Make Me a Bookworm!

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21 ESV)

C. H. Spurgeon found an old Bible one day with a small hole in it. It seems that a worm had eaten its way through the Bible from cover to cover. Considering this, Spurgeon suddenly exclaimed, “Lord, make me a bookworm like that!”

We all need to pray like that too. This is because most of us are poor Bible students. We really do not want to know God too well, because we hold to the old saying that “Ignorance is bliss.” To be a Christian, requires us to be willing to seek to know God with all our hearts and minds. Do you know the difference between milk and meat? Most Christians only seem to want a small dose of God-lite. They are afraid to get too close to God because it might require too much of them.

However, relationships require perseverance. The author of Hebrews puts it this way: “. . . we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:11-14, ESV)

The Christian must realize that reading and studying the Bible – along with other Christian books, commentaries, etc. – and spending time on our knees before God should always be our “constant practice.” We must read and study until we come to a true understanding of the Scriptures. This is the way to learn more about God.

In Luke 24:45, there is a phrase at the beginning of the verse that I love. It reads, “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. . .” Jesus opened the minds of His disciples so that they could understand the Word of God. James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5, ESV)

Don’t allow words such as “theology” and “doctrine” intimidate you. “Theology” is simply the study of the nature of God and religious truth. It helps us to answer questions about God. “Doctrine” is a body of teachings and principles. They help us to be consistent and logical in our understanding of God. John Owens reminds us, “The foundation of true holiness and true worship is the doctrine of the gospel, what we are to believe. So when Christian doctrine is neglected, forsaken, or corrupted, true holiness and worship will also be neglected, forsaken, and corrupted.” Such an abomination occurs because we have failed to seek to understand the God of the Bible.

The Bible is to be Understood

Daniel Webster:

“I believe that the Bible is to be understood and received in the plain and obvious meaning of its passages; for I cannot persuade myself that a book intended for the instruction and conversion of the whole world should cover its true meaning in any such mystery and doubt that none but critics and philosophers can discover it.”

“Education is useless without the Bible.”

The Problem with Trust

Do you have difficulty with trusting people? Sometimes I do. Do you trust God in every circumstance of your life? If I look deep into my heart, I find that sometimes the answer is “No!”

You may define “trust” as a “firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.” Are you trustworthy person?

I have always tried to be a trustworthy person who keeps his word to others. However, there have been times in my life when I failed in this regard. I don’t know about you, but I hate being fallible when it comes to promises. I know I cannot control every circumstance or the actions of other people. My will can be thwarted by nature, by other human beings, and by my own weaknesses – even when a promise is made with the best of intentions. A person may have character and ability and try to live a life of integrity, but promises should be made sparingly and vows to God even more so.

Conversely, we may be certain that God will keep His promises. The psalmist declares, “In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (56:11) “Trust in Him at all times; you people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” (62:8) We may know people who put little trust in God, but how many people do you know who trust Him in excess? D. L. Moody wrote, “Trust in yourself and you are doomed to disappointment; trust in your friends and they will die and leave you; trust in money and you may have it taken from you; trust in reputation and some slanderous tongue may blast it; but trust in God, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity.”

If you are really going to trust in God, you must be able to answer one question in the affirmative. “Do I believe that God is absolutely in control of the universe down to the smallest detail?” If you do not believe this, you can never trust Him. If you really believe in God’s sovereignty, then you can rest in His providential care. “In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid.” (Psalm 56:11) “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) Despite all circumstances, we may confidently place our trust in God. Only He knows what is best for us. Only He knows our deepest needs.

Man’s Dependence on his Creator

It is the very nature of that, which is created, to depend on its Creator for both being and function. It is impossible for that which is created to exist or act without the intervention of its Creator. William Gurnall writes:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10 ESV)

The strength of the general in other hosts lies in his troops. He flies, as a great commander once said to his soldiers, upon their wings; if their feathers be clipped, their power broken, he is lost; but in the army of saints, the strength of every saint, yea, of the whole host of saints, lies in the Lord of hosts. God can overcome his enemies without their hands, but they cannot so much as defend themselves without his arm. … Some propound a question, whether there be a sin committed in the world in which Satan hath not a part? But if the question were, whether there be any holy action performed without the special assistance of God concurring, that is resolved, ‘Without me ye can do nothing,’ John 15:5. … We apostles, we saints that have habitual grace, yet this lies like water at the bottom of a well, which will not ascend with all our pumping till God pour in his exciting grace, and then it comes. To will is more than to think, to exert our will into action more than both. These are of God: ‘For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure,’ Php. 2:13.

