People look for this sense of community in many places. The family, for example, is the first and most natural venue providing this setting. Neighborhoods, social gatherings and work offer you a chance to get to gather with others. Some youths, who feel unwanted, turn to gangs.

The Lord’s church is the best and most important community of people. The true church will never give up on you, but you may give up on it. Your brethren will tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. Christians are not concerned about who you were, but who you are. They don’t judge you on trivial matters, ethnicity, or race.

If you don’t feel valued or important in the Lord’s church, perhaps the problem is not the way the church is treating you but the way you are treating the church. Volunteer your talents and time, and be persistent in your offer to help.

“Many view the church as a hotel for the saved, rather than a hospital for sinners.” RB

“Many times God rewards secret kindnesses openly. He prizes our humility.” Shar Poulin

“We do not work earthly jobs to find self fulfillment.” Terry Starling

“It is a solemn responsibility to discipline our children. Self control is a major tenet of our faith and we must instill it in our children.” Rowdy Stone

“If the devil can get us to take enough breaks, to find enough side projects, so that we’re distracted– he’s won.” David Watson

“If you don’t like people, love people, then everything you do with them is just obligatory.” JB

“We have a God who is absolutely dead serious about the details.” Josh Brockwell

“If we are ignorant of anything concerning our salvation, it is because we choose to be so. God has provided all we need in His Word.” Alan Wood

“We need to take prayer more seriously. What are we doing? We’re talking to God.” Tim Mora

“Many of us get too busy to read our Bible every day; but I’ve never gone a whole day without eating.” Brandon Starling

“When we don’t test our self control we fail ourselves.” Rowdy Stone

“To follow Jesus, our desires have to take a back seat to Him.” RB

“We all have a different part in Christ’s Body… and we shouldn’t all fight to be the part that just sits in the pew.” JB

“Today, I am not imprisoned by yesterday’s flaws.” Terry Starling

“Slaves don’t own their property. It belongs to their Master. Our Master is God.” Rowdy Stone

“Are you telling someone something… letting him think something that is not the whole truth? That’s taking refuge in that lie. We must be taking refuge in the Lord.” Phil Crumpton

“The world says truth is variable… personal… a choice. We know better! We must practice honesty, as we are stewards of truth.” Jeremy Koontz

“Our goal is not to be different for the sake of being different, but because we are Christians, the choices we make (in serving God) cause the world to see us as different.” JB

“Discipline helps us grow as God’s people.” Rowdy Stone

“Where do I fit in God’s Kingdom? What is my job to do?” JB

“Without love, bearing with one another is just a chore.” JB

One danger facing God’s people is the influence error and false religion can have on their faith. God cautioned the Jews about the influence of idolatry and paganism as they made their way to Canaan. This danger was so great that God told them to destroy the inhabitants of the Promised Land. (Deut. 7:1-6) He knew what would happen if they lived among the unrighteous.

If only Israel had listened to God they could have avoided many of the difficulties and pitfalls they suffered through. Instead, they made treaties with some of the people and overtime gave in to their influence. The Israelites turned their back on Jehovah and placed their trust in vain idols. (2 Kings. 17:13-16)

Much in the same way, the denominational world is a threat to truth and our faithfulness. “Christian” faith has evolved with time and its current beliefs only vaguely resemble New Testament teaching. They use many of the same words and phrases, but the meanings have changed to fit their doctrinal positions. If we are not careful we can fall victim to their influence.

How would you define “grace” as used in the Bible? I’ve heard many describe it as “unmerited favor”. According to most Protestant and independent churches we are inherently evil, and no one can please God without a direct work from the Holy Spirit in one’s life. God does everything while we wait ignorantly for an awakening. Every step, from birth to eternity, is in His hands. If we accept Christ, it is because God has chosen us and enlightened us to saving faith.

I have also heard members of the Lord’s church define grace the same way. While we don’t accept Calvinism, I am afraid its influence may be trickling into our thinking. Does grace mean unmerited favor and kindness, or is the description something we have heard so often that we have come to accept this meaning?

