3-31-2022 Devotion: little gods

 Isaiah 6: 1, 5: "In the year king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train (robe) filled the temple. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Yesterday, we saw one error in trying to be holy. Today, we look at a second error. The second error elevates man to be a "little god." They believe they have the right to declare things, to bind the devil, to create things with their words. They believe they are “little gods.”This group is elevating themselves to a place of sovereignty equal to or above the LORD. They believe they are in charge. This is dangerous and heretical. Only God is Sovereign and only God is holy. We must be careful to respect the sacredness of God. To be really in His Presence is to experience the awe and terror of His Perfection. When Isaiah had his encounter with a thrice-holy LORD, he cried woe to himself. Even while he was about to be commissioned as a prophet of the LORD for His people, Isaiah said he was undone (means ruined) and had unclean lips. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to forgive you for the sins you have committed with your tongue. Thank Him for His willingness to forgive you and make you clean. A continual life of prayer and repentance will bring you to a place where God can use you for His kingdom.

3-30-2022 Devotion: The Holiness of God

 Isaiah 6: 1, 5: "In the year king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train (robe) filled the temple. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Isaiah was God's prophet. He was an international messenger that spoke God's judgment among a vast nation. His name means, "Yahweh is Salvation." Yet, when he saw the Lord, he immediately saw how unholy he was in comparison to God. This will be the message for the next few days. Too many people treat God too casual, like He was a Divine grandfather intent on serving a person's every need. No true believer will deny the holiness of our God. Holiness is a very important topic. Holiness is a quality uniquely attributable to God.  However, when it comes to the Christians attempt to live holy lives, there are some extremes that should be observed. First, there is the camp that thinks they are holy because of their external dress, hair, and standards. I want to be clear that there is nothing wrong with following your personal convictions about how you should live for the Lord. At the same time, we should never confuse our human efforts to be holy with God’s holiness. Our holiness is through the application of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that He shed for us applied to our hearts.. We have His imputed righteousness covering our lives. Whatever holiness we think we have in our lives is really filthy rags. Today, praise Him because of His Holiness.

3-29-2022 Devotion: Small sins

 Numbers 3: 4: "Nadab and Abihu had died before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai...." Nadad and Abihu were the sons of Aaron and had recently been installed to serve as priests. However, the two priests took their censors and offered strange (unauthorized) fire  before the LORD. As a result, fire came from the LORD and consumed them and they died. We don't know exactly what was strange about the fire, but we do know that it was so contrary to the instructions given by the LORD, it resulted in the rookie priests' deaths. The Bible has many examples of small sins with big consequences: eating the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3: 6), looking back at a city (Gen. 19: 26), hitting a rock (Num. 20: 11), touching the ark of the covenant (2 Sam. 6: 7), and lying about an offering (Acts 5: 1-11). We should be quick to seek forgiveness even for small sins. All sins are an offense to God. We should be like little children and come to him in humility and brokenness and seek His forgiveness. Another point to be emphasized is the seriousness about how God views worship. We should be mindful of what we are doing when we worship whether in song, praise or giving. We need a new sense of the awe of God. Today, meditate on the greatness of God.

3-28-2022 Devotion: Are you saved?

 Mark 7:20-22: "And He (Jesus) said, 'What comes out of a man, defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications (illicit sexual behavior), murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness (unrestrained shamless behavior) , an evil eye (being greedy or stingy), blasphemy, pride, foolishness." The Apostle Paul has a similar list in 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11. He tells the Corinthians that they used to do such things, but now they had been washed and sanctified. The point is that true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ don't do the things they used to do. That does not mean they are perfect, only the penalty and power of sin has been broken in the life of the believer. The Christian will occasionally sin, but that sin is not willful, habitual or continuous. People ask me, "Do you believe in once saved always saved." My answer is, "No, absolutely not!" That doctrine states people can live in willful and continuous sin and still go to heaven. I believe when a person is genuinely converted and they receive a new nature, that new nature will see them through as they walk in obedience. The sins Jesus referenced in today's verse should never be attributed to one of His disciples. If they are, you need to stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself, "Am I saved?"

Thirteenth Lesson of the Quarter: The Covenant Renewed

 Today's lesson comes from Joshua 24: 13-28. In the preceding verses 3-13, you can find 22 verbs that describe what God did for His people: took, led, gave, plagued, brought, destroyed, and delivered. Verses 5-7 details the deliverance from Egypt. Verses 8-10 describes the overthrow of the Amorites. Verses 11-13 recount how God defeated the enemies on the west side of the Jordan River. God's people had been blessed. They were living in cities they had not built, raising crops in land they had not cultivated and eating fruit from trees they had not planted. Joshua wants the blessings of God to continue after he is gone. He wants to renew the covenant.

The first section is: "A Challenge and Reply." (vv. 14-18) Joshua begins by saying, "Now therefore." Considering what God had done for the Israelites, shouldn't they want to choose and be obedient to God? Obedience to God should be with the whole heart, "in sincerity and truth." In addition, Joshua challenged the people to "put [turn] away [from] the gods which your fathers served." Joshua was telling them of the necessity of putting away all idols. Obedience had to be complete. 

