February 1, 2008
Habakkuk 3:19 "The Lord God is my strength,..."
God is often described by his characteristics. God is love, light, wisdom, etc. All of these terms give us insight as to what God is like and how we can relate to Him.
The prophet here is closing out a letter to God's people. This letter has been difficult to write for it has revealed the impending judgment. But even in the midst of judgment, mercy is extended. After the prophet is introduced to such a difficult vision, he comes to the point where he accepts the will of God and totally depends upon him for help.
In our weaknesses, we too have to conclude that only God is our strength. There is no way Habakkuk could have handled this vision had God not been with him to help him. There is no way that you can handle the daily pressures of life without the help and strength of God. God's love for us is seen in his provision of strength.
There was a song that once went like this: "I can't walk without Jesus, I can't talk without Jesus,..." We cannot face the everyday challenges unless we learn to lean upon his strength. On our best day, we will fall. In our own strength, we will fail. We must realize that it is his strength that will sustain us in our battles, comfort us in our storms, and direct us in our decisions.
Have you learned to lean upon his strength? Do you understand that you cannot do it by yourself? Or do you still trust your own flesh? Do you still think you are self-sufficient? Until we get to the place that we recognize our own weaknesses, we will never be able to stand in the most difficult of times.
Paul at one point in his life learned that in his weakness, he learned of his greatest strength. When we have gone in our own strength until it is exhausted, it is then that we begin to look to him for strength. That is the secret to true strength. When we are weak, then we are strong. He is our strength!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 2, 2008
Lamentations 1:12 "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?"
Here Jeremiah is giving us an insight into the sad condition of a people who once enjoyed the blessing of God. Now the nation that used to be powerful and feared by many, is laid in waste and those who pass by refuse to help in any way. Instead of compassion, they are given mocking and hatred. Jeremiah cries from this picture of apathy and declares "is it nothing to you all ye that pass by?" How could anyone be so cruel as to pass by those in need and not lift up a hand to help?
From time to time, we hear on the news of someone who is attacked and molested in plain view while others stand by and watch and never lift a hand. It seems almost impossible to think that men can be so calloused and cruel, but it is true. We are a selfish society. We care for number one and do not want to get involved in other people's problems. That is depraved, human nature.
In the area of spiritual things, the same scene is repeated day after day. We encounter people daily whose lives are in ruin. We meet people who are in danger of being overwhelmed by their circumstances. We talk to some who have reached the end of all their understanding and feel that the only way out is death. Sadly, many of us will just go on with our busy routine and fail to take time to reach out to them with love and compassion. God brings us into their lives and has prepared us for these moments, only to watch us squander these opportunities.
It is our responsibility to help those around us in need. We should not only give of our substance to help the poor and needy, but we should give of ourselves to help the poor in spirit. We have the treasure of all ages within us. We have the answer to man's problems within us. We that are saved have been given the commission to share the "good news" with all the suffering and hurting souls of men. Why then do we so selfishly hold on to this treasure while multitudes suffer without hope? God help us to get busy seeing and then acting on what we see. God give us a fresh burden and an obedient heart. Look around you. Open up your eyes. People everywhere are hurting. Do you not even care? Can you just pass them by without reaching out to them in love? Do you hear the cry? Make up your mind today to make a difference in the lives of others.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 3, 2008
John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Jesus testifies that He is the "truth." John says in chapter 1 that in the beginning was the "word." This is the Greek word "logos." Christ is the living Word and the Word is truth. Note, the Bible does not "contain" truth, but is "truth." Every word is truth and can be trusted as such.
Jesus came into this world to reveal Himself, thus revealing truth. The world is in blindness. Because of sin, man cannot see clearly and continues to entangle himself in a world of corruption. Christ the light came into this world to shine in the midst of our darkness. With the light shining, he is able to reveal Himself and his true purpose for coming to this world. Christ came to set free every man from sin's bondage.
For centuries, man has sought a way to free himself from the condemnation of sin. Through religion, education, philosophy, and multiple other areas, man has sunk deeper into the pit of despair. Man cannot save himself. Man cannot even answer life's questions as to who they are and why they are here. Until Christ came, man could only hope for deliverance.
When Jesus took on the form of man and came to this Earth, He begin the work of redemption by which man would have the opportunity to be set free from the bondage of sin. Man's eyes would be opened to truth personified in Christ Jesus. He would see Him as the answer to their sin problem. Then on the cross, salvation's plan was fulfilled. Christ became the supreme sacrifice for sin. Three days later, Christ arose, returned to the Father and now lives to make intercession for us. Through faith in him, we accept the truth that becomes our emancipator. Our eyes are opened, our heart is cleansed, our shackles fall off, and we are made free.
I am so glad today that I know the "Truth." Through the truth, I am made free. Do you know Him today? Are you free from sin's bondage? Are you free from the guilt of the past? I am so glad I know who Jesus is-the truth and the way to freedom.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 4, 2008
Romans 12:18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Have you ever met someone who is difficult to deal with? These are sometimes called "sandpaper" personalities. These are people who just seem to "rub" you the wrong way. No matter what you say, they have to say the last word. No matter what you have, theirs is better or bigger. No matter how much you paid, they got theirs cheaper or theirs is more expensive. These test your patience and if you are not careful will make you bitter.
Then there are some maybe in your family that put your patience to the test. You try and no matter what you do, it is always wrong, or never enough or you feel like a total failure. Now understand this may not be true, but these feelings are real. How are you to deal with others who make you feel this way? How are you to behave so as to make this relationship peaceful and in harmony? How do you get along with that most difficult person when you have to be around them everyday at work or school?
Paul understands here that this may be difficult and may even have some limits. There are some situations that no matter how hard you try, you will not succeed in making this relationship peaceful. But still we are to try and trust that our positive actions will make a difference.
First, you should pray for this difficult person. Ask God to help them by working from His end. Second, you should pray for yourself that you will not get bitter and your patience will not grow weary. Third, you should ask God to love them through you. Ask God to put something in your heart for them that you cannot explain. Fourth, ask God to help you to bridle your tongue. Don't respond to their sarcastic remarks. Stay sweet. Fifth, look for something good in that person that you can begin to focus on. That will help you to realize their worth and that all is not lost. Last of all, don't totally avoid them, but you can limit your time with them. You do not have to create unnecessary situations for conflict and confrontation.
