Saturday, November 9, 2024

November 9, 2024

We are learning that our behavior plays a crucial role in how others view us. Watching people fall apart when challenged is a sign of a weak character and shows us that they are not someone to follow; instead, they are someone who needs to learn to control their emotions. It’s okay to be disappointed but not to lash out at others for doing their civic duty. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul writes to Timothy to share the characteristics of an overseer and a deacon. I would go a little further and say that everyone should adhere to these characteristics as servants of the Most High God in whatever capacity. We are representatives of Jesus and should exhibit behavior worthy of him. 

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 1 Timothy 3:2-4

It also says he should not be prideful and be of good report with the poor. The office of deacon is very similar, but adds that they must be bold in their faith. In light of the current societal issues, it would serve us and others well if we had compassion for those who are not emotionally mature rather than condemning them. We know they need the healing touch of Jesus; he is our ultimate psychiatrist. Also, all the remedies for emotional maturity can be found in God’s Word. That’s why it’s so important to read the scriptures daily.

Friday, November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered why Paul felt the need to expand on why women are subject to a man, look no further than the behavior of liberal women over the outcome of the election. I can understand them being upset because their candidate didn’t win; none of us like it when we don’t get our way, but to video your reaction of crying and screaming shows us that the decision made by the people was the right one. Now, many of them have made a pact to not have sexual relations for the next four years because they perceive they won’t have access to ab**tions. I hope they stick to their pact. Maybe the amount of women using that form of birth control will decrease, and we won’t have such women teaching their children their dismal behavior. Some of them are shaving their heads as part of this ritual. I call it a ritual because it seems that their behavior may have demonic influence because they seem possessed in some of their videos. If they weren’t under some demonic influence, they would grieve in privacy like most rational adults. Can you imagine such people leading our country? 

In this chapter of 1 Timothy 2, Paul encourages us to pray for all people. He points out that we should pray for kings and all in authority, which is what we must continue to do because of the instability of our country right now. Pray for these women, the current administration, and the new one coming to power in January. Don’t forget to pray for yourself, your family, your pastor, and your church. God is good and has never failed us.


I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2


Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Thursday, November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Be careful who you listen to, whether for worldly news or biblical teaching. It’s easy to get caught up in information that piques our interest, but sometimes, that information is tainted with lies or misinformed predictions. The recent election is a good example. You would have thought a bomb was going to be dropped on election day by what some were saying, causing many to fear. “Vote early and be careful at the polls.” It seemed like business as usual to me. I didn’t hear of any rioting or protesting afterward, which means much of what was said was to instill fear and make people stay home rather than do their civic duty. 

We have nothing to compare worldly news to other than history; however, with Bible teachers, we have God’s word as a comparison to make sure what is being taught is trustworthy and true. If you hear something new about godly things that entice you, it’s best to search the scriptures to find confirmation for what is being taught. F.B. Meyer posed this question to determine the truth: “The question always is, Do these words of theirs promote the health of the soul, and above all, love out of a pure heart and a good conscience?” If you can’t find their teachings in the scriptures, it’s probably not true. Be a Berean and diligently search the scriptures.


Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:5-7

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

We are now hopeful that our newly elected president was assigned for a purpose by God to bring the wicked oppressors to justice and much of the disgusting display of heinous acts brought to an end. Maybe the out-of-control spending will stop, the prices of goods and services will become affordable again, the poison will be removed from our food, the pharmaceutical companies will be controlled, and the depressed state of our country will become a happy existence again. However, we must continue to pray that his speaking the name of Jesus is the truth and that he is not part of the evil plot to bring about the new world order.

I can’t make this stuff up. The following paragraph came from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible for James 5. It’s almost eerie how this came up perfectly and right on time. If you don’t think God is in control of our everyday lives, read this:


“The Lord of hosts, who has all ranks of beings and creatures at his disposal, and who sets all in their several places, hears the oppressed when they cry by reason of the cruelty or injustice of the oppressor, and he will give orders to some of those hosts that are under him (angels, devils, storms, distempers, or the like) to avenge the wrongs done to those who are dealt with unrighteously and unmercifully. Take heed of this sin of defrauding and oppressing, and avoid the very appearances of it.”


Those of us who trust in the Lord are a blessed people; he will see us through to the end and protect us from the bad guys.


Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:7-8

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

We have no idea how this election will go today or whether or not an outcome will even be decided today. Here is some good news! God already knows the outcome and has a hand in what happens, so there is no reason to be afraid. We have relied on His protection until now, so one particular day will not change His plans. Our King and Savior is Jesus; no other can compare to him, and he is the only one who can save us! We must get this right. Pray not for the outcome but that His will be done. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring and must not act like we do. Remember this verse:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6


The key point for today is: “the government shall be upon his shoulder.” No man or woman can take power out of his hands. We are to trust that God knows what He is doing and rely solely on Him, not some makeshift government that seeks to oppress us in whatever ways possible. God’s kingdom is freedom whether man enslaves us or not. Our prayers should always include, “Your will be done,” because ultimately, it’s His decision. 


For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. James 4:15

Monday, November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

I'm going to offend everyone with my commentary on this next chapter, and maybe I should bridle my tongue, but not today. Like it or not, we all talk too much! James 3 hits hard for those who have difficulty controlling their tongue. He compares it to fire. The tongue releases the thoughts in your head, which can be frightening for those who don't control it. Wild animals can be tamed, "but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." The Bible doesn't mince words regarding the fire that comes from your mouth. However, the text gives a solution; it suggests that you pray for wisdom, and I couldn't agree more. Though I'm peace-loving and reserved, and it takes a lot for me to act on provocation, there are times that my tongue gets me in trouble. However, sometimes people react with offense when I keep my tongue bridled, and they read into it what I didn't say, and it's usually those who don't control their own mouth that get offended because they think they know what I'm thinking. They might be correct, but I didn't say it; if they didn't run their mouth so much, they might not experience my "lack" of reaction. James probably should have included facial expressions in this chapter; that may be where I get in trouble. Remember, you use that same mouth to bless God; think before you speak; if Jesus didn't respond that way, you shouldn't either.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:17-18


If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

Sunday, November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

James and Paul have slightly different ideas on the subject of works. Today, I will reconcile the two to help you understand that they are both right and do not differ but complement one another. It is relatively simple, but they seem to contradict one another on the subject of works. Here are the scriptures:

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. Ephesians 2:8-9


Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:18


You were not drawn to Jesus by anything you did. It was purely Jesus who drew you to himself. There is nothing you could have done that would have made you good enough. However, once he drew you to himself, you gained sufficient faith through the Holy Spirit to believe that he is the son of God and is God. Now that you were given the Holy Spirit, you are compelled to praise and worship him, which are forms of works. But it doesn’t stop there. Our hearts are so grateful for our salvation that we want to do more. Our minds, souls, and spirits work with the body to do physical things to draw others into the kingdom of God and help them recognize their need for Jesus. 


One example of which I’m very proud is my church, which quickly jumped in to help our community that was devastatedduring Hurricane Milton. Nearly everyone was without power and tired of eating hurricane snacks. So my church, which was also without power, got with a special member who owned a meat market; they and my pastor prepared a pulled pork lunch and, together with our membership, served a hot meal to anyone who wanted one. It was an overwhelming success. Not only did they have their needs met, but they could see God’s people acting in love and doing what God’s people should be doing. Faith and works reconciled!