September 14th - The Good News Without the Need for Comment

“Jesus answered and said...Now is the judging of this world; now shall the Chief of this world be cast out. If I am lifted up out of the earth, I will draw all humanity to Myself.” (John 12:30-32)

“Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all welcome, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15)

“I am entreating, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, pleadings, thanksgiving be made for all humanity…for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our Savior, God, who wills that all humanity be saved…”  (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

“Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome…that we rely on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity.” (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

“For the saving grace of God made its advent to all humanity…the advent of the glory of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:8-14)

“For there is one God, and one Mediator of God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who is giving Himself a correspondent Ransom for all, the testimony in its own eras…” (1 Timothy 2:5-7)

“For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified…that God may be All in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

"For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Saviour also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)

“And I perceived a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth pass away…God Himself will be with them. And He shall be brushing away every tear from their eyes. And death will be no more, nor mourning, nor clamor, nor misery; they will be no more, for the former things passed away…And He is saying, write, for these things are faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:1-6)

September 13th - Christ Was Lifted Up Out of Death For Humanity

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:46-47)

There are multitudes of Christians and others who do not believe Jesus came to save the world. They believe he has commissioned the church to save the world. They spend countless hours and millions of dollars trying to do what Jesus has already promised to do -“save the world”- He does not need help. We will not be judged for not winning people to Jesus, we will be judged for not believing He would save humanity. His word will judge us for our unbelief.

“He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” (John 12:48)

The judgment He is talking about is the shame that will accompany those who do not believe Jesus will “save the world”. They do not believe his words ”I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world”. 

Another judgment from God is already on humanity. That judgment is death for sin, and “it is appointed unto the human once to die, and after that the judgment.” Death will come whether we believed the words of Jesus or not. However, death's rule over humanity is to be "cast out" and Jesus will "draw all humanity" to Himself because He Himself was lifted up out of death.  

“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all humanity to Myself.” (John 12:31-32)

When Jesus returned to life after dying on the cross the deal was done. In being “lifted up” out of death, He was given all power power and authority to “draw all humanity” to Himself when he returns to lift us up out of death to immortal life when resurrected. 

I know, I know, your church taught you that he was referring to being lifted up on the cross. But being lifted up on the cross did not save Jesus or anyone else. If He had not been resurrected the cross would have no value at all. He was lifted down from the cross and put in a tomb, but it could not hold him. He was “lifted up” out of the tomb and waits at the Father’s right hand for the command to go “draw all humanity” to Himself when He returns to “save the world”.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

There is too much darkness in the churches of the world. Many profess themselves to be wise, yet deny the word of the very Savior they worship and adore. The "ministry of conciliation" is rarely taught in churches. So, following is "the message of conciliation" believers  have been commissioned as ambassadors of Christ to share...

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who conciliated us to Himself through Christ and gave us the MINISTRY OF CONCILIATION: THAT GOD WAS CONCILIATING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF IN CHRIST, NOT COUNTING HUMANITY'S SINS AGAINST THEM. And He has committed to us the MESSAGE OF CONCILIATION. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be conciliated to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

September 12th: Paul Chosen to Complete the Word of God

In a nutshell, here is what our Apostle Paul shared from house to house…

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of ALL HUMANITY… This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who WILLS ALL HUMANITY to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom FOR ALL, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle, I am telling the truth, I am not lying, a teacher of the nations in faith and truth….It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance, for it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of ALL humanity, especially of believers. PRESCRIBE AND TEACH THESE THINGS.” (1 Timothy 2:1-; 4:9-11)

 Paul taught about the...

