Ezekiel 18:24

But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die. (Ezekiel 18:24)

Three points:

1. Some people feel that if they do more good than evil, God will let them into heaven.

They hope the balance tips in favor of good, hoping they have done more good than evil.

2. Righteous can become unrighteous.

Some turn from doing what is right and start doing what is evil. In our passage's context there are some things listed that are evil.

Then suppose this man has a son who robs and kills, who does any of these things that the father never did. He eats sacrifices offered at forbidden shrines and seduces other men's wives. He cheats the poor, he robs, he keeps what a borrower gives him as security. He goes to pagan shrines, worships disgusting idols, and lends money for profit. Will he live? No, he will not. He has done all these disgusting things, and so he will die. He will be to blame for his own death. (Ezekiel 18:10-13)

3. There is a remedy.

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' (Luke 18:13)

Ezekiel 6:9

Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations where they are carried captive, because I was crushed by their adulterous heart which has departed from Me, and by their eyes which play the harlot after their idols; they will loathe themselves for the evils which they committed in all their abominations. (Ezekiel 6:9)

Three points:

1. The condition of the rebellious people of God

Many were killed; many died by other means; some were scattered among many nations. The reason all this happened was because they were worshiping false gods. What god are we worshiping, ourself, money, power, some teacher or "expert"?

2. How God felt about this

His heart was "crushed". He was sad, hurt, deserted, and after all the good He had down for Israel, this is the thanks He gets. What do we do to hurt God's feelings, that is, to grieve Him? Sin, unthankfulness, forgetfulness of Him and what He has done?

3. What happens from the people's suffering

The will loathe themselves. They will be ashamed. This could have been prevented by worshiping God and obeying the Scriptures.

Joshua 1:8

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Three points:

1. The Bible is important.

It is so important that it is needed every day and night. We need to read it, study it, and think about it.

2. The Bible is needed every day.

It must be read and understood in its plain, normal sense. Once read, once understood, then once obeyed. Joshua needed to do all three to receive God's blessing.

3. The Bible brings a blessing.

Prosperous doesn't mean you'll be rich; it means you'll be richly blessed. God will be with you and help you every day.

Jeremiah 11:10-11

They have gone back to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to do what I said; they have worshiped other gods. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant that I made with their ancestors. So now I, the LORD, warn them that I am going to bring destruction on them, and they will not escape. And when they cry out to me for help, I will not listen to them. (Jeremiah 11:10-11)

Three points:

1. We often sin, but do not repent.

Repent is not only feeling sorry about our sin--disobedience to God's word--but it is also not doing it anymore. We can't be perfect, but with prayer and God's help, we can stop. At least our attitude must be: "I want to stop sinning."

2. God warns us.

We come under conviction that we have done wrong.

3. Sometimes there is no alternative but punishment.

We can be so hard, stubborn, and refuse to repent that there is no alternative but for God to punish us in some way. In the midst of punishment we often pray that God would stop, but it is too late. Let us bare patiently our chastening.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:11)
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. (Psalms 119:67)

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. (2 Corinthians 1:8)

Three points:

1. We have problems, burdens, trials in our faith and life.

2. Sometimes these are above our strength; it is when we say, "I just can't take it any more.

3. Yet in verse 9 and 10 it is written: "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us..." We can go on. Take courage brother and sister.

2 Kings 8:10-15

And Elisha said to him, "Go, say to him, 'You shall certainly recover.' However the LORD has shown me that he will really die." Then he set his countenance in a stare until he was ashamed; and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, "Why is my lord weeping?" He answered, "Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: Their strongholds you will set on fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword; and you will dash their children, and rip open their women with child." So Hazael said, "But what is your servant—a dog, that he should do this gross thing?" And Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Syria." Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, "What did Elisha say to you?" And he answered, "He told me you would surely recover." But it happened on the next day that he took a thick cloth and dipped it in water, and spread it over his face so that he died; and Hazael reigned in his place.
(2 Kings 8:10-15)

It was God's will for Hazael to be king.

He became king his own way by murdering his master.

He should have waited for God to bring it about like King David.

