Refreshing

Daily
in Gods Word
Emphasis on

Peoples &
Nations

The Amalekites The Enemy of

Israel
July 1
Bible Reading: I Samuel 15:1-9
Key Verse: Verse 7- And Saul smote the Amalekites
from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over
against Egypt.
Key Words: And Saul smote the Amalekites
The Amalekites dwelt in the land around the Dead Sea.
They were the descendants of Esaus son, Amalek.
Twenty-four times you find the name Amalekites
mentioned in the Word of God, and all twenty-four times they
are either fighting or planning on fighting the nation of Israel.
Of the many battles that the Amalekites had with Israel, only
once did they win and that was not because of their might or
prowess, it was a result of Israels sin (Numbers 14:4-45).
As much as they desired to defeat Israel, they simply
could not, no matter how hard they tried.
Growing up I had a double first cousin named
Timothy. He and I were very competitive. Every time we got
together, and it was often, we went to war either in basketball,
baseball, football or even horseshoes. As much as I hate to
admit it, I simply could not beat him. I tried praying,
scheming, and even thought about cheating; but I simply
could not win. The more I lost, the more I wanted to win.
Now, its not like he would massacre me, Im talking about
beating me with the most narrow of margins. It got to the
place where, as a child, that all I could think about was
beating Timothy; until one day I did in basketball. Now, I
let everyone know I won until my sister began to inform
everyone that Timothy had a broken arm, but I still won!
So it was with the Amalekites. They simply could not
defeat Israel, no matter how hard they tried. They did defeat
Israel once, not because of their greatness but because of
Israels weakness.

The moral of all this is simple: that in the will of God

there is victory and out of His will is defeat. So stay in the will
of God!!
What to do:
Understand that in the will of God you find victory;
so know and do the will of God because it sure aint
no fun losing.
****************************************

The Ammonites A Doomed

Nation

July 2

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 25:1-11

Key Verse: Verse 10 - Unto the men of the east with
the Ammonites, and will give them in possession, that
the Ammonites may not be remembered among the
nations.
Key Words: may not be remembered among the

nations
The Ammonites were a Nomadic race and a
descendent of Lots youngest daughter. It is believed that they
primarily dwelt in the region we know today as Iran.
The Ammonites were almost continually opposing
Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3-4; Judges 3:13; Psalm 83:7).
But in spite of their will to see the demise of Israel,
Israel still prevails and the Ammonites have met their demise,
no doubt as a result of Gods covenant with Abraham. Genesis
12:3, And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him
that curseth thee.
The nation of the Ammonites no longer existed after
around 250 A.D.
The moral of the story of the Ammonites is to be
careful to whom you stand in opposition, for if God be for you,

then who can be against you? But if God be against you, then
who can be for you?
In the early days of the automobile a mans Model-T
Ford stalled in the middle of the road. He couldnt get it
started no matter how hard he cranked nor how much he tried
to advance the spark or adjust things under the hood. Just
then a chauffeured limousine pulled up behind him, and a
wiry, energetic man stepped out from the back seat and
offered his assistance. After tinkering for a few moments the
stranger said, Now try it! Immediately the engine leaped to
life. The well-dressed individual then identified himself as
Henry Ford. I designed and built these cars, he said, so I
know what to do when something goes wrong.
So it is when our enemies oppose us: God knows how
to fix every situation.
What to do:
Always remember that if God be for us, who can be
against us? Its not important that God be on your
side, but its of the utmost importance that you be on
His.
****************************************

The Barbarians
July 3

Bible Reading: Acts 28:1-10

Key Verse: Verse 2 - And the barbarous people

shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire,

and received us every one, because of the present
rain, and because of the cold.
Key Words: the barbarous people

As you read in Acts 27, you find Paul and his

shipmates in a tempestuous storm which causes the ship to go
aground on the island of Melita (Acts 28:1). It was here that
Paul and others met the people of Melita. They were called
Barbarians (Acts 28:4).

Now, when we think of barbarians we think of savages,

wild people with no culture; but this is not the case in the
Word of God. Originally, the Barbarians were those people
who were not Greek (Romans 1:14). Later, barbarians became
known as foreigners, and eventually barbarians were known
as those who were not Christians. So it is with those on the
island of Melita, they were foreigners who were not
Christians.
Now based upon that, all of us know someone who is a
barbarian, someone who needs to come to a saving knowledge
of Jesus Christ. The following story gives a clear picture of a
barbarian.
It is said that an old white-haired mother came to
Governor Abner Nash of North Carolina and said, Governor
Nash, I have come to speak to you on behalf of my poor boy
who is soon to die in the electric chair. Governor, I have not
come to ask for justice but for mercy, not for his sake but
mine. He is my only son and support. Governor, if you can
do anything, do it for my sake.
The governor was courteous and promised to look into
the matter and see if anything could be done. Soon he went
down to the prison where the poor boy was awaiting the day
of execution. When the young man saw the governor,
thinking he was a minister who had come to speak with him,
he became very angry and insulting. He said to the governor,
I have no time for you and I will be pleased if you will let me
alone.
But, said the governor, I have come to see you about
an important matter and you might be interested. The young
man almost cursed him and demanded that he leave him
alone.
Very well, replied the governor, good-bye.
When the governor was gone the warden said to the
young man, How did Governor Nash and you get along?
When he learned that it was not a minister but the governor,
he fell upon the concrete floor and cried, like a soul lost and
damned, My God, have I insulted the only man who could
save my life?
Yes, that is just what he had done. And that is what all
are doing who are rejecting Jesus Christ. He is the only
Savior.

What to do:
Actually what not to do: dont be a barbarian, accept
Jesus as your Savior today.
****************************************

Babylonia The Place of

Confusion

July 4

Bible Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

Key Verse: Verse 9 - Therefore is the name of it called
Babel; because the LORD did there confound the
language of all the earth: and from thence did the
LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the
earth.
Key Words: Therefore is the name of it called

Babel
Everyone has heard of Babylonia, it was at one time
the most powerful nation on earth. The land known as
Babylonia in Bible times is today known primarily as Iraq.
Babylonia is known to the Bible student for three
reasons.
First of all, its the region of the country that Abraham
lived where God called him to go to a land that he knew not of.
Secondly, Babylonia is known for its invasion of
Jerusalem around 600 B.C. This is during the time that
Nebuchadnezzar was king.
Then third, everyone knows that during the
tribulation, Babylonia will once again reign supreme for a
brief period of time (Revelation 17 and 18).
Did you know that Babylon is the longer form of
Babel? It means confusion. Remember in Genesis 11 how
God confounded their language?
Babylon is a place of constant confusion, primarily in
its worship. Sounds a lot like the modern-day church, doesnt
it?

Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was

once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the
Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the
group happened to meet Lord Hailsham, then lord chancellor,
wearing all the regalia of his office. Hailsham recognized
Marten among the group and cried, Neil! Not daring to
question or disobey the command, the entire band of
visitors promptly fell to their knees! Confusion!!

What to do:
Stay away from confusion because its not of God. I
Corinthians 14:14.
****************************************

Canaanites Not The Marrying

Kind

July 5

Bible Reading: Genesis 24:1-9

Key Verse: Verse 3 - And I will make thee swear by
the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the
earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of
the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I
dwell:
Key Words: thou shalt not take a wife unto my son

of the daughters of the Canaanites

The Canaanites are a descendant of Ham (Genesis
10:6). The name Canaan means a traveling merchant. The
land of Canaan covers the vast territory of Palestine and West
Jordan.
The Canaanites were known for their worship which
included the fertility gods. It introduced lewd worship,
immorality and prostitution.

No wonder Abraham said to his servant, ...thou shalt

not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the
Canaanites... .
There are some basic rules one needs to follow when it
comes to marriage. First of all, you marry them for who they
are, not what you think you can make them. Secondly, you
marry them because you are in agreement, not because you
think you can convince them to agree.
I read the following story that illustrates the point.
The nervous young bride-to-be was counseled by her
pastor: When you enter the church tomorrow, you will only
be walking down the aisle youve walked many times before.
Concentrate on that. And when you get halfway down the
aisle, concentrate on the altar, where you and your family
have worshipped for so many years. Concentrate on that.
And as you reach the end of the aisle, your groom will be
waiting for you. Concentrate on him. It worked to
perfection, and on her wedding day, the beautiful but nervous
bride walked smoothly down the aisle in her processional.
But people in the audience were a bit taken aback to hear her
repeating to herself, all the way down the aisle, Aisle, altar,
him. Aisle, altar, him.
Dont marry someone you have to alter, marry
someone who spends a great deal of time at the altar.

What to do:
Marry Gods choice that way youre not taking a
chance.
****************************************

Christians Resembling Christ

July 6
Bible Reading: Acts 11:22-30
Key Verse: Verse 26 - And when he had found him,
he
brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a
whole year they assembled themselves with the

church, and taught much people. And the disciples

were called Christians first in Antioch.
Key Words: And the disciples were called

Christians first in Antioch

Have you ever studied the word Christian? The term
Christian is often used for being born again, but it goes
beyond that. It means to resemble Christ.
As you read the Word of God in regard to Christians,
you find two interesting portions of Scripture.
The first one is found in Acts 26:28, Then Agrippa
said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a
Christian. The second portion of Scripture is found in I Peter
4:16, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
There is a principle here I wouldnt want you to miss
and that is, the life of a believer should go beyond being saved.
Our life should resemble Christ and Peter even tells us that
this is worth suffering for!
When the wife of missionary Adoniram Judson told
him that a newspaper article likened him to some of the
apostles, Judson replied, I do not want to be like a Paul...or
any mere man. I want to be like Christ...I want to follow Him
only, copy His teachings, drink in His Spirit, [and] place my
feet in His footprints... Oh, to be more like Christ!
According to United Press International, a nine-yearold girl was raised by barnyard pigs in the Chinese province of
Liaoning. The girl had been suckled and raised from infancy
by a peasant familys pigs because her disabled parents could
not care for her.
Like a Chinese version of Believe It or Not, the
report indicated that the severely deprived child is now being
taught to abandon pig-like behavior in favor of acting human.
Her counselors said that the child had learned to crawl like a
pig and imitate other piggish actions.
She displayed
fluctuating emotions and tended to want to live in solitude.
There is something worse than a nine-year-old child
who behaves like a pig. It is a professed Christian who thinks
and acts like a pagan.

What to do:
I trust you are a believer, I pray you are a Christian
as well.
****************************************

Concubines and Immorality

July 7

Bible Reading: Matthew 19:1-10

Key Verse: Verse 5 - And said, For this cause shall a
man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his
wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Key Words: For this cause shall a man leave

father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife

The word concubine in the Hebrew means an

adulterous relationship.
A concubine, according to Ungers Bible Dictionary,
was originally used only for daily chores around the house.
Although we are told in Genesis 22:24 in regard to Bethuel,
And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also
Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
While the intent of the concubine may have been daily
chores around the house, it grew to be a perverted situation
that grew out of control. Genesis 36:12, Judges 8:31, II
Samuel 3:7, II Samuel 5:13, and the list of Scripture in regard
to concubines goes on and on.
While the Bible records the sinful tale of masters and
their concubines, you never find where God condones such
evil. As a matter of fact, when you get to the New Testament,
you find marriage properly restored (Matthew 19:5, I
Corinthians 7:2).
Without a daily walk and devotion to God we would all
be bound for a life of depravity. The following article
illustrates the thinking of depraved man.
In Rome for the first five hundred and twenty years of
the Republic there had not been a single divorce; but now
under the Empire, as it has been put, divorce was a matter of
caprice. As Seneca said, Women were married to be divorced

and divorced to be married. In Rome the years were

identified by the names of the consuls; but it was said that
fashionable ladies identified the years by the names of their
husbands. Juvenal quotes an instance of a woman who had
eight husbands in five years. Morality was dead. In Greece
immorality had always been quite blatant.
Long ago
Demosthenes had written: We keep prostitutes for pleasure;
we keep mistresses for the day-to-day needs of the body; we
keep wives for the begetting of children and for faithful
guardianship of our homes. So long as a man supported his
wife and family there was no shame whatsoever in
extramarital relationships. William Barclay
Sounds a lot like the humanistic thinking of today,
doesnt it?

