At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 2 Timothy 4:16
Nothing hurts more than when someone we hold close turns their back on us. It can pain deeply and few would deny our right to hold a grudge. Yet the Spirit of God would lead us to higher ground; to love the unlovable and forgive the unforgiveable. Paul and Stephen both displayed this operational grace in their lives. It would seem that only a life fully yielded to the will of God will be one where such an illogical attitude can grow. Lord, help me to yield! —Rick Morse
O let this love constrain us, to give our hearts to Thee, Let nothing henceforth pain us, but that which paineth Thee. —J. G. Deck
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. Hebrews 11:23
Our children are growing up in a hostile and godless world, which has overwhelmingly rejected God. Things were not much different when Moses was born. A decree had been given to kill all the Israelite baby boys. One mother, Jochebed, determined not to fear the king’s command. By faith she feared God more! She knew her boy was a proper or “beautiful” child and that God had a purpose for him. All of our children are “beautiful to God”. Instill in them from infancy that God has a purpose and destiny for them. —Jim Comte
Happy our home when daily prayer bears every daily need; Where parents share God’s Holy Word and daily let Him lead. —K. Bible
Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. Psalm 90:16
As Israel wandered in the desert, undoubtedly the endless funerals must have weighed heavily on Moses’ heart. Yet, after contrasting the infinite nature of God with that of finite humanity, he was more encouraged. He understood that only what was done in the will of God had value for eternity. What motivated Moses to do God’s will? He wanted to see the majestic power of God and he wanted others, including his children, to see it too. Similarly, if our children are to see the glory of God, we must surrender to the Lord all that we have and number each day for eternity. —W. A. H.
Children of the heavenly King, as ye journey, sweetly sing; Sing your Saviour’s worthy praise, glorious in His works and ways. —John Cennick
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
In Armenia their word for Bible literally translates as “God’s breath”. The Bible is alive. It teaches us the fundamentals; points out our faults; guides us and promotes our spiritual growth. Meditating upon it brings stability (Josh. 1:8). Memorizing it bears fruit (John 15:7-8), helping us in temptation (Ps. 119:11), teaching (Col. 3:16) and in gospel preaching (Rom. 10:17). It helps us to see things God’s way and know His will (Rom. 12:1-2). Obeying it changes us (Jas. 1:22-25). His Word—what riches; what profit! —George Ferrier
The Bible stands every test we give it, for its Author is divine; By grace alone I expect to live it, and to prove and to make it mine. —Haldor Lillenas
“You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God.” Hudson Taylor
The word “faith” is so often subject to personal interpretations in our Western culture. This book examines the biblical truth of faith in terms of its meaning and application. The great people of God from the Old Testament as listed in Hebrews 11 reveal that the secret of success was their faith in the Lord. This was not a vagueness but a relationship which tapped into God’s greatness and brought wonderful blessing. That faith can be exercised today by true Christian believers.
The following pages open up in a very helpful way the “Mysteries of Scripture.” – W. R. Lewis
The word “mystery” in Scripture does not denote that which is mysterious. Its meaning therefore differs from that of its current use in English. In Scripture, it denotes that which, being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known only by divine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those only who are illumined by His Spirit. In the ordinary sense, a mystery implies knowledge withheld; its Scriptural significance is truth revealed. Hence, the terms especially associated with the subject are “made known,” “manifested,” “revealed,” “preached,” “understand,” “dispensation.”
This modest volume seeks to explain, and expand on, 12 mysteries in the Word of God.
…They saw the people who were there, how they dwelt safely, in the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure…They were far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone. Judges 18:7 (NKJV)
This tiny nation, nestled in its own comfort and ease, was destroyed—because they had no allies to help them. God created us to be in relationship with Him and others—to bless and to receive help in time of need. Prosperity isn’t bad in itself—unless it causes us to become so self-sufficient and so self-reliant we no longer see the value in connecting with others or God. Invest in your spiritual and personal relationships. That’s the kind of prosperity that will follow you from this world to the next! —Deborah Manera
Lord, help me live from day to day, in such a self-forgetful way; That even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for others.—C. Meigs
…he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:7
One day prior to an open-air meeting in which John Wesley was scheduled to preach, a troublemaker secretly determined to pelt him with stones. When the text at the head of this page was announced, the astonished would-be-disrupter dared not throw a rock. God’s Word is powerful (Heb. 4:12-13) and reveals men’s hearts. The only safe course is to believe the Lord Jesus who says “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isa. 45:22). —K. R. Keyser
As strangers then to God we lived, filled with enmity and fear; Our souls from death He has reprieved, love revealed and brought us near. —G. W. Fraser
In my Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
Driving through a town in Pennsylvania, I caught sight of a sign outside a building which said “Christ’s Home”. It was a funeral home and I wondered how many people had found themselves, on their decease, being in that particular home, but not actually arriving in Christ’s eternal home (the Father’s house). To enjoy the comforts and companionship of the Father’s house requires being born into the family of God by accepting Christ by faith. Only then can a place be prepared. —Brian Powlesland
There is a home, a glorious home, a heavenly mansion fair; And those we loved so fondly here, will bid us welcome there. —Author Unknown
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10
Three prominent men had this final message to their sons in the faith. Moses said to Joshua “Be strong and of a good courage” (Josh. 1:6, 9). And as David prepared to give the kingdom to Solomon, he said to him, “Be strong and of good courage” (1 Chron. 28:20). And in Paul’s last letter to Timothy he writes “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1). As we live before our children let us be “strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Rom. 4:20). —D. Pickup
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake, To guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. —K. von Schlegel
As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man…So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him. Isaiah 52:14-15
The word “astonied” means to be stunned or devastated. Those who viewed the Lord Jesus on the cross were stunned at the magnitude of His abuse. How could one so lovely in spirit be so maltreated. If the first verse causes surprise, so too does the next one. The nations and their kings will one day be surprised at the magnitude of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is far beyond what they had been told. One day we too will see that glory. —Paul Robertson
Face to face with Christ my Saviour, face to face what will it be; When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me? —C. Breck
