Time for God

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For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world. --1 John 2:16 I’ll never forget one Christmas Day many years ago when one of my children, after opening up all of his presents, came to me and said, “Daddy, I’m bored!” There we were, wrapping paper everywhere, brand new toys all over the floor, and he played with them for about 30 minutes before he was bored! Were living in a time when more is less. We have more to live with and less to live for than any other generation! One man said, “If I have everything, why is it that I’m so empty?” We have more than we’ve ever had, and yet people are restless, empty, always on the move, and always wanting more! My son on Christmas morning is really no different than many adults with their toys today. They’ve got all their toys, but they’re ultimately feeling empty because they’ll never find true contentment in the things of the world. Materialism can never satisfy! Don’t look for your joy in the things of the world. Instead, find your joy in Christ, because while the things of the world may gratify for a short time, Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy. INSTEAD OF FINDING YOUR HAPPINESS IN MATERIAL THINGS, FIND JOY IN CHRIST, WHO TRULY SATISFIES! Time for God Monday, March 30, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.” Mark 1:34–37 In her book Jonathan and Sarah: An Uncommon Union, Edna Gertsner described the habit that helped Jonathan Edwards accomplish so much with his life. “He frequently spent thirteen hours a day studying. He managed this amazing amount of time by husbanding every hour of the day. He usually arose at four in the morning, indulging himself in the later rising time of five in the winter. In this way he was far along in his studies while the household slept.” The pace of modern life is more hectic and frantic than ever before. It is tempting to use that as an excuse for ignoring time spent with God and in His Word, but it is not valid. We have the time to do what He commands, but we have to be willing to make other sacrifices to ensure God is not crowded out. The best way to measure true priorities is to evaluate how we are spending our time and our money. More than anything else, how we spend these reveals what matters to our hearts. In the midst of a very busy time of ministry, after a long day healing the sick and preaching the gospel, Jesus could have said He was tired and stayed in bed. He was fully man as well as fully God, and He got tired just like we do. But instead of resting, Jesus did what was most important–getting up early to spend time with His Father. Today's Growth Principle: No matter how busy we are, we always make time for the things that are most important to us.

The Call of Christ

The Call of Christ
Saturday, March 28, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”

Matthew 4:17–20

At the start of His ministry, Jesus clearly laid out His expectations for those He called to follow Him. They would embark on a lifetime course that would revolve around reaching other people. Jesus did not initially tell them they would be preachers or teachers or writers, but He did tell them they would be soulwinners. They would trade in catching fish for catching men. Dr. Curtis Hutson said, “Soulwinning is not a request; it is a responsibility. Soulwinning is not an opportunity; it is an obligation. The only alternative to soulwinning is disobedience to a clear command of Scripture. Everybody is to be involved. Nobody is excluded.”

It is impossible to say that we are truly following Jesus until we are doing our part to share the gospel with others. This was His purpose. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). And it must be our purpose as well. Everywhere we go, we meet people who are either heading for Heaven or for Hell, and we have a responsibility to them that we must not shirk. Paul wrote, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). If Heaven and Hell are real, and they are, we must make the eternal destiny of others a priority in our lives every day.

Today's Growth Principle:
God has placed people in each of our lives who need salvation, and we must reach out to the lost.

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But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. --Ephesians 2:13 One day Napoleon was standing before his army after he was defeated at Waterloo. He was trying to cover his losses and see what his next move would be. Napoleon realized that his quest for world domination was practically over. He had a map of the world on the wall and on that map the British Isles were marked in red. Napoleon angrily said to his generals, as he pointed to the red marked on that map, “Were it not for that red spot, we would have conquered the world!” I can imagine Satan gathering his hoards after Jesus’ death on Calvary. All of the demon spirits and the generals of hell listening as Satan pointed to the blood drenched slopes of Calvary and said, “Were it not for that red spot, we would have conquered the world!” But because of what Jesus has done for us, “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). And it’s because of the blood of Jesus Christ that you can have full confidence that sin and Satan have been conquered in your life. The blood of Christ is the very power of God. It is by His death and resurrection that we have any hope of salvation at all. So remember that by the power of Christ’s blood, you have all the victory you need in the name of Jesus Christ! THE BLOOD OF CHRIST SAVES YOU FROM SIN AND GIVES YOU VICTORY OVER SATAN. SO CLAIM THAT TRUTH IN YOUR LIFE AND LIVE VICTORIOUSLY THANKS TO HIS FINISHED WORK! Continue Friday, March 27, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:12–15 When Paul wrote his final letter to Timothy from his jail cell in Rome, he knew full well what awaited him. Soon he would be martyred, killed for the faith he would not stop proclaiming. But he also knew that it would be up to men like Timothy to carry on the work he had started. Paul pulled no punches in his instruction to his protégé. He told Timothy that persecution was coming, and that those who tried to do right would face opposition both within and without the church. He also told Timothy what would keep him on track—continuing in the truth of the Word of God. It would be nice if we could make a commitment to the truth and everything would be settled once and for all. That is not the way the Christian life works. It is a daily commitment that having set out on the right course, we will stick to it no matter what comes. It is not enough just to start out right, we must keep doing it day after day. Ellen Sturgis Hooper wrote, “I slept, and dreamed that life was Beauty; I woke, and found that life was Duty.” The devil cannot be defeated once for all. If we stand firm against temptation today, he will return. If we hold to the truth tomorrow, he will come back the next day. We must continue in the truth day after day. Today's Growth Principle: The commitment to follow Christ and do what is right is not a one-time decision, but must continue day after day.

