Oh! To Be Godly

Oh! To Be Godly

By: Robert A. Searles

      “But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Psalm 4: 3 KJV).

      What does it mean to be godly? To be godly means to be somewhat like God. To take on some of the characteristics of God. In the beginning God made man in his image, to be like him, but because of sin, man fell, and has come short of the likeness of God. But through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, man has been redeemed and reconciled to God on an individual basis, providing that the individual will accept it as a free gift from God. “As many as received him, to them gave he power (or authority) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1: 12 (KJV) As a child of God, we are in the family of God and godly.

      When we are born again into the family of God and become godly, then the Lord sets us apart from every other creature. God puts upon us his shield of love and protection, and we find ourselves in the favor of God. God gives us special work and tasks to perform for his glory. He cleanses us on the inside, and makes us a fit house or vessel in which he can live and work. Since we are his special workmen, assigned a special job for his glory, God will give us extra special attention when we call unto him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation.....” 2 Peter 2: 9 (KJV).

      Knowing that by grace we are saved through faith, and having put on godliness by God's grace, and knowing that we are God's special vessels for his honor, we ought to stand in awe and sin not, We ought to come before God with such reverence and respect that in his presence we would be speechless and spellbound to behold his glory, if it were not for the fact that he gives the privilege to come boldly before the throne of grace. When we stand before God, we ought to take off our shoes, as it were, because the place where we stand is holy ground. The family dinning room becomes holy ground when the family is gathered to enjoy God's bountiful blessing when we meet with God there, and the table becomes a sacred altar when we offer our gratitude, and offer ourselves before God. Our bed becomes a holy place when we lie upon it and commune with God from our hearts in the long night

hours.

      Because we have become the children of God, and made godly in him, and because we are set apart to receive his special favor; and because we are the recipients of his great love and salvation; and because we are called out of the world to perform special tasks for him; we ought to be more than anxious to offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and die daily to ourselves, and abandon ourselves completely to God , and put our trust in him. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51: 17 (KJV). “By him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” But to do well and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13: 15, 16. (KJV)

      We should be continually praising God with our lips. Open wide your mouth and let the words flow out loud and clear from your heart: blessed be the name of the Lord; praise God from whom all blessings flow; glory to God in the highest. This is a sacrifice that God is pleased with – then, it follows with good works and service.

The Secret Place

The Secret Place

By: Robert A.Searles

As the hymn writers have expressed it: “There is a land beyond the river, that we call the sweet forever, and we only reach that shore by faith's decree.....” - author: unknown

“There is a land that is fairer than day, and by faith we can see it afar. Where the Father waits over the way, to prepare us a dwelling place there.....” - author: Sanford F. Bennett

“There is a garden where Jesus is waiting, there is a place that is wondrously fair. For it glows with the light of his presence, its the beautiful garden of prayer.....” - author: Eleanor Allen Schroll

Faith is the vehicle which transports us and causes us to transcend the earthly realm of our material, natural existence in which we find ourselves with all the stress, and trouble, and woes of this life, to our secret vacation spot where no stress and trouble and woes can pursue us, a place which is known only to God and us; a secret place of quiet rest, where in the presence of God, there can be no evil, no sickness, no falsehood, no hypocrisy. In that secret place we can enjoy a quiet restful mini-vacation, as it were, each day even as we go about our daily activities. If we will retire to our quiet place with God all during the course of the day, our joys will increase, our health will improve, stress will be less, and we will find ourselves more effective in all that we do. As we commune with God the Father, and he directs our paths, only far away will we hear the noise of strive falling upon our ears. We will hear only, but none of these things can move us because we will be dwelling in “Beulah Land”.

“Be thou my strong habitation where unto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71: 3 KJV).

Consider The Goodness Of God

Consider The Goodness Of God

By: Robert A. Searles

Consider the goodness of God. Think of the goodness of God toward you as an individual, and then think of the goodness of God to your family.