Can we wait for God to bring His will about, or do it ourselves, our own way?

Amos 4:12

"Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!" (Amos 4:12)

3 Points:

1. The last straw

God has already punished Israel for disobedience. Some of their sins: mistreat and abuse the poor, drunkenness, sacrifices and worship that is wonderfully religious but without putting their hearts into it. Some of their punishments: lack of food, lack of rain, insects eating their crops, death in war, thieves made off with their goods. But all this they WOULD NOT repent.

2. People are stubborn

This is not a time to be stubborn. It is a time to repent, to ask forgiveness and change the way they think and live. Danger is at the doorstep.

3. "Prepare to met your God"

Now that strikes fear in me, but to Israel in those days it meant nothing. They could care less, even though the punishment would be the loss of their country. Will humans today repent or keep marching to destruction?

Psalms 46:1

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song For Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)

Three points:

1. Times are difficult

...and getting more difficult. It seems as if God is letting people sin more. According to Romans 1 God does that. People will not repent, glorify God, or be thankful, so he punishes their sin but removing hindrances to sin. In 2 Timothy 3 there is the prophesy that perilous times are coming.

2. Refuge, strength, help

Refuge has the meaning of a place to run to when things become dangerous. Strength is the ability to do something; God can fight and win any battle. Help has the idea of assistance, aid. He is present here with His people. We may die, but our souls are safe.

3. God

We are not to look to government, politics, debate, money, etc for deliverance. It is found in only one--Yahweh himself.

2 Chronicles 12:14

And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD. (2 Chronicles 12:14)

Three points:

1. Evil

Evil is defined by the Lawgiver. We have the 10 Commandments. The law is written in our hearts. We know we are guilty. What to do about the guilt? Most seem to stuff it in the back of their minds and try to forget it. Some just sear their conscious by doing even more evil. Some repent.

2. Because

The Scripture gives us the reason for the king's evil. He had a choice to make, and he made it. He could have chosen to seek God--pray and do things in life God's way--or not to seek God. He chose to NOT seek God. What are we going to do? What will be our choice?

3. Prepare

The king could have continued the reform started earlier when he humbled himself before God at the appearance of the King of Egypt. God delivered him in that situation, but King Rehoboam did not continue in that, but chose not to seek God's help and wisdom. Do we pray to God for help, and after He helps us, we forget Him? God help us.

Psalm 94:17

Unless the LORD had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence. (Psalms 94:17)

Three points:

1. Lord had been my help

Not the government, not the church, not medicine, not science, not myself, but the Lord. God may use any or all of these things but those are the source itself. This is why we pray.

2. My soul

We may feel the hurts of others, but the hurt we feel ourselves is the worst. Christians are not immune to deep, difficult, heart wrenching troubles.

3. Settled in silence

One more thing would have happened, and I would have died. Haven't we felt that way before? Don't forget to pray. Let us pray for others.

Psalm 119:14

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. (Psalms 119:14)

Three points:

1. Riches

Who wouldn't like a surprise when opening the mailbox: "I was praying and couldn't get you off my mind. I believe the Lord Jesus wants me to send you this $100,000." Would you be thankful and rejoicing? I'm sure you would.

2. Testimonies

The things God has told us in the Scriptures. These are things that He has seen and told us about. He has seen people sin; He has seen people do what is right. When He tells something, you know it is true. It is one of the words used to describe the Scriptures.

3. Rejoice

Do we rejoice in the Scriptures, what we read, what we study, what we meditate on? Certainly that is a question I need to ask myself.

John 6:27

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." (John 6:27)

Three points:

1. Perish/endures

Obviously the food that perishes is what we eat bodily; the food that endures is the Word of God. But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man cannot live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " (Matthew 4:4) It is by reading the Bible, believing it, and LIVING it that gives us the nourishment we need. Even if we have the best of food, we will die, but the one who eats on spiritual food will die physically but be strong and healthy spiritually.

2. Son of Man gives

Son of Man is the Lord Jesus. He is the one who gives this life and growth. If there is no growth in the Christian's life, there will only be stagnation. Growth is greater experience, understanding, patience, and all the fruits of the Spirit.

