20071231

labor and greet

Romans 16

v12

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

It's important to salute (greet) people, and we should labor much in the Lord.

From: When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder

By James Black, 1893
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071230

make a contribution

Romans 15

v26

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

It's good to join with other people to send money to believers who are in need, even when they're in a different city.

From: Count Your Blessings

By Johnson Oatman, 1897 and Edwin Excell
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071229

Holidays

Romans 14

v5

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

I don't celebrate Christmas or New Years, but if other people want to, I don't have to stop them.

20071228

don't talk too much

Job 35

v16

Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

One problem Job had was multiplying words without knowledge. If I don't know about something, I shouldn't talk about it too much. One saying is, "If you don't know, don't say." I'd like to add to that, "If you don't know too much, don't say too much."

From: Take My Life and Let It Be

By Frances Havergal, 1874 and Hen­ri Ma­lan, 1827
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Filled with messages from Thee.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071227

Job 34

v9

For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

We shouldn't consider the things of the Lord, like praying and studying the Bible, to be a weariness.

When we pray, we should ask the Lord for what would delight us (within what is right). We should believe that our praying will make a difference, instead of thinking it will profit nothing.

From: Sweet Hour of Prayer

By William Walford, 1845 and William Bradbury, 1861
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071226

not slothful in business

Romans 12

v11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

I found this convicting because I've been slothful (lazy) with doing my work. The way I need to redeem the time is by serving the Lord with my work, instead of being lazy with it.

From: Rescue the Perishing

By Fanny Crosby, 1869 and Howard Doane, 1870
Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071225

God finishes His work

Romans 11

v29

For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

I have a friend, and the Lord has started a good work in him. I'm going to pray for that friend, because the Lord will finish what He has started in him.

From: Our God, Our Help in Ages Past

By Isaac Watts, 1719 and William Croft, 1708
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071224

faith by the Word

Romans 10

v17

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith is like believing the Lord. That belief comes from hearing the Word of God, which is the Bible. If you have doubts, like thoughts that the story of Jesus might just be a made-up story, you can deal with those doubts and believe the Lord more, by listening to the Bible.

From: Standing on the Promises

By Russell Car­ter in 1886
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071223

to not be ashamed

Romans 9

v33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Who likes to be ashamed? Not me. Let's believe on Jesus, so we won't be.

From: Faith Is the Victory

By John Yates, 1891 and Ira Sank­ey
To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071222

be spiritually minded

Romans 8

v6

For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.

In order to be spiritually minded, I should continue memorizing the Bible in Romans.

From: I Am Thine, O Lord

By Fan­ny Cros­by in 1875 and William Doane
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071221

Job 33

v27

He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;

We should confess our sins, and that way things can be made right.

From: I Am Thine, O Lord

By Fan­ny Cros­by in 1875 and William Doane
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071220

tell how God is just

Job 32

v2

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

We shouldn't speak like we're the people who have done what's right. We shouldn't justify ourselves. God is the one who is just, not us. Our speech needs to show that.

From: Joy to the World

By Isaac Watts, 1719 and arranged by Lowell Mason, 1836
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071219

stop sinning

Romans 6

v16

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

As Christians, we must make sure to stop sinning, because by continuing to sin, we would make ourselves slaves to that.

From: Revive Us Again

By William Mackay, 1863 and John Husband, 1815
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071218

peace and patience

Romans 5

v1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

My experience has been that if we don't have peace with God, that's often because we need to repent and apologize for sin we have done. Maybe we're distracted by our troubles and using other people's sin as an excuse to not repent from our own. In that case, we need to repent.

v3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

As you read this, do you feel like you have many troubles? When we have trouble, we need to be patient, believe the Lord, and hope in Him.

From: Count Your Blessings

By Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1897 and Edwin Excell
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
    headphonesdownload MP3 file

20071217

give God glory

Romans 4

v20

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

We should give glory to God. One way to do that is by singing.

From: To God Be the Glory

By Fan­ny Cros­by in 1875 and W. How­ard Doane
To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071216

to be justified, believe Jesus

Romans 3

v26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

We can be justified by believing in Jesus. We could get so caught up with other things, but we need to consider this. Jesus is the important thing. The important thing is being made right with God by believing in Him. I know I say this same kind of thing all the time, but we need to concentrate on believing in Jesus.

From: Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

By Hel­en Lem­mel, 1922
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071215

don't brag

Romans 2

v23

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

We shouldn't boast, like bragging about how we keep some of God's law.

v16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

We should be truly doing what's right, even in secret, not just looking like we're doing what's right on the outside.

v29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

We should be looking for God's approval, not looking for other people to say good things about us. Let's truly do what's right, and not brag or look for other people's approval.

