific character traits men and women need to develop, it was the men that He told to be patient. Perseverance is often developed through faith that triumphs through sufferings as seen in Job 13:15. The outcome of the Lord’s dealings with Job reveals that in all Job’s troubles, God cared deeply about him and preserved his life and hope. James wants us to know that God is concerned about all of His people and that, in their suffering, He will sustain them in love and compassionate mercy (Job 6:4; 42:10).

Every Christian should display cheerful endurance in the following six ways:

1. Waiting on God (Psalm 37:7)
2. Doing good (Romans 2:7)
3. Tribulation (Romans 12:12)
4. Christ’s return (II Thessalonians 3:5)
5. The race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)
6. Suffering wrongfully (I Peter 2:19-20)

A furnace of fire is used to test precious metals. The heat from the furnace separates the dross and impurities to bring about the best. Job stated, “when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). The Word of God teaches that our faith is even more precious than gold. God allows, and may even bring, times of trouble to our lives to not only test us, but to refine us. When we are tried and tested by adversity, it is so that we can come forth unto His praise, honor, and glory when Christ returns. We, as a result, become more precious (valuable) to Him. Good people get tested so they can become better.

Trials never come by accident or by mistake; there is a purpose for the trial (James 1:2-4). At the center of every trial, there is a purpose. Each of us must pass through the flames of adversity during our appointed time on Earth. Regardless of the experience, it hurts to go through the fire. As painful as the heat may be, God will not allow it to consume you. It will accomplish nothing less than His perfect will intends for you. But there is something very precious about the searing heat of trials. God uses it to refine our character in a way no natural act could do. No one likes going through trials, but by keeping our eyes focused on the end result of our trials, we find the patience and strength to endure them and reach the other side.

Satan wants believers to quit serving God. Satan wants you to think that God doesn’t care, when God is really molding and making you more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). The Lord promised in due season that we would reap if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9). In the end, his patience was rewarded by God giving him double. Job didn’t faint and, in the end, he reaped (Job 42:12). Patience is a pearl which is found only in the deep seas of affliction.

When we are going through trials, it is of great comfort to know that nothing comes into our lives without first passing through the hands of our heavenly Father. God’s grip of grace clings to us through the trials of life and leads us day by day. This was the test in the book of Job. Satan claimed Job worshiped God only because he was prosperous. The trial of Job’s faith proved Satan wrong. What do your trials say about your faith in God?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know the thoughts and plans You have for me are for Your glory and for my good. Whatever I may face today, I can expect that You are working for good in all of it. So, I’m going to step forward in faith, trusting You in all things, and seek to cooperate fully with Your plans for me. I know I can’t imagine all the good You have planned for my life, but I also know it’s all coming in Jesus’ name, so I can say, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series – Jonathan (I Samuel 18:1-4)

I Samuel 18:1-4, “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.”

Jonathan was a faithful, a mighty warrior and one of the bravest men who had ever lived. Jonathan’s victorious strategy at the battle of Michmash was successfully used in World War I at the same exact location 3,000 years later, which has been considered one of the most successful military tactics ever used in battle. One night, Major Vivian Gilbert of the British army was contemplating the situation against the Ottoman forces. He remembered a town by the name of Michmash written about somewhere in the Bible. He found the verses and discovered that there was supposedly a secret path around the town. Incredibly, he managed to find that secret path, and with the British forces using this path to outmaneuver the Ottomans, the British took the town under the command of General Edmund Allenby and captured the city of Jerusalem on December 9th, 1917.

Jonathan and David were great friends, likened to brothers. Three times the Bible states Jonathan loved David as his own soul (I Samuel 18: 1, 3; II Samuel 1:26). The Scriptures suggests they could not have been closer had they been actual brothers. As a result, a close bond of friendship grew into a oneness of spirit and brotherly love, in spite of the fact that David had been chosen by God to take Jonathan’s place as the next king of Israel. Although Jonathan was Saul’s son, he knew that David was to be the next king. It was David who killed Goliath and defended the people; this was enough to earn Jonathan’s respect and trust. Yet, rather than being resentful, Jonathan poured his heart into his friend, making his life better. Decide to be the kind of friend who makes the lives of others better rather than seeking the best for yourself.

Jonathan made an unusual covenant with David (I Samuel 18:3-4). The two young men would have pledged their friendship and loyalty to one another. They would always look after the needs and welfare of one another. Jonathan acknowledged that David was to be the future king, for he gave David his own royal clothing and weapons. The royal robe and weapons were to be used only by the future heir to the throne. In effect, Jonathan was transferring the right to the throne over to David.

