​A New Insight Everyday
Written by Pastor Dave Armstrong
​Hello everyone! I am planning to share key Bible verses and insights with you every day of the year. These short devotionals are intended to provide daily hope, strength and encouragement. Please feel free to share this page with your friends and family. We want to encourage as many people with God's grace as we possibly can!

APRIL 22 - Financial Concerns

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear." Matthew 6.25 NLT

"...Your Father knows what things you  need, before ye ask him." Matthew 6.8

We all worry about our material needs from time to time. The disciples of Jesus had reason for concern. Most of them were commercial fisherman and we read in Matthew 4.20 “They left their nets and followed Jesus.” Because of their choice to travel with Jesus on His itinerant ministry, they found themselves away from their family business and unemployed. Later, in the book of Acts we see displaced Christians without income and needing financial assistance. Regardless of the age in which we live, It is easy to obsess and worry about financial security. But, the Bible reminds us that our God possesses infinite wealth.

“For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all it contains.” Psalm 50.10&12

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof."  1 Corinthians 10:26

“Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it.”  Deuteronomy 10:14

If God has so much, why do His children sometimes find themselves with little? First of all, God uses wealth, or lack of wealth, to test and strengthen our faith. In Deuteronomy 8.3, God tells Israael that their hunger and privation in the wilderness was intended to teach them to rely on the promises in His word. Secondly, God allows people to be in need so those that have much can share with those who have little.  This ultimately brings glory to God. See II Corinthians 8.14, 9.12

No matter where we find ourselves economically, we have God’s promises on which we can depend:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.19

“I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his sons begging bread.” Psalm 37.25

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” II Corinthians 9.8​

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 21 - God Cares

"Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which you have done, And your thoughts toward us..." Psalm 40.5

Have you ever considered how busy God is?  He runs the entire universe from day to day,  maintaining the law of gravity and making sure the planets don’t crash into one another. He must keep an eye on Satan and the demons, making sure they don’t overstep the divinely established restrictions placed on them. It is highly possible that He has operations in other solar systems and galaxies that require His attention.
And yet he finds time to think about us.

“What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him? [paraphrase; Why does God bother with insignificant creatures like human beings?] For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have dominion over the works of tour hands; you have put all things under his feet." Psalm 8.4-6

Despite His awesome responsibilities as the sovereign ruler of the universe, He actually cares about you, down to the smallest detail and your most intimate desires.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.”   I Peter 5.7

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Luke 12.7

"O Lord, you have searched me, and known me. you know my sitting down and my rising up, you understand my thoughts afar off. You surround my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but Lord, you know it altogether. "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!" Ps 139.1-4,7

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jer 29.11 TLB

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 20 - Troubles & Grief

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34.18-19

God does not promise that His children will have trouble-free lives. What He does promise is that our troubles and afflictions will accomplish His purpose for us. He also promises to be near to strengthen and support us.

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation produces patience..."  Romans 5.3

 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  II Corinthians 4.17

"If need be, you are in heaviness through manifold trials: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ..."  I Peter 1.6,7

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when thou walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you."  Isaiah 43.2

"In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  John 16.33

"But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies." Lamentations 3.23

"He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm." Psalm 40.2

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 19 - ARE YOU SCARED?

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" Psalm 27.1

Recently after hearing the news of the world, I came away somewhat depressed and fearful. Th news I was hearing was all bad news. It was scary news. There are so many lies that we are being told. The hatred and hostility directed toward people of different viewpoints is shocking. The most vile, godless lifestyles are shamelessly flaunted and even promoted. It seems each time we think it is safe to resume normal activity, infections from Covid surge.

Fortunately for me, this pandemic has me spending more time in the Word of God than any other time in my life. 

Reading Psalm 27 yesterday, reminded me that we need not fear because God is in control. I also found more encouragement elsewhere in the Psalms:

"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?"  Psalm 118.6

"Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass, And fade like the green herb. Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place, and he will not be there."
Psalm 37. 1,2,10

"Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas..." Psalm 46.2

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust." Psalm 18.2

Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition) The Lockman Foundation.