Only God can help you in these difficult situations. You must realize that you may not know all that is going on in that person's life. Be patience and be kind. The real story behind their "difficult" personality may be an eye opener.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 5, 2008
Psalms 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
David writes this Psalm during a very difficult time in his life. It is during this period that David experiences a "lapse of faith" as some call it. He flees to Gath, the land of the giants. He runs into the hand of his greatest enemy to flee from the wrath of Saul. Can you imagine the fear that he must have experienced while in the midst of these most feared enemies?
David is no different than most of us in the fact that he too faces times when your faith is weak. After all God had done in the life of David, he fails to trust God in this difficult time. When fear takes control of us, it testifies to our weak faith. Faith and fear can not co-exist. Faith operates in the realm of the supernatural and sees what God will do. Fear operates in the realm of the natural and sees only the obstacles and what the flesh cannot do.
Yet in David's weakness, he still understood that the answer to his weak faith was to trust in God. We must never forget that God sees us where we are and He knows best how to get us through any problem we face. If we trust our instincts, we will fail. If we trust our intellect, we will fail. If we trust our own ability, we will surely fail. We must at all times trust in God. He alone knows the way out of our trouble. He alone has the ability to defeat our enemies. He alone is able to make every circumstance work to our good and His glory.
What is it that you are afraid of today? What causes you to be filled with fear and anxiety? Learn to trust in God. When fear begins to take hold, you should do the following. First, identify what it is that you are afraid of. Second, confess to God this thing that causes you to fear. Ask God to help you overcome this fear. Third, claim a verse that will help you to trust God for victory over this fear. Confront this fear with a promise of Scripture. Don't depend upon your ability. Face your fear with faith in the Word! Don't ever get comfortable after a victory. Remember the giant you face today may have four more brothers you will face later. But if you are able to defeat one, you can defeat all if you stand in the faith of the Word of God. So in your fear, trust in the Lord, not in your self.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 6, 2008
Psalms 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts ever given to man. The ability to talk to God and to communicate with the Creator of the universe should not be taken for granted. In prayer as in other aspects of the Christian life, there are some areas that must be carefully guarded so as not to hinder our ability to get answers to our prayers.
God in times past spoke to his people through visions, dreams, and revelations. When God led 40 men to write the Bible over a period of 1500 years, the finished work was the inspired Word of God know as the Scriptures. This precious book has given men for centuries insight into the will of God and guided men through a life time of both victories and tragedies. When the Bible and it's revelation was completed, then so did the visions and dreams. Now men know God's will through God's Word.
Man has always talked to God through prayer. That has not changed since the beginning of time. Man walked with God in the garden. After Adam's sin, fellowship was broken. God provided a way where as man could once again fellowship with God. The blood sacrifice covered Adam's sin and fellowship was restored. Now instead of man walking with God in the garden, man walks with God in this world having been exiled from paradise. Our walk is enhanced by our ability to talk to God in prayer.
As sin hindered man's walk in the garden, sin still hinders man's walk in the world. That is what the Psalmist says in chapter 66. Sin in the heart causes our prayers to be hindered. To approach God in prayer, one's heart must be pure and clean. We cannot approach God with malice, jealousy, hatred or any other sinful attitude and action.
We need God's direction everyday we live. We cannot afford to walk one moment in our own power and wisdom. Therefore it is imperative that we stay in fellowship with God and remain able on a daily basis to hear from heaven and get answers to our prayers.
Don't hold on to that sin in your heart today. Confess your sin to God and cleanse your hearts. Ask God to make you pure so you can remain in full fellowship with God and enjoy the ability to communicate. If you do not allow Him in cleanse you, you may find yourself in a situation where you need Him but cannot find Him because of your hindered prayer life. "Keep the way clear, let nothing between."
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 7, 2008
Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Most of us at one time or another will have to deal with guilt and condemnation. We are but flesh and the mistakes we make often leave us feeling guilty and unworthy. We are tempted daily while we are bombarded with enticements and the lusts of the flesh. We battle the demons of our past while we war against the temptations of Satan. We try hard but so often give in to our passions and then are left in a state of guilt and emptiness. Satan then shows up with the same old accusations and try to convince us that we must not really be saved. If we really loved God, we would not commit such sin. We wrestle with feelings of guilt and failure until we are convinced that we will never have victory over sin.
Does this sound like something you have experienced? I'm sure it does. We all have been there. None of use are sinless and none are perfect. We are weak and made up of flesh that is depraved. We try but fail. We believe but doubt. We promise but soon we forget. Then comes the condemnation and the cycle never ends.
Pauls reminds us in this passage that we who are saved will never stand in condemnation. That does not mean that we have a license to sin. It does mean that when we do sin, God will not cast us aside. We have forgiveness with the Father. He stands ready to forgive and cleanse us of our sins. The condemnation we feel never comes from God. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He tries to find some fault in us whereby he can accuse us before God. But we must accept the fact that God is not the one doing the condemnation. He may have to chastise us if we do not repent. But even then the chastisement is for our restored fellowship, not our casting away.
We also battle self-condemnation. Our heart condemns us from time to time. I John tells us that "if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart." Satan may condemn us and our heart may condemn us, but God is not in the condemning business. God is in the forgiving business. For us to prevent Satanic condemnation and self-condemnation, we must do as the verse says. We are to "walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh." If we keep ourselves pure and holy, walking in obedience to God, we prevent the possibility of Satan and our heart condemning us. Thank God in Christ, we have no condemnation!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 8, 2008
James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
The Bible clearly tells us what sin is and where it began. Sin is "missing the mark." Sin is "transgressing the law." Sin began in the Garden on Earth with Adam, but it began in heaven with Lucifer when he rebelled against God. Pride was the source of his sin and is probably behind every sin that is committed. Our pride causes us to think that we know what is best for us and how to run our lives more so than God.