But for the goodness and grace of God, where would we be? John Bunyan is said to have looked at a drunken bum lying in the gutter and made this statement - “But for the grace of God, there go I.” “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8, 9 (KJV). “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)

Because of the goodness of God and his love for us, we are rescued from the bondage of Satan and set free as the redeemed children of God. Because of the goodness of God, we can know love, joy, peace, and freedom from guilt and fear. We can enjoy the things that God has given us to enjoy. Because of the goodness and grace of God we have health and strength and are able to live normal lives. We see the goodness of God in all creation. We see the goodness of God in God's faithfulness.

“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children unto the third and to the fourth generations.” Exodus 34: 5, 7 (KJV).

“He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap; he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake and it was done; he commanded and it stood fast.”Psalm 33: 5-8 (KJV)

“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness.” Psalm 65: 11 (KJV) “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Romans 2: 4 (KJV).

The goodness of God demands nothing less than our gratitude, our love, and dedication to God's service, and obedience to him. If we give God less – then we are despising his goodness.

“Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God; on them which fell, severity; but toward thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou shalt be cut off.” Romans 11: 22 (KJV).

The Lip Of Truth

The Lip Of Truth

By: Robert A. Searles

      “The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Proverbs 12: 19 (KJV)

      Truth will prevail and last forever. God is true, therefore eternal and everlasting. His word is true and trustworthy, therefore we can rely on it.

      All kinds of fantasies and lies may come and pass away, but whatever is true, that will remain. If one's relationship to God is true, troubles may come, doubts may come, a certain falling away for a time may occur, but like the evening tide, that sweet fellowship with the Lord will return to the one who in truth knows him in whom he has believed. If the foundation of the home is dug deep and set upon the rock of the true God, the Lord Jesus Christ, that house will stand and endure forever. If a marriage is founded upon true and genuine unselfish love, that marriage relationship will be forever. Salvation which is true through the Lord Jesus Christ is a truth which will abide through all generations.

     Think therefore on things which are true, and speak things which are true.

Knowledge! Wisdom! Understanding!

Knowledge! Wisdom! Understanding!

By: Robert A. Searles

Knowledge is one thing. Understanding is quite another, and from whence comes wisdom? Having a great deal of knowledge without having understanding is like having a giant computer without the ability to operate it.

It is possible to know a lot of facts about many things, but not know what to do with those facts, or how to apply them to a given situation. We need understanding to operate a giant computer in order to utilize the wealth of information which it contains. We also need wisdom and understanding to apply to our lives the right use of knowledge. We can go to school and accumulate a lot of facts and store up knowledge, but the only place where we can get understanding is from God our Father who is the source of all knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

There is no college or university in the world that can teach us understanding, particularly understanding of the things of God. Knowledge without understanding is a mockery of education. What use is knowledge if you don't know what to do with it? Understanding is of a spiritual nature, it comes from God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

There are many educated “fools” in the world. The reason for all the confusion and turmoil in the world is, at least, partly due to the fact that although there are men and women with a great deal of worldly knowledge and education in positions of leadership, yet they know not God, and therefore, have no proper understanding and wisdom because wisdom and understanding comes only from God. Wisdom and understanding is the spiritual personality that can properly operate the giant computer which is loaded with information, and unlock the room full of knowledge.

“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, it is not in me: and the sea saith, it is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding?” Job 28: 12 -20 (KJV)

“And unto man he said, behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28: 28 (KJV)

“But there is a spirit in man ;and the inspiration of the almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.” Job 32: 8, 9 (KJV)

“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the heart? Job 38: 36 (KJV) “Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119: 104 (KJV)

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searcheth for her as for hid treasure; then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. “ Proverbs 2: 1-7 (KJV)

Thorns In The Flesh

Thorns In The Flesh

By: Robert A. Searles

      When God delivered Israel into the land of their possessions, he made a covenant with them. He swore to them that he would never break his part of the covenant, and he expected them not to break theirs. :”And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars but ye have not obeyed my voice; why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you” Judges 2.2 (KJV)

      We who call ourselves Christians, and the sanctified children of God, are not to be a part of, nor go along with the pagan ways of the world or the world's way of thinking and philosophy. Our fellowship and conformity with the world's philosophy will be as thorns in our flesh.

