A Minute With The Bible Aired during October, 2001 The Psalmist stated, "The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven"(Psalm 11:4). Whatever may occur in the lives of men, God is still in heaven. Through the ages, His power has been manifested in many different ways. When the Jews were in bondage, God delivered them. When men sought help, God was still in "His holy temple." When Jesus walked among men, His father was with him. As Jesus prayed, he prayed to Jehovah. Whatever occurs among men, the Lord is still mindful of the needs of mankind and will watch over those who are willing to follow his way. The ultimate trust, whenever evil men arise among mankind, is the God that made each of us. Those among men who are willing to accept the ways of Jehovah and walk in the paths of righteousness will recognize and accept the power of the Almighty. In a time of unrest and fear, let each of us put our faith in the Divine Creator. As the Psalmist states, "The upright will behold His face."
Psalm 11:5, "The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates." Each person is tested day by day to determine whether one is willing to follow the ways of Jehovah. He makes no distinction, but allows both the righteous and the wicked to be tempted. If those who profess to be righteous love violence, the Lord hates that attitude. For those who are wicked, demonstrating their love for violence, the Lord will deal with in a proper manner. The love of violence has no place in the life of those who desire to please the Lord and walk in his paths. Jesus left an example of meekness for each of us. His actions were not violent nor did he encourage violence. He died a violent death that each of us might have life. Remember that Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the sons of God." True peace for one's soul can only come from following the Lord's way as revealed in the New Testament.
Psalm 11:7 states, "For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold his face." If one desires to be with God in eternity, he must be willing to follow the ways of righteousness. Jehovah alone defines righteousness. For our age, the New Testament is the source for learning how to be righteous. "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him"(I John 2:29). Righteousness, then, is not defined by men, but by God. Jesus died on the cross that men might be free of sin in order for them to be righteous before the Almighty. The New Testament pattern was given to mankind that each might know how to behave before God, thus becoming righteous. We must search the scriptures in order to learn the paths of righteousness, following the way of godliness each day.
"I will sing to the Lord, Because he has dealt bountifully with me"(Psalm 13:6). The blessings of God had been bestowed upon the Psalmist. In turn, he would express his feelings by singing to the Lord. Each of us has been abundantly blessed by the graciousness of God. He has truly dealt "bountifully" for each of us. We live in a country that allows us to worship our Creator. We have no fear that the authorities will come to our doors and put us in prison. We will not be penalized because we do not agree with all of the decisions made by civil authorities. We even have the constitutional right to speak out for what we believe to be truth. Truly, the Lord has deal "bountifully" with all of us. As we recognize the blessings of God, let each of us resolve to appreciate our freedom and put forth the time and effort to live a life pleasing to the divine Creator. If we do not use our freedom, we may lose it!
The Psalmist asked God, "Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You"(Psalm 16:1). The writer of this verse was David, the King of Israel. David, a man who desired to please the Lord, was not perfect. He sinned, but he repented of his transgressions and pleaded that the Lord would forgive him. He wanted to be preserved so that he could continue to rule the people of God in his day. He also recognized that his only hope was in hands of the Almighty. Jehovah was his refuge, that is, a place of safety. When he had to flee, he knew that he needed God. When he was in danger, he appealed to the Creator of all mankind. He would end this Psalm by stating, "You will make known to me the path of life; I Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." David knew that his fate was in the hands of God. He trusted in the Almighty and knew that whatever hope he had was in Jehovah.
Jesus, in Matthew 5:9, taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God." Making peace is not always an easy task. Peace needs to exist in our nation; it is a way of bringing us together. Peace must be part of a righteous home for without it there is destructive strife, anger, and bitterness. Peace should be a part of our community. It is difficult to love one's neighbor in the midst of division and contention. Making peace is up to the individual. Such starts with you and me. We control the friction that exists with others. We can give in to such friction and harbor ill feelings toward others or we can resolve to be a peacemaker. Jesus said those who made peace were "blessed"(happy). Does it not give you satisfaction when you are able to bring together those who have been apart? Striving for peace should be the aim of every person, every community, and every nation.
Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, taught, "Ye have heard it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also"(Matthew 5:38-39). It is not pleasant to accept a hurt without taking revenge on those who hurt or offend one's self. Yet, Jesus taught that we must learn to take the abuses that men might heap upon us. Many get upset about the most minor incidents. Lack of control under such circumstances influences some to act entirely different from what is appropriate. It takes one of great faith to be able to accept wrong without retaliation. Those who harm others are not excused for their misbehavior. Nor should the offended one be given a license to mistreat the offender. Jesus pointed out, "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them"(Matthew 7:12).
Jesus Christ taught, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you "(Matthew 5:43-44). How different is the teaching of the Lord when compared to the teaching of the philosophies and ideas of men. A follower of Christ is taught to have the proper attitude, even toward those who are enemies. The tendency of many of mankind is the opposite of what Jesus commanded of his disciples. Learning to love one's enemies is not easy when we find it difficult to love our neighbor. The proper attitude of the disciple of the Master is to recognize that all men are fallible creatures and need the help of others. Jesus died for his enemies as well as his friends. Let us not become so bitter toward others, no matter how they treat us, that we fail to walk in the way that Jesus Christ expects of all of those who follow him.
In Matthew 6:15, Jesus said, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." It is not easy to extend forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Yet, the attitude that Jesus expects will lead all of those who desire to please him to extend forgiveness. Someone who says, "I will not forgive you in a million years," is acting contrary to the command of the Lord. How miserable one makes self when there is an unwillingness to forgive others. Building up bitterness in one's heart ultimately harms only the unforgiver. What if God took that attitude? His mercy was(and is) extended to every person, whatever the individual has done or not done. One has only to claim what the Lord offers through obedience to His Son. By rights, the Lord could have destroyed mankind when they first sinned. By rights, he could destroy each of us when we sin. Through his grace, he offers salvation to all who will accept and obey him.
In Matthew 16:19-21, Jesus pointed out, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." One of the most fleeting items in life is that which man considers to be treasure. With the swoop of a pen, treasures have been lost. Through unpleasant circumstances, men have lost their fortunes. Thieves try to take from those who are prosperous and, occasionally, do it successfully. True treasures cannot be lost or forfeited when one puts his trust and hope in the Gospel of Christ. One can mine deep and find the message of hope and eternal life in the Bible. While men sacrifice in order to find treasures in this life, they will not, in themselves, prepare for the next life. Only by accepting the spiritual reward of eternal life from God can one have the everlasting treasure of eternal life.
The apostle Paul, In Romans 12:14, encouraged us to "Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not." The disciple of Christ always wants the best for every person, whatever be the condition of the individual. Even those who would do Christians harm should have our attention. We, by being a blessing to such individuals, will be able to influence them through our lives. We are not even to curse those who would persecute us for being righteous. Each life should be a blessing to others, not a hindrance nor a curse. How we react to our fellow men, regardless of their mistreatment, determines how close we are to God and whether we walk after His commandments. Even Jesus pointed out we are to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you"(Matthew 5:44). Such conduct will not only become the basis for proper friendship, it will bring one closer to God.
"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep"(Romans 12:15). Empathy is a stronger word than sympathy. Being able to put oneself in the place of another, feeling the joy or the sorrow they experience is the instruction of the inspired Paul. It is not easy to sympathize; it is more difficult to empathize. Yet, this is the standard for one who would please Jehovah. When one is blessed, let each of us make the effort to rejoice with that individual. When one is weeping, let us feel for their sorrow. This is the meaning of empathy. It is not easy to place one in another's shoes. Only in trying to fully comprehend the misfortune of another can we truly be of help to that person. Of course, we want to be happy for those who experience happiness. It is not as easy to extend one's feelings toward those who have suffered some calamity. Yet, this is the way of Christ.
The apostle Paul encouraged the Romans to "Be of the same mind one toward another"(Romans 12:16). Another translation states, "Live in harmony with one another"(R.S.V.). Finding harmony among religious people is not easy. Yet, Paul is plain in regard to our having the same mind. Now--how did Paul think that this could happen? When we take the time to consider being of the same mind, it is evident we need to look to the same standard. Until we are willing to accept that standard, we cannot(and will not) be of the same mind. The standard: the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The apostles revealed it, taught it, and obeyed it. When this occurred they were of one mind and one spirit, "striving for the faith of the gospel." When we look for authority for our religious beliefs and practices outside of the New Testament, we are going contrary to what was revealed by Jesus Christ.
In Romans 10:16, Paul revealed, "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly." The achievements of the world are not necessarily the best for the person. The apostle is encouraging those saints in Rome to have the proper attitude toward life. If they strive to accomplish the great things of this life, having an "accomplished station," the very goal they need to reach is missed. "Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth"(Colossians 3:2). While those achievements of this life have a momentary satisfaction about them, they cannot and do not, satisfy the soul. Being humble(lowly), produces the spirit of Christ in the individual. All of us are servants, but some do not recognize their position. Even masters(leaders) must be aware of their place of service and be willing to "condescend" to lowly things.
"Be not wise in your own conceits" is the advice of the apostle Paul in Romans 12:16. It is easy for a human to overestimate his capacities and abilities. "Do not be wrapped up in yourself" could be another way of commenting on Paul's inspired advice. About the time one is puffed up with knowledge or power, there will be someone who has more knowledge and more power. The truly wise person is one who searches the inward man to identify strengths and weaknesses. Such a one is willing to accept his own abilities or lack of abilities. He is not so conceited that he refuses to listen to criticism(good or bad) and make a proper judgment. Ego has ruined many a talented person. When one serves God, it becomes apparent that only a contrite and humble spirit will be the acceptable behavior for a Christian.
Solomon said, "The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands"(Proverbs 14:1). There are builders and there are destroyers. The righteous woman will build a house of love and dedication to the family. The foolish woman will let the ways and cares of the world destroy her family. It is wise to take a look at our own homes. Do we provide the moral principles that will preserve the coming generations? Have we taken the time to build a strong household, filled with kindness, goodness, and mercy? Solomon is not speaking of the physical structure, but the family(human) structure. The fate of our nation, as well as other nations, is dependent upon the home. The wise wife and mother will guide her family in the path of righteousness. The wise husband will love her and respect her for the strength and dedication she possesses. How is it at your house?
Proverbs 14:12 states, "There is a way which seems right unto a man, But its end is the way of death." Different men have different ideas. Some are good; some are not. Some lead to the truth; some do not. It is easy to be deceived by our flesh, by our friends, and by the crowd. Because one's life is approved by others does not mean that life is approved by Jehovah. It is wise for each of us to examine the way that we live, as well as what we believe. What may seem "right" to us may well be wrong in God's sight! Even if the heart does not condemn a person, such does not make one right in God's sight. The only source for religious truth in our day is the Bible. The Old Testament points toward the way that is right; the New Testament reveals the way that is right. Or as Paul stated, "I am not ashamed of the gospel; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth"(Romans 1:16).
Proverbs 14:15, "The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps." Have you ever met someone who seemed to believe and accept everything he hears? Such a one does not only accept foolish words, but often repeats them. The person who is "sensible" will weigh the words, whether they are true or not. This must be especially practiced in religion. Since the beginning of the gospel, men have sought to pervert and change the word of the Living God. When someone states that the Bible contains some doctrine or teaching, do not hesitate to challenge the person. Do not be so "naive" as to think that because he is religious, he is right. Adherence to the teachings of the New Testament, the will of Christ, is the standard by which we are to live in the present age. Be sensible: insist that all religious teachers show what the Bible teaches on any subject.
"A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless"(Proverbs 14:16). Did you ever have someone say to you, "Watch your step?" This is what Solomon is advising those in his day. His words are still appropriate in our day. Always be cautious. Satan is still alive and well, seeking the "arrogant and careless" every day. The wise man is ever alert to the dangers of sin. Such a one, when tempted, will turn away from the temptation and seek to do that which is good. The fool is overtaken in his iniquities and suffers many times not only in this life for his conduct, but will be punished in the hereafter. The wise man examines his own conduct in the light of God's word and seeks to follow the commands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you have chosen the foolish way, now is the time to turn away from iniquity and be cautious in the future. Are you wise or foolish?
In a troubled time, it is wise to listen to Solomon: "In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge"(Proverbs 14:26). In the Old Testament, the confidence was in Jehovah. The confidence of Christians rests in Jesus Christ as well as Jehovah. Christ was willing to die on the cross for each of us; he is the refuge that we have. He is the Savior we can claim. He is the peace that we can have. When we fear the Lord in the right way, we will put our confidence in him and in his word. When we are in trouble, we will call upon him. When we seek truth, we will search his will. When we come to the end of life, we can have the satisfaction that he was(and is) our refuge. The church of Christ respects and obeys the will of Jesus Christ. We honor him by following the New Testament. Won't you come with us on our journey to Heaven?
Jesus stated, in Matthew 5:44, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you." Such a command is not easy to fulfill. When men harm us or mistreat us in any way, the human inclination is to try to do them harm. Such an attitude is not the way of Jesus Christ. The Lord taught us to "love" our enemies, even praying for them. This kind of attitude will often inspire those who would do us harm, physically or intellectually, to adjust their feelings and actions. It is not easy to hurt someone you are praying for or to hurt one to whom you demonstrate love. The attitude of Paul was the attitude of Christ. Such an attitude toward those who would do us harm can be effective in turning an enemy into a friend. Have you tried praying instead of seeking revenge? You might be surprised at the outcome. You will not only change your attitude, but you may well affect the attitude of the other person.
Jesus commanded, "Honor thy father and thy mother; and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself"(Matthew 19:19). Due respect to others is the mark of a Christian. One who loves parents will duly respect parents. One who cares for his neighbor will act decently toward his neighbor. If I have the love for my parents that the Lord wants, I will give them the honor they are due. They cared for you when you could not care for them. They loved you even when you disappointed them. When you were in trouble, they stood by to help you to overcome your difficulties. Why? Because they loved you. Jesus also said to "love" our neighbors. It is difficult to harm or mistreat someone you love. When you care, your neighbors will care. Would it not be wonderful if we all learned to love our neighbors as well as we love ourselves? What a world that would make! Did you know it starts with you and me?July, 1999 August, 1999 September, 1999 October, 1999 November, 1999 December, 1999 January, 2000 June, 2000 July, 2000 August, 2000 September, 2000 November, 2000 December, 2000 January, 2001 February, 2001 March, 2001 April, 2001 May, 2001 June, 2001 July, 2001 August, 2001 September, 2001 November, 2001 December, 2001 January, 2002 February, 2002 March, 2002 April, 2002 May, 2002