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APRIL 18 - Eternity

“And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”  Psalm 23.6

Spending eternity with God in Heaven is not a pipe dream. It is an absolute certainty promised by God to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone.

“In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began.”  Titus 1.2

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5.13

The future abode of God’s children is above and beyond anything we experience in this world;

“You will shew me the path of life: in your presence is fulness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16.11

“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.” John 14.2

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city...Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal...And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones...And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every single gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." Revelation 21

Revelation 22 continues the tour of the place God has prepared for those who believe in Jesus;  “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve kinds of fruit, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the health of the nations.”

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21.4

Heaven is not an exclusive club for good people. God offers the cleansing water of life to any person that depends on the blood of Christ to wash away their sins.

“And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”  Revelation 22.17

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 17 - infallability

God's Word Is Infallible

The words "infallible" and "infallibility" are often used to describe the absolute and perfect authority of God's Word - the Bible.

The Bible makes numerous statements about itself, stating that it is wholly the Word of God, absolute truth, unchangeable, and without error. Christian theologians describe the scripture as inerrant, infallible and authoritative; "Inerrancy relates to how the Word of God is without error, while infallibility refers to how the Scripture is authoritative...In all of God’s Word, there is an absolute standard and authority by which Christians are to ground their lives and ministries." - Dave Jenkins (Christianity.com) 
From the very beginning of the church, Catholics and Protestants alike have believed in the inspiration an inerrancy of the Bible. “It was Augustine who first coined the term 'inerrant,' and Luther and Calvin...speak of Scripture as free from error. Down to the Second Vatican Council, Rome has attributed inerrancy to Scripture as the common view of the church throughout its history.” - Biologos.com
Martin Luther, quoting Augustine’s letter to Jerome, said, “I have learned to hold only the Holy Scripture inerrant.”

It needs to be said that there is absolutely no other source that can claim to be inspired by God, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative. The reason that religion is so divided and in disarray is because  man’s ideas are often elevated to the point that they are considered equal with scripture. No church, pastor or pope can claim authority equal with scripture. Cults generally try to claim that the writings of their founders have equal authority with scripture (this is heresy). Most disagreements among Christians result from theology that is a mixture of scripture (which is perfect and church dogma (which is imperfect and contains error).  The teachings of the church have changed along with cultural norms and standards, but  the Bible has not changed in over 2000 years. All pastors and church leaders (and everyone else) should heed what Jesus said; “in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15.9)

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book .”  Revelation 22.18

"The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times." Psalm 12.6

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." II Timothy 3.16

"For no prophecy [of Scripture] was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."  II Peter 1.21

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."  Psalm 19.7  ESV 

"...Your word is truth." John 17.17

"Every word of God proves true."  Proverbs 30.5

"Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119.89

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." 24.35

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40.8

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 16 - the Bible in the Sky

People often ask; “How can God hold people accountable if they have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ?”

The answer is quite simple: God can reveal Himself without churches, preachers and missionaries. This is called “Natural Revelation.”

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their (non-verbal) line has gone out through all the earth.” Psalm 19.1-4

“…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1.18-20

“He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14.17

“Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing.”  Isaiah 40.26

The point is that people without a Christian witness can learn about God by observing creation. But with this light comes the responsibility to honor and seek God.

“He made from one, every nation of mankind...that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” Acts 14.26-27

When a person seeks to know Him, God promises to provide more information, including the good news that Jesus died for their sins and rose again the third day. So that they can believe and be saved forever.

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29.13

This is illustrated in Acts 8.27f and Acts 10 where God sent messengers with the Gospel of Jesus to those who sought Him.

Sadly, most people have no desire to know more about God, and gravitate to atheism, false religion, or idolatry.

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1.21

Scripture taken from, Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition). The Lockman Foundation.

