So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. — 1 Thessalonians 1:7 (KJV)

What were they ensamples of? According to the preceding verse, they were ensamples because:

1. They were followers of Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus.
2. They were followers of the Lord.
3. They received the word in much affliction.
4. Even in affliction they did it with joy.

The church of the Thessalonians were a model of imitation of how to receive the word of God, even in affliction, and in how to follow the Lord. Receive the word with joy, even in affliction. Be a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Be an ensample to others.

God bless, Mike

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: — Colossians 1:16 (KJV)

For by him, meaning the Son, were all things created. This means everything! Nothing is left out. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, created all things.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. — John 1:3 (KJV)

It is a core fact that in order to believe in God, you must believe the fact that all things were made by him.

God bless, Mike

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. — Philippians 4:6 (KJV)

We are told to make all our requests to God. It is through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving that we are to make our requests. Worship the Lord in making your requests unto God. Make earnest petitions before the God of all creation.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

God will give you peace and keep you.

God bless, Mike

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. — Psalm 31:14 (KJV)

Know it to be true, that Satan is your enemy.  David talks about how God delivered him from his enemies.  Yes, a King has many enemies.  More so does a Christian.  Satan will do all in his power to destroy you and stop you from serving God.  Look back and see the many times that God has delivered you from evil.

Trust in the LORD. See how he has blessed you.  Look back and see if you have trusted God.

God bless, Mike

I found this an inspiring book. I recommend that you read it in small pieces and then meditate and pray over what you have read.  This is easier said than done!  It is a book that you will want to read from cover to cover! It is worth it to reflect on what you read in order to get the spiritual benefit from this story.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

“Hey, holy man!” It was the man on the top bunk beside me again. I turned my head toward him.

“Come closer.” He was almost whispering. “I have a question for you. What is your name?”

“Mikhail Khorev.”

His next question was a strange one. “Who gave you your name?”

“Why, my father and mother.” I puzzled over such a query.

“What were you doing when you were on your knees?”

“I was praying.”

“Who taught you to pray?”

“Yes.”

“So your parents gave you your name, huh?”

Again, I answered, “Yes.”

There was a space of silence. The noises from the rest of the inmates were dying down somewhat.

“I wish I had parents who named me!” I could hear despair in the man’s voice.

I did not know how old he was. Perhaps in his late twenties, I guessed.

“They told me I was only eight days old when I was abandoned at the police station. They took me inside and filed a report on me. Since there was no name, they called me Nicolai, after the policeman who found me. That was my first name. In order for me to have a middle name, they named me Petrovich, after another policeman who was there. And for my surname, they decided on November, since that was the month they found me.” He gave a maniacal laugh. “Nicolai Petrovich November.”

Was he mad? His voice had turned grim and menacing.

Twenty-five years old, no parents, named after some stupid policemen who didn’t give a hoot about me.” His voice was no longer quiet. I knew the other men in the bunks were listening to our conversation.

“Now, you tell me, holy man! Why does your God favor some people above others? Why did you have parents who taught you to pray, but me, I had no one to even name me? Is a God like that fair? If there is a God, is he not unfair to let some have a good life and others have a rotten life? Tell me!”

As a Christian, you sometimes get asked hard questions like those from this excerpt. Perhaps this book will help you answer them with wisdom. That is just one example of the spiritual lessons contained in this book. I thank God for the life of Mikhail Khorev. He is still teaching and encouraging believers today.

]]> http://closetojesus.org/john316/2010/02/a-small-price-to-pay/feed/ 4 http://closetojesus.org/john316/2010/02/filthy-rags/ http://closetojesus.org/john316/2010/02/filthy-rags/#comments Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:12:04 +0000 Mike http://closetojesus.org/john316/?p=180 I was remembering a church service from several years ago.  Something happened in that service that proved to me the importance of having the pure word of God. It was near the beginning of worship when a man stood up and read the following verse from his Bible.

For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
And all of us wither like a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind,
take us away.

Isaiah 64:6 (NASB)

My family is sitting with me in the same row. It was all the children could do to keep from laughing when they heard the phrase “like a filthy garment” in this verse.  You see, they were all following along in their Bibles. Here is what they were reading.

