“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. ”¹
“For evildoers shall be cut off: But those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. ”²

The Psalmist pondered the prosperity of the wicked and lamented the unfairness of it all…

“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then understood I their end. ”³

What was that end? Read on,

“Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: Thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. ”⁴

What is to be my response?

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all thy works. ”⁵

1. Psalm 37:1–2
2. Psalm 37:9–10
3. Psalm 73:17
4. Psalm 73:18–20
5. Psalm 73:25–28

Is God here? Do I sense His presence? Am I living as if He was walking right beside me?
God is here. I do sense His presence. I know He is walking beside me.
So why be discouraged? lonely? fearful?
Why not bask in the sunshine of His presence? Why not communicate with Him throughout the day? Why not trust His hand of protection and His arm of strength?
Can I say with the Psalmist: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”²

1. Jeremiah 23:23–24
2. Psalm 43:5

To some, the Bible is a mystery, a book hard to understand. And so should it be, without the illumination of the Spirit of God. It takes a miraculous work of God for someone to start making sense out of the Word of God.
Paul put it this way:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.²

It is the Spirit of God who reveals the truth of the Word of God to a believer. This is a wonderful ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the child of God. He is the anointing that enables us to understand the Bible. So until a person is born again, the Book is locked.

1. Luke 24:45
2. 1 Corinthians 2:9–14

Am I glad that Jesus came looking for a sinner like me! Like the thief, I could do nothing to merit God’s forgiveness. All I could do was to see the crucified Savior, the holy and just One dying for me and my sins. There is nothing in me that could justify His love for me, yet He loves me with an everlasting love. I have no special abilities nor any redeeming qualities, yet He willingly died for me. I fall prostrate before Him in utter amazement for His kind of love and compassion. All for a sinner like me!! And someday, I will be with Him in paradise!!

1. Luke 23:41–43, KJV

It is getting so that you can’t tell the difference between believers and unbelievers. It’s not that unbelievers are starting to live like Biblical Christians, it’s just that are believers are living more and more like the world around them. We pattern ourselves after the world’s music, clothing, heroes and philosophies. How contrary to the Scriptures! God very clearly commanded His people to don’t be like the Egyptians (idolatry) and the Canaanites (morals or lack thereof). Yet we keep on disobeying while using weak excuses like: you have to be like them to reach them or whatever is not clearly stated in Scripture is okay for us to practice.

God said, don’t be like the world, but do follow My Word. Why?

First, because He is God. He sets the parameters for living. He sets the standards for accountability. Because He is God, one day we will strand before His judgment seat.

Second, because His commands give us the way of true living. If we obey Him, we will live in true joy and satisfaction. We will have no regrets and no shame. We will have a testimony to the world around us that Jesus is truly the way to the Father.

1. Leviticus 18:3–5

”Well done“ is one word in the Greek. The word means excellent or bravo, with an exclamation point. Why was the servant praised? ”Thou has been faithful.“ That is reliable and trust worthy. It is hard to find people like this in the church. And the questions need to be asked, ”Am I reliable and trustworthy?” or “Can people and the Lord depend upon me? What kind of reputation do I have?”

Notice the realm of the faithfulness, ”in a very little.“ Again, only one word in the Greek. It means very small, least important or insignificant. Some people are waiting for that mighty calling and then they will act. But few of us are called to do mighty things. All of us are called to be faithful in what we would call insignificant things. Our Lord notices, and looks for our faithfulness in the least and will commend us for our faithfulness.

Do you and I need a change of perspective?

1. Luke 19:17

When Lazarus fell sick, his family sent for Jesus. Instead of coming immediately, Jesus waited (see John 11:1-46). He held back until Lazarus was dead. And if you read John 11:15, He said, “I’m glad”— because He had something greater in mind.