3. Set His seal on Him

This is his mark of approval. and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17). He is telling us the truth. This mark of approval is seen by what Jesus taught, did, suffered, died, and resurrected.

John 17:11

Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. (John 17:11)

Three points:

1. Leaving and staying

The Lord Jesus is about to leave this world. His ministry of teaching the masses is over. Judas is out doing his evil deed--collecting money to betray the Lord Jesus. While his ministry on earth is about over, the disciples' ministry is continuing. His prayer is for them and us. We still have to face the opposition of the world. Jesus cares about us. Earlier he had said the he loves us with the same kind of love that the Father had for him.

2. I come to you

I am coming to you, Father. There he is preparing a place for us and interceding for us. He prays for us. If the Lord Jesus himself prays for us, can we not also pray for others? Surely we can take a little time out to pray for others. When God had gotten angry over the constant rebellion of Israel, he determined to punish them with death, but Moses interceded for them. If he had not, more would have died. If we don't pray for others, they may stumble in the faith.

3. Keep them

Keep has the idea of watching over them, keeping his eye on them. We can see the deep care the Lord Jesus has for those who believe him and trust him--his followers. Though the storms of life assail us, remember that God is stilling watching over us. Jesus suffered many things; it should not seem unusual if we suffer also.

John 12:37

Even though he had performed all these miracles in their presence, they did not believe in him, (John 12:37)

Three points:

1. He performed

He did these miracles. People laugh today and ridicule saying, "Where is the proof these things happened?" There where many witnesses present, the Gospels were written in the first century, and they could have been debunked quickly, if they were false.

2. Miracles do not make converts

I have heard a number of people say that miracles would make many converts. But miracles done by Jesus himself in their very presence did not make many converts. The people in the towns where Jesus had performed most of his miracles did not turn from their sins, so he reproached those towns. (Matthew 11:20) and But Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death.' " (Luke 16:31)

3. Believe in Him

It is by faith that we are forgiven. Even though these miracles were done in their presence, faith was needed. Even seeing is not believing, if they refuse to believe. We need to have faith. The facts are here, it is reasonable, we can believe. All the prophets spoke about him, saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name." (Acts 10:43)

Luke 10:29

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29)

Three points:

1. He

The "he" here is a lawyer, not the type of lawyer we know today but a religious lawyer--an expert in God's law. He knew (?) the Law of God better than anyone. He maybe didn't obey the law, but he knew it.

2. Desiring

He was under conviction. He knew that what the Lord Jesus had said was the correct understanding of God's Law, but he was not willing to obey. The word desiring--willing in the King James--shows a want to justify his actions, his false beliefs, in short, his sin. This still happens all the time whether a person is religious or not.

3. Justify himself

Justify has the idea of showing that one is innocent. This lawyer asks a question, thinking that he can circumvent God's law. Perhaps he had done the very thing that Jesus had condemned. Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
Let us face the truth about ourselves, confess our sins to God, ask forgiveness, and ask for His help to not do them any more.

Mark 7:6

Jesus answered them, "How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: 'These people, says God, honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. (Mark 7:6)

Three points:

1. Man's way vs God's way

The Pharisees had rituals, traditions, handed down from father to son for years. These had nothing to do with God's law. They were not required by God. The Pharisees had the method of following their rules instead of God's. This is no different from today.

2. Hypocrites

The Pharisees had the words to honor God. They said they honored God, but their actions showed they did not. They followed their own laws and forsook God's.

3. Words vs heart

It is one thing to honor God with our words; this is good. It is another thing to honor God with our heart; this is better. Why, because it is real honor when we honor God with our heart. Our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds will show this. The Pharisees honored God with their words, their actions proved otherwise.

What do you and I do?

Psalm 2:11

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalms 2:11)

Three points:

1. Serve the LORD

We are to serve the LORD, not anything else. To serve is to do the will of someone. What does God want from us? The man answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind'; and 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' " (Luke 10:27). Basically this is obeying the Ten Commandments. Kings and judges are not to be proud but humble and serve.