Just like the ancestors Terah and Abraham had turned away from the gods in Ur of the Chaldees, to the living LORD God, the ancestors of those who had worshipped foreign gods in Egypt needed to do the same thing. (v. 14) Though serving God was the only reasonable option, it still involved a choice. Joshua would not allow them to "halt between two opinions."  Delay could be fatal. The truth is that worshipping the true LORD God is the only rational choice one can make. Joshua makes clear, "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 

The people responded with a strong declaration: "God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods." They provided five reasons: 

1. It was God that delivered them from Egypt.

2. God performed great miracles in their sight.

3. God preserved them in the wilderness.

4. God delivered them from their enemies.

5. God had driven out the Amorites, whose land they now possess.

The summary points of this section are:

1. We must keep our hearts focused on the Lord Jesus Christ to prevent worshipping other gods.

2. God's way is narrow, but it is the only way that satisfies.

3. There will be times we have to "swim upstream" against the ungodly worldly culture we live in.

The second section is: "The Choice Contested." (vv. 19-24) In this section, Joshua begins with the purpose of having the people make a firm declaration to serve the Lord. Yet, he begins by saying, "Ye cannot serve the LORD; for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God." Joshua wanted the people to know that if they chose to serve God they had to remove sin from their lives. God would not tolerate a rival. The claims of a holy God demanded more than "lip service." As Jesus would say, "No man can serve two masters...." If the Israelites were to serve God, they had to quit the sin business. 

Joshua warned the people what would happen if they should "forsake the LORD." God would not bless the people if they were living a life of sin. Just as God had removed the Canaanites from the land because of their sin, He would do the same to the Israelites if they lived an immoral and sinful life. 

With the clear understanding of the requirements and the consequences of failure, the people responded, "We will serve the LORD." Four times in this section the people declared their intention to serve the LORD. (vv. 16, 18, 21, and 24) It would be vain to claim to serve God and not obey His voice (this would be Scripture today). People that violate Scripture cannot be claiming to serve the LORD. To disobey Scripture is evidence of your lack of justification and sanctification. 

The summary points of this section are:

1. If you are going to serve God, you must renounce all rivals to Him.

2. You need to quit the sin business if you are going to be a follower of the LORD.

3. Always obey the Scriptures, no excuses.

The third section is: "The Choice Confirmed." (vv. 25-28) Convinced of their sincerity, Joshua "made [cut] a covenant with the people that day." It was a solid declaration that idolatry would not be tolerated in Israel. Then, he "set them a statute and an ordinance." The laws of God were ratified and agreed upon. The making of a covenant was very serious. There would be a meal, a statement of the covenant, sacrifice and mutual pledges by all parties. 

Joshua wrote the words of the people and the covenant "in the book of the law of God." Moses had ordered the Levites to place the book of the Law in the Ark of the Covenant (Deut. 31:26). Now, Joshua was placing the Israelite's vow to serve the Lord with the book of the Law. Joshua took another step to confirm the people's vow. He "took a great stone and set it up...by the sanctuary of the LORD." The stone was set up at Shechem. This stone would remind the people of the covenant made with God. The ceremony at Shechem was Joshua's last public act. He returned home in Timnath-sersh and lived to the age of 110. 

The summary points of this section are:

1. We should periodically confirm our decision to follow the Lord.

2. Making a physical memorial can remind us of our covenant.

3. A leader should press the people they are leading to remember their promises to God.

The Golden Text is: "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth." (Joshua 24:14) I am of the opinion that we don't fer the LORD the way we should. When we consider the absolute holiness of God, it can be overwhelming, and I think it should be. John, the beloved disciple, "feel at His feet like a dead man" when he saw the vision of the Son of Man (Revelation 1:17). Isaiah the prophet exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am undone (ruined)" when he saw the vision of God. (Isaiah 6:5) A proper fear of God begins when we consider how perfect He is and how ruined we are. That is a "good" fear.

3-27-2022 Devotion: Preparation

 Numbers 1: 2: "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, every male individually,...." Previously, the Lord in Exodus 30: 11-16 had commanded a census be taken for the purpose of determining money to be given for the service of the tabernacle. This census was different. The purpose of this census was to form a roster to determine how many fighting men were available for the invasion of the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 12: 1-3). Do you think the LORD knew exactly how many men were available? The answer is "yes!" Then, why take the census? The census was for the children of Israel. While they knew the battle would be won by the LORD, the men still had to fight. This passage blends together the concepts of the Sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. Both are truths. God is Sovereign. However, that Sovereignty does not give man an option to be lazy or fatalistic. God wants us to prepare for the tasks that lie ahead of us. We are not to sit in a corner and pray without putting actions to the prayers. The children of Israel had to take a census. They had to prepare for war. However, the results were in the hands of the LORD. Never allow the Sovereignty of God to become a crutch for you to make you lazy. His Sovereignty encourages me to work harder because I know the end result will be His perfect plan.

3-26-2022 Devotion: Shout for joy

 Psalm 35: 27: "Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."  David is concluding his prayer with a joyous conclusion because he has confidence in the LORD that He desires to bless His servants. The last phrase is used by television "preachers" to teach that God wants everyone "healthy, wealthy and wise." This is an example of taking a verse out of context, isolating it, and reading into it what you want it to say. In interpreting a Scripture, we are to "read out" of the text (called Exegesis) and not "read into" the text (Eisegesis). The former method is legitimate, the latter is illegitimate. We are to handle the Word of God with care, properly studying it to learn its true meaning. In this case, David is saying that God will favor his righteous cause and bring him to a place where he will be shouting for joy because God desires to bless His servants (not necessarily make them financially rich). When you are talking to God in prayer, it is a good habit to end with assurance in the character and purposes of the LORD. He knows best and will do best.

3-25-2022 Devotion: Be real

 Psalm 35: 26: "Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion Who rejoice at my hurt; Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor Who exalt themselves against me." David is coming to the end of this prayer. In this verse, he ends with an imprecation (this means a spoken curse). David wants shame and confusion to be brought down on his enemies. The other day the devotion spoke about how real and emotional Hebraic prayer is. We see that today. In essence, David is releasing a spoken curse and asking God to bring it about. The other day, I referenced how briefly Christians pray (1 minute a day for laymen and 5 minutes a day for pastors). If we allow ourselves to be real in prayer, be emotional (yet respectful) and really cry out to God, you will probably find yourself spending more time in prayer. When you do so, you will have less time and inclination to fight with those who are trying to make your life miserable. And, that is a very good thing. Spend more time with God and less with your adversaries.