The Hebrew chên and the Greek charis, translated grace, mean “favor, kindness and good will”.As you can see the definition has nothing to do with unmerited. It’s a qualification men have placed on grace because of their religious position.

What does the word unmerited mean? To answer this question we must first understand the meaning of merit. To merit something means that we deserve or are worthy of the kindness given. So in unmerited favor one receives goodness from another without doing anything worthy of the gift. Clearly some acts of Divine favor fall into this category. Would anyone deny the Creation was an act of grace, and it had nothing to do with man’s conduct? (Gen. 1 & 2) God “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”. (Matt. 5:45) In the first example man did not exist and in the second everyone benefits.

At the Creation, did Adam and Eve do anything to deserve the blessings of the Garden? More importantly, since they were sinless they also had a spiritual union with God. They didn’t merit their good condition because God had created them that way. However, to remain in the garden and to keep their fellowship with God they had to stay faithful. (Gen. 2:16-17) Adam and Eve sinned and lost Divine favor. (Gen. 3)

Every child begins life with the same pure and innocent life as Adam and Eve enjoyed at Creation. Just as Adam and Eve became sinners when they violated God’s Will, so it is

with their posterity. (Ezek. 18:20) There is, however, one big difference between the two cases. A full-grown Adam and Eve understood right from wrong from the beginning, while babies grow to know God’s Will.

When sin enters the picture the guilty person loses his original favor with God, and he can do nothing alone to recover Divine grace. (Isaiah 59:2) But once again God steps in with an offer. He sent Christ to die for our sins that we might be saved. (Rom. 3:23-27) Without Jesus there is no hope, and no one merits this second chance. So at times grace is in every sense unmerited, but the context qualifies and restricts the meaning, not the word itself.

We must not be guilty of limiting a words meaning to a few passages when other verses teach something different. Consider the example of Noah and the flood. (Gen. 6) God decided to destroy the human race because of their wickedness and evil hearts, but “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD”.  Were Noah and his family the only ones to receive an offer of grace? The answer is no. Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” inferring his work to warn people of the coming flood. They had a chance to join Noah and save themselves, but they didn’t. Why did Noah find or gain God’s grace when others did not? We don’t have to guess because God tells us – “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”

We see in this story two parts to Divine grace. The first was the offer mentioned in the previous paragraph and the second involved Noah’s salvation. The offer was not enough to save him, and so Noah built the ark “according to all that God commanded him”. Noah was worthy of God’s grace because he obeyed.

People sometimes confuse the difference between inherent goodness, which none of us has, and goodness which comes from obeying God. If we love God we will keep His commandments. (John 14:21) By doing what God wants us to do and by living the way He wants us to live we walk worthy of His grace. (Eph. 4:1 & Phil. 1:27) In this sense we merit His grace. However, we have no right to glory in self because God makes all things possible. (1 Thess. 2:10-13)

The return to Ziklag ended in a horrible discovery, however—Amalekites from the south had raided the territory while David and his warriors were away. “So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive” (30:3).

Never one to accept defeat, David acted quickly, tracking down the Amalekite raiders, destroying most of their force, and recovering everything that had been taken. In the aftermath of the victory, however, there arose a dispute between those who had seen the ordeal through to the end and those who had to stay behind during the rabid pursuit of the marauding Amalekites. “Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, „Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart‟” (30:22).

In the record of this quarrel and David‟s settlement of it, we find:

A sad reminder of human nature. It is rather shocking that these “worthless men” weren‟t more forgiving, given the circumstances. Consider the reaction when David and his host first came back to the ruins of their home place: “Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep” (30:4). Having so recently known such abyssal despair, we might expect the party to simply be grateful that they had reclaimed their property and saved the lives of their loved ones.

Instead, they were beset by greed over the spoil, arrogance over their own achievements, and a burning desire to (harshly) judge those who had not fought the exact same battles they had fought. Their petty behavior is unfortunate, but all too common. Do we bicker over position, prestige, and prominence, when we should be more focused on giving thanks for the countless blessings we enjoy (blessings which can be enjoyed just as fully, or even more so, when they are not enjoyed in solitude)? Do we disregard others‟ contributions in the kingdom because they aren‟t as talented, as hardworking, or as capable as we are?