"...administration of God, which is granted to me for you, TO COMPLETE THE WORD OF GOD -- the secret which has been concealed from the eons and from the generations, yet now was made manifest to His saints, to whom God wills to make known what are the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is: Christ among you, the expectation of glory -- Whom we are announcing, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we should be presenting every human mature in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 1:21-29)

I do not claim to be smart and I am sure not a theologian. But I have lived a few years and have studied the Bible most of my life. Here is a summary of my observations to date:

God chose the Apostle Paul to proclaim the truth about God's plan for humanity. That truth is the gospel, the good news that in the Grace and Love of God all humanity will be saved out of death by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This message was received with joy as Paul shared it from house to house.

After Paul died believers started institutional churches. Unfortunately, by the fourth century the truth that Paul had been given to share was no longer being taught in those institutional churches.

September 11th - Cremation

Is cremation OK?

I find no specific instruction in the bible on how to dispose of a dead body. However, a dead body is clearly something that was to be quickly dealt with. Even touching it made the Jew unclean, obviously for sanitary reasons. Jewish rabbis and Christian theologians have argued about cremation for centuries. But if one would just use common sense we may reach the conclusion that cremation is OK with God.

Early in Genesis, the dying process was pronounced upon humanity, God said…

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)

What is a quick way to get a dead body back to dust (ashes)? Yep, cremation.

The eternally significant thing is that after the body is returned to dust, Jesus will return and give it a new body like His.

"...our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21

The Lord Jesus will...

"...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)

That being said, if cremation bothers you or any of your family members, don't do it. Burial the old fashion way is OK too.

September 10th - The Blessing of Faith is Peace

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:1-3)

There is peace in this present evil age only to those who believe the good news. And I am talking about the good news that there is life AFTER death.

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  (Romans 3:23)

"The wages or sin is death, but the free gift or God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Peace comes to me in this present world when I have faith that God will actually save me and those I care about. God raised Christ Jesus and Jesus promised to return and raise us just as God raised Him. 

"Behold,  He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him..." (Revelation 1:7)

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. At the same time, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Those who have faith (BELIEVE God) find the blessing of that faith - which is peace!

"Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed..." (Hebrews 11:1)

"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places. And if not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also." (John 14:1-3)

"...the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, it will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

September 9th - The Gospel

What is the Gospel Paul was told to preach?

The word “gospel” means “good news”

The good news was the salvation of humanity by the Son of God, Christ Jesus…

“It is the gospel of God…concerning His Son” (Romans 1:1,2)

The good news was made known to the Apostle Paul through a revelation of Jesus Christ…

“For I am making known to you, brethren, as to the gospel, which is being brought by me, that it is not in accord with man. For neither did I accept it from a man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12)

The good news is powerful…

“…it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Romans 1:16)

The good news reveals the righteousness of God…

“For in it the righteousness of God is being revealed…” (Romans 1:17)

Is there a simple statement of the good news of salvation? – yes there is…

“For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been resurrected the third day according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

What happens when people believe the good news…we have peace!

“Being, then, justified by faith, we may be having peace toward God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom we have the access also, by faith, into this grace in which we stand, and we may be glorying in expectation of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

I have peace because I have entrusted my salvation and that of my family to God. I have an expectation of our salvation at the return of Jesus Christ!

September 8th - Enjoy What You Earn

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:3-5)

The Psalmist of course was addressing Israel. However, it is most likely one of those Scriptures which apply to all. If so, all of us should…

“Trust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on HIS faithfulness”

Not just trust in the LORD, but also DO GOOD. Dwell in the land God places you in and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

“There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” (Ecclesiates 2:24)

God's desire for us is pretty simple it seems to me...to work, appreciate it, and enjoy the fruits of it as best we can afford.

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them--for this is their lot.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

God encourages us to work and approves of our enjoying its fruits.

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do." (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

September 7th - You Need Not Fight Your Battles

“Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies; do not be afraid…for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4)

Before they entered the promised land Israel was told they would do battle, but they were not to fear for the LORD would “save” them…and He did.

All of us are told in the Bible that we have another kind of enemy with whom we struggle…

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

We are still not to fear the spiritual forces of darkness for the LORD has promised to save

us...and He will.

