How Well Do You Know Me? on Facebook

How Well Do You Know Me? on Facebook

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Friend: No matter what time I go to bed. I always seem to wake up @ 3 AM maybe 5-15 minutes after but, always in that hour. I guess I have never quite understood... Then I began to listen and I heard names, scriptures, words I have to sometimes look the meaning up for.Funny how you try and run but, conviction always seems to arrest...

Me: In the past I use to go through the same-It be God and sometime it be the devil-trying to act like God (if you believe in spiritualism) you see the Holy Spirit prompts the mind silently- (you know not when he come and go Jo 3:8)and he leads as the bibleJhn 16:13) indicates be careful at times if you hear voices speaking to you, because the bible tells us that the devil's demons has transformed into angels of Light: (2Cr 11:14) meaning they come with a message,(scriptures) but this message is to contradicts, and is confusing. I listened closely by faith(God showed me) and came to the knowledge by searching the scriptures that that was the enemy trying to overthrow me.

Facebook | Inbox - I couldn't sleep and I'll tell you why!!!!!!!!!!!

Facebook Inbox - I couldn't sleep and I'll tell you why!!!!!!!!!!!

Facebook | Inbox - I couldn't sleep and I'll tell you why!!!!!!!!!!!

Facebook Inbox - I couldn't sleep and I'll tell you why!!!!!!!!!!!

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scott

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Fear not for I am with thee

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come...
- Revelation 11:18

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. Psalm 27

blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. Psalm 41


Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Isaiah 33

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior… Isaiah 43

the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: …Strengthen you the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you…in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water…And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness…the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35

Work of Mothers

 

 

 

Work of Mothers   Devotion   9/21/2009   scott

 

[This chapter is based on Exodus 1 to 4.]

The people of Egypt, in order to supply themselves with food during the famine, had sold to the crown their cattle and lands, and had finally bound themselves to perpetual serfdom. Joseph wisely provided for their release; he permitted them to become royal tenants, holding their lands of the king, and paying an annual tribute of one fifth of the products of their labor.

But the children of Jacob were not under the necessity of making such conditions. On account of the service that Joseph had rendered the Egyptian nation, they were not only granted a part of the country as a home, but were exempted from taxation, and liberally supplied with food during the continuance of the famine. The king publicly acknowledged that it was through the merciful interposition of the God of Joseph that Egypt enjoyed plenty while other nations were perishing from famine. He saw, too, that Joseph's management had greatly enriched the kingdom, and his gratitude surrounded the family of Jacob with royal favor.

But as time rolled on, the great man to whom Egypt owed so much, and the generation blessed by his labors, passed to the grave. And "there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." Not that he was ignorant of Joseph's services to the nation, but he wished to make no recognition of them, and, so far as possible, to bury them in oblivion. "And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land."

The Israelites had already become very numerous; they "were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed

Exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them." Under Joseph's fostering care, and the favor of the king who was then ruling, they had spread rapidly over the land. But they had kept themselves a distinct race, having nothing in common with the Egyptians in customs or religion; and their increasing numbers now excited the fears of the king and his people, lest in case of war they should join themselves with the enemies of Egypt. Yet policy forbade their banishment from the country. Many of them were able and understanding workmen, and they added greatly to the wealth of the nation; the king needed such laborers for the erection of his magnificent palaces and temples. Accordingly he ranked them with the Egyptians who had sold themselves with their possessions to the kingdom. Soon taskmasters were set over them, and their slavery became complete. "And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor: and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor." "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew."

The king and his counselors had hoped to subdue the Israelites with hard labor, and thus decrease their numbers and crush out their independent spirit. Failing to accomplish their purpose, they proceeded to more cruel measures. Orders were issued to the women whose employment gave them opportunity for executing the command, to destroy the Hebrew male children at their birth. Satan was the mover in this matter. He knew that a deliverer was to be raised up among the Israelites; and by leading the king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat the divine purpose. But the women feared God, and dared not execute the cruel mandate. The Lord approved their course, and prospered them. The king, angry at the failure of his design, made the command more urgent and extensive. The whole nation was called upon to hunt out and slaughter his helpless victims. "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive."

While this decree was in full force a son was born to Amram and Jochebed, devout Israelites of the tribe of Levi. The babe was "a goodly child;" and the parents, believing that the time of Israel's release was drawing near, and that God would rise up a deliverer for His people, determined that their little one should not be sacrificed. Faith in God strengthened their hearts, "and they were not afraid of the king's commandment." Hebrews 11:23.

The mother succeeded in concealing the child for three months. Then, finding that she could no longer keep him safely, she prepared a little ark of rushes, making it watertight by means of slime and pitch; and laying the babe therein, she placed it among the flags at the river's brink. She dared not remain to guard it, lest the child's life and her own should be forfeited; but his sister, Miriam, lingered near, apparently indifferent, but anxiously watching to see what would become of her little brother. And there were other watchers. The mother's earnest prayers had committed her child to the care of God; and angels, unseen, hovered above his lowly resting place. Angels directed Pharaoh's daughter thither. Her curiosity was excited by the little basket, and as she looked upon the beautiful child within, she read the story at a glance. The tears of the babe awakened her compassion, and her sympathies went out to the unknown mother who had resorted to this means to preserve the life of her precious little one. She determined that he should be saved; she would adopt him as her own.

Miriam had been secretly noting every movement; perceiving that the child was tenderly regarded, she ventured nearer, and at last said, "Shall I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" And permission was given.

The sister hastened to her mother with the happy news, and without delay returned with her to the presence of Pharaoh's daughter. "Take this chid away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages," said the princess.