2. Fear

Fear that one day we will have to appear before God and tell him why we did the things we did. There is no excuse. They will be excuses given, but there is no excuse. We have the Bible to tell us God's will, right, and wrong.

3. Rejoice with trembling

The word trembling is usually associated with fear. It is recognition of God the Son's authority. Let us do the same.

Psalm 140:1

Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men, (Psalms 140:1)

Three Points:

1. O LORD

LORD is the word Yahweh. He is the self-exist and eternal. He was not created but is. He is all powerful and so can deliver. He delivered Noah from the flood, Daniel from the lions, and us from our sins (if we have asked Him to forgive our sins and trust Jesus, the Son of God).

2. Deliver me from the evil man

Deliver has the idea of separation from something, in this case evil people. Here these evil people plan physical harm and verbal abuse. We may have to endure such things, but we must remember that He will give us grace, peace, and a good testimony to them.

3. Preserve me from the violent man

Preserve has the idea of to keep safe and guard, while violent has the idea of cruel, evil violence as in physical, financial, and verbal abuse. He prays for protection if and when it happens to be kept safe.

Barnes writes: Margin, as in Hebrew, man of violences.” That is, one who has committed violence so often, who has so frequently done wrong, that this may be considered a characteristic of the man.

This would be a sad characteristic of a person. May God deliver us from being that kind of person.

Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalms 42:11)

Three points:

1. The stress of the soul

Difficulties, troubles, inner turmoils, temptations, misunderstandings, spiritual battles come daily. The enemy of our soul is out to destroy us. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

2. These wars wear us out.

As in any contest there seems to be no end. A physical war has to stop some time for rest. A soldier cannot fight for 48, 72 or more hours without any rest. The enemy of our souls never stops, and we get tired.

3. The Lord will deliver

We don't know when or how. Like Joseph in the Old Testament. He woke up one morning still the servant of the chief jailer but went to bed second in the kingdom of Egypt. He did not know when, but it happened. So God will deliver us.

Genesis 33:3

Genesis 33:3 He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Three points:

1. Easu wanted to kill Jacob.

Jacob had cunningly taken Easu’s birthright when Easu was very hungry and thought he was going to die.

2. Jacob fled into a neighboring country.

He went to his relative’s, married, had children, had huge flocks; he was blessed in every way.

3. God told him to go back home.

As far as he knew, Easu still wanted to kill him. When Jacob heard that Easu was coming to met him with 400 men, he was afraid and prayed for God to protect him. He could have returned from where he came, but he did not; he continued towards his home. The important part here is that he kept going. It was by faith, for God had said that he would be safe. He believed God.

What about us? When times are hard and difficult, do we quit following what the Lord Jesus taught us, or do we continue? We like Jacob must continue. It is by faith.

2 Kings 17:1-18

This is longer than usual but is needed.

Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in the twelfth year of Ahaz's rule in Judah, and he ruled nine years from Samaria. Hoshea disobeyed the LORD and sinned, but not as much as the earlier Israelite kings had done. During Hoshea's rule, King Shalmaneser of Assyria invaded Israel; he took control of the country and made Hoshea pay taxes. But later, Hoshea refused to pay the taxes and asked King So of Egypt to help him rebel. When Shalmaneser found out, he arrested Hoshea and put him in prison. Shalmaneser invaded Israel and attacked the city of Samaria for three years, before capturing it in the ninth year of Hoshea's rule. The Assyrian king took the Israelites away to Assyria as prisoners. He forced some of them to live in the town of Halah, others to live near the Habor River in the territory of Gozan, and still others to live in towns where the Median people lived. All of this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had rescued them from Egypt, where they had been slaves. They worshiped foreign gods, followed the customs of the nations that the LORD had forced out of Israel, and were just as sinful as the Israelite kings. Even worse, the Israelites tried to hide their sins from the LORD their God. They built their own local shrines everywhere in Israel--from small towns to large, walled cities. They also built stone images of foreign gods and set up sacred poles for the worship of Asherah on every hill and under every shady tree. They offered sacrifices at the shrines, just as the foreign nations had done before the LORD forced them out of Israel. They did sinful things that made the LORD very angry. Even though the LORD had commanded the Israelites not to worship idols, they did it anyway. So the LORD made sure that every prophet warned Israel and Judah with these words: "I, the LORD, command you to stop doing sinful things and start obeying my laws and teachings! I gave them to your ancestors, and I told my servants the prophets to repeat them to you." But the Israelites would not listen; they were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to worship the LORD their God. They ignored the LORD's warnings and commands, and they rejected the solemn agreement he had made with their ancestors. They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves. The LORD had told the Israelites not to do the things that the foreign nations around them were doing, but Israel became just like them. The people of Israel disobeyed all the commands of the LORD their God. They made two gold statues of calves and set up a sacred pole for Asherah; they also worshiped the stars and the god Baal. They used magic and witchcraft and even sacrificed their own children. The Israelites were determined to do whatever the LORD hated. The LORD became so furious with the people of Israel that he allowed them to be carried away as prisoners. Only the people living in Judah were left, (2 Kings 17:1-18).