God waited four thousand years to send the Lord Jesus Christ after He made that promise. But Galatians 4:4 says He came in the fullness of time. Never late, never ahead of time, never in a hurry. – Adrian Rogers

Lost, wandering aimlessly in life. Having no purpose, no hope, no joy, no love, no peace… This was me at age eighteen. Then someone told me about Jesus. How He came to this world to die for a sinner like me. That He, in His love for me, shed His precious blood for me. Then I confessed my sin to Him and asked Him to come into my life and save me. And He did. Lost all those years, but now finally found. Jesus, the kind shepherd, found His wayward lamb, put His loving arms around me and brought me home. Once lost, now found…PTL

When tempted, you are given a choice. Do you get that need satisfied by the devil, or by the Lord? You see, the devil is a pervert. He has no raw material. All he can do is take what God has created and pervert it.” – Adrian Rogers

Resubmitted for Itunes

Do you long for a sense of God’s presence? That’s what face refers to in Ps 27:8. To be in someones face to is to be in his presence. To have this sense of the presence of God, you must first be listening to Him, “When thou saidst…” How do you listen to God? You can hear Him in your time of being quiet before Him in prayer. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.”² You can also hear Him in His Word, when you read it and meditate on it. It is through His Word that the Spirit speaks to your soul, your inner ear.
Second, to have this sense of the presence of God, you must have a heart that is ready to respond to Him when you hear Him. What really has your heart? Who sits upon the throne of your heart? Is your heart clean? Is your heart really longing for God? I like what Paul wrote, “ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”³

1. Ps 27:8
2. Ps 46:10
3. Phil 3:10-14

1. I must realize my anger is sin. My anger is not a character flaw. Being an angry person is not just the way that I am. In light of this…
   
   • I must confess my sin to God and ask His forgiveness
   • I must confess my sin to the people I have hurt and ask their forgiveness.
2. I must fill my mind with the Word of God. 
   • This is the only way for change; the Holy Spirit energizes change though the Word of God
   • Filling my mind with God’s Word will change my patterns of thinking
   • “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation”¹
   • “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”²
3. I must ask God for help, “Ye have not because ye ask not.”³
4. In any situation in which I get angry, I must seek reconciliation right away.⁴
5. When I get angry, I must seek constructive ways to redirect its energy (e.g. bike riding)⁵
6. I can trust God, for He has promised deliverance, even over anger: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”⁶

1. 1 Pet 2.2
2. 2 Tim 3:16-17
3. James 4:2
4. Eph 4:26-27
5. Rom 6:12-13
6. 1 Cor 10:13

I must ask myself, “why am I such a coward?”. I am just like the disciples, at the first boisterous storm I cry and scream as if life is all over. Have I learned nothing He seems to say to me. The disciples had been called by Christ to follow Him and they had. They left all and became His ardent disciples. They watched as Jesus healed the lame man, the leper, the man with the withered hand, multitudes were made well, evil spirits were cast out of those possessed and even Simon Peter saw his mother in law healed of a raging fever, yet at the first storm in their own lives they displayed a real lack of faith. Jesus was not disheartened by them awakening Him, but that they would awaken Him to let Him know He had better get up, they were all going to drown. It was not a cry for help of belief in Him who could still the storm, but rather a cry of despair that the end had come! How happy Christ would have been had they come to awaken Him and said something like, “Jesus, we know you are the son of God and you can deliver us from this storm. Please awaken and save us!”. Even in their fear they would have shown they had faith in Him to save them. No, Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith because they had just revealed their hard heartedness and unbelief in Him. Even after He quieted the storm they still look at each other and say, “Wow! Who is this man that can tell the sea to be quiet and it obeys Him?”. They have yet to realize the enormity of it all; that the God incarnate, the Almighty, the Creator stood in their midst! How their lives become transformed forever when they finally fully realize and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God! Even in His death they still showed a lack of faith that He would rise again as He said He would. It was not until after His resurrection that their eyes were fully opened and they saw their living Savior through the eyes of the Heavenly Father. They completely surrendered to Him in total belief and Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit to reside in them and to endow them with power from on high. The disciples went on to accomplish great acts of faith even to the point of dying for the cause of Christ. Instead of cowards, they became men who were brave and courageous in the storms of life. This causes me to ponder my own life. I serve a risen Savior, I have the Holy Spirit within to help me, I have the revealed written Word of God, and I have God Himself who promises to hear me and help me when I come boldly to Him in prayer. So why do I act like a coward when the winds of adversity begin to blow? I think it is a revelation of my own unbelief in God who said He would deliver me, who cannot lie but always keeps His word. I must be honest and confess this as the sin it is and ask for God’s forgiveness. Now let me always remember to come to Him much in prayer, be much in His word and much controlled by the Holy Spirit. Then I need not live controlled by fear but peaceful in heart through great faith in my great God.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Have you noticed that there are a lot of angry people around us? There are people angry about finances, government, jobs, loss of rights and at other people.

I am of the opinion that most human anger is sinful. James wrote that human wrath (boiling rage or fury) does not bring about the right that God commands.

In my life, I have come across a number of angry people and I have noticed several characteristics shared by them:

1.  Angry people don’t care who they hurt. It may be strangers, family or friends, once the anger starts, no one is safe.
2.  Angry people don’t listen to the Word of God. (Note the beginning of our text above) It seems that once a person gets angry, the Word of God gets blocked. Many times there is an active resistance to preaching and to biblical counseling.
3.  Angry people are basically selfish in motivation. Their anger is rooted in pride.
4.  Angry people very seldom are “wrong.” Why else would they be angry?
5.  Angry people tend to gather other angry people around themselves. Note the following in Proverbs, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.² Angry people tend to attract other angry people. A pack mentality often results.
6.  Angry people are influenced by the devil. Paul wrote these words, ”Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.“³ If a person does not deal biblically with his anger, he allows the devil to have a toe hold in his life.  …(to be continued)

1. James 1:19-20
2. Proverbs 22:24-25
3. Eh 4:26-27

As a matter of fact, did you know that God will sometimes knock your feet out from beneath you so that you might learn to trust Him? At that point, faith is no longer an option or a luxury; it is a necessity. To the world your situation looks hopeless, but that is right where God wants to show Himself powerful in your life.” – Adrian Rogers

Words are powerful. They can hurt or help.  Some words are gracious, others are angry. Some words are spoken graciously, others are tinged with a bad attitude. Some words are judiciously chosen, others are  thoughtless and painful.

Paul wrote that we are to speak with grace. That is graciously. Angry, biting words are never right. In fact, they are sinful, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”² Gracious words are always right, even in disagreements. Gracious words help, direct, and built up. Gracious words strengthen relationships. Gracious words are to always characterize the believer’s speech.

Paul also wrote that we are to have our speech seasoned with salt, or to have words that are “pure and penetrating.” One writer expressed the thought this way, “Their words must not be dull or insipid but should be interesting and judiciously chosen.” Salt was used in seasoning and preservation of food. So our speech is to speak the truth, yet we are to speak graciously, with the right attitude.

The old devil would like believers to use their words to hurt and destroy. And it happens often – all too often. We need to be on guard, praying as the Psalmist did, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”³

1. Colossians 4:6
2. James 1:20
3. Psa 141:3

1. Col 1.18

Not, “I am finished,” but “IT is finished.” Jesus was not defeated, He was victorious on the cross. He completed God’s eternal plan of redemption. He shed His precious blood for the sin of man. He suffered in my and your places, for our sins. The transaction has been paid in full, He paid the entire debt of sin with His life and His blood.
When you come to Jesus, trusting Him as your personal Savior, you can, with triumph, cry out with Him, “IT is finished.”

1. John 19:30

Not, “I am finished,” but “IT is finished.” Jesus was not defeated, He was victorious on the cross. He completed God’s eternal plan of redemption. He shed His precious blood for the sin of man. He suffered in my and your places, for our sins. The transaction has been paid in full, He paid the entire debt of sin with His life and His blood.
When you come to Jesus, trusting Him as your personal Savior, you can, with triumph, cry out with Him, “IT is finished.”

1. John 19:30

In the morass of spiritual darkness around me, a light shines. This light is the glory of God. When He shines, darkness scatters and flees. When He shines, darkness has lost its power and influence over me. It is the presence of my God that gives me hope and assurance in the midst of a decaying society. He is the one sure light that will shine for eternity!

1. Isa 6:1

Paul’s salutation includes the “overseers and deacons” at Philippi. That probably is not a reference to elders and deacons as we know them, but a general reference to all the Philippian saints, which included spiritual leaders (overseers) and those who followed (servants).

That implies unity and submission within the church, which brings joy to leaders and followers alike. Hebrews 13:17 emphasizes that point: “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

Spiritual leadership is a sacred responsibility. Leaders are to lead, feed, and guard the flock of God, which Christ purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). They are accountable to God Himself for the faithful discharge of their duties.

You have a sacred responsibility as well: to obey and submit to your leaders. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Paul adds in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “Appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and . . . esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”

Sadly, our society encourages criticism and mistrust of anyone in authority. Verbal assaults and character assassinations are common. Many within the church have adopted that attitude toward their spiritual leaders, whom they view as functionaries or paid professionals. Consequently many churches today are weak and ineffective from disunity and strife. Many pastors suffer untold grief from disobedient and ungrateful people.

You must never succumb to that mentality. Your leaders deserve your appreciation and esteem not because they are exceptionally talented or have winsome personalities, but because of the sacred work God called them to do.

Your godly attitude toward spiritual leaders will contribute immeasurably to unity and harmony within your church and will allow your leaders to minister with joy, not grief.  

Patient Christians endure negative circumstances, cope with difficult people, and accept God’s plan for everything.
In our instant, microwave, drive-through, “I want it now” culture, patience is hard to come by. We get upset if we have to wait too long in the supermarket line or get stuck behind the guy driving ten miles per hour under the speed limit.
But today’s Scripture tells us that our lives need to be marked by patience. The Greek word translated “patience” literally means “long-tempered.” A patient person doesn’t have a short fuse or lose his temper.
There are three aspects to biblical patience. First, patience never gives in to negative circumstances, no matter how difficult. God told Abraham He would make him into a great nation and give Canaan to his descendants (Gen. 12:2, 7). When God made this promise, Abraham and Sarah had no children. They had to wait far past their childbearing years before God gave them a son. But Hebrews 6:15 says, “Having patiently waited, [Abraham] obtained the promise.” “He did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Rom. 4:20). He trusted God and patiently waited for Him to fulfill His promise. A second aspect of patience is coping with difficult people. Paul tells us to “be patient with all men” (1 Thess. 5:14). This is applied gentleness—a spirit that refuses to retaliate. Our normal reaction is to be defensive when provoked. But a patient person bears insult, persecution, unfair treatment, slander, and hatred. You can’t start a fight with a patient person. He defends God, not himself, knowing that He will repay all wrongs at the right time.
Third, patience accepts God’s plan for everything. It doesn’t question God. A patient person says, “Lord, if this is what You have planned for me, that’s all right.” Romans 8:28 says, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Since God is in control, we can be patient, waiting for Him to work out His will. – John MacArthur

1. Matthew 17:20

In my little boat, the tumults of life can be so over whelming. The winds are rough, the waves are high and my boat is rapidly filling with water. My being tends to be intensely focused upon the storm and it effects. I get discouraged and lose hope.

…Then Jesus comes, calmly walking upon the waters. His presence moves into my boat. He tells me, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” And all of a sudden, my heart knows peace. And comfort. And rest. I am in the presences of Jesus, God Almighty. The One who controls and sustains all. The One who even loves and cares for me…

1. Matthew 14:27