“I [Jesus] am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades [hell].”¹

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“He [Jesus] looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”¹

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“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”¹

In his sermon, “Obedience,” Warren Lamb said, “I used to have problems getting my son to clean his room. I would insist that he, ‘Do it now,’ and he would always agree to do so, but then he wouldn’t follow through—at least, not right way.

“After high school, he joined the Marine Corps, which is where he is now. When he and I were on the plane together coming home for his leave after Boot Camp, he said to me, ‘My life makes sense now, Dad. Everything you said and did when I was growing up now makes sense. I really, really understand.’

“‘Oh yeah, Dad,’ he added. ‘I learned what ‘now’ means.’”²

For all of us, the only time we ever have is now.

If God is urging you to make amends with a friend or loved one, do it now. If there is a job or responsibility you have been putting of, do it now. If God is calling you to accept his gift of salvation, remember NOW is the day of salvation. Be sure to do this today. For help go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9 to read, “How to Be Sure You’re a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for your Word that reminds me that the day of salvation is now—today. Please help me to do today what is the most important thing in my life, and especially to make sure my life is right with you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen.”

1. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV).
2. Warren Lamb, www.sermoncentral.com

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“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”¹

What is sin and why does God hate it?

Someone has argued if God is the creator of all things then he must have created sin. Actually, sin, as another has suggested is not a “created” thing at all. It is an action on our part or a failure to act as we know we ought to act or behave. God created people but he didn’t create sin or sinners. Sinners are people who have chosen to go their own way rather than God’s way. It’s the same with evil. It is the evil actions of people who have chosen to do evil things that make them evil.

In the Bible there are three facets to sin. First has to do with breaking God’s laws that are found in his Word, the Bible. Second applies to rebelling against God and going one’s own sinful way. And third has to do with falling short of God’s standard of perfection; that is, being less than whole and all that God envisioned for us to be. The latter also includes sins of omission—not doing what we know we should do—as well as sins of commission.

And why does God hate sin so vehemently? Because it destroys those whom God loves—us. It causes us to be spiritually dead, and separates us from the God who created and loves us, and dooms us to a lost eternity in the place the Bible calls hell—whatever and wherever that may be.

While sin totally destroys those whom God loves, his mercy and love have provided a way of escape from sin’s destructive consequences for all who put their trust in him and become a true Christ follower or Christian. For help to be sure you are a real Christian go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to understand the totality of sin, its devastating consequences, and why you hate and despise it. Help me also to understand your plan of salvation and deliverance from sin’s dreadful consequences through Jesus Christ and be absolutely sure that I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and have received your gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen.”

1. Romans 6:23 (NIV).

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“In the beginning God.”¹

We hear quite a bit these days about the worldview people have. Simply put, one’s worldview is the way we view the world in which we live. It serves as a road map for one’s life—the guide for the way we live and orchestrate our life. It has to do with one’s belief system about the world in which we live.

A Christian worldview is based on reality—on truth—on truth as it is revealed and/or confirmed in God’s Word, the Bible, which is the only viable source of truth that can realistically answer the four questions one’s worldview takes into account. These questions are as follows:

“Where did I come from?
Why is the world in such a mess?
Is there a way to fix it?
Is there a purpose for my life?”²

First, where did I come from? The Christian believes that we came from God; that in the beginning he created all—including you and me. Because of this we are accountable to him and are morally responsible for all our actions.

Second, why is the world in such a mess? We believe that this is because of sin and evil which was introduced into the world by Satan the devil, a fallen angel, who wanted to dethrone God and become God himself. “I will become as the Most High,” he said. Consequently he was dismissed from God’s Heaven.³

Tragically, because mankind chose to disobey God’s directions and follow Satan’s, sin entered the entire human race. Because sin cannot exist and sinners cannot survive in the presence of a holy and just God, any more than a moth can survive in a flame, our sin has destined us to eternal separation from a just and holy God in the place the Bible calls hell—the place prepared for the devil and other fallen angels known as demons.

Third, is there an answer to mankind’s dilemma—a way to fix our problem? Fortunately for mankind there is. As the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”⁴

In other words, because God’s justice required that the just judgment for all sin is death; that is, eternal separation from God the author of all love and life, God gave his only son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place to pay the just penalty for all our sin. Because of Christ’s sacrifice God now offers to all who will accept it a free pardon and the gift of eternal life with God in Heaven forever. Based on the Word of God, Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for mankind’s sin, and the only way into God’s Heaven.⁵

Fourth, is there a purpose for my life? According the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “Man’s chief end [purpose] is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” We glorify God, first by building a deeper understanding of and a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ, and then by living a morally upright life, in loving God and worshipping God, by loving our neighbors as ourselves, and by our service to God. And we serve God by using our God-given natural and spiritual gifts to serve others. The important thing is: do you know what your specific God-given life purpose is?