      All the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua and the elders that outlived Joshua, but after Joshua and the elders of Israel had died, another generation arose which knew not the things of the Lord. “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers; and there arose another generation after them which knew not the Lord nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim: and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the lord to anger.” Judges 2: 10, 11, 12 (KJV)

      Several generations have come and gone since the founding of America which have not known God nor considered his works. This is the fault of previous generations of Christians who have not properly taught their children the proper knowledge, or respect for God and his works.

      Too many of us Christians are forsaking the ways of God and following the God of the society in which we live. We are setting poor examples for future generations, consequently, each new generation has lesser knowledge and respect for the God of our fathers. Wealth and material things have become our object of worship. “And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.” Judges 2: 14 (KJV)

      I believe that the anger of the Lord is hot against America today for neglecting him and his worship; because of widespread adultery; because of abortions - the murder of new born babies; and all kinds of sexual promiscuity and perversion. Will he deliver us into the hands of spoilers or the terrorist?

      “Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not so.” Judges 2: 16, 17 (KJV)

      God raises up preachers and evangelist and soul winner today in America to warn us; but for the most part we do not listen. We Go whoring after the things of the world. What a shame for us as Christians to do this sort of thing.

      Perhaps if we will put the Ten Commandments and prayer in the name of Jesus back into the public school system, and other public places, and teach our children and future generations, the proper respect for authority and the word of God, then, the guns and other weapons will disappear from the schools; children will receive a proper education; and law enforcement become less violent.

     For you who are reading this, if you are a Christian and wholeheartedly believe these truths, why not come out of the wallpaper, so to speak, and let your voices be heard – where you work; from the pulpit; from your church; among your close associates. Too many of us are remaining silent, and if it continues to be so, it may lead to disaster.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness

By: Robert A. Searles

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28: 20 (KJV)

What does it mean to be faithful? Consider the faithfulness of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. God is so faithful in all that he does and says, that we just take him for granted and expect things always to be as they are. The dictionary says that to be faithful means to be true or trustworthy in the performance of duty, especially in the fulfillment of promises, obligations, vows, and the like. God is faithful. He is true and trustworthy in the performance of his work. Each new day, God our Father causes the sun to rise, right on time. If he didn't, if God ever failed in the performance of his work, we would be terribly upset, and there would be chaos in the universe. God regulates our heart beat and respiration, and keeps it steady. God brings about the change of seasons, right on time. God gives the rain and the sun, and brings forth the harvest at the proper time, so that we might have food. God was faithful to send the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem us. God is faithful to sustain us, and when we see the faithfulness of God all around us, we can be sure that he will be faithful in punishing sin, and in the return to earth of the Lord Jesus Christ. How faithful are we? God gives us the grace to be faithful if we want to be. We have to choose and make choices daily whether or not we want to be faithful in our duties and promises or, if we just want to indulge in pleasure and please ourselves.

It is very easy to pledge ourselves to God and pledge our faithfulness to him when we need his blessing and assistance in something. Maybe one day when we didn't have so much, or we were in trouble, we promised God that we would put him first in our lives. Since then, perhaps, times have changed, and things have become better for us.. Have we been faithful? Perhaps we promised God that we would spend more time in his word, and in a time of quietness before God, and meditate and fellowship with him; but recently God has opened the windows of heaven and poured out blessings upon us, and now we are so busy picking up the blessings that we don't really have the time to be faithful to our promises to love, honor, and serve him. These things ought to follow in this order: - to love God because he first loved us and to be eternally grateful because he gave himself for us. Then, to honor him with our lives, and then comes service.

“Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.” Psalm 101: 6 (KJV)

Don't allow the flesh to tell you what to do. On the contrary, it is the spirit that ought to tell the flesh what to do, even if we don't feel like spending time in God's word or praying, and meditating alone with God, if we will discipline ourselves to please God, God will bless our faithfulness.

So Send I You!

