1. Two Words With Great Possibilities
2. Thoughts About These Things Of The Christmas Story
3. The World Doesn't Want To Hear These Things
4. "Forgetting Those Things Which Are Behind"
5. "All These Things Are Against Me" Or "All Things Work Together For Good"?
6. Do These Things
7. Praise To The Creator Of These Things
8. These Things Are Written To Give Us Love, Joy, And Peace
9. "How Can These Things Be?"
10. What Will You Do With These Things?
11. Observe These Things And Understand The Loving Kindness Of The Lord
12. These Things Make Us Weep
13. Glory In These Things
14. Think On These Things
15. These Things Must Come To Pass
1. Two Words With Great Possibilities
Before Christmas Preacher John Byerly used some verses in his sermons which carried the thought of, "These Things". Those are only two words, but the possibilities of different verses, and thoughts came to mind, and I decided that it would make a great new devotional theme for the new year. Join us as we look into the scriptures and see what we can learn about "These Things".
2. Thoughts About These Things Of The Christmas Story
First we are looking at Joseph. He found out that Mary was going to have a child, and it was not his. He took time and "thought on these things" and God answered his questions.
"18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-21)
As we look at Luke's gospel we find the shepherds watching over their sheep at night, when the angels appeared to them and told them that the Savior was born. The shepherds heard this thing and went to Bethlehem. They found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, lying in a manger. They told the great news. "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:18-19)
"10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:10-20)
We should also go and tell "these things" we find in the Christmas story. Jesus came to save the lost. Then, like Mary, we can also keep "these things" and ponder them in our heart. That's what makes Christmas so special for the children of God.
3. The World Doesn't Want To Hear These Things
Joseph was glad to hear "these things". The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the things that the angels told them. Mary kept "these things" in her heart. But in the book of Matthew we see that not all were glad to hear "these things." "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." (Matthew 2:3)
"1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared." (Matthew 2:1-7)
King Herod did not want to hear of the new King that had been born. He hated it so much he had all the boy babies killed under 2 years of age. "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men." (Matthew 2:16) Many, many years ago I tried to witness to a coworker. He said, "You must think I'm a terrible person. I don't beat my girlfriend, I don't drink too much... and the list went on." He did not want to hear that all are lost and Jesus came to save us. Sometimes our family, our friends, the world, doesn't want to hear "these things", of Jesus. That's why they took Christ out of Christmas and declare, "Happy Holidays", instead of "Merry Christmas". When I was listening to Christmas songs I thought about all the different singers that have sung, "Silent Night", and some of the other Christmas carols. I wonder if they will remember those words and realize that their own voice had witnessed to them of Jesus.
4. "Forgetting Those Things Which Are Behind"
Preacher Josh Craig had a great sermon last Wednesday night. He began with reminding us of the troubles and trials that Joseph, of the Old Testament, went through. His brothers sold him into slavery. The wife of the man he worked for told lies on him and he was sent to prison. The butler forgot to mention him to Pharaoh for two years. But, even through all his troubles we never read that Joseph complained. Preacher Craig thinks the reasons are found in the names of his sons. "And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house." (Genesis 41:51) First of all, we need to forget those things which are behind. We need to stop focusing on our troubles, storms, and what's gone, and focus on God's blessing. God is with us through our trials. Several times during the problems Joseph faced we read, "And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian... But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison." (Genesis 39:2 & 21) The second son was Ephraim. "And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction." (Genesis 41:51-52) We need to see the presence of God in our lives and be fruitful where God has placed us. The Lord has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) Joseph had a forgiving spirit as he forgot his past and looked at the blessings of God.
"16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." (Genesis 50:16-21)
The Apostle Paul also reminds us of these truths. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14) The New Year is a time that we can start fresh, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forward to the things that God has planned and purposed for our lives.
5. "All These Things Are Against Me" Or "All Things Work Together For Good"?