Sin separates us from God. It is only when we acknowledge and confess our sins, that we can restore our fellowship with God. It is so important that we confess daily our sins and iniquities and not allow anything to come between us. If we do not practice daily repentance, then we put ourselves in danger for our prayers are hindered and the unconfessed sin gives Satan a stronghold in our lives.
Most Christians do not have a problem understanding the things that are listed as sin. We could go down the list and come up with hundreds of things that we would agree are sin. We call these sins of "commission." These are things that we "do" that are contrary to God's Word and could be classified as transgression of the law. From the "big" sins to the so-called "little" sins, we are faced daily with these "sins which so easily beset us."
There is also another category of sins that we call "sins of omission." These are things that we "don't do" that cause us to sin. This is what James is speaking of. These are the things that God requires of us as stewards and to neglect them is to sin against God. It could be our neglect of prayer, Bible Study, giving, witnessing, or attending church services. We know that we are supposed to do them, but through laziness, neglect or down-right neglect, we disobey God and find ourselves with sin in our lives.
These sins of "omission" are probably more dangerous than we want to admit. We hear the weekly instruction from our Pastor, and we walk out with no intention of ever changing our ways or fulfilling the commands of Scripture. We know we should tell our neighbor about Christ. We know we should give our tithes and offerings to the Church. We know we need to read our Bible and lead our home in family devotions. We know we need to pray, memorize Scripture, serve God and live holy. But we just don't do what we know to do and that is sin. Have you any sins of omission in your life? Confess them today and be cleansed. Give God your best. He gave His all for you.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 9, 2008
Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
The greatest gift ever given to man is the gift of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. When man fell in the Garden of Eden, fellowship with God was broken. Man was exiled out of the garden and his innocence was lost. God could no longer fellowship with man except the sin question was solved. Man could not do anything within himself to satisfy the demands of God. His self-made coverings could not hide the nakedness that came as a result of his disobedience.
All throughout history, man has tried to "cover" his sin. The fig leaves of religion and good works continue to bring man nothing more than a false sense of righteousness but in reality produces more guilt. God cannot accept man's works of self-righteousness as payment for his sin. Instead, God slew an animal and the blood became the atonement for his sin.
When God revealed his plan for salvation to mankind, he illustrated it through the O.T. sacrifices. With all the blood that was shed on the altars of God, there was still no satisfaction for sin. These could only temporarily cover man's sin. All of these pointed to the day that the eternal Lamb would be slain and the debt would be paid.
When the angels announced the entrance of this lamb, they told Mary and Joseph that his name would be called "Jesus" for he would save his people from their sins. His name means "salvation or deliverance." Jesus would come to deliver man from the penalty of sin. God also announced that "Emmanuel" would be his name meaning "God with us." God knew that no man could satisfy the demands for sin. It was also true that God could not die. So God became man, and the Incarnate Christ-the God-Man became our sacrifice. God became man in the person of Jesus the Son so as man he could die and as God He could meet His own demands of purity and perfection. The perfect God-Man became our sin payment and in Him we have salvation.
There is therefore no other name or entity under heaven whereby man must be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross at Calvary. Any other way is unacceptable and futile. If a man seeks another way, he is a thief and a robber. Christ is the only way, not the best way. Christ is our salvation!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 10, 2008
Romans 1:14-15 "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also."
The Apostle Paul understood the call that God had placed upon him was a special calling. He was to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Having been taught as a devout Jew and a persecutor of the Church, he now would go to the world preaching this Jesus that died and rose again the third day.
Paul himself had experienced this salvation while on the road to Damascus. He heard the voice of the Lord and was marvelously saved. Delivered from the bondage of religion, he now has been made free in Christ. He declared this wonderful gift to everyone he met. He was not ashamed of this gospel that he embraced. He had met the Messiah and wanted his brethren the Jews, to know him too.
Understanding the blindness that had happened to Israel, Paul did not take for granted this saving faith extended to him. He knew that so many would turn Christ away. He understood that the gospel was being rejected by his nation and was being sent to the Gentiles. Because of that, he understood the debt he owed. He was responsible to take this same message to as many as he came in contact with. He wanted others to experience this wonderful grace.
When God commissioned him to go to the Gentiles, he was ready. He declared he was ready to preach to all including those at Rome, the seat of government. And in time, Paul would end up in Rome. He was not ashamed and he was not afraid.
Oh that God would help us to be ready to "preach" to all those we know, love, and meet each day. We too owe a debt. Someone gave us the truth. Someone took time to pray and share with us the message of salvation. Someone invited us to church. Because of that, we ought to give others the same opportunity. Oh that we would be ready and willing to give out the gospel every day of our lives. We could have been born in a nation of darkness without a gospel witness. We could have been one of multitudes who do not have the many opportunities afforded us each week with churches on every corner and the gospel at every turn on TV and radio.
We owe a great debt. We did not buy our salvation. It was a free gift. But because he so graciously saved us, we should freely share this grace with others. We should always be ready to tell the old story. That is what Christianity is all about-one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 11, 2008
II Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
All of us go through trials and testing and face difficulties and challenges throughout our lives. There is no one excluded when it comes to suffering. Some may suffer more severely and our sufferings my differ in their source and severity. But all of us will face suffering.
Beside Christ, probably the greatest example of suffering in the Bible would be Job in the Old Testament and possibly Paul in the New Testament. Paul was a religious leader of his day. When he met Christ, he began to suffer great persecution. He list in one passage all the various trials and afflictions that came his way. From being shipwrecked, imprisioned, whipped, beaten and left for dead, all of these led to Paul's understanding of the grace of God.
Paul had a thorn in the flesh that he besought God three times to remove. Of course God said no to his request each time. Finally Paul was given these words to help him handle this great challenge. God promised him that "his grace would be sufficient." He also informed him that his greatest strength would come through his greatest weakness. A paradox you say? Of course it doesn't make sense to us and certainly goes contrary to our fleshly desire. Yet it is true for us that when God allows us to suffer, what ever that may be, and we yield to his will in suffering, it is at our weakest point that we become totally dependent upon God and in that moment we are at our greatest strength. The soul that is helpless and totally dependent upon Him has reached his greatest point of strength.