Three points:

1. There is punishment for rebellion.

God has rules. Consider the Ten Commandments. We have all sinned. We have all broken the Commandments, but consider the church of today. The New Testament has rules also for us. How many does the church mention today? How faithful are the people of today?

2. God’s people are to be different.

One of the issues in the northern tribes of Israel is “The LORD had told the Israelites not to do the things that the foreign nations around them were doing, but Israel became just like them.” When we become just like the world around us or nearly so, we are total failures as Christians. In most churches divorce is as high or higher than “nonchistians”. So too the way we treat our spouses and children. We need to start living a Biblical lifestyle.

3. Don’t make God angry.

It is said here: “The Israelites were determined to do whatever the LORD hated.” It is almost as if they studied what God wanted and then deliberately did the opposite. Consider these rules:
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22)

Are they too hard to follow?

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
(Romans 12:12)

Three points:

1. Rejoicing in hope

The first of these laws is to be rejoicing in hope. Rejoicing is to feel joy over and over again. The best example I have of explaining faith and hope is this: Jesus is returning; this is fact and faith. I hope it is today. We are to rejoice.

2. Patient in tribulation

We like things easy and comfortable, yet life is not like that especially for the Christian: Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (2 Timothy 3:12). We are to be patient. The Lord Jesus is the supreme example of patience in suffering.

3. Continuing instant in prayer

We are to be persistent, constant, quick to pray no matter what the situation. It is easy to pray when things are difficult, but we must pray when things are good, too.

John 16:10

...concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer... (John 16:10)

Three points:

1. Righteousness

Righteousness is having gone before a judge then declared innocent. The work of the Holy Spirit is to confront people to let them know what is right and wrong.

2. I go

The Lord Jesus is not here on earth; he is in heaven at the right hand of God the Father. He had to leave earth according to the plan of God. The right hand side of an authority is one of extreme importance and power.

3. See me no longer

This refers to his earthly time, not to his return in the future. His ascension was when he left. Now...
1. ...he helps protect his people: For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)

2. ...he prays for his people: Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25)

And many other things.

John 16:9

...concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
(John 16:9)

Three points:

1. Concerning sin

Sin has the idea of missing the mark. The mark is God's Law, His rules. This is summarized nicely in the Ten Commandments. To miss the mark would mean that we cannot live His rules perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. The Holy Spirit does the work of conviction.

2. Believe

Believe has the idea of trust. The most common illustration is of the tightrope walker who can not only walk on the cable but also carry and wheel objects. If asked if he is able to do this with a person in the wheelbarrow, all agree, but if asked if they will be that person in the wheelbarrow, no one volunteers. If one did volunteer, that would be the word used here. We have to believe in the Lord Jesus as if our life depends on it.

3. Me

People put their trust in money, government, physicians, friends, themselves, experts(?), science, church, and many other things, but none of these things will forgive sins, take away guilt, or make things right between God and man. Trusting in Jesus can. We must believe in Him everyday for all things; He knows best.

John 16:8

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8)

Three points:

1. He

The Holy Spirit knows everything, is all powerful, and is everywhere. The coming refers to Pentecost.