But we are all as an unclean thing
and all our righteousnesses as filthy rags;
and we all do fade as a leaf;
and our iniquities, like the wind,
have taken us away.

Isaiah 64:6 (KJV)

They heard the phrase “like a filthy garment” but they were reading the phrase “as filthy rags.” They instantly realized the absurdity of the words that were spoken. (It nearly made us all laugh!)  I see this as a sad thing in that Isaiah 64:6 expresses the futility of the human condition without the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior. “Filthy rags” is a very different picture than “a filthy garment.”

To be certain, I discussed this with my family when we got home. I had already spent much time studying what Bible version we would use in my household and had decided on the King James Bible. I am convinced that it is the pure word of God for English-speaking people. All the rest of the versions are bible babble.

The reason I feel that the above example is so powerful is that even the children saw the clear difference and they realized which one was superior. The people of the Church do err greatly when they don’t place their trust in the pure word of God.

God bless, Mike

As I write this entry, I am about halfway through this edition of the book. I am struck by the following words spoken by Dr. Robert Barnes before being burned as an heretic, along with two others, for his faith.

“I believe in the blessed Trinity, three Persons and one God, that created the world, and that this blessed Trinity sent down the second person, Jesus Christ, into the womb of the Virgin Mary. I believe that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and took flesh of her, and that he suffered hunger, thirst, cold, and other passions of our body, sin excepted, according to the saying of St. Peter, ‘He was made in all things like to his bretheren, yet without sin.’ And I believe that this his death and passion was the sufficient ransom for sin. And I believe that through his death he overcame sin, death, and hell, and that there is none other satisfaction unto the Father, but this his death and passion only; and that no work of man did deserve anything of God, but his passion only as touching our justification, for I know the best work that ever I performed is impure and imperfect.” And with this he cast abroad his hands, and desired God to forgive him his trespasses: — “Wherefore I beseech thee, O Lord, not to enter into judgment with me, according to the saying of the prophet David. Wherefore, I trust in no good work that ever I did, but only in the death of Christ. I do not doubt but through him to inherit the kingdom of heaven. But imagine not that I speak against good works, for they are to be done, and verily they that do them not shall never come into the kingdom of God. We must do them, because they are commanded us of God, to show and set forth our profession, not to deserve or merit, for that is only by the death of Christ.”

Another edition, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, William Byron Forbush, Editor, is currently in print.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. — Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

Following God is not always the easiest thing to do.

Think of what God told Hosea to do.

The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. — Hosea 1:2 (KJV)

As I read on in the book of Hosea, it was clear that God had a specific purpose in what He told Hosea to do. God wanted to make a public example, using Hosea’s marriage, to the people of Israel. He wanted to show Israel what they were doing and of the coming judgment of God.

God’s example of Hosea marrying Gomer was to demonstrate that Israel, too, had married the harlot. Israel had gone after the ways of the world and had forsaken the ways of God. In fact, because of Israel’s unfaithfulness, God told them He would give what was theirs to the Gentiles.

And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God. — Hosea 2:23 (KJV)

Imagine if Hosea lived today, and he was the member of a church. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute. What would the church do? Now I know that this is an extreme example to imagine, but what would be the likely outcome? Hosea is certain that he is following God. He is faithful in being obedient. However, is it likely that the church would approve? Would they hear his message? Look at what Jesus said to the church at Ephesus.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. — Revelation 2:4 (KJV)

Have any of us, who make up the Body of Christ, lost our first love? What about the church you are a member of? Have we fallen victim to the seduction of the world? Are we in need of repentance?

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Let’s move to apply this to homeschooling our children. Do you remember why you decided to homeschool in the first place? You may have started for many reasons. You might have started out with your children in public school and you didn’t like what your children were learning. It could be that you wanted your children to get a better education. Perhaps you were being obedient to God with the desire to train your children up in the way they should go. Maybe Deuteronomy 6:4-9 made such an impression on you that you decided you must teach your children at home.