Oh that we could learn to trust in God! Our weakness is God's way of getting us to become strong. Our strength is not in the arm of flesh. Our strength is not in our intellect. Our strength is not in our friends, family, finances, or even our ability to fortify ourselves. Our strength is in Him and Him alone!
Paul not only learned this truth but was able to glory in these infirmities. He reached the place that he rejoiced in what God allowed in his life so that the power of Christ may rest upon his head. Are you willing to rest in God's plan for you, even if it leads you down the road of suffering? If at the last, the power of God is magnified in your life? Can you praise God through your weakness? Can you glorify Him in your suffering? Our utmost desire should be that Christ be glorified. My life's phrase has been this for years: "That whether by life or by death, Christ may be glorified in me and through me."
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 12, 2008
Luke 21:28 "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and life up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
There is nothing that should excite the heart of the believer more than the truth of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ back to Earth to rule and reign. All through the Bible, prophecies declare his soon return. As He came the first time as a little babe in a manger, the next time He comes will be as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Peter declares that in the last days, "scoffers will come" and they will say "where is the promise of his coming?" We have heard it all of our lives. We hear preachers on TV and Radio say his coming is near. Some even sell books with codes and secrets that reveal the day and time of his return. False prophets have predicted and failed. Mockers have come and gone. But the Word of God is still true and one day, only God knows the time and day, Jesus will return to catch away the Church, His bride. After the marriage of the Lamb, Christ will return to the Earth to rule and reign for 1000 years. This is all true.
Before that day, the Bible tells us that many things will come to pass. Prophecy preachers try to come up with some new "news item" that is proof that Jesus is about to return. Pulpits are filled with "headlines" every week. Some new discovery in the Middle East or some new truth previously hidden now revealed. All of this can be confusing and discouraging when these new predictions do not come to pass. It is just more ammunition for the scoffers.
But this one thing is true and do not doubt it. Jesus Christ is coming again! Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, but one day He will break the eastern sky and the Church will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds. Oh what a glorious day that will be! Until then we are to be busy and faithful, looking for him to come at any minute.
Jesus said when you begin to see these things take place, "lift up your head, your redemption draweth nigh." Child of God, have no fear, Jesus is coming soon. Lift up your head. Look around you. The stage is set. Times have never been more dangerous and the world has never been more desperate. With all that is going on and with all the lack of direction among both secular and spiritual leaders, this could be the day. What if today is the day? What if Jesus is stepping out on the clouds of glory and preparing to enter into the final moments of prophecy? If he came today, would you be ready? Would your family be taken or would they be left? Would you be glad to see him or would you be ashamed? He is coming and it could be today. Look up! Get Ready! The next sound you hear may be the trumpet!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 13, 2008
Jeremiah 18:3-4 "Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it."
What a marvelous thing it is to watch a potter at work. Not far from my home is probably one of the most famous towns in this part of the country and the reason is its history of pottery. Down the road they call "potter's alley", literally hundreds of potter's make their home. Their shops are in or behind their homes, decorated with signs and advertisements concerning the types of pottery they offer. Thousands visit there every year to watch them at work and purchase some of their most popular items.
Jeremiah took a visit to the potter's house. He saw the potter at work. He noticed the clay was marred in the potter's hand. Something had happened to cause it to be contaminated. It could no longer function in it's intended purpose. The potter must take the clay in a different direction than his first plan. So as Jeremiah watched, the potter made it again "another" vessel. He did not reject the clay or throw the clay away. He just made it something different than intended, yet very useful.
We are clay and God is our potter. God has intended for us some special use. He has gathered us from the world and fixed us so as we are ready to be put on the potter's wheel. But sometimes things happen. Sin enters. Lives are contaminated. If others had their way, we would be rejected and thrown aside. But the wonderful potter carefully examines the clay and calculates another purpose for the clay. Special care is taken to cleanse the clay again so it can be put back on the potter's wheel and be made again "another" vessel.
Just because you have messed up your life with sin, does not mean that God will throw you away. You may not be able to fulfill your original purpose. You may have disqualified yourself for the "special" work that God had intended for you. But God will not reject you. If you through a repentatent heart and a broken contrite spirit, come back to Him, he will cleanse you and forgive you. He will began another work on you to put you back on the wheel. There he will make you again another vessel, useable for his service. That decision is up to you. Why don't you cry out to Him today and let Him do another work on you? He wants to use you. He doesn't want to throw you away.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 14, 2008
I John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:"
Today is the day that most couples celebrate "love." It is called Valentine's Day. They exchange special cards, gifts, and dress up for a special evening together. For some this is the most looked to occasion in their relationship. I even remember as a little boy in school having to take a "valentine" card to school for every member of my class on Valentine's Day. Little girls would "giggle" and little boys would stick out their tongue in disgust. That is America's view of "love."
Here John tells us of another kind of love. This love is not fleshly or carnal but divine. This love is sacrificial and eternal. This love knows no boundaries and loves expecting nothing in return. This love is not superficial, but supernatural. This is the "agape" love of God. This is the love that was shown to us by the giving of God's Son for us so we could have eternal life.
There has never been a love greater than the love of God. God is love and He demonstrated it on Calvary. We who do not deserve his love became recipients of his love. By His divine mercy and grace, he gave his Son Jesus, to be born of a virgin, live as a man, die as a criminal, but resurrect in power and glory as only God could. In his resurrection, he bought our justification. He did what no other could do. He paid the sin debt. Now we are partakers of his love. When we receive Him by faith, we are made sons of God. Think about it. We are sons of God! God is our Father!
This love is for all who will receive it. It is not for the elite or the privileged, but for sinners, fallen and unworthy, unlovable and undeserving. He loves us all and he wants to make you his child. He will love you, care for you, direct you, provide for you, never leave you or forsake you, understand you, be with you through good times and bad and nothing you will ever do will stop him from loving you. So on this Valentine's Day, show your spouse and the love of your life your affection and passion. That is right and you should do that. But while you are loving on those around you, take time today and love on Jesus. No one ever loved and cared for you like Him! And if you do not know Him, let me introduce you to Him. His name is Jesus, God's Son, my Savior and Lord and the answer to what you are looking for.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 15, 2008
I John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Satan is a master deceiver. He is busy working everyday trying to confuse the minds of individuals. He warps reasoning and twists values until sin becomes acceptable and wrong is right.