Living Like Jesus

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet,             they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson,             they shall become like wool.” --Isaiah 1:18 I heard about a Sunday school class where the teacher said to the children, “Is there anything, boys and girls, God can’t do?” So a little girl raised her hand and said, “Yes, teacher, there’s one thing that God can’t do. He can’t see my sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.” That little girl was exactly right. Because of the blood of Jesus Christ, all our sins are gone forever. Every single thing I’ve ever done that has been dishonoring to God has been separated from me as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). And it’s because of that powerful truth that I know I’m saved forever. Yet, there are those who believe that somehow you or I can sin away our salvation after we’ve truly trusted in Christ – that there is some sin that we could commit or some failure that would cast us away from God. Oh no, my friend. This is not true because of the simple fact that when Jesus died on the cross, all of our sin was future. And all of our sin is forgiven by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. If there was one scintilla of sin that was held against you or me, we would be lost forever. But because the blood of Jesus cleanses you from all sin, you can have every confidence you’re safely in His arms! GOD CAN’T SEE YOUR SIN THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. SO LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT IF YOU’RE IN HIM, THAT PRECIOUS GIFT OF SALVATION CAN NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY! Living Like Jesus Thursday, March 26, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” 1 Corinthians 4:14–16 Robert Chapman was well educated as a child and became a lawyer in London. After his conversion in 1823, however, he became actively involved in church work. After a few years he left the legal profession to become a pastor, and spent nearly seven decades reaching people with the gospel. He lived what he preached, and Charles Spurgeon called him “the saintliest man I know.” Chapman was a great friend and helper of George Mueller in his work with orphans, and called on his people to put their faith into action. Robert Chapman said, “There are many who preach Christ, but not so many who live Christ. My great aim will be to live Christ.” When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and told the people to copy his life, he was not boasting or holding himself up as some kind of spiritual giant. His reason for being confident to ask others to follow him was simply that he was a follower of Christ. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Jesus is not just for Sundays at church. He is an example for us to follow every day, and those who know us best should see His principles and priorities on display in our lives. Though it is not as popular now as it once was, the expression WWJD—what would Jesus do?—is a valid standard by which to guide our actions and decisions. If we love Him as we should and grow to know Him more through Bible reading and prayer, it will be easier for us to see how He would act, and then do the same. Today's Growth Principle: It is not in our intentions, but in our actions that we must live like Jesus did.