A worthy example of how to view our fellow workers. David was unwilling to hear such surly, pompous posturing, instead decreeing that the spoil would be shared evenly among all his men. A couple of things are notable about David‟s reasoning for his solution; first, it is clear that David, unlike some of the miserly malcontents in his company, remembered why they had anything to divide up in the first place. “My brethren,” David said, “you shall not do so with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us” (30:23). Indeed, the Lord had advised David to give chase to the Amalekites in the first place, and promised total victory (30:8). So according to David, even the men who had done the fighting hadn‟t really won the battle—that honor was the Lord‟s alone to claim.

Notice also that David explained what the group who had stayed behind was actually doing. “As his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike” (30:24). Earlier in the text, we are simply told that they stayed behind due to weariness, and were apparently unfit to continue pursuing their quarry (30:10). Rather than zeroing in on what these 200 soldiers were unable to do, David commended them for what they had done.

What an exemplary outlook on the abilities and contributions of others! And what a Scriptural outlook on the efforts of our brethren! David never set foot in Corinth, but could‟ve seconded Paul‟s teaching to the Christians in that city—“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7). Further, “there are many members, yet one body […] those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:20, 22). Encourage others to serve in whatever way they can, and remember that all of our victories and successes, great or small, are granted by God.

An encouragement for those of us who aren’t on the front lines. I‟m sure glad David had such a gracious attitude towards the noncombatants in his army. There is a great wealth of good being done today by those who are „staying by the supplies‟, so to speak, and I believe that they are held in similar estimation by our God. There are those who provide funds, livelihood, for men and women who labor in extremely difficult situations. There are those who pray—always pray—that “the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). There are those who strengthen, comfort, exhort, uphold, admonish, and understand those who are in the thickest, hottest parts of the battle. In short, there are folks who contribute to the Lord‟s army in humble, unassuming ways—and they will receive a great reward for their service.

Whatever your role might be—whether you‟re constantly jumping into spiritual warzones, or whether you‟re more suited to a support role—see that you fulfill it to the best of your abilities.

Unfortunately, many never outgrow the “mine” way of thinking. It’s all about what they want, need or think. The result is usually not good because relations can suffer when people only think about themselves. (1 Cor. 11:16-18) My focus in this article is the marriage bond. What can we do to play nice?

If we’re going to play nice with others we have to do a good job of communicating. Begin by listening more carefully to what others say. You know how frustrating it is when others don’t pay attention to what you say, but you have probably done the same. There is no doubt marriages do better when husbands and wives listen to and respect each other.

How can your spouse listen if you’re not talking? You are responsible for expressing your feelings and revealing what’s important. Do you think it’s fair to get mad or hold another accountable for not knowing your thoughts if you have not told them?

You don’t want your marriage partner coming in one day and saying, “Guess what, I decided it’s time to quit my job, for us to move, or I’ve bought a house.” These might be extreme examples of not communicating, but they’re not isolated events. You may believe decisions are private and personal, but that is not true. Marriage is a partnership, and the life you live and the choices you make impact your husband or wife. He or she has a right to be a part of the decision making. Play nice together.

Everyone needs to be careful how and what they say. Do you want your husband or wife to speak down to you, to act as if they have superior wisdom and judgment? If not, then steer clear of doing the same to them. I don’t care how smart you think you are, you’re not right all the time. It’s just never a good idea to use a condescending I know more than you tone when communicating.

Toddlers could not care less about the wants and need of their sibling. It’s all about “Mine! Mine! Mine!” Playing nice means you care about your spouse’s dreams and needs. How do you gain this insight? Listen, talk and care about the other as you do yourself. Even if their goals are not important to you, your husband or wife should be and that means taking an interest in what’s important to them.

When two children are tugging back and forth on a toy, I doubt they are thinking about compromise. Compromise is when two sides give up something, but also gets something. The true spirit of concession occurs when you give up something of value or importance. That’s what marriage is, it’s a give and take between two people.