God had heard the mother's prayers; her faith had been rewarded. It was with deep gratitude that she entered upon her now safe and happy task. She faithfully improved her opportunity to educate her child for God. She felt confident that he had been preserved for some great work, and she knew that he must soon be given up to his royal mother, to be surrounded with influences that would tend to lead him away from God. All this rendered her more diligent and careful in his instruction than in that of her other children. She endeavored to imbue his mind with the fear of God and the love of truth and justice, and earnestly prayed that he might be preserved from every corrupting influence. She showed him the folly and sin of idolatry, and early taught him to bow down and pray to the living God, who alone could hear him and help him in every emergency. She kept the boy as long as she could, but was obliged to give him up when he was about twelve years old. From his humble cabin home he was taken to the royal palace, to the daughter of Pharaoh, "and he became her son." Yet even here he did not lose the impressions received in childhood. The lessons learned at his mother's side could not be forgotten. They were a shield from the pride, the infidelity, and the vice that flourished amid the splendor of the court.

How far-reaching in its results was the influence of that one Hebrew woman, and she an exile and a slave! The whole future life of Moses, the great mission which he fulfilled as the leader of Israel, testifies to the importance of the work of the Christian mother. There is no other work that can equal this. To a very great extent the mother holds in her own hands the destiny of her children. She is dealing with developing minds and characters, working not alone for time, but for eternity. She is sowing seed that will spring up and bear fruit, either for good or for evil. She has not to paint a form of beauty upon canvas or to chisel it from marble, but to impress upon a human soul the image of the divine. Especially during their early years the responsibility rests upon her of forming the character of her children. The impressions now made upon their developing minds will remain with them all through life. Parents should direct the instruction and training of their children while very young, to the end that they may be Christians. They are placed in our care to be trained, not as heirs to the throne of an earthly empire, but as kings unto God, to reign through unending ages.

Let every mother feel that her moments are priceless; her work will be tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then it will be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and women have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty it was to guide their childish feet in the right way. Then it will be found that many who have blessed the world with the light of genius and truth and holiness, owe the principles that were the mainspring of their influence and success to a praying, Christian mother.

 

 

The Magi’s Gifts

 
 

Dear Friend,

 
 

Do you remember how many Wise Men there were in the story?  Three, Could have been, but we don't know for sure.  You see, the Bible tells us that the Wise Men brought three gifts, but it doesn't say how many Wise Men there were.  Several hundred years after Christ the early Christian church decided that there were three, and they even named them.  But the Bible is silent on the number of the Magi.  You can read the story here at Matthew 2.

 
 

Now, here's question number two.  Do you remember what the three gifts were that they brought to the Baby Jesus?  That's right Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Have you taken time this season to think about what these three gifts represent?  Here some ideas that I thought of as I was reading this over –

 
 

The Gold represents everything of value.  In Bible times, gold was very valuable, and with it one could buy food, oil, land, anything.  So when the Magi came and opened their treasure chests and presented the Christ Child with gold, it's the same as you and I opening up our lives, and dedicating to God everything of value that we have.  Don't hold anything back from God!  "The greatest praise that men can bring to God is to become consecrated channels through whom He can work. Time is rapidly passing into eternity. Let us not keep back from God that which is His own. Let us not refuse Him that which, though it cannot be given with merit, cannot be denied without ruin. He asks for a whole heart; give it to Him; it is His, both by creation and by redemption. He asks for your intellect; give it to Him; it is His. He asks for your money; give it to Him; it is His."  Acts of the Apostles, page 566.

 

The Frankincense was very special incense, and incense in ancient time was always burned during worship.  The frankincense represents our worship.  We have to give God our entire worship, otherwise other things will creep in and take the place of our worship to God, and before long we are too busy.  In the sanctuary, incense was always burned at the times of worship, and it become synonymous with prayer.  Make time for God every single day.  Spend time in prayer, and as our prayers rise to our Heavenly Father He is more pleased than if we burned tons of incense.

 
 

The Myrrh was a very costly ointment used in ancient time to emblem people upon their death.  Myrrh represents our dying to self.  I am reading a book my brother gave me about missionaries working in China.  Here's a paragraph that has really spoken to my heart:  "When offerings are received during house church meetings in China, evangelists sometimes find they have absolutely nothing to put into the bag.  So they literally step into the offering bag themselves and unconditionally offer their whole lives as a living sacrifice to the service of God."  And that's what the myrrh represents.  We die to our plans, our ideas, our rights, and our agenda for our lives, and we give God permission to use us entirely.  "Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, 'Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.' This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ."  Steps to Christ, page 70.

 
 

Have a great week!  I'm praying for you!

 
 

Mark

 
 

Repentance Part #2 August 10 2009

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
- Psalm 51:10

the prayer of David after his fall, illustrates the nature of true sorrow for sin. His repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his guilt; no desire to escape the judgment threatened, inspired his prayer. David saw the enormity of his transgression; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. He longed for the joy of holiness--to be restored to harmony and communion with God. This was the language of his soul: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord
imputeth not iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no guile."
Psalm 32:1, 2.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to
Thy loving-kindness:
According unto the multitude of Thy tender
mercies blot out my transgressions. . . .
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my
sin is ever before me. . . .
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. . . .
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
and uphold me with Thy free spirit. . . .
Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, Thou
God of my salvation:
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy
righteousness." Psalm 51:1-14.

Repentance such as this is beyond the reach of our own power to accomplish; it is obtained only from Christ, who ascended up on high and has given gifts unto men.

