Worldliness

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”(James 4:4).

I began my spiritual walk as a Christian in the mid 70’s, in a church that preached a very clear message of separation from the world. Sunday mornings were never short on sermons that focused on abstaining from sinful practices that were contrary to Scripture. The preaching often aimed at social drinking, dancing, immodest dress, rock music, and movies that would probably carry the label “PG” by today’s standards. I was taught that every Christian must earnestly endeavor to separate himself from the world and avoid even the “appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). “We are in the world, but not of the world” were words familiar to my ears and diligently pressed home to my heart. Now, after nearly 40 years of living out my faith in this world, I know that the battle against worldliness still rages, and that it is far greater than a list of what not to do. I am all the more convinced that Satan is indeed “the prince of this world” (John 14:30), “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

The adversary of God is waging war in the center of the battlefield of men’s hearts and minds. Not being content with tempting Christians to compromise in some area of their lives, he desires their complete destruction: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Knowing this to be the case, as a shepherd of God’s flock I am very concerned when I see my fellow brethren gravitating toward the fleeting pleasures the world has to offer (Hebrews 11:25). Tolerance for what was once called sin has become a 21st century virtue.

Hand in hand with this new theology of acceptance is the rapid erosion of biblical truth and rejection of the “Elijahs” of the Lord God: the pulpit prophets who boldly proclaim “Thus saith the Lord” (see 2 Chronicles 21). Surely those among us with even a mustard seed of spiritual discernment can see that something is wrong. As the American culture disintegrates before our eyes and slides faster and faster toward Sodom, so it is with holiness in the church. More and more, the modern Christian is living his life on the playground of carnal desire. This should not surprise us, for it will be characteristic of the end-times delusion: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1,2).

Part and parcel with the deception of false teaching is the delusion that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) can bring lasting satisfaction and happiness. Jude warned of those who would turn “the grace of God into lasciviousness” (Jude 4). This is the abuse of grace which completely ignores the true work of grace: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1,2).

God’s word never grants liberty to sin nor license to deviate from the straight and narrow path of holiness. Tryone Edwards wrote: “A holy life is not an ascetic, or gloomy, or solitary life, but a life regulated by divine truth and faithful in Christian duty. It is living above the world while we are still in it”. Unfortunately, the church has tried to win the world by becoming more like the world, but Scripture says: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15). Pastors and other Christian leaders must examine their own hearts in this matter and repent. In this dark hour of history we stand in need of genuine revival among the saints of God — a revival of heart and mind that constitutes genuine worship. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (act of worship). And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1,2). Nothing less than this will be sufficient to withstand the “wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Simply put, those who have been washed from their sins by the blood of Jesus Christ must fall out of love with the world and go back to their first love (Revelation 2:4).

Charles Wesley wrote:

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray:
I woke- the dungeon flamed with light!
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

I pray that God’s people who have been taken captive by the world will throw off those chains of darkness, rise up as a mighty army, and follow Jesus.

Pastor Tom

DAY HIKING IN PROVERBS

If you’re someone who enjoys day hikes in the outdoors, you probably don’t like to carry a heavy pack. One good option to cut down on weight is to look for maximum nutrition in the smallest possible size. Fortunately, many such compact meals can be readily found. While I do enjoy God’s beautiful creation when I can, I am a regular day hiker -–indoors. The trail I take is called the Proverbs, and you can find it in the Bible. Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a man very experienced in the paths of life. As a matter of fact, he makes an excellent trail guide because he was renowned for his great wisdom. Ecclesiastes 12:9 states, “And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.” All told, Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs, but not all of them were included in Scripture.

In the English Bible, Proverbs contains thirty-one chapters. This makes it a convenient day hike. My practice is to read one chapter a day throughout the month, making adjustments for months shorter than thirty-one days. Not only does this make for a great spiritual exercise, but you will discover something unique while you hike your way through the book: it provides optimal spiritual meals in bite-sized form to nourish your soul along the way. Many of the sayings found in Proverbs are both weighty and easy to remember. They engage our minds and invite reflection. This is a feature of the book that I have come to value highly. Who could soon forget such notable words as: “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion” (Prov. 11:22), or “As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed” (Prov.26:14). This is a book of great practical wisdom -- perhaps the greatest “how to” book ever written -- covering such topics as money, work, morality, friends, business, child training, discipline, wealth, poverty, and a lot more in a very readable format. While it is vast in scope, its main message is clear and easy enough to understand: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Prov.4:7). Pause for a moment and think about this admonition. How many personal tragedies could be prevented by the acquisition of biblical wisdom for the decisions of life and personal conduct? How many nature hikes could prepare you to live life skillfully, which is what the wisdom found in Proverbs does? Day hiking on this path is certainly a worthwhile use of your time. Pull up a chair, pray before starting out, and enjoy the adventure. You can ask someone to come along or go solo without fear of losing your way. Rather, you will find your way, for “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23). I have profited much from my day hikes in Proverbs and I know that you will also. We have God’s promise: “For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Prov.3:14). Translation: If you seek for wisdom as you would for hidden treasures, you will discover it in Solomon’s gold mine –- the book of Proverbs.

So my dear friends, enjoy your hikes in Proverbs and gather all the silver and gold that you can! Perhaps we will meet along the way and discuss what we saw, heard, and learned.


Pastor Tom

THE TERROR OF THE NIGHT

What is normal to an adult is often very frightening to a child. Costumed characters like those at Disneyland do not always bring smiles to the faces of little ones. Likewise, going to bed in a dark room can bring an array of fears before them. Ordinary shadows and sounds become sinister forces threatening to do harm as their imaginations run wild.

Thankfully, children outgrow these fears, but other terrors of the night are not as easily overcome. Many adults, Christians among them, also find the nighttime disturbing, as worries about tomorrow and an uncertain future invade their minds like monsters in a child’s room. Rather than facing the imaginary villains of a child’s overactive imagination, they confront fears and anxieties that are very real, robbing them of the peace and rest which is the believer’s portion. The terrors of the night wear many masks. Perhaps it is a great burden for a lost loved one, a health or financial concern, a son or daughter going astray, or a job loss that keeps you awake in the night season.

Where will you turn in such an hour? Looking at Psalm 91 we discover that the author found comfort and assurance in the presence of the Almighty (verses 1, 2). He sought refuge in the shadow of His wings and was secure under the watchful eye of the Omniscient God: “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). What a blessed thought! If this be true, then there is no reason to faint or lose heart when the terror of the night comes your way, because darkness is not dark to Him who dwells in inaccessible light (1 Timothy 6:16). God’s promise to the believer is sure, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7). This also is the promise revealed in the 91st Psalm: “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation” (verses 5-9).

What a comfort it is to know that all our moments, as well as our tomorrows, are in the hand of the Lord, Who will not fail to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Whether it is midnight or noonday, the Lord is with us. Grab hold of this precious truth, dear child of God; don’t resist or doubt it- God is with us. Satan will try to shake your confidence in the Lord, but God delights to make His presence known in the darkest hours. Lay down your troubled heart on the pillow of His divine love and take your needed rest. When the morning comes, God’s faithfulness will shine as the sun that rises in the East and settles in the West. Day unto day, night unto night, His mercies never cease. What shall we then say to these things? “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).


"Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from Thee;
Thou art He, Who, never weary,
Watchest where Thy people be."

Praying and trusting,

Pastor Tom

LIFE’S UNEXPECTED STORMS

Where do you go when you are facing a trial that seems to press in from every side? At such a time there is nowhere to flee. Perhaps you have been there, dear Christian, so you already know the answer: Your only hiding place is the omnipresent God (Psalm 32:7).He alone is our refuge, our surest port when the fierce storms of life come our way. We sing songs and hymns and read Scriptures that remind us of the assurance of the Lord’s presence, and it is well that we do; but only in the midst of the tempest can we know the reality of it.

The disciples of Jesus experienced such an event when they set out one night on the Sea of Galilee, a familiar experience for seasoned fishermen (Mark 4:35). However, they quickly learned that this trip across the sea would be unlike any other they had taken. We read in Mark’s gospel: “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full” (4:37). This was not a storm that their sailing vessel could “ride out”; this was a crisis which threatened their lives. The ill-fitted boat was no match for the angry waves of the sea. As fear engulfed them, they went to Jesus in desperation. They seemed outraged at His indifference. So we read, “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (4:38).

How often have I cried out to my Savior in similar fashion? Such times are too numerous for me to mention. My faith has been as weak as that of the disciples that night, facing the most intense storm of their lives- an unexpected storm. I too have wondered silently, “Does Jesus care?” It is much easier to trust the Lord when the sun is shining and life’s seas are calm; it is hard to do so in the dark of the night when the sea billows roll. Brethren, this is the lot of men of flesh. We are weak by nature and prone to doubt the Lord we love and profess. But thankfully He does not abandon us in the hour of need, for the Scripture says: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” How could a “great storm of wind” (verse 37) suddenly become “a great calm” (verse 39)? The disciples pondered this very question, “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”(verse 41). They had failed to see the One they had with them that night in the boat, and fear took hold of them. Proverbs 30:4 speaks of Him: “Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth?” This One is Jesus. Terrified by the storm just moments before, they were suddenly gripped with a greater fear of God’s sovereign power when Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea.

Mark’s story of the storm at sea should be seen in light of Psalm 107 to truly appreciate what occurred that evening in the lives of the disciples: “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven” (verses 23-32).

Dear child of God, will your anchor hold when the storms of life come in, when the clouds unfold their winds of strife? Let us always remember that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us in such an hour (Hebrews 13:5). Continue to praise Him in the worst of times when fear and doubt prevail, and you will catch a greater glimpse of His infinite glory and majesty. Moreover, you can be assured that in His time He will lead you to a place of quiet rest. He will one day bring you to your desired haven in that land which is “fairer than day.” This is the promise of the Master of the sea: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). The best days are yet to come!

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.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Trusting in His Care,

Pastor Tom

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

It is the Christian's nature to sing of the grace which God has bestowed upon him. "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:3) . The chorus above is one which all Christians should sing frequently with great joy in their hearts.

• If you know Jesus as your Savior, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If sin no longer has dominion over you like it once did, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If you are no longer walking according to the course of this world, with all its pitfalls and sorrows, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If your affections are on the glorious things above and not on the unfulfilling and fading pleasures of this life, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If you have a new heart filled with praise to God rather than filled with complaints, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If you enjoy fellowship with like-minded brothers & sisters in Christ rather than walking in the counsel of the ungodly, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If you can read or hear God’s Word every day, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If you can pray in faith, knowing God is always near, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If your outer man is perishing but your inner man is being renewed day by day, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.
• If you have a mind to know the things of God, a heart to love Him, and hands to serve Him, that is the grace of God and you are blessed.

Brethren, how many more blessings can we list? Take time to reflect on them every day. You will be amazed at what the Lord has done and continues to do in our behalf. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation” (Psalm 68:19). The Lord never fails to provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19). He never fails to protect us from spiritual harm (Ephesians 6:10-18). He never fails in His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). He never fails to promote our spiritual growth (2 Peter 1:3). He never fails to sustain us (Psalm 55:22). He never fails to guide us (Psalm 48:14). He never fails to cheer us (John 16:33). He never fails to comfort us (Psalm 119:50). He never fails to give us peace (Philippians 4:7). He never fails to forgive us (1 John 1:9). He never fails in His love toward us, because “God is love” (I John 4:8).

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Trust in the Lord and give thanks,

Pastor Tom

BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING

Mark Twain once said, “Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it." Certainly, many of us would agree with Twain’s advice in theory, but in practice we often find ourselves drowning in a sea of anxiety prompted by circumstances over which we have no control. Why does the “inner peace” which is the Christian’s birthright so often elude us? Is it really possible for the Christian to be anxiety- free? The Scripture commands, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). As I examined this exhortation I was immediately impacted by the notion that nothing is to take hold of the Christian’s mind which would keep him from enjoying God’s peace. Knowing that His gracious supply is all-sufficient, the children of God must never begin to doubt the wonderful truth of God’s provision in Christ for all their needs. Our heavenly Father will never promise what He cannot deliver. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

But how does this help when the dark clouds of life gather above your backyard and the hard rain begins to fall? What are you to make of your worries and fears? Are you sinning in worrying? First, we must understand that God knows the weakness of human flesh: “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). I take this to mean that the Creator’s knowledge of the creature is comprehensive. This includes intimate knowledge of our spiritual, physical, and emotional state at every point in time. Moreover, God attends to our sorrows as well as our joys. Thus, we should not be surprised that the verse preceding God’s knowledge of His children speaks of His benevolent compassion on His sons and daughters in the faith: “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13). To some extent, to be human is to worry, which means that Christians will worry at times without sin. The key lies in the word extent. The idea expressed in Philippians 4:6, “Be careful [anxious] for nothing,” is best understood to mean that the child of God must not allow his mind to continually be held captive by thoughts which undermine his faith in God’s care for him. This is one of Satan’s greatest tactics. He assaults the Christian’s mind with every possible worst- case scenario about the future outcome of the trials he may be facing. The prince of darkness is equally the prince of doubt. He calls into question the goodness, love, and faithfulness of God. The Christian’s “bulwark never failing” under such a wicked assault is what we find in Philippians 4:6: “ ... prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.” Prayer (proseuche) is bowing the heart in the presence of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is the Divine Comforter (John 14:26). Supplication (deesis) is the mighty utterance of a mighty need to a mighty God. Thanksgiving (eucharistia) is a form of praise which sees the source of all goodness and blessing in God alone. These spiritual weapons will keep a frail mind from dwelling upon circumstances which can rob it of the joy of the Lord, wherein lies the believer’s strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Charles Spurgeon said, “The believer who is in a spiritually healthy state rejoices mainly in God himself; he is happy because there is a God, and because God is in his person and character what he is.” Brethren, I think this is the secret of victory over worry. If we set our hearts on the perfection of God’s character and petition Him on that basis, we will not wander the dark halls in the castle of despair. Let us never forget that “... the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (Revelation 19:6). Even in the most troublesome times we can be certain that the promise of Scripture is true: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Turning to Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” we discover the blessed truth of the certainty of incomprehensible tranquility for those who earnestly seek communion with God and offer up the sacrifice of praise. They are assured that the Prince of Peace will bestow His peace upon them, and it will guard their hearts and minds. The word guard means to keep close watch over. In military terminology it describes a sentry on duty who is vigilant, always watching out for the enemy. In context, the enemy would be the negative and fearful thoughts that lead to a state of anxiety. The Old Testament parallel truth is found in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” This must not be reduced to a mere human endeavor. Trying to overcome our thoughts by sheer will power does not work. God comes alongside those who turn to Him in faith. He is the “lifter up” of our heads (Psalm 3:3). We have a friend in Jesus who will all our burdens bear: He does not want you to carry them alone. The hymn writer had it correct: “In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.”

