The Bible has plenty to say about everything since God had it written, and He knows all things—past, present, and future. Here are a few thoughts on current events and eternity.
Author: Gene Slavit
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True Service in Jesus Christ
Today a friend was ordained to the Christian ministry. Paul told his beloved disciple and friend, Timothy, what it means to truly serve God through His Son.
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Missing the Boat
While working on the structure of the gospel of John, I saw a scripture verse that astounded me.
John 18:2:
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
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Casting ALL Our Care
I’ve thought about this verse for a number of years.
I Peter 5:7:
Casting all your care upon him [God]; for he careth for you.
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Bearing Seed
Recently my oldest sister sent me some morning glory seeds in the mail. I opened the letter, took out the seeds and stuck them in the ground. Now I have a beautiful vine that blossoms each morning with deep violet flowers. I do need to water them occasionally, but God designed all the work to be done by the seed itself. It’s the same with the gospel. We just sow it, and God gives the increase.
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Anointed with God’s Power
Acts 10:38:How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Throughout the Bible, God had His chosen servants anointed with oil to set them apart for His service. This included prophets, priests, and kings. Jesus was all three. See Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King for more details.
But Jesus was not anointed with the traditional oil. His anointing was with the holy spirit. At his baptism by John, the spirit appeared like a dove—pure and simple. Isaiah had promised God’s coming savior would be anointed with His spirit in Isaiah 61:1. Jesus quoted that scripture when he opened his ministry in Nazareth.
Let Your Heart Be Untroubled, and Be of Good Cheer!
David had troubles, his heart was enlarged,
His pain and affliction, could not be discharged.
God heard all his crying, and answered his prayer.
“Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[Psalms 25:17,18]
A man sick with palsy, unable to walk,
Was lowered by friends as our Lord gave his talk,
“Your sins are forgiven,” a promise so dear.
“Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[Matthew 9:2]
Jesus walked on the sea, after he sweetly prayed,
And to his disciples, said “Be not afraid.
It’s me, I come to you, to be ever near.
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50]
His death was approaching, he spoke with great love,
“I prepare a place for you in mansions above.
You believe in my Father; trust me, have no fear.
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[John 14:1-4]
“I will send holy spirit, to comfort your hearts.
My peace I give to you, the world can’t impart.
I’ll come again to you, my Father’s made clear.
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[John 14:26-28]
“These things I have spoken, that you might have peace,
The world offers heartaches, that never will cease.
This world have I overcome, that you must hear,
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[John 16:33]
He spoke again to them, from death did he rise.
His hands and his feet, showing before their eyes.
“A spirit in flesh, and in bones can’t appear,
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[Luke 24:38-40]
Paul was held captive, kept by Roman guard,
At night there stood with him, his Savior and Lord.
“You have witnessed of me, and to Rome you I’ll steer.
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[Acts 23:11]
Paul told all the others, who sailed through a storm,
“God’s angel has showed me, we’ll come to no harm.
For I believe God, all He speaks I revere.
Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[Acts 27:22-25]
When we are daunted, by Satan’s bold lies,
Remember our Lord’s words, let courage arise.
For though we are troubled, with trials and tears,
“Let your heart be untroubled, and be of good cheer.”
[II Corinthians 4:7-18]
Jesus was the humblest man who ever lived. He always did what his Father wanted. He put others ahead of himself. He could have claimed all his authority as God’s Son and the chosen Messiah to flaunt his power and make a grand show in the world. But God did not call him to do that. Nor has he called us to be egotistical. We are not self-centered, but God-centered. And therefore, like our Lord and Savior, we are service minded.
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Filled with the Holy Spirit
A Christian friend had a good question today regarding the holy spirit not being given “by measure” to Jesus Christ in John 3:34 and 35. Here’s what it says.
John 3:34,35:
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
John the Baptist is talking here about his cousin, Jesus the Christ. What does it mean that God doesn’t give the spirit “by measure” to Jesus?
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That’s the Time We Should Be Humble
That’s the Time We Should Be Humble
Ever notice, when your heart
Isn’t feeling well, you start
To let your thoughts, begin to grumble—
That’s the time, we should be humble.
Thinking how that, I can do,
Everything, to get me through,
“Don’t need help,” I start to mumble,
That’s the time, I should be humble.
Taking on, my every care,
Don’t acknowledge, God is there.
All I carry, my hands fumble,
That’s the time, I should be humble.
Trying to figure everything,
As my brain begins to zing,
All my thoughts are one big jumble,
That’s the time, I should be humble.
Paths before me, much to choose,
Without God, I’ll sadly loose,
Do it my way, then I stumble,
That’s the time, I should be humble.
Building up, facades of pride,
Fear still lingers, at my side,
All my structures, soon will crumble,
That’s the time, I should be humble.
Boldly speaking, without love,
Thinking I’m, God’s gift, above
Others, shouting my words rumble,
That’s the time, I should be humble.
Ever notice, we forget,
God’s work, isn’t finished yet,
Let His grace and mercy tumble,
Overflowing, when we’re humble.