So Send I You!

By: Robert A. Searles

“Then said Jesus to them again, peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21 (KJV)

Jesus gave his disciples the commission to continue his ministry on earth after he had ascended into heaven.., He gave them the Holy Spirit to help them. We who are the children of God, have been given the same commission from him. We are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. As God sent Jesus to reconcile the world to himself, so Jesus sends us into the world among sinners, to tell them of his love and redeeming power. There is no purpose for living on earth other than for service to God. The unsaved person from the time he is old enough to think for himself is constantly searching for something that will fulfill his purpose in life. It is called the pursuit of happiness. It is the common thought that happiness is something which we can run after, and some day catch, and when it has been caught, hang onto it and never let it go. No wonder there are so many frustrated people in the world. They go from one thing to another, without ever finding any real satisfaction in life, and no purpose for living. Education won't satisfy, houses and property and wealth won't satisfy, even good health won't satisfy, and the reason being, that we were designed to be satisfied only from within when we have found the perfect will of God and are doing it.

The most miserable people of all are those who have become the sons of God, if they have never yielded themselves to serve God and win souls to Christ. The greatest joy and satisfaction that any of us can ever experience is to know that we are doing the very thing that we were sent to do after we were saved, that is, to magnify and exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; to win souls; and to continue the ministry of love and compassion, and reconciliation to God through Christ, and help those in need.

When a person has no purpose in life other than to satisfy his own flesh, then life itself becomes nothing but a continual state of boredom and depression, and can become a living hell. We have been sent by Jesus to do a job, to work in his vineyard, to bring in the harvest. There is much joy in laboring for the Lord. We are told that: “they that sow in tears, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.”

I want to be one of the sent ones. I don't want to be just sitting around feeling miserable because I have reached a certain age, and feeling sorry for myself that all my yesterdays could not continue until today. I pray that the Lord will fill me to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and give me a ministry and service for him that will keep me busy magnifying and exalting his name forever. I want to keep my eyes on the future, not on the past. That which is ahead is greater and more exciting than anything we have ever known in the past. I want to keep pressing forward to the prize of the high calling of God, as Paul said, and to keep my eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. I want to seek first the kingdom of God, and accept with thanksgiving any blessing that God wants to shower upon me.

Praise And Thanksgiving

Praise And Thanksgiving

By: Robert A. Searles

      “Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.” Psalm 22: 23 (KJV)

      To fear the Lord does not mean that we are afraid of God as some one who is out to get even with us or to catch up with us and take vengeance upon us. If we have sought the redemption offered to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, then we are the children of God by adoption, and we can enter into a wonderful relationship and fellowship with God. To fear God means to be fully aware of his great power, and omnipotence, and his right to rule the universe; it means that we recognize ourselves as helpless creatures on this ball of earth, and that we are completely dependent upon the spirit of God to guide us and lead us in right paths.

      When we approach the throne of God and the mercy seat, we ought to come before God with fear and trembling, in the sense that we realize that we can enter God's presence only by his grace, and only after a terrible price was paid for our redemption, namely, the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought to come before God, uplifting the name of Jesus. Our chief purpose ought to be to praise God, and glorify him.

      God is spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit. God is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him. Many times we fail to worship God properly. We ought to be absorbing the essence and spirit of God as as a sponge absorbs water, so that when God sees fit to squeeze us a little, his spirit will be poured out on others through us like water pours from a saturated sponge. Most of the time that we are in prayer or fellowship with God ought to be in praise and it ought to glorify his name. All the host of heaven are watching and listening to see if God is glorified in us. We ought to always lift up the name of Jesus; praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God for salvation; praise God for life everlasting; praise God for our homes; praise God for each others companionship; praise God for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; and praise God for opportunity to serve.