3-24-2022 Devotion: God sees you

 Psalm 35: 22: "This You have seen, O LORD; Do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me." Notice that David is not addressing his enemies. He is taking his problem to the LORD. I wonder how things would have been different in my life, if I had taken my problems directly to the LORD instead of arguing with those that were against me. David teaches us that it is proper to pray to God, "Please do not be silent, be close to me." David is asking for God to rebuke and come against his enemies. This is proper because David knows God has seen what they have been doing to him. Often, we forget that God sees us. He sees your good and your bad, and if you are His child, He still loves you with an affectionate love. As you are going through difficult times, remember that God sees you, sees the problem, sees your enemies, and He has the solution and is prepared to release that solution when the time is perfect.  Trust in His Sovereignty and His Providence.

3-23-2022 Devotion: How long

 Psalms 35: 17: "Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, My precious life from the lions." In the psalm, David brings attention to the three parties involved: himself, his enemies and God. Whenever you have someone come against you, it is always a three way relationship. God will take action, yet sometimes it seems slow to us. Here, David is asking God a question. How long will you look at my situation and not take action? We can sometimes feel this way when we are troubled by those that attack us with slander and deceit. However, we must trust the Sovereignty of God. Nothing happens to us that does not first pass by the throne room of heaven. That provides me much comfort. God will take action in His time. And, His timing is always the best timing. However, while you are waiting for that deliverance, it is acceptable to cry out to the LORD, "How long?" Know that He hears you and He will move when it will bring Him the most glory from the situation. That should enable you to wait and trust.

3-22-2022 Devotion: Honesty in Prayer

 Psalm 35: 9: "And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation." Psalm 35 is about David bringing his situation to the LORD. First, he complains about the situation. Second, he prays about the situation. Third, he rejoices at God's intervention. This is another example of Hebraic prayer. David is complaining before God. He is not rebuked for complaining, nor does his attitude stop God from helping him. David is being really honest before the LORD. That is the point for today. In prayer, be honest and real. You will find when you do, the entire experience is more meaningful. According to the research company Barna, the average Christian prays 1 minute a day and the average pastor only 5 minutes a day. Imagine maintaining a close relationship with your loved one if you only talked to them 1 minute a day. How would your relationship change with God if you spent more time in honest prayer? I encourage you to pray with honesty. He already knows your thoughts so He is ready for whatever you want to say. Complain, cry, scream, but in the end, rejoice in His salvation. Your salvation is the most important thing in this life. Make sure you are ready for the next life!

3-21-2022 Devotion: Hebraic Prayer

 Psalm 35: 1: "Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me." The word "Plead" is a legal term that means to "bring a case against someone." The psalmist is asking God to wage war on someone. This brief prayer invokes the legal advocacy of God and the request for a Divine Warrior to engage the enemy. At first view, this may offend the sensibilities of many modern Christians that think God is all love. While the LORD is love, He is also a legal advocate and a Divine Warrior. Hebraic prayer was very emotional and could be very intense. We are facing many challenges in our culture that seek to insult, criticize and marginalize those with faith in the LORD. We should not be afraid to ask God to fight for us. The Scriptures teach us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the spirits behind such offensive action. If we are going to wage a spiritual war (and we should), we should invoke our God to fight for us. Do not be afraid to plead with the LORD and directly ask Him to fight for you. You and God are a majority. Actually, God is the majority. Go to your Heavenly Father today and if you are in a fight, ask Him to fight for you.

Twelfth Lesson of the Quarter: Parting Admonitions

 Today's lesson comes from Joshua 23: 14. In chapters 14-19, Joshua and Eleazar the priest divides the land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua is nearing the end of his life and he was concerned about the Canaanite tribes which had not be driven out. There are many spiritual truths we find in these Scriptures. Joshua's three primary concerns were:

1. That Israel would keep the laws of Moses.

2. That they would maintain a separated lifestyle.

3. That they would cleave to the Lord. 

By doing these three things, Israel could maintain spiritual victory. Joshua's concerns and admonitions were not a "new gospel." They contained the time-honored message of love and faith toward God, hatred of sin, and separation from the world. This is as relevant a message for us today as in the days of Joshua.

The first section is: "A Land to Conquer." (vv. 1-5) Israel was in possession of the Promised Land. This meeting in these verses occurred about 14 years after the close of the major campaigns. Joshua was not speaking to his military commanders, but rather to the political and social leaders of the nation:

1. Elders were men of experience and wisdom.

2. Heads of Israel were the rulers of tribes and families.

3. Judges made decisions regarding the law.

4. Officers enforced the law.

Joshua refused to take any glory for himself. He gave all the glory to God for the victories. Their future battles would be won just as those in the past, by the power of God. They needed to remain dependent on God and not each other. Joshua delegated to each tribe to drive out the remaining Canaanites and that he reinforced that God's promises were still theirs. God would "drive them out." 

The summary points of the section are:

1. God's promises do not have an expiration date.

2. A good recipe for defeat is to fight in your own strength, not God's strength.

3. Walking the Christian life is both a land of rest and of continued warfare.

The second section is: "A Law to Keep." (vv. 6-10) Joshua is going to give three concerns to the Israelites:

1. They needed to stay obedient to God's laws. In the beginning of the book, the Lord told Joshua to "be strong and of a good courage." Now Joshua, nearing the end of his life, admonished the Israelites with the same words (23:6).

2. They needed to not be too friendly with the Canaanites. Doing so would lead to idolatry. They were not to mention even the names of their deities. The step to spiritual collapse begins with being too familiar with those who are not following God. Undue familiarity soon leads to contamination.

3. They must "cleave unto the LORD." To cleave is to cling. Their dependence on God had brought them victories and continued dependence and faith in God would assure them of victories in the days ahead. 

The summary points of this section are:

1. In keeping God's commands, do not compromise with the world.

2. To have fellowship with unsaved sinners can lead to fellowship with sin.

3. We need to tightly hold on to Christ every moment of our lives. 

The third section is "A Love to Maintain." (vv. 11-14). In this final portion, Joshua is giving some practical advice how to not turn your back on the Lord. In verse 11, Joshua says "Take good heed therefore unto yourselves...." "Unto yourselves" means "to your souls." It is a good practice to ask yourself, "How is my soul? Am I walking close with the Lord, or with the world?" In verse 12, he warns the people about going back to the Canaanite nations because they will intermarry and have relationships with them.  Separation is a necessary part of purity. Separation must be based on your love for the Lord Jesus Christ and not on anything else like a church denomination or position. 

Joshua was aware of the potential danger. It wasn't militarily because had God promised them victory. It was moral and spiritual. The people needed to keep a strong for the Lord and a hatred for sin. The Israelites had to remain separate to be pure. If not, the Israelites would become ensnared and lose the land which God had given them. 

Joshua realized that he was about to pass away. Death awaits us all. However, Joshua wanted to testify "that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you...." Since God had been faithful to the people, they were to be faithful to Him. The Bible scholar Dr. Adam Clarke said: "No people were more fairly warned, and no people profited less by it." 

Let the same not be said of us.

The summary points of this section are:

1. You need a spiritual check-up.

2. Do not be tied or yoked together with unbelievers.

3. Death awaits us all. Be prepared.

The Golden Text is: "Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God." (Joshua 23:11) Satan would like to lure you into never taking a spiritual check-up. Are there things in my life unpleasing to the LORD? The carnal mind is at war with God even (and especially) after you are born again. We must never lay down our swords in this life as we battle the evil around us. Let us be faithful until the end.

Next week: "The Covenant Renewed." (Joshua 24: 14)

3-20-2022 Devotion: WWJD

 Exodus 33: 14: "And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" In this passage, Moses is interceding for the nation of Israel. If God is not going to go with them, why should they go any farther? If God was not going with them, they would not be a people set apart from other nations. Whenever we read words like, "set apart," we should remember that being set apart is the essence of sanctification. People, places and things may be sanctified. They are set apart for God's service. Whereas salvation is 100% of the Lord (by grace through faith Ephesians  2: 8-9), sanctification is a cooperative effort between you and God. Your sanctification begins the moment you are born again. When you make Jesus Lord of your life, you will begin the process to become more and more like Him every day. You don't sit and wait for this to happen to you, you must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and be obedient to whatever He shows you needs to be worked on. As you walk the Christian life, you should become more Christlike every day. There was a fiction book written many years ago, "In His Steps" that asked the question, "What would Jesus do?" Living the sanctified life is asking "What would Jesus do," and then do it. That is walking in holiness.

3-19-2022 Devotion: Down Sinner Down

 Exodus 32: 24: "And I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.' So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out." Moses has been on Mount Sinai with God. God had been speaking with Moses and He gave him two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with His finger. The people feel like Moses has been gone too long so they go to his brother Aaron and want him to make a new god for them. Talk about short memories, God had just done many miracles including the Passover which brought about the Israelites freedom from slavery. Moses comes down from the mountain and confronts Aaron. The verse today is Aaron's excuse. In essence, he says, "I don't know what happened, the calf just leaped out of the fire." The problem with people is that they don't want to take responsibility for their sins. Like the old Flip Wilson show on television, "The devil made me do it." Until a person takes responsibility for their actions, they will never get saved. If you are going to come to Christ, your will must be broken. An old preacher used to say, "Down, sinner down. Down at the foot of the cross." To be saved, you must first be broken. You must see yourself as a lost sinner. Until then, your pride will keep you out of heaven. I'm so glad I heard the call of "Down, sinner down." Go down and Christ will lift you up.

3-18-2022 Devotion: Never Alone

 Exodus 29: 45: "I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God." Most people are familiar with red lettered Bibles where the words of the Lord Jesus Christ are written in red letters in the New Testament. I have a special Bible that has the words spoken by God in the Old Testament also in red letters. The verse today is in red letters. That God would be the God of the children of Israel and that they would be His people is an amazing blessing, but He is also stating that He will dwell with them. This was an important reality to the new nation being formed. As New Testament believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the same promise to us. Hebrews 13: 5 saysin part: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." The Lord Jesus Christ wants to dwell with you. Let that sink in. Salvation brings the presence of the Holy Spirit inside your heart and also surrounding you as you go forth in this life. Know that you are never alone. My dad would say to me, "I've got my eye on you." The blessed Trinity of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit say, "I've got my eye on you." He is dwelling with you and that is a comfort (No matter what circumstances look like).

3-17-2022 Devotion: Holiness to the Lord

 Exodus 28: 36: "You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD."  In the Old Testament, holiness was written on the dress of the people. They had the Law to obey but did not have the Holy Spirit on the inside of them creating a new heart. In the New Testament, the Law is engraved on the heart of the believer. Jeremiah 31: 33 says:  "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Emphasis supplied) True believers have "Holiness Unto the Lord" written on their hearts. They desire to be holy. They want to please God. However, make no mistake about it, until your old flesh is gone, you will never be perfect. We are to strive to be holy because we are commanded to do so. The wonderful news is that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and your sins. Those that place their faith and hope in Him will not perish but have eternal life. One day you will be perfect. One day you will have HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD as a reality with no sin. Until then, cling to the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and know that He will never leave you nor forsake you. 

3-16-2022 Devotion: All Authority

 Matthew 28: 18-20: "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you' and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" Jesus now has all authority. He has come before the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7: 13,14) and received the Absolute Sovereign Authority, dominion over all. On the basis of this authority, the disciples are told to do the following: (1) Make disciples; (2) Baptize them; and (3) Teach them Jesus' doctrine. Notice what they were not commanded to do: heal the physical bodies of the sick, cast out devils, preach prosperity, build church buildings, etc. Our charge is to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no salvation without faith, repentance and confession. Don't allow false "prophets" to steal the Great Commission and make it about their power, their decrees, their authority. We have no authority except to make disciples, baptize, and teach. We must be about our responsibilities.

3-15-2022 Devotion: Be Light

 Exodus 23: 1: You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness." This verse is part of some Old Testament miscellaneous laws designed to insure impartiality and fairness and justice for all. Each Bible verse has only one interpretation. However, there are many applications. For our lives, we need to keep false reports to ourselves and not spread them around. We would not want someone doing that to us. This connects with the teaching by Jesus of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Moreover, we are not to be actively involved with the wicked. We need to live separate lives as much as possible consistent with our occupation. We will work with non believers, we will spend time with non believers, but that doesn't mean we are involved with immoral pursuits. In fact, we are to be a light to the lost. We can't hide from them, but we need to represent the Lord Jesus Christ when we find occasion to be with the wicked. Just don't grab the shovel with them to do something that you know would not be pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be separate. Be light.

3-14-2022 Devotion: Pray or Fight

 Matthew: 26: 51: "And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear." John 18: 10 identified the swordsman as Peter and the victim as Malchus. Luke 22: 51 mentions that Jesus healed the ear of the one attacked. The crowd coming to arrest Jesus may have been as small as 100 people or as large as 500+. The point is that Peter was ready to fight, even though outnumbered. A while earlier, Jesus had asked Peter and others to pray with Him in the garden, but they fell asleep. Peter didn't have the spiritual desire to pray, but he had a carnal desire to fight. That is the way it is with many "unsaved religionists" in the church. Come to a prayer meeting, no way! Come to meetings over an issue in the church, e.g., the pastors preaching against sin, salaries and expenses, or expanding the ministry budget and they will be willing to come to fight. We need the spiritual desire to seek our Lord in prayer. We need to not grow weary in preaching the Word. I have seen this first hand and it is not a pretty sight. Let us be willing to carry the spiritual fight with prayer and fasting and leave the carnal battles to others.

Eleventh Lesson of the Quarter: The Cities of Refuge

 Today's lesson comes from Joshua 20: 1-9; 21: 43-45. To properly understand this lesson, it is important to learn the difference between murder and manslaughter. Murder is the premeditated taking of the life of another by lying in wait. Murder involves a conscious plan. You think about killing someone, plot it out, and wait for the right moment to carry it out. Manslaughter is different. There are two types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary is taking someone's life in the heat of the moment. A husband comes home and catches his wife with another man. In a rage, he kills them both. That moment wasn't planned, it occurred when the passions were high for the husband. If the husband left, went and thought about it and came back and killed his wife, that would be murder because he had time to "cool off." Involuntary manslaughter is the subject today. Involuntary manslaughter is the taking of another's life through negligence or by accident. For example, someone runs a stop sign and kills a pedestrian. It was an accident, but the person is still dead. It is this type of killing that was intended for the cities of refuge.

The sixth commandment is: "Thou shalt not kill." However, God knew there would be occasions where someone accidentally caused someone's death. He gave a promise that He would provide a "place whither he shall flee." (Ex. 21:12,13) Passages concerning cities of refuge are found in four books of the Bible.  The most notable passages are found in Numbers 35: 6-34 and Deuteronomy 19: 1-14. To take another's life was a serious matter. No one should be careless in this regard. However, if there was an unintentional killing, the manslayer had to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. He would be away from his home, family and friends.

The first section is: "A Refuge Provided." (20:1-6) Scriptures tell us: "He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death." (Ex. 21:12) The "revenger of blood" was allowed to slay the murderer. However, if the killing was not premeditated, the manslayer could flee to a city of refuge. When he arrived, this was the process:

1. Upon arrival at the city, he stopped at the city gate to explain the situation.

2. These men make an initial determination of whether to allow the manslayer in the city.

3. At a later time, he would "stand before the congregation for judgment." 

4. If he found innocent, he could remain in the city of refuge. 

5. If he was found guilty, he would be turned over to the avenger of blood. 

6. If innocent, he would live in the city until the high priest died. Then he would be free to leave.

7. The manslayer had to stay in the city if he wanted to be protected.

There are obvious parallels to salvation through the blood of Christ. You have to be drawn to Him. You flee for refuge to the cross. You must stay under the blood to be saved. To depart back into the world would mean death at the hands of the one that seeks to destroy you. Christ's death brought an end to what separated us from God.

The summary points of this section are: 

1. The city of refuge is symbolic of the refuge we have in Jesus Christ.

2. To be protected, we must stay under the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Leaving the protection of the blood of Jesus Christ means death at the hands of the one that seeks to destroy you.

The second section is: "Cities Appointed." (20: 7-9) There were six cities "appointed" as cities of refuge. The word "appointed" means to be "set apart or sanctified." Three were on the east side of the Jordan River and three on the west side. They were spread out so there was a city of refuge available for only a half day's journey from anywhere in Canaan. The roads to the cities were well marked and each one located on a hill, easily seen and approached.  

The meanings of the names of the six cities could be considered as expressing characteristics of Christ:

1. Kedesh--holy--Christ is holy.

2. Shechem--shoulder--Upon the shoulders of Christ rests the government.

3. Hebron--fellowship--Christ is the lover of our soul.

4. Bezer--fortification--Christ is our Rock and Strong Tower.

5. Ramoth--high or exalted--His Name is above every name.

6. Golan--joy--In Christ alone is found joy.

Just as the cities of refuge provided a place for the repentant manslayer to flee, so does the Lord Jesus Christ provide an escape from the penalty of sin for those that will come to Him. The summary points of this section are:

1. The cities of refuge are symbolic of the forgiveness from the penalty of sin found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Just like a city of refuge was always nearby, so is the living Christ to those that will seek Him.

3. The way to salvation is clearly marked out in God's Word.

The third section is: "God's Promises Fulfilled." (21: 43-45) The LORD had delivered all the land just as He had promised to the early Jewish fathers. In addition, the LORD gave rest to His people, just as He had promised. Their enemies were defeated. Every single word that God had promised had come to pass. For us today, we need to become serious about being a people of the Book. We need to seek God's will through the Scriptures. We need to seek His wisdom through the Scriptures. Our churches should be based on the New Testament churches. Jeremiah 6: 16 speaks of the "old paths." The old paths are the best paths. They are the methods that our LORD has approved. Let us seek to whole fast to all that God has promised. He is no respecter of persons. What He has promised, will come to pass.

The summary points of this section:

1. Whatever God promises will come to pass. 

2. We need to be a people of the Book.

3. The old paths are the best paths.

The Golden Text is: "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken...all came to pass." (Joshua 21:45) Hebrews 10:23 states: "He is faithful that hath promised." May we truly become people that believe these verses. How different would our lives be if we truly acted like every promise of God would come about. Your faith would elevate. You would preach with conviction. We would be true ambassadors of heaven. You have read the text, so what is stopping you? Do you believe it is true?

Next week: "Parting Admonitions." (Joshua 23: 1-14)

3-13-2022 Devotion: The Wrath of God

 Matthew 26: 39: "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.''' What is Jesus most concerned about? He is concerned about facing the Father's wrath against sin. He knew He was going to die without the Father's comfort. Modern ministers don't preach much about the wrath of God today. I believe that's because most are not born again themselves. They took a job that pays well, has some recognition and you don't work a lot of hours.  They don't want to offend people, especially the ones paying his salary. However, God's wrath is real. It is horrifying and frightening. If you have to face the wrath of God on your own, that wrath will send you to the eternal flames of a devil's hell. There will be no escape. Jonathan Edwards preached a famous sermon on July 8, 1741, entitled, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." He had written it out and read it to the people. People began to hold onto their seats and tent poles for fear of falling into hell. They had a revival because the Word of God, which includes the wrath of God, was preached. Jesus was facing that wrath. He did so because He didn't want you to. Thank Him today.

3-12-2023 Devotion: Restoration

 Matthew 26: 34: "Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three time.'" A rooster would begin to crow around 3:00am. Even though the disciples had pledged their loyalty to Jesus, they were only a few hours away from all denying Him. Have you ever made promises to the Lord that you didn't keep. Perhaps, it was some secret sin that you really wanted to forsake but it had taken hold of you. Try as you might, you just couldn't break free. If you have, you may feel like it's too late for you. That's not true. That is the enemy of your soul whispering in your ear. Satan wants you to give up on the mercy and grace of God. But can you guess who doesn't want you to give up? In John 21: 15-16, after the resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times did he love Him? Three times, Peter said he did love Him. (There is more to this encounter we will see at another time) I believe Jesus had Peter say three times that he loved Him, one for each time he denied Him before the crucifixion. The idea to grasp is that Jesus wanted to forgive Peter. Jesus wanted to restore Peter. Jesus wanted Peter to be ready to be the man of God he was intended to be, that Jesus died for. Today, if you feel like you have let the Lord Jesus Christ down, don't despair, run to Him in brokenness, repentance and have faith that His blood makes you clean.

3-11-2022 Devotion: Lord, Lord

 Matthew 25: 11-12: "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'" This was part of a parable taught by Jesus entitled, "The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins." In the parable, there are ten virgins who have lamps so they will be able to meet the bridegroom when he comes. Five of them have enough oil so they are ready. The five foolish ones do not. While the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. When the bridegroom arrived the five foolish ones didn't have oil so they had to go and try and buy some. When they came back today's verse is what occurred. What I find frightening about this parable is that all the virgins called him, Lord, Lord. They all thought they were right with God. Yet, to half of them, the Lord stated "I do not know you." Matthew 7: 21 teaches that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" shall enter the kingdom of heaven. The point of today's devotion is to make a clarion call to preparation and readiness. The time to prepare for eternity is now. Have you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life?  If you have, no person can snatch you from His hand. You will persevere. Make an inquiry today. Ask yourself some tough questions.

3-10-2022 Devotion: Days of Noah

 Matthew 24: 38-39: "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." Jesus had just been teaching about His second coming. He compares it to the time of Noah while he was building the ark. He is not referencing the extreme wickedness of the day, but instead the people's preoccupation with the mundane matters of everyday life. They heard Noah preach, saw the ark being built, but cared not until the floods came. It is the same today. While there are only a few preachers that preach the Word, most people don't care. They are more concerned with work, romantic relationships, their children and the ordinary events of life. However, the day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ is going to return for His church. It will be too late at that point to avoid the Tribulation. There will be no doubt when the second coming occurs, it will be a worldwide event. It should be every person's inquiry to ask yourself, are you ready for His return? If not, you can be ready and actually looking forward to the event. Eternity will begin for us that are His children when He comes again. Be ready.

3-9-2022 Devotion: Clean the Inside

 Matthew 23: 25: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence." The Pharisees were more concerned with appearances than the inner condition of the heart. Who would want to drink from a cup that was clean on the outside but filthy on the inside? Of course, no one would. Yet, that was exactly how the Pharisees lived. Jesus pointed it out and rebuked them for their hypocrisy. Too many in the church today focus on externals. Don't hear what I'm not saying. Yes, modesty is mandated for the believer and there are certain things believers just don't do because of their New Nature. However, some can become very legalistic over clothes, entertainment, and church rules and other conditions of acceptance into a fellowship. We must guard against it at all costs. We are to be tough on the religious hypocrites but gentle with those who hear God calling them to come to Him. We are His ambassadors.

3-8-2022 Devotion: Loving God

 Matthew 22: 37: "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind..'" The words in italics are a quote from the Old Testament, specifically Deuteronomy 6: 5, part of the shema. The shema is spoken daily by Jews. The verse for today was the Lord Jesus' answer to the question posed by the hypocritical Pharisees. They wanted to know what Jesus thought was the greatest commandment in the Law. This was a rabbinical exercise to see who could summarize the Law in the fewest words. The verse tells us to involve our heart (personality, emotions and will), soul (Hebrew nephesh means "breath of life'') and mind (seat of intellect). Don't look for three separate circles as all three of these categories overlap. The point is that we are to love Him with our entire being. I know people who think they love God with all their heart, soul and mind continually without a break. I don't believe them. I don't think we love God the way He should be loved for an hour. The more we appreciate how Holy and Righteous our God is, the more we see how unholy we are. I would rather be in a state of humility merely clinging to the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ than to believe that I had obtained some state by my efforts. I'll take the Lord Jesus Christ.

3-7-2022 Devotion: Making Noise

 Matthew 21: 12: "Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves." So much for the picture of a mild mannered easy going love everybody Jesus! The gentile area where this took place was several acres. It was a large area to cover and had to be quite noisy. Jesus treated those who bought and sold the same. They both were removed. Roman coins couldn't be used at the temple so the money changers were charging exorbitant rates. This commerce was taking place in the court of the gentile. The Lord Jesus Christ was going to put an end to it, at least for the day. Modern culture doesn't allow for a Jesus that is anything but loving and kind. Jesus was loving and kind, but sometimes He had to be forceful. It is the same with us. We must be prepared to "turn over some tables" if the situation calls for it. If we are going to be His disciple, we are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him, even if it means making lots of noise and running some people out.

Tenth Lesson of the Quarter: Caleb's Inheritance

 Today's lesson comes from Joshua 14: 1-14. After the campaign in the North had been completed (see last week's lesson), the Israelites returned to their camp at Gilgal. With the main strongholds of the enemy defeated, only the "mopping up" operation remained which would be the responsibility of the individual tribes assigned to that portion of the land. 

In Numbers 34: 16-29, God directed Moses how to allot each tribe their land. Joshua, the military leader, and Eleazar, the priest, would be in charge. The procedure would be by casting lots. This assured everyone that the process was done honestly. The people believed that God would direct the lots so this was how they would determine His will for each tribe. The lot would determine the general area that a tribe would inhabit. 

The lesson will focus on Caleb's inheritance. Caleb was a man of strength and moral courage. As one of the twelve spies, he and Joshua urged the people to go up and possess the land. They believed God and His promises. The other ten did not. For his stand, he faced ostracism and social pressure, but he stood firm. Caleb's faith never wavered. He set his eyes on the Promised Land and kept pushing forward. He is an example of steadfastness.

The first section is: "A Portion Promised." (vv. 6-9) Caleb was the representative for the tribe of Judah. Like the other tribes, Judah's land would be determined by lots. However, Caleb's personal portion was not to be decided so because God had already clearly spoken: "Him will I bring into the land wherein he went; and his seed shall possess it." (Numbers 14:24) Caleb goes to Joshua and reminds him of the promise which God had given: "Thou knowest the thing [word] that the LORD said...concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea."

Joshua and Caleb were the only two that spoke faith after Moses had sent the twelve into the land of Cannan to spy out the land. Upon hearing the report, the people became weak, and it made the "heart of the people melt." God said that the people that refused to believe Him would die in the wilderness (and they did). However, Caleb would enter the Promised Land because "he had another spirit with him, and hath followed Me fully." Caleb's life would be an example of "wholly following the LORD." 

The summary points of this section are:

1. Through our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, we can obtain an inheritance.

2. You can stand strong for God and not compromise despite being in the minority.

3. God rewards those who stand true when facing pressure.

The second section is: "A Mountain Requested." (vv. 10-12) These verses speak to God's Providence and His Sustaining of those who have faith in Him. Verse 10 states, "And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years...." In verse 11, Caleb states he is as strong now as he was when Moses sent him in as a spy and he is now 85. 

The years had not mellowed Caleb's resolve. In verse 12, he says, "Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day...." The mountain was occupied by the Anakims. They were giants and had strongholds and walled cities. Caleb could have taken it easy and chose a path with less resistance. But Caleb set his sights on conquering the most difficult area. Even though Caleb was strong, he was not self-reliant. He trusted God. "If the LORD be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said." 

The summary points of this section are:

1. There is no retirement from wholly following God. 

2. If God is for us, who can stand against us?

3. When God gives you a promise, act on it.

The third section is: "An Inheritance Obtained." (vv. 13, 14) Joshua blesses Caleb and gave him Hebron for an inheritance. Caleb received this land because "he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel." One can only speculate why Caleb wanted the region of Hebron as his inheritance. Hebron had been the dwelling place of Israel's patriarchs. It was where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah were buried. This was a place of fond memories and a rich heritage. Scripture tells us that Caleb did drive out the Anakims and take possession of his promised portion (Joshua 15: 13-19, Judges 1: 20). 