Jonathan came to David and put all that he had at his feet (I Samuel 18:4). He began with his robe. Jonathan's robe suggests his position, for it was the robe of a king's son, the robe of a crown prince of Israel. Jonathan also gave his garments to David. His garments speak of his possessions, the things which most personally belonged to him. Jonathan gave David his sword. His sword speaks of his protection, his right of self-defense. Jonathan put his bow at David's feet. Jonathan's bow suggests his prowess; it represents a skill he had. Finally, Jonathan put his girdle at David's feet. His girdle suggests his plans.

This was not something King Saul received well. Saul wanted David out of the picture, regardless of what God had already decided. This resulted in David becoming a hunted man. He was the number one wanted man on Saul’s hit list. Taking his father’s side would have been easy to do, but Jonathan was “born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). While David was running for his life Jonathan came to him to strengthen his hand in God (I Samuel 23:16). Proverbs 10:29, “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright.” Friends that strengthen you are your true friends, and they will always point you to the LORD.

David and Jonathan are the epitome of what true friendship should be. They both wanted to please and obey the LORD. No family ties, loyalties, or blood kinship could surpass the loyalty of these true friends. The souls of Jonathan and David were knit to the death. And no fault, failure, flaw, or foulness of David could waiver Jonathan's loyalty to him or make him love him less. Psalm 119:63 instructs as to how we should choose our friendships. If a friend is anything, it is someone who knows everything about you and loves you, nonetheless. Friends that love you will strengthen you, not belittle you. Friendships that have been cemented in Christian covenant have a firm foundation.

Jonathan, along with his two brothers and father, was killed in a battle with the Philistines (I Samuel 31:2-6). Upon hearing of this, David was brokenhearted. He lamented the death of his dear friend, especially referring to his courage, saying he was swifter than an eagle and stronger than a lion (II Samuel 1:17-26). David could not hide his love for Jonathan, and God cannot hide His love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross, that He might spend eternity with you.

Points to Ponder:

• If you have a friend, cherish that friendship.
• Be a true friend to someone else today.

• A true friendship is a great treasure and exceedingly rare.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be as true and loyal as Jonathan was to David. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Men of the Bible Series - Timothy (II Timothy 2:1-2)

II Timothy 2:1-2. “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Following Pompeii's destruction from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, thousands were buried in its ruins, locked in various physical positions. Some were seeking refuge from the ash deep within chambers, while some sought protection in the heights of their homes. One figure, a Roman sentinel, stands as a testimony of faithfulness to the end. He was discovered standing at the city gate with weapon in hand. While the earth shook beneath him and the sky darkened with hopeless disaster, he remained at his post. We carry the call of Christ, the commission of the King of kings, within our very hearts. It is time we live out the faith within in a manner that dignifies and honors those who passed it along to us. May all who come after us find us faithful.

Paul never had a biological son, but he introduces us to his dearly beloved spiritual son, Timothy (II Timothy 1:2). In the two letters that follow, it becomes clear that no mere biological relationship could exceed that which he felt for this son in the ministry. He traveled with Paul on missionary journeys. He spent time in prison. He was the recipient of two letters written from Paul. He pastored the church at Ephesus. Their mutual love for Christ and His kingdom surpassed any human bond earthly paternity could forge.

Timothy, a young man who grew up in a home without a Christian father (Greek/Gentile), but with a godly mother and a godly grandmother; and this young man became a major influence for the cause of Jesus Christ in the first century. His name was Timothy. His name means “One who honors God”. How did a young man from the city of Lystra, a mystical place given over to idol worship, develop into such a great leader for the cause of Jesus Christ? He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. There had been three generations of genuine faith in Timothy’s family: first, his grandmother Lois; then his mother Eunice; and now finally Timothy himself. Timothy’s faith was passed down from his grandmother (Lois) to his mother (Eunice), which he passed down to others.

Paul's second letter to Timothy is full of encouragement. He goes on to instruct young Timothy to study hard, endure hardship, preach the Word, and remember what he had learned. When we are young, we ache with desire to accomplish our dreams. We often run the race as if we are the only ones within the boundaries of the course. As Paul passed his torch to Timothy, so must we equip others through encouragement to do the same.

The church has the responsibility to uphold the teaching and message of Christ without compromise, correction, or corruption, and of those He commissioned to deliver that message as recorded in the Bible. In order to do this, there must be sound, Bible-based teaching and instruction within the church. A strong and sound teacher will hear, receive, and spread the truth to others. He communicates the truth to others so that they in turn may teach others and pass the truth on down to future generations. We are to commit the truth to people who will pass it on. The word faithful means trustworthy or reliable. This means they are believers who will pass it on without addition or alteration. Those we teach should all be able to teach others also. This way the Gospel is passed on from generation to generation, creating an endless chain of Christian teachers.

The greatest way to honor those who have invested in you is to continue in their work. Paul invested his life in equipping young men for the ministry: John Mark, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas, Philemon, Titus, and perhaps others. Paul poured his life into Timothy. Timothy honored Paul and Christ by continuing that which had been faithfully entrusted unto him. He charged Timothy in II Timothy 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Paul visualized a faithful finish for Timothy, one that would impact future generations with the truth. He committed himself to others, who taught others, who ultimately taught us—right down to this present hour.

Many people have sacrificed for you and have invested in you. Make them proud. To find, to fulfill, and to finish the course the Lord has chosen for you is the greatest honor you can bestow upon them. Timothy had a good reputation with the church. A good reputation is critical no matter what a person chooses to do (Proverbs 22:1). Regardless of where you came from or how you started in life, you have the opportunity to develop a good reputation that can be well spoken of by those around you and, in the end, finish well (Acts 16:2).

Questions to Consider:
Are you wandering around waiting to serve the Lord?
Are you ignoring Christ’s call to faithfulness?
Are you walking against the ways of God?

Points to Ponder:
Anyone can build and develop a good name and reputation.
Make daily commitments to be loyal to Jesus.
Remember the value of a good name.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I have been blessed by the ministry of people who have invested their time in me. LORD, help me to always honor those who have invested their lives in me as I journey on the path you have chosen for me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Men of the Bible Series - Abraham (James 2:23) – PART 2

James 2:21-23, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

Abraham's life illustrates the truth that faith and works go together. Abraham believed God and it was his faith alone that made him righteous. Genuine faith lays everything on the line for the LORD. Abraham believed God and his faith was evident in the offering of his only son. Abraham’s faith said, “I believe God! I trust God with my life, my children, my future, my reputation.” And God tested him. Adrian Rogers said, “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.” It was clearly the faith of Abraham that led him to do the works that he did. Abraham was not saved when he offered Isaac, but this act showed his faith. God pronounced that Abraham was justified and saved thirty years before Abraham offered up his only son Isaac. James declares that when Abraham offered up Isaac, he was proving his faith. The reason Abraham offered up Isaac was because he did believe God. Therefore, he did what God said. If a person believes Christ, he does what Christ says; he follows Christ. Something is lacking in a profession of faith that has no practice to it. We prove that we believe God when we practice His principles, obey His orders, and walk in His ways.

Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” The word counted means "to reckon, impute, or to place in someone else's account." Abraham was spiritually bankrupt, but his faith in the Lord entitled him to receive God's righteousness that was imputed to his spiritual account before God. The same holds true for us. Our sins were placed in Christ's account for Him to pay and His righteousness was imputed to our spiritual account when we were saved. Like Abraham, we are justified by faith in Christ. Justification is the act of God where He declares the believing sinner righteous on the basis of Christ's finished work on the cross. Justification is an act of God, not a means of the believer's own actions. Justification is not something the sinner does, it is what God does for us when we trust in His son Jesus for our salvation.

No amount of works can make us righteous, and it is only faith in Jesus that can cleanse us from our sin. His faith affected his mind, his emotions, and his will. Neither Abraham, nor any other person, can attain the favor of God through the works of the flesh. The only righteousness God will accept is the imputed righteousness of Christ, and that upon the principle of faith only! Romans 4:3, “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Paul quotes Romans 4:3 to show that Abraham was saved by faith and not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” There is no contradiction between what Paul is saying and what James is saying. James is not contradicting Paul in James 2:21. The key is James 2:23, “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” Abraham’s right relationship with God did not come from “observing the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28), but through faith and actions working together in love. His willingness to sacrifice his own son, Isaac, was an expression of his faith in and commitment to God (Genesis 15:6; 22:1).

Abraham believed God and Abraham was called the friend of God. Abraham had an intimate relationship with Him; he believed God and walked in fellowship with Him, following and living for Him. When we have true, genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we are friends of God. When we were lost, we were dead in our trespasses and sins and we were at enmity with God. When we trusted Jesus Christ, He forgave us and brought us into the family of God. We are now friends of God! Abraham’s friendship was tested by his willingness to give God what he loved most, his only son Isaac (Genesis 22:12).
There are three characteristics to be a good friend.
1. A friend loves at all time (Proverbs 17:17)
2. A friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)
3. A friend is willing to lay down his life for his friend (John 15:13)

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to develop a deeper trust in You. Thank You for Your Word that is faithful and true. May I do what gives You pleasure and glorifies Your Name. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus, for I have been forgiven of all my sins. Help me to stand firm in Your Word, steadfast in Your Work, and sincere in my walk with You. May my life demonstrate my love for You until that glorious day when You call me home with You to Heaven. In Jesus Name, AMEN!
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Men of the Bible Series - Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10) – PART 1

Hebrews 11:8–10, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

“Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.” - G. Campbell Morgan

​ Some of the greatest missionaries of history devotedly spread the seed of God's Word and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts. William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ in Burma, and Adoniram Judson toiled 7 years before his faithful preaching was rewarded. In western Africa, it was 14 years before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took 9 years, and in Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began.

Abraham’s faith is a wonderful example and pattern that we need to follow (Genesis 12:1-4). Faith does not wait until it fully understands how things will work out before it begins to act. Rather, faith obeys and believes that God will fulfill all of His promises. The conversation that Abraham and Sarah had when God told Abraham to leave Ur must have been interesting. I picture it going something like this. “Honey, God has told me we’re going to move.” “Okay, where are we going?” “Uh...I don’t know. God told me He would let me know when we get there.” Why did Abraham leave behind his homeland without knowing his destination? Because of faith. Abraham could have questioned God. “God, if You will tell me first the destination or direction, I’ll go.” Abraham could have delayed his faith. He could have said, “It’s not a good time for me to move right now. I’ll definitely move later, God, as soon as I see how Your plan plays out.” Abraham chose to obey and follow the Lord.

Abraham’s Faith involved the following:
1. It involved listening.
Abraham would need a tender heart for the things of God to hear what God had to say to him. If one is ignoring God or has no interest in God then they will miss what God has for them. We must be sensitive to the voice of God in our life (I Kings 19:12-13).

2. It involved leaving.
God wanted Abraham to leave the heathen land he was in behind and go to a place he had prepared for him. Abraham obeyed God even though he had no track record with God at that time. He had faith in God. Sometimes God gets us out of the environment we are in so he can strengthen us and help grow our faith.

3. It involved learning.
Abraham would learn more about God as he followed him by faith. He would become a friend of God as he sought to live for him. What a testimony to be known as the friend of God, and may that be said of us.

4. It involved longing.
God had special promises and plans for Abraham. I do not think Abraham at that time understood the fullness of all the plans that God had for him, but he had a desire to diligently seek them. Never lose your desire to serve God and keep your heart warm with the love of God (Jude 21).

In relation to God, faith and obedience are inseparable, just as unbelief and disobedience are inseparable (Hebrews 3:18-19; John 3:36). Abraham knew that the earthly promised land was not the end of his journey of faith. Rather, God’s promise pointed beyond everything on earth to the heavenly city that God has prepared for his faithful servants. Abraham serves as an example for all God’s people, reminding us that we are only traveling through this world on our way to God’s city and His home for us in heaven. We are not to look for everlasting security in this present life or be attached to this present world (Hebrews 11:14, 16; 13:14). We must consider ourselves as strangers and foreigners on the earth. This is not our homeland; the end of our journey will be “a better country” (Hebrews 11:16), “the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12;22) and the “city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Sometimes we think that it would be pretty easy to do what God says if we could see in advance exactly how all the details would come together and how our course would run...but that is not what living by faith is. Instead, faith trusts God enough to obey even without understanding what all the details are. Someone said, “Faith is starting out before you figure out how it’s going to turn out.” A simple definition of faith would be taking God at His Word.

II Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Too often, believer’s fail to walk where God instructs them to go because the way is unfamiliar to them. Spurgeon said, “Faith’s eye sees in the dark.” When a believer walks by faith, the believer says with their faith, “God is in control, His way is best, with Him there are no accidents, I’m taking Him at His Word.” The life of a child of God is to be a life lived by faith in God. The question is, what is our measure or degree of faith? It’s either no faith (Mark 4:40), little faith (Matthew 6:30), or great faith (Matthew 15:28).

Prayer, Lord, I confess that it’s so natural for me to rely on what I see rather than what You tell me in Your Word. Increase my faith to believe what You say. Increase my courage to obey You without delay. Help me to follow Abraham’s example of living by faith and seeing life through spiritual eyes. Thank You that following You is the path to abundant life. I trust You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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