Some play nice when it is convenient or to their advantage, when in reality they have hidden motives. They promise the “world”, are kind, and even improve their behavior to get what they want. While the acts may be pleasing at first, if the true objectives become known that could change. There is nothing good and innocent about deceit. If you don’t want your husband or wife to play this way, then don’t try to con them.

What is missing from our discussion of nice play? Thus far I have examined conduct associated with a good marriage, but these are outward demonstrations of a deeper foundation. I am talking about a deep and enduring love, one that motivates us to share ourselves with our marriage partner. While playing nice may not always be a natural response, we will try more consistently if we love our husband or wife.

Love is one of those words batted about without understanding its depth or meaning. It’s more than an emotional response to individuals or events because feelings can change in the moment. Love is the ability to get through difficult times with your husband or wife while keeping a high-level of integrity. It also helps you refocus your feelings when angry and disappointed. Love brings you back to a point where you can try again.

If your love has faded, try being kind to your husband or wife, it has healing power. Problems can go on long enough where you just don’t feel the same about your spouse. There’s no easy or quick answer for this, but continuing the status quo won’t help. The chances are you aren’t and you haven’t been doing the things suggested above. If you become committed to these principles their power might surprise you. They may change your marriage bond for the better.

I am not suggesting anything new or that you haven’t done before. Do you remember the person you married, the way he or she stole your heart away? You would do anything for your beloved. No sacrifice was too great and no request too unreasonable for the one you loved. Even if you did not want to do something, you did it anyway because he or she wanted to. Why did you change from wanting to please to not caring about their wants? Chances are, you were talking to each other more often, telling your dreams and fears, and bearing your soul. You did not take each other for granted.

No marriage thrives if you can’t say “I am sorry” and “I forgive you”. If you are in an unhealthy marriage, it is not your partner’s fault exclusively. You have said and done things hurtful and harmful to the relationship, and you will probably do so again. Saying “I’m sorry”, without qualifying the apology or excusing yourself, goes a long way. When your spouse acts rudely and hurtful, be quick to forgive.

If your spouse is not the one you remember back when, odds are you both bear some responsibility. Perhaps you are not the one he or she remembers either. Time has passed and you find yourself in a position you don’t want be in. You want improvement NOW, but if it took time to get where you are then it’s probably going to take time to get back to where you want to be. Patiently work on your marriage and on yourself. I want to encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Does Paul describe the nature of your love or do you have some things to work on?

God’s work in Egypt stands as a testimony of His power over men. The story begins a few hundred years earlier with God’s promise to Abraham. (Gen. 12:1-3) Abraham’s seed would multiply as the stars of heaven and as the sand on the seashore. They would conquer and possess the land of their enemies as an inheritance. (Gen. 22:17) God provided all of these blessings through the power of His might and wisdom.

As wonderful as these blessings were, the greatest promise involved the coming of the Christ. God chose Abraham to be the one through whose seed the Messiah would come because he obeyed the Lord. (Gen. 22:18) The Exodus account ushered in the Old Law and God’s provision for fulfilling these promises.

God sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh with a simple demand from God, “Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.” Pharaoh’s answer typifies the response many give to God. They don’t know who the Lord is and they mock His call for obedience. (Matt. 27:41-43)

To ask “Who is the LORD” is a fair question for why would anyone serve a God they don’t know. Pharaoh did not know Jehovah or remember the deeds of Joseph. (Exodus 1:8) His only dealings with deity were the lifeless and powerless gods of Egypt. He did not know the power of the true and living God.

Many today ask the same question when they don’t like God’s Word. They have never known the true God of the Bible, but only distortions spread by false religion. (Acts 17:23) So when you state the Bible’s teaching about abortion or homosexuality they respond, “Who is this God you’re talking about.” Talk to them about obedience and they mock as did Pharaoh. They don’t the God of the New Testament. (Acts 17:32)

Not only did Pharaoh refuse to let the people go, he made life more difficult for them. He accused them of not having enough to do because they wanted to go and worship God for three days. As punishment he no longer provided the straw for them to make bricks. The Israelites had to find their own while keeping their quota of bricks. (Exodus 5:5-18)

Christians also face trials and persecution for seeking to serve God. (John 15:18-20) Worldly people cannot stand the light of Christian living. (John 3:19-21) They want to make matters just as difficult as possible for God’s people.