The summary points of this section are:

1. Faith and complete obedience brings God's blessings.

2. Victory over the power of sin is as sure as Caleb's victory over the Anakims.

3. Our faith in God can be a blessing to others. 

The Golden Text is: "He wholly followed the LORD God of Israel." (Joshua 14:14) In meditating on this Scripture, remember the following:

1. Caleb remembered the promises of God.

2. Caleb expected a fight.

3. Caleb believed he had been spared to do something, not retire.

4. Caleb knew the land belonged to God's people.

5. Caleb mingled dependence with confidence.

6. Caleb radiated loyalty and faith.

7. Caleb had to ask for what had been promised.

8. Caleb followed the LORD notwithstanding the social pressure against him.

Can you testify, "I wholly followed the LORD!" Do you want to?

 Next week, "The Cities of Refuge." (Joshua 20: 1-9, 21: 43-45)

3-6-2022 Devotion: Context

 Matthew 19: 26: "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"  This verse is another one that is read out of context to create a meaning not intended by the Lord Jesus Christ. People facing a difficult situation at work or in a relationship might say, "I don't see a positive result but with God all things are possible." I remember representing a man who had filed a lawsuit. It was the day before the trial and the other party made an amazing generous offer to settle. I met with the client and his girlfriend to discuss the offer and the need to take it. I explained there was an issue of evidence that we could not win. The client refused the offer saying, "With God all things are possible and I believe somehow He is going to do something special for me." I tried to explain to him the error of his thinking. He refused. We tried the case and just like I predicted, he lost. The purpose of this verse in context is about someone becoming born again. Man does not have the power to save himself. Man is dead in tresspasses and sins. How can a dead person do anything? He can't! But with God, all things are possible! Context can prevent misinterpreting Scriptures. Know that no one is beyond the reach of God. For with Him, salvation is possible to all who will come!

3-5-2022 Devotion: Binding and Loosing

 Matthew 18: 18: "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."  I have heard many a preacher, usually with spit flying, saying, "I bind you devil!" They go on to bind sickness, disease, poverty and lack. The problem is, this just doesn't work. Jesus was not giving you a magic formula to get what you want. And, if everybody is binding the devil, why is he still running around causing trouble? If sickness and disease are bound, why are there people still in the hospitals? The problem is a gross misrepresentation of what this verse means. Here and in Matthew 16:19, Jesus is giving authority to the church to act in accordance with the Scriptures. The church had the authority to pronounce someone forgiven if they meant the Biblical conditions. Similarly, if they didn't meet the Scriptural conditions, the church had the right to proclaim they weren't forgiven. The person on earth can only bind what has already been bound in heaven, and only loose on earth what has already been loosed in heaven. This is not some blanket authority given to man, but instead a proper understanding of how the church is to function according to the Word. Today's devotion is about saving you from error. Run from any preacher that misuses this text.

3-4-2022 Devotion: Cut it off

 Matthew 18: 8: "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire." Jesus was not advocating self-mutilation. Instead, He was pointing out the serious nature of sin. Ripping the eyes out would not cure lust because lust is in the heart. Jesus was using a graphic hyperbole ( an exaggerated statement not intended to be taken literally) to show the seriousness of sin and the need for it to be dealt with. His point is that it would be better, or more profitable, to lose a member of your body than to suffer the eternal consequences of hell. While we don't hear this type of preaching much now, we need to have men of God stand for truth and proclaim the gospel that saves you from all sin. Don't take sin lightly, for it is trying to kill you. It won't but don't give it the chance.

3-3-2022 Devotion: Prayer

 Matthew 17: 20: "So Jesus said to them, 'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing shall be impossible for you.'" Let us understand what Jesus was not saying here. He was not telling you that you could move a real mountain. He was not providing you with some unlimited power for you to use in your sinful flesh. To "move a mountain" was a Jewish figure of speech that meant doing what seemed impossible. With God all things are possible. Jesus is connecting active faith with submission and obedience to God. It is His will that is to be done, not ours. We must bend our will to His. Prayer to be answered with a "yes" must be according to God's will. (1 John 5: 14) Jesus wants us to pray, have faith and be willing to submit our will to His. When we can do that, we will be able to move mountains that He wants moved! And, why would we want to move any He doesn't want to move?

3-2-2022 Devotion: old or new

 Matthew 16: 24: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Jesus adds the requirement of denying yourself as a condition of discipleship (see Matthew 10:38). The true disciple does not seek fame, power or comfort. The cross was a sign of a cruel, violent and shameful death. Yet, Christ is calling His disciples to be so totally committed to Him that not even the threat of a violent death would not deter them. Think about the courage of that first church. People were willing and many died from persecution. One of the reasons that the church is so weak today is because it is filled with false professors of faith. They may have "accepted Jesus," "made a decision for Jesus," or said the sinner's prayer. None of these things will save you. Only true repentance with faith will enable you to become a new creation. The old creation will feint in the presence of true persecution. Only the person with true faith can stand up to the abuse and torture that the earlier believers faced. They could face the pressure because they were a new creation. So, what's your story? Are you new or old?

3-1-2022 Devotion: Defilement

 Matthew 15: 11: "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." Under the Old Covenant, a person could defile himself by what he ate. For example, pork and shellfish were forbidden so you could be unclean by what you took inside your body. The Lord Jesus Christ was speaking of a higher moral standard. He was drawing a distinction between ceremonial law and the moral law. Ceremonial violations could be dealt with ceremonially. However, moral defilement corrupted the soul. What one says reveals the condition of the heart. There is a Scripture, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12: 34) I preached a message once that warned people that had received unkind and hurtful remarks from someone. I would always tell them, "You do know there is a lot more of that in their heart. Remember, they spoke from abundance." Be mindful of what comes from your mouth.