The reasons to homeschool could be many. How is your conviction holding up? Do you sometimes feel persecuted? Does pressure from family, friends, and even other church members get to you? What if the laws of the land changed so that it was now required for your children to attend the government school? What would you risk for your convictions?

I heard a radio talk show host speaking about homeschooling his children. When asked about homeschooling through high school, he wavered. He gave the answer, something to the effect, that someday his children will need to face the world and give their own witness. While there is truth in that statement, I don’t believe that most children will be able to do that. As children, younger or older, they still need the protection and guidance that God gives them through their parents. They can face the world and give witness when they are an adult.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. — 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (KJV)

Stand by your convictions by the power of God. Seek the Lord for strength at all times. Hold fast the course that God has set before you. Please God and not man. In all things, give praise, honor, and glory unto God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless, Mike

It really doesn’t matter where you are. You are close to God if you are close to Jesus. If you are far from Jesus, then you are not close to God. If you don’t know Jesus, then you cannot be close to God. God, the Creator of everything, has made it that way.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — John 14:6 (KJV)

If Jesus is your friend, and you are close to Him, you will want others to know Him. This is most important with your family, especially with your children. How can you go through life with such a good friend as Jesus and not tell your children about Him?

Perhaps it is because you are not close to Jesus anymore. Close relationships take time and you have been busy. What happens to a friendship when you don’t keep in touch? Usually it starts to fade. You lose track of many things in each other’s lives. Before you know it there are parts missing.

For example, you start to develop different interests. Before, you had some of the same interests. You might also miss important events. Perhaps, a chance to help your friend. Quite often, close friendships bring families together. These family relationships can drift apart when a friendship drifts apart.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. – John 15:14 (KJV)

Your relationship with Jesus starts when you accept Him as your Savior. Jesus becomes your friend through your on-going relationship with Him. You show that you are a true friend by what you do. Beyond friendship comes love.

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 (KJV)

True love and friendship is shown by what you do. Then love will not only come from Jesus, but from his Father, too!

If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. — John 14:23b (KJV)

Can you imagine? Jesus and his Father making their abode with you? What a wonderful thing – just for being a friend and loving Jesus. This is something that you definitely what to share with others!

But what happens if you are caught up with other things? What if you don’t know God’s words or His commands? How can you keep them if you don’t know them? Additionally, how can you tell others, especially your children, if you don’t know these yourself? Let me take this one step further. What if you consistently choose other things over and above getting to know God?

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. — John 14:7 (KJV)

The above verse shows that by knowing Jesus, you will certainly know the Father. The corollary is that if you don’t know Jesus, you will not know the Father. The implications are eternally staggering! If your heart is on things other than God, those things will be what you love. Herein lies the danger of the times we live in. There are so many enticing things that compete for our attention.

Being close to Jesus is a way of life. This way of life is your primary witness to your family and the people around you. If you want your children to follow God, you must follow God. They are watching what you do more than what you say. The same thing applies to those around you. People watch what you do to see if it lines up with what you profess.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — Luke 12:34 (KJV)

The world has many “treasures” that can steal your heart. There is only one God and one Way. Be careful to treasure God and his son Jesus more than anyone or anything.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Be close to Jesus and you will be close to God. Be close to God and your children will most likely be, too. Spend time with your children doing the will of God, and they will grow up loving to serve God, too. What a witness of God’s goodness! What a joy for you, a tiny but important person in God’s universe.

God bless, Mike

Let’s look briefly at the lives of George Mueller, Jonathan Goforth, and Robert LeTourneau. Three men who trusted God. Three men who had extraordinary faith that lifted them to heights of spiritual blessings in their lives and the lives of the people they touched. How did they do it? It is through the power of God. They let Christ live through them, as ready vessels unto good works.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

George Mueller (1805-1898) was a man who waited on the Lord to answer prayer. He did this to be a witness, to the people around him, that God does indeed care about us and will not forsake our needs, if we only ask him. George Mueller never asked anyone for money, although, by the end of his life he was responsible for the care of thousands of orphans. Besides the orphans, support flowed to missionaries around the world, and thousands more were educated at the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad. ₁ He was trusted with over $8 million, although his own worldly possessions were valued at about $800 upon his death. ₂ On top of this, he was a pastor for all these years.