This Is Love

Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. --Colossians 2:16-17 Do you remember the story of Pavlov’s dog? Pavlov, a scientist, performed an experiment where he would ring a bell and then feed his dog. Then again, he would ring a bell and feed him, ring a bell and feed him. And to the amazement of Pavlov, whenever this dog would hear the bell, he would begin to salivate and prepare for the meal. He was conditioned by the sound of the bell to get ready to eat. Throughout the Old Testament, God was conditioning mankind with signs and symbols of greater truths that were yet to come. He was preparing the way for the One who would come and finally, forever, bring redemption for the sin of the world. The signs, the symbols, the types, the illustrations, the examples of the Old Testament all speak of the One who would come and give His life for you. So by the time Jesus came to earth in the New Testament, the Jews who had been truly following God were ready to listen. But many rejected Him because they had a false impression of the purpose of those signs and symbols. Yet, one thing remains abundantly clear: those signs pointed to Christ. The Gospels tell us that for 33 years God walked upon the face of this earth. That’s the central story in the Bible around which all others hinge. So when you feel like you’re getting bogged down in the ritual instruction of the Old Testament, remember that it’s a powerful story of a greater truth to come. THE STORY OF CHRIST IS THE FOCUS OF GOD’S PLAN FOR THE AGES. SO AS YOU READ THE OLD TESTAMENT, REMEMBER THAT THE RITUAL INSTRUCTION WAS MEANT TO PREPARE THE WORLD FOR A GREATER TRUTH TO COME. This Is Love Wednesday, March 25, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:7–10 The world around us is filled with talk of love, but often the way that word is used is different from the way God uses the word. His love for us is completely sacrificial, even to the point of Jesus coming into the world to die for our sins. While the Bible speaks of God loving us, it is in the context of that being a part of His nature and character. God does not love us for who we are but for who He is. Love is an integral part of who and what He is. He cannot be anything less than loving. This is the pattern of love that is set before us, not just for us to appreciate, but to follow. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:11). Unlike God, our hearts are not naturally filled with love. As a result of the Fall, our hearts were corrupted, and they cannot love as God does. But He has not left us alone and responsible for something we cannot do. He has given us His Holy Spirit, and He is able to produce genuine love. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5:22). We must walk in the Spirit if we are to love as God commands. Today's Growth Principle: We cannot love other people as we should unless we first love God as we should—with all our hearts.

“Under the Sun”

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” --Acts 8:35-36 As a pastor, I perform wedding ceremonies for couples in all kinds of emotional conditions. I’ve seen couples who cry all the way through the ceremony. There have been times between the wedding party and the couple, we went through an entire box of tissue because they just cried and cried. I’ve also seen others where there’s no emotion; it’s like a business deal. I’ll ask, “Do you take–“ And with a straight face they look right at each other and give a very simple, “I do.” But in each of the examples above, who’s more married? The ones with all the emotion, or the ones with none of the emotion? The answer is obvious – they’re all married! What matters is whether or not they made a commitment in their hearts to one another. Christians love good “come to Jesus” stories that are filled with emotion and drama. But that’s not how it always goes as we see in today’s passage. This man simply knew he had a need, and looked to have it met. So when it comes to placing your faith in Christ, don’t worry if you didn’t have a huge, mountaintop emotive experience. What matters is that you trusted in Him with your heart and now you’re His forever! DON’T WORRY ABOUT A BIG EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU COME TO CHRIST. WHAT MATTERS IS THAT YOU’VE GIVEN HIM YOUR HEART. “Under the Sun” Tuesday, March 24, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:9–11 King Solomon truly had it all with wealth, power, and the ability to indulge any whim that came to his mind. He took advantage of those opportunities, trying to find satisfaction and purpose “under the sun.” He failed miserably. Despite being able to pursue any and every pathway that might lead to pleasure, Solomon found none. Instead he came to the conclusion that life was empty and meaningless. Herman Melville wrote, “Ecclesiastes is the fine hammered steel of woe.” Nothing that we do or try in this life can provide what only God can give. So many people think that if they had something more or could do something differently, they would find joy and happiness, but that is a lie from the devil. Only in God can we find what we are seeking. David wrote, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). The world is filled with things that try to draw us away from God. The devil offers substitutes that promise great things, but never deliver them. If our focus is on this world, we will never find what we have to be enough, no matter how much that may be. There must be a focus above the sun for life to truly matter. Today's Growth Principle: If we are seeking God first, then the things of life can find real meaning and purpose.

Joy in Hard Times

Joy in Hard Times
Monday, March 23, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Romans 5:3–5

Our attitude is not determined by our circumstances. Some people are joyful during times of great trial. Others are discontent even in times of plenty. Our attitude is determined by our view of those circumstances. If we view hard times as something unfair or surprising, we will be likely to allow them to drag us down. On the other hand, if we view hard times as part of God’s purpose for our lives, we will be likely to keep our joy.

Nothing ever happens that takes God by surprise. Many times we are blindsided by things we didn’t see coming, but He never is. And while there are times when His plan involves us going through great hardship and trial, there is never a time when we get there accidentally. Our hardships are an opportunity for our faith to grow and God’s power to be displayed. Writing to people who were literally being killed for their faith, Peter said, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13).