One of the reasons that truth is so important is that it exposes error and bring light into darkness, and shines the light upon sin. Paul says in one place that he would not have known sin had it not been for the law (truth). Truth gives us the roadmap for live. Truth is the blueprint for what God's law demands. When truth is preached, sin is revealed and men are made aware of their standing before God. That is why the Bible says the "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Faith to believe and trust in God comes through the word for it is the Word that brings us to a point of sin and guilt.
John says that for us to say we have no sin is nothing more than deception. We were born in sin. Adam's sin passed upon every man. At conception, the seed of sin is transferred to that soul making it guilty and thereby death is its sentence. When truth is preached, that soul responses with repentance, accepts his responsibility of guilt and asks God for mercy, that soul's standing before God changes. Faith takes hold when mercy is extended. In this case, truth removed any chance for deception.
For the one who denies his guilt and chooses to deceive himself into thinking that his own goodness is enough, then that soul will be lost forever. To say you have no sin is foolish. To think you are good enough is dangerous. To deceive yourself into thinking that is doesn't matter is eternal damnation.
Thank God for the day truth entered my life. I confessed my sin and accepted my responsibility to repent of my unbelief. I refused to let Satan or my wicked heart to deceive me any longer. I cried out for mercy and God answered. Do you see yourself as a sinner guilty before God? Have you ask God to show you the truth? Do you want to
continue in deception or do you want peace? The truth is the answer. God's Word is truth.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 16, 2008
II Peter 3:10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;"
I remember as a young boy our home was broken into while we were all away. For weeks, our family experienced so many different emotions. From anger to fear, we were on a ride we hoped would so stop. Just to think of someone invading our home and taking things that did not belong to them was frightening.
One day, while some are asleep, some are at work, some are at school, there is going to be a great invasion like this world has never seen. While this world sleeps in its own self-sufficiency and selfishness, Jesus Christ is coming again. The trumpet shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise. We who are saved and alive will be caught up to meet him in the air. Men, women, boys and girls, from every walk of life, on every street, in home after home, will come up missing. In that micro moment, multitudes will be taken to be with the Lord in the clouds while the rest are left behind.
Imagine the horror on people's faces when they walk into a home to find loved ones gone. Imagine the confusion at places of businesses when co-workers go missing, factories shut down, equipment fails, and mass hysteria fills this world. Reports begin to fill the air ways with suggestions of a massive invasion by unknown species. Some suggest that an enemy has released some mystery weapon that has wiped out part of the world's population. Total chaos begins to take place.
For that individual who is beginning to sense panic and fear, such like he has never known, the thought occurs that this could possibly be what Christians referred to as the "rapture." Surely they thought this was only some religious fairy tale. No one with any intelligence would believe such a thing. Is it possible? Could Jesus have really come and taken the Church away? The answer of course is "Yes."
Friend, are you ready for that day to take place? This scenario will take place one day. If you are saved and ready to meet the Lord, then this should not cause you to fear, but instead you should rejoice. But if you are not ready, then you should fear. You cannot imagine the horror you will face in that day when you are left behind, and friend, it will be too late! Don't take a chance. Get ready today. Christian, you should be busy telling everyone to prepare to meet the Lord. He will come as a thief in the night. Be ready, this could be the day!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 17, 2008
Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near."
The Lord is present everywhere at the same time. That is called omnipresence. This is one of the divine attributes of God. God sees and hears everything we do. He knows the paths we take, the failures we make, the obstacles we face, and our complete history and future. And for sure, He is present during it all watching and overseeing, waiting to use these events to point us to Himself.
It is during these times that most of us look to call. We call out to Him in our problems. Desperation drives men to their knees. Tragedy opens the door for God to slip in with His comforting presence and cause men to lean upon Him for strength during testing.
For some, even hardships cannot cause men to seek the Lord. Instead, their problems create more hardness and more anger. Instead of turning to God for help, they resist God or even in some cases blame God. They decide that they can handle any situation they face and insist that they would never consider asking God for help.
Isaiah says to you and me that it is imperative that we seek him while He may be found. The implication is that it may be possible that the day will come when you will look for his help and will not find it. Could God be so cruel as to resist someone's cry for help? The answer is no. But God also understands that some are so hard against God and have turned Him away for so long, that they may just cry out for "relief" for not for "relationship." That is what many do. They want to be delivered from their situation, only to return to their own ways.
God says seek him and call upon him while he is near. Don't be so foolish as to think that you can use God like a "fire escape", only in times of trouble. God does not want to be your "sugar daddy." God wants to be your Father. He wants to have a relationship. Not just you EMT in times of emergency.
Don't play around with God in these days of uncertainty. Keep Him near everyday. Communicate with Him. Love Him. Serve Him. Be the son he desires you to be. You will not be sorry.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 18, 2008
Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"
All of us are familiar with racing. I for one never participated in running track, but I did participate in other sports. I am also a great fan of auto racing. Anyone involved in track and field, or sports of any kind including auto racing, understands the patience that is involved. Particularly with racing, patience at times is the key to winning. You must pace yourself in a position that appears to be a losing one but in the long run, your patience moves you to victory.
Every one who runs in a race must first prepare themselves to run. They are to remove those things that are a hindrance to winning. They may be bad habits, wrong foods, or just poor training. But to win, you must put some things aside. Practice runners sometimes run with weights to build up their stamina. The extra weight if used correctly, can build up the strength to last longer and run faster. The same goes for the Christian. The things that come into our lives that seem to slow us for a while, if used correctly can create within us the ability to run our race faster and even to victory.
While some things can be used to help us grow stronger, other things must be totally removed. Those things that "beset" us will at the end rob us of victory. Sins of the flesh, thoughts of quitting, the pull of the world will all stop us from achieving victory. God desires that we run the race and that we finish the race. God wants for us the best that we can possibly achieve. But it comes at a cost. That cost is discipline, patience, endurance, and the desire to achieve victory. The quitter's mentality will not prevail. The crown only goes to the victor and quitters never win.