Just here is a point on which many may err, and hence they fail of receiving the help that Christ desires to give them. They think that they cannot come to Christ unless they first repent, and that repentance prepares for the forgiveness of their sins. It is true that repentance does precede the forgiveness of sins; for it is only the broken and contrite heart that will feel the need of a Saviour. But must the sinner wait till he has repented before he can come to Jesus? Is repentance to be made an obstacle between the sinner and the Saviour?

www.amcrecords7.com

 

 

The streets are watching only to devour. She has you captive and you cannot break free. You try but do not have the power to free yourself. She has you under her spell. Destruction is within her kiss; she is what every man, woman and child lust for - THE GAME. Her time has come, she is facing the day of doom. Flee from her or you will feel the fist of God too www.outskirtspress.com/scotthinton Order your copy Of THE GAME Inspiring for All ages

check out this book www.outskirtspress.com/scotthinton

 

THE GAME

Scott Hinton

Outskirts Press, Inc.

Denver, Colorado

 

 

 

 

This is a work Nonfiction. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

The Game

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2008 Scott Hinton

V2.0

Cover image copyright Scott Hinton

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and re-views.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

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ISBN: 978-1-4327-0721-7

Outskirts Press and the "OP" logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

chambers of death. Hear me now therefore, O you children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove your way far from her (the game), and come not near the door of her house (set). To keep you from the evil woman (the game, lustful fashions, fashion cars) from the flattery (promoting the glory of the game) of the tongue (hip-hop is the mouth of the game) of a strange woman (the game is strange, because God is not responsible in the creation of the game).

Don't lust after her beauty in your heart; neither let her take you with her eyelids. Lest you give honor unto others, and your years unto the cruel (prison). Lest (while in prison) strangers be filled with your wealth; and your labors (all the hustling you ever did be in the stick-up kids' treasury) be in the house of a stranger; and you will mourn (stress, cry) at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed (dying) (Proverbs 7:24-27; 5:7-8; 6:24-25; 5:9-11). Be-ware of evil angels that speak to your conscience; they tell you if you give me your soul I will give you fashions, money, SPINNING RIM'S on phat rides, beautiful dime pieces on the passenger side, or all around you, on the back of your stretched out chrome street bike; and ice to deck you out like a Christmas tree; like the ones you see in my videos. The unlearned child goes forward in full force to serve these fallen angels; like a lamb to the slaughter to obtain wealth to fulfill the dreams the demons tell them. The
pride of dress and fashions of the world are all created by Satan to excite the fallen nature of humanity. Sin takes control of them, and finally Satan will be their ruler and king; to move them whenever he pleases (this brings on the wrath of God; he is mighty in battle, and the wicked will soon see this when probation closes in the earth).When sin has mastery over the higher faculties (decisions, reasons, choices), the carnal mind will only think of rebellious things to satisfy their uncontrollable lustful passions. Those that have received these material possessions from Satan are all used; the women show much flesh, and become simple-minded over fat diamonds, money, and the glory that surrounds the men in the game; whether they are drug dealers or rappers and R&B singers. The men also use their body, material possessions, and fashions to bring souls under the condemnation of the law of God. Condemnation is the result of sin; lust for worldly gain is to enter the straight gate that leads to eternal destruction. But those who lust to be rich in this world to please their selfishness and not the cause of God do enter this path of misery and sorrows; they do fall in the pit of foolishness. Therefore, Christ is not thought of in their thoughts and if they do mention Christ, it's done out of sin to gratify their selfishness; they want Christ to serve with them in their sins. They are lost without a clue of the coming wrath. They know not what the prophets said, (Prepare ye the way of the way of the Lord, repent ye and be thy converted, for the minister (Christ) of God hold not the sword in vain, for the day of the lord is dark and gloomy. Woe to them that call on his name and call the evil good and the good evil, for thus saith the HIGH & LOFTY ONE). IT IS WRITTEN: and they

Shall go into the holes of the rocks and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he raiseth to shake terribly the earth. The bling on the wrist, around the neck, in their mouth, on their pinky fingers, in their ears, on their body parts, their spinning rims, fancy cars, fashions, who's doing what among the stars, their mu-sic, and videos, all of this will be far from their minds whenever the Lord comes to this earth to take vengeance on his adversaries. Those who know not, and obey not God, are those who care not to know, and prosecuted those who rebuke their ways by the gospel of Christ. They will run to the rocks and the mountains saying fall on us, and hide us from the wrath of the lamb. They turn from the true God for idols of fashion and vain glory.

 

51 Scott Hinton

 

You who reject God for fornication and orgies; Woe to you! Wailings shall be in all the streets, they all shall say in the highways, ALAS! ALAS! In all vineyards shall be (lamentations) and that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols wailings, for the Lord who's terrible and great in power will pass through, WOE unto these people who call on his name and seek the day of the Lord and love to do evil and hate the good! To what end is it for you? The day of the Lord is darkness, and not light as if a man did flee from a lion and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a ser-pent bit him Amos 5:16-19. Satan stirs up his controlled vessels to broadcast his fashions, to keep defiance lit. Many sell their souls daily for the love of gain and possessions, and riches, and for material possessions; their mind is formed to despise righteous habits; this will have its place in the lake of fire. Ye men and women; seek not gain to do evil; you women cover your vain tattoos on your body parts, hoping that you look sexy for demonic men (and women who love women). Cover your thighs, your breasts: the great judge sees you, and your deeds are written in the books in heaven, and the payback for this rebellion is eternal punishment (death without resurrection). You people in the game run for your life; run from the world to Christ, for this world put the prince of glory to death; and God will revenge him. For the hour of judgment is going on even as you read this book; your actions are measured. Give glory to God who made the heavens, the sea, and the waters, but woe to the money-hungry women that seek to rob men's pockets; as a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion (this means in He-brew: understanding, intelligence, behavior, reason, judgment)
(Proverb 11:22). In other words, what intelligence do pigs have? What understanding do they have? To those that love to eat swine, the pig looks good at a pig picking; but that's all it's good for. Looking good; it may even taste good, but it's not good for your health. Pigs have no morals and its meat kills; it's the number one animal that causes heath problems. Just like these half- naked women that dance in the game (in the hip-hop & R&B videos) they are only good for show, because their brain is without discretion and many of them shame their own mother; they have no understanding, reasoning or judgment. They are wicked women that hurt many people around them. Listen to what the creator has to say to you who are of Sodom and Gomorrah. Proverb 16:16 says how much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Pride goeth before destruction. Destruction will be unexplainable; we cannot even imagine the mind frame the wicked will be in at the second coming of the Lord.

