Quarterly Encourager -April, May, June 2024

GOD’S WISDOM - Proverbs 8

The first 7 chapters of Proverbs concentrate on the wisdom of God.  Wisdom is a very broad term and can be defined as God’s instruction for righteous and moral living which includes moral skillfulness and moral discernment. The words wise and wisdom occur over 100 times in Proverbs. 

The purpose of the book is the teaching of certain basic social virtues, such as industry, thrift, discretion, truthfulness, honesty, chastity, kindness, forgiveness, and warning against the corresponding vices. God’s wisdom is intended to be the guiding principle of our lives.

Up to chapter 8, wisdom has been presented as a series of abstract virtues.  In chapter 8 Solomon switches to the “personification of wisdom”.  We all learned about personification in grammar and literature in high school.  It is a figure of speech in which abstract qualities (in this case moral virtues) are given human characteristics.  It is also important to note that the personification of wisdom is feminine; “she takes her stand”.

This is obvious in the opening verses, V1-4, “Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice?  On top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates, at the opening to the city, At the entrance of the doors, she cries out: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men”

The personification of the virtues of wisdom continues in verses 12 through 21 and is contrasted with the vices of men. Verse 14-16 illustrates that God’s wisdom goes beyond personal application and is intended to be a vital component of a righteous government: “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.  By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.”

A good example of this is Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson was a deist and not a born again Christian but recognized the importance of Biblical morality for the citizens of the new republic of America. “I have always said, I always will say, that the studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands.” Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), 3rd President of the United States.

A change occurs in V. 22-31- “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above,  When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, when He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command,  when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men” NKJV

In verses 22-31, rather than wisdom being personified it is displayed in a Person.“The Wisdom is the Son of God. The personification of wisdom is found in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This wonderful passage is a great prelude to the incarnation and the subsequent redemption work of the Son of God. Here Solomon beheld the highest of all; he had a vision of the Messiah of Israel, the Son of David, whose wisdom, peace and kingdom of peace and glory he but faintly foreshadowed. Wisdom was possessed by the Lord in the beginning of His ways, before His works of old. But that is the beginning without a beginning. In the beginning was the Word; and because the Word, the Son of God, is God, He like God has no beginning. 

Wisdom, the Son of God, was always with God from everlasting. Before there ever was anything created, before the mountains were settled, or even the earth had been made, He was. And when creation began, He was there. He, the Son, was by Him, as one brought up with Him. From the greater revelation in the New Testament, we learn that all things were created not only for Him, but also by Him (Colossians 1:16). Wisdom speaks: "And I was continually His delight, rejoicing always before Him." This can only be true of God the Son. And furthermore, He says: "Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth; and My delight was with the sons of men." His delight was so great, that He laid by His glory, and left His eternal dwelling place to become man and redeem man by the death of the cross.”  The Book of Proverbs, Chap. 9         A C Gaebelein

In v. 32-36 Solomon returns to the personification of wisdom: “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instructions and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.”

So let us pay attention to the teachings of Proverbs.  It will make us better worshippers, better citizens, better husbands and wives and parents, better friends, better witnesses, better counselors and better in every way.

Author ~ John Spence

Quarterly Encourager - January, February, March 2024

The God of the Bible and Allah of Islam

I worked for many years with a Muslim engineer whose last name was Mohammed.  We had a good working relationship and have several US patents together.  At lunch time we often played ping-pong.  On our breaks I often discussed Islam and Christianity.  My friend was trying to reconcile the two religions.  Here a couple of things I learned from him:

 Allah is the God of Islam and is not knowable in this sense that a person can have a relationship with him. Allah is a distant and impersonal God. Thus, Muslims do not have a relationship with Allah as Christians have with Yahweh or Jehovah, the God of the Bible.

 In Islam, Allah has complete power over every detail of a person’s life. He is all-powerful in such a way that people are not able get close to him. Allah with his own will makes his own decisions. He does what he wants, and no one can question this. Allah wills one to go to heaven and another to go to hell. Allah wills one to live and another to die. Allah wills who in the womb will live and who will die. His control is over everything.

