“Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” Mark 3:14 The series of events are in sequential order. First they were appointed that they might be with Him. Then they were sent out to preach. If they had not come to Him when He called them to be with Him,…
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). The Lord has dispensed to each member of the Body of Christ a measure of grace. We have been enabled to function as a whole but yet dependent on every part doing its share. It is from the wholeness of the Body…
“God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend” (Job 11:8 MSG). Dimensions of God extend far beyond our imaginations. It is impossible for any of us to understand what is to be known of God. Even those with vivid imaginations who can create fiction with such realism as to draw out tender emotions from the…
“For He says, ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation, I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; and behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). When the gospel of Jesus Christ is heard, the day of salvation and the accepted time of deliverance comes. Eternity is interjected…
“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). In an age of diversity, tolerance, and political correctness, to speak exclusively that One would stand out among the crowd condemning all others beside as false, lifeless, and insignificant is seen as intolerant. So it is with God who has no respect for other gods. None other is to be…
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8). The faithfulness of the saints will provide endless opportunities in the future. Our future is determined by the decisions we make now. An…
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). God expects a return on His investments. The gifts of God are given to each person in order for all to profit as the result of His distributions. It is not based on what most would consider as the criteria for God’s judgments. God is not…
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Samuel 16:7). The external things may be impressive and rewarding to those who would settle for less than God’s approval. Men celebrate success and imitate the lives of those who appear to have accomplished what they, one…
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 1:6). Faith is placed…
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6-7). Words give expression to the disposition of the heart. Eventually, not always immediately, the mouth will be engaged…
‘‘Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low” (Isaiah 40:4). God reaches down to valleys in order to lift them up and pulls down ever-exalted mountain. He encounters the mighty when they trust in their own strength. Nothing is able to stand above Him. These mountains stand to challenge His authority. His is the power to uphold…
“Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria; Your nobles rest in the dust. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and no one gathers them” (Nahum 3:18). The sheep have wandered away from the fold, each sheep in search of greener pastures. Because each has gone its own way, they are prey to the attacks of animals that make food…