Brethren, I would never pretend that the battle for a victorious thought life is easy, but it is winnable. The abundant resources of God are at our disposal. In addition to prayer and praise, we have the power of Scripture and the fellowship of the other believers to comfort us, counsel us, and encourage us. Never go it alone. If you are struggling in this area, find a trusted brother or sister in Christ and share your burdens (Galatians 6:2). There are those within the body of Christ with the God-given spiritual gifts of faith and exhortation. Others can help by way of life experience. They can be found in the local church, but you must be there when the church gathers. “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” (Hebrews 10:24-25). This is great news. No matter how difficult the testing, we can all praise God that the day of the Lord’s return is approaching. We are inching closer and closer to it. In the twinkling of an eye, the darkness of the night will give way to the glorious light of eternity in the presence of the Lord: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Wow! What an encouragement to lift up the downtrodden. On that joyful morn, “life’s trials will seem so small,” so never give up. “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,” and let us not forget that His reward is with Him (Revelation 22:12)!

May His Strength be your portion,

Pastor Tom

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

TIME ALONE WITH GOD

The Bible has much to say about time. Certain significant numerical references in the form of days, months, and years make for interesting Scriptural studies. The Word of God mentions the creation of the heavens and the earth and all living things in six days (Genesis 1:31). Noah preached righteousness for one hundred and twenty years in the antedeluvian world (Genesis 6:3; 2 Peter 2:5). We are also told that the average life span of men on earth is limited to around seven decades: “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10). In light of that stark reality, the Christian’s responsibility as a good steward is to redeem the time for the glory of God (Ephesians 5:16), diligently praying for the Savior’s return and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth, the time of which no man knows the day or the hour (Matthew 25:13). “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

We could advance many more ideas about the relevance of time to the Christian, but none are as important in this life as personal time in fellowship with God. For some, the very thought of time alone with God is an intrusion into an already busy schedule. The life of the worldly-minded Christian runs at a fast pace: Day follows day with little room for even the most basic spiritual activity, let alone the lofty pursuit of knowing God more intimately. It may not be that such ones are cold-hearted toward God; they simply cannot, in their thinking, prioritize communion with someone so distant and seemingly uninvolved in their daily affairs. Time for God is reserved for Sunday, if they manage to make it to church. What they fail to understand is that their very lack of desire for God is the cause of the great gulf between them and God, for He will not draw near on man’s terms: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). A.W. Tozer said, “We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make devotional life all but impossible.” Many of us know that Tozer’s insight is true. We scurry around like little mice in a maze, pursuing things which add nothing of lasting value to our lives. Few resist the current of the day, which takes them further and further away from God. We admire those godly saints who do seek after God but seldom emulate them. Brethren, the time for such indifference must end. Let us make the pursuit of God our greatest pleasure and reap the rewards. Prayer is the path that takes us into His presence. Do not forsake it any longer. You will never find time to pray; you must make time to pray! “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone” (Matthew 14:22, 23).

Set aside all your excuses and enter into the court of His Majesty. There you will find rest for your weary soul, strength for every trial, and “bright hope for tomorrow.” Surely, if the Christian’s hope is in God alone, then to God alone we must go. The challenge may seem daunting, but do not let it deter you. Call to mind the familiar saying, "Begin small but start promptly.” Impossible goals usually end in failure. With your Bible in hand, find a quiet place, a quiet time, and God will meet with you there. That is His promise. “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. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15, 16). May your fellowship with the Lord be as sweet as honey and as delightful as manna from heaven.


Seek the Lord all ye saints,

Pastor Tom