It is wonderful when we can be like Joseph and forget those things behind, and see God's blessings and be fruitful in the place where God has brought us. But, sometimes we may react in our circumstances more like his father Jacob. "And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me." (Genesis 42:36) I get it. Sometimes it seems as though we barely get through one problem, when another one comes up. The last few years have been difficult for me. And I was praying that I could put all the turmoil behind me as we entered into the New Year. But, sometimes pain lingers. Some problems don't go away with the turning of another year. Sometimes when I look at my circumstances I feel like "all these things are against me." I can't see things working together for good, but I need to remember that God is still in control and He is working in our lives. I close today with these encouraging words of Paul as we remember that "all things work together for good to them that love God..." and "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Instead of saying, "All these things are against me" we can say, "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
"22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:22-39)
6. Do These Things
I have been looking for a Grocery Shopping List pad with a magnet for my refrigerator. Even when I don't have the list with me in the store, I can often remember items I need if I write them down. I found one, and there were others that said, "Get It Done". I bought both pads. I like lists. "To Do" lists help me remember things that I need to do. And it gives me a sense of accomplishment to be able to check things off of a list when I get them done. I put the pads on the refrigerator and as I was busy about my chores, I walked through the bedroom and saw that my plants needed to be watered. So, that was the first thing I wrote on the, "Get It Done" list. Soon I had half a dozen things written down. A few days have passed and I am thinking of things to add to the list, and gradually checking things off as I do them. Our devotional thought today is from John 13:17, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." I encourage you to read God's Word. The more we read the Bible, the more we will know these things which God wants us to do. The scriptures are given to us to remind us, and speak to us, and guide us day by day. Before Jesus was crucified He washed the disciples feet, to teach them to serve others.
"12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:12-17)
We will be happy when we "know these things" and "do them." There are more scriptures that tell us things to do. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8) "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:" (Philippians 2:14) These are just a few of the things that we can do in serving the Lord.
7. Praise To The Creator Of These Things
With temperatures last week reaching into the low teens, I have been so thankful for our house and wood stove. I don't do well in the cold and darkness of winter. Have you ever heard of SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder? It is a type of depression that can come on from the lack of sunlight. In late January and during the month of February I get a bad case of the winter blues. But, I am praising the Lord because I know that the same God who created the snow and ice and cold of winter, also created the warmth and sunshine of spring. Isaiah reminds us to "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." (Isaiah 40:26) We may feel tired and weary during these long winter months, but the Lord can renew our strength. He is the Creator of all, and spring and summer will follow fall and winter. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)
"26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (verses from Isaiah 40)
8. These Things Are Written To Give Us Love, Joy, And Peace
Have you ever wondered why we have the Bible? Part of the Bible was written to us for examples, so we will learn from God's Word. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 10:6, "Now these things were our examples,..." and verse 12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." The Bible was written to give us wisdom. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 3:15) "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4) I want to encourage you to read the Bible each day. These things were written so that you can experience the love, joy, and peace of God in your life. "These things I command you, that ye love one another." (John 15:17) "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:4) "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Love. Joy. Peace. These things can all be found through God's Word.
9. "How Can These Things Be?"
You may have heard of John 3:16. "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." Nicodemus went to Jesus by night and Jesus told him that he must be born again. Nicodemus asked, "How can these things be?" Let's look at the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus.
"1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:1-18)
We are all born with a sinful nature. God is holy and we cannot go to heaven with our sin. Jesus, God's Son, came from heaven and because He is God, He had no sin. He was the only One who could give His life on the cross to pay for our sin. We must understand that we are lost in our sin, and that Jesus is the only way possible for us to go to heaven. When we believe on Jesus and ask Him to forgive us and save us, then He will cleanse us from our sin and save us. That is what the Bible means and what Christians mean when they say, "born again". We are first born in our sinful life, then when we pray and ask Jesus to forgive us we are born into our spiritual life. I hope that you will trust in Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and be born again.
10. What Will You Do With These Things?
We looked at the answer to Nicodemus when he asked Jesus, "How can these things be?" Jesus explained to Nicodemus that "Ye must be born again." (John 31-18) Now, that you have heard these things, the good news that Jesus died so that you might live, what will you do with these things? Will you accept God's gift of salvation and believe on Jesus with all your heart, and be saved? I want to share two very sad examples in the Bible. First of all, we read of Felix, in Acts 24. "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." (Acts 24:25) We never find in the Bible that Felix found his convenient season to be saved. We are not promised tomorrow. Please trust in the Lord to save you today.
"22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." (Acts 24:22-25)
Our next example is King Agrippa. The Apostle Paul witnessed to King Agrippa of these things. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:27-28)
"22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." (Acts 26:22-29)
We can't find that King Agrippa ever asked Jesus to save him. What will you do with these things? You have heard the gospel message that Jesus, God's only begotten Son, came down from heaven to suffer and die on the cross so that we won't have to suffer forever in hell. Please don't wait until it is too late to ask Jesus to save you.
11. Observe These Things And Understand The Loving Kindness Of The Lord
Some people have told me that they don't read the Bible because they don't understand it. Well, there are parts of the Bible that I don't understand. There are some things leading up to the end of time that I don't think we can understand. And we can't understand all the ways of God. We read in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." But, look at Psalm 107:43, "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD." (Psalm 107:43) When we read the Word of God we can know, and experience, and understand His loving kindness. The Psalm begins, "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;" (Psalm 107:1-2) God is good! We learn of His love and goodness through His Word. When we are saved we walk in His love and goodness, as the Holy Spirit lives in us. Today I am giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness and love and mercy. I am redeemed, and I am happy to say so!
12. These Things Make Us Weep
Jeremiah is sometimes called, "The Weeping Prophet". He proclaimed God's warning to Judah and wept as he saw them refuse to turn to God and be carried away captive to Babylon. "For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed." (Lamentations 1:16) "But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive." (Jeremiah 13:17) As Christians, we also weep as we see our nation turn away from the things of God. Let's look at some of these things which bring tears and sorrow. We can cry out to the Lord and He will hear us. "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me." (Psalm 120:1) We can pray and weep over lost souls. We can weep with those who weep, in consolation. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Romans 12:15) Jesus also wept. He wept over Jerusalem.
"40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." (Luke 19:40-44)
Death of our loved ones brings tears, and Jesus also wept over the death of Lazarus.
"32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
35 Jesus wept." (John 11:32-35)
All those who refuse God's gift of salvation will die in their sin, and weep throughout eternity in the suffering and torments of hell. "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out." (Luke 13:28)
But for the ones who believed and put their trust in Jesus, these things which cause tears to our eyes will be wiped away in heaven. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
13. Glory In These Things
Many people today glory in themselves, but that is contrary to God's Word. "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24) "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (II Corinthians 10:17)
The Apostle Paul learned to glory in his infirmities.
"5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (II Corinthians 12:5-10)
"1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5)
No matter what we glory in during our lifetime, we will all bow on our knees and give glory to God!
"9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2"9-11)
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
14. "Think On These Things"
The other night I had nightmares all night long. I dreamed that I had no control over my life. In each of these nightmares an evil power had control of different aspects of my life and there was no escape. I am so thankful that God is still in control. He is in control of my life, and He is in control of the powers on this earth. Many years ago I asked Jesus to save me and He is my Lord and Master, and I don't live in fear of the powers of the world. When our minds are marred with scary thoughts, we can "think on these things." What a wonderful blessing! Are you having a bad day? "Think on these things." Do you feel overwhelmed? "Think on these things." Are you bothered by sin and despair? "Think on these things." We don't have to worry about tomorrow.
"6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:6-8)
15. These Things Must Come To Pass
When I was young preachers often preached on the last days and the end of time. And even though I heard how bad things would be, I was not prepared for the great turning against God that we see in the world today. Jesus taught the disciples, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." (Matthew 24:6) We can look around and see that the prophecies are being fulfilled. Paul and Peter also warn us of these perilous times. I close our series on "These Things" with their prophecies and the words of John. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:20-21)
"5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:5-12)
"1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (II Timothy 3:1-5)
"3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (II Peter 3:3-14)