From: There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus

By John­son Oat­man, 1895 and George Hugg
No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one! No, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one! No, not one!

Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071214

Job 31

v5

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

Deceitfulness is a serious problem. As I do business, I'll try to be as honest as I can.

From: Standing on the Promises

By R. Kel­so Car­ter in 1886
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071213

Westroads: Von Maur Tragedy

On Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 (one week before yesterday), a murderer shot and killed 8 people with a machine gun. This happened in a high class department store called Von Maur at the Westroads Mall shopping center, here in my city of Omaha, Nebraska.

Some people seem to have been shocked that something like this could happen in a city like ours. Located near the middle of the conterminous United States, Omaha is a great city. It is the headquarters of several large and high technology firms, and the home of the billionaire Warren Buffet. However, most people seem to feel like Omaha is a safe, peaceful, friendly city, like a small town.

This should make us think about our lives, and about the world. We shouldn't go around with a false sense of safety and security. We shouldn't consider everything to be fine when there are serious problems. Most importantly, everything should be right between us and God. We should be ready for the end of our lives. We need to reevaluate our priorities and consider what is really important. How are we spending our time and money? What are we thinking about and doing all the time? We never know when we walk out the front door to go somewhere, whether it's the last day we have in our lives.

When you die, are you ready to face the judgment of God? Jesus Christ is the Lord and Master. He suffered and died on the cross to save us from our sins, and then He came back to life. Whoever will believe these things, and pray and ask Him to save them, will be saved. That means you will be able to go to heaven with joy and pleasure forever after you die, instead of having to suffer torture and destruction forever in Hell. It also means much more, including that Jesus will always be with you to help you in your life. Listen to what the Bible says about it.

That if you confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
(Romans 10:9 in my own words)

We should remember the people who died, and extend our condolences. We should pray for their families and friends, the people who were injured, and everybody else who was involved. We should pray for comfort and encouragement. We should also examine ourselves.

We Remember

Please use this memorial in your web page, blog, email and more:


headphoneslisten to MP3 file

Job 30 - pray patiently

v20

I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me [not].

Sometimes I feel like I keep praying and the Lord isn't hearing my prayers. When I think that, I can remember the story of Job. I need to be patient.

From: Standing on the Promises

By R. Kel­so Car­ter in 1886
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071212

receive and assist

Romans 16

v2

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

We should receive and assist saints which have aided and relieved many people.

succour
succor. to go to the aid of : relieve

From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Used by Fair Use, in a limited way for educational purposes.

From: Standing on the Promises

By R. Kel­so Car­ter in 1886
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071211

Luke 1:39-80 - Key

v45

And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Earlier in this chapter, Gabriel said things that would also be fulfilled (v20), but Zacharias became mute because he didn't believe them. Mary's response was different. She was willing to let the things happen to her just like the angel's words said they would (v38). The things the Lord told Mary would also be performed, just like the words to Zacharias would be fulfilled, but Zacharias became mute because he didn't believe, and Mary was blessed because she did believe.

Application

When the Lord tells us something, we should believe Him, because His Words will be performed and fulfilled whether we believe Him or not. We will be blessed if we believe.

What I'm going to do about it, is that I'm going to work on redeeming the time. I think that when I waste time for fun instead of dong what I should, it's because of unbelief. It's because I don't believe that the Lord is real and good, and that He will reward me for doing what He wants me to do.

From: Standing on the Promises

By R. Kel­so Car­ter in 1886
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071210

Luke 1:39-80 - Outline

v39-45
Elisabeth spoke. We are blessed if we believe. The Lord will do what He promised (v45).
v46-55
Mary spoke. The Lord has mercy (v50,54) and lifts up people who are low (v48,52).
v56-63
his name is John (v63)
v64-79
Zacharias spoke, praised God, (v64) and prophesied (v67)
v80
the way John the baptizer started out

From: Standing on the Promises

By R. Kel­so Car­ter in 1886
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071209

pray for these things

Romans 15

v13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

We should pray this for each other.

From: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

By Charles Wesley, 1739 and Carl Gläser, 1828
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071208

distribute to saints' needs

Romans 12

v13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

If we have more than we personally need (and I mean need), as the Lord's people, we should be giving to each other. If we aren't sure whether to give to certain people, or if we don't know who we should give to, we need to find out.

From: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

By Charles Wesley, 1739 and Carl Gläser, 1828
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071207

Job 29

v13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

I should help out other people that need help. One way to do that is praying for them.

From: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

By Charles Wesley, 1739 and Carl Gläser, 1828
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071206

Job 28

v28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

If we want to have wisdom, we should realize the scary judgment the Lord would have on us, and we should go away from doing evil things.