      “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalm 33: 1 (KJV)

“Praise ye the lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely.” Psalm 147: 1 (KJV)

      “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34: 1 (KJV) “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34: 3 (KJV) “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:” 23. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.” Psalm 66: 1,2 (KJV) “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp (out in the world) bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13: 13, 14, 15 (KJV)

     Then following praise and worship and thanksgiving, comes service. “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13: 16 (KJV)

I Am Greatly Blessed

I Am Greatly Blessed

      “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.” Psalm 65: 4 (KJV)

       God in his abundant grace and mercy has chosen me from among multitudes to approach unto him and to dwell in his house, and sit at his table, and be satisfied with the goodness of all his provision for me. Therefore, I am among the blessed of the earth, and have much to be thankful for. I cannot fathom the depths of God's love that he would choose me from the foundation of the earth. It is all to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has lifted me out of the horrible pit and placed my feet on higher ground and caused me to dwell in high places with him. I owe him my life, my devotion, and service throughout all eternity, and yet, a gift is a gift, with no strings attached given freely by grace alone, not deserved, and not earned, howbeit, I want to be devoted and to serve him out of gratitude for all he has done for me.

      How about you, are you greatly blessed?

Our Riches At Christ's Expense

Our Riches At Christ's Expense

By: Robert A.Searles

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8: 9 (KJV)

I wonder if we who call ourselves Christians have ever really contemplated the abundance of the love and grace of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was infinitely rich and abounding in all that he had created; he who had an inexhaustible supply of grace; and inexhaustible supply of love; and inexhaustible fellowship with God the Father, should put it all aside for awhile, and become the poorest of the poor for our sake, so that he would not enjoy all the beauty and splendor and wonders of heaven without us. He had no place on earth to lay his head so that we might have mansions in our father's house forevermore. He became sin for us so that our sins could be forgiven. He was separated from God the Father for a season so that we could be reconciled to God our father. He allowed himself to feel pain, suffer hunger, and experience death, so that we might experience the joy and the goodness of our Father's house. Oh! Let us consider the abundant riches of his grace in that he hath done all this for us, and let us be eternally grateful.

Here To Serve

Here To Serve

By: Robert A. Searles

      Once we are saved, we are left here on earth to serve the Lord, and to continue his ministry of reconciliation and good works which Jesus began when he was with us on earth. Now, the members of his body, being many and scattered throughout the world, having been anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit, can accomplish great things for him if we are willing and obedient servants. We are left here on earth after we are saved, not to do our own will but the will of him who saved us. The repeated routine of every day life does not make a lot of sense unless we realize why we are doing it. We work to buy food, clothing, and shelter, and some luxuries so that we can take proper care of these bodies, and be happy. Why do we do these things? It ought to be so that the Holy Spirit which lives within us can use us to accomplish great things for the glory of God.

      “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100: 1-5 (KJV)

Absolute Truth For all Generations

Absolute Truth for all Generations

By: Robert a. Searles

      “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100: 1-5 (KJV)

      One generation after another cannot come along and rightly say that the things of God which were true for our forefathers are no longer true for us today. God never changes, he is the same yesterday, today and forever. His law and his power is immutable. The principles which God gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And his people, Israel, and the principles which Jesus taught are as relevant for us today as they were when he taught them. People are at fault and in gross error when they adopt the attitude of permissiveness, and situation ethics which is so prevalent in the world today. God changes not, and he expects his children not to be given to change as far as believing his truth and acting upon it is concerned. Just because God has allowed us to have technological improvements to make us more comfortable and more effective in serving him; and because he has allowed us to put aside the horse and mule, as it were and given us automobiles, planes, and computers instead, in no way implies that God has made of truth something different from what it always was and still is from everlasting to everlasting.

      We would all do well to abolish the idea of being “politically correct” and adhere to the teaching, and being obedient to the absolute truth of the word of God.

      God is steadfast and unmovable. Let us pray that he will keep us rooted and grounded in love and in truth, and stand our ground against the lies and wiles of the devil.

Polish The Silver

Polish The Silver

By: Robert A. Searles

      “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.” Proverb 25: 4, 5. (KJV)

      Fine silver, if it is not polished and cleaned up, has the appearance of worthless junk; but when polished, it shines forth, and manifests its' true value. The same is true with those around us who have never been washed in the blood of the lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, and have been saved and polished in his righteousness. How wonderful it would be if all our government leaders and their councilors were saved, and washed in the blood of the lamb of God and polished in his righteousness. Our beloved country would then be established in righteousness and shine forth as fine silver.