An inspired writer of God wrote this about what will happen in the end the wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble, God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected his mercy, despised his love, and trampled upon his law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws his protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. Satan will have power over those who have yielded themselves to his control, of time: and he will plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds (Revelation chapter 7) of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old (great controversy).

53 Scott Hinton

This is why the devil created the game, to keep the mind enslaved to his devices and each day the flesh grows stronger, and the good traits grows weaker, so in the end time, these people will be so drunk that it will be hard to choose the good because they love the devil and his styles. People want money for fashion, and fashion leads to other evils; half-naked women posted up by costly cars and trucks, molding young men and women's minds. The game is the reason people rape; young people have become so thick and old-looking; Satan tempts unbalanced minds to lust off their young flesh. The devil tempts men who lust for gain to inject steroids in meats and drugs to produce quick and fat cattle. What does this have to do with the game? The steroid that is digested with the dead flesh gets into the blood, and what do steroids do in the human body? They pump you up. Now you have 13-year- olds looking like 23-year-olds, 14-year-old males are having strong sperm and hair on their face. This is all in Satan's plan to elevate lust in this world, to accomplish his end time plan. Kee54 the Game

The mind enslaved to his devices and each day the flesh grows stronger, and the good traits grows weaker, so in the end time, these people will be so drunk that it will be hard to choose the good because they love the devil and his styles. People want money for fashion, and fashion leads to other evils; half-naked women posted up by costly cars and trucks, molding young men and women's minds. The game is the reason people rape; young people have become so thick and old-looking; Satan tempts unbalanced minds to lust off their young flesh. The devil tempts men who lust for gain to inject steroids in meats and drugs to produce quick and fat cattle. What does this have to do with the game? The steroid that is digested with the dead flesh gets into the blood, and what do steroids do in the human body? They pump you up. Now you have 13-year- olds looking like 23-year-olds, 14-year-old males have strong sperm and hair on their face. This is all in Satan's plan to elevate lust in this world, to accomplish his end time plan. Keep the drunk. Filled with toxic junk and with impure blood, the mind cannot function properly; it will submit to any wild mess that flies across the table. In the game, lions seek that dollar; even if it's to work for Satan and glorify sin, or be naked posted up by big trucks and cars. Designing sinful hangouts and clubs, all of this and more are tools Satan uses to develop the mind for destruction so our hearts will not be ready when Christ comes to this world on the clouds.

55

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Repentance Part #1   Daily Devotional   8/8/2009   P. Scott

 

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
- Acts 2:37

how shall a man be just with God? How shall the sinner be made righteous? It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but how are we to come to Christ? Many are asking the same question as did the multitude on the Day of Pentecost, when, convicted of sin, they cried out, "What shall we do?" The first word of Peter's answer was, "Repent." Acts 2:37, 38, at another time; shortly after, he said, "Repent . . . and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," Acts 3:19.

Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.

There are many who fail to understand the true nature of repentance. Multitudes sorrow that they have sinned and even make an outward reformation because they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. But this is not repentance in the Bible sense. They lament the suffering rather than the sin. Such was the grief of Esau when he saw that the birthright was lost to him forever. Balaam, terrified by the angel standing in his pathway with drawn sword, acknowledged his guilt lest he should lose his life; but there was no genuine repentance for sin, no conversion of purpose, no abhorrence of evil. Judas Iscariot, after betraying his Lord, exclaimed, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." Matthew 27:4.

The confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a fearful looking for of judgment. The consequences that were to result to him filled him with terror, but there was no deep, heartbreaking grief in his soul, that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God and denied the Holy One of Israel. Pharaoh, when suffering under the judgments of God, acknowledged his sin in order to escape further punishment, but returned to his defiance of Heaven as soon as the plagues were stayed. These all lamented the results of sin, but did not sorrow for the sin itself.

But when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God's holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. The "Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," illumines the secret chambers of the soul, and the hidden things of darkness are made manifest. John 1:9. Conviction takes hold upon the mind and heart. The sinner has a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and feels the terror of appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. He sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of purity; he longs to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven.

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God Has Bound Our Hearts to Him August 08/06/09

Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
- Isaiah 40:26

God has bound our hearts to Him by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. Through the things of nature, and the deepest and tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know, He has sought to reveal Himself to us. Yet these but imperfectly represent His love. Though all these evidences have been given, the enemy of good blinded the minds of men, so that they looked upon God with fear; they thought of Him as severe and unforgiving. Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief attribute is stern justice,--one who is a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor. He pictured the Creator as a being who is watching with jealous eye to discern the errors and mistakes of men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of God that Jesus came to live among men.