“In the world you have tribulation, fear not for I have overcome the world…" (John 16:33)

"...put on the full armor of God…take up the shield of faith…take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:11-17)

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity.” (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

Humanity can "take up" the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation because they are our free gifts from God.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

September 6th - Mercy On Us All

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

There is a great difference between “renewing” our minds based on "God's mercy" and having our minds “brainwashed” by the opinions of a religious system. What institutional religions teach, Christianity included, is the opinion of their leaders.

Humanity is not to be "conformed" to religious or political doctrines in the world but be conformed to the mind of God. When we conform our mind to the MERCY of God, we can clearly see and understand what God "WILLS" for humanity, which is to save and reconcile every human to Himself whether they agree to be saved and reconciled or not.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning…" (Lamentations 3:22)

"For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all." (Romans 11:32)

"...this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who WILLS all humanity to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for ALL.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

September 5th - Labor is Good

Labor Day remembers hard working men and women who make the world worth living in.

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense… make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.” (Proverbs 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:11)

"If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies…” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11)

Working people have a sense of self-worth. When our ancestors were without work, they planted gardens or hunted to feed their families. And when they had plenty, they were inclined to share with others who could not find a job but were willing.

September 4th - After Death Comes the Resurrection

“I have come as Light into the world...I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world..." (John 12:47)

From the mouth of Christ Jesus Himself comes the truth that He did not come to judge but to save the world. He also told the world that it is God's commandment to give eternal life. 

“...the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life...” (vs 49-50)

God intends to resurrect humanity from death and give them eternal life. 

When? 

John Chapter 12 is about death and resurrection. Jesus had showed the world His power to raise the dead when He resurrected His friend Lazarus. But the final proof would be the power of God to raise Jesus from His own death! So Jesus declares...

“Now judgment is upon this world (death); now the ruler of this world (death) will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth (resurrected), will draw ALL MEN to Myself.” (vs 31-32)

The enemy of humanity has always been death. Yet God will not only abolish death, but Jesus His Son will return to resurrect the dead and give humanity eternal life in a transformed body which cannot die! 

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

"...the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable…DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:52,55). 

This is good news and it is for ALL humanity, not just for a few. 

"For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified." (1 Corinthians 15:22)

"This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior Who wills all humanity to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

"...it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers." (1 Timothy 4:10).

 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone." (Titus 2:11) 

This glorious salvation of all was kept a secret from humanity until revealed to the Apostle Paul...

"...this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this secret, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things." (Ephesians 3:1-5)

"...the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is: Christ among you, the expectation of glory we are announcing, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we should be presenting every man mature in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:27-28)

Sadly, the gospel of the salvation of ALL is still a secret among institutional religions. Yet, our hope remains, to be resurrected from the dead by Jesus - and the Bible says He will do just that when He returns from heaven to earth!

"...we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." (Philippians 3:20)

September 3rd - Love is Patient and Kind

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

My perception of God is that He meets humanity on the basis of love for His family. God deals with humanity by the Grace of a loving parent who sets forth an ideal standard to live by (His law), then allows us to test this standard within our own unique set of circumstances. All of us will one day agree that abiding by the standards set by God would have been best.

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I grew up, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now abides faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:11-13)

September 2nd - Be Commended for your Faith

"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)

Who were those “commended for their faith"? The list is the hall of fame of the Bible…Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel.

They were commended for their faith even though none of them received what God had promised during their lives. The same should be true of us all. We should learn what God has promised and have faith that He will do what He promises. And He has promised immortality to humanity after death.

"The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life..." (Romans 6:23)

“…as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive...just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man...buried in weakness and raised in power; buried a natural body but raised a spiritual body…The perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-53)

Having faith in God’s promise will make a sinful person hopeful, and a self righteous person humble.

September 1st - I Will Build My Church

 “Jesus said to them, who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered; you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus said to him…I will build my church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:15-18)

Christ is the rock and the church is His body. Hades is where the body and soul dwell when people die (the grave). 

