DARK DAYS

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” - 2 Timothy 3:1

For some time, news headlines have provided us with a great deal of disheartening news. Most recently, professing Christians have been outraged over New York's expansion of abortion laws. These news headlines remind us that we are in a sinful world, run by sinners.

These are dark days in our nation and our world. We shouldn't be surprised by this. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “... in the last days perilous times shall come.” The fact is that we are very near to the coming of our Lord. America is facing the judgment of God for her sins.

I have some well-meaning friends on social media who are apathetic about many of the sinful ways of our country. Some are even supportive of legislative and judicial decisions that support activities and lifestyles that God has condemned. To these friends, I wish to ask a question: do you want God to bless America? It is wrong for us to support wickedness and still expect God to bless. Let me put it bluntly. If God does not bless America, this nation is doomed. Our constitution, heritage and collective efforts are not enough to sustain this country should she ever face the wrath of God.

The ultimate standard for our society is not our Constitution, but the Word of God. While I love America, I love God more. While I honor the flag, I worship the Lord. While I believe in obeying proper laws, the ultimate standard will be God's law. While politicians, entertainers and even preachers wish to alter the Bible, we know that God never changes and His Word doesn't either. His Word will stand long after America ceases to be.

Here are a few things to ponder:

1. GOD HAS PROMISED THAT DARK DAYS WILL COME

God has promised that perilous times will come. I have every reason to believe that the darkness of sin will intensify in our world as the end nears. That does not mean that we should be apathetic. Instead, we should be vigilant, caring and praying!

2. LIGHT IS NEEDED MOST IN DARK TIMES

This is the best time to be a Christian witness. Light makes its greatest impact when darkness enshrouds society. As Christians, we are called to let our light shine. Be a beacon of light for your family, neighborhood, workplace and the world.

3. PROCLAIM THE TRUTH

Our lost friends are being lied to by the father of lies. The power of darkness is very strong. As Christians, it is our job to proclaim the truth. The truth of the Gospel is needed in this dark world. While many are proudly and eagerly embracing falsehood and deceit, we have the very message that will set them free. We need to believe the truth, stand for the truth and share the truth.

4. LOOK UP

Finally, look up. Our redemption draweth nigh. Jesus is coming SOON. These dark times remind us that this world is not our home. We are just on assignment as ambassadors for Christ. When He feels that this world is too hostile for us to stay in any longer, God will call all His ambassadors home. I believe we are nearing that day. Look up! Jesus may come at any moment and we'll leave this world of darkness.

Be encouraged, there will never be any dark days in heaven!

STAYING WARM DURING COLD DAYS

“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD.” - Jeremiah 23:29

I have a confession to make. I don't like winter weather. I don't like the frigid cold. I don't like driving on slick roads. Although a fresh coating of snow is beautiful to look at, it isn't fun to travel through.

As I write this, we are bracing for an arctic blast of cold air. Such weather makes me mindful of those who are homeless and living on the streets. Some elderly folks can't afford to pay extra heating costs. Some winter storms cause power outages, which may keep some residents from heating their homes.

Spiritually speaking, we are in cold days right now. The lukewarmness of 20^th century Christianity has eroded to a point of spiritual coldness here in the 21^st century. We are living in an age of spiritual compromise, heretical teaching and superficial living. While a lost world is dying in the cold, the church has little heat available as a refuge for freezing souls.

It doesn't have to be that way. We can stay warm, even hot, while living in this cold world. We used to hear of saints who were, “on fire for God.” These days, church members are more like Peter, who warmed himself by a fire as the Lord was being tried. Far from the fire, we've gotten used to the cold.

How can we stay warm during these cold days? Let me suggest a few things.

1. STAY NEAR THE FIRE

First of all, stay near the fire. If you have a fireplace in your home, you know that the closer you stay the fire, the warmer you remain. The same thing is true of us as Christians. Stay near the fire. The Lord said, “Is not my word like as a fire?” You can't stay hot if you stay away from the fire. Open your Bible and read it.