The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." John 1:18. "Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." Matthew 11:27. When one of the disciples made the request, "Show us the Father," Jesus answered, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" John 14:8, 9:

Romans 5:1-5

 

 

 

Study 7   Romans 5:1-5   8/3/2009   P. Scott

 

Chapter five contains a partial enumeration of the blessings

Which are fruits of such a faith as that portrayed in chapter four,

It shows the Christian development of the life of anyone who

Has the faith of Abraham. Two words form the keynote of the

Chapter — much more, If you have the glory, the patience, or

The Christian experience spoken of in this, or any other chapter, know that

God has them in store, and is willing to give much more, for Him "is able to

Do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

"Therefore being justified by faith," that is, being made conformable to the

Law by faith, "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," The

Only way that man can be made conformable to the law, and live free from

Condemnation is by having faith in the promises of God. In Christ there is

No unrighteousness, therefore there is nothing but righteousness. By believing

On Christ, the Christian has the righteousness of Christ.

But does not James say that there must be works, or the faith is of no

Avail? It is true that faith is made perfect by works. James 2:22. But it is

By faith and faith alone that men are justified, the very text which speaks

Of Abraham's being justified by faith, states that the works were only the

Outgrowth of underlying faith, and that by this work the scripture was

Fulfilled which says: "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto

Him for righteousness," Works are the outgrowth of faith. "It is God which

Worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. We give ourselves into the hands of Christ. He comes and takes up His abode with

Us, we are as clay in the hands of the potter; but it is Christ who does all the

Good works, and to Him belongs all the glory.

"We have peace with God." What is peace? It is not a feeling, but a fact.

Many think that they must experience a "certain feeling" which they will

Know is the "peace of God." But they have never had the peace of God, and

Therefore cannot know what kind of feeling it ought to be. Satan might give

A certain happy feeling, and if the Christian had only the feeling to go by,

He would be deceived. The Lord does not deal in feelings, but in facts. Peace

Is the opposite of war, strife, emulation? We are either at peace with God or

Else at war, if at war, it is because we are carrying on rebellion.

How do men fight God? By following sinful practices, any one knowingly

Indulging in one sinful practice is warring against God. God is a God of peace.

Christ left His peace with His followers. "Let the peace of God rule in your

Hearts," Between God and His dear Son in heaven there is a "counsel of peace."

They counsel for the peace of man,

There is only one condition on which man

Can have that peace — unconditional surrender, surrender all to God, and

Then there is peace in the heart, no matter what the feeling may be.

"Great peaces have they which love

Thy law: and nothing shall off end

Them." "O that thou should of hearkened to my commandments! then had thy

Peace had been as a river and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." What

Rich comfort in these words! Jesus Christ is "the same, yesterday, and today,

And forever," So His peace is likened to the continual flowing of the river,

And the never-ceasing roll of the ocean wave; therefore it matters not what

The feeling is, for if all sins have been confessed, God is faithful and just to

Forgive them; and we are at peace with Him. The condition of peace is the

Condition of being justified by faith,

"By whom [Christ] also we have access by faith into this grace [unmerited

Forgiveness and favor] in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of

God," Righteousness can be wrought in men day by day by the same power

By which Isaac was born of parents who were practically dead. When people

Once gain this experience, the next thing they will be constrained to rejoice

In the hope of the coming of the Lord,

How often do we look forward to the coming of the Lord with fear? If we

Do not rejoice in the Lord in the present life, we have no hope that we will

Rejoice in Him in a life to come. Why should Christians "rejoice in hope?

Of the glory of God," Because they are at peace with Him, God's people are bidden "when these things begin to come to pass, then look

Up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." We praise

Him that He is coming soon, it is one of the most glorious and cheering

Assurances we have.

We live in the present, not in the future. Read 1 Peter 1:5-9. Salvation

Belongs to us today just as much as it will when in the kingdom of God, No

One but ourselves can deprive us of it. Says Peter, "Receiving [present time]

The end of your faith, even the salvation

Of your souls," Our present salvation is

Our only hope of a future salvation "Kept

By the power of God" is the expression

Used by Peter, and it denotes precisely

The same condition — "being justified by

Faith" — in the fifth chapter of Romans,

The same power that will make men

Immortal in the life to come, justifies

Them — makes them conformable to

The law — by being in harmony with

It, every day, Says Paul in the letter to

The Philippians, chapter three, and verse

Twenty-one: "Who shall change our

Vile body that it may be fashioned like

Unto His glorious body, according to

The working whereby He is able even to

Subdue all things unto Himself,"

In Ephesians 3:16, Paul in an inspired prayer prays that they might be

Strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man, according to "the

Riches of His glory," The grace of God is equal to the glory of God. God's

Throne is a throne of glory, and the grace wherein we stand is backed by the

Glory of God,

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience."

Some say that tribulation worketh impatience. This is not true. If a man is

Not justified by faith, tribulation will develop the impatience that is in him.

How is it, then, that tribulation worketh patience? Let these texts answer:

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7. "Cast

Thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:22.

"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28.

He takes the heavy loads away. What is that burden? Anything that worries

Or vexes us, It matters not whether it be a small thing — a little trial — or a

Great one, Cast it on the Lord. We rejoice in tribulation because we have Christ

With us, and we cast the entire burden on Him. He is able to bear them. He has

Already borne them for the entire world, so we cannot add to His burden,

How do we get rid of the burdens? Give them to Christ, and then say,

"He has them." And He has them whether you feel any different or not.

Then you will experience the truth of the words, "I will give you rest." It is

Rest even though the physical pain still racks the body. For Christ bears that

Tribulation and you are lifted up above all pain.

How did the martyrs go to the rack and the stake with songs of joy on?