What to do:
Get your philosophy and thoughts from the Bible,
not the wicked perverted thoughts of man.
****************************************

Dogs and Uncleanness

July 8

Bible Reading: Psalm 22

Key Verse: Verse 16 - For dogs have compassed me:

the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they
pierced my hands and my feet.
Key Words: For dogs have compassed me

Psalm 22 is prophetic, in that it points to the

crucifixion of Jesus; but for the sake of this devotion I want to
draw your attention to the word dogs in verse 16 and dog in
verse 20. These are not a reference to the four-legged
creature, but a derogatory remark toward Davids enemies.
The term dog is also used for self-humiliation (I
Samuel 24:14). It is also used to describe a profane person
(Matthew 15:26). In Philippians 3:2 false teachers are called

dogs, and in Revelation 22:15 those shut out of the kingdom of

heaven are called dogs.
Dogs are naturally unclean animals, if it werent for
their masters who keep them clean, they no doubt would die
of disease and filth. But is that not true of us as well? If it
werent for Jesus, would we not die of the disease and filth of
sin?
In 1818, Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis was born into a
world of dying women. The finest hospitals lost one out of six
young mothers to the scourge of childbed fever. A doctors
daily routine began in the dissecting room where he
performed autopsies. From there he made his way to the
hospital to examine expectant mothers without ever pausing
to wash his hands. Dr. Semmelweis was the first man in
history to associate such examinations with the resultant
infection and death. His own practice was to wash with a
chlorine solution, and after eleven years and the delivery of
8,537 babies, he lost only 184 mothers about one in fifty.
He spent the vigor of his life lecturing and debating
with his colleagues. Once he argued, Puerperal fever is
caused by decomposed material, conveyed to a wound... I
have shown how it can be prevented. I have proven all that I
have said. But while we talk, talk, talk, gentlemen, women are
dying. I am not asking anything world shaking. I am asking
you only to wash... For Gods sake, wash your hands. But
virtually no one believed in him. Doctors and midwives had
been delivering babies for thousands of years without
washing, and no outspoken Hungarian was going to change
them now!
He didnt, and as a result, mother and babies
continued to die by the hundreds because of filth and disease.

What to do:
Be washed in the blood of the Lamb. Its the only
answer for being spiritually clean.

Disciples Following Christ

July 9

Bible Reading: Acts 6

Key Verse: Verse 1 - And in those days, when the

number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a
murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews,
because their widows were neglected in the daily
ministration.
Key Words: the number of the disciples was

multiplied

When we think of the disciples we tend to think of

either the original twelve disciples or of disciples in general.
The word disciple actually comes from the Greek word
matheos meaning to add up. A disciple is one whose life adds
up to resemble Christ or a follower of Christ.
At the age of 32, Scottish biologist Henry Drummond
went on an exploratory venture into Africa. He visited the
grave of David Livingstone, he saw missionaries laid low with
tropical diseases, and he became ill with a raging fever that
lasted for a month. He returned home with a greater depth of
character, a profound compassion for the lost, and a new
resolve to give himself to the service of his Master. To
Drummond, meditating upon the suffering of Jesus Christ
and seeing firsthand the sacrifice of those devoted servants
helped him become a dedicated disciple.
Now, discipleship to Christ doesnt call for an unwise
fanaticism that invites persecution or that sees virtue in
suffering. But to follow our Lord, we must have the right
priorities. Our motivation comes when we, like Drummond,
reflect upon the price Christ paid for our redemption and
think about the faithful servants of God who have given
themselves unreservedly to His service.
In sharp contrast to this and to Jesus emphasis upon
the high cost of following Him, some preachers assure their
listeners that living for Christ guarantees health, wealth, and
happiness. Then too, thousands who profess faith in Jesus
attend church and live decent lives, but they are so conformed
to this world that they neither impress nor offend anyone.

Think about these questions: If we lived in the first century,

would the ungodly be throwing us to the lions? Burning us at
the stake? Lets never forget that discipleship is costly.
But need I remind you, it will be worth it when we see
Jesus.

What to do:
We all follow somebody, why not be a disciple of
Jesus rather than a disciple of this world?
****************************************

The Dukes of Conflict

July 10

Bible Reading: Genesis 36:9-19

Key Verse: Verse 15 - " These were dukes of the sons of

Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau;
duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,
Key Words: These were dukes of the sons of Esau

The word dukes is an interesting term. It actually

comes from two Hebrew terms, one being alluph meaning
leader of more than a thousand. The second term is prince
meaning person of power. So a duke then would be a person
with at least one thousand people under his authority. These
dukes were the grandsons of Esau and made up the kingdom
of the Edomites which were in continual conflict with Israel.
Even though they were men of great authority, God is the
ultimate authority and can easily put us in our place when
we oppose His authority.
Reminds me of the following story... When Christian
Herter was governor of Massachusetts, he was running hard
for a second term in office. One day, after a busy morning
chasing votes (and no lunch) he arrived at a church barbecue.
It was late afternoon and Herter was famished. As Herter
moved down the serving line, he held out his plate to the
woman serving chicken. She put a piece on his plate and

turned to the next person in line. Excuse me, Governor

Herter said, do you mind if I have another piece of chicken?
Sorry, the woman told him, Im supposed to give one piece
of chicken to each person. But Im starved, the governor
said. Sorry, the woman said again, only one to a customer.
Governor Herter was a modest and unassuming man, but he
decided that this time he would throw a little weight around.
Do you know who I am? he said. I am the governor of this
state. Do you know who I am? the woman said. Im the
lady in charge of the chicken. Move along, mister.
There is a limit to our authority no matter who we
are!! Today I trust God is your Authority for all matters of life
and eternity.

What to do:
Make God your ultimate authority.
****************************************

Egyptians and Idolatry

July 11

Bible Reading: Exodus 32:1-14

Key Verse: Verse 8 - They have turned aside quickly

out of the way which I commanded them: they have
made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it,
and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy
gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the
land of Egypt..
Key Words: These be thy gods

The ancient Egyptians knew their country as the black

land from its dark-colored dirt. We primarily know Egypt
today as a place of sand and desert; but Egypt is divided into
two regions: one of black land, and the other of desert and
sand.
The early Egyptians were descendants of Ham
(Genesis 10:6). From 1900 to 1750 B.C. Egypt became known

for their classical literature and their great commerce. Until

around 1100 B.C. they were known as a world dynasty. It was
during these great years of world dominance that Israel
served Egypt as slaves until Moses led Israel out of bondage
around 1500 B.C.
Egypts primary god during this time period was
Osiris, god of the Nile. They also worshipped Amun-Re, the
moon god. There were far too many false gods to name them
all; but Egypt was steep into idolatry which eventually
brought their demise.
In The Wounded Healer, Henri Nouwen retells a tale
from ancient India: Four royal brothers decided each to
master a special ability. Time went by, and the brothers met
to reveal what they had learned.
I have mastered a science, said the first, by which I
can take but a bone of some creature and create the flesh that
goes with it.
I, said the second, know how to grow that creatures
skin and hair if there is flesh on its bones.
The third said, I am able to create its limbs if I have
flesh, the skin, and the hair.
And I, concluded the fourth, know how to give life
to that creature if its form is complete.
Thereupon the brothers went into the jungle to find a
bone so they could demonstrate their specialties. As fate
would have it, the bone they found was a lions. One added
flesh to the bone, the second grew hide and hair, the third
completed it with matching limbs, and the fourth gave the lion
life. Shaking its mane, the ferocious beast arose and jumped
on his creators. He killed them all and vanished contentedly
into the jungle.
We too have the capacity to create what can devour us.
Goals and dreams can consume us. Possessions and property
can turn and destroy us unless we first seek Gods kingdom
and righteousness, and allow Him to breathe into what we
make of life.