“I NEVER REMEMBER, in all my Christian course, a period now (in March, 1895) of sixty-nine years and four months, that I ever SINCERELY and PATIENTLY sought to know the will of God by the teaching of the Holy Ghost, through the instrumentality of the Word of God, but I have been ALWAYS directed rightly. But if honesty of heart and uprightness before God were lacking, or if I did not patiently wait upon God for instruction, or if I preferred the counsel of my fellow men to the declarations of the Word of the living God, I made great mistakes.” GEORGE MUELLER ₂

What is our lesson from George Mueller? It is that you can trust God for everything and in doing so you will lack for nothing. Most importantly, that in trusting God for everything, God will be glorified and the faith of the Body will be built up.

Jonathan Goforth (1859-1936) was a pioneer missionary to China. He, along with his wife Rosalind, opened up the interior of China and Manchuria to the Gospel message. He, too, was a man of prayer and faith. I am particularly inspired because he pressed on to do God’s work, even through the loss of three children, violence experienced from some of the Chinese people, and sickness of both himself and his wife. ₃ Below is an account from his life when he was sixty-nine years old.

One evening, as he sat on a broken chair, by the stove, Jonathan was overcome as he thought about the wonderful life he was leading. He turned to Rosalind and said, “Isn’t it grand to be out here opening up such a place to the gospel. I’d rather be right here than in Windsor Castle.” ₄

Their daughter Mary summed up their life as follows:

I. God sustained them even in sickness and in old age.
II. God protected them even from Bandits and Plague.
III. God supplied their needs.
IV. God gave Fruit for their Labors.
V. God rewarded their sacrificial giving.
VI. God helped them make a Permanent Record to His Glory. ₅

Jonathan Goforth had great enthusiasm and joy to be serving the Living God. Should we not have this, too? I believe it is there for the asking.

You may not have heard of Robert LeTourneau (1888-1969). He is described in the biography, God Runs My Business, as Farmhand, Foundry Apprentice, Master Molder, Garage Mechanic, Laborer, Inventor, Manufacturer, Industrialist, Christian Business Man, and Lay Evangelist. Mr. LeTourneau started his life like many of us. He got a job, married, and started a family. When he was 32, sixteen years after becoming a Christian, he came to the realization that he had been living an aimless Christian life.

He knelt and prayed, “Lord, I know my Christian life has been a failure. I haven’t been living for You. I have tried to turn over a new leaf, but it just seems I can’t make the grade. I have been ashamed of You.” He said that, as he knelt there, he realized what a coward he had been. He cried out from the depths of his soul, “Lord, if You will give me a victorious Christian life and put the love in my heart that I know ought to be there and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can witness for You, I’ll do whatever you ask me to do from this day on.” ₆

Mr. LeTourneau then was lead of God to do his best to be God’s business man. He ran his business with God as his partner. Ninety percent of the business earnings were God’s. His motto was, “Not how much of my money do I give to God, but how much of God’s money do I keep for myself.” 7 His aim was not primarily money, but rather, preaching the Gospel. Mr. LeTourneau traveled extensively, to give the Gospel message, regularly speaking to seven different groups on the weekend. It was this desire to see people saved that characterized his life.

These three men all gave their up lives to follow God’s will. More than anything, they did their work for Christ, just as Jesus did his work for the Father. You see, it is Christ living in you, who does the work. We can do nothing in our own power for God. Even as Jesus said:

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. — John 15:7-8 (KJV)

I pray that you will bear much fruit.

God bless, Mike

1 George Müeller, The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans by Janet & Geoff Benge, Copyright 1999 by YWAM Publishing
2 Answers to Prayer by George Mueller, Moody Press
3 Jonathan Goforth, An Open Door to China by Janet & Geoff Benge, Copyright 2001 by YWAM Publishing
4 Ibid, p 193
5. Climbing by Rosalind Goforth, Bethel Publishing
6. God Runs my Business by Albert W. Lorimer, Copyright 1941 by Fleming H. Revell Company, pp 40-41
7. Ibid, p 126