2. STOKE THE FIRE

Secondly, keep the fire going. God's Word is like a fire. It is good to read the Bible daily. It is even better to believe what you read and obey it. Obedience to God's Word keeps the fire stoked in your soul.

3. SPREAD THE FIRE

Finally, spread the fire. Consistently share what God is doing in your life. Give the Lord all the praise. Don't be content just to have the fire in your own soul, ask God to use you to spread the fire to others. God may use you as a catalyst to start a mighty fire that engulfs your family, your workplace, your community and the world.

Get your Bible, open it up, read it, believe it and obey it.

That's how you stay warm during cold days.

GETTING OLDER

“O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” - Psalm 71:17-18

The longer I live, the older I get. That's not a profound statement. Yet all of us are getting older. There are some people who become wiser as they get older. Others remain immature regards of their age.

I must confess that I have changed through the years. For those who look at me in a superficial way, they would only say that I've gained weight as I have gotten older. Certainly that is true. The weight listed on my driver's license was from my 16^th birthday, when I first got a license. It has never been updated. When it comes to gaining weight, I tell people that I am broadening my horizons.

As I have gotten older, I have more physical problems. The ankle I shattered in 2003 (and the subsequent metal implant) causes me grief. Furthermore, I struggle with psoriasis and allergies, as well as occasional kidney stones. It is not always easy getting older.

I believe that there are positive changes in my life as time passes. My view of certain things has changed. My outlook on life is different. Like most people, I have regrets from my past. I have taken these regrets to the Lord, where I have found forgiveness and grace.

I believe my values have changed. As I get older, I find that there are three areas that are of increasing importance in my life.

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITIES

First of all, my priorities have changed. In my past, there were things that I thought were so important ... but now they have lost their luster. I can't believe I wasted time and effort on such unimportant things. There were issues I used to do battle over that now seem so insignificant.

But there are things that are more important than ever. As I get older, I value the things that will last beyond my earthly life. I value eternal matters so much more. As I consider the fact that I am getting closer to the finish line, I need to value the things that will matter most when I leave this world. I need to stress the importance of the things that will matter most when I stand before God.

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE

Secondly, I value people more than ever. I need to improve in this area much more. The Lord has placed certain people around me. Some I will learn from. Others I will minister to. A few I may mentor. Relationships are important. We tend to think that possessions or power make a man rich. Actually, the man with strong, healthy relationships is a rich man. These days, relationships are rather shallow and superficial. Happy is the man that has two or three good friends who will remain close to him the rest of his life.

Life is much like a garden. We sow and then we reap. It is important for me to sow liberally in the lives of those around me. I've done a poor job at this in my past. As I get older, I need to deliberately invest in those close to me.

I want to live the rest of my life making eternal investments that will yield eternal dividends. I believe I make eternal investments when I make positive contributions to the eternal souls of those close to me. Like the psalmist I pray, "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

Finally, as I get older, I realize the importance of prayer. Like never before, I need the Lord. My dependence on Him grows stronger every day. As I get older, I need to pray more, not less. Time spent in prayer is never wasted time. As I get older, I need to get closer to God. I need His Word more. I need His fellowship more. I need to worship more. I need to spend more time with His people. I need His guidance, wisdom and strength. I need His blessings and grace. I can't make it without Him. I don't like the thought of facing a day without Him.

As I get older, I want God to be pleased and glorified. All that truly matters is what God will say when I stand before Him. As I get older, I want the imminent judgment to come motivate me to live intentionally for the things that matter most.

FEED YOUR MIND

“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 4:8

We have just entered a brand new year. Many people have made (and many have broken) New Year's Resolutions. I am not a huge fan of resolutions, but I am a proponent of setting and keeping goals. Every year, I set goals for the upcoming twelve months. I review these goals on a weekly basis. I work diligently throughout the year to achieve these goals. Overall, I have been successful in achieving many of these goals.

I don't share all of this to boast. In fact, my goals wouldn't impress most people. I don't usually share my goals publicly, but I will share this. Every year, I set a goal to read a specific number of books. I think it is important to feed my mind.

I saw a statistic that revealed that 28% of Americans did not read a single book during the past year. If you do not actively regulate what goes into your mind, society will do it for you. The views of Americans are typically set by the news media and entertainment industry. That is tragic! Television has deliberately changed our culture's view of morality. Between billboards, television and the internet, the mind of the average American is exposed to a lot of sinful images and concepts. When we fail to feed our minds with good material, we find our minds being fed with worldliness and corruption.

In 2019, we need to feed our minds with healthy food. Don't allow your mind to be influenced by the rotten food of this world. Let me recommend some books for you to read in 2019:

1. THE BIBLE

First of all, read your Bible every day. Whether you read through the entire Bible or not is up to you. I do strongly encourage you to at least read the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs this year. Furthermore, memorize verses you find that are pertinent to your emotional and spiritual situation. Meditate on these verses and feast on the meat of God's Word.

2. A DAILY DEVOTIONAL

There are wonderful daily devotionals available for you to read from. “Morning and Evening,” by Charles Spurgeon, “My Utmost For His Highest,” by Oswald Chambers are among the many devotionals available. You can save yourself some money by going online and subscribing (without cost) to the daily devotionals that are available. Ministers like Charles Stanley and John Piper provide a devotional that will be sent automatically to your email inbox daily, if you subscribe.

3. READ GOOD CHRISTIAN BOOKS

The Christian market is overflowing with books. Sadly, many of them are superficial and some of them border on heresy. Personally, I like reading from men who are faithful to the Word. Some of the writers I like have been promoted to glory some time ago. I still like to read from A. W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Vance Havner, D. L. Moody, R. A. Torrey, E. M. Bounds, Andrew Murray and others.

4. LISTEN TO CHRISTIAN AUDIO BOOKS

If you have a long commute to work, like I do, Christian audio-books are wonderful to listen to. Each month, the website, Christianaudio.com has a free audio-book available for download (MP3 format). After downloading the MP3 files to your computer, you can then either burn the MP3 files to compact discs, a MP3 CD or store them on a MP3 player. Additionally, Christianaudio.com sells Christian audio-books. If you go on a long trip, an audio-book can keep you occupied while you drive and also bless your heart.

5. LISTEN TO BIBLICAL MESSAGES

I often listen to sermons as I drive. I am very picky about the preachers I listen to. There are many popular preachers that I won't listen to because their teachings are often erroneous. However, a good sermon can be food for your mind and soul.

6. SPEND TIME WITH STRONG CHRISTIANS

A mature believer can be a source of great information, wisdom and knowledge. Talking with such a Christian can feed your mind, fill your soul and inspire your life. Hang around with mature believers that inspire you to walk closer to God.

7. LISTEN TO GOOD CHRISTIAN MUSIC

I love Gospel music. Sometimes an old hymn or Gospel song comes to mind at an appropriate time and ministers to me. Personally, I prefer songs that have a strong message. Some people gravitate towards songs with a certain beat or tempo, but I still believe that Gospel music should be Biblical in its message.

Whether you can apply all of these suggestions or not, I do challenge you to at least read your Bible daily.  If you feed your mind properly in 2019, you'll find that God will change your life!

ADVICE FOR A NEW YEAR

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” - Hebrews 12:1

The writer of the book of Hebrews aptly refers to the Christian life as being a race. We are in a marathon. We are pressing forward, traveling daily toward our home in heaven.

When we come to the end of a year and plan for a new year, we tend to make superficial resolutions. While some of these resolutions have a valid purpose, we tend to lose motivation after the first week or two and eventually return to the rut of living like we had before.

As we enter a new year, I want to challenge myself --- and you. Here is the advice I'm giving to myself. See if these three things don't appeal to you also.

1. SPEND TIME WITH GOD DAILY

My first piece of advice is to walk with God every day. For many years, I've made it a habit to read from the Bible daily. Sometimes when I speak at another church, I'll ask people in the congregation to raise their hands if they read from the Bible every day during the past week. Few raise their hands. That is a problem. In 2019, spend time with God daily. Read from the Bible every day. Spend time in prayer each day. My suggestion is to start your day with God. This remains the greatest piece of advice for myself and everyone else for the new year. As Hebrews 12:1 indicates, we are in a race. We're on a journey. Don't walk alone. Walk with God daily.

2. TRAVEL LIGHT

Secondly, travel light. Since we are in a race, it is important to keep our load light. Heavy burdens need to be removed. A load of guilt needs to be rolled away. Forgiveness needs to be given and received. Too many pilgrims are loaded down with unnecessary burdens. Take your burdens to the Lord and let Him lift them from you. Notice in our text that the Bible says, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” There is a difference between “sin” and a “weight.” While sin certainly weighs us down, there are other things that may not necessarily be sinful, but still weigh us down. Examine your life. There may be things that are hindering your spiritual progress. An athlete will wear light clothing when he runs. Spiritually, we should do the same. Travel light.

3. KEEP MOVING ALONG

Finally, keep moving along. As our text indicates, we are in a race. Keep pressing forward. It is tempting to quit at times. Some, for instance, quit going to church. Others have quit serving. Some have quit giving. This is not a time for quitting. If you have quit, it is time to get back at work. Return to church. Start serving again. Keep moving. I must confess that, physically, I need to get more active in the year to come. Spiritually, we should all be active. We have been created to do “good works,” (see Ephesians 2:10). I am reminded of an old Stamps-Baxter song that simply said, “Keep moving along the Gospel way.” That is good advice for the new year.

I am not promising that 2019 will be a fun year. It may be … then again, it may not be. I am not a prophet. I do believe that we are closer to the finish line than ever before. As we near the end, let us finish well. Each day, walk with God, travel light and keep moving forward.

That's my advice for the new year.

A HOLY DAY --- NOT A HOLIDAY

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

- Luke 2:11

It is strange how far things go astray in our culture. For many years, December 25^th has been set aside as a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. In the later part of the 20^th century, the fictitious character of Santa Claus was created as a focal point of the holiday. Slowly, the emphasis of Christmas shifted from Jesus to this fictional character. Furthermore, Christmas has become a time for retailers to make a lot of money from well-meaning consumers. Each Christmas, Americans spend an enormous amount of money purchasing Christmas gifts for family members and friends.

Here's my question: haven't we missed the point? Everyone gets a Christmas gift at Christmas except for the One who is having the birthday. While it is not wrong to give gifts to those you love, shouldn't we be dedicating Christmas to the birthday of Jesus? If giving to loved ones is so important, why are we only giving gifts once every year?

It is easy to say that we are keeping Christ in Christmas, but are we really doing that? American Christians tend to treat Christmas like the unbelievers do. Sadly, many professing believers go deeply in debt to purchase gifts for everyone EXCEPT the One whose birthday we are supposed to be observing.

In all honesty, we do not know that Jesus was born on December 25^th. Whether or not He was born on that exact date, we do know that His birth was a major event. When Jesus was born, hope was provided to sinful mankind.

The birth of Jesus was treated as a holy event. Angels proclaimed His arrival. Shepherds came to behold the newborn. Later, wise men would arrive, giving Him gifts. Yes, gifts were given … to Jesus.

It is time for all Christians to sit back and evaluate our approach to Christmas. I know it may seem extreme, but shouldn't we be focused on the Son of God instead of contributing to the pagan rituals that have taken over Christmas?

Here are just a few suggestions to consider:

1. WORSHIP JESUS ON CHRISTMAS

When the wise men saw the baby Jesus, they knelt before Him and worshiped. Shouldn't we do the same? If your local church has services on Christmas Day, take your family to church and worship the King. If your church does not have services, spend time worshiping Him in your own home.

2. READ THE BIBLE

Instead of reading “The Night Before Christmas,” to your kids, read the Biblical account of Jesus' birth. Share the truth with your family instead of fiction. Expose your children and grandchildren to the reason for this season.