2. Convict

Convict has the idea of confronting someone and showing that they are wrong. It is used 17 times in the New Testament as in "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15) and Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:9)

3. The World

This is not a select group of people; it is all of us.
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God(Romans 3:23)

1 Peter 3:22

(Jesus Christ) who has gone to heaven and is at the right hand of God, where angels, authorities, and powers have been made subject to him. (1 Peter 3:22)

Three points:

1. Who is gone into heaven

He is no longer on earth. He knows everything that happens, but He, Himself, is not here. In heaven He waits for the time to return. He prays for us.

2. Right hand of God

This is a position of honor, authority, and protection.

3. Made subject to Him

Subject means that someone or thing is brought under the authority of someone else whether they like it or not. Angels willingly submit to Him. Authorities and powers are not willing; they are nonetheless. He is the ultimate power and authority. We find safety in Him.

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)

Mark 5:19

However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mar 5:19)

Three points:

1. Prayer

There is a number of prayers here.
a. The prayer of the demons to leave the man and go into the swine.
b. The prayer of the residents of the area for the Lord Jesus to leave.
c. The prayer of the delivered man to go with Jesus.

2. Answers

Jesus answered all three requests.
a. The demons got a "yes" answer and were allowed to enter the swine.
b. The people of the area got a "yes", and the Lord Jesus left.
c. The delivered man got a "no" and was told to stay there, go home, and tell everyone how the Lord Jesus had delivered him.

3. Us

Sometimes we have a "yes" answer sometimes a "no" answer. Each answer is best. We may not understand at the time why we got "no" for an answer, but it is the correct one. Let us be content with a "yes" or "no" answer.

John 14:2-3

John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Three points:

1. House

The Father must have a huge house, for in it are many, many staying places. Many think this is heaven itself instead of a separate house. These "mansions" may be like apartments, rooms, or mansions. Whatever they are, there is plenty of room for all.

2. I go...and prepare

The Lord Jesus isn't sitting around. He is working--preparing, getting things ready for us.

3. I will come...you

Even though it has been close to 2000 years, since he left, he will come back. It would a waste of his time, it he left and prepared these living quarters but didn't come back for the people who would live in them. Let us comfort ourselves.

Revelation 22:20

Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Three points:

1. He

Jesus is speaking here. He is a truthful witness. Our definition of quick is surely different than His, but time's definition is by His dictionary, not ours. His coming is not far away; we must always be ready.

2. Amen

John says, "I agree, Lord." Do we have the attitude, "Your will be done?"

3. Even

No matter how soon he comes; no matter that He says that He is coming soon; it is never soon enough. Our world is a wreck--difficult problems--and the world's leaders and scientists are not and cannot solve them. These will be solved when Jesus returns. Are we doing things His way now? He has given us His rules. Let us encourage one another.

Romans 8:35

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Three points:

1. Love of Christ

Love--a love of giving, looking out for the best of others, caring for others perhaps more than yourself.

2. Separate

Separating--a pulling apart. Can any person separate us from God's love? Things might be rough. People may abuse us, use us, or hurt us. We might have a horrible accident or some other catastrophe. Remember God has not forsaken you.

3. Things

Things cannot separate us from God's love either, not tribulation (affliction, pressure, or hardship), distress (calamity)persecution, famine (hunger), nakedness (poverty), peril (danger), or sword (death).

Psalm 138:2

Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

Three points:

1. Worship

Worship and humility are kissing cousins. Worship is an acknowledgment of God's authority, power, wisdom, sovereignty, and love. Do we really worship God?

2. Praise

Thanking God for what He is doing and will do. A very hard thing to do if things are difficult, but we never know what good will come out of our difficulty.

3. Magnified

The Bible is maligned by most, yet God, the author, has elevated this book even above His name. Do we read it in its plain, normal sense and live it?

Jude 1:21

Jude 1:21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Three points:

1. Keep

We need the attitude and desire to remain in the love of God. Out of the love of God would be a mocker, following our own ungodly lusts, separators from truth, and sensual as it is written in verse 19.