What to do:
Make sure God is supreme in your life.

Epicureans The God of

Pleasure

July 12

Bible Reading: Acts 17:16-31

Key Verse: Verse 18 Then certain philosophers of
the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him.
And some said, What will this babbler say? other
some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods:
because he preached unto them Jesus, and the
resurrection.
Key Words: Then certain philosophers of the

Epicureans
The Epicureans name comes from their spiritual
leader, Epicurus, who believed in finding a philosophy that
makes you happy. They also believed that true happiness did
not come from truth, but was derived from pleasure.
This sounds a lot like the philosophy of today, doesnt
it? Mans god is whatever makes us happy. But need I remind
you of the words of Paul to Timothy found in I Timothy 5:6,
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
The following illustrates to us the displeasure
produced by seeking a life of pleasure.
A picture hangs in London that is one of the most
tragic pictures ever painted. It portrays the last rough slope of
a mountain leading to the edge of a precipice at the foot of
which one catches a misty glimpse of a graveyard. A crowd of
men and women, some in evening dress, some in the garb of
toil, some in rags pack the slope, all struggling for a foothold
on the highest point and tearing at and treading upon one
another. They are gazing upward where the filmy, beckoning,
mocking figure of pleasure floats out of reach. The picture is
called The Pursuit of Pleasure. On that grim, ghostly
sunless canvas the artist has not painted one happy face; not a
smile, not a flicker of gladness; nothing but fear, hatred,
selfishness, and pain are seen. That picture tells the story of
the worlds pursuit of joy. Jesus tells us joy is not found
there.

I pray, dear friend, that your happiness is not sought

in pleasure but in Jesus Christ.

What to do:
Today become a whosoever who will accept Jesus
as Savior.
****************************************

The Faithful The Person of

Great Value

July 13

Bible Reading: II Timothy 2:1-15

Key Verse: Verse 2 And the things that thou hast

heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to
teach others also.
Key Words: commit thou to faithful men

The word faithful literally means trustworthy,

someone you can count on every time.
As Paul is writing Timothy, he exhorts him to commit
the teaching of Gods Word to faithful men. I find that quote
interesting not scholarly men, or talented men, or even men
of great renown; but Gods Word is to be committed to those
who are faithful.
Solomon warns us in Proverbs 20:6b, ...but a faithful
man who can find? Faithful men are a rarity.
It is related one fearfully stormy night a boat was
wrecked. As the dawn came, many were seen out in the icy
waters, holding on to anything that would prevent them from
sinking. Ed and Will Spencer came to the scene. Ed was a
fine swimmer. He swam out and out again until he had
rescued many, and was almost exhausted. He saw a woman
holding on to a piece of board and crying for help. They said,
Ed, youd better not go. But it was too much for him. He

swam out into the icy waters and brought her to shore. Then
he swooned. He was taken to the hospital. After some hours,
he became conscious and said to his brother, Will, how many
were drowned? Will replied, I do not know. Then he said,
How many did I save? Will replied, Ed, you saved
seventeen. But Ed sadly said, Did I do my best? He would
become unconscious, and every time ask the same question
when he would revive, Will, did I do my best?
Were only doing our best as we are faithful
(trustworthy, dependable) to God. So let me ask you, are you
doing your best?
What to do:
Do your best for God be faithful in your Bible
study, prayer life, witnessing, church attendance, and
giving.
****************************************

Firstborn Top in Rank

July 14

Bible Reading: Colossians 1:1-18

Key Verse: Verse 15 Who is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Key Words: the firstborn of every creature
Whenever you think of the firstborn, you think of the
oldest child; but the word firstborn in the New Testament
doesnt mean oldest child. Its a military term meaning top in
rank, top in priority.
As you read the Word of God you find that Christ is the
firstborn from the dead, meaning of all the people raised from
the dead, Christ is the most important because it is His
resurrection that gives us everlasting life. (See Colossians
1:18.) Its because of this that we should put Christ first in our
life. He should be top in rank and top in priority.
Now, let me ask where do your priorities lie?

In his book, Feminine Faces, Clovis Chappel wrote

that when the Roman city of Pompeii was being excavated, the
body of a woman was found mummified by the volcanic ashes
of Mount Vesuvius. Her position told a tragic story. Her feet
pointed toward the city gate, but her outstretched arms and
fingers were straining for something that lay behind her. The
treasure for which she was grasping was a bag of pearls.
Chappel said, Though death was hard at her heels,
and life was beckoning to her beyond the city gates, she could
not shake off their spell... But it was not the eruption of
Vesuvius that made her love pearls more than life. It only
froze her in this attitude of greed.
What is it that freezes you from serving God?

What to do:
Let Christ be firstborn in your life.
****************************************

Fools and Their Demise

July 15

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-16

Key Verse: Verse 15 See then that ye walk

circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Key Words: See then that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools
Have you ever wondered how to identify a fool? There
are several ways. Let me give you six of those ways.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Fools are unteachable (Proverbs 1:7, 22).

Fools cant handle prosperity (Proverbs 1:32).
Fools are constantly living in shame (Proverbs 3:35).
Fools love foolishness (Proverbs 13:19).
Fools run in groups (Proverbs 13:20).
Fools mock (make fun of) sin. Another way of wording
this would be, to a fool sin is fun (Proverbs 14:9).

When D. L. Moody was conducting evangelistic

meetings across the country, he frequently faced hecklers who
were in rather violent disagreement with his tenets. In the
final service of one campaign, an usher handed the famed
evangelist a note as he entered the auditorium. Supposing it
to be an announcement, Moody quieted the large audience
and prepared to read the notice. He opened it to find a single
word: Fool!
The colorful preacher was equal to the occasion. Said
he, This is most unusual. I have just been handed a message
which consists of but one word, the word fool. I repeat, this
is most unusual. I have often heard of those who have written
letters and forgotten to sign their names, but this is the first
time I have ever heard of anyone who signed his name and
forgot to write the letter! And, taking advantage of the
situation, Moody promptly changed his sermon to the text:
The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.
William Thackeray once said, A fool can no more see
his own folly than he can see his ears.
Today I challenge you to walk with God, youll not find
any fools there.