In Pilgrim’s Progress, when Christian and Hopeful are trapped in Doubting Castle by the Giant Despair, they spend days in a basement prison. Finally, Christian remembers something important. “‘What a fool,’ quoth he, ‘am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty! I have a key in my bosom called Promise; that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle.’“ The key works, and the two walk free rejoicing to continue on to the Celestial City.

Today's Growth Principle:
Because of our faith in God’s purpose for our lives and our belief in His promises, we can be joyful in the most difficult circumstances.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

--John 6:63

Not long ago, I was looking at all the books I’ve accumulated over time. I realized that as great as many of them are, only one has life. Oh yes, they have truth in them; but there is no life in those books.

When it comes to the Bible, it’s the only book that pulsates with life. The Bible says of itself, “The Word of God is living…” (Hebrews 4:12). And the Bible will endure forever. The Scripture says that God’s Word is “firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). There’s no way around it – God’s Word is where life is found and it endures forever!

I’ve been asked in the past on the issue of the infallibility of Scripture, “Where are the original Scriptures?” And my answer to that is, “The Word of God is settled in heaven! That’s where the originals are!” And God, by His power, has preserved His words through the years because His Word is alive.

The Lord Jesus Christ is inseparably linked with His Word. The eternal God is known by the Word of God. So if you want to really know God, study His Word. Meditate on it each and every day because that’s the only book where real life is found!

THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY BOOK THAT HAS LIFE. SO MEDITATE ON THE SCRIPTURES EACH DAY!

Standing on the Front Lines

Standing on the Front Lines
Sunday, March 22, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.”

2 Samuel 11:15–17

There is a spiritual war going on all around us. We do not get the option of sitting it out or avoiding it—even if we try to avoid it, the devil will bring that battle to our doorsteps. And there are days when that battle rages hot for all of us. We find ourselves on the front lines, facing the strongest foes of the enemy. And in that day, when the battle is most intense, it is vital for us to rely fully on God’s power for the victory.

There are many people who are happy to give advice about gaining victory who are not speaking in line with God’s Word. They hold themselves up to be experts, but they don’t really know what they’re talking about because they are not walking and working and battling in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is important that we receive good advice for spiritual warfare. Dwight Eisenhower said, “Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”

The devil rejoices when he sees a Christian going into battle in his own might. He knows that victory is coming for him, and that we will fall. But when we stand in God’s power we cannot be defeated. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Today's Growth Principle:
Because we have the promise of the power of God, we can be victorious no matter how hot the battle becomes.

Keeping an Eye on the Real Enemy

Keeping an Eye on the Real Enemy
Saturday, March 21, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

Galatians 5:13–15

In the late 1800s, a civil war in the Samoan Islands sparked international worry. The various world powers that had influence in the region feared the loss of their preferred status so they backed different sides in the conflict. Warships from Germany, Great Britain, and the United States converged on Samoa. They remained in a standoff in Apia Harbor, unwilling to actually fight, but also unwilling to leave and allow another nation to gain influence. The standoff continued for weeks until a massive cyclone wrecked all six warships in the harbor. The power of the wind and waves didn’t care about the different sides or their opinions, but equally struck them all.

There are some battles that are worth fighting and we must not shirk from standing for the truth and doing what is right, even if it requires a battle. But there are other battles that simply are not worth fighting, and can instead distract us from the real enemy. And we have a real enemy to fight. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

A division or conflict that arises because of a stand for truth is very different from one that arises from a stand for preference. Without lowering our standards, we should make every effort to avoid conflict with other Christians. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Our strength should be devoted to fighting against the devil.

Today's Growth Principle:
We should never allow minor disagreements to divide us from true Christians committed to following Christ.