      God wants all of us, who have been washed and polished, to do all that he empowers us to do to witness to them that they might by faith, receive his pardon and forgiveness, and be washed in the blood of the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and go forth leaping and praising him, and being a vessel for the finer.

Be Quiet And Listen

Be Quiet and Listen!

By: Robert A. Searles

“The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.” Ecc 9: 17 (KJV)

While God is speaking to us, are we really listening, or is the clamor and noise of this sin cursed world drowning out the voice of our loving heavenly Father who is trying to tell us of his love and mercy for his children? If we really want to know what God is saying to us, moment by moment, we must cease from our own noise making, and listen intently to the still small voice of God.

We cheat ourselves of so much comfort and so many blessings when we are so preoccupied with our own everyday affairs, that we do not take the time to get alone with God in our own secret hiding place and listen for the voice of God as he speaks to us by the various methods which he chooses.

How does God speak to us? God speaks to us first of all by his written word, the Holy scriptures. In them, God tells us how the heavens and the earth came into being. He tells us how he made man and woman, and all the animals and creeping things of the earth for the use and benefit of mankind. He tells us how he hates sin, but loves the sinner. He tells us that we all have sinned and come short of his glory, but that he is willing to forgive and forget our sins. He tells us how we may obtain that forgiveness and renewal of spirit and restoration of fellowship with himself.

In the written word, God also assures us that every word written in the scriptures are true and given by his Holy Spirit to his chosen prophets and historians who would be faithful men and women to record his words for all future generations to come.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

“We have also a more sure word of prophesy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shinneth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart; knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19- 21 (KJV)

In the Holy Scriptures, God relates to us the history of his chosen people, Israel from Abraham down through the centuries to the present generations. He speaks to us of the promises he has made to his chosen ones. He show us all the trials and tribulations that his people have experienced because of their sins and rebellion and turning their back on him and worshiping idols. Through the history of his people Israel, he warns all of us of what can become of rebellious nations who forget God and turn to idols; but he also reveals to us his great love and mercy when men and women repent and turn back to him.

In the written word, God is speaking to us to show us the way back from our sinfulness and rebellion by receiving his son as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He tells us that: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures, and is now in heaven interceding for all of us who will believe and receive him, and we are promised that he is coming again to receive his children to himself and establish his kingdom on earth.

In the written word, God offers us comfort and rest when we are tired and weary, and peace when we have turmoil in our soul.

God also speaks to us through the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were make by him; and without him was not anything made that was made., In him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shinneth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1: 1-5 (KJV)

God is spirit. The bible says that no one has seen God at any time, but the son of God has revealed him. Christ came into the world not only to die for the sins of the world, but also to reveal God the Father to the world. Jesus said: “if you have seen me you have seen the Father. I and the Father are one.”

God the Father, speaking through his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke to his disciples in the language of men, in an audible voice which they could understand, and record his message to all mankind through the gospels. Jesus, while on earth, spoke many words of wisdom and instruction to his apostles and disciples, to which we ought to listen intently and pay the most earnest heed. Do we read and study the gospels and quietly listen to the words of Jesus, and make them a part of our very being as was intended by God?

God also speaks to us through his indwelling Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of every born again child of his. When Jesus ascended into heaven he promised, that when he went away, he would send another comforter, to be a constant companion, interpreter of the word of God, instructor and guardian of his redeemed,

God has so much for us to know of him, so much to enjoy and be blessed by him. God speaks in a still small voice, and in order to hear what he is saying, we must quietly listen. We must stop our ears, at least for a little while from all the noise of the world, and the noise within our own soul. Arise in the morning and behold the majesty of a gorgeous sunrise, and allow the sunrise of the love of God to arise in your own soul. Stop and smell the fragrance of the rose, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a beautiful sunset, and know that with God all is well, and it is well with your soul.