Their lips, was that mere bravado? No, Christ bore their burden, and in

Him they had peace. Out of a full heart they sang their praise to Him. Thus

They were happy and joyous, and scarcely noticed the pain while the

Flames

Crept around them, we will have to "pass through great tribulation." It may

Be the lash on the naked flesh, or it may be the thumb-screw. Human nature

Shrinks from such torture, In Christ we can bear it. Gain an experience in

Him now, and in the trying time He will not forsake you. He can bear that

Great burden as well as a small one,

Christ will be ours then as well as now, and the life we live will be in Him.

No man in this world will be able to stand in that time unless he has previously

Learned the lesson of faith, now is the time, while the lesson may be learned

Under easy circumstances, great as will be the tribulation of that time we will

Pass through it with rejoicing. That rejoicing must be learned now.

"Let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect, wanting nothing."

Patience shows us to be perfect men.

"Patience worketh experience." It is a Christian experience that is referred

To, "Experience" signifies that men who have it, have been proved and tried.

They have laid hold upon God and proved Him.

Experience, or the fact that we daily prove God, develops hope — hope

In God, If God is proven every day, then every day there is hope. That is, we

Have reason to expect the things we desire. We have present salvation, therefore

We glory in the hope of an eternal salvation. This is indeed a chapter of

Hope and rejoicing.

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God's Love for Man

Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.
- Micah 7:18

Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator's love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. In the beautiful words of the psalmist--

"The eyes of all wait upon Thee;
and Thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand,
and satisfiest the desire of every living thing."
Psalm 145:15, 16.

God made man perfectly holy and happy; and the fair earth, as it came from the Creator's hand, bore no blight of decay or shadow of the curse. It is transgression of God's law--the law of love--that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God's love is revealed. It is written that God cursed the ground for man's sake. Genesis 3:17. The thorn and the thistle--the difficulties and trials that make his life one of toil and care--were appointed for his good as a part of the training needful in God's plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought. The world, though fallen, is not all sorrow and misery. In nature itself are messages of hope and comfort. There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses.

"God is love" is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green -- all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy.

The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity. When Moses prayed, "Show me Thy glory," the Lord answered, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." Exodus 33:18, 19, this is His glory. The Lord passed before Moses, and proclaimed, "The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." Exodus 34:6, 7, He is "slow to anger, and of great kindness," "because He delighteth in mercy." Jonah 4:2; Micah 7:18.

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Study 4

The basis of the lesson of the evening is the latter half of the third

Chapter of Romans, beginning with the 19th verse, "Now we

Know that whatsoever things the law saith, it saith to them that

Are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the

World may become guilty before God."

Verses 21-23 contain in condensed form all that is treated of in the

Remaining verses of the chapter, the remainder of the chapter is an amplifi -

Cation of that which has gone before, in this chapter also occurs the climax

Of the thought of the epistle, in the first part of this chapter is emphasized

The fact that God makes no distinction of persons; works alone are taken

Into account in the judgment, But while it is true that a tree is known by

Its fruits, it is also true that it is not within the province of men to judge

Of those fruits, God alone is judge. He looks upon the heart while man can

Judge only from appearances; therefore while the works of men may seem

Good to their fellows, to God, who sees what man cannot see, they are

Known to be corrupt,

Again: the just shall live by faith. How much of a man's life must be just?

All, every moment; for the just shall live by faith, But by the deeds of the law

Shall no act be just. This is a hard saying, but one that must be believed, for

It is what the Bible says.

No deed that we can do can be just by the law only. By faith alone can a

Man or any act of his is just. The law judges a man by his works, and the

Study 4 Justification by faith alone.

Christ — Creator and Preserver of

Romans 3:19-31 the new heart.

12 Bible Studies on the Book of Romans

Law is so inconceivably great that no human act can rise to its height. There

Must therefore be a Mediator through whom justification shall come? And

That justification properly belongs to him to whom it is granted by reason

Of his faith,

The heart unrenewed is desperately wicked. Only evil can come from

Wicked heart, to bring forth good deeds there must be a good heart, and

Only a good man can have a good heart.

But, as all have sinned and come short,

Therefore all the deeds of humanity are

Vitiated;

The law itself is the standard of perfect

Righteousness, but Christ is the truth, the

Way and the life, In Christ is the perfect

Righteousness of the law, and the grace

To bestow the gift of His righteousness

Through faith, And of this the prophets

They are witnesses, for they preached

Justification through Christ, by faith,

When a man seeks to justify himself

By his deeds, he only heaps imperfection

Upon imperfection, until, like Paul, he counts them all as loss, knowing that

There is no righteousness but that which is of Christ by faith.

There is but one thing in this world that a man needs, and that is

Justification — and justification is a fact, not a theory. It is the gospel. That which

Does not tend to righteousness, is of no avail, and not worthy to be preached.

Righteousness can only be attained through faith; consequently all things

Worthy to be preached, must tend to justification by faith.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." It is well understood

That no act of ours can make right that which is past, but it is just as

True that we cannot be justified in any present act any more than we can

Render the past perfect. We need the righteousness of Christ to justify the

Present just as much as to make perfect the imperfect deeds of the past.

In the case of the publican and the Pharisee, the one who put no trust in

His own works went down to his own house justified, but he who desired to

Assume righteousness in him failed of justification. Everyone can have it

Who will ask for it, but each must come to the level of all other sinners, and

There receive it with the rest, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in

Christ Jesus." What is "redemption"? It is repurchasing. Righteousness is

An infinite gift, and bought with an infinite price. It is a free gift to us, but

It has been paid for. The blood of Christ has paid for it. We are exhorted to

Consider His greatness that we may know that although the thing to be done

Is beyond our comprehension, the power which is to accomplish it is also

Beyond our knowledge,

"To declare His righteousness" for the putting away of our sins, It is He

That puts away our sin and if we but yield ourselves to Him, they will be

Remitted utterly, Christ grants no indulgences, but His righteousness remit

The sins that are past, keeps the heart free from sin in the present so long as

His righteousness fills that heart.