He makes the heart new, and having made it fit for heavenly motion, setting every wheel, as it were, in its right place, then he winds it up by his actuating grace, and sets it on going, the thoughts to stir, the will to move and make towards the holy object presented; yet here the chariot is set, and cannot ascend the hill of action till God puts his shoulder to the wheel: ‘to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not,’ Rom. 7:18. God is at the bottom of the ladder, and at the top also, the Author and Finisher, yea, helping and lifting the soul at every round, in his ascent to any holy action.

Well, now [if] the Christian is set on work, how long will he keep close to it? Alas, poor soul, no longer than he is held up by the same hand that empowered him at first. He hath soon wrought out the strength received, and therefore to maintain the tenure of a holy course, there must be renewing strength from heaven every moment. . . .

The Christian, when fullest of divine communications, is but a glass without a foot, he cannot stand, or hold what he hath received, any longer than God holds him in his strong hand. Therefore, Christ, when bound for heaven, and ready to take his leave of his children, bespeaks his Father’s care of them in his absence. ‘Father, keep them,’ John 17:11; as if he had said, they must not be left alone, they are poor shiftless children, that can neither stand nor go without help; they will lose the grace I have given them, and fall into those temptations which I kept them from while I was with them, if they be out of thy eye or arms but one moment; and therefore, ‘Father, keep them.’ (“The Whole Armour of God”)

Complaining till it Hurts

“And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1 ESV)

Many people love to complain. In fact, it seems to be an integral part of some people’s personalities. As a principal in the public schools, every school I was part of had its unofficial complainers. Whenever you saw one of these persons coming to the office, you knew they were going to complain about something. Probably 90% of the complaints I ever heard were from these same few people. Much to my frustration, most of these complaints were about something we did not have the ability or power to change. There were, however, some complaints that were useful and productive. These usually came from people who did not have a habit of complaining.

I am the first to admit that sometimes I am so bothered by a problem, which is beyond my control, that I will begin to complain fruitlessly. This is not a habit of mine, but sometimes I let my emotions get ahead of my brain. Have you ever experienced this?

In general, God does not seem to be favorably disposed toward complaining. According to Paul, we are to “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God. . . .” (Philippians 2:14-15) Complaining, we are told in the Bible, even arouses God’s anger and wrath. (Numbers 11) Someone once wrote, “Whines are the products of sour grapes.” I have also heard it said that there are two classes of complainers: those who think they have not received what they deserve; and those who have received what they deserve.

Charles Spurgeon spoke truthfully, when he wrote, “Ten minutes’ praying is better than a year’s murmuring.” Perhaps it is also true that complaining lips expose an ungrateful heart. This is why it is so important for a Christian to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When we complain, we are ultimately complaining against God’s providential care.

An important teaching to remember, if you are complaining about something or someone, is “… on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV) Solomon reminds us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19 ESV)

Those who are of an irritable, malcontent spirit will always find something or other about which to complain. God gives and gives, yet if our circumstances vary one bit from our tastes, we fall into the sin of fretting, murmuring, and complaining. Is God not just in being affronted by this sin? He is justly provoked; for it is written, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV) Even to indirectly complain against God’s providential care is the devil’s music.

The Counterfeit Christian

There is something wrong with preaching today because the counterfeit Christian is rarely challenged from the pulpit any more. Is there not something seriously wrong when we allow people to sit in our pews week after week without pointing to the matters of faith and holiness upon which they should examine the truth of their Christian walk? According to Al Martin:

Suppose I were to go to my local bank, to deposit two twenty-dollar bills. If the teller were to take them and say to me, ‘Just a minute, Mr. Martin, I think there might be a counterfeit here.’ If those bills are genuine, they stand to lose nothing by the close scrutiny which the bank teller gives them. In fact, they gain something. If he takes them to the back of the bank and places them under a magnifying glass, and examines them as to their genuineness, if they are genuine, I shall never be more confident of their genuineness than when they come back unscathed by close scrutiny. The only one that stands to lose anything is the counterfeit. This principle is true in searching applicatory preaching which sets forth the distinguishing marks of a true believer. The only one who stands to lose anything under a scriptural and balanced preaching of these things is the spurious believer. And he ought to be disturbed now while the day of salvation is still with us. If we err in making unscriptural distinctions, and unnecessarily trouble the godly, may the Lord open our eyes and bring us back from the error of our way! However, this is not the practical danger in our day. Rather, we are lulling people to sleep through our failure to set before them in a dose experimental way the marks of true faith as opposed to the faith of the demons. [See James 2:19].

Brethren, the Bible gives us many explicit statements which we may set before our people. Jesus said ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’ Let us not fear to tell our people that if they are not hearing and following Him they have no grounds to claim they are His sheep. Let us dare to tell them that though they may know all about the fact that our Lord has had His sheep upon His great heart from eternity in the covenant of redemption, though they may know all the facts of how He died for His sheep with a particular intent in His death, and how the Holy Spirit effectually calls them, the issue which we must press upon them is this: Are they hearing His voice? Are they following? We must not back off from pressing such issues. We must press the issues as set forth in the First Epistle of John, where the Apostle declares, ‘These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life.’ [I John 5:13]. What things did John set before them? Did he give them a string of texts upon which to place their fingers for assurance? No. Rather, he gave them a series of tests, by which they were to examine their lives. He said, ‘Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.’ Again, ‘Hereby we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.’ The consciences of our hearers need to be wounded in order that they might ask the question, ‘Am I truly in the faith in the light of the objective standard of the Word of God?’ (“What is Wrong with Preaching Today?”)

The Fullness of Grace

Sinclair B. Ferguson:

When the New Testament speaks about the fullness of grace, which we find in Christ, it does not mean only forgiveness, pardon and justification. Christ has done much more for us. He died for us, but he also lived for us. Now he has sent his own Spirit to us so that we might draw on his strength. He grew in grace, and when we draw on his power, we shall likewise grow in grace.

The Resurrection is a Fact

Charles Colson:

I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world – and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.

The Son of God

Martin Luther:

The Son of God did not want to be seen and found in heaven. Therefore, he descended from heaven into this humility and came to us in our flesh, laid himself into the womb of his mother and into the manger and went on to the cross. This was the ladder that he placed on earth so that we might ascend to God on it. This is the way you must take.

Temper and the Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit we receive from the Holy Spirit is brought to us from heaven out of the heart of Christ and it is first and foremost – love. Andrew Murray applies this to the human temper:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love …” (Galatians 5:22 ESV)

How often, when we speak about the consecrated life, we have to speak about temper, and people have sometimes said: “You make too much of temper.”

I do not think we can make too much of it. Think for a moment of a clock and of what its hands mean. The hands tell me what is within the clock, and if I see that the hands stand still, or that the hands point wrong, or that the clock is slow or fast, I say that something inside the clock is not working properly. And temper is just like the revelation that the clock gives of what is within. Temper is a proof whether the love of Christ is filling the heart or not. How many there are who find it easier in church, or in prayer meeting, or in work for the Lord – diligent, earnest work – to be holy and happy than in the daily life with wife and children. How many find it easier to be holy and happy outside the home than in it! Where is the love of God? In Christ. God has prepared for us a wonderful redemption in Christ, and He longs to make something supernatural of us. Have we learned to long for it, ask for it, and expect it in its fullness?

Then there is the tongue! We sometimes speak of the tongue when we talk of the better life, and the restful life, but just think what liberty many Christians give to their tongues. They say:

“I have a right to think what I like.”

When they speak about each other, when they speak about their neighbors, when they speak about other Christians, how often there are sharp remarks! God keep me from saying anything that would be unloving. God shut my mouth if I am not to speak in tender love. But what I am saying is a fact. How often sharp criticism, sharp judgment, hasty opinion, unloving words, secret contempt of each other, secret condemnation of each other are found among Christians who are banded together in work! Oh, just as a mother’s love covers her children and delights in them and has the tenderest compassion with their foibles or failures, so there ought to be in the heart of every believer a motherly love toward every brother and sister in Christ. Have you aimed at that? Have you sought it? Have you ever pleaded for it? Jesus Christ said: “As I have loved you that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). And He did not put that among the other commandments, but He said in effect:

“That is a new commandment, the one commandment: Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). (“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love”)

It is much Easier to Criticize Others than fix Your Own Problems

I have learned that it is much easier to criticize the lives of other people than it is to fix the problems in your own life. Part of my job as a former educator was to evaluate the performance of others. I always tried to be positive when encouraging others to improve, but I soon realized that what I often thought was constructive criticism was perceived as negative personal criticism. It appears that there is no such thing as “constructive criticism” when you are on the receiving end of the conversation. The tongue may be a soft blunt instrument, but it is as deadly as a serpent’s fangs.

James, the brother of Jesus, writes “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (3:6) James also writes, “With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth, come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (3:9-10)

A good rule to keep in mind when it comes to criticism is that you should not criticize anyone unless you have the heart to help. This is best accomplished when you have a close personal friendship with the individual you are criticizing. This should always be done with the self-awareness that you are not a perfect judge. Criticism without grace and mercy is un-Christian. Look to your own faults before you speak of the faults of others.