Bread In The Wilderness

Bread In The Wilderness

By Robert A. Searles

      After the children of Israel had left Egypt under the leadership of Moses, they wandered in the wilderness for forty years because of their unbelief and disobedience, whereas, if they had believed and obeyed God, they could have immediately inherited the promised land. Nevertheless, God in his compassion and mercy provided for their needs in the wilderness. He fed them by sending down manna from heaven, and they were told to gather a certain portion for themselves for each and every day. It could not be hoarded nor stored up. If they tried to store up so they would not have to gather every day, they would find it spoiled and stinking.

      Likewise, God in his grace and compassion, has provided for us, manna, as it were, while we are wandering about in the wilderness of this world from the cradle to the grave. The lord Jesus Christ is the heavenly bread which has been sent down from heaven to be our food and nourishment for each and every day. We are told if we will meet with him before the day begins, and eat his flesh and drink his blood by praying and meditation on his word, that we will have the nourishment we need to see us through the day. Abiding in him gives us eternal everlasting life. The more we gaze upon him, the more we become like him. Look upon his holiness, his kindness, his confidence in God the Father. Look upon his willingness to have the Father's will accomplished in his life. Look upon his power in heaven and earth, look upon his health. Look upon him as our source, our beginning. God's storehouse is brimming over with all that we will ever have need of, and he invites us to come and gather all that we want or need today.

      “Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said, therefore unto him, what sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, he gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6: 28-35 (KJV)

What Shall I Render Unto the Lord?

What Shall I Render Unto The Lord?

      “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” Psalm 116: 12 (KJV). How can I ever repay the Lord for his great love and kindness which he shows toward me? I can't! There is no way that I could ever come close to repaying God for all his benefits. What, then, shall I do, seeing how much I owe God? “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116: 13-15 (KJV)

      As the psalmist said: I will gladly, and with much thankfulness receive the gift of salvation which God has given to me, and I will gladly be his servant, and allow him to use me and to continue his work through me, which he has begun, until he comes again and restores all things.

      God loves us, and wants not our destruction, or for us to be incapacitated, but he desires that we should live for him and bear much fruit for his glory. As a token of our gratitude then, to God for all his benefits, let us continually offer him the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord, and render our service to him with joyfulness and praise.

Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking

By: Robert A. Searles

      Do you want to have a positive attitude and outlook on life? Keep your mind constantly consciously fixed upon God. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26: 3 (KJV).

      All the day long, think upon God; think of how holy God is; think of how just God is; think of how merciful and forgiving God is; think always of the love of God, and how he expressed that love by his sacrifice for us. Think of how mighty and powerful God is. Think of how wise God is, and how wealthy he is. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Think of how healthy God is; think of him who is full of life. He is the creator of all life. Think of how eternal God is, he is the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega. And then think this one solemn thought: God wants us to become as he is. He wants us to be conformed to the image of his son. If we think in this way we will be thinking positively even as God thinks. Therefore, if you want to be positive in thoughts and attitudes, think always on the lord.

Righteous? - or - Wicked?

Righteous? - or – Wicked?

      “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.” Isaiah 3: 10-12

      Is this not true today in the world, and in our country, and in our homes, that children are our oppressors, and that women have the rule over us? This was never intended by God to be. God's plan for a happy and harmonious life is for children to be in subjection to their parents, and to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and for wives to lovingly follow the leadership of godly husbands or fathers. The situation in many of our homes, and in our country today is, I believe, partially the judgment of God on those who have wickedly fallen away from him.

      Verse 16 to the conclusion of Isaiah chapter 3 describes the revealing haughty attire, and attitude of many women in the world at the time it was written, but it is also descriptive of many today. Instead of being loving wives, mothers, and sweethearts, they are in many cases, scheming , arrogant, and boldly aggressive.

      “Moreover the Lord saith, because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, Walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, the chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, the rings and the nose jewels, the changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, the glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vales, and it shall come to psss, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; instead of a girdle, a rent; and instead of well set hair, baldness, and instead of a stomacher, a girdling of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war, and her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.” Isaiah 3: 16-26.