Are you running your Christian race with patience? Have you just decided to keep on running until you cross the finish line? It is tiring at times. At times it seems like the end is not in sight. But the race is going to end some day soon. When he hands out the rewards, I want to be there to hear Him say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." How about you?
Written By: By David Harrison
February 19, 2008
Romans 6:12 "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."
There are several key words in this passage that need to be looked at. The word sin, reign, body, obey, and lusts all deal with the "warfare" that we all face daily. First look at the word sin. Sin is transgression of the law. In simple terms, it means to "miss the mark." God's law establishes a "mark" or bull's eye that we all are to aim for. When we miss that mark, it is sin. The Bible names hundreds of sins by name. Here Paul simply reminds us that we as Christians are not to let sin have dominion or rule over us. Before salvation, we were slaves to sin and Satan. Now that we are saved, we are free from the bondage of sin. It does not mean that we will never sin. Nor does it mean that we will not have a problem with sin. It simply means that sin is not to be our master any longer.
The next word we see is "reign." This has to do with authority. Sin no longer has authority over us. When we are saved, Christ takes control. He is now Lord over us. Our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit. Satan no longer has dominion over us. And that brings up the next word-body. The body becomes the place of conflict. Satan knows once we are saved, he cannot alter our eternal destiny. But he can effect our lives on earth by causing us to be distracted by sin and once again try to put us under sin's slavery, thereby defeating us and robbing us of any opportunity to please and serve God.
The next word is obey. This is where the answer lies. It is up to us to decide to whom we will pledge our loyalty. Will we obey God or will we obey the Flesh? That is the question. You are wondering, "how can we obey God and gain victory over our flesh?" David gives us the answer in Psalms 119 when he says "thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God." The Word of God is the secret. As we read and hide the Word in our hearts, it transforms us. Romans 12:2 says "be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." It is the Word that transforms our minds. The Word literally reprograms our thoughts. It takes the old man and the old thoughts and re-trains the mind into the truth of the new life and the new walk. As the Christian walks in the power of the Word, the truths become part of him. His mind begins to think in this new way, leaning on the Word of God for direction and conformation of right and wrong. The Holy Spirit along with the Word of God takes this truth and it literally cleanses the mind and washes it of all the filth, replacing it with principles of truth that bring peace, joy, success, hope, and above all, faith.
So here it is in the nutshell. We are to de-throne Satan, self and sin from our lives and let God rule. We obey God and God's Word and through it's power, we overcome the lusts of the flesh. We are not promised perfection, but forgiveness when we fail. We are not promised a life without temptation, but we are promised power and strength to stand against sin. We are not promised that we will be without attack from our enemy the flesh or Satan, but we are promised that "he that is within us is greater than he that is in the world." That will work now and forever.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 20, 2008
II Chronicles 32:7-8 "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles..."
Spiritual warfare is a reality in the Christian's life. In the modern Church, there are two extremes. First there are those that teach that "spirits and demons" do not exist. Then there are those that see a "demon" behind every bush and blame the least event on the devil. Both of these are false and dangerous.
We are in a spiritual battle. The forces of evil, Satan and his demons, desire to destroy the work of God. They hate everything that God has established and want to stop His plan of redemption. From the temptation in the garden to the confrontation of Christ in the wilderness, Satan has tried to interfere with God's plan. And one of the biggest mistakes that men makes is when they take for granted the reality of the battle and for some reason convince themselves that they can overcome the enemy within their own strength.
One thing we learn quickly in our conflict is that we cannot depend upon our flesh for anything. Our flesh is weak and fearful, unstable and unreliable. Therefore we must learn where our strength lies.
The child of God cannot afford to be afraid and live in constant fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. God has made us over-comers and has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. But at the same time, we cannot become arrogant toward our enemy. In Christ we have strength and courage. The Word of God gives us reason to believe the victory is ours. But yet we cannot become complacent. We must watch and be vigilant, always remembering that we are but flesh.
Our greatest victory comes when we learn that it is God who fights our battles. There are times we have to stand and keep on standing. We do not retreat, but we hold our ground and see the salvation of our Lord. It is fatal to turn and run for there is not protection for the soldier who retreats in battle. We have the whole armor of God and we can rest in the power of the Sword of the Lord. But it is the Lord who is the Captain of our salvation and the victor in our battles. Don't retreat and be afraid, but don't become arrogant and over-confident. Just walk by faith, trust God, and be filled with the Spirit. Let God fight your battles and let God get the glory. You cannot stand against Satan by yourselves. But greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Amen! Amen!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 21, 2008
Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Man with all of his "flaws" is really flawed in his affections. Our wants are seemingly never satisfied. We see and we want. We get and are not satisfied. Paul says the the "love of money is the root of all evil." Our love of things and lust for wealth all combine to create within us a heart of covetousness and greed. That is called "the American way" but it truly every man's way.
Here the Apostle Paul reminds us where our affections should be placed. We are to bear "zealous" and "greedy" for heavenly things. Our hearts should be fixed on pleasing Him. We should live each day with a desire to accomplish His will and produce works worthy of reward. It is a constant battle between heaven and earth, spiritual and carnal. We are pulled by the temptations of the flesh. We strive to succeed down here while yet knowing that all of this is temporal. Then when we focus on the spiritual and eternal, we get bombarded by earthly things that seduce into thinking that we have missed out on something that is of great pleasure and value. In the end, we arrive to the same conclusion as Solomon when he wrote, "vanity of vanities, all is vanity."
There has to be a balance. Whatsoever we do, we should strive to succeed and do our best. There is nothing wrong with a good job, nice home, fine cars, good clothes, and a college degree. Yet at the same time, we must stay focused. All of these are temporal and are tools we use in this life to bring glory to him. If you are blessed financially, use it for God. If you are talented, use it for God. If you find yourself in a high position in your career, use it for God and give God all the glory. Live in the temporal with the eternal in view. Never look to the things of this world for happiness and self-esteem. Only God can fill that place in your life that will make you fill complete. Everything else leaves a void. Never get too attached to this world and it's treasures. Live knowing that one day you will lose it all. But if you choose to make this world's treasures your very life, then you have your reward. But let me remind you, one day you will "walk" on gold. That very thing that men die for each day and cherish to have will one day be the material that heaven's street is paved with.