Pharaoh thought he could defy God, but his effort was vain. In this moment in history no nation was greater than Egypt and no ruler stronger than Pharaoh. People may think they can challenge God, but in the end they will comply or pay the price.

God was willing to answer Pharaoh’s question by displaying His Divine power. It began with Aaron casting down his rod before Pharaoh, and the rod turning into a serpent. Pharaoh’s magicians did the same, but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. (Exodus 7:8-14) God’s power thus demonstrated should have been enough, but Pharaoh hardened his heart against the Lord and would not let the people go.

The Lord continued His display of power with various plagues, ending in the death of the first born of Egypt. (Exodus 11:1-7) Each time Pharaoh promised to let the people go, but he hardened his heart again when God removed the plague. (Exodus 8:8-15) There was no need for Egypt to endure these hardships.

Jesus proved Himself in many ways, and yet people still reject Him. The Father announced, “”This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Mark 17:5) Christ performed miracles and arose on the third day, all of which testified to His Deity. (Acts 10:38-41)

When we rebuff the Lord and His Word we suffer harm and difficulty. Marriages suffer because of infidelity and children endure hardships when their parents fail to bring them up in the way of the Lord. Many ignore the warnings of God about alcohol and bear the price. Some dismiss His words of life and salvation, and they will pay an eternal penalty. (Heb. 10:28-31)

Pharaoh appeared to have learned his lesson after the death of the firstborn of Egypt. He sent the Israelites out with their flocks and herds to go and worship God. (Exodus 12:31-36) Once again Pharaoh changed his mind and chased Israel to bring them back. God did this to “gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD.” (Exodus 14:1-9)

There are still people who come to realize the truth, do what God commands only to turn their back on Him again. Such action results in one’s final destruction. (2 Peter 2:20-22) “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” He is the One whose word must be obeyed or we will suffer the effects of rebellion.

By Terry Starling

Judging character is about insight, whether it’s personal in the way you see yourself or the way you look at others. It’s also important to judge accurately. (John 7:24) I need to be honest evaluating myself, so I can use my strengths and work on my shortfalls. My opinion about others may influence the time, trust and friendship I give them.

It is difficult to believe people when they say they don’t care what others think about them. If someone has a low estimation of my character it’s an indictment against the person they think I am. No one should try to please everyone because they can’t, but everyone should try to live right and be a good person. (Titus 2:6-8)

To be a good person is hard work because it involves so much. It involves the whole man, with every decision and action rising to the highest standard. (Col. 3:1-4) There’s danger when we think of ourselves as being noble for a few virtuous acts while we’re corrupt in other areas. If the person you are depends on the moment and circumstance then you are falling short. (Gal. 6:3-5)

Goodness is not arbitrary and it’s not a matter for the individual to decide. (2 Peter 1:20-21)) This is contrary to current public opinion. It seems the general philosophy of our time is each person chooses for himself what’s good and right. (Prov. 14:12) I decide for myself sound appealing until another’s choice slaps me in the face. You see, he can do what he wants because it’s right in his own eyes.

The Bible is the best guide for anyone wanting to be a good person. Its message teaches us how to handle life and most of all how to be right with God. (2 Tim. 3:14-17) It even shows us how to live so our critics will have no fuel for the fire of their hostility. (1 Peter 3:16)

If you want to be a good husband or wife consider the words in Ephesians. (Eph. 5:22-33) A wife should submit to and respect her husband. A man should love his wife by caring for her needs, wanting what is best for her, and loving her as much as he loves himself. Be faithful to your spouse and remember the pledge of marriage.

If you want to be a good parent follow the advice of Paul. (Eph. 6:4) Don’t be unreasonable with your children by expecting too much from them. They are young and wanting to grow physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually. Give them a chance. Provide a godly education and teach them how to be good people. Correct your children and discipline them when necessary. Be there for them by giving your time and energy to their needs.