     Could this be a warning for us today as well as it was in Isaiah's day?

The Holy Bible - The Word Of God

The Holy Bible – The Word Of God

By Robert A. Searles

To be adrift on one of the vast oceans of the world, in nothing more seaworthy than a life boat, and with no compass, or sextant, no state of the art guidance system; and no instruction in seamanship, would be a deplorable and frightening situation and state of affairs.

All around us, nothing but the raging sea. Wherever we look in any direction, we can observe nothing but where the heavens meet the see on the horizon. If we should survive the dangers we face, how shall we find our way home? In what direction is home? We look and pray for a rescue vessel to spot us in our peril, and pluck us out of the boiling cauldron of the deep.

Ever since sin and evil entered the world , when the first woman, and the first man disobeyed God's instructions not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, of good and evil, all of human kind, down through the ages has been set adrift on the spiritual sea of misery, temptation, sin, and damnation.

The sea rages, we are tossed to and fro, we are lost, battered, bruised, and without hope, until God in his mercy, provided us with a compass – a guidance system, and instruction, and sent a rescuer and redeemer to save us, and to raise us up from the angry waves which are about to swallow us up.

God provided us with a compass and guidance system which is always true and never fails to keep us on a straight course that will lead us safely home. “Forever O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119: 89 (KJV)

The bible – the word of God – The book of the ages – God's love letter to all mankind; every word is inspired by God, and delivered to his chosen servants so that all who will receive it will not be without hope and direction, on this perilous sea of life on which we all find ourselves.

How foolish it would be of us if we were literally drifting in a life boat on the ocean, and a rescue ship came along and offered to rescue us, and we would refuse to believe that they had come to help us and we spurned their offer.

The bible – the word of God is despised by the foolish among us. It is sad to realize that there are so many foolish people in the world today who despise the bible, and the help that almighty God has offered them, and would even ignore, and burn, and destroy it, and be without any spiritual compass or guidance system, only to eventually drift into a Godless eternity and find themselves in hell. Foolish indeed! “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” Psalm 14: 1,2,3

God would not have his highest creation alone in the world, and have no way of knowing who or what they were, or why they were here, or where they were going. No! God provided us with a book of instructions, called the Holy Bible, the word of God, to be our compass and guidance system, if you will, in this vast ocean of space, galaxies, planets, and especially here on planet earth, the home of mankind.

The bible, the word of God, written by men, for mankind, but was not conceived by men, but was given by the Holy Spirit of God, implanted in the hearts of holy men of God , by the inspiration of God, to be a light unto our pathway.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” psalm 119: 105 (KJV)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3: 16 (KJV)

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” 2 Peter 1: 21 (KJV)

To successfully navigate the sea of life, and over come the billowing waves of sin, evil, hardships, grief, temptation, sickness, and death: and to ensure our safe deliverance to the heavenly shore, we need the bible – the word of God, the heavenly guidance system that a loving, merciful God has provided for his children- those who would surely sink and drown without it.

When we are following God's guidance to navigate on the sea of life, God's word is the food for our soul so that we will not hunger and starve, or be overtaken by sin and evil while we wait to be rescued.

The bible – the word of God, promises us that we have a sure and certain rescue if we will just believe and if we will remain steadfast in our faith. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3: 16 (KJV) . Eat these words my friend, for your redemption draweth nigh..

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15: 16 (KJV). “How sweet are thy words unto my taste, yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth' Psalm 119: 103 (KJV)

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. “ 1 Peter 2: 2 (KJV)

Dear Reader – The bible, the infallible word of God is the lighthouse which if trusted, will guide us on the turbulent sea of life, and encourage us to believe, pray, and listen to the Spirit of God, and believe his promise that we have a Savior who gave his life for us so that we might live abundantly here on earth, and have an eternal home in heaven. His name is the one and only Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray that whoever reads these lines will come to treasure the holy bible, above all other possessions, and be guided safely home.