What to do:
Daily walk with God! (The word walk means to
please, so daily live pleasing to God.)
****************************************

Gibeonites and Pride

July 16

Bible Reading: Joshua 9

Key Verse: Verse 15 And Joshua made peace with

them, and made a league with them, to let them live:
and the princes of the congregation sware unto
them.
Key Words: And Joshua made peace with them

The Gibeonites were descendents of Gibeon who was

of the people known as Hivites. The Gibeonites are best
known for making a league with Joshua and the nation of
Israel.
Because of Gods blessing upon Israel, the Gibeonites
knew they could never defeat them in battle so they deceived
Israel into making a league (a partnership) with them. The
Gibeonites took old sacks upon their donkeys and dressed
themselves in old clothes and shoes, and took old, dry,
molding bread and went into the Israelites camp. As a result
of their deception, Israel made an alliance with them; but
when Israel found out they had been deceived, they were not
happy. They declared in Joshua 9:23, Now therefore ye are
cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being
bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the
house of my God.
Its interesting to me that just as Israel never sought
the mind of God at all because of pride, the same seems to be
true here in regard to the Gibeonites.
A minister, a Boy Scout, and a computer expert were
the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to
the cabin and said that the plane was going down but there
were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot added,
I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and
three small children. So he took one and jumped. The
computer whiz said, I should have one of the parachutes
because I am the smartest man in the world and everyone
needs me. So he took one and jumped. The minister turned
to the Boy Scout and with a sad smile said, You are young
and I have lived a rich life, so you take the remaining
parachute, and Ill go down with the plane. The Boy Scout
said, Relax, Reverend, the smartest man in the world just
picked up my knapsack and jumped out!
Pride really does come before the fall.

What to do:
Make sure you seek
commitments to men.

God

before

making

The Hagarenes and Destruction

July 17

Bible Reading: Psalm 83

Key Verse: Verse 6 The tabernacles of Edom, and

the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
Key Words: and the Hagarenes

The Hagarenes are the non-Israeli children of

Abraham. They are the children of Abrahams adulterous
relationship with Hagar, and with his second wife, Keturah,
which produced seven children: Ishmael, Zimran, Jokshan,
Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. They traveled far and
wide. Their base of operation, though, was Petra. (See
Genesis 25:1-2.)
These nations were always jealous of Israel, and as a
result were always seeking Israels destruction which actually
ended in their own demise.
A gentleman saw a great eagle swoop down, fasten its
talons upon a weasel, and soar into the heavens for some
time. Finally a strange thing happened. He saw the stately
flight suddenly interrupted, and the eagle suddenly began
falling, never stopping until it was prostrate on the ground.
The man made examination and found that the weasel had
begun gnawing at the very vitals of the eagle and had reached
its heart. The eagle was planning a sumptuous feast, but
instead it was destroyed.
How often men and women fasten upon some sin that
seems charming! But the sin soon proves to be their
destruction and, at last, It biteth like a serpent, and stingeth
like an adder.
Often that which we seek to destroy ends up
destroying us. Think about it.

What to do:
Dont live to get even, live to see others in eternity in
heaven.

The Herodians and False

Doctrine

July 18

Bible Reading: Matthew 22:1-22

we

Key Verse: Verse 16 And they sent out unto him

their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master,
know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God
in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou
regardest not the person of men.
Key Words: the Herodians

The Herodians were a sect or a party that, at least on

two occasions, once in Galilee and again in Jerusalem, showed
their sour disposition toward Jesus. (See Mark 3:6 and
12:13.)
In each of these cases their name is coupled with that
of the Pharisees. While the Herodians were a political party,
they did team up with the Pharisees for the purpose of
executing Jesus because the Herodians believed according to
Tertullian (that Herod was the Messiah).
Another belief in another false god; how sad!
Jemima Wilkinson was born in Rhode Island during
1752. Her Quaker parents provided a religious education, but
she later became a religion unto herself. She was a very
capable speaker who convinced a following of 250 people that
she had been raised from the dead at age twenty. They
thought she was the Messiah. At one point in her ministry she
took her flock to a lake and begged the question, Do you
think I can walk on this water like Jesus did? They affirmed
she could, so the spiritual leader said, Then there is no
point in me doing it. When she died in 1820, the sect
followed her strict orders, Dont bury me, because God is
going to raise me from the dead. As Wilkinsons body
decomposed, her following died off as well.
False gods give false hopes, but Jesus Christ is the
Truth that can set you free.

What to do:
Turn to the true and living God, and accept Jesus as
your Savior.
****************************************

The Hittites A Picture of

Self-Destruction

July 19

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:1-9

Key Verse: Verse 4 From the wilderness and this

Lebanon even unto the great river, the river
Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the
great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be
your coast.
Key Words: all the land of the Hittites

It is believed that around 2000 B.C. the IndoEuropean speaking Hittites appeared in Northern Asia Minor.
The Hittites are a descendant of Heth, who was from the
lineage of Ham.
The Hittites were the first to make tools and weapons
out of iron. I guess you could say they were the first
blacksmiths.
The Hittites worshipped several false gods most of
which came from Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. But primarily
these gods were the gods of war and victory.
The Hittites empire came to an end around 1180 B.C.
They were not destroyed by outside forces, but they were
destroyed from within by civil war. Selfishness destroyed the
Hittite dynasty!
Selfish motives are all that move some people to
action. If there is nothing in it for them, they have no interest
in pursuing the matter. Reminds me of one of Aesops
Fables...
A peasant had in his garden an apple tree which bore
no fruit but only served as a harbor for the sparrows and
grasshoppers. He resolved to cut it down, and taking his axe

in his hand, made a bold stroke at its roots. The grasshoppers

and sparrows entreated him not to cut down the tree that
sheltered them, but to spare it, and they would sing to him
and lighten his labors. He paid no attention to their request,
but gave the tree a second blow with his axe. When he
reached the hollow of the tree, he found a hive full of honey.
Having tasted the honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and
looking on the tree as sacred, took great care of it.
Now the moral of this story is, self-interest alone
moves some men but love for Christ should move us all.

What to do:
Remember, selfishness destroys selflessness
grows.
****************************************

The Hivites The Unwarlike

People

July 20

Bible Reading: Genesis 34:2-31

Key Verse: Verse 2 And when Shechem the son of

Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he
took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
Key Words: the Hivite

The name Hivite means villager. The Hivites are

descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham (Genesis 10:17, I
Chronicles 1:15).
The Hivites were one of the seven main groups that
occupied the land of Canaan (the Promised Land).
As you read the story found in our text in Genesis 34,
you find the Hivites to be that of diplomacy rather than war
(Genesis 34:21-23). This is also seen in their worship of the
god, Baal-berith, which means god of the league. They would
rather talk than fight, negotiate than go to war. In our day, I

guess you would call them Democrats. Now, while there is

nothing wrong with negotiating, one can best negotiate from
strength, not weakness.
Reminds me of the story of the man walking through
an alley at night. A robber approached him and said, Give
me your money, to which the man replied, I will not. So
the robber hit him across the neck and said, Thats Karate
from Japan. Now, give me your money! Again the man
refused, so again the robber hit the man and said, Thats
Kung-Fu from China. Now, give me your money! The man
refused so the robber hit him again and said, Thats Jujitsu
from Asia, give me your money. The man finally conceded
and gave the robber his billfold. As he was walking away, the
man who was robbed hit the robber across the head, and the
thug went flying to the ground, out cold. The man picked up
his billfold and said to a passer-by, Tell him when he wakes
up that it was a crow-bar from Sears & Roebuck.
You best negotiate from strength, spiritual strength.