 My friend had a tragedy in his life that he had to yield to the absolute dictatorial will of Allah.  He brought his parents from Egypt to the US for medical treatment.  They were sent back to Egypt together and both killed in the 1999 crash of the Egyptian airliner off the East Coast.  He called me to inform me and was terribly distraught but had to yield to the unloving will of Allah.

Below are some of the things we discussed in our conversation about Islam that may be helpful in witnessing to Muslims.

Difference between the God of the Bible

and Allah of the Quran

 God made salvation available by sacrificing His Son and promises salvation by grace to those who believe. Allah sacrificed nothing, and only saves if sufficient works are done.

·         God has a payment for sins—Jesus Christ. Allah has no payment for sins.

·         God’s Christ paid for the sin of mankind. Allah paid for nothing, and all men pay for their own sins.

·         God’s salvation is through Christ’s work. Allah’s salvation is through people’s works.

·         God sent a Savior, Jesus Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.  A major part of Muslim salvation is to believe that Mohammed was the only spokesperson for God.

·         God’s book is very different from Allah’s book. They contradict each other, so they cannot both be true. For example, the Bible says Christ was resurrected from the dead. Islam rejects that as a lie.

·         God says his Son is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Allah says Christ is “only a messenger.”

Here are a few verses from the Bible that may help in witnessing to Muslims:

  “I the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right. –Isaiah 45:19

 One God – the God of the Bible –Old Testament

 I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God –Isaiah 45:5

 I am the Lord, and there is none else- Isaiah 45:18

 For I am God, and there is no other- Isaiah 45:22

 One true God – New Testament

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent – John 17:3

 There is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be gods many, and lords many yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist- 1 Corinthians 8:6

 For there is one God – 1 Timothy 2:5

 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

 For in Him (Jesus Christ) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form-Colossians 2:17

  Author ~ John Spence

FINISHING WELL - Part 1

Years ago, we had an older brother, Eric Smith, over for dinner. He had faithfully served the Lord in Bolivia for many years. As we were talking, he mentioned that his prayer and his desire for our prayers was to “finish well”. He did! Many of us are also getting up in years. May our prayer also be to finish well. So many in the Bible started out well, but in the final lap of the race they stumbled and fell. We will not automatically finish well. Satan ‘s desire for young and old is to turn us aside from following the Lord. His age-old scheme starting with Adam and Eve has been the attraction of the world. “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:16,17).  None of us are immune from Satan’s attacks. As the great philosopher Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over”. Our life on earth will come to an end, but eternity lies ahead. Eternity is a long time; it’s never over. May our life show eternal consequences that glorify the Lord. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Cor. 9:24).

The apostle Paul did not start off well. He was a murderer and persecutor of the Church, but he finished well. In Acts 20:23,24 after being warned of what would befall him in returning to Jerusalem, he said, “Chains and tribulations await me.  But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Near the end of his life, in prison and waiting to be executed he said, “The time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7,8).

In Ezekiel 14:14 three godly men are mentioned: “‘Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,’ says the Lord God. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord…Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:8,9). “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7). Following the flood, “Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard.  Then he drankf the wine and was drunk and became uncovered in his tent” (Gen. 9:20,21). Noah stumbled, and worse led his son Ham to stumble. I believe Noah was restored and ended well, but Ham’s descendants through Canaan and the Canaanite tribes continued in evil and were constant enemies of the Children of Israel in the Land. Children often suffer for the sins of their fathers. 

Daniel was a man of God from his youth. “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). It was said of Daniel, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5). “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel was a man of prayer. Daniel found favor with four kings, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus.

The Lord blessed him and gave him a vision of the end times. “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days” (Daniel 12:13).  I know of no reference to sin or failure with Daniel. He finished well.

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil “(Job 1:1). “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (Job 1:22). Job suffered the loss of possessions, health and family yet he stayed faithful. “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” (James 5:11). After God revealed his majesty and grandeur and Job’s frailty, Job proclaimed, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore, I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42, 5,6). “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:12). He finished well.