“...the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory…gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body...” (Ephesians 1:17, 22-23)

You do not join or go to church. If you are a part of it, it is only because God has placed you into it…

“God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” (1 Corinthians 12:18)

Members of the church are present anywhere that there are humans who have accepted that Jesus died for our sins,  was entombed, and then God raised from the dead. 

King David wanted to construct a house of God and God sent the Prophet Nathan to tell him...

"...the Lord spoke His word to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Will you build a house for me to live in?...I have never said to the tribes, whom I commanded to take care of my people Israel, “Why haven’t you built me a house of cedar?”...’I will choose a place for my people Israel, and I will plant them so they can live in THEIR OWN HOMES." (2 Samuel 7:4-5, 6, 10)

Solomon built the Temple and it became a place for "solemn assemblies" and teaching the "precepts of men".

“I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies…what do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.” (Amos 5:21; Jeremiah 6:20)

"Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men." (Mark 7:5-8)

Members of the body of Christ do the things God requires...

"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD REQUIRE of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

When members of the body of Christ help those in need, they do so without telling everyone about it...

"When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get." (Matthew 6:2)

What members do will be "manifested in front of the Dais of Christ". There each of us will be praised, or not, according to our acts, and the motives for those acts.

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

"For all of us must be manifested in front of the Dais of Christ, that each should be requited for that which he puts into practice through the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

"And I perceived a Great White Throne, and Him Who is sitting upon it, from Whose face earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them." And I perceived the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. And the scrolls were opened. And another scroll was opened which is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged by that which is written in the scrolls in accord with their acts." (Revelation 20:11-12)

The bad stuff will be burnt up - and I for one will be glad to see it go up in smoke.

"For other foundation can no one lay beside that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Now if anyone is building on this foundation gold and silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw, each one's work will become apparent, for the day will make it evident, for it is being revealed by fire. And the fire, it will be testing each one's work - what kind it is." If anyone's work will be remaining which he builds on it, he will get wages. If anyone's work shall be burned up, he will forfeit it, yet he shall be saved, yet thus, as through fire." Are you not aware that you are a temple of God and the spirit of God is making its home in you? If anyone is corrupting the temple of God, God will be corrupting him, for the temple of God is holy, which you are." Let no one be deluding himself. If anyone among you is presuming to be wise in this eon, let him become stupid, that he may be becoming wise, for the wisdom of this world is stupidity with God." (1 Corinthians 3:11-19)

The  church is not a magnificent construction project - it resides inside each member of the body of Christ every day of the week.

August 31st - The Opinions of Men

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Books and commentaries written by Theologians, nor Pastor's sermons, nor  the views of those with YouTube channels or Blog sites are Scripture. Most may be very fine people, but as good as they may appear to be, their thoughts, nor mine, are “God-breathed”.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

"...having heard and believed the word of truth--the gospel of your salvation--you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit..." (Ephesians 1:13)

No matter how sincere and reasonable the product of religious thought, it is still just the opinion of men. So, I read the Word of God for myself.

“Come…take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

August 30th - We Have Hope and a Future

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance...we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Timothy 4:9-11)

God's ultimate plan for humanity is to prosper us and not harm us. He will save humanity from the evil we experience in this era. In studying the book of Revelation we find the following promise from God...

"...and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away...Behold, I am making all things new." (Revelation 21:4-6)

There is to be a consummation of God's purpose for mortal humanity. At that point in time friends, enemies, believers, and unbelievers will have been reconciled to God and all will love Him and each other. 

"You shall be loving the Lord God out of your whole heart, and out of your whole soul, and out of your whole comprehension, and out of your whole strength. This is the foremost precept." And the second is like it: 'You shall be loving your associate as yourself.' Now greater than these is no other precept." Mark 12:30-31)

All humanity will one day enjoy abundant, eternal life. We do not know much about that time but we know that....