Faith is the beginning of all wisdom; it lies at the foundation of all knowledge.

The child would never learn anything, if it did not believe what it is

Told, now, that being so in physical things, why can we not be as reasonable

In spiritual things,

Redemption comes through the creative power of Christ, and that is why

I love to think that He is the creator of all things; for He who created the

Worlds out of nothing, and who upholds all things by the word of His power,

Can by that same word create in me a clean heart, and preserve that which

He has created. To Him are all power, and also all glory.

It is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His own good pleasure.

"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid;

Yea, we establish the law."

 

 

Come Out of Her My People   Daily Devotional 7/25/2009   P. Scott

 

 

 

Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
- Revelation 18:4

before the destruction of Sodom, God sent a message to Lot, "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed." The same voice of warning was heard by the Disciples of Christ before the destruction of Jerusalem: "When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, and then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains." Luke 21:20, 21. They must not tarry to secure anything from their possessions, but must make the most of the opportunity to escape.

There was a coming out, a decided separation from the wicked, an escape for life. So it was in the days of Noah; so with Lot; so with the disciples prior to the destruction of Jerusalem; and so it will be in the last days. Again the voice of God is heard in a message of warning, bidding His people separate themselves from the prevailing iniquity.

The state of corruption and apostasy that in the last days would exist in the religious world was presented to the prophet John in the vision of Babylon, "that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Revelation 17:18. Before its destruction the call is to be given from heaven, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:4. As in the days of Noah and Lot, there must be a marked separation from sin and sinners. There can be no compromise between God and the world, no turning back to secure earthly treasures. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24.

Like the dwellers in the vale of Sodom, the people are dreaming of prosperity and peace. "Escape for thy life," is the warning from the angels of God; but other voices are heard saying, "Be not excited; there is no cause for alarm." The multitudes cry, "Peace and safety," while Heaven declares that swift destruction is about to come upon the transgressor. On the night prior to their destruction, the cities of the plain rioted in pleasure and derided the fears and warnings of the messenger of God; but those scoffers perished in the flames; that very night the door of mercy was forever closed to the wicked, careless inhabitants of Sodom. God will not always be mocked; He will not long be trifled with. "Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it." Isaiah 13:9. The great mass of the world will reject God's mercy, and will be overwhelmed in swift and irretrievable ruin. But those who heed the warning shall dwell "in the secret place of the Most High," and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty." His truth shall be their shield and buckler. For them is the promise, "With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:1, 4, 16.

Cease From Thine Own Wisdom July 24, 2009

 

Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
- Proverbs 23:4

says the wise man, "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." Proverbs 15:27. And the apostle Paul declares, "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition," 1 Timothy 6:9.
When Lot entered Sodom he fully intended to keep himself free from iniquity and to command his household after him. But he signally failed. The corrupting influences about him had an effect upon his own faith, and his children's connection with the inhabitants of Sodom bound up his interest in a measure with theirs. The result is before us.

Many are still making a similar mistake. In selecting a home they look more to the temporal advantages they may gain than to the moral and social influences that will surround themselves and their families. They choose a beautiful and fertile country, or remove to some flourishing city, in the hope of securing greater prosperity; but their children are surrounded by temptation, and too often they form associations that are unfavorable to the development of piety and the formation of a right character. The atmosphere of lax morality, of unbelief, of indifference to religious things, has a tendency to counteract the influence of the parents. Examples of rebellion against parental and divine authority are ever before the youth; many form attachments for infidels and unbelievers, and cast in their lot with the enemies of God.

In choosing a home, God would have us consider, first of all, the moral and religious influences that will surround us and our families. We may be placed in trying positions, for many cannot have their surroundings what they would; and whenever duty calls us, God will enable us to stand uncorrupted, if we watch and pray, trusting in the grace of Christ. But we should not needlessly expose ourselves to influences that are unfavorable to the formation of Christian character. When we voluntarily place ourselves in an atmosphere of worldliness and unbelief, we displease God and drive holy angels from our homes.

Those who secure for their children worldly wealth and honor at the expense of their eternal interests, will find in the end that these advantages are a terrible loss. Like Lot, many see their children ruined, and barely save their own souls. Their lifework is lost; their life is a sad failure. Had they exercised true wisdom, their children might have had less of worldly prosperity, but they would have made sure of a title to the immortal inheritance.

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Righteousness Delivereth

 

 

 

Righteousness Delivereth   Daily Devotional   7/22/2009   P. SCOTT HINTON

 

 

Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
- Proverbs 11:4

Although Lot owed his prosperity to his connection with Abraham; he manifested no gratitude to his benefactor. Courtesy would have dictated that he yields the choice to Abraham, but instead of this he selfishly endeavored to grasp all its advantages. He "lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, . . . even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar." The most fertile region in all Palestine was the Jordan Valley, reminding the beholders of the lost Paradise and equaling the beauty and productiveness of the Nile-enriched plains they had so lately left. There were cities also, wealthy and beautiful, inviting to profitable traffic in their crowded marts. Dazzled with visions of worldly gain, Lot overlooked the moral and spiritual evils that would be encountered there. The inhabitants of the plain were "sinners before the Lord exceedingly;" but of this he was ignorant, or, knowing, gave it but little weight. He "chose him all the plain of Jordan," and "pitched his tent toward Sodom." How little did he foresee the terrible results of that selfish choice!