How do you act in the workplace or as a citizen of this country? These institutions are not always ideal or the way you want them, but their problems don’t give you the right to behave improperly. If you want to be a good employee, employer or citizen follow Paul’s instructions. (Eph. 6:5-9 & Rom. 13:1-7)

A good person does not lie, steal or cheat under any condition. Goodness bars sexual relations outside marriage, as well as sensuous conduct and dress. If you want to be a person of integrity don’t use profanity and control what you say. (Eph. 4:24-32) It’s sad but today’s society gives sinful people a free pass and even judges them to be good.

Even by following the above principles there is something still missing. No one can be a good person without God because everyone is a sinner. (Rom. 3:9-18) You must reverse your condition, but you can’t do it alone. (Acts 17:30-31) We need God’s help to achieve goodness, which He gives through Christ and revelation. Goodness comes when God forgives our sins after we obey His Plan to save. (Rom. 6:12-18)

If you want to be a good person then become a faithful Christian. You will not only do well in life, but you will excel as a person. I’ve never seen a faithful Christian who was not a good person.

Let me now ask what kind of Christian are you? A second rate Christian won’t do, neither will someone who’s just trying to get by. (Matt. 16:24-26) What is God going to say about your effort? He will say what He has already said in the Bible. It is the Book which tells us what it means to be a Child of God and how we must live to please Him.

A good Christian puts God first in his life. He worships regularly, faithfully, and as directed by God’s Word. (Heb. 10:25-27) A follower of Christ will want to be in His presence during services. He will not look for reasons or excuses to miss, but instead he will sacrifice other interests to be there. (Phil. 3:7-8) It’s time for vacation or a business trip; the first question should be “where is a faithful congregation to attend.”

Service opportunities abound for God’s People and so there’s just no reason for you to sit on the sidelines. (Matt. 25:34-46) Church members get sick, elderly Christians may need help, and there is always people who need encouraging. Make a phone call, send a card, or go by and visit with your brethren. Don’t forget to reach out to the lost in suitable ways.

Do you read your Bible and study with some regularity? Prayer is one of the greatest tools we have against temptation and despair, but not if you don’t use it. Sing when you’re happy and be thankful always. I hope we are faithful and useful Christians to God.

By Terry Starling

Think about the ways in which we use “ready” – “are you ready to go”, “are you ready for the test” and “are you ready for the job”? Being ready to go may entail cleaning up, dressing suitably and leaving on time. You ready yourself for a test by going to class, paying attention and studying the material before the exam. A person gets ready for the job by learning how to do the work. All of this implies the need for personal preparation and resolve, and it precedes success.

If you have ever not been ready for an important event you know how anxious you can feel. There’s not much you can do about it, because you have wasted the opportunity to prepare. What’s the best choice once in this position, don’t show up or go and hope you get lucky? It’s not a comfortable place to be.

Life teaches us that we can’t put off or avoid some events. (Rom. 2:3) Whether we are ready or not it’s going to take place, so it is best to prepare. The question we need to answer is “how does one go about readying himself for spiritual and eternal success?”

The first step is to examine your heart and decide just how important God is to you. (2 Cor. 13:5) Lip service is not enough, and even zeal and enthusiasm may fall short of a good heart. Preparing yourself for success begins by loving and respecting the One who created you. (Heb. 12:28)

Sadly, many love a god but not The God of the Bible. To ready yourself spiritually and eternally you must learn the truth about God’s nature and what He wants from you. (Acts 17:22-23) While people suggest various views about religion and faith, the truth comes from only one source. Compare what others say and your own faith against the standard of Scriptures. (Acts 17:11)

If you have ever begun a task without knowing what you were getting into you probably understand my next point. It’s always better to know the cost before beginning a pursuit. Kids go out for football every fall because their brothers did before them or their friends are going to play. It all looks like fun, they’ve heard the stories of glory and honor, but they don’t really know what they are getting into. The first day of practice has little “football” and at the end they run and run and run and run. They think to themselves, “What have I gotten myself into?” They quit because the cost was too high.

Salvation comes at a high price and everyone needs to understand this point before beginning the journey. (Luke 14:26-33) Consider the price God paid to forgive our sins. He sent His Son to die for our offenses. (Rom. 4:25) Jesus willingly left heaven and lived in the form of man, enduring all the hardships and trials we do. (Phil 2:5-11) He then offered Himself on the cross to save us.