From: There Is Power in the Blood

By Lew­is Jones, 1899
Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071205

burden for others

Romans 9

v2

That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

Our desires shouldn't be for our own selfish ambitions. The thing we should care about is righteousness in people's lives.

From: God Is So Good

(Tra­di­tion­al)
I love Him so,
I love Him so,
I love Him so,
He’s so good to me!

I praise His Name,
I praise His Name,
I praise His Name,
He’s so good to me!
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071204

Luke 1:1-38 Key

v13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Zacharias was supposed to not fear because his prayer had been heard. Sometimes I've gotten all upset about situations because they're not going the way I want, or because I'm not sure what to do.

Instead I should stop and consider how the Lord has been hearing my prayers. For example, I prayed for the Lord to help me preach the gospel to people, and He did.

From: God Is So Good

(Tra­di­tion­al)
God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
He’s so good to me!

He cares for me,
He cares for me,
He cares for me,
He’s so good to me!
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071203

Luke 1:1-38 Outline

v1-4
the reason for the book of Luke, and the order of it
v5-17
fear not, Zacharias (from v13)
v18-25
Zacharias wasn't able to speak because he didn't believe the words of Gabriel (from v20)
v26-30
fear not, Mary (from v30)
v31-38
with God nothing shall be impossible (from v37)

20071202

don't worry, be godly

Romans 8

v35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

If other people treat us the wrong way we shouldn't get angry, hold grudges, or think bad things about them.

When we have trouble (like tribulation, distress, or persecution) we should just Love God and do what's right without worrying because He will keep loving us and work everything together for good.

20071201

a battle inside of me

Romans 7

v19

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

There's a battle inside of me for me to sin, but I need to remember that the Lord has shown me to wait on Him, and I need to wait on the Lord whole-heartedly.

20071130

Job 27

Outline

v1-6
Be determined to not say wicked things (especially v4)
v7-12
Don't be a hypocrite. Delight yourself in the Lord and call on Him (v10)
v13-18
Wicked people might have many nice things, but those things don't last. They end up bringing pain instead of pleasure.
v19-23
Wicked people end up with terrible destruction like from a storm (v21)

Key v10

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

Unlike a hypocrite, I should delight myself in the almighty and constantly pray.

From: Rock of Ages

By Augustus Toplady, 1776 and Thomas Hastings, 1830
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071129

sin I need to repent from

2 Peter 3

Outline

v1,2
stir up, remember, be mindful
v3-10
the end of the world will take sinful people by surprise
v11-13
we ought to be awfully holy as we're looking forward to the end of the world
v14-18
be diligent (v14), long-suffering (v15), and steadfast (v17)

Key v11

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
I should be diligent to make sure that I'm godly.

Application v14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
I'll pray and ask the Lord to show me sin I need to repent from.

From: There Is Power in the Blood

By Lew­is Jones, 1899
Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow.
There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain

Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071128

Romans 1

v16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I should be ready to preach the gospel, and try to preach the gospel to everybody. I shouldn't be afraid to do that or ashamed of it or anything.

20071125

wake up

Proverbs 6

v18

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

The Lord hates hearts that devise wicked imaginations, and they are an abomination to Him (v16). We need to wake up from doing that (v4,9), and wake up from pride (v3,17). Instead, we need to be diligent (v6), make sure of our friends (v3), and listen to our parents (v20).

From: Grace Greater than Our Sin

By Julia Johnston, 1911 and Daniel Towner, 1910
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071124

Podcast Directory

This message is just a code to claim this podcast for the Odeo podcast directory. I do not recommend Odeo.

My Odeo Channel (odeo/2912732ac6544c15)

attend unto wisdom

Proverbs 5

v1

My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding:

We should listen to wisdom from other people.

From: Grace Greater than Our Sin

By Julia Johnston, 1911 and Daniel Towner, 1910
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071123

Job 26 Key

v2

How hast thou helped [him that is] without power? [how] savest thou the arm [that hath] no strength?

The Lord is so much greater than us, that we can't do the kinds of great things that He does. I need to work on being humble.

20071122

Job 26 Outline

v1-4
we haven't done the same kinds of great things that the Lord has done
v5,6
God even has control over death
v7-13
great things the Lord does
v14
this is just the tip of the iceberg

From: Grace Greater than Our Sin

By Julia Johnston, 1911 and Daniel Towner, 1910
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071121

listen to your father

Proverbs 4

v1

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

It's easy to think that we know better, but we should still listen to our fathers.

From: Grace Greater than Our Sin

By Julia Johnston, 1911 and Daniel Towner, 1910 (I changed the word "spilled" to "shed".)
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was shed.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071120

2 Peter 2 Key

v9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

This is an encouraging promise, that the Lord knows how to deliver godly people from temptations.

Application

We should make sure to be godly and not be unjust.

From: O Soul, Are You Weary and Troubled

By Hel­en Lem­mel, 1922
His Word shall not fail you-He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071119

2 Peter 2 Outline

v1-4
there's serious judgment for false teachers
v5-9
there's deliverance for righteous people
v10-12
unjust people say evil things about higher powers
v13-17
these are not nice guys
v18-22
luring people to turn from the way of righteousness

From: O Soul, Are You Weary and Troubled

By Hel­en Lem­mel, 1922
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion-
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071118

wise in your own eyes

Proverbs 3

v7

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

I'm not exactly sure what being wise in your own eyes means. Maybe it means something like, you think you're wise, but the Lord might not think you're wise, and you might not actually be wise.

This makes me think of something else the Bible talks about, being wise in your own conceit. These things sound like pride, and they sound to me like I shouldn't be conceited and proud about my own wisdom.

From: O Soul, Are You Weary and Troubled

By Hel­en Lem­mel, 1922
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071117

simple concerning evil

Romans 16

v19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

If we hear that somebody has done evil things, or if we know a word is a bad word but are not sure what it means, we shouldn't look it up. It's OK to not know all about evil things. We should be simple concerning evil.

From: Does Jesus Care?

By Frank Graeff, 1901 and J. Hall
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071116

Job 24 Key

Key v14

The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

Instead of being like that, we should consider how we can do good things for poor people.

From: Does Jesus Care?

By Frank Graeff, 1901 and J. Hall
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071115

Job 24 Outline

v1-12
wicked people don't take care of poor people
v13-17
scared of the light instead of scared of the dark
v18-25
those who have sinned are lifted up for a little while (v24,) but consumed by the grave (v19)

From: Does Jesus Care?

By Frank Graeff, 1901 and J. Hall
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071114

boast not

Romans 11

v18

Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

We shouldn't boast, which, of course, means we shouldn't brag.

From: Does Jesus Care?

By Frank Graeff, 1901 and J. Hall
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071113

2 Peter 1

Outline

v1-4
great and precious promises
v5-11
very important things to do
v12-15
remind people while you're alive
v16-21
how Scripture came

Key v5

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

These are pretty important things to do. I'll start at the beginning of the list, with "giving all diligence".

Application

This is particularly talking about being diligent to do the rest of the things in this list, but it's also good to be diligent in general. I'll work on being diligent.

diligent
characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort

From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Used by Fair Use, in a limited way for educational purposes.

From: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

By Vernon Charlesworth, about 1880 and Ira Sankey, about 1885
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071112

by the Word of God

Romans 10

v17

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Good things, like effective prayer, come from having faith. If we want those things, we need to be listening to the Word of God. We can do that by listening to the things the Bible says, because the Bible is the Word of God.

From: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

By Vernon Charlesworth, about 1880 and Ira Sankey, about 1885
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071111

make sure you trust Him

Romans 9

v33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Whoever believes on Jesus will not be ashamed. There might be many things to be worried about, but we should just make sure we are trusting Him.

From: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

By Vernon Charlesworth, about 1880 and Ira Sankey, about 1885
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071110

we have hope

Romans 8

v18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

No matter how miserably we suffer in this present time, with Jesus, we have hope. As we pursue Him and righteousness, we can look forward to fullness of joy and everlasting pleasures. This is a real thing, and it's awesome to remember.

From: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

By Vernon Charlesworth, about 1880 and Ira Sankey, about 1885
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071109

Job 23 Key

Job 23

Key v12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Job considered the Lord's Words to be more important than his need for food. We should value the Word of God like that.

Application

I'll pay more attention to memorizing the Bible.

From: No, Not One!

By Johnson Oatman, 1895 and George Hugg
Was ever a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in Heaven?
No, not one! No, not one!

Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
headphoneslisten to MP3 file

20071108

Job 23 Outline

Job 23

Outline

v1-2
Job had a bitter and heavy situation (v2)
v3-7
the Lord knew his innocence
v8-9
he could not find the way to come to the Lord
v10-12
consider the Lord's Word to be more important than food (v12)
v13-14
nobody can keep the Lord from doing what He wants to do
v15-17
Job thought his trouble (v15,16) was because of the Lord

20071107

glorify God and be thankful

Romans 1 and 2

1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Much unrighteousness came from not glorifying God right or being thankful. We should be thankful and glorify the Lord.

From: A Child of the King

By Har­ri­et Bu­ell, 1877 and John Sum­ner, 1877
A tent or a cottage, why should I care?
They’re building a palace for me over there;
Though exiled from home, yet still may I sing:
All glory to God, I’m a child of the King.

I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King.
headphoneslisten to MP3 file
Bookmark and Share