“...it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

For now we have all kinds of problems, heartaches, and hatred for perceived enemies from time to time. We just do the best we can with the hand we are dealt, with an expectation of a brighter Future!

August 29th - Another Year is in the Books

Thank you Father for another year in this life, yet I am looking forward to what comes next!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“The days of our years, in them are seventy years, and if by mastery there are eighty years, yet even in their heyday is toil and sorrow, for it is sheared off hurriedly, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:10)

“...as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Over the years God has spoken to me only in one way - through reading the Bible. I have not had any divine dreams or visions, or inner voices. Following are some of the things I have learned.

* There is only one God through Whom all has been created.

* There is only one Lord, the Son of God, Who became a man named Jesus.

* Except for Jesus, all humans sin and fall short of the glory of God.

* All human bodies of flesh and blood eventually die.

* Jesus came to earth the first time to deal with the sin and death of humanity. He died for our sin, and His death was a sufficient sacrifice to redeem, ransom and save humanity out of death.

* Jesus will free humanity from death and transform them into a new creation - the image of Christ Jesus Himself - immortal, powerful, spiritual and righteous.

* The salvation of humanity from sin and death is a free gift from God in His Grace.

*Few humans come to the knowledge of their future salvation in this life. It only comes when God graciously gifts them faith to believe this good news– no one can boast, it is a gift from God.

* In a subsequent age, every human will give an account to God regarding their actions, motives, thoughts, and words. The good things will be rewarded and the bad things will bring temporary shame.

* Every human is destined to voluntarily bend their knees and acclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.

* Humanity will become the unified, immortal, and righteous body of Christ. All will be full of grace, mercy, truth and love - just like God their Father.

I have also learned from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 that…

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end..." 

I have some bad memories, but I prefer to dwell on the good memories that make me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I have learned…

"…that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God. Everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will be in awe of Him." (Ecclesiastes 3:12-14)

Experiencing the sin and failures of this life has shown me that…

“His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Thank you Father for another year, in this life yet I am looking forward to what comes next!

August 28th - The God Worthy of the Name

Israel was in comfortable exile in Babylon when Jeremiah reminded them of God’s plan for them….

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Many years ago I found myself captive and comfortable in a local church. By the grace of God I realized that it was not an ideal place for me to grow in the grace and knowledge of God and Christ Jesus, but had become a sanctuary from life in an evil world. It is difficult to leave the comfortable atmosphere provided by a local church.  

So, why did I leave?

Religious sanctuaries too often embrace prejudices and judgmental attitudes that you will not find in the outside world. People gather around respected leaders and follow their doctrine without much effort to determine if such doctrine is true. The most fanatical leaders of Islam want to kill all the infidels now, in the name of Allah. The fanatical leaders of Christianity reason and teach that God will assign everyone who does not choose Him in this life to eternal damnation and torture in hell. Both religions provide sanctuary and fellowship.

When I began to see error in the sanctuary I realized it would require leaving the comfort it provided. I left and after embraced the good news that God will save humanity, every one of them. 

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

I often feel alone, but never forsaken by the one true God who is worthy of the Name!

August 27th - God Does Not Dwell In Church Buildings

“The Most High dwells not in Temples made with hands. Heaven is my throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me says the Lord? Or where will My resting place be? Has not My hand made all these things? You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised.” (Acts 7:48-51)

Think about that for a minute…now consider what we refer to as “the house of God” today.

God does not DWELL there!

It seems to me that gathering in church is vanity if the presence of God is undetectable in our homes, businesses, and other places we visit. God is everywhere in His creation and attending a building with a pulpit is just one of those places.

"The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:30-32)

Look closely at the Scripture and you will notice that it was the religious "Pharisees and their scribes" who were called to repentance. Our words and actions are the only God that some people will ever see. And it is how we act toward others that will be judged. 