Christians sacrifice themselves in godly living. (Rom. 12:1-2) We endure persecution for the cause of Christ and our faith. (1 Peter 3:14-17) We learn to control worldly lusts and walk in the path of Divine guidance. (1 Cor. 9:24-27) In short we do what God wants us to do. Our lives belong to Him and not to us. (Phil. 1:19-21)

Don’t forget to count the cost of a long journey. (Heb. 10:23) It is a whole lot cheaper and easier to travel five miles than it is to go five thousand miles. In the same manner, it’s easy to remain faithful for a day or two, but much more difficult over a lifetime. You must be ready for the long haul spiritually.

You need to allow for the unforeseen and possible glitches that can occur in any effort. (Matt. 25:1-13) When everything is going well and as planned it’s easier to know what to expect, but that is not life. No one has a routine life for long and if you are not ready for the unexpected it can derail your faith.

Are you ready to face the great antagonist, a force whose sole purpose is to keep you from your intended goal? Satan wants nothing more than to entice you away from God. (1 Peter 5:8) He will not give up his pursuit as long as you live.

Christians are not in the battle alone, but they must be ready and willing to accept help. God is our source of strength and protection from the beginning to the end. (Phil. 4:13) He will never leave us or abandon us, and the devil has no answer against Divine power. (Heb. 13:5)

If you add up the total cost of faith and compare it to the value of salvation you will find it’s worth any price. So we end with the original question, are you ready to succeed spiritually and eternally? Are you ready to face Jesus on judgment day?

By Terry Starling

“In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.”

I would like to suggest to you that you don‟t need to be in my company—in the company of any other „preacher‟ or minister or evangelist—to be preached to. Time spent with an open Bible is time spent with “the words of wise men”, to be certain. Many men who publicly proclaim the gospel may strive to resemble this self-portrait that Solomon provides for us, and in truth there is a need for all Christians to be ready when needed, to “go into all the world” (Mark 16:15), to “save others, snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23). However, it is impossible to reach that point without first receiving the proper instruction; one must learn before one can teach.

Therefore, what is the student‟s responsibility as he delves into the Book? What goal did Solomon (and other writers) have in mind when leaving behind such words of wisdom?

We begin at the logical starting place—Solomon hoped to teach the people knowledge. At the most basic level, we must actually be engaged in learning when we devote ourselves to study of God‟s word. Are you reading for content? Are you reading with comprehension? Are you remembering what you‟ve read? A bad habit I formed during college was „cramming‟ (actually, I believe I turned it into more of an art form than a habit by the time things were said and done). You‟ve probably taken tests in that way before—a few hours of study before the exam, a few minutes more to complete the exam itself, and then a lifetime to never again remember what it was you were just tested over. That is learning without knowledge. The serious Bible student retains the wonderful information presented to him, information which originated in the mind of God Almighty. When you search the Scriptures, absorb the knowledge found therein.

The Preacher then pondered and arranged many proverbs. Proverbs are useful because they are practical, applicable, and memorable. When you are committing portions of Scripture to memory, you don‟t need to find the most difficult, lengthy, and obscure passages—there is not a thing wrong with starting small. Latch onto that which is useful in your daily life. Do not stunt your own growth in knowledge of the Word, but be aware that there is a great deal to be gained by understanding that which is easily understood. Additionally, however, make sure that your studies cover broad ground; Solomon searched out “many” proverbs—he had wisdom for every occasion and situation. Involve yourself in similarly voluminous studies, and you will benefit.

Also, Solomon found delightful words of truth. Never apologize for „enjoying‟ a Biblical story simply for its content, for appreciating a certain psalm because of the beauty of its language. Just take care that, in all things, you see all the way to the truth of what is read. One of the true joys of the Scriptures is that they are satisfying on so many levels—beautifully written, historically accurate, interesting in content, and truthful to the very last letter. Learn the truth “correctly”, and allow yourself to be thankful for the delightful words you read.

The Preacher had a specific result in mind, however; he intended his words to act as goads or well-driven nails. God‟s word isn‟t light reading, the kind that entertains for a moment but can be quickly forgotten. We have an obligation to respond to what we study, to be driven by those expertly-aimed nails written down by God‟s chosen vessels in times past. Read with a mind towards action! Let the picture of hope and the warning of judgment that is carried throughout the entirety of Scripture spur you on, and inspire growth, responsibility, and zeal.

Finally, the wise king warns that endless devotion to other knowledge is harmful. Solomon points out the folly of constantly pursuing the world‟s wisdom, reading (or writing) as many books on as many different scholarly subjects as possible. This simply wearies the body, and can potentially damage the soul. Instead, there is one thing to which we should devote ourselves, and one source of true wisdom—“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Bible I use most often has just slightly over 1000 pages; it is a fairly small volume when we consider that it contains everything necessary for the salvation of a man‟s soul.

This week, spend some time with the Preacher—spend some time with the Word.

By Drew Jones

Drew Jones is a young man preaching the gospel in Alabama.

How do you think the journey would go if one of the children developed a stomach bug? Crying, screaming, and the mess that goes with this sickness seems as if it’s unending. There is not a moment of peace for anyone in the car and everyone is wishing they had never left home. But once you are there and the bug has run its course everyone has a blast skiing.

Some trips kindle greater excitement than others, and what makes the difference is not so much the journey but what awaits one there. Would a child look forward to a trip to the principal’s office for misbehaving as much as he does going to his birthday party? Of course not, because the two destinations have different expected results, one he’s excited about and the other he dreads.

I want to consider the journey of life for a few moments. It’s rightly called a journey because life is taking us somewhere. We travel to the next moment of time, where there’s a renewal of opportunity and choice. Life is about doing what we want, need or should do. It is about serving God. (Eccl. 12:13)

This voyage is long and difficult at times, but it can also be fun and fulfilling. (Heb. 11:24-26) We sometimes become impatient with its routine and we can’t wait to get there. Along the way we enjoy success and new experiences. This is the time when it’s fun to be alive.

Some might describe life as a journey to death, but it’s more than that because death ushers in eternity. (Heb. 9:27-28) While it’s difficult for us to appreciate eternity, we prepare for it by the way we live. It’s a voyage each person must take, but not everyone will arrive at the same place. (John 5:28-29) It all depends on the road traveled – the choices we make in life.

We can travel more comfortably by doing the things we want now, but at what cost? By living in sin each person does right in his own eyes. (Prov. 30:12) Moral and religious issues become self-regulated rather than divinely controlled. (Rom. 1-4) Life may be easier when we do what we want, but in the end it will disappoint us. (Prov. 14:12) I’m not sure an easy journey to hell is what we are looking for.

Consider the story of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32) A rebellious young man leaves his father and journeys to a far country. It was a trip to despair and poverty because he wasted his inheritance in sin. Once he hit rock bottom and realized his sin, he made a trip back to his father’s love and blessings. The father received him with open arms and celebrated his return. The application is simple, when man journeys away from God, disaster and heartache result, but God is waiting and willing to receive those who return. (2 Peter 3:9)

No one wants to be in a car with someone who has a stomach bug. The world has its own stomach bug called sin. (Matt. 9:12) It stinks up the place and can infect those who are around. As unpleasant as it is to be around sin, Christians will forget all about it once in heaven. (Rev. 21:1-4)

It’s only natural to want an easy trip, but it is more important to arrive at the right destination. The journey to heaven is difficult and filled with obstacles, but it is worth the effort. (Matt. 7:13-14) Whether you know it or not, you’re on a journey to eternity and you are traveling to a place called heaven or hell.

The good and bad news is as long as you’re alive you can change your destiny. If you are heading to hell, change your direction by following Christ. (Rev. 22:17) If you are a Christian, remain faithful and don’t change your course. Remember, Heaven is worth any price and you should avoid hell at all cost. (Rev. 2:10) Would you rather be the boy heading to the principal’s office or the boy going to his birthday party – the biggest and best birthday party every?

By Terry Starling