How should you respond when others criticize you? Harry A. Ironside answered that question with this advice: “If what they are saying about you is true, mend your ways. If it isn’t true, forget it, and go on and serve the Lord.”

Some people develop the habit of criticism as a means of trying to make themselves look better than others do. Such criticism is the result of the sin of pride. A Christian should always remember that his own faults are not hidden from the supreme Judge of the universe. There will come a day when all we think we have hidden away from the eyes of others will become known.

In conclusion, let us consider another verse from James: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26 ESV)

You Know It is the Word of God

Woodrow Wilson:

“When you have read the Bible, you know it is the word of God, because it is the key to your heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.”

God and Air Force Standards

Michael L. Weinstein is founder of the nonprofit organization known as the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Pentagon officials reportedly met with Weinstein on April 23 to discuss an Air Force regulation promulgated in 2012 titled “Air Force Culture, Air Force Standards.” Christians should be particularly interested in this, not only because he has long advocated a religion-free military, but also because of an article that appeared in the Huffington Post Blog on April 16, 2013. The title of the article is “Fundamentalist Christian Monsters”.

In the article, Weinstein describes:

“… well-funded gangs of fundamentalist Christian monsters who terrorize their fellow Americans by forcing their weaponized and twisted version of Christianity upon their helpless subordinates in our nation’s armed forces. . . .”

The quotation above seems to be directed at “Christian fundamentalists”, but make no mistake; Weinstein is attacking Christianity. He simply directs his attacks at one group of Christians at a time. He goes on to assert:

“… those evil, fundamentalist Christian creatures and their spiritual heirs have taken refuge behind flimsy, well-worn, gauze-like euphemistic facades such as ‘family values’ and ‘religious liberty’.”

Please note that Weinstein believes that “religious liberty” is a flimsy façade (“A false front”).

As you read more, it is clear that Weinstein’s point of view is motivated by hatred of Christianity and Christians. He goes on to call Christians:

“… monsters of human degradation, marginalization, humiliation and tyranny [who, if they] cannot broker or barter your acceptance of their putrid theology, then they crave for your universal silence in the face of their rapacious reign of theocratic terror.”

Wow! Our national leadership calls in, for advice about religion in the military, a person who hates Christianity. Our political leaders certainly have a different view from the Founding Fathers of our nation. Consider these two quotes from George Washington giving orders to the Continental Army:

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” (George Washington, The Writings of Washington, John C. Fitzpatrick, editor [Washington: Government Printing Office, 1932], Vol. XI, pp. 342-343, General Orders of May 2, 1778)

The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country. (George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, John C. Fitzpatrick, editor [Washington: Government Printing Office, 1932], Vol. 5, p. 245, July 9, 1776 Order)

Our nation has fallen pretty far from the Christian moral standard as shown in these two quotes from General Washington. When those who hate Christianity are allowed to banish the Christian voice in one area of the public arena, you may be certain they will not rest content until they have eradicated evangelism in the name of Christ completely in our country.

Contentment

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV)

Humanity seems always to fall prey to the false perception that contentment is achieved by the acquisition of material possessions. A false and fleeting happiness is often promoted in our culture at the cost of finding true joy and contentment. Isn’t the purpose of the commercials we are bombarded with every day to make us discontent with what we have by promising us happiness if we purchase a new car or new clothes? Therefore, those who abide by this materialistic philosophy will often experience discontent as the newness of their latest possession begins to wear away. Are you content?

The Apostle Paul writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul’s attitude makes it clear that contentment cannot be entrusted to circumstances or things. The secret of his contentment was his trust in God. Paul believed that the providential care of God placed him where he needed to be and thus he found contentment and rest.

Blaise Pascal once observed that, “All the misfortunes of men spring from their not knowing how to live quietly at home in their own rooms.” Pascal is not advocating we become house bound hermits. He is pointing out that our lack of contentment is because we are dissatisfied with ourselves until we find our satisfaction in God. Christ must be our greatest treasure – our pearl of great price. Only He will satisfy the hearts of those who trust in Him.

Trust in God and you will enjoy the blessing of a contented mind. It is God’s gift to the Christian. “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5) How can we fail to find contentment in such a promise as this?

Turning Affliction into Mercy

Jeremiah Burroughs:

God has given a Christian such power that he can turn afflictions into mercies, can turn darkness into light. If a man had the power that Christ had, when the water pots were filled, he could by a word turn the water into wine. If you who have nothing but water to drink had the power to turn it into wine, then you might be contented; certainly, a Christian has received this power from God, to work thus miraculously. It is the nature of grace to turn water into wine, that is, to turn the water of your affliction, into the wine of heavenly consolation.