“He made from one man every nation of humanity to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God… and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist…for we also are His children. Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man…” (Acts 17:26-29)

All will enter and see the new heaven and earth, and there will be no Temples to attend.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple." (Revelation 21:1-2, 22)

August 26th - She Saved Two Frogs

“For the wages of sin is death but the FREE gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

My wife Sue Ann came in the house one day and announced “I just saved two frogs”.

“What?” I said.

“Two frogs were trapped in the pool strainer and I saved them.” She told me.

“Did they thank you?” I jokingly asked.

She laughed and said, “No, they don’t even know they had been saved”.

That is what God does for sinners…saves them! But many will never know about it in this life.

Sue Ann did not ask if they wanted to be saved - she just saved them - and that is what the Bible tells me God will do for all humanity - such unmerited favor is called GRACE!

"For the GRACE of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all humans, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:11-14)

August 25th - The Promise of the Spirit

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law…so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:13-14)

What is the curse of the Law?

“…sin is the transgression of the law...the wages of sin is death.” (1 John 3:4: Romans 6:23)

The curse of the law is DEATH and we all will eventually face and experience that curse.

But Christ Jesus came and has "redeemed us from the curse". Therefore we will not perish in death but will "receive the promise of the Spirit".

So what is the promise of the Spirit? LIFE...Abundant, endless LIFE.

"The Spirit gives LIFE; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and LIFE....the letter kills, but the Spirit gives LIFE..The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have LIFE, and have it abundantly." (John 6:63; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 3:6)

Humanity sins and the wages of that sin is death. Nevertheless, humanity has been "redeemed" from that curse as the "free gift of God". When the final resurrection of each human comes to pass, all will have received "the promise of the Spirit" - Abundant and endless LIFE.

“For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ  ALL will be made alive...For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eonian LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord...For by grace are you saved through faith..." (1 Corinthians 15:21-23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8)

What does Paul mean when he says we receive the promise "through faith"? Is it "faith" that seals the deal?

NO, the "grace" of God seals the deal. Eternal life is a "free gift of God". Faith is the means of enjoying "the promise of the Spirit" while we wait for  it to become a reality at our resurrection.

For now, the "promise of the Spirit" is just that - a PROMISE. And we can only enjoy the promise in this life by believing it is true. We can have the JOY and PEACE of knowing that after God is finished with us and those we love, the SPIRIT will give us endless life, and we will "have it abundantly".

August 24th - God Is Your Friend

"For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." (Romans 5:10-11 NLT)

God actually LOVES His "enemies" and SAVES His enemies. His grace, love and mercy will eventually make all His enemies friends.

"And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” (Revelation 5:13)

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32)

August 23rd - Do Not Lose Heart In Doing Good

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8)

Paul is making an observation about life in this present evil age. Those who labor and strive in the “flesh” produced works of the flesh which are temporary…we leave these things behind!

"For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love...the works of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those committing such things will not be enjoying the ALLOTMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (Galatians 5:13, 19-21)

Works of the flesh will not be in the kingdom of God (the allotment). On the other hand, those who live their lives producing fruit of the spirit will continue to have those fruits in the kingdom of God.

"...the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) 

So….

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” (Galatians 6:9)

August 22nd - Pray for Our Leaders

“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone He wishes...” (Daniel 4:17)

Like it or not, the Bible says that God decides who the leaders of humanity will be. In some Presidential elections my will and God’s will turn out not to be the same. But I do not spend time worrying about it since I trust God to do what He determines necessary.

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:5-7)

We are urged to pray for our leaders, whomever they may be, even if we dislike their policies...

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Paul also gave some some good advice on what we should think about, and it is not politics or religion...

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

August 21st - Faith Gives Us Rest

“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His REST, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have BELIEVED do enter that REST.” (Hebrews 4:1-3)

God has made a promise that when “BELIEVED” gives “rest”. This belief has nothing to do with obtaining salvation, that is a "free gift" from God. Believing is FAITH that what we have been told is going to happen. Those who have faith in God's promises have rest NOW, in this present world, while we wait for the salvation promised to be manifested when Christ Jesus returns to resurrect the dead.