Eternity

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There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. --Galatians 3:28 Every now and then, I’ll be asked to officiate at weddings at other churches across town. I remember one time specifically when I walked in and saw the pastor of this particular church who had been faithful in ministry for nearly fifty years. Our church had just recently taken out an ad in the paper congratulating him on his ministry, and he was so grateful for that show of appreciation from another church. There’s a popular misconception among many today that churches are competing for members. Now, I’m not saying it never happens, but I can tell you one thing: that’s not how the Bible calls the body of Christ to act. In fact, churches should be in the business of building up one another because in Christ, we’re all one! As the body of Christ, we need hundreds and thousands of people working together to expand the Kingdom. We need one another. So whether you’re Jew or Greek, male or female, Baptist, Methodist, or whatever denomination, so long as Christ is at the center and you share a common faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, stay united and work together for His glory! RATHER THAN FINDING REASONS TO ARGUE AND COMPETE, BE UNIFIED IN THE BODY OF CHRIST AND WORK WITH OTHERS FOR HIS GLORY. Eternity Friday, March 20, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:16–18 When John was given his vision of Heaven on the Isle of Patmos, he was terrified. But then Jesus reached out to comfort him. To provide that comfort, He focused John’s gaze on His unending, unfailing and unchanging power that reaches beyond time. Jesus died for us once, but now He is alive forever, and gives the promise of eternal life to all those who trust in Him. Because we live bound by time, it is hard for us to imagine, but eternity will never end. The English Puritan pastor Stephen Charnock wrote, “Time is fluid, but eternity is stable; and after many ages, the joys will be as savory and satisfying as if they had been but that moment first tasted by our hungry appetites. When the glory of the Lord shall rise upon you, it shall be so far from ever setting, that after millions of years are expired, as numerous as the sands on the seashore, the sun, in the light of whose countenance you shall live, shall be as bright as at the first appearance.” Any promise is only as good as the person making it. Our eternity is promised and guaranteed by a God who never fails. Paul wrote, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). The promise of eternity is good as long as the Lord lives, and He will never die. Today's Growth Principle: When the changes of time are no more, we will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus in Heaven.

God Is in Control

God Is in Control
Thursday, March 19, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.”

Daniel 4:1–3

In the uncertainty and fear that followed the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, General James Garfield, who would later become president himself, addressed a large crowd of worried people with these words: “Fellow citizens, clouds of darkness are round about God. His pavilion is surrounded by dark waters and thick clouds. But justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne. Mercy and truth go before His face. Fellow citizens, God reigns!”

All of us have times of uncertainty and fear in life. Bad things do happen to good people. Things seem to spin out of control. But in every case and situation, God is sovereign and in control. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing forces Him to switch to a backup plan. Nothing on earth can shake the purpose of Heaven. Even the mightiest king of the ancient world, Nebuchadnezzar found that his power was nothing compared to that of God.

The way we respond to life is governed by the way we view God. If we remember that He holds dominion over everything, then we will trust Him even when things go wrong. While we would not presume to say that we know better than God, too often we act is if that were true. When He does not conform to our plans, we doubt His love and question His power. Instead, we should rest in His promises and know that He only wants what is best—and that He is able to bring about what His wisdom and love decree for us.

Today's Growth Principle:
God’s control over our lives is the same whether or not things are going well in our view.

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“For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’” --John 4:37 The great English preacher Francis Dixon asked a young man in his church named Noelle to give his testimony at a revival. So Noelle stood up and gave this testimony: “I was in Sydney, Australia when a little old man walked up to me and said, ‘Sir, if you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity?’ “With that the old man turned on his heel, said, ‘Toodle-loo’, and walked away. So when I got back to England the first thing that I did was to seek out a pastor who led me to Christ.” After the service, a young man came up to Noelle and said, “That’s my testimony too. I met that same man!” Francis Dixon was so moved by this that when he went on a world tour of preaching, he shared it at every meeting. And when he preached in cities across Australia, he came across hundreds of people with the very same story. So when Dixon made it to Sydney, he tracked down this old man at his home and told him about all of those people who had come to Christ through him. The old gentleman broke down and said, “Sir, this is the first time in my life that I’ve known of anyone who has ever come to Jesus because of my witness.” Some sow the seeds; some harvest. So whatever role God calls you to fulfill, be faithful in it because you never know the impact you can have! GOD GIVES EVERY CHRISTIAN A DIFFERENT ROLE IN HIS KINGDOM PURPOSES. SO WHEREVER HE CALLS YOU, BE FAITHFUL AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS!

Where Truth Starts

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They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

--1 John 2:19

I meet quite a few people today whom I would classify as “Alka Seltzer Christians.” Do you know what an Alka Seltzer Christian is? It’s a person whose spiritual life is just plop-plop, fizz and it’s over. Yes, there’s a lot of emotion, a lot of excitement, a lot of fireworks. But then they disappear. This is not real Christianity!

Now, I’m not suggesting that if you’ve repented and returned to Christ, you’re going to live a perfect life. That would be salvation by works. But I am saying any true believer – anyone who has truly trusted Jesus Christ – will have a lasting heart of repentance, a “fizz” that lasts well beyond the “plop-plop.”

If you’re truly in Christ, if you’ve turned from sin and given your life to Him, you can never go back to it because Christ has changed me from the inside out. So the question every Christian needs to ask himself today is this: Has Christ truly changed you? Have you truly embraced Him and turned away from the sin in your life?