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 15 - The Great Giver

“In Thy presence is fulness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.”   Psalm 16.11

Many people have a concept of God that renders Him as stern, stingy, and austere; a killjoy who despises pleasure and happiness. He must sit up in Heaven just waiting to squash anyone that appears to be laughing or having too much fun. I have met Christians who look like they suck lemons. They think this is godliness. God’s people live in all sorts of circumstances, but he wants them be happy and content. He is not against wealth , prosperity and good clean fun!

“So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!...”  Ecclesiastes 9.7-8 NLT

“Let the Lord be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35.27 AMP

"Happy is the man that finds God’s wisdom….Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."  Proverbs 3.13,17

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation".  Psalm 68.19

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  Psalm 84.11

"Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." Psalm 34.10

"If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"  Matthew 7.11

 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4.19

"All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change."  James 1.17 NET

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies;  Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103.2-5

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APRIL 14 - kiss the son

"A summit conference of the nations has been called to plot against the Lord and his Messiah, Christ the King." Psalm 2.2 TLB

In Psalm 2, we see the godlessness of Psalm 1 manifested in open rebellion against God’s authority. Likewise, we (as a people) are quickly abandoning the Biblical norms and standards upon which our nation was founded. Practices that God condemns are acceptable to most people today. Psalm 10.4 says: “God is not in all their thoughts.”

In Psalm 2.12, the writer hits us with an unusual command; “Kiss the Son”.

“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled...Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2.12

Who is this Son and how do we kiss Him?  The “Son” refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. In ancient times subjects would show their respect to a king by bowing down and kissing his hand or his ring.

God has so decreed that we must approach Him and honor Him through His Son. The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ is the only acceptable remedy for our sin and rebellion against God.

“That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” John 5.23

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 2.5

“There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them.” Acts 4.12 TLB

“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man can come to the Father, but by me.”  John 14.6

The Bible tells us that Jesus will ultimately be the judge before whom we must all appear. I fear for people that despise Him and take His name in vain. Kissing Him pictures reverence, faith, and trust.

Experiencing forever life in Heaven or endless suffering in Hell is a choice you must make. Your eternal destiny is determined by your attitude toward Jesus Christ.

"He that believes on Hm is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."  John 3.18
​"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31

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APRIL 13 - PSalm 1 (conLUDED)

​Psalm 1 - (Conclusion)

Psalm 1 contrasts the experience and destiny of saved  people and  lost people. Are you saved or lost? If you depend on your own achievements, you will be lost; if you depend on  Christ, and his death to pay the penalty for your sins, you will be saved.

“The ungodly are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1.4-6

“Ungodly” is a term that the Bible uses to describe people who leave God out of their lives. Godless people are compared to chaff, agricultural waste that is carried away with the wind. Their lives on earth are empty, fearful and produce little of lasting value. Any joy or happiness they experience is superficial and short-lived.

“…the rejoicing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless, brief. “ Job 20.5 CEB

“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2.11 NLT

“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4.14 ESV

“While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass.  Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.” Job 8.12-13 NIV

“But those who reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt.” Isaiah 57.20 NLT

“They are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.” Ephesians 4.18 NLT

The Bible does not predict a bright future for the godless - people who fail to  put their trust in Jesus Christ.  He is the only way to the father; If you bypass Him, you lose.  Jesus said “No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.”  Jude 13 ESV

“Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel, and did not want my reproof; I will even laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes.”  Proverbs 1.24-25

“They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD.” Proverbs 1.28-29 ESV

“Be careful and don’t refuse to listen when God speaks. Those people who refused to listen to him when he warned them on earth did not escape. Now God is speaking from heaven. So now it will be worse for those who refuse to listen to him." Hebrews 12.25 ERV

“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20.15 EHV

Note: The three letters after each scripture reference designate the name of the translation I quoted.

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APRIL 12 - PSalm 1 (cont.)

​Psalm 1 - (continued)
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” Psalm 1:1

In the first verse of the first Psalm, we were given a  threefold progression of things to avoid if we are to receive God’s blessings.  Today we see the key to happiness from a positive perspective. We learn that there is great personal benefit from reading, learning, and thinking about God’s Word.

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1.2

God’s law is His Word, the Bible. I believe every Christian should take in the Bible in some form every day.

“I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23.12

“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart…” Jeremiah 15.16

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.”  Colossians 3.16

“Your word I have treasured in my heart,  that I may not sin against You." Psalm 119.11

I would encourage you to start reading the Bible every day. Even 5-10 minutes a day will enrich your soul. If you are a beginner, the Gospel of John is a great place to start. Try to read about a chapter a day in the Gospel of John. (Note: If you miss a day, that's ok. Just start where you left off the next day.) After you read through John, read Romans chapters 1-5. Again, try to read a chapter a day. When you are finished, I recommend that you read these same chapters again (Romans chapters 1-5), because they are probably the most important and life-changing chapters in the entire Bible. From there you can continue reading Romans chapters 6 through 16. By this time, you will be well on your way to understanding the Bible's greatest foundational truths. 

Tip: Reading and studying the Bible is like searching for treasure. So read slowly and carefully. As you read, ask God to help you understand the meaning. In this way, you can discover the treasures of God's Word for yourself!

Scripture quotations above were taken from Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition).

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 11 - PSalm 1 (cont.)

​Psalm 1 - Happiness (continued)

"How blessed is the man…" Psalm 1:1

The first Psalm shows us how to achieve, or better, receive happiness. Happiness (or blessedness) is a gift from God. Without God, happiness is elusive or at best temporary. Most of our human attempts at happiness deliver less than anticipated and wear out quickly. Just think about all the things that you thought  would bring happiness, but never did.

God is the ultimate source of happiness. The French philosopher, Blaise Paschal said, “There is a God sized hole in every one of us that only God can fill”.

Most of the happiness that God provides is reserved for his family. So it starts with becoming a child of God; The first step is to put your faith in Jesus Christ. His death on the cross paid for your sins and makes you acceptable to God.

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3.26

“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” John 1.12

Faith in Jesus Christ guarantees eternal life but it does not guarantee happiness. Once we become a child of God, we must learn what pleases Him. The only way to learn what God loves and hates is to examine His Word, the Bible.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1.2

As you read and study the Bible you can receive assurance that you will go to Heaven when you die. You will discover that believing in Jesus makes for peace with God. (Romans 5.1)  As you continue, you will learn about the “Peace of God,” the great antidote for worry, fear, and anxiety.  (Philippians 4.6,7)

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 10 - PSalm 1 - HapPiness

Psalm 1 - Happiness

The first Psalm presents a systematic approach to finding happiness that is genuine and long-lasting.

The first step involves protecting ourselves from evil influences in the world;

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of the scoffers.” Psalm 1:1

From the first day we attend school, we are bombarded with ideas and opinions that are contrary to what God says in His Word. It likely begins with subtle messages that leave God out of creation. Darwinian evolution is taught as absolute dogma, in spite of the fact that it is only a theory that has yet to be confirmed by the discovery of a “missing link.”  As we progress through the educational system we are brainwashed with Godless perspectives on morality, homosexuality, economics, and situational ethics.

Psalm 1.1 tells us to reject popular ideas, viewpoints and standards when they are contrary to God’s Word. Furthermore we are to distance ourselves from those who peddle these lies;

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” Romans 12.2

Tomorrow we will see how to rid ourselves of evil human ideas and adopt God’s viewpoint and begin to see things the way He sees them.

Scripture quotations taken from Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition)

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APRIL 9 - REAL HAPPINESS

Yesterday we looked at Psalm 1, which we will examine in days ahead. But there is more to see regarding the first word, “Blessed.”

If we had to boil it down to one word, it would probably be “happy.”  Happiness is something everybody wants but few people get. The problem is that most people look in the wrong places. Money, possessions, fame, success, travel, or entertainment will not bring lasting happiness. People justify divorce and immorality by saying, “I deserve to be happy.”  Others travel the disastrous road of drugs or alcohol in their search for happiness. The rate of suicide is actually higher among “the beautiful people” who seem to have it all.

In Matthew 5, Jesus gives us nine simple ways to find happiness. Unlike the approaches to happiness listed above, there is no risk and no penalty.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, (humble) because theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Blessed are the ones who mourn, because they will be comforted."
 Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth."
"Blessed are the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be satisfied."
"Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy."
"Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God."
"Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God."
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
 Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you, lying on account of me. Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
MATTHEW 5.3-12 LEB

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APRIL 8 - Are YOU BLESSED?

Are You Blessed?

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly. Psalm 1.1

The first word in the largest book in the Bible is the word “Blessed.”  The terms “bless,” “blessing,” or “blessed”  appear roughly 500 times in scripture and are a staple in Christian vocabulary.  Chuck Swindoll once challenged his audience to pray without using the word “bless.” I have tried it and it’s not easy. Words can be overused to a point that they lose their significance. Many amazing and wonderful spiritual concepts have been reduced to  mere “church chat.”

Maybe some synonyms will help clarify what it means to be “blessed.”

“Oh, the JOYS of those who .…. Christian Standard Bible

“How HAPPY is the one who…..New Living Translation

“VIGOROUS LIFE of the soul, SUCCESS in his undertakings.” .....C. Short

“Oh, how TRULY HAPPY is the person!”…. Stephen Cole

“CONTENTMENT, being FULFILLED”….David Guzik

“To be PROSPEROUS, FAVORED of God”…….Thayer’s Lexicon

How can we experience this condition? The Bible offers many promises for happiness, fulfillment, and spiritual prosperity:

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5.17

“Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2.12

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” PSALM 32.1

“Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34.8

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak.” Psalm 41.1

“Blessed are those who act justly.” Psalm 106.3

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.”  Psalm 112.1

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” Proverbs 3.13

“Blessed are those who listen to me”  Proverbs 8.34

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 7 - FORGIVENESS (Pt. 5) 

Forgiveness - Part 5

Forgiveness is "the act of setting someone free from an obligation to you that is a result of a wrong done against you."  We all know what I mean.  When a person refuses to forgive others for a wrong done to them, they are withholding love, acceptance, respect, and  basically saying; "until I get satisfied, you are in big trouble with me. Until you make this right, it is not going to be pretty!"

Un-forgiveness is the act of unwillingness to cancel the debt you think someone owes you.  When you are controlled by these feelings you cannot be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. 

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident which are.... enmities, strife, jealousy, division, outbursts of anger..." ​Galatians 5 :18-21.   

A person who is unforgiving is always the real loser, because they let someone else occupy a huge place in their brain, their feelings and their life.  Un-forgiveness can destroy you.

"Do not let sin control the way you live, don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. Thank God!  Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all you heart the new teaching God has given you." ​Romans 6:12 

In the parable in Matthew 18 it says, "The kingdom of Heaven, can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him...There was one that owed him millions of dollars.  He couldn't pay, so the king ordered that he, and his family be sold to pay the debt.  The man fell down and begged forgiveness.  The king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the king left, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.  He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  He begged for full payment,  his creditor wouldn't wait. He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt could be paid in full." (paraphrase)

When we are wronged and hold a grudge, we need to be reminded of the huge debt that God forgave for each one of us.

I understand that some things seem unforgivable.  There are pains and hurts that seem too hard to face.  I'm certainly not saying I could forgive some of the wrongs that people have suffered.  But Jesus said, "with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

Matthew 5:7 says "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  v.44 says; "But I say to you, love your enemies."

Remember, none of this is possible without receiving God's forgiveness. Put your complete faith and trust in Christ as your personal Savior. "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.... Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from judgment." Romans 5:8-10

"Believe on the Lord Jesu Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 6 - FORGIVENESS (Pt. 4) 

Forgiveness - Part 4

I once heard Charles Ryrie tell the story of a young man, whose father was a judge, who got a speeding ticket.  When he  appeared in court he was surprised to see his father sitting on the bench as the judge. The father heard the testimony of the police officer, declared his son "guilty as charged" and prescribed a $200 fine. The son was young and unemployed and had no way of paying the fine. The father stepped down from the bench, got out his wallet, and paid the fine himself.

This story illustrates God’s judicial forgiveness. As a just, impartial judge, God cannot ignore our sin. His law demands a penalty that must be paid. God’s love for us caused him to pay our penalty at the cross. 

Dr. Ryrie finished the story by saying that, although the legal issues had been settled, there certainly  was more to be said when the father and son got home that night. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ we are fully and forever forgiven of all our sins (because the penalty as already been paid), but God will still deal with us like any good father would, by helping us learn our lessons from the sins we commit. Of course, He will never abandon us, but he wants to teach us to rely on ourselves less and to rely on Him more.

Jesus said,  "Abide in Me as I abide in you...If you abide in Me you will bear much fruit...Apart from Me, you can do nothing..." John chapter 15

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 5 - TYPES OF FORGIVENESS (Pt. 3) 

Two Types of Forgiveness - Part 3

There is a false teaching going around that says, “since we are completely forgiven, it is not necessary to confess our sins.”  This error comes from a failure to understand the difference between judicial  and parental forgiveness. Hopefully these studies will help clear this up. Today, let’s try to  clarify what we have learned.

William MacDonald explains it like this: “To put it very simply, judicial forgiveness is the forgiveness of a judge and parental forgiveness is the forgiveness of a father. The first term is taken from the courtroom and the second from the home.”

Jesus explained it to Peter by contrasting a bath (representing salvation and judicial forgiveness) with foot washing (a picture of the cleansing we receive when we confess our sins). The idea is that, although we are completely washed when God saves us, we pick up defilement as we walk the dirty streets of this world.

“Peter said to him, You shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I don’t, you have no part with me.
Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that has bathed needs only to wash his feet, he is clean everywhere else...”   JOHN 13.8-10

We can also see this illustrated in the story of the prodigal son:

“Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. And he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him.”  LUKE 15.18-20

He remained a son even when he broke fellowship with his father and fell into sin. The moment he said “I have sinned,” all his privileges were restored.

- Be sure to check back tomorrow (and every day) for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 4 - TYPES OF FORGIVENESS (Pt. 2) 

Two Types of Forgiveness - Part 2

Redeemed, born-again believers still commit sin. The Bible states this clearly:

“If we say that we have no sin [sin nature], we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us….If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us”.   I John 1.8,10

But no sin can ever cause us to lose our salvation, because...

“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation [the satisfactory payment to God] for our sins…”   I JOHN 2.2

The sins that believers commit interrupt fellowship with God. Our spiritual growth stalls, our hunger for the Word is diminished and our prayers don’t get answered. This is why confession of sin (directly to God) is necessary for every believer.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1.9

“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.”   PROVERBS 28.13

“I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”  PSALM 32.3-4

 “For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.”     PSALM 38.18 NASB

"Blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me...Against You, You only, have I sinned...Restore unto me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."   PSALM 51

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.  II SAMUEL 12.13

- Be sure to check back tomorrow and every day for a new daily insight. -

APRIL 3 - TYPES OF FORGIVENESS

Two Types of Forgiveness

Today, I would like to point out that the Bible speaks of two types of forgiveness. I trust that by now you understand as believers in Jesus Christ, we are no longer under the condemnation of sin. This is called judicial forgiveness or redemption.  Jesus was judged for our sins on the cross and the penalty was paid in full once for all. This forgiveness is provided free of charge as the gift of God to anyone who simply believes in Jesus Christ alone, because on the cross He paid the full and complete penalty for your forgiveness and eternal life with Him. This the first and most essential type of forgiveness is eternal and unchanging for anyone who believes in Him only.

"In Him WE HAVE redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."  Ephesians 1.7

"In Him WE HAVE redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  COLOSSIANS 1.14

We shall call the second type of forgiveness, PARENTAL FORGIVENESS. When we believe in Jesus, God is no longer our judge, He becomes our father. We still sin, but now sin becomes a family matter. It cannot condemn us to Hell because the penalty of sin was paid for by Christ once and for all (which we called the first type of forgiveness in the first paragraph above). But sin still displeases God and He wants to rid our lives of it.  He will discipline us much like a conscientious parent will discipline his child to discourage bad behavior. God’s discipline can come to us as privation, sickness, or in extreme cases, even physical death (if as believers we rebelliously persist in sin without confessing it to God). In spite of this, we need not be afraid, because if we simply confess (admit) ours sins to God he will restore us to closeness with Him. But we must always remember that the first type of forgiveness guarantees that we can never lose our eternal salvation no matter what we do (or whether we confess our sins or not)! This is the wonder and magnificence of salvation by GRACE through FAITH! It has nothing do with our behavior - good or bad. It is the free, everlasting and unchanging gift of God! 

"Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have withheld good things from you"  JEREMIAH 5.25

"When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away, through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer."   PSALM 32.3-4

"O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin."   PSALM 38.1-2

"For this reason (personal sins), many among you are weak and sick, and a number have died."
I CORINTHIANS 11.31

These verses show that as redeemed  believers, we still need God’s forgiveness. More about this tomorrow!

APRIL 2 - UNFORGIVENESS 

Unforgiveness

Having seen how God forgives us, let's discuss forgiveness on a personal level.

Forgiveness, or the flip side unforgiveness, I believe is one of the biggest battles we fight. It can destroy friendships, marriages,  parent-children relationships.  Whole families have been destroyed because of a lack of forgiveness.

There are people that are never wrong, (or so they think), there are grudge holders, there are people that are so sensitive that what you say can easily hurt their feelings. There are  those who are so consumed with anger it seems almost impossible, because of the hurt they have experienced, that they will ever  be able forgive.

I actually struggle with a couple of these myself. But honestly, who wants to stay in that place of unforgiveness. It's quite miserable, and can destroy you

The Lord's Prayer is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how they should pray  "...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass again us."

C S Lewis said,  "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

Unforgiveness  leads to bitterness and hatred.

"Dear friends, never avenge yourselves,  Leave that to God.  For it is written,
 'I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it' says the Lord." Romans 12:19  

"If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you: Don't let evil get the best of you."  Romans 12:14

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31 

   "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled..." Hebrews 12:15

APRIL 1 - FORGIVENESS 

Forgiveness

Perhaps the most comforting message in the Bible is the proclamation of God’s forgiveness. It removes our guilt and shields us from judgement. It puts our sin behind us, never to be brought up again.

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” PSALM 32.1-2

“Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.” PSALM 65.3

“You have forgiven the iniquity of your people, you have covered all their sin."  PSALM 85.2

“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ISAIAH 1.18

“I, even I, am he that blots out your transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember your sins.”  ISAIAH 43.25

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed you.”    ISAIAH 44.22

“I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”  JEREMIAH 31.34

I need to tell you that in order to experience God’s forgiveness, you must become His child. That does not come naturally to any of us. We come into the world as sinners and therefore  are separated  and alienated from God.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”   ISAIAH 59.2

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord has laid on Him [Christ] the iniquity of us all.” ISAIAH 53.6

Since we are all sinners, we must be born into God family. This is referred to as “The New Birth,” being “born again” or being “born of God”.

“Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is born of God.” I JOHN 5.1

“For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” GALATIANS 3.26

 “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” ACTS 13.38-39

“Jesus Christ……him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”  REVELATION 1.5 

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