"...looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." (Titus 2:13)

Christ Jesus…

“…appeared once FOR ALL at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself…And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time FOR SALVATION without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him (are resting by faith in His promise)” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

Jesus came the first time and dealt with sin as the great high priest and sin bearer. He is “the lamb of God which takes away the sin of THE WORLD” (John 1:29). He will come the second time to deliver humanity from death just as He himself was delivered from death.

At his second coming the sins of the world will not be considered against humanity because they were “taken away” by the sin bearing “lamb of God” at His first coming. Humanity will be given "immortality" as "a free gift of God."

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord….when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘death is swallowed up in victory’….thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Romans 6:23: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Resting in our faith in God is a good place to be in these troubled times.

August 20th - Salvation of Humanity

“I have come as Light into the world...I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world..." (John 12:47)

From the mouth of Christ Jesus Himself comes the truth that he did not come to judge but to save the world. He also told the world that it is God's commandment to give eternal life.

“...the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life...” (John 12:49-50)

Jesus will return to save humanity from death and give them eternal life. Jesus showed humanity His power to raise the dead with the resurrection of Lazarus, but the final proof of His power to do so was His own death and resurrection! So Jesus declares...

“Now judgment is upon this world (death); now the ruler of this world (death) will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth (resurrected), will draw ALL MEN to Myself.” (vs 31-32)

The final enemy of humanity is death and it will be cast out because Jesus was lifted up out of death. Jesus will return to resurrect  all the dead and give us eternal life!

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God…the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable…DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory” (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52,55).

This is the good news for all humanity...not just the few who go to church.

August 19th - The Faith of Jesus Christ

"...the Scripture has confined ALL under sin, that the promise by the faith OF Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." (Galatians 3:22)

Some poorer translations of the bible say faith "in" Jesus Christ but a look at the Greek shows it literally means "by the faith OF Jesus Christ", not our faith.

Because of "the faith of Jesus", the promise will come to ALL humans when they "believe".

So, what is the promise?

"...the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23b)

Only a few humans become believers in this life, but the bible says that...

"...at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:10-11)

The above obviously includes every human, so the bowing and confessing must come after the resurrection of the dead for most humans. 

So to summarize, because of "the faith OF Jesus Christ", ALL humanity will eventually believe and be given eternal life as God's free gift.

"For as in Adam ALL die, so also in Christ ALL will be made alive...that God may be all in ALL." (1 Corinthians 15:22, 28)

ALL humans who die will be made alive because of the faith of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. That is the good news of the Bible.

August 18th - Peace and Rest

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:1-3)

There is great peace and “rest” in this present evil age for those who believe the good news (gospel) that God has told us about, especially the good news about life AFTER death.

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God...the wages or sin is death, but the free gift or God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

Hearing the good news does not give “rest” unless we have faith that God will actually do what he says - save us by resurrecting us and placing us in a new heaven and new earth.. 

"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive...The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:22, 26)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with humanity. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 22:1-4)

God raised Christ Jesus from death, and Jesus promised to raise us. In this life, only those who have heard the truth and "believed" have peace and rest.

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of humanity, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and we believe that God, through Jesus, will bring to life those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up at the same time with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

August 17th - The Armor of God

"...take up the complete armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all things, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod the feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace; besides all, having taken up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." (Ephesians 6:1 3-17)

We are instructed to "take up" God's armor of "truth", and "stand" behind the "shield of faith" in the truth of God's word. Only then can we be safe from the lier who comes to steal our security, peace, and joy in the salvation promised us by God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

"Now the spirit is saying explicitly, that in subsequent eras some will be withdrawing from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons in the hypocrisy of false expressions...Now profane and old womanish myths refuse...Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers. These things be charging and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:1-11)