3. HELP THOSE IN NEED

During the Christmas season, focus on giving to the needy in Jesus' Name. Traditionally, people give only to family members at Christmas. Be different. Give of your time, talents and treasures to those in need. Learn from the ministry of Jesus and serve those who can't repay you.

I know this may sound like an attempt to sound modest, but I just want to be honest with you. Receiving Christmas gifts is no longer a big deal for me. I have already received the greatest Christmas gift of all --- Jesus, my Lord. His birth was a gift to me. His life was a gift. His death upon the cross paid for my salvation. His resurrection guarantees that my sin debt is paid in full. What can be a greater gift than Jesus?

If you want to share something wonderful with your family on Christmas, share Jesus with them.

Sadly, Christ is no longer welcome as people “celebrate” on Christmas. Americans have taken Christ out of Christmas. How foolish!

Christmas is a holy day, not a holiday.

GENEROSITY

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Acts 20:35

The holiday season is a time for giving. Television and radio commercials target consumers with gift-giving ideas. Mail boxes are filled with unsolicited mail from mail-order businesses, enticing us to purchase from them. Then there are non-profit organizations that concentrate on fund raising during this season of giving.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give then to receive.” Ironically, this verse is not recorded in the four Gospels, but quoted by Paul in the book of Acts. We tend to quote this verse, especially at this time of year. But do you know that giving is not meant to be a once-a-year event? As Christians, we are called to be generous people.

Sadly, some of the stingiest people on earth are professing Christians. We claim to be recipients of grace, but tend to show so little grace to others. God has lavishly poured out His grace upon us. He has been, and continues to be, very generous with us. Why, then, aren't we more generous? If there is one group of people on earth that is generous, it should be Christians. But instead, Christians give the very least required, whether at church or a tip at a restaurant. We need to be generous people. The holidays are a good time to be generous, but why should it be the only time?

Let me make something perfectly clear. Generosity has less to do with money than it does your heart. You don't have to have money to be generous, you just need to have a generous heart. When the widow cast her two mites into the treasury, Jesus commended her generosity. Two mites probably didn't seem like much to the disciples, but Jesus knew that she was giving all she had. Jesus knew she was a generous woman.

Generosity comes from a loving, grateful heart. Stinginess is a reflection of an uncaring, ungrateful heart. Which really describes you?

Many try manipulation tactics to motivate people to give. I am strongly opposed to manipulation, either by a pastor or TV “minister.” Furthermore, a Christian shouldn't need to be motivated externally, he should have an internal motivation to give.

Generosity covers a broader area than just money. Generosity includes giving yourself to others. When Peter and John were going to the temple at the hour of prayer, they encountered a lame man who was begging for a financial gift. Peter looked at the man and said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” The lame man was seeking money but ended up receiving more than money could buy, all because of two generous Christians.

Our Lord modeled generosity to us. Paul wrote, “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.” Jesus gave freely of His time for the needy around Him. He washed His disciples feet as a servant would. He gave His life freely for us upon the cross --- the ultimate gift of all.

Now we are called to emulate our Lord. We should be generous people, caring for those around us in a very tangible way. John wrote, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

We should be generous people, simply because of love and gratitude. But there is a promise from our Lord, “It is more blessed to give then to receive.” We are blessed ourselves when we bless others through our generosity. Sometimes that blessing comes to us here on earth. Also, I believe there are blessings awaiting us in heaven because of our giving.

Whether you are giving of your time, talents or treasures, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Live with a loving heart and open hands. If your hands are open to give to others, they are also open to receive from the Lord.

We are stewards of the items God has entrusted us with. Invest your life in the things that matter most. Don't be selfish and try to hoard everything for your private, selfish pleasure. A water supply must be kept fresh so that it will be fit to drink. In order for a water supply to be kept fresh, water must be used and then replaced with fresh, clean, treated water on a regular basis. The same is true of our lives. If we wish to live fresh, revived lives, we must give of what we have so that we may be replenished.

It is more blessed to give than to receive.