The profusion reigning everywhere gave birth to luxury and pride. Idleness and riches make the heart hard that has never been oppressed by want or burdened by sorrow. The love of pleasure was fostered by wealth and leisure, and the people gave themselves up to sensual indulgence. "Behold," says the prophet, "this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw well." Ezekiel 16:49, 50. There is nothing more desired among men than riches and leisure, and yet these gave birth to the sins that brought destruction upon the cities of the plain. Their useless, idle life made them a prey to Satan's temptations, and they defaced the image of God, and became satanic rather than divine. Idleness is the greatest curse that can fall upon man, for vice and crime follow in its train. It enfeebles the mind, perverts the understanding, and debases the soul. Satan lies in ambush, ready to destroy those who are unguarded, whose leisure gives him opportunity to insinuate himself under some attractive disguise. He is never more successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours

 

 

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Where is Your Heart? July 21, 2009

Remember Lot's wife.
- Luke 17:32

"Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed." Hesitancy or delay now would be fatal. To cast one lingering look upon the devoted city, to tarry for one moment from regret to leave so beautiful a home, would have cost their life. The storm of divine judgment was only waiting that these poor fugitives might make their escape.

But Lot, confused and terrified, pleaded that he could not do as he was required lest some evil should overtake him and he should die. Living in that wicked city, in the midst of unbelief, his faith had grown dim. The Prince of heaven was by his side, yet he pleaded for his own life as though God, who had manifested such care and love for him, would not still preserve him. He should have trusted himself wholly to the divine Messenger, giving his will and his life into the Lord's hands without a doubt or a question. But like so many others, he endeavored to plan for himself: "Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: O, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) And my soul shall live." The city here mentioned was Bela, afterward called Zoar. It was but a few miles from Sodom, and, like it, was corrupt and doomed to destruction. But Lot asked that it might be spared, urging that this was but a small request; and his desire was granted. The Lord assured him, "I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for which thou hast spoken." Oh, how great the mercy of God toward His erring creatures!

Again the solemn command was given to hasten, for the fiery storm would be delayed but little longer. But one of the fugitives ventured to cast a look backward to the doomed city, and she became a monument of God's judgment. If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels' warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning. While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she perished with it. She rebelled against God because His judgments involved her possessions and her children in the ruin. Although so greatly favored in being called out from the wicked city, she felt that she was severely dealt with, because the wealth that it had taken years to accumulate must be left to destruction. Instead of thankfully accepting deliverance, she presumptuously looked back to desire the life of those who had rejected the divine warning. Her sin showed her to be unworthy of life, for the preservation of which she felt so little gratitude.

We should beware of treating lightly God's gracious provisions for our salvation. There are Christians who say, "I do not care to be saved unless my companion and children are saved with me." They feel that heaven would not be heaven to them without the presence of those who are so dear. But have those who cherish this feeling a right conception of their own relation to God, in view of His great goodness and mercy toward them? Have they forgotten that they are bound by the strongest ties of love and honor and loyalty to the service of their Creator and Redeemer? The invitations of mercy are addressed to all; and because our friends reject the Saviour's pleading love, shall we also turn away? The redemption of the soul is precious. Christ has paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who appreciates the value of this great sacrifice or the worth of the soul will despise God's offered mercy because others choose to do so. The very fact that others are ignoring His just claims should arouse us to greater diligence that we may honor God ourselves, and lead all whom we can influence, to accept His love.

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But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word, are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
- 2 Peter 3:7

the flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light down even to our time. We are taught the fearful and solemn lesson that while God's mercy bears long with the transgressor, there is a limit beyond which men may not go on in sin. When that limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are withdrawn, and the ministration of judgment begins.

The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins than that for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those who hear the gospel invitation calling sinners to repentance, and heed it not, are guiltier before God than were the dwellers in the vale of Sodom. And still greater sin is theirs who profess to know God and to keep His commandments, yet who deny Christ in their character and their daily life. In the light of the Saviour's warning, the fate of Sodom is a solemn admonition, not merely to those who are guilty of outbreaking sin, but to all who are trifling with Heaven-sent light and privileges.

The Saviour watches for a response to His offers of love and forgiveness, with a more tender compassion than that which moves the heart of an earthly parent to forgive a wayward, suffering son. He cries after the wanderer, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you." Malachi 3:7. But if the erring one persistently refuses to heed the voice that calls him with pitying, tender love, he will at last be left in darkness. It will be more tolerable in the day of judgment for the cities of the plain than for those who have known the love of Christ, and yet have turned away to choose the pleasures of a world of sin.

You, who are slighting the offers of mercy, think of the long array of figures accumulating against you in the books of heaven; for there is a record kept of the impieties of nations, of families, of individuals. God may bear long while the account goes on, of pardon may be given; yet a time will come when the account will be full; when the soul's decision has been made; when by his own choice man's destiny has been fixed. Then the signal will be given for judgment to be executed.

There is cause for alarm in the condition of the religious world today. God's mercy has been trifled with. The multitudes make void the law of God, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9. Infidelity prevails in many of the churches in our land; not infidelity in its broadest sense--an open denial of the Bible--but an infidelity that is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it is undermining faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. Fervent devotion and vital piety have given place to hollow formalism. As the result, apostasy and sensualism prevail. Christ declared, "As it was in the days of Lot . . . even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." Luke 17:28, 30. The daily record of passing events testifies to the fulfillment of His words. The world is fast becoming ripe for destruction. Soon the judgments of God are to be poured out, and sin and sinners are to be consumed.