So today, set your love and affections toward heaven. Don't let the lusts of your flesh dictate and rule your life and it's decisions. Realize that heaven is worth more than all this world's treasures. Jesus is so precious to the child of God and He in that day will outshine all the gold and silver of this world.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 22, 2008
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
One of the military branches has a motto that says "be all that you can be." And for those who achieve their best, it is a testimony to their stamina and character. They want to reach the top of their field, and become a leader with the ability to represent their country and carry our the orders of their Commander in Chief.
For the Christian, Paul gives us a similar challenge. We too are soldiers in a different kind of army. We have a Commander in Chief who also desires for us to give our best to Him and to His cause. What ever we do, we are to do with all of our might and strength and do it all in "his name." Our speech is to be in his name. Our deeds are to be in His name. We represent the King of Glory therefore our speech and actions should be that of an ambassador.
Think about when you pray. You close your prayer with this phrase: "we ask all of this in Jesus' name." Paul says that should be also considered when we speak and in whatever we do. Imagine the next time you speak, you close out your comments and conversation with: "we say all of this in Jesus' name." Think about the next time you are doing something, say on your job, you are completing a task, and you close it by saying: "we do all of this in Jesus' name." That sounds absurd. Yet God says we are his representatives and by our words and actions shall men know we belong to Him.
He also goes on to say that we should give thanks for all that we say and do in His name. We complete our conversation by thanking him for allowing us to speak in such a way that we represent Him with honor. We finish our task, having done our best and we thank Him for the ability to accomplish this task in such a way that we have represented Him well. You say this is so foolish. What we say and do each day has nothing to do with our relationship with Christ. Yet need I remind you that you are not your own, you are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit with are the Lords."
So as you go throughout your day, just do and say everything in His name and thank Him for whatever is accomplished. For everything that we have and do is because of Him. "For in him we live and move and have our being." It is all about Christ and that is not just on Sunday in Church. Everyday and in every way, it is all about Him and it should all be for Him. Think about it!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 23, 2008
James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
Life is such a small word and in the scheme of things is such a short event. Compared to time and eternity, just seventy short years are so few. When I was just a boy, I thought that men and women in their thirties and forties were so "old." Then my grandparents were "ancient." Grey-haired men and women appeared to be contemporaries with the likes of "Moses" and "Abraham."
Growing up, I could not wait until I was "thirteen." To become a teenager was the dream of my life. Then when it happened, my next milestone was sixteen. I could not wait to get my "driver's license." Then when it happened, I longed for the day when I would walk across the stage and get my diploma. Then when it happened, the work began. Marriage, jobs, children, house mortgages, insurances, bills, bills, bills, and the years go by until one day you wake up and you are walking your daughters and sons down the isle. A few years pass and little footsteps are running through the house calling out to "Paw Paw." You look around and wonder where have the years gone?
Life is really so short. It seems that just yesterday we were climbing trees in the backyard with my friends. Now in the mirror, there is an old gray-haired man looking back at me. What happened? Your life like a vapor so quickly vanishes. It appears at first to be an eternity but how quickly the years go by.
In light of life's brevity, we should make every moment count for God. We cannot in light of the shortness of life afford to waste one minute or one opportunity. We should get up each day with the joy and anticipation of knowing that the day is full of new opportunities. We should want to do our best for Him. When we stand before God, we will be glad that we did not waste our lives. We should always be reminded that God is the giver of life. He has granted us certain number of days. We are to count each minute and redeem the time.
What will you do for God today that be of eternal value? How much time will you waste today? You don't have but twenty-four hours each day and there will be no more. So count them dearly and do not waste a moment from this time forth. Live for God and let your life count for Jesus.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 24, 2008
Ephesians 4:30 "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
When a person is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within him permanently. The Holy Spirit teaches us and guides us in the ways of God. He testifies to the things that Jesus taught while on Earth. The Holy Spirit has emotions and senses and feels just like we do. Also we are able to effect his emotions by the way that we act or what we say.
Here the Bible speaks of our "grieving the Holy Spirit." If you read on in the next verses, you will see a list of things that grieve him. The Holy Spirit is grieved by the things we do that are contrary to the nature of God. These are sins of the flesh that cause the Spirit to be disturbed and "uncomfortable" with the circumstances we have placed him in.
In another passage, the Holy Spirit is in danger of being "quenched." This means to "put the fire out." This happens when we do not do what God asks of us. Our disobedience "puts out the fire" that God puts in. So we quench him by not doing the things we should, and we "grieve" him when we do the things we should not do.
We should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We should recognize that we have a responsibility to make a "home" fit for the Spirit to dwell. It is important to remember that now we belong to him. Our body has become "his" temple. We are not our own, we have been bought with a price. Therefore we are to glorify him in every thing we do.
Our relationship with God is special in that He has given us the Holy Spirit to live within us. This is the earnest of our redemption. When Christ returns, we will get out new bodies and the full payment for our redemption will be complete. Until then, let's do all we can to live so as to make the Spirit within us feel right at home in his temple. Let's keep it clean and pure and holy for his sake.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 25, 2008
Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:"
Our God is a great God and many are His attributes. God is love, longsuffering, merciful, kind, gracious, perfect, immutable, and so much more than words can describe. Our God is our source of strength in times of weakness. Our God is a God of comfort in time of sorrow. Our God is our source of wisdom in a time of confusion. Our God is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Our God is a way when there is no way, hope in the time of despair, peace in the time of storm, and according to this passage a refuge and a place for the child of God to flee in time of trouble.
In the Old Testament, there were cities of refuge prepared for those who were being sought for crimes committed. In some cases, these souls were innocent and needed a place of refuge until their story could be confirmed. For those who were guilty, the city of refuge became a place where they could flee their avenger and possibly be protected and dealt with mercifully.
God is our refuge. We can flee to Him from the avenger, Satan who seeks to destroy us. He protects us, defends us, and pleads our case against the accusations of Satan. We are helpless to defend ourselves. The things that Satan says about us may very well be true. We are guilty souls undeserving of Salvation and God's love. Yet God provides Himself a refuge. In Him we can hide and trust that he will always protect us from our enemy.
The arms of God are strong and mighty and he holds us up lest we fall. We are safe in the arms of God. The song goes "Leaning, Leaning, safe and secure from all alarm. Leaning, Leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms." This is one of the blessings afforded us as children. When we are weak, he is strong. When we fall, he picks us up. When we are in danger, He is our refuge and he is able to defend us from all impending danger. What a God we serve!
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 26, 2008
Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is of the Lord's merices that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is they faithfulness."
As already mentioned, the attributes of God are many. To fully understand the ways and mind of God would be impossible. Surely what the prophet wrote is true. If is were not for the Lord's mercy, we would be consumed. God is compassionate and caring and withholds his anger on us. But it goes even much farther than that. They are new every morning. God could be different every morning and still be the same but still not exhaust who and what He is.
The greatest part of all that God is is that He is faithful. What God is, He always has been and always will be. He never changes. His faithfulness to us is overwhelming. Even when we are not faithful, He is still faithful. He is faithful in His promises. He is faithful in His provisions. He is faithful in His Presence. He is always with us and never leaves us alone. When we awake, He is there. When we feel helpless, He is there. God is faithful.
A merciful God, full of compassion, new and fresh each day, and great in His faithfulness: that is our God.
Why does this matter so much to Jeremiah the prophet? Because in this book, the weeping prophet looks at a nation that is in great despair. The mighty nation that was once exalted to the heavens has become the off scorn of the world. It appears that Israel has been forsaken. Why is such affliction taking place? The streets are filled with crying. The nation is filled with hopelessness. Yet in the midst of it all, Jeremiah is reminded that he is here because of the Lord's tender mercies. This same God that has spared him and helped Him will also be the hope of the nation. Whether it be a nation or an individual, God is faithful and cannot deny his promise of mercy. Thanks be unto God for His mercy extended to us.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 27, 2008
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The only God that some people ever see is you. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. Christ in us through the person of the Spirit provides for us a way wherein we can reveal God.
As we began to grow in grace, we take on the nature of God. We begin to reflect God in our character and our actions. We change our way of thinking. We change the way we react to certain situations. We talk different. We walk different and we desire different things.
Before long, those around us begin to take notice. They may try to attribute it to some other event, but soon it will become obvious that the difference is not from without but from within. Outward change is reformation and may only last for a while. Inward change is regeneration and is eternal. We have a new nature therefore we behave differently.
This is God's way of bringing glory to Himself. When someone so wicked and vile receives Christ, the world cannot understand what could have brought about such a change. They have to admit that it is "supernatural." God is in the business of doing the impossible so as He gets all the glory.
After the change begins, we become more comfortable letting our lights shine before men. At first, we may be timid about the transformation. But soon, we become confident in giving God all the glory for what He has done.
We should always strive to maintain good works before men that they may see God. On the job or in the school, we are to glorify God. Many times it is not what we say that touches someone's life (although we are to tell everyone). Sometimes it is the quiet, consistent life lived in front of your co-worker or neighbor that opens the door to the Gospel. It is also the inconsistent life that shuts the door of the Gospel. Many men have stumbled over the inconsistent lives of so-called Christians who have let their lights be dimmed by sin and the world.
When you go out today, trim up your lamp. Let your light shine bright for Jesus. Fill your lamp with the oil of the Holy Ghost and be a witness for Jesus.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 28. 2008
John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"
Sheep by nature are followers and not leaders. Their nature dictates that they are attached to their Shepherd and they obey his commands and follow him where ever he leads.
On my first trip to the Holy Land, I watched as several herds of sheep were being led by their shepherd to the watering hole. As each of the flocks mingled together, it became difficult to tell which sheep belonged to which flock. Then something unique happened. Each shepherd began to make their own sound that only their sheep would know. It may sound musical, or it may just be some other sound but one thing was certain: the sheep knew which one belonged to their shepherd.
As the shepherd would speak, he began to walk down a particular path. One by one, each sheep began to fall into line behind their shepherd. It was a sight to see. Sheep from different herds following their own shepherd.
God says that His sheep know his voice and follow him. It voice is distinguished from a stranger. They know his voice from years of following after their shepherd. And even beyond the sheep knowing the shepherd's voice, the shepherd know his sheep. He can identify each one that is his. He has observed each one carefully. He has been there when they were born and carried them to feed each day. He knows how they respond and what is their disposition. When he speaks, the sheep follow.
We are sheep in God's herd. We know his voice. We should respond to his voice with an obedient heart and follow him where so ever he leads. The song says: "Where he leads me I will follow, I'll go with him, with him, all the way."
Written By: Dr. David Harrison
February 29, 2008
John 10:28-29 "And I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
Eternal life is the greatest gift ever given to man. The issue of the security of the believer has been argued for centuries. But clearly here, God's Word teaches that we have eternal life and we shall never perish. No man is able to pluck us out of God's hand. Paul goes on to say in Romans that "nothing can separate us from the love of God."
Here it is explained that the Christ is God's gift to the Church. "My Father", Jesus says, "which gave them me", refers to Christ as the source of salvation. In Him is life and we live because He lives. Christ is greater than any power man can ever imagine. When you are saved, you are placed in the safe keeping of the Father's hand. There, you abide in His protective care knowing that He loves you and cares about you and for His Son's sake, He will keep you until the end.
Salvation is a free gift and cannot be purchased or earned. Salvation is not by works of man's righteousness but by the mercy and grace of God. As recipients of His grace, we are placed in His eternal care. As long as God exists, we will be in His care. We are promised the riches of glory by Christ Jesus and this is all free!
The child of God can rest in the finished work of Christ. We know Him and He knows us. We are in the Father's hand and are can never be removed. Rejoice child of God. You are in good hands.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison