“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Ps. 119:72-72).

These passages emphasize a great appreciation for the word of God.  There are times in life when the word of God comes to mean more and more.  Appreciation is a developed trait.  It is a quality of the human spirit that learns the worth of truly valuable things.  Consider times in life when appreciation for the Bible grows.

1. Times of Confusion. Certain situations in life can cause the mind to be confused.  It is written in the psalms, “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:1-3).  Jeremiah said, “Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?” (Jer. 12:1).  The principle of sowing and reaping has always been a valid concept for living (cf. Gal. 6:7-8).  The problem is that the wicked do not always reap in this life what they have sown and the righteous do not always in this life reap what they have sown.  The full reaping of what one has sown is after the day of judgment (cf. 1 Tim. 5:24-25).  Wickedness does seem to gain and righteousness does seem to continually suffer.  The psalmist of Psalm 73 finally saw the truth of the whole matter when he went into the place of the reading of the scriptures.  It is stated, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end” (Ps. 73:17).  He appreciated the Bible for revealing what man struggles to understand in his own wisdom.  Real wisdom is from the scriptures (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15-17).
2. Times of Crisis. Life is as Job stated, “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).  Jesus said of time, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt. 6:34).  Paul wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16).  What does one do when major problems arise?  There are conflicts with people, unforeseen health issues and the list goes on.  Going to the Bible first and foremost is both prudent and productive.  When Jesus faced the devil, he leaned on “it is written” (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10).  The exhortation by Peter to those suffering Christians (cf. 1 Peter 4:16) still holds true value for today, where he wrote, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
3. Times of Crying. Sorrow is a present reality in this world.  Disappointments, discouragement and even death bring their own forms of crying.  The Bible states, “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).  Again, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).  When death comes, Paul wrote at the end of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18).  The Bible truly is as stated, “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” (Ps. 119:50).                                                                      

Jimmy Clark

“And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50).

Generations are often stereotyped into different identities. Terms as “the greatest generation”, “the baby-boomers”, “the generation-xers”, “the millenials” and so on continue to categorize populations. Sociologists study differences between one type of generation to another type and draw conclusions about how to deal with each one. Regardless of what man may think or communicate, the Bible is clear as to the needs of any and every generation. There are some clear passages that show the real the needs of all generations. Consider three of several found in the Bible that magnify this.

1. Care of God. Every generation is helpless without God. Those who have sought to fill life’s basic needs without regarding God find a meaningless, mundane existence. However, a life that recognizes God finds true purpose. Moses wrote in a psalm, “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations” (Ps. 90:1). It is written in another of the psalms, “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants” (Ps. 119:90-91). The care of God is over all creation. James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Paul and Barnabas proclaimed concerning God to certain pagans, “Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:16-17). Every generation needs God’s caring hand.
2. Counsel of God. Every generation is ignorant without God. Man is more than just a consumer of physical things. He is also an intelligent being with an inquisitive mind. Jeremiah was more than accurate when he said, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). It is written in a psalm, “The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11). Again, “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Ps. 100:5). Take the Bible out of the hearts of people and destruction exists (cf. Hosea 4:6). Find the Bible in the hearts of people and true intelligence exists (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15).
3. Controlled by God. Every generation is enslaved and lost without God. Isaiah comforted the hearts of God’s reviled people by saying, “For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation” (Isa. 51:8). It is written in the psalms, “Thy name, O Lord, endureth forever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations. For the Lord will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants” (Ps. 135:13-14). Again, “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations” (Ps. 145:13). David knew this (cf. Ps. 146:10) as well as Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Dan. 4:3, 34). Sin enslaves (cf. John 8:34). Submission to the reign of God in one’s own life brings freedom from such (cf. Rom. 6:6-18).

Jimmy Clark

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:” (Acts 2:14).

While the Holy Spirit was giving the exact words for Peter to speak, this great apostle along with the other eleven still had to muster the courage to stand before those who had but a short time before brought about the death of Jesus.  Courage to stand for the truth in an environment like that is a trademark of what Jesus was looking for from his people (cf. John 14:27).  There are times when one is to “speak” (Eccl. 3:7).  Consider three aspects of workers in the church where courage is required.

1. Every Member. When those devout Jews obeyed the gospel after hearing Peter’s sermon, the text states specifically, “and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).  Paul wrote of the church, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, . . .” (1 Cor. 12:27-28a).  Here are two passages that reveal that the apostles were themselves members of the body of Christ.  Their courage would be further mirrored by those who were converted to Christ by their teaching (cf. Acts 4:29-31; 7:1-8:4).  All of the membership of the body of Christ is to add to their faith virtue (i.e. moral courage) (cf. 2 Peter 1:5).  Fearfulness tends to paralyze and make the Lord’s cause appear insignificant.  Peter with the eleven (and then the converts being added daily to the church) were great examples of courage that stands.  Here is a factor to how the gospel went worldwide in their generation (cf. Col. 1:23).
2. Evangelists. Peter is also an example to all evangelists of the inner strength needed to preach the truth to those who need it.  Peter along with John would stand boldly before the Sanhedrin and preach (cf. Acts 4:8-13).  One is to preach the truth concerning the Christ and His word regardless of the attitude of the audience.  There are times when preachers must address the problem of sin in certain specifics that would make those caught up in it uncomfortable.  Speaking the truth in love does not mean to compromise the truth so that people might love you for it.  It is as Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  No evangelist enjoys dealing with problems, but sin is the taproot of mankind’s problems with Christ and His word the solution.
3. Elders.  Peter is also an example of an elder in the Lord’s church (cf. 1 Peter 5:1).  Elders are to be men of great courage to see that the flock is properly fed (cf. 1 Peter 5:2) and to “exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).  Elderships often make decisions that are not well received by every member of the congregation.  They face criticisms that would cause some not to even think of desiring the work of a bishop or elder (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1).  Judgment matters have always been subjects where some believe their judgment to be better than the leadership.  When a request is denied by an eldership, reactions can be unpleasant.  When error is taught or the whole counsel of God is not provided, elderships must have the courage to make sure that the will of God is expressed.  Courage to stand is a background to many of the qualifications.

Jimmy Clark

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:” (Acts 2:14). 

These are the beginning words of Peter in the great sermon given on that day of Pentecost, which brought about the beginning (cf. Acts 11:16) of the fullness of the gospel.  By the end of the day about 3,000 souls were saved and added by the Lord to the saved (cf. Acts 2:41).  In the day when people cry out for results, it would be hard to plead against such numbers.  However, consider the approach that Peter by the Holy Spirit used in preaching the gospel on that morning and see how it conflicts with the religious philosophy of today.

1. Absolute Religious Authority Contrasted to Relativism. Relativism is the philosophy that holds to there being no absolute truth.  According to relativism, everything depends on situations and points of view.  All viewpoints are considered valuable with no one viewpoint esteemed above another according to the popular religious philosophy of today.  Peter spoke definitively and absolutely.  “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16).  “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:” (Acts 2:22).  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly . . .” (Acts 2:36).  The Holy Spirit did not leave any room for opinions or points of view to arise in the discourse.  It was not a matter of “How do you see it?” but a matter of “This is the case; therefore, know and know assuredly.”
2. Ascribing Bible Citations for Proof Contrasted to Human-Interest Stories. Some hold to the belief that book, chapter and verse type of preaching is ineffective and archaic.  Human-interest stories warm the hearts of hearers and readers, it is said.  Don’t use too many Bible verses as that tends to be too preachy and people won’t listen to that, it is asserted.  Stories, especially success stories, that show how one went from depravity to being the dedicated disciple of the cause help people to believe that they too can do it, man is told.  Peter used the Bible to convince these devout Jews (cf. Acts 2:5) the truths before them.  He cites what the prophet Joel said in Joel 2:28-32.  Again, he cites what David, himself also a prophet (cf. Acts 2:30), wrote by inspiration in Psalms 16:8-11 as well as Psalms 110:1.  Faith does not come by stories, but by the word of God (cf. Rom. 10:17).
3. Affixing Personal Responsibility for Wrongdoing Contrasted to Tolerance and Feeling Good About Oneself. Tolerance and the age of immediate gratification call for religious experiences of feeling good about oneself and how to help others feel the same.  It is averred that preaching to call for major lifestyle changes turns people off.  Peter called for their personal responsibility with their “wicked hands” (Acts 2:23) and how that they “have crucified” (Acts 2:36) the very one God made Lord and Christ.  They were pricked in their hearts (cf. Acts 2:37) and asked the right question.  They were authoritatively told what to do (cf. Acts 2:38-40) and did it (cf. Acts 2:41).  Hence, God’s way is the way.

Jimmy Clark

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Prov. 29:18).  This passage gives insights concerning divine revelation.  On the one hand is the burden where God’s message is absent while the other hand shows the blessing of its presence in a person’s life.  The Bible is filled with passages that address the need for all to have divine instructions and the application of it.  Consider three points from this passage.

1. The Prophetic Word and the Law. The Hebrew word that is translated “vision” in this passage is the word meaning “divine communication in a vision, oracle, prophesy” (Brown, Driver, Briggs: Hebrew and English Lexicon, p. 303).  The Hebrew word that is translated “law” in this passage is the word meaning “direction, instruction, law” (BDB, p. 435).  Both terms refer to the revelation that comes from God whether spoken through the prophet (cf. Heb. 1:1) or the written revelation from former prophets, like Moses.  While today all scripture is inspired of God (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16) and God’s entire revelation for man’s needs has been given (cf. Jude 3), when Solomon gave this proverb, the Holy Spirit communicated the will of God through visions, dreams, etc. as well as the written word that was then in existence.  The silence of God as well as the speaking of God is seen in this passage through the words “where there is no vision” and “he that keepeth the law.”  Therefore, there is a marked difference between the value of the existence of divine revelation and the absence of it.  Having revelation is good.  Having no revelation is bad.  Therefore, here is another case for the spreading of the gospel to the world.
2. The Perishing of Some and Happiness of Others. The Hebrew word translated “perish” in this passage is from the word meaning “to let go, let alone” (BDB, p. 828) hence the clause “the people is let loose, lacks restraint” (BDB, p. 829).  This same word is found in Eliphaz’ words to Job, “Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God” (Job 15:4).  This is the same problem that Aaron created for the first generation out of Egypt when he permitted them to follow idolatry while Moses was on the mount (cf. Ex. 32:25, ESV).  The thought of a people perishing where there is no divine revelation is seen in that there is no restraint for controlling a people who do not have God’s word.  On the other hand, the one who has the revelation of God and keeps it finds a pleasant life.  This is seen in Psalms 1:1-3 as well as in Luke 8:15.
3. The Power of the Absence and Presence of the Word. People are destroyed for a lack of knowledge (cf. Hosea 4:6).  Man is blind without guidance from divine revelation (cf. 2 Cor. 4:4).  Where the presence of the word is among people, they have access to all the blessings from it (cf. Acts 10:33).  Consider the nations of the world where the Bible is not present or a lack of study of the Bible is not found and one can easily see the destructive power of the absence of the word of God.  Look at the lives of people where the Bible is valued the most and studied supremely with daily applications and see the benefits that come from such.  Paul told Timothy, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Tim. 4:15).  The value of divine revelation is clearly seen in the product.

Jimmy Clark

 

“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25).

Paul spoke to Felix concerning “the faith in Christ” (Acts 24:24).  That faith struck at the heart of the ungodly life of Felix.  He had taken Drusilla to be his wife who was formerly the wife of Gaius Julius Azizus (The writings of Josephus “Jewish Antiquities”, xx, 7.1).  Felix was emotionally moved by the truths taught but was not committed to apply what was taught.  He leaned upon the excuse of looking for a “convenient season” to hear more.  There is no indication that Felix ever did anything more than what is recorded in Acts 24.

Some people today often look for convenience when it comes to following Jesus.  If there is some great price to be paid, excuses of all kind are made.  Look at the prices that Jesus has paid for mankind and ask the question “Why should it be convenient for us?

1. Jesus Left Heaven To Come To Earth For Us. The Holy Spirit makes it clear that Jesus willingly gave up the glories of heaven to come to earth and live as a servant for man’s benefit.  “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:5-7).  It is written again, “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God” (Heb. 10:5-7).  Jesus left where the saint is trying to go.  Would anyone think it was convenient for Jesus to do such?  Why then should it be convenient for us?
2. Jesus Lived His Life As A Pattern For Us. The life that Jesus lived was not an easy, convenient life to live.  “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).  Again, it is written of Jesus, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb. 12:2-3).  Jesus had a much tougher life to live than anyone ever had.  Nevertheless, he set the standard for all men (cf. 1 Peter 2:21).  Life was not convenient for Jesus.  Why should it be convenient for us?
3. Jesus Laid Down His Life For Us.  Giving up one’s life for sinners to be saved is the ultimate inconvenience.  Nevertheless, Jesus did just that.  Paul often addressed the gracious sacrifice of Jesus (cf. 1 Tim. 1:15; Titus 2:13-14).  Paul never lost sight of the great sacrifice of Christ and the need to live unto Him with all his being (cf. Gal. 2:20).  The cross was the only way for man to be saved (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-31).  Why should anything be convenient for us in view of this?                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Jimmy Clark

“And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say” (Ex. 4:10-12).  Moses ultimately became one of the great teachers of the Israelite nation (cf. Deut. 4:1), but it was not without his need of encouragement from the Lord.  All teachers, whether just starting out or those highly experienced, need to be strengthened to do some of the greatest work among mankind.  Consider some thoughts about encouraging teachers.

1. Further Development Builds Greater Ability. Moses was a man of learning in the ways of Egypt.  Stephen stated of Moses, “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22).  However, when it came to his speaking for the Lord, he felt extremely inadequate.  Solomon wrote of wise and just men and their continued learning, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Prov. 9:9).  All teachers need to deepen and broaden their knowledge of the Bible.  Teachers of all fields are required to stay abreast of things to improve their competency of instruction.  Man will always need to be exposed to both the fundamentals and the deeper principles that give a broad understanding of the Bible.  Moses went “back to school” at the age of 80.
2. Faith in the Lord’s Approval Gives Courage. The Lord encouraged Moses by saying, “I will be with thy mouth” (Ex. 4:12).  Jeremiah was told when he saw himself as unqualified to serve as a prophet due to his youth, “But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord” (Jer. 1:7-8).  While it is true that both Moses and Jeremiah were inspired prophets who did not have to study as to what to say, they still had to have the courage to do the work.  Knowing that the Lord is with those who work for Him is a very encouraging thought.  Paul wrote to the young man Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).  When man draws nigh to God, He draws nigh to man (cf. James 4:8).
3. Future Blessings Abound in the Task. Moses’ teaching was paramount to the success of the nation (cf. Deut. 4:1-8).  It was their wisdom (cf. Deut. 4:6).  How much more is the New Testament the blueprint for success in the world today?  Paul specifically instructed Timothy to pass on the inspired word of God to others that they also might teach (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2).  That word is food to the soul (cf. Matt. 4:4), light in a dark world (cf. Ps. 119:105) and the sword to stand against the wicked one (cf. Eph. 6:17).  No one who learns it and passes it on to others will every regret it.  Let everyone know and remember that God’s own Son was a teacher (cf. Acts 1:1).                                                                                                                          Jimmy Clark

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).  This time of year marks the beginning of many going back to school after the summer break.  A new start should bring the anticipation of development and improvement unto maturity.  However, there can be learning only if there is the proper approach to learning.  Solomon is addressing this at the beginning of the book of Proverbs.  Consider three thoughts about the basic attitude of respect for the Lord as it relates to learning.

1. Respect for the Source of All Learning. The Lord is the ultimate teacher.  The proverbs of Solomon were not simply short statements of his personal experiences.  It is written, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. . . . And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five” (1 Kings 4:29-30, 32).  Solomon’s wisdom was inspired of God, not mere human accumulation of learning by the experiences of research.  There is no need of trial and error with God’s wisdom for it is perfect in nature.  Whenever anyone despises the Lord and thus despises the divine revelation of the word of God, it is to his own detriment.  The apostle Paul stated of God and His instruction, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Rom. 11:33-36).
2. Respect for the Sacrifice It Takes to Learn. Learning does not simply take place by sitting in front of a teacher and letting the words go into the ears.  There is work, hard work, to be done to attain unto learning.  One must respect the price to be paid to gain that learning in order to become wise.  Solomon wrote, “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Prov. 2:3-5).  Too many are not willing to be that “workman” (2 Tim. 2:15) that finds himself approved of God.  Laziness and apathy eat away at the mind while worldly pursuits and pleasure turn learning into a wasteful existence.  As the old adage goes, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”
3. Respect for the Structure of the Highest Learning. The knowledge that comes from God is a well-ordered life.  There is structure and the use of proper judgment in all decisions of life guided by the inspired word of God.  Solomon warned about fools who despise “wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).  It is the Lord who directs the paths of those who acknowledge Him (cf. Prov. 3:6).  When one fears the Lord, he will depart from evil (cf. Prov. 3:7).  There is a path to follow in life and that is the one marked by the instruction of heaven (cf. Prov. 10:17).  The Lord made man and knows what is best.

Jimmy Clark

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).

The book of Job gives great insight into various lessons learned in the midst of suffering.  Job was a great man at the beginning of the book only to become a greater one at the end.  The crucible of suffering brought some valuable lessons to his heart and mind.   Consider three.

The Answers are not with Men. Job’s wife (cf. Job 2:9) and his three friends (cf. Job 2:11ff) said things that were extremely hurtful and incorrect.  Job said to his wife, “Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:10).  Job knew that God was righteous in all His ways, he simply did not understand why things were happening to him like they did (cf. Job 3:11ff).  Job’s three friends went about to draw a right conclusion to Job’s problems but were grossly wrong in their application of basic truths.  Job said to them, “Lo, mine eyes hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value” (Job 13:1-4).  His friends’ diagnosis of the problem was wrong and therefore their conclusions were wrong.

The Almighty is Still in Control. Suffering can easily cause mankind to show his weaknesses.  Regardless, there are no weaknesses with God.  God is in complete control of both heaven and earth (cf. Job 1 and 2).  When the Lord spoke to Job out of the whirlwind (cf. Job 38:1ff), there was presented a series of things that only God can do.  All of creation is under the abiding control of God and dependent upon all His goodness.  Job states in the middle of the revelation from God, “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further” (Job 40:4-5).  The insight to the infinite wisdom of God brought Job to the place where the sovereign control of God was not challenged.  Suffering tends to draw humble men closer unto God.  Those who are rebellious and self-willed face their own calamity.

The Acceptance of God is in Repentance. Job’s last words to the Lord are stated thusly, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withheld from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. . . . Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:2-3, 6).  The Lord commended Job’s words to his three friends and reproved them for their lack of repentance (cf. Job 42:7-8).  Job prayed for his friends after their sacrifices were offered and acceptance was extended even to them.  They did not suffer like Job had suffered but their sin was brought to their minds.  Repentance is unto salvation (cf. 2 Cor. 7:10).  It is true strength in suffering to see one’s self and make the proper changes to be blessed.

Jimmy Clark

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:2-3).  The summer months abound in opportunities to grow through many different venues.  Major events at Bethel are VBS, Camp and Gospel Meetings.  One may add Friday night singings, various youth and family activities hosted by congregations and individuals and the like.  While summer can be a busy time for travel and leisure, sports, and holidays with family and friends, the spiritual lives of people should never be neglected.  One must always remember that for the Christian, Christ is our life (cf. Col. 3:4).  Look at three areas for growth that hold true with the summer time opportunities.

1. Opportunities to Grow in the Faith. Bible schools, Bible camps and the teaching in gospel meetings abound during the summer months.  How one spends “free time” or the “holiday time” says much about a person.  Paul wrote to the Ephesian brethren about “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16).  One is never wasting his or her time when being exposed to greater learning of the Bible.  David wrote, probably as a young man (cf. Ps. 119: 9), “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments” (Ps. 119:7).  That insatiable desire, like a newborn babe, for the word of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:2) leads to growth unto salvation (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15).
2. Opportunities to Grow Closer to the Faithful. VBS, camp and gospel meetings also bring people together of similar spiritual values.  It is tough living the life of a Christian facing the world alone.  Just as there is negative peer pressure there can be positive peer influences by being with people who want to serve the Lord.  It is always easier to do right when around those who also want to do right.  One of the signs of a true disciple of Jesus is found in the words of the Lord, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).  It is written in the book of Hebrews, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).
3. Opportunities to Grow Further in Reaching Out to Others.  VBS, camp and gospel meetings are great opportunities to invite family and friends who are not Christians to be engaged in spiritual things.  Anytime people are exposed to great spiritual opportunities it is a help to communities, families and the like.  Some of the great memories of some people’s lives go back to gatherings of spiritual backgrounds.  Some could possibly trace their first step toward becoming a child of God to the invitation of a friend to go with them to an event centered on spiritual things.  Cornelius used his opportunity to reach out to “his kinsmen and near friends” (Acts 10:24) that they all might “hear all things that are commanded thee of God” (Acts 10:33).  If a lost man knew the importance of inviting other lost people, how much more should the saved understand?  There are many opportunities in the summer that could hinder life where the world entices the soul to engage in sinful activities.  Going where seed is planted and watered and nurtured does not hinder life.  Jesus knew that (cf. Matt. 4:4).

Jimmy Clark