What to do:
Accept the Living Water of Jesus Christ and quench
your spiritual thirst.
****************************************

The Ishmaelites A People

Filled with Hatred

July 21

Bible Reading: Genesis 16

Key Verse: Verse 15 And Hagar bare Abram a son:
and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare,
Ishmael.
Key Words: Ishmael

The term Ishmaelites often refers to all Abrahamic

people from Egypt to the Euphrates. The Ishmaelites are
descendants of Ishmael, Abrahams illegitimate son birthed by
Sarahs handmaid, Hagar.
It was the Ishmaelites to whom Josephs brothers sold
him, and it was the Ishmaelites who carried Joseph off into
Egypt (Genesis 37).
The Muslims are primarily descendants of Ishmael,
thus the constant battle between Israel and Ishmael, Judaism
versus Islam.
This, by the way, is the reason that both Israel and the
Arabs claim the land promised to Abraham, since both are the
offspring of Abraham. But the Bible clearly teaches that Gods
blessing is upon Isaac. He is the promised seed from God.
One thing that stands out as you study the Ishmaelites
is their great hatred for Israel.
One of the worst cases of hatred I have ever come
across is found in a will written in 1935 by a Mr. Donohoe. It
says, Unto my two daughters, Frances Marie and Denise
Victoria, by reason of their unfilial attitude toward a doting
father,...I leave the sum of $1.00 to each and a fathers curse.
May their lives be fraught with misery, unhappiness and
poignant sorrow. May their deaths be soon and of a lingering
malignant and torturous nature. The last line of the will is so
vicious I shudder to quote it. It reads, May their souls rest in
hell and suffer the torments of the condemned for eternity.
This sounds like the same feelings that the Muslims
have toward Israel today.

What to do:
Remember, God blesses the nation that blesses
Israel.
Pray for Israel.
Pray for America.
Pray for the upcoming Presidential election.

The Jebusites Who Couldnt

See Straight

July 22

Bible Reading: II Samuel 5:1-20

Key Verse: Verse 6 And the king and his men went
to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the
land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou
take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not
come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.
Key Words: And the king and his men went to

Jerusalem unto the Jebusites

According to classical rabbinical literature, the
Jebusites name is derived from the city of Jebu, which is the
ancient city we know as Jerusalem. We do know that the
Jebusites lived in the mountains around Jerusalem (Numbers
13:29, Joshua 11:3).
Here are some things we do know about the Jebusites.
They were a warlike people (Judges 19).
The Jebusites were defeated by Joshua at
Makkedah (Joshua 10), but they still could
not be driven from the land (Joshua 15:63).
The Jebusites contested Davids entrance
into Jerusalem (II Samuel 5:6-8).
The purpose of this is that Jebusites were a warring,
stubborn people. They always saw others as the problem.
Reminds me of a story I heard recently...
In 1937 architect Frank Lloyd Wright built a house for
industrialist Hibbard Johnson. One rainy evening Johnson
was entertaining distinguished guests for dinner when the
roof began to leak. The water seeped through directly above
Johnson himself, dripping steadily onto his bald head. Irate,
he called Wright in Phoenix, Arizona. Frank, he said, you
built this beautiful house for me and we enjoy it very much.
But I have told you the roof leaks, and right now I am with
some friends and distinguished guests and it is leaking right

on top of my head. Wrights reply was heard by all the guests,

Well, Hib, why dont you move your chair?
Thats pretty much the way the Jebusites looked at
things. The problem is not mine, but yours!! Is that how you
look at things? I hope not!

What to do:
Before you evaluate others, evaluate yourself.
****************************************

The Kenites The Blessed and

The Blessing

July 23

Bible Reading: I Samuel 30:21-31

Key Verse: Verse 29 And to them which were in

Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the
Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of
the Kenites,
Key Words: the Kenites

You find the Kenites mentioned as inhabiting the land

of Canaan as early as the time of Abraham (Genesis 15:19).
We know that the Kenites were a Nomadic group and
that Jethro, Moses father-in-law, was a Kenite priest.
According to researcher and writer, Stephen Harris, the
Kenites worshipped the same God as Moses. (See Exodus
18:8-12.)
The Kenites seemed to have had a close relationship
with Israel. (See I Samuel 30:26-31.) This close relationship,
in all likelihood, developed as a result of Moses (a Hebrew),
marrying Jethros daughter (a Kenite).
God did promise to bless those who blessed Israel and
curse those who cursed Israel (Genesis 12).
At age 16 Andor Foldes was already a skilled pianist,
but he was experiencing a troubled year. In the midst of the
young Hungarians personal struggles, one of the most

renowned pianists of the day came to Budapest. Emil von

Sauer was famous, not only for his abilities; he was also the
last surviving pupil of the great Franz Liszt. Von Sauer
requested that Foldes play for him. Foldes obliged with some
of the most difficult works of Bach, Beethoven, and
Schumann.
When he finished, von Sauer walked over to him and
kissed him on the forehead. My son, he said, when I was
your age I became a student of Liszt. He kissed me on the
forehead after my first lesson, saying, Take good care of this
kissit comes from Beethoven, who gave it to me after
hearing me play. I have waited for years to pass on this
sacred heritage, but now I feel you deserve it.
It seems as though, just as von Sauer kissed Foldes,
God kissed the Kenites for their relationship with Israel.

What to do:
Be a blessing to those you come in contact with.
****************************************

Levites Servants of the Lord

July 24

Bible Reading: Numbers 8:5-22

Key Verse: Verse 22 And after that went the
Levites
in to do their service in the tabernacle of the
congregation before Aaron, and before his sons: as
the LORD had commanded Moses concerning the
Levites, so did they unto them.
Key Words: And after that went the Levites in to

do their service in the tabernacle

The tribe of Levi was set apart for the service of the
sanctuary.
A Levite would serve in the sanctuary from the age of
twenty-five to the age of fifty (Numbers 8:24-25).

