So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV
The lesson God wanted to teach by the manna was that as long as the people trusted in Him and obeyed Him, He would sustain them. In other words, man does not live by bread alone, but by believing every word that proceeds out of God's mouth. How can we believe His Word if we do not personally take time to know it through study?
Several years ago 3,000 church members in one particular area of the country responded to a questionnaire. One of the attitudes the study revealed was that once a person is baptized, his spiritual welfare depends more upon Sabbath services and fellowship than upon personal devotions. Half the members responding claimed to derive their prime spiritual uplifts from the Sabbath services, and tragically blamed the minister and his sermons if they felt the lack of spiritual growth.
Little or no Bible study is not only dangerous, but fatal to spiritual growth, and each person is responsible for personal devotions. If we allow the pressure of our daily programs to steal from us our right to spend time with God daily, who then is to blame? We alone are responsible for our success or failure in this all-important matter of personal devotions and serious study of the Scriptures.
Those who permit the Bible to gather dust during the most of the week have a slim chance of growing spiritually. If the Scriptures contain leaves from the tree of life, and if the purpose of the tree of life is the healing of the nations, it becomes obvious that true success in the spiritual life is dependent to a large degree on our personal spiritual development through earnest, Spirit-led Bible study.
How can we experience death to self and life in Christ? how can we learn experientially to ask, "Who is it that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (I John 5:5 RSV)? What keeps us from falling into the cruel gears of sin? There is no other way than in and through the Word of God.
taken from: First Things First
November 15
by: Bob Spangler
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:63 - NKJV
John Wycliffe, known as the Morning Star of the Reformation, laid the foundation for the great Protestant movement by initiating the first complete translation of the Bible into the language of the common man. While at college he had an opportunity to read the Word in Latin. As he studied, he was thrilled to find God's plan of salvation set forth beautifully in the Person of Jesus Christ. Through his preaching, lights went on one by one in the dark world that had been denied the Scriptures.
One incident in his life shows his determination to rank the Scriptures supreme. At one time he became critically ill. His enemies from four religious orders rejoiced and planned to force him to retract his statements against the Roman catholic Church, which had suppressed the Scriptures. The sick reformer, after listening to their demand, asked for assistance to be raised up in bed. As he looked at these men who were demanding his recantation, "he said, in the firm, strong voice which had so often caused them to tremble: 'I shall not die, but live, and again declare the evil deeds of the friars.'" -- The Great Controversy, p.88.
The person who loves, knows, and practices the Word has an indomitable power. You cannot crush the spirit of a man who feeds on the Word. The Advent Movement came about because our prisoners gave themselves to a study of the Scriptures. While this movement attains its victorious climax our people will devote themselves to Bible study as intensively as did those pioneers.
We talk and pray and long for Christ to return. Though we do not know when that event will happen, one thing is certain -- when He comes again He will find His people searching the Scriptures, conforming their lives to its teaching, and sharing their Bible-based faith with their neighbors. If we are to endure the troublous times ahead and are to be unmoved by the erroneous beliefs and teachings beckoning on every side, we must be daily rooted and grounded in the book of books.
Cling to the Word. Esteem God's written revelations more than earthly possessions. It is the only anchor on the stormy sea of life. Give it up and shipwreck is inevitable. Hold to it, and victory is yours.
taken from: First Things First
November 14
by: Bob Spangler
John 6:63 - NKJV
John Wycliffe, known as the Morning Star of the Reformation, laid the foundation for the great Protestant movement by initiating the first complete translation of the Bible into the language of the common man. While at college he had an opportunity to read the Word in Latin. As he studied, he was thrilled to find God's plan of salvation set forth beautifully in the Person of Jesus Christ. Through his preaching, lights went on one by one in the dark world that had been denied the Scriptures.
One incident in his life shows his determination to rank the Scriptures supreme. At one time he became critically ill. His enemies from four religious orders rejoiced and planned to force him to retract his statements against the Roman catholic Church, which had suppressed the Scriptures. The sick reformer, after listening to their demand, asked for assistance to be raised up in bed. As he looked at these men who were demanding his recantation, "he said, in the firm, strong voice which had so often caused them to tremble: 'I shall not die, but live, and again declare the evil deeds of the friars.'" -- The Great Controversy, p.88.
The person who loves, knows, and practices the Word has an indomitable power. You cannot crush the spirit of a man who feeds on the Word. The Advent Movement came about because our prisoners gave themselves to a study of the Scriptures. While this movement attains its victorious climax our people will devote themselves to Bible study as intensively as did those pioneers.
We talk and pray and long for Christ to return. Though we do not know when that event will happen, one thing is certain -- when He comes again He will find His people searching the Scriptures, conforming their lives to its teaching, and sharing their Bible-based faith with their neighbors. If we are to endure the troublous times ahead and are to be unmoved by the erroneous beliefs and teachings beckoning on every side, we must be daily rooted and grounded in the book of books.
Cling to the Word. Esteem God's written revelations more than earthly possessions. It is the only anchor on the stormy sea of life. Give it up and shipwreck is inevitable. Hold to it, and victory is yours.
taken from: First Things First
November 14
by: Bob Spangler
Saturday, January 21, 2012
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through god to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of god, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
II Corinthians 10:3-5 - NEB
Lindsay A. Semmens, one of my beloved college professors, developed an unusually descriptive interrogative sentence for use when talking about the false religious philosophies of men. He would hold his hand high in the air and then with a giant swoop would nearly touch the floor while exclaiming, "Why dive through fifty feet of sewage to get one scintilla of truth?" that provocative question has stuck with me during my years of preaching the gospel.
With prophetic eye Paul got a glimpse of our day when he said, "The weapons we wield are not merely human" (Verse 4, NEB). Foolish speculations, self-centered philosophies, and godless psychology surely form a part of the arsenal of carnal weapons. The casualty list for professed Christians is extremely high because Satan's methods are so subtle, refined, and appealing to the natural mind of man. There are certain laws dealing with the mind that, if properly understood and obeyed, can contribute to our success and happiness. But above and beyond our ability to utilize the mental equipment God has given us is the need of a spiritual power that assures victory over the enemy.
There is only one sure, safe path. There is only one effective weapon against sin and error. it is a "Thus saith the Lord." The power of the Word sealed in a man's heart can "demolish strongholds; ... demolish sophistries and all that rears its proud head against the knowledge of god" (verses 4, 5, NEB)
God, in prodigal love for His children, has made His Word available throughout the ages. In these final hours of earth's history He has deluged us with the greatest amount of special revelation any group of truth-seekers has ever known. the eternal Word, amplified so magnificently by the spirit of Prophecy, is a source of vitamin-packed food for the soul. Studied and followed earnestly, it will keep one on the track of truth.
taken from: First Things First
November 11
by: Bob Spangler
II Corinthians 10:3-5 - NEB
Lindsay A. Semmens, one of my beloved college professors, developed an unusually descriptive interrogative sentence for use when talking about the false religious philosophies of men. He would hold his hand high in the air and then with a giant swoop would nearly touch the floor while exclaiming, "Why dive through fifty feet of sewage to get one scintilla of truth?" that provocative question has stuck with me during my years of preaching the gospel.
With prophetic eye Paul got a glimpse of our day when he said, "The weapons we wield are not merely human" (Verse 4, NEB). Foolish speculations, self-centered philosophies, and godless psychology surely form a part of the arsenal of carnal weapons. The casualty list for professed Christians is extremely high because Satan's methods are so subtle, refined, and appealing to the natural mind of man. There are certain laws dealing with the mind that, if properly understood and obeyed, can contribute to our success and happiness. But above and beyond our ability to utilize the mental equipment God has given us is the need of a spiritual power that assures victory over the enemy.
There is only one sure, safe path. There is only one effective weapon against sin and error. it is a "Thus saith the Lord." The power of the Word sealed in a man's heart can "demolish strongholds; ... demolish sophistries and all that rears its proud head against the knowledge of god" (verses 4, 5, NEB)
God, in prodigal love for His children, has made His Word available throughout the ages. In these final hours of earth's history He has deluged us with the greatest amount of special revelation any group of truth-seekers has ever known. the eternal Word, amplified so magnificently by the spirit of Prophecy, is a source of vitamin-packed food for the soul. Studied and followed earnestly, it will keep one on the track of truth.
taken from: First Things First
November 11
by: Bob Spangler
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The man is the head of the woman, just as Christ also is the head of the church. Christ is, indeed, the Saviour of the body; but just as the church is subject to Christ, so must women be to their husbands in everything.
Ephesians 5:23, 24 NEB
Just as Jesus is the head of the church and the Saviour of his people, so the husband is to be a saving head and influence over his family. No wife and family need fear to subject themselves to that kind of home leader.
Christian marriage is not an expedient, nor is it an experiment. God, the originator of the home, laid down specific principles in the very beginning to safeguard the happiness of both husband and wife. The Saviour watches jealously over every marriage union, for He knows that each time Satan succeeds in destroying a home he obliterates to a degree the union that should exist between God and His children. The devil also is well aware of this, and he works tirelessly to bring about dissension and heartache within the sacred confines of the home circle.
Ellen White wrote a special message to a bridge and groom, each 21 years of age, who had been married three months. May I suggest that husbands and wives read this fine counsel together on a monthly basis. The concepts are ennobling and practical:
"Live for the glory of God. Be tender, kind, and courteous to each other. The happiness of your life will consist in making God your your trust, and in seeking to make each other happy. Practice self-control. It is so easy to speak thoughtlessly, words that grieve and wound. Do not venture to trifle with each other's feelings. Practice patience, encourage love, discipline yourselves to guard every word and action, and study how you can be a blessing to each other....
"Never make a third person your confidante. Your private life is sacred; keep the barriers high, that no one may presume to intrude into the sacred circle....
"A word more: do not speak a word in jest that shall injure or reflect upon the other. Never recount the mistakes, or errors, or faults of each other in the presence of a third person, or in company, be the circle ever so select. Live for God and for each other." -- Letter 16a, 1870
taken from: First Things First
October 31
by: Bob Spangler
Ephesians 5:23, 24 NEB
Just as Jesus is the head of the church and the Saviour of his people, so the husband is to be a saving head and influence over his family. No wife and family need fear to subject themselves to that kind of home leader.
Christian marriage is not an expedient, nor is it an experiment. God, the originator of the home, laid down specific principles in the very beginning to safeguard the happiness of both husband and wife. The Saviour watches jealously over every marriage union, for He knows that each time Satan succeeds in destroying a home he obliterates to a degree the union that should exist between God and His children. The devil also is well aware of this, and he works tirelessly to bring about dissension and heartache within the sacred confines of the home circle.
Ellen White wrote a special message to a bridge and groom, each 21 years of age, who had been married three months. May I suggest that husbands and wives read this fine counsel together on a monthly basis. The concepts are ennobling and practical:
"Live for the glory of God. Be tender, kind, and courteous to each other. The happiness of your life will consist in making God your your trust, and in seeking to make each other happy. Practice self-control. It is so easy to speak thoughtlessly, words that grieve and wound. Do not venture to trifle with each other's feelings. Practice patience, encourage love, discipline yourselves to guard every word and action, and study how you can be a blessing to each other....
"Never make a third person your confidante. Your private life is sacred; keep the barriers high, that no one may presume to intrude into the sacred circle....
"A word more: do not speak a word in jest that shall injure or reflect upon the other. Never recount the mistakes, or errors, or faults of each other in the presence of a third person, or in company, be the circle ever so select. Live for God and for each other." -- Letter 16a, 1870
taken from: First Things First
October 31
by: Bob Spangler
Friday, January 13, 2012
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
Is it possible to give thanks in all the adverse circumstances of life? It seems a bit irrational to expect a bereaved husband or wife to thank God when a loved one is lost. Can a parent truly give thanks to God when a darling child has been struck down by a brain tumor? Is it possible to thank Him in the midst of a financial depression with its extreme poverty and woe? These circumstances do not naturally elicit gratitude.
The only way that we can be thankful under all circumstances is to follow. Paul's admonition to "pray continually". Only as the Holy Spirit enters our lives through prayer can we maintain a thankful attitude regardless of outward circumstances.
The truth in our text today is real. It means exactly what it says. If we claim to be Bible Christians, then we should not be selective in our response to Scripture. Here is a gracious command to give thanks in all circumstances on a constant basis. If we would give more expression to praise and thanksgiving and rejoice in what we do have, it would serve to increase our joy and happiness. Paul commends gratitude as a way of life.
Being thankful is not always easy, but here are several suggestions that should help. First, rather than tremble before the instruction, why don't we contemplate the related promises. Think about this one: "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11) And, "Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20). And from the Old Testament, "The Lord hath anointed me to ... bind up the brokenhearted, ... to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (Isaiah 61:1-3).
Second, does it work? The apostle Paul answers with a resound Yes! Incredible? Listen to his testimony. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Try it all day - this day.
taken from: First Things First
September 9
by: Bob Spangler
Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
Is it possible to give thanks in all the adverse circumstances of life? It seems a bit irrational to expect a bereaved husband or wife to thank God when a loved one is lost. Can a parent truly give thanks to God when a darling child has been struck down by a brain tumor? Is it possible to thank Him in the midst of a financial depression with its extreme poverty and woe? These circumstances do not naturally elicit gratitude.
The only way that we can be thankful under all circumstances is to follow. Paul's admonition to "pray continually". Only as the Holy Spirit enters our lives through prayer can we maintain a thankful attitude regardless of outward circumstances.
The truth in our text today is real. It means exactly what it says. If we claim to be Bible Christians, then we should not be selective in our response to Scripture. Here is a gracious command to give thanks in all circumstances on a constant basis. If we would give more expression to praise and thanksgiving and rejoice in what we do have, it would serve to increase our joy and happiness. Paul commends gratitude as a way of life.
Being thankful is not always easy, but here are several suggestions that should help. First, rather than tremble before the instruction, why don't we contemplate the related promises. Think about this one: "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11) And, "Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20). And from the Old Testament, "The Lord hath anointed me to ... bind up the brokenhearted, ... to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (Isaiah 61:1-3).
Second, does it work? The apostle Paul answers with a resound Yes! Incredible? Listen to his testimony. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Try it all day - this day.
taken from: First Things First
September 9
by: Bob Spangler
Monday, January 9, 2012
He who touches you touches the apple of his eye.
Zechariah 2:8 RSV
In the jostle and complexity of modern life it is easy to be deeply hurt or to cause pain to someone else, sometimes unintentionally, but often with a he-deserves-it attitude. We take our frustrations out on those we love the most. How God must cringe at our sarcastic barbs, our loaded slams, which in reality stem from envious and jealous hearts. These acts wound Him who is infinite love.
How can we, in the spirit of Christ, handle these deep hurts when they come our way, without becoming bitter, resentful, or calloused? Here is another practical suggestion my typist shared with me from Thought From the Mount of Blessing page 71:
"The Father's presence encircles Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world." As she read this, she thought, So that explains why Christ could take so much. I could too if - and then she continued reading: "Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission." She told how she woke up as if from a dream. She read it over and over, using "me" in place of "him." "The blow that is aimed at me falls upon my Saviour." All at once she grasped how this could work in her own life. And it did. The more she used it the more excited she became - she had found Christ's secret of serenity in trial! All she had to do was be sure she was abiding in Christ, that her relationship with Him was intact. Now when someone figuratively "beats" her, she is able to counter it in a safe way: "Lord, here is an opportunity to reflect Your image. Please help me not to fail and become defensive. You are my defense. You are actually surrounding me! He thinks he's hurting me, Lord, but he doesn't know the blow is really falling on You and isn't even touching me! Thank You, Jesus."
taken from: First Things First
September 7
by: Bob Spangler
Zechariah 2:8 RSV
In the jostle and complexity of modern life it is easy to be deeply hurt or to cause pain to someone else, sometimes unintentionally, but often with a he-deserves-it attitude. We take our frustrations out on those we love the most. How God must cringe at our sarcastic barbs, our loaded slams, which in reality stem from envious and jealous hearts. These acts wound Him who is infinite love.
How can we, in the spirit of Christ, handle these deep hurts when they come our way, without becoming bitter, resentful, or calloused? Here is another practical suggestion my typist shared with me from Thought From the Mount of Blessing page 71:
"The Father's presence encircles Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world." As she read this, she thought, So that explains why Christ could take so much. I could too if - and then she continued reading: "Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission." She told how she woke up as if from a dream. She read it over and over, using "me" in place of "him." "The blow that is aimed at me falls upon my Saviour." All at once she grasped how this could work in her own life. And it did. The more she used it the more excited she became - she had found Christ's secret of serenity in trial! All she had to do was be sure she was abiding in Christ, that her relationship with Him was intact. Now when someone figuratively "beats" her, she is able to counter it in a safe way: "Lord, here is an opportunity to reflect Your image. Please help me not to fail and become defensive. You are my defense. You are actually surrounding me! He thinks he's hurting me, Lord, but he doesn't know the blow is really falling on You and isn't even touching me! Thank You, Jesus."
taken from: First Things First
September 7
by: Bob Spangler
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23 RSV
Charles Kingsley, nineteenth-century English clergyman and novelist wrote; "If you wish to be miserable, you must think about yourself; about what you want, what you like, what respect people ought to pay you, and then to you nothing will be pure. You will spoil everything you touch; you will make sin and misery out of everything God sends you. You can be as wretched as you choose."
The antidote for being miserable and selfish is to concentrate on the Lord and His mercies. The easiest way to forget our own difficulties and troubles is to praise God and be thankful. Let the blessings of every new day awaken praise in your heart, for these are the tokens of His loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night let gratitude like sweet perfume arise from your lips to Heaven.
Our text today if concentrated on, believed, and acted upon will keep many a person out of a psychiatric ward. If we think about god's goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love how can we be depressed? Jeremiah did not claim to be a psychologist or psychiatrist, but he knew the needs of the human soul. He knew that trust in the Lord is basic to peace.
Jeremiah continued his praise of God by saying, "The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:24-26 RSV)
Oh, why doesn't the human race sense the goodness of God more? Why don't we fasten our attention upon the positive side of life? Every time we attend Sabbath services we sing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Let's sing this song every day and mean it! God is so good!
taken from: First Things First
August 31
by: Bob Spangler
Charles Kingsley, nineteenth-century English clergyman and novelist wrote; "If you wish to be miserable, you must think about yourself; about what you want, what you like, what respect people ought to pay you, and then to you nothing will be pure. You will spoil everything you touch; you will make sin and misery out of everything God sends you. You can be as wretched as you choose."
The antidote for being miserable and selfish is to concentrate on the Lord and His mercies. The easiest way to forget our own difficulties and troubles is to praise God and be thankful. Let the blessings of every new day awaken praise in your heart, for these are the tokens of His loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night let gratitude like sweet perfume arise from your lips to Heaven.
Our text today if concentrated on, believed, and acted upon will keep many a person out of a psychiatric ward. If we think about god's goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love how can we be depressed? Jeremiah did not claim to be a psychologist or psychiatrist, but he knew the needs of the human soul. He knew that trust in the Lord is basic to peace.
Jeremiah continued his praise of God by saying, "The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:24-26 RSV)
Oh, why doesn't the human race sense the goodness of God more? Why don't we fasten our attention upon the positive side of life? Every time we attend Sabbath services we sing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Let's sing this song every day and mean it! God is so good!
taken from: First Things First
August 31
by: Bob Spangler
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