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that your word, the Bible, gives us the only secure road map for all of life’s journey—from the cradle to the grave and beyond. Please help me to be certain my world view is in line with your Word so that I will live in harmony with your will here on earth and spend eternity with you in Heaven forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen.”

1. Genesis 1:1.
2. Chuck Colson, BreakPoint, http://www.breakpoint.org/generic.asp?ID=2541.
3. See Isaiah 14:12.
4. John 3:16 (NIV).
5. See John 14:6.

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“When the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.”¹

Bruce Ferris wrote, “My wife and I recently saw a television show on The History Channel titled, ‘The Man Who Predicted 911.’ Long before September 11th, Rick Rescorla, the 62-year-old head of security at the Morgan Stanley Bank, developed an evacuation plan for the bank. The bank’s offices were situated high up in the South Tower at the World Trade Center. Rescorla was convinced that Osama Bin Laden would use jet planes to try and destroy the World Trade Center. The plan and its preparation were hugely unpopular with the Morgan Stanley staff, many of whom thought Rescorla was mad.

“On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 hit World Trade Center Tower 1 at 8:46 am. Rick Rescorla ignored building officials’ advice to stay put and began the orderly evacuation of Morgan Stanley’s 2,800 employees on 20 floors of World Trade Center Tower 2, and 1,000 employees in WTC 5. Rescorla reminded everyone to ‘be proud to be an American … everyone will be talking about you tomorrow,’ and sang God Bless America and other songs over his bullhorn to help evacuees stay calm as they left the building. Rescorla had most of Morgan Stanley’s 2800 employees as well as people working on other floors of WTC 2 safely out of the buildings by the time United Airlines Flight 175 hit WTC 2 at 9:07 a.m.

“After having reached safety, Rescorla returned to the building to rescue others still inside. He was last seen heading up the stairs of the tenth floor of the collapsing WTC 2. His remains were not recovered. As a result of Rescorla’s actions, only six of Morgan Stanley’s 2800 WTC employees were killed on September 11th, 2001, including Rick and three of his deputies who followed him back into the building.

“The remainder of this very moving broadcast focused on Morgan Stanley Bank employees who, now in tears, were praising and acknowledging Rick Rescorla for having saved their lives from total destruction that day. Many felt so guilty and apologetic [because] they had thought Rick foolish to keep preaching and standing for what he believed would happen if they were not ready. Those interviewed said they would never forget Rick Rescorla. He was their hero.”²

The first coming of Jesus Christ is an indisputable fact of history. Be assured, his second coming will be just as certain. His first coming was to give his life to die on the cruel Roman cross to pay the just penalty for your sins and mine so we could receive God’s forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. His second coming will be as King of kings and Lord of lords and to bring judgment on all who have failed or refused to accept God’s warning and gift of forgiveness and salvation.

While ancient Noah built the ark he was mocked and ridiculed. None but his immediate family believed God’s warning about the impending flood. And as Jesus has warned, it will be the same when he returns to judge the world and destroy all who have rejected his gift of salvation.

If you have never received God’s offer of salvation, I urge you to do that today so you are ready for God’s day of judgment. For help go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9 and read, “How to Be Sure You’re a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious.”

On the other hand, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, will you be as a “Rick Rescorla” to help notify all in your circle of influence about the coming of God’s judgment and the impending doom of all who refuse to accept God’s free gift of salvation. For an extremely simple way to do this go to: https://learning.actsweb.org/announce.php. And for those who live in the U.S. also go https://actscom.com/index.php to order a supply of the Good News business size witness cards to give to family, friends and contacts.

And will you help support the “Rick Rescorlas” who are on “God’s security” team warning multitudes of people of God’s coming judgment and are spreading God’s good news of salvation around the world. To do this go to: https://actscom.com/donate.php

Think of all the people whose lives Rick Rescorla saved. You and I can do the same; that is, help save lives for all eternity. There is no greater privilege and responsibility in the entire world. Will you make this commitment today by genuinely praying the following prayer:

“Dear God, I am available. Please use me to be as a ‘Rick Rescorla’ and help save lives for all eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen.”

1. Luke 17:26-27 (TLB).
2. Bruce Ferris, www.SermonCentral.com.

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“For in the day of trouble he [God] will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”¹

“In the movie, ‘The Bear,’ a bear cub whose mother died took up with a male bear. They traveled together. One of my favorite parts happened when they got separated and the little bear came upon a mountain lion. When the mountain lion came at the cub he stood up trying to scare it away. The mountain lion all of a sudden started backing away. The little bear cub thought he had scared him away but what had really happened was that the big bear came up behind the little bear. It wasn’t the cub but the big bear that frightened the lion away. We may not look very frightening [to our enemy, the devil] but we have a Father that is all powerful [standing behind us]”²

For example: in the following poem, “Hide-and-Seek,” I have written:

“Sometimes it seems that life / makes little or no sense / as we wander blind searching for a ray of light / to lead us to the truth / or to a God who isn’t there. / But if we will stand still and / listen with our heart we will / hear a rustling in the leaves, feel the brush of angel’s wings, / and sense the presence of a loving / Father playing hide-and-seek, waiting patiently / wanting us to find him.”³

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that when I commit and trust my life and way to you on a daily basis, you are always present to be my guide and help—regardless of whether I feel your presence or not. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen.”

Note: Hide-and-Seek poem available (framed or non-framed) at: http://tinyurl.com/33g35b

1. Psalm 27:5 (NIV).
2. Sharon Stonestreet on www.SermonCentral.com.
3. Dick Innes © Copyright.

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King David, the Psalmist wrote: “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”¹

A. C. Dixon wrote, “A dear friend of mine who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: ‘Rising early one morning,’ he said, ‘I heard the baying of a score of deerhounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run. Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood.

A moment later, two of the hounds came over, and the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then, that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength.’

“So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds of sin were after my soul, until, at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God.”²

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that when I am afraid of falling and being consumed by temptation and call out to you for help, you always come to my rescue and save me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen.”

1. Psalm 57:1 (NIV).

2. A. C. DIXON as quoted in E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer. Source: Today’s Wit & Wisdom Devotional, http://net153.com.

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“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …. Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”¹

“Evolutionists strongly deny the idea that men came from the apes. They insist both came from a hypothetical ape-like ancestor, or a missing link. In their story, man and apes diverged from the imaginary ancestor some seven million years ago. However, there is no evidence that this supposed ‘missing link’ ancestor ever existed. If it were true, surely some would be fossilized. But none have ever been found.

“Since there is no fossil evidence, let’s look at it from the standpoint of genetics. How many genetic mutations it would require for the ape-like ancestor to transition into a human? The only way we know to acquire new genes is to alter existing genes through random mutation. The best alteration science has observed has produced only novel recombinations. Most mutations deteriorate the genetic information and thus harm the offspring. Many mutations are fatal. Evolution would require trillions of innovative mutations to produce man from lower forms. None have been observed.”²

I am neither a scientist nor the son of a scientist but I know enough to know that people by and large believe exactly what they want to believe—what they choose to believe—what is most convenient for them. As the old saying goes, “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up.”

As Joshua said to the ancient Israelites, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”³

If you have never chosen to believe in and serve the LORD [God], I urge you to do that today. For help be sure to read: “How to Be Sure You’re a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious” at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that you are the Great Creator and that the world and all that is in it was created by you and is in your hands. Thank you, too, because I have chosen to believe in and trust my life to you, my destiny for eternity is also safely in your hands. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Genesis 1:1;26-27 (NIV).
2. Adapted from Dr. John D. Morris, “If Apes Evolved into Humans, Why Do We Still Have Apes?” Institute for Creation Research, November 2006. Source http://kentcrockett.com/biblestudies/missinglink.htm
3. Joshua 24:15 (NIV).

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“Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”¹

Dreams not only give valuable personal insights but also have given many creative insights. Some inventors, for example, have received profound ideas from dreams. I recall reading how the inventor, Elias Howe, designed the first sewing machine. He was having great difficulty in conceiving a workable needle. When he was close to running out of money, he had an unusual dream. He dreamt that he was about to be executed because he failed to design a sewing machine for the king of a strange country.

In his dream he was surrounded by guards, all of whom held spears that had been pierced with holes near the tip. Howe woke up and immediately rushed to his workshop. The perfect concept for the sewing machine needle came to him in this dream. Within a few hours the first sewing machine design was well on the way to being completed.

I have heard it said that the theory of relativity came to Einstein in either a dream or a vision. Apparently he saw it on a beam of light. I have also read that the design for the first radio tube came to the inventor in a dream.

Was it time for these discoveries to come into the world and did God give them to the persons who were trained to understand them and put them to use? Or did they just happen by chance? I prefer to think the former.

So whatever we think about dreams, as we said yesterday, they are a God-given gift in that he gave us the ability to dream. Whether we repress them as many do, ignore them as most do, or use them for creative purposes as some do is entirely up to each individual.

If you want to remember your dreams, keep a pen and pad at your bedside and record any dream that makes a strong impression on your mind. Speaking personally, dreams have given me some valuable insights for growth and recovery.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for the God-given ability to dream. Whenever I have a dream that is meant to help me grow, resolve an issue, do a good deed, help someone in need, or gain a valuable insight, please help me to interpret it correctly and use it for the purpose for which it was given. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Joel 2:28 (NKJV).

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