2. Waiting

This is the idea of expecting something. We are to expect the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Waiting is one of the hardest things in the world, but we gain strength by waiting.

3. Leading to eternal life

We do not get to heaven by what WE do; it is what HE does. God created; He wants life. Why should we remain against Him? Thank God today for what He has given.

Luke 10:2

Luke 10:2 And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Three points:

1. Harvest

The harvest is the souls of men. Many are waiting to hear the gospel. Most will not respond, but it is our work to be at the harvest.

2. Few

Why are there only a few? Maybe motivation, maybe things are more important than working in the harvest, whatever, we need to pray to the Lord to send laborers.

3. His

It is His harvest. We are His servants; that is the hardest thing in life--to submit to Him, but once you do, you will find that His yoke is easy, His burden light.

Isaiah 45:23

Isaiah 45:23 By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'

Three points:

1. What God says is true

He makes a promise here--repeated in the New Testament twice. What He says He will do; He does not take back, retract, what He says. His promises are true. Some promises are for blessing; some are in judgment.

2. Bow

Bowing is an act of submission. Today people are working hard to remove all traces of God and his ways from life and culture. It won't work. Even these proud, arrogant people will have to acknowledge that He is King of Kings and Lord of lords.

3. Tongue

Every person will acknowledge him verbally. Inside they may be refusing, but they will have to acknowledge their defeat and His victory. They will have to acknowledge His sovereignty; something most refuse to do today.

Philippians 2:9-10 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Jeremiah 12:10

Jeremiah 12:10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard; they have trampled down my portion; they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

Three points:

1. Shepherds

These are leaders of nations. As an application can be applied to any leader--families, churches, businesses, groups, gatherings, educational leaders, or anything else. There are good leaders who do the will of God, and there are evil leaders who do the will of themselves or worse. What kind of leader are you?

2. Vineyard

This is Israel, but an application could be made of schools, church, or families. What are we doing with the vineyards for which we are responsible?

3. Pleasant to desolation

Our goal is to make whatever God has us responsible for a pleasant place. God's standards are to be followed. If things are done God's way, according to His standards and rules, anything can be pleasant.

1 Corinthians 7:23

1 Corinthians 7:23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

Three points:

1. You

Paul is speaking specifically to Christians, but the Lord Jesus died, paid the penalty, and suffered for all. If they after conviction of sin, repent, and call on the name of the Lord Jesus by faith, they will also be among the "you". Remember it is...you.

2. A price

Slaves were bought and sold in auctions. All people are slaves of sin. The Lord Jesus paid for you with his death and blood; it is something much more than money. It was done for...you.

3. Slaves of men

We are to be free. We are to be slaves to man's philosophies, religions, or lusts; we are to be slaves of Jesus Christ. He is Lord. He is the most kind and loving master anyone could ever have. He is the master of...you.

Psalms 119:18

Psalms 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

Three points:

1. Open

Sometimes we see but don't comprehend what we are seeing. We even say, "I can't believe what I'm seeing", when something shocking happens. Spiritually we are blind until God opens our eyes. Jesus healed the blind who were blind physically, and we need Him to open our eyes spiritually. Especially in these evil days.

2. Wondrous things

To many the Bible is a dull, old book full of boring tales and poor fiction. They really need God to open their eyes. Read a passage and spend some time thinking about it. Think about each word, and what it means, then apply it to your life.

3. Law

If wondrous things can be found in God's law, what even more wondrous things can be found reading about the life of our Lord Jesus. Read it; it will surely change your life.

Psalm 96:1

Psalms 96:1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!

Three points:

1. Sing

There is such a place for music for our souls. Heaven is full of music is the earth. Consider the animals, the birds, even the insects have a song. Our souls should have a song, too.

2. A new song

This is a time of excitement, expectation, and hope. The hope is found only in the Lord Jesus. He is in control of our lives. Whatever happens he knows. He will use it to strengthen us and for us to help others. There is always hope.

3. All the earth.

None is dismissed. All are included. Some exciting things in this song: salvation, His glory, His dealings with people, His creation, His holiness, His kingdom, His faithfulness--wow!