The duties of the Levites were to preserve the law of

God and to see that its requirements were complied with.
The Levites were divided into three branches based
upon the three sons of Levi.
1. Section one was Kohath, named after
the son of Levi. They formed the
priesthood.
2. Section two was Gershon. They appear
to have been in charge of the sacred
part of the tabernacle.
3. Section three was Merari who were
responsible for lesser duties.
But all the Levites had their areas of responsibility,
and the service of the Lord depended on each being faithful to
fulfill their duties.
Let me ask you, do you see the importance of faithfully
doing the will of God?
When Queen Victoria was a child, she didnt know she
was in line for the throne of England. Her instructors, trying
to prepare her for the future, were frustrated because they
couldnt motivate her. She just didnt take her studies
seriously. Finally, her teachers decided to tell her that one
day she would become the queen of England. Upon hearing
this, Victoria quietly said, Then I will be good. The
realization that she had inherited this high calling gave her a
sense of responsibility that profoundly affected her conduct
from then on.
We have received the highest calling in the land and
that is as born-again believers to represent the King of Kings
and Lord of Lords so lets fulfill our responsibility.

What to do:
Be faithful ambassadors for Christ.

The Midianites A Picture

of Gods Peace

July 25

Bible Reading: Judges 6:25-40; 7:1-21

up

Key Verse: Verse 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is

Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose
early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that
the host of the Midianites were on the north side of
them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Key Words: Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon

Midian was the fourth son of Abraham by Keturah

(Genesis 25).
Midians descendents were known as
Midianites and they dwelt in the area east of Jordan.
Midian is the land where Moses fled when running
from Pharoah.
But by far, the best known stories involving the
Midianites take place in the book of Judges in the battle
between Gideon and the Midianites. The book of Judges,
chapters six and seven, reveal that Israel suffered at the hands
of the Midianites for six years; and we know that God called
Gideon to lead an army of three hundred men to defeat
Midian and rescue Israel from their bondage (Judges 7:5-6).
Gideons victory over the Midianites reveals the power
of God is greater than the power of men. What is keeping you
from the power of God in your life?
In a seminary missions class, Herbert Jackson told
how, as a missionary, he was assigned a car that would not
start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised
a plan. He went to the school near his home, got permission
to take some children out of class, and had them push his car
off. As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or
leave the engine running. He used this ingenious procedure
for two years.
Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new
missionary came to that station. When Jackson proudly
began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started,
the new man began looking under the hood. Before the

explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted,

Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose
cable. He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed
the switch, and to Jacksons astonishment, the engine roared
to life. For two years needless trouble had become routine.
The power was there all the time. Only a loose connection
kept Jackson from putting that power to work.
May each of us understand that only through Gods
power does true victory come.

What to do:
Give up on you and rely solely upon the Lord.
****************************************

The Nazarites and their Vow

July 26

Bible Reading: Numbers 6:1-21

Key Verse: Verse 21 This is the law of the Nazarite
who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD
for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get:
according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do
after the law of his separation.
Key Words: This is the law of the Nazarite who

hath vowed

We could say many things in regard to the Nazarites,

but the thing that stands out in regard to this group of people
is the Nazarite vow.
The vow consisted in the person consecrating their life
to God for a fixed period of time.
Probably the most famous of all Nazarites would be
Samson or John, the Baptist.
During the term of their vow, the Nazarite was bound
to abstain from wine and intoxicating drinks. He was

forbidden to cut his hair from his head or to approach a dead

body, even if it was a close relative.
The meaning of the vow itself is a renouncing of the
world and its pleasures, and a dedicating of oneself to the
Lord. The reason for the long hair is that the uncut hair
symbolized strength. But the principle of the Nazarite vow is
clearly that of dedicating oneself unto God and separation
from the world.
The problem we have today is that believers in general
see themselves as being separated because they base
separation on what they see and hear, rather than the Word of
God.
Some years ago, musicians noted that errand boys in a
certain part of London all whistled out of tune. Something
had gone wrong with the chimes and they were discordant.
The boys did not know there was anything wrong with the
peals, and quite unconsciously they had copied their pitch.
So we tend to copy the people with whom we associate,
we borrow thoughts from the books we read and the programs
to which we listen, almost without knowing it. God had given
us His Word which is the absolute pitch of life and living. If
we learn to sing by it, we shall easily detect the false in all of
the music of the world.
So base separation on the Word, not the world.

What to do:
Come out from among them and be ye separate,
saith the Lord.
Have your family discuss different areas of the
world and how they can separate themselves from it.

The Pharisees and Legalism

July 27

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-30

Key Verse: Verse 20 - For I say unto you, That except
your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of
the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter
into the kingdom of heaven.
Key Words: the righteousness of the scribes and

Pharisees

Not only is there a vast difference between

Phariseeism and Sadduceeism, but there is a vast difference
between Phariseeism and Christianity as well.
While many have declared Christians who are
separated from worldly music and standards as being
Pharisees, there is nothing further from the truth.
Pharisees adhere to the letter of the law, but
Christianity goes beyond that. For example, we are told in
Matthew 5:27-28, Ye have heard that it was said by them of
old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto
you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her
hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
As you can see, Pharisees hold to the letter of the law,
but Christianity goes a step further.
You read in Matthew 5:21, Thou shalt not kill, but in
verse 22 we are told that we are not even to be angry with our
brother without a cause.
Christianity goes beyond Phariseeism!! When you go
beyond the law, you are not Pharisaical, you are a Christian!!
So the next time you see someone go beyond the law
and step into the spiritual realm of life, dont call them
legalistic, but rather call them a Christian.

What to do:
Dont be a liberal, not adhering to the law.
Dont be a Pharisee, clinging to the letter of the law.

 But be a Christian, going beyond the law into a life

of righteousness.
****************************************

The Philistines - An Organized

People Turned To Chaos

July 28

Bible Reading: Judges 16:15-31

Key Verse: Verse 30 - And Samson said, Let me die
with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his
might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all
the people that were therein. So the dead which he
slew at his death were more than they which he slew
in his life.

Key Words: And Samson said, Let me die with the

Philistines
The Philistines were known as a powerful sea people
that settled along the Mediterranean coast from Joppa to
southern Gaza. It was an area that spanned some fifty miles
long and fifteen miles wide.
The Philistines power, according to Merrill/Unger,
was due to their political structure. It consisted of five cities:
Gaza which controlled the coastal area, Ekron which
controlled the markets, Ashdod which controlled the
roadways, Ashkelon which controlled the inland borders, and
Gath which headed up their military might. Remember,
Goliath was from Gath.
The Philistines were an intensely religious people.
They worshipped primarily the god, Dagon. Dagon was an
idol with the upper half of the idol being the body of a man
and the lower half being the body of a fish. Dagon
represented the god of power and victory. After each
victorious battle the Philistines would immediately go to their
temple of worship and thank the god, Dagon.
Another of the gods they worshipped was Ashtaroth (I
Samuel 31:9-10).

Without a doubt, the two most popular Bible accounts

of the Philistines would be David defeating Goliath, and
Samson destroying the Philistines (I Samuel 17 and Judges
16). As you read these stories, you cant help but come to the
realization that God really is in charge and can turn
organization into chaos.
In The Banner Allan Dykstra tells us what happened to
him during a hospital stay. My doctor ordered a certain diet
for me, but the head nurse decided that a particular exercise
program would be better. The assistant assigned to me felt
that the exercise program was useless and suggested that I
request medication instead. I really wanted the diet, so I went
back to the doctor and asked him the question: Whos in
charge here, anyway?
If there is confusion in your life like there was in
Samsons, then maybe its because youre listening to the
wrong person or persons.
What to do:
If your life has gone from organization to chaos,
turn to God.
****************************************

The Saint Set Apart For God

July 29

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:1-17

Key Verse: Verse 1 - Paul and Timotheus, the
servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ
Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and
deacons:
Key Words to all the saints
The word saint is a shortened form of the word
sanctification.
It means someone who is born again,
consecrated, and set apart for Gods service. Let me be clear,
sanctification is not salvation. One cannot be sanctified until

they are first saved. But sanctification is our desire to be used

of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
Paul reminds the church of Corinth that they are called
to be saints (I Corinthians 1:2), Unto the church of God
which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ
Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call
upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and
ours.
In Ephesians 1:1 Paul is evidently not writing to the
church as a whole but to the saints, Paul, an apostle of Jesus
Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus,
and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:.
In Colossians we find that faithful and sanctification
go together. Colossians 1:2, To the saints and faithful
brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you,
and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, we could go on with this but by now youre
getting the point. God desires that we be saved, but He also
wants us to be sanctified.
A lady was going away to meet some friends and bring
them home with her. She had left her children at home with
the understanding that they were to be clean when she
returned with the company. She said to the children upon
leaving, Now here is plenty of soap and water and here are
your clothes and I will expect you to be clean and dressed up
when I return. What she had made provisions for and had
demanded, she would require. So it is with the Lord.
Provisions have been made, at awful cost, for the cleansing of
the heart. Holiness! God demands it. Be ye holy. And
what He has provided for and demands, He will require.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.
So now let me ask you, are you saved? OK then, are
you sanctified? Think about it.

What to do:
Be consecrated to Gods service, not the world.
Love God, not the world.
Make God the priority, not things.

The Samaritans A Picture of

Prejudice

July 30

Bible Reading: Acts 8:1-14

Key Verse: Verse 4 Therefore they that were
scattered abroad went every where preaching the
word.
Key Words: Therefore they that were scattered

abroad went every where preaching the word

The two most popular Samaritans mentioned in Gods
Word would, in all likelihood, be the Good Samaritan (Luke
10) and the woman at the well (John 4). But what do you
know about the Samaritans? They are part Jew and part
Gentile. The Samaritans were originally part of the Northern
Kingdom of Israel, but after the Assyrians defeated Israel,
Salmanazar V, the king of Assyria, had Assyrian colonists
placed in Samaria and intermarriage resulted. Then they
became known as Samaritans. Their religion was also of
mixed character (II Kings 17:24-41). The Samaritans were not
allowed to be a part of the rebuilding of the temple around 515
B.C. (Ezra 4:1-3). This resulted in them becoming bitter rivals
with Israel and building their own temple on Mount Gerizim.
While Jesus reached out to the Samaritans (Luke 10,
John 4, John 8), they were rejected by Israel as a whole
because they were considered traitors and half-breeds.
Israels prejudice toward the Samaritans was great, but the
Samaritans had a great prejudice for the Jews as well. Now,
let me hasten to add that prejudice has no place in
Christianity. It is a great destroyer.
In his autobiography, Mahatma Gandhi wrote that
during this student days he read the Gospels seriously and
considered converting to Christianity. He believed that in the
teachings of Jesus he could find the solution to the caste
system that was dividing the people of India.
So one Sunday he decided to attend services at a
nearby church and talk to the minister about becoming a
Christian. When he entered the sanctuary, however, the usher

refused to give him a seat and suggested that he go worship

with his own people. Gandhi left the church and never
returned. If Christians have caste differences also, he said,
I might as well remain a Hindu. That ushers prejudice not
only betrayed Jesus, but also turned a person away from
trusting Him as Savior.
Let me caution you, your prejudice can be a great
destroyer.

What to do:
Evaluate your life and ask God to give you victory
over any prejudices you might have.
****************************************

The Witnesses of God

July 31

Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-8

after

Key Verse: Verse 8 But ye shall receive power,

that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part
of the earth.
Key Words: and ye shall be witnesses

There are five words that stand out in Acts 1:8, And
ye shall be witnesses... Being a witness is not optional, its
what each of us should be doing on a daily basis.
There are three ways to be a witness.
1. Through scheduled visitation.
2. Through specific burdens. Ask God to
lay someone on your heart to witness
to.
3. Through sovereign appointments. Be keenly
aware of opportunities God brings into our life
to be a witness.

But as a believer in Jesus Christ, we should all be a

witness.
A client once wrote a company for information about
their product. In the letter he specifically stated that he did
not want a salesman to call on him. The information he
requested was rather technical and could not be adequately
communicated in a letter, so the company sent a sales
representative anyway. When the rep showed up at the mans
office, he received a cold reception. The potential client
repeatedly reminded the salesman that his letter had stated
no salesman! The sales rep was a trainee with very little
experience. He tried to calm the irate executive and assure
him that there would be nothing more than a simple exchange
of information. After continual complaints, though, by the
executive, the trainee finally said, Mister, Im about as close
to a no salesman as the company has.
Many of us feel that way when it comes to telling
others about Jesus Christ. But each of us should still on a
daily basis (or at least once a week) be a witness to others. I
know a lot of people who arent good fishermen, but that
doesnt stop them from going fishing. The same should be
true for our spiritual fishing trips as well.
Why dont you witness to at least one person and do
that for the remaining weeks of your life? Youll be blessed for
it and from it.
Now go out and tell someone about Jesus.

What to do:
Be a witness daily for the glory of God.

I deeply appreciate the

help of
Mary Parsons
Glenda Myrick
And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these

people to help, this
devotional would not
have been possible.
Dr. Mike Rouse

is a ministry of

5568 Chalkville Mountain Road

Birmingham, AL. 35235
(205) 854-2741
www.mountainviewbaptist.org