Two other godly men are mentioned in Jeremiah. “Then the Lord said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind would not be favorable toward this people” (Jeremiah 15:1). Moses is mentioned almost 800 times in the scripture. The Lord said or spoke to Moses 150 times. He is spoken as “the man of God” six times. “At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God” (Acts 7:20). The Lord allowed Moses to be raised in Pharoah’s house for 40 years learning the wisdom of the Egyptians, then took him to the desert for 40 years to learn the wisdom of God, then used him to lead the Children of Israel 40 years in the wilderness. Moses realized he could not run the race alone. Others came alongside to help and encourage him.  Moses was willing to accept the support of Aaron and Hur as they lifted his hands to insure the victory over Amalek (a type of the flesh). In frustration and anger, he stumbled and sinned, “He said unto them, hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice.  And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Num. 20:10-12). The Lord prohibited him from entering the land, but after blessing the people, “Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.  And He (God) buried him in a valley in the land of Moab” (Deut. 34:5,6). “Since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deut. 34:10). Commended of God, he finished well. 

Before Samuel was born his mother, Hannah, said, “I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Sam. 1:11). “Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child” (1 Samuel 2:18). “And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men” (1 Samuel 2:26). “Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli” (1 Samuel 3:1). “The Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’” (1 Samuel 3:10). “And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life” (1 Sam. 7:15). “Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel…  But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice” (1 Sam. 8:1-3). He served the Lord all the days of his life, but his finish was marred by his sons’ failures.

Author – Ron Boettcher

What Is True Joy? - Part 2

The authority which the Lord had given to the seventy disciples included the power to overcome demons who were opposing the gospel they were proclaiming. Their authority in Jesus’ name included the ability to “trample on serpents and scorpions”.  As they were going about from place to place, there was a very real danger from both serpents and by scorpions. It would seem as though Satan, the enemy, was attempting to stop their mission by using serpents and scorpions to poison them.  Satan in the Garden of Eden came the form of a serpent to tempt Adam and Eve. Because of the authority and power Jesus had given the 70 disciples, however, no such dangers could defeat or hinder them, so long as they were doing what Jesus had commanded them to do.

Now Jesus turns his disciples to a better joy.  He says in Luke 10:20, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

Jesus told His disciples that rather than rejoice in their power over the demons, “they should rejoice in that their names were written in heaven”. Initially, the disciples were caught up in their conflict with the spirit world, because in Christ’s name they had power over demons. Jesus told them that they instead should be rejoicing in their relationship with God. These disciples had not been recruited from the ranks of the priests and rabbis, the religious leaders of the day ---- the ones who were supposed to have a monopoly on such healing power. They came from the ranks of the common people. They were accustomed to earn their living ''by the sweat of their brow'' as the writer of Genesis describes it ---- for instance, through catching and selling fish. So what had happened on this mission was indeed a new and exciting experience for them. But Jesus gave them something more serious and important to be excited about.  Having their names written in heaven is much more important than anything that could happen on earth like having power over demons.

Joy at the prospect of having power over evil spirits is nothing when compared to the certainty of knowing that you have a eternal relationship and an eternal future in heaven with God through Jesus Christ.  This occurs when you put your faith and trust in Jesus for your eternal salvation.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved”, Acts 16:31  All those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ have their names written in the “Book of Life” which is in heaven, Revelation 20:15.  This means they will never have to face the judgment of God also described in this Revelation 20.

Jesus saw the danger of the disciples placing their joy in the abilities he had given them, so he told them that their confidence should not be in what they had done, but rather in the knowledge that their names were written in heaven.

And how could they know that? Only by trusting in Jesus. This is the important issue. We humans have a tendency to put our trust in anything other than God: our deeds, our abilities, or even our spiritual gifts, as in this case. Like Abraham, (“Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness” – Romans 4:5) we have to learn to trust what God says about how we are saved. Everything will ultimately depend on it. It is not based on our good works or belonging to a church and doing good things. Salvation is from God—it is his gift apart from any merit we have. And God has given us the wonderful capacity and freedom to receive the gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23.

This will result in the true joy of knowing God through Jesus Christ and that we have an eternal future in heaven because God records our name in his “Book of Life” and it can never be erased. 

Author: John Spence

What Is True Joy? - Part 1

Happiness and joy are very closely related.  This is the dictionary definition of these two words: Happiness is “a state of well-being; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.”  A definition of the word rejoice which is related to the word joy, is “to feel great delight; to be glad.” It is what most people want but never really find. Looking at the way many people are living, you realize that real happiness and joy is lacking in their lives. Some are seeking pleasure from money and wealth, believing that once they have all that money can buy, they will be able to buy joy too. But they soon find out that joy is not in their money, but the money they have labored for has even brought bigger problems into their lives.

Some look for joy in the area of fame, significance, or self-importance, by distinguishing themselves in their careers or other areas of influence that they have chosen for themselves.

They hope by accomplishing these achievements they will be happy.  Yet many of these people do not have a deep, abiding happiness and joy. They may have pleasure but there is a huge difference between happiness or joy and pleasure. Pleasure is a momentary feeling that comes from something that is external.

C. S. Lewis wrote a book, Surprised by Joy, and he tells of, “experiencing a joy beyond this world ─ a specific Joy that defies our modern understanding. This idea of Joy is not a satisfied desire but an unsatisfied desire ─ a deep longing for God, a hungry pursuit of God’s heart that never ends and is more satisfying than any earthly happiness.  He would later recognize these sudden aches of longing: a deep spiritual hunger for God ─ not just for an intellectual knowledge of God, but for a real relationship with Him. These deep longings in Lewis’ life ─ pointed him down the path toward a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

King Solomon in the Bible looked for happiness and contentment by experiencing all that life could offer and he said, “All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Some people look for joy in power.  They think that by acquiring power they will be able to control people, situations and circumstances and this will produce happiness or joy.  The disciples of Jesus had this experience which is described in Luke 10.  Jesus had given 70 of them a special assignment to go to the people of Israel to meet their physical and spiritual needs and announce that the kingdom of God had come.

Jesus “sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. “And He was saying to them, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.  Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house”, Luke 10:1-5. He told them to heal the sick and to tell people that the kingdom of God had come to them.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name’.  And He said to them, ‘I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.” Luke 10:17-19 

The disciples came back with enthusiasm. They came back with great joy. They experienced a newfound power by being able to subdue demons.  When they say, “even the demons are subject to us,” it would seem that their ability to cast out demons was supreme evidence of the power and authority they exercised in the name of the Lord Jesus.  That they were able to cast out demons was proof to the disciples that they had great authority in Jesus name, and therefore they had a great cause for joy.  They had experienced a newfound power.

Jesus’ response to the enthusiasm and joy of the seventy is most interesting. The first thing about His response is that it is warm, affirming, even a sharing in their joy. While their joy may have been of the wrong kind, they were not rebuked.

Before our Lord seeks to re-focus their joy, He first informed them that their ability to cast out demons was evidence of even greater issues than they had imagined. They saw their success only in terms of their having authority over the demons; Jesus was also watching their success (“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven-v. 18); only He saw Satan being defeated. If they saw the demons as subject to them, Jesus saw Satan in the beginnings of his downfall. Satan was, like lightning, falling from heaven. He meant Satan was falling down, and he was falling “lightning” fast. The coming of Christ and the cross of Christ was and would be Satan’s defeat, and the mission of the seventy was but a preview of what was to come. Did the seventy see the demons as subject to them? Jesus saw Satan as being defeated, and his power and authority as being overthrown.  Jesus came to defeat Satan and take away his power of death over mankind. “Since the children have flesh and blood, He (Jesus) too shared in their humanity so that by His death (on the Cross) he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” Hebrews 2:14.

Author - John Spence

FORGIVENESS

As many of you know I grew up on a farm in Iowa. The number one priority on a farm is work.  There were 3 boys in our family, and we were close to the same age, by 3 years.  My Dad made us work.  There was no choice. 

At 5:30 am every morning, Dad would call one of us to get out of bed to help milk the cows.  Even when we were in school, we had to do this.  We boys always argued among ourselves about whose turn it was to help. 

There were many other jobs we had to do on the farm like planting crops, getting the hay out of the field and into the barn, and cleaning out the manure from the barn, etc.  We had to do these things after we came home from school, on Saturday, and in the summer.  At the same time, we loved sports and we thought we were pretty good athletes.  But my dad would never let us take part in school sports because he thought it would interfere with farm work in the evening and on Saturday.

So as a result, we set up our own sports on the farm.  We made a lighted football field in front of the house, made a baseball field in the pasture, set up a basketball hoop on the garage, put a ping pong table on the porch, and many other things.  Then when the farm work was done, we played sports.  It was always 2 on 1 and since I was the oldest, I was usually the 1.

One sport my dad let me take part in was “track”.  My school just started the sport and we competed during school hours, so it did not interfere with farm work.  We did not have a track at our school, so we did not have a place to practice.

I decided to design a 440-yard oval track which I did.  I got some twine and some stakes to mark it out.  As I was leaving the house with my equipment, my dad said, “Where are you going?”.  I told him I was going to the park near the HS to set up a trac.

He said, “No, you are not” and he held me in the hallway so I couldn’t leave.  I was so mad I punched him in the stomach which wasn’t hard to miss.  Then I ran away to hide.  I hid beneath the stairs in the basement.  After about an hour I could hear my folks upstairs getting worried.  My Mom was really upset wondering where I was.  My folks called my grandpa down to tell him what had happened to help search to find me. 

After another hour I was feeling very bad and guilty about all the grief and worry I was causing my folks, especially my mom.  I came out of hiding and went to my dad and told him I was sorry for punching him in the stomach.  He said, “I am sorry too for not letting you go”.  It was a time of mutual forgiveness.  I never felt closer to my dad, and we hugged one another.

And he let me go lay out the track!!

Usually when we get angry with people, we have a relationship with, both sides have contributed to the problem and so we need to forgive one another.

 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you”.  Ephesians 4:31-32.

Author: John Spence

LIGHT

What comes to mind when you hear the word Light? There are many definitions that range from:

-          That by which we see.

-          Anything that gives off brightness.

-          Spiritual illumination.

-          Electromagnetic radiant energy traveling at 186,000 miles per second.

-          Knowledge.

-          Easy to carry.

It’s interesting to consider that all of these meanings of Light can be found in God’s Word, The Bible. Before we reflect on the breadth of Light from God’s perspective, we should consider that the first article of creation (Gen. 1:3-5) was Light. And more fascinating is the fact that Light was created three days before the sun, moon and stars.

First, we need light to see where we are going. Psalm 119:105 tells us “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. It is so comforting to know that God provides physical light, so we don’t stumble but also a spiritual light to keep us from veering from a righteous pathway.

If we’re on a journey, we don’t want to be burdened with a heavy load. Matthew tells about Jesus when he says of Him, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mat. 11:30). If we follow the path that our Savior has mapped out for us, we are assured not only of physical, emotional and spiritual strength to bear the load, but He will be alongside to help – always!

As an engineer, I can relate to the definition of light as an energy force traveling very fast. As magnificent as this type of light is, it pales when compared to the awesome power of God demonstrated by His creation and His sustainability of the universe. Also, consider what we read in I John 1:5 that “God is light” and that His son, Jesus Christ “hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach” (I Tim 6:16). Is it possible that Light, which is such a benefit to mankind, is a manifestation of the very nature of God?

Of the many references to Light in the New Testament, perhaps none is as challenging as Mat 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” As believers in Jesus Christ, one of our missions is to represent our LORD here in this world. We should strive to be “a beacon of light” in this darkening world. Let our words, actions and manner of life reflect the true Light which is of God himself.

And when our challenge of this life is complete, we will have that One, true Light to guide us for eternity. “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, the LORD God giveth them light.” (Rev.22:5)   

Author:  Jim Johnston

POEM - "SEASONS OF LIFE"

In the Spring I was so very young,

There was energy to spare,

But God was watching over me,

Though I lived without a care.

Summer came and I turned bold,

My focus was my heart’s desire,

But God was watching over me,

Even with my feet stuck in the mire.

One does mature in Autumns cool,

So many cares in a busy life,

But God was watching over me,

Even when clouded by much strife.

And now the Winter of my days,

I look back through hazy years,

But God is watching over me,

And helps me through so many tears.

These are the seasons of my life,

Each era claims its own lifework,

But God is watching over me,

Grants me strength when broke.

Looking back o’er so many years,

I now can see His plan,

How God was watching over me,

And in His strength, I stand.

Jim Johnston

POEM - "The Tree"

The TREE

        by Jim Johnston

I’m feeling, now, so all alone,

It’s cold and I’m unaware,

Of all the dangers here about,

I’m tiny - there’s none to care.

All of a sudden I feel a warmth,

As I’m lifted from the sand,

And though I’m but a little seed,

I feel comfort in His hand.

He cradles me, I know He cares,

About things great and small,

Then He whispers low and clear,

“You will grow up and be tall.”

I do not understand the words,

Being small and still afraid,

I sense the soil being gently dug,

Then I’m planted in the shade.

What’s happened now, alone again?

Why did He put me here?

Inside the earth – it’s very dark,

I miss His warmth, so dear.

I feel a change come over me,

I’m stretching up and down.

How can a little seed transform?

Why, I seem to just have grown.

There is a strength I feel I draw,

From the moisture in the soil.

And still, I feel that same good warmth,

His watering eases my toil.

I’ve pushed up above the ground,

But I’m rooted in one place,

As each day goes by, I grow a bit,

With His sunshine on my face.

Day by day and week by week,

Then months turn into years.

With limbs and leafs reaching to the sky,

He waters me with rain, like tears.

And now I’m not here all alone,

I’ve companions all about.

Together we’re a forest of trees,

And with the wind we shout.

His gentle breezes make us sway,

My boughs continue to spread.

And then each Fall when weather cools,

My leaves all fall – I shed.

But in Spring’s warmth I feel a stir,

As new leaves sprout and grow.

And there are others all about

Who take shelter near me now.

Birds build nests to raise their young,

They’re happy as they sing.

With squirrels and chipmunks all about,

Hiding nuts and other things.

There’s deer and fox and bunny, too,

Sometimes a porcupine,

They come and shelter in my shade,

When the sun’s hot in Summertime.

Then one day some men come by,

They stare in a curious way,

“This one will do” I hear them say,

“Have it cut down before Friday.”

Before I know, there are hurtful blows,

Cutting my bark; pain persists!

Angry iron digs deep into my wood,

But I’m helpless to resist.

I’m feeling weak and dizzy now,

(The animals and birds have gone)

The life-lines to my roots are snapped,

As I tumble to the ground.

All my limbs are chopped off me,

My bark and leaves, they toss,

Then one of my heavy limbs is nailed,

Across my trunk, like a cross.

I’m carried up toward a hill,

With angry crowds about.

What’s going to happen, I know not,

“Away with Him”, all shout.

While lying helpless on the ground,

A Man is placed on me.

With hammer blows on rough, bent nails,

This Man is secured to me, the TREE.

Next we’re hoisted up and roughly dropped,

Into a hole they have dug.

And there we stand before the crowd,

Because of His weight, I feel a tug.

But what is this sense come over me,

His wounds, they seem to bleed.

And seeping into me from His hands and feet,

Is familiar warmth, from when I was a seed.

Can it be that the very one,

Who planted and watered me,

Is now hanging, naked on this TREE,

For all the world to see?

I do not understand the hate,

Toward such a warm and gentle soul,

But I will do my very best,

To support Him on this knoll.

Then a darkness settles over all,

I feel His grief and pain,

After three long hours, a shout is heard,

“It is finished”, clear and plain.

Next some folks gently move His form,

From hanging on my frame.

But I still feel that dear, warm blood,

Where He left His mark – a stain.

My time upon the earth has ceased,

But I know there was a plan,

Why He planted and watered me-

This TREE would serve the GOD Man.

Real Christians are Sheep and not Dogs or Pigs

Part 1 – John Spence

The Bible teaches that to become a Christian we must have “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ”, Acts 20:21.  Repentance means to change from our sinful lifestyle and turn to God.  This must be followed by faith (belief) in the Lord Jesus Christ.  When we do this, we are saved.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved”.  Acts 16:31 

There is a kind of repentance that is incomplete.  It is called the “sorrow of the world”.  People feel sorry for their sins and often try to reform their lives by copying Christian virtues or joining a church. They profess to be Christians. They do not really turn to God and take the next step of believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving the gift of salvation. “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death”. 2 Corinthians 7:10

These kinds of people are described in 2 Peter 2.  They change their lifestyle and may even become teachers of the Bible.  After a while as described in the last verse of this 2 Peter 2, they go back to their old sins, “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’; and, ‘a pig, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire’”.  2 Peter 2:22    

God often uses animals in the Bible to describe human behavior.  Animals are mentioned in the Bible as symbols of good things and also bad things.  The dove is used as a symbol of rest and peace (Genesis 8:11) and also of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16). The ants are described as busy and industrious (Proverbs 6:6) and are an example for humans to copy.  The lion is an example of strength and supremacy.  Jesus is called the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Genesis 49:9).  Sheep are also used to describe people before they were saved, “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”.  1 Peter 2:25

Dogs are described in the Bible as undesirable creatures.  Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to dogs”. Matthew 7:6. 

What is undesirable about dogs? The dogs that Jesus is referring to are not the cuddly pets with wagging tails and friendly behavior that people keep in their houses. These are wild or half wild animals that roamed the streets and hills of Israel, with their tongues hanging from their mouths, looking for food in the garbage dumps of the village. These dogs can be quite fierce, and they were able to attack people. They devour carcasses and would not hesitate to eat humans. 1Kings 14:11 says that dogs eat the flesh of people who were killed. “Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs will eat.”

These kinds of dogs can be very vicious and can attack human beings.  For example, in Psalm 22 which prophetically pictures Jesus on the cross, it describes Him as being surrounded by dogs: “For dogs have surrounded me;  A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots”.  Psalm 22:16-18   He is describing the people who crucified Him as wild dogs.

Dogs have a very disgusting habit of eating their own vomit.  They often return to their vomit. They have become sick with what they have eaten. They throw it up again and afterwards return to it and lick it up We cannot imagine people doing such a thing.  It is repulsive to us.

The dog’s Peter is describing are filthy animals. The filthiness of sin is expressed by the vomit of a dog. A false Christian is compared to a dog that goes back to what it has previously rejected. He has rejected the sinful life he had for a while. But now, forgetting all the wrongness of it, he returns to his old sinful lifestyle.

Be Ready - Jesus is Coming - Part 2

We must also have oil in our lamps when Jesus returns.

What does that mean? Jesus told this story in Matthew 25:1-5.  “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.”  At midnight there was a shout, “Behold the bridegroom comes”.  The lamps of the five foolish virgins were going out because they had no oil in their lamps.  They tried to borrow oil from the wise virgins but they were told they had to go to the dealer and get their own.

We can think of these ten virgins as describing ten people who say they are Christians.  All of them are expecting that the bridegroom (a picture of Jesus Christ) will return.  Five of the virgins make a critical mistake.  They do not have oil in their lamps.  Their lamps go out.  Oil in the Bible is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes a Christian the Holy Spirit immediately comes to live in that person. “…having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise” Ephesians 1:13.  If you have not truly believed in Jesus Christ, you do not have the Holy Spirit and  you are not a real Christian.  You are a Christian in name only.  You are like the five foolish virgins who did not have oil in their lamps. When the shout came that the bridegroom was coming, the five foolish virgins tried to get oil.  It was too late.

 “And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.  Later the five foolish virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’  But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’  Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day or the hour.”  Matthew 25:10-13.  Do not be late.  Make sure you believe on Jesus Christ now before he comes and you will be able to go meet him because you have the Holy Spirit living in you.

. Christians should be hoping that Jesus will return at any time. 

“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”.  Titus 2:13.  “And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks.” Luke 12:35-36

In this illustration from Luke 12 Jesus is telling His disciples they should be like servants standing at the front door anxiously waiting for their master to return. Why? Because He is coming again at any time! He was telling the disciples about the master's going away to a wedding. A Jewish wedding at that time would last as long as seven days, and then all the guests would have a final toast and return home. Our Lord was looking past the cross to the wonderful resurrection, ascension, and then his second coming as the risen Lord and Savior. These disciples were to be ready to welcome the return of their Master at any moment. “Blessed are those servants whom the master will find on the alert when he comes”.  Luke 12:37

One day, the Bible says, the trumpet is going to sound, the clouds are going to part, the Lord Jesus is going to appear and all real Christians are going caught up (“the rapture”) to meet Him in the air.  Will we be ready to welcome Him? Or would we want Him to delay while we fix up a few things in our lives.  If we are expecting the King of kings, how should our life look? Would we be comfortable if He came back during our activities this past weekend? Are there books or magazines or videos that we need to get rid of before He knocks on our door? Do we watch TV shows where we would be mortified if the Savior knocked on our door while they were on? Jesus says that we should be ready immediately to open the door to him when he comes. We shouldn’t have to yell, “Just a minute,” while we shut off the TV and hide a bunch of embarrassing stuff in the closet.

 How are you living, Christian? Are you decked-out in the wrong garments — the sin-faded clothing of materialism, immorality, dishonesty and selfishness? Let me ask you a very personal question: if the Lord were to appear this very moment — if that trumpet were to sound right now — how would you feel? Would you be elated to see the Lord Jesus, or would you be embarrassed at how He’d find you — unprepared to meet Him?  Would you open the door immediately to Him?

Jesus also told Christians they should stay busy serving and witnessing for Him until He returns

“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit”.  Luke 12:35. “Be dressed in readiness” literally means, “let your loins be girded.” In that day, everyone wore long robes which were a hindrance if you needed to move quickly or freely. If a person planned to run or work, he would tuck his robe into a belt around his waist so that it would not interfere with his movements. Jesus is instructing Christians to keep active serving Him and doing his work.  Do not let our daily responsibilities hinder us from making His work a priority in our lives.  Stay busy serving Him.  He has not told us to fold our hands and go out and sit on a hill waiting for Him to come back.

Also Christians are to keep their lamps lit. The first-century household had little oil lamps consisting of a cotton wick floating in a sauce-boat of oil. This wick had to be kept trimmed and the lamp replenished with oil or the light would soon go out, leaving the household in darkness. According to this passage it appears that the Lord will return to a darkened world, and he wants to find Christians shining as "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) until He returns. He wants the light of His character and the hope of His message of salvation to shine through our lives into the darkened minds of the unbelievers all around us so they can be saved and also be ready to meet Him.  He has asked Christians to continue to share the gospel until He returns and do not let our light go out.

Author - John Spence

Be Ready - Jesus is Coming - Part 1

Be Ready, Jesus is Coming – Part 1

Jesus promised that he would come a second time: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.  John 14:1-3

“You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.”  Luke 12:40

Skeptics say that Jesus spoke these words 2000 years ago and it still hasn’t happened. They say each generation since Christ was here the first time has expected him to return but he hasn’t, so get used to it, “He is not going to return”.

The apostle Peter refers to these skeptics in 2nd Peter 3:4 who say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

Such foolish skeptics fail to realize that God spoke the universe into existence by His powerful word and that He has given us a historical lesson of His terror and power of His judgment in Noah’s flood. The present heavens and earth are being reserved, not for a judgment of water, but of fire. Also, with the Lord, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as a day. His view of time and ours are vastly different! The only reason He has delayed judgment is His great patience as He waits for more people to come to repent and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

In order to “be ready” we must be wearing a robe of righteousness

How do we get ready for Jesus return?  We must be dressed properly.  Jesus told a story in Matthew 22 about a man who was invited to a wedding feast held by a king.  He tried to get in without the proper wedding clothes and he was not allowed to participate.  Jesus is using this story to show us that if we want to go to heaven we must be dressed in the right clothes.  Jesus is not talking about an expensive dress or suit.  He is talking about a spiritual robe of righteousness which is described in Isaiah 61:10.  Because of our sin we are naked before God.  Trying to do good things to cover our sins is not an acceptable garment to God. “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment”.  Isaiah 64:6. Doing good things does not make us righteous.  The filthy sins are still there even though they are mixed with good deeds.

God has a robe of righteousness that he is willing to give us when we repent of our sins.  The prodigal son in Luke 15 received a robe when he repented of his sins and came back to his father.  The father said, “Bring the best robe and put it on him”.  The robe of righteousness that God will give us was paid for when Jesus went to the cross to bear our sins.  When a person receives Jesus as his Savior he is dressed in this robe and declared righteous by God.  “He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21 There is no substitute for this robe.  Only God can provide it.  “For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness”.  Isaiah 61:10.  If you are not dressed in this robe you are not ready for his return.  It is a gift that God will give you when you receive His Son, Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior

Author - John Spence