Don’t be an Alka Seltzer Christian. Be a faithful follower of Christ who lives a life of trust and obedience as you walk by faith all the days of your life!

TRUE CHRISTIANITY ISN’T JUST A SWELL OF EMOTIONS THAT FIZZLES OUT. SO PERSEVERE IN TRUST AND OBEDIENCE AS YOU LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH.

Where Truth Starts
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”

Psalm 51:3–6

When David repented of his sin with Bathsheba, he came to a difficult realization about himself. He had done something very wicked, but had justified it to himself. When he sought to restore his relationship with God, he highlighted the importance of truth—not just in his speech with others, but in his heart. David’s internal lies to himself had paved the road to adultery and murder. The road back to God began with the truth.

In The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky wrote, “The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love, and in order to occupy and distract himself without love he gives way to passions and coarse pleasures, and sinks to [baseness] in his vices, all from continual lying to other men and to himself.”

In a world filled with lies and deception, it is easy for us to fall into the trap of telling ourselves what we want to hear rather than filling our hearts and minds with the truth. This truth is a powerful defense against sin. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Because we have sinful natures and deceitful hearts, it is imperative that we are countering the lies of the world with the truth of God’s Word.

Today's Growth Principle:
Lies harbored within, whether told to ourselves or to others, will eventually destroy our character.

Full Citizens of Heaven

Full Citizens of Heaven
Sunday, March 15, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:19–22

Though there were millions of people living under the control of the Roman Empire during the New Testament era, many of them did not have the full rights and privileges of being citizens. Being a Roman citizen brought special rights and legal protection, no matter where a person was in the empire. As such, it was a status that was greatly desired. When Paul was being held after the riot in the Temple at Jerusalem, he appealed to his standing as a citizen to avoid being scourged without a trial. “Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born” (Acts 22:27–28).

Being a citizen of Heaven is far more important and beneficial than being a citizen of any nation here on earth. And the high cost of that citizenship has been paid in full for us in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. We have been made righteous and freed forever from the penalty of sin. We have access to the throne of God to seek his help when we are in need. We have the Holy Spirit living within. Yet though we have these rights and many others as believers, many Christians do not use them. Instead of claiming what God has promised, they settle for the scraps of the world and the devil.

Today's Growth Principle:
Do not miss the benefits of citizenship in Heaven by focusing solely on this present world.

Substitute Speaker

Substitute Speaker
Saturday, March 14, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

2 Corinthians 5:18–20

If you’ve been going to church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard a sermon from someone you didn’t expect to hear. Perhaps a severe illness or injury prevented the regular speaker from making it to church. It may have been the unexpected early arrival of a baby, or perhaps even a car wreck. But for some reason, the scheduled speaker was not in his place. When that happens, someone else steps in to preach God’s Word. But the substitute speaker is expected preach the same biblical doctrine as the pastor would have. The same could be said for a substitute school teacher or speaker at an event. The substitute is expected to give a message that aligns with the content or convictions of what the one who asked them to fill in would share.

In the same way, as Christians we have been tasked with speaking for God in our world. Though the Holy Spirit is in each believer and empowers our work for God, the voice that those around us hear is ours. That means that we must be faithful to speak up and to speak the truth. Eternal destinies are at stake. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3). We should never speak to others without an awareness that we are speaking to them in the place of God. We must make sure that what we say is an accurate reflection of what He has commanded. There should be no difference between what we say and what He would say.
Today's Growth Principle:
We have been given the awesome responsibility to speak to others on God’s behalf, and we must fulfill it.

Sins Gone Forever

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And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure. --Isaiah 33:6 I don’t have to tell you that we live in a changing society and culture. No thoughtful person can look at our world and the advances of technology without feeling a bit apprehensive. Humankind now has the capability of destroying the world as we know it. Yes, we have more power than ever before in our history. And not only that, but we live in a revolution of rising expectations with the influence of media and social media on society. This generation is one which demands everything now. As a result, people have become frustrated, impatient, and most of all, confused. But the one thing that can hold our world together is an anchor. You see, when a ship needs to stop, it can’t just put on the brakes. No, it has to anchor itself to something solid. It has to touch something tangible, something not susceptible to tossing and turning like the waves of the ocean. Because no matter how big the ship is, the waves will always win. Do you want stability in an ever-changing and chaotic world? Let Jesus be your anchor. