Today in History

1568 – The death of Miles Coverdale, 80, translator and publisher of the first complete Bible to be printed in English (1535). Coverdale was also editor of the Great Bible of 1539.

1797 – 1/3 of the papal domain was ceded to France.

1831 – The 1st practical US coal-burning locomotive makes the 1st trial run in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1869 – Death of Elizabeth Clephane, 39, an orphaned Scottish poet who left the Church with two hauntingly beautiful hymns: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” and “The Ninety and Nine.” (All of Clephane’s poetry was published posthumously.)

1941 – Nazis raided Koco, Amsterdam & rounded up 429 young Jews for deportation.
1942 – Presidential Executive Order 9066 began placing 100,000 persons of Japanese ancestry (of which over 2/3 were American-born citizens) into ten “relocation centers” for the duration of WWII. During confinement within the armed, barbed-wire surroundings, however, prayer meetings, Bible studies and worship services were held.

1944 – 823 British bombers attacked Berlin.

1945 – During the Battle of Ramree Island, Burma 900 Japanese soldiers are reportedly killed by crocodiles in 2 days.

1963 – USSR informs JFK it’s withdrawing several thousand troops from Cuba.

Isaiah 46:6-10

“They pour out gold from a bag, and weigh silver on the scale, and hire a smelter; and he makes a god for them: they fall down, yes, they worship it. They carry him on their shoulder, they drag him along and set him in his place, and he stands upright; it will not move from its place: yes, one will cry to him for help, yet it cannot answer or deliver him from of his distress. Remember this, and be responsible: turn back your inner man, you rebels. Remember the primary things of old: for I am God, and there is none other; I am God, and there is none like me, knowing the end times from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”

Men, who know nothing of God’s grace and mercy design for themselves gods that they can form by their own hands, carry them where they want them to be, and not fear their rebuke. The gods of man are gods that result from the love of money, riches and the applause of this world. The Bible is clear that the love of this world and all of its good produce nothing but heartache and misery.

“He that loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loves wealth with income: this is also emptiness. When goods increase, they that devour are increased: and what good is there to the owners except looking at them with their eyes? The sleep of a working man is sweet, whether he eats little or a great deal: but the abundance of the rich will not give him rest when he sleeps. I have seen an evil sickness under the sun, namely, riches guarded for the owners to their distress. But those riches are destroyed by trouble: and his son is born, and his hand is without power.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-14)

“Thus saith   “The LORD says, “Don’t let the skilful man glory in his skill, nor let the strong man glory in his strength, nor let the wealthy man glory in his wealth: But let him that glories glory in this that he understands and knows that I am the LORD who produces loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I am delighted, says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

It is only in the Lord that the divided heart can be healed and the peace and contentment of God will come into our lives. “No man has the power to serve two masters: for either he will love the one, and hate the other; or else he will endure the one, and condemn the other. You cannot serve God and treasure.” (Matthew 6:24)  The love of money is that which leads men away from God and chokes out his spiritual life.  “And these are they which are sown among thorns; those that hear the word, and the worries of this world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires of other things enter into the heart, choking out the word, and causing unfruitfulness.” (Mark 4:18-19) Contentment is being satisfied and resting on God in the place we are in. Gods made of silver and gold are worshipped by men who have fashioned gods in their minds that led them to desire and seek more riches. Those that worship the gods of this world are never content. I recently passed a very expensive convertible on the highway and read on its license plate frame, “He that has the most toys wins.” What a sad commentary of the society in which we live.

We are admonished to live with contentment in the place and under the circumstances that God has placed us. Contentment can only be obtained when we are totally relying on God’s hand of supply. “Let your manner of life be without covetousness; and be satisfied with what you have: for He has said, “I will never loosen my hold on you, or abandon you. So that we can say with courage, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be terrified by what man will do to me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Paul tells Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can’t carry anything out. Let us be content with food and clothing. They that purpose to be rich rebel against God and fall into a trap and into many unwise and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which as some strive for, they turn away from the faith, and torture themselves with much grief.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

“Not that I speak because of poverty: for I have learned, in the state I am in, to be content. I understand both how to be in humble conditions and how to exceed: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to exceed and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which is strengthening me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Today in History

1349 – 2,000 Jews burned at the stake in Strasbourg France

1912 – The 1st US submarine with diesel engines was commissioned in Groton CT.

1941 – The 1,000,000th vehicle traverses the New York Midtown Tunnel.

1946 – The Bank of England was nationalized.

1971 – President Richard Nixon installs a secret taping system in the White House.

1989 – The first satellite of the Global Positioning System was placed into orbit around Earth.

Isaiah 45:22-23

“Look to me, and be saved, from the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not return, “That to me every knee will bow and every tongue will swear.”

Salvation comes from the only true God. David understood this as he wrote, “Salvation is the LORD’s: your blessing is on your people. Selah. [Stop and consider this!]” (Psalm 3:8) Men are inclined to want some part in the work of their salvation. The rich ruler asked what can I do, and the jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) God expects that we will depend on Him alone. “I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You will have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3)

The question that is important is, “What or who do you trust for your salvation?” When asked about this many say, “I’m doing the best I can”, “I’m not as bad as other people”, “I was baptized”, “I joined the church or went forward in answer to an invitation” but the fact is we cannot depend on anything or anyone except God. The prophet Micah expressed his confidence in God alone. “Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7) Luke records God’s word for us. “It is notable to you all, and to all of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand before you whole. This is the stone which was of no account by you builders, which is become the chief cornerstone. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)

Man has and does refuse God’s offer of salvation by grace alone. Keep in mind grace is God giving to man that which he doesn’t deserve. Salvation is not deserved or earned by any man but is given to God’s elect by the grace of God. Those that realize they are burdened down by their un-forgiven sin are invited to come to Christ and have that burden of sin taken away. “Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am gentle and humble in heart: and you will find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Man will bow before God and cry out to Him for salvation or bow before Him in judgment. “Allow this understanding be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, did not take away from God by being equal with God: But emptied himself of His position in the godhead, and took upon himself the form of a slave, and was found living like a man: And being found in form of a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the stake. Wherefore God also has highly exalted him to the highest position, and has given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of things existing in heaven, and things that exist on earth, and those that are under the earth; And that all tongues will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Salvation! O my soul rejoice!
Salvation is of God;
He speaks, and that almighty voice
Proclaims His grace abroad.

The Father loved us e’er we fell,
And will forever love;
Nor shall the pow’rs of earth or hell
His love from Zion move.

‘Twas love that moved Him to ordain
A Surety just and good,
And on His heart inscribed the name
Of all for whom He stood.

Nor is the Surety short of love;
He loves beyond degree;
No less than love divine could move
The Lord to die for me.

And O what love the Spirit shows!
When Jesus He reveals
To men oppressed with sin and woes
He all their sorrows heals.

The Three-in-One and One-in-Three
In love for ever rest;
His people shall in glory be,
And with His love be blessed.

Are You Saved?

Today in History

1546 – German reformer Martin Luther wrote in a letter to his wife Kate: “Pray, and let God worry.”

1855 – The US citizenship laws were amended so that all children of US parents born abroad granted are US citizenship.

1947 – U.S. Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall prayed: “Save Thy servants from the tyranny of the nonessential. Give them the courage to say “No” to everything that makes it more difficult to say “Yes” to Thee.”

Isaiah 44:2-4

“Thus the LORD that made you and formed you in the womb, and who will help you said; “Don’t be afraid, O Jacob, my servant; and you, whom I have elected. For I will pour water on him that is thirsty, and steams on the dry ground: I will pour my spirit and my blessing on your descendents, and on your offspring: And they shall sprout up as among the grass, and as willows by the streams.”

Isaiah 44:6-8

“Thus the LORD the King of Israel and your redeemer the LORD of hosts said; “I am the first, and I am the last; and apart from me there is no God. I will proclaim, and make it known, and set all things in order for me, I appointed the people forever. The future events which are coming, and are enumerated, are made known to them. Don’t be afraid, or doubt: I have told you, and will make it clear? You are my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? There is no God; I know none.”

KJV

Isaiah 44:24-28

“Thus the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you in the womb said, “I am the LORD that created all things; that stretches out the heavens; that spreads out the earth by myself; That shatters the signs of all liars, and makes false prophets fools; that turns back crafty men, and makes their wisdom foolish; That causes the word of his servant to stand, and makes peace with the counsel of his messengers; that says to Jerusalem, “You will be remain;” and to the cities of Judah, “You will be rebuilt, and I will raise up the ruined places:” That says to the ocean, “Dry up, and I will dry up your rivers:” That says concerning Cyrus, “He is my shepherd, and will make peace my pleasure”: even saying to Jerusalem, “You will be built”; and to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.”

John Gill says about this chapter, “In this chapter the Lord comforts his people with the promise of the effusion of his Spirit, and the blessings of his grace upon them; the consequence of which would be fruitfulness in them, and the conversion of others, who should profess themselves the Lord’s people, (Isaiah 44:1- 5), he proves his deity in opposition to all false gods from his eternity, omniscience, and foretelling future events, (Isaiah 44:6-8), exposes the stupidity of idol makers and the worshippers of them, (Isaiah 44:9-20), makes gracious promises of the remembrance of his people, the remission of their sins, and their redemption by Christ, (Isaiah 44:21-23), of which redemption from Babylon was a type; and of that assurance is given, from the Lord’s creating all things by his power; from his frustrating and infatuating diviners and wise men; from his fulfilling his predictions delivered by his prophets; and from his mentioning by name the instrument of their redemption, Cyrus, (Isaiah 44:24-28), which makes way for a particular prophecy concerning him in the next chapter.”  

It is an amazing encouragement to have the Creator, the King of Israel, Our Redeemer, the Only God, the One who formed us in the womb, say “Don’t Be Afraid!” He that is all powerful, who simple speaks and brings all things into existence tell us that we will have ever need met by Him alone. Our past is forgiven, our present is guided by His hand, and our future is assured by His word. This world can be a frightening place to live. Our nation is facing the possibility of financial crisis that is beyond imagination. Financial collapse  could bring about energy and food supply disasters that have never before been faced by this generation. We have become so dependant that most have not the means or knowledge to grow and keep their own food or energy sources. We are also faced with an international crisis that are designed to bring terror and destruction to our own communities and most have nether the means or will to resist. But Isaiah prophesied to God’s elect, that we need not fear. “Don’t be Afraid!” How shall we live without fear? How can we be confident in the present and future of our lives? The Psalmist David states “Let them that reverence the LORD say that his mercy lasts forever. I called out to the LORD in tribulation: the LORD answered and put me in a place of prosperity. The LORD [the Eternal Self-Existing God] is on my side; I won’t be afraid: what can any man do to me? The LORD is helping those that help me: therefore I will see vengeance on them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in nobility.” (Psalm 118:4-9)

Abraham heard those words when God promised him great reward. “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) Moses quoted the same words to the children of Israel, “Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers has said to you; don’t be afraid, or discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 1:21) Zacharias, Elizabeth’s husband and Mary heard these words at the announcement of the births of both John and Jesus. And last but not the least, all of the disciples of Jesus Christ are encouraged by them as well.  “Don’t be worried or distressed about what you will eat, or drink, nor let your mind be tossed about. For all these things do the people of the world seek after: and your Father knows that you have need of these things. Moreover seek the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added to you. Don’t be afraid, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:29-32)

May we who are the called of God agree and testify with the writer of the Book of Hebrews when we say and live, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full confidence of faith, having our hearts cleansed from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without moving; (for he is faithful that promised And let us understand one another to provoke each other to benevolence and to good works:” (Hebrews 10:22-24)

Today in History

1598 – Jews are expelled from Genoa, Italy.

1790 – George Washington delivers the 1st “State of the Union” address.

1800 – In London, the first soup kitchens were opened for the relief of the poor.

1940 – Britain’s 1st WWII rationing bacon, butter & sugar.

1956 – In Ecuador, Plymouth Brethren missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully and Pete Fleming were killed by the Auca Indians, while attempting to evangelize their tribe. Elliot’s widow Elisabeth later published the story of their work and martyrdom in her book “Through Gates of Splendor”.

1958 – The Cuban revolutionary forces capture Havana

1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson declares “War on Poverty”.

1979 – American Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: “A Christian is a person who has the possibility of innumerable new starts.”

1989 – The Soviet Union promises to eliminate stockpiles of chemical weapons.

Isaiah 43:1-5

“But now thus says the LORD that created you, O Jacob, and he that formed you, O Israel, Don’t be afraid: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you are passing through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you: when you are walking through the fire, you will not be burned; neither will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior: I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for you. Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honorable, and I have loved you: therefore will I give men for you, and people for your life. Don’t be afraid: for I am with you: I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west;”

The term fear not or don’t be afraid is used 63 times in the King James Bible. Have you ever considered that the reason that God repeatedly brings assurance to is because this world is a dangerous place to live. We may be secure in our homes and feel safe as you go through life, but the rivers and streams of adversity threaten to overflow us every hour of the day. Isaiah doesn’t say “if” you go through the fire or waters, but rather “when” you are passing through them. Many ask, “Why do bad things happen to God people?” But our wonder ought to be when we are not going through hard times. Do we deserve to live free from adversity and trouble? No, we have sinned against God and don’t deserve the least of God’s favor. “…when you have done all those things which are commanded you, say, “We are unprofitable servants: we have only done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10) Paul points out the complete depravity of all men when he says, “It is written, “There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understand, there is none that are seeking after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

But when bad things do happen to good men, God in His infinite grace and mercy says, “Don’t be afraid.” Will bad things happen to us today? Only God can answer that but Peter tells us not to be surprised. “Beloved, don’t think that it is unusual that a fiery trial is to testing you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory will be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)  Believers who lived in the past went through much testing and many who live today have been tested by the overwhelming floods and the flames of adversity. BUT IN JESUS CHRIST OUR REDEEMER THERE IS DELIVERENCE.

Notice some examples. “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its permanent place when the sun came up; and the Egyptians tried to hid from it; and the LORD defeated the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. And the waters turned back, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the middle of the sea; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.” (Exodus 14:27-29) The children of Israel had a preview of the glass at Sea World as the crossed the Red Sea on “dry land”. Can you imagine the water stacked up on both sides of them as by faith they crossed? Then again they crossed the Jordon River 40 years later and God gave the children and grandchildren of those that crossed the Red Sea a lesson in faith as well. “And as they that carried the ark came to the Jordan River, and the feet of the priests that carried the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, (for Jordan over flowed all its banks at the time of harvest,) that the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, stopped, and were cut off: and the people passed near the City of Jericho. And the priests that carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River, and all the Israelites crossed over on dry ground, until all the people were clean over the Jordan.” (Joshua 3:15-17)

It wasn’t just the waters that they passed through but fire as well. Three Jewish young men refused to turn from serving God and bow down to Nebuchadnezzar. For their faithful service they were thrown into “a burning fiery furnace.” Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in alarm, and spoke to his governors, “Didn’t we cast throw men who were tied up into the middle of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “Look, I see four men loose and walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not injured; and the appearance of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, you who are servants of the most high God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came out of the middle of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, who were gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats altered, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke, and said, “Blessed is the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve or worship any god, except their own God.” (Daniel 3:24-27)

Good things happen to all people who trust God for their deliverance in the middle of bad things.

Today in History

1528 – Bern, the strongest canton (territorial division) in southern Switzerland in its day, officially embraced the Protestant faith of Swiss reformers Ulrich Zwingli and John Oecolampadius.
1546 – Eleven days before his death, German reformer Martin Luther wrote in a letter to his wife Kate: “I have a better Caretaker than you and all the angels. He it is who lies in a manger …but at the same time sits at the right hand of God, the almighty Father. Therefore be at rest.”

1795 – The 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

1839 – Henry Clay declared in Senate “I had rather be right than president”

1943 – The U.S. government announced that shoe rationing would go into effect in two days.

1947 – The U.S. Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall prayed: “We want to do right, and to be right; so start us in the right way, for Thou knowest that we are very hard to turn.”

1962 – President John F. Kennedy began the blockade of Cuba.

1971 – Women won the right to vote in Switzerland.

1976 – FCC raids & shuts down pirate radio station WCPR in Brooklyn, NY.

1990 – The USSR Communist party agrees to allow opposition political parties.

Isaiah 42:5-7

“Thus says God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and extended them; he that stretched out the earth and the offspring of it; he that is giving life to the people on it, and giving breathe to them that walk on it: I the LORD is calling you to righteousness, and will strengthen your hand, and will guard you, and give you for a covenant people, for a light to the Gentiles; To open their blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that remain in darkness out of the prison house.”

Many folks have asked me over the years, “How can I know the will of God for my life?” By that some mean, “Should I become a plumber or an airline pilot”? Or should I get married or stay single? My only answer to that kind of query would be to assess the abilities and the gifts that God has given to us and make the best use of them. But others are genuinely concerned about living in such way that we fulfill the will of God in our lives.

Isaiah prophesied concerning the Messiah and those that become those that are called by God. What then is the will of God for His people and is it important to know? Jesus said, “For whoever will do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35) David was doing the will of God by being the king of Israel. “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw corruption:”  (Acts 13:36) The Holy Spirit is yielded to the will of God as He prays for the believers. “In the same manner the Spirit is striving with our weaknesses: for we don’t understand what we should pray for as we should: but the Spirit Himself is making intercession for us with groanings which cannot be understood. And he that is searching our inner man knows what is the purpose of the Spirit because he is making intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27) Jesus Christ was completing the will of God when He died for the sin of God’s elect. “Grace is yours and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” (Galatians 1:3-4)

There are several passages that emphasize the importance of doing God’s will as we live in this world. “Don’t be fashioned like this world: but you are transformed (metamorphosed) by the renovation of your mind, that you may demonstrate the good, and pleasing, and complete will of God.” (Romans 12:2) We are to live in holiness. “For this is the will of God, even your purification that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should understand how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

“Don’t throw away your freedom of speech, which has great value of reward. For you have need of persistence under pressure, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promises. For in you have a short time, and He that is to appear will come, and will not delay. But those that are justified will live by faith: but if any hold back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back to destruction; but we are of them that have faith to the preservation of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)

Even the suffering we endure in this life is according to God’s will. “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:19) “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What did Isaiah record for us that should be the will of God for our lives while we are plumbers, pilots, homemakers, or street sweepers? He said that the Creator of all the heavens and the earth is keeping and guarding us while we radiate light to those who are blinded and imprisoned by sin. No matter how we earn a living God’s will is accomplished in our lives while we demonstrate to a world that is filled with darkness, that the “light of the world is Jesus.”

This world is soon to pass away. But those that are accomplishing God’s will, while they are passing through this world, will remain forever. “And the world is passing away, and the desires for it: but he that is doing the will of God is remaining forever.” (1 John 2:17)

Today in History

1820 – 86 freed black colonists sail from New York City, NY to Sierra Leone, Africa

1839 – Scottish clergyman Robert Murray McCheyne wrote in a letter: “Even in the wildest storms the sky is not all dark; and so in the darkest dealings of God with His children, there are always some bright tokens for good.”

1931 – Pioneer American linguist and missionary Frank Laubach wrote in a letter: “There is a deep peace that grows out of illness and loneliness and a sense of failure. God cannot get close when everything is delightful. He seems to need these darker hours, these empty-hearted hours, to mean the most to people.”

1952 – American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: “Christianity, disruptive in nature, has nonetheless integrating powers for the individual in the culture, though both he and it may expect revolution.”

1953 – The US control on wages & some consumer goods was lifted.

1987 – No-smoking rules take effect in all federal buildings.

Isaiah 41:6-10

“Everyone his neighbor; and said to his brother, “Be of strong and very courageous.” So the carpenter strengthened the goldsmith, and he that smoothed with the hammer him that struck the anvil, saying, “It is ready for the soldering: and he fastened it with nails, that it could not be moved. But you, Israel, are my servant, Jacob whom I have elected, the offspring of Abraham my friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called you from among the chief men, and said to you, “You are my servant; I have elected you, and have not cast you away. Don’t be afraid; for I am with you: don’t be worried; for I am your God: I will give you courage; yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up with my righteous hand.”

God’s intend to have Isaiah record this prophecy for us, is to encourage and build His elect. Election, for some, seems to be a frightening doctrine. But to those that understand, first the depravity of their own lives it is the most encouraging doctrine. Election simply defined means to pick out or choose. Daniel Webster defined it as, “In theology, divine choice; predetermination of God, by which persons are distinguished as objects of mercy, become subjects of grace, are sanctified and prepared for heaven.” Concerning Paul, and all believers, the Lord said, “Go your way: for he is an elect vessel to me.” (Acts 9:15) Election therefore is personal not national. We also can know that we are the elect of God. “Understanding, brethren beloved, your election is of God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4) Many have tried to apply election to different areas of life, but the Bible says that we are elected to salvation. “But we are obliged to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning elected you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Wherefore he called you by our gospel, to receive the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Why is election needed? It is needed because there is no good thing in us that seeks God and His forgiveness. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) there is no good thing: for good intentions are with me; but how to perform that which is good I don’t know. For the good that I want to do, I don’t do: but the evil which I don’t want to do, I do.” (Romans 7:18-19) We all sinners and deserve nothing, but God in mercy and grace has saved those that believe. See Ephesians 2:1-9.

Having settled then the election and being elect is not “scary” or bad we need to look at why we ought to encourage each other as the carpenter, the goldsmith, and the other workers did.

1. 1.      We need to remind each other of God’s promised blessings.

“And the LORD appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father: don’t be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and will multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.” (Genesis 26:24)

1. 2.      We need to remind each other of God’s provision for our lives.

“And Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid; go and do as you said: but make me a little cake first, and bring it to me and after that make for you and for your son. For the LORD God of Israel said, “The barrel of flour will not be empty, nor will the jug of oil diminish, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.” (1 Kings 17:13-14)

1. 3.      We need to remind each other of God’s protection of us.

And he answered, “Don’t be afraid: for they that are with us are more than they that are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray to you, open his eyes, that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16-17)

1. 4.      We need to remind each other of God’s presence with us.

“But now the LORD that created you says, O Jacob, and he that formed you, O Israel, “Don’t be afraid: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you are passing through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not engulf you: when you are walking through the fire, you will not be burned; nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior: I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for you. Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honorable, and I have loved you: therefore will I give men for you, and people for your life.” (Isaiah 43:1-4)

1. 5.      We need to remind each other that God has forgiven our sin.

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said to him that was sick of the palsy; “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2)

1. 6.      We need to remind each other that God loves us personally.

“Are not two sparrows sold for less than a penny? And one of them shall not descend to the ground apart from your Father. Moreover the very hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. Whoever therefore will confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:29-32)

1. 7.      We need to remind each other of God’s perpetual endowment of life.

 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I have given to them eternal life; and they will never perish, neither will any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)

Look around, who can you encourage?

President Obama said, “And I think to myself, if I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed, and give up some of the tax breaks that I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense. But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’ teaching that ‘for unto whom much is given, much shall be required,’”

First, the last time I checked taxes are not exacted of us based on our perceived or actual willingness to pay them. If you disagree, try going for any extended amount of time without paying them and you will be contacted by the IRS for your lack of said willingness. According to the President you are inherently less selfish or more generous because you are “willing” to pay what he defines as your “fair share”.

What is a “fair share” of your income according to God? The President neglected to mention this. Read 1 Samuel 8:1-15. This is the passage dealing with the “what ifs” of Israel moving from a representative form of government, (the judges) to an autocratic kingship so they could be like everyone else. By the way, when God gave Israel what they clamored for they lost their distinctiveness as a nation and ceased to be God’s “peculiar” people in the eyes of the world.  So what did God tell them would happen if they rejected Him? They would return to bondage! Here is what God says bondage looks like.  1 Sam 8:15 “And he (the king) will take the TENTH (asar – tithe) of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. Vs 17, He will take a TENTH of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants (ebed – slave). Vs 18, and ye shall cry out (call for help) in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”

There is a reason the Lord calls this bondage or slavery. The king demands more of us than God asks! The king is attempting to usurp the authority of God. Notice the word “tenth” is the word we use for “tithe”. If God asks us to give a tithe to Him with a “willing heart” (Ex 35:5) what does this say about the king or politician (ruler that thinks he is king) that demands of us far beyond ten percent? Some of you are saying but “what about giving to Caesar what is his”?  God makes it clear what belongs to us as compared to what Caesar had right to require of us in 1 Sam 8.  I am not advocating delinquency in paying taxes; I am advocating we hold our government accountable to the Romans 13 form of government which our founders supported.  Rendering to their dues is based upon the God ordained role of government which was limited to bearing the sword in the defense of those that do good. The government is also intended to be the minister of God to execute wrath on those that do evil. In other words, Biblically, government is intended for the common defense of those that do that which is good. All enjoying its protection should render taxes accordingly.

I know, I am simple and advocate a simplistic form of government. Why? Because the Scripture teaches that in matters of the Family, the Father is to rule (stand before) the home and answers to God. In matters of the church, God rules his people through an ordained eldership (1 Tim 3:1) who answer to God. This leaves precious little for the government to involve itself with. Most of the nearly 16 Trillion in debt that we have acquired is based on the government interfering in areas of authority that were not given or ordained to it by God (See Healthcare – mandating payment for abortifacients, Socialized Education – indoctrinating your kids, College Subsidies – continued indoctrination of your kids, Housing Subsidies  – Fannie and Freddie, food subsidies, welfare, unemployment insurance, care of the elderly via Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and I could go on and on).  

If the family and church were fulfilling their respective, God-ordained responsibilities the above expenditures and the slavish taxation that accompanies them would not even exist.

The President is not advocating people in the spheres of the Family and Church be more generous in those spheres, he is calling for more taxation so he can continue to expand the role of government into the WRONG spheres of authority. 

But what about “to whom much is given much is required”? This passage is found in Luke 12:48. The context of the passage is dealing with (ironically) the leaven of the Pharisees hypocrisy and their impending judgment (Vs 1-5), the judgment of the one that laid up treasures for himself and was not rich toward God (Vs 20-21), being ready when the Son of man returns (Vs 39-40) and lastly blessing or cursing of the servant that abused his “God ordained” authority (Vs 41-48).

This passage has nothing to do with paying taxes but it does have much to say about judgment on the servant of God that “beat the menservants and the maidens”. One could easily interpret this as the servant of God abusing his subjects or in today economy, treating them like slaves. I believe the President, albeit unwittingly, chose an appropriate passage to describe his “poor stewardship” of the role that God has put him in. He speaks of willingness to do “our fair share” but says this with the power of the sword.  

Lastly, the President referred to himself as a Christian. By any definition, a Christian is one who has been given much by God. The President has a great responsibility being our leader. How much greater is His responsibility before God in claiming to carry out the role of President as a Christian?  I do not pretend to judge the President’s heart but the fruit of his labor is on display for the entire world to see (Matthew 7:16-17). The irony is that God will judge the President by His very own words. Much indeed will be required of Him. We need to pray for mercy for both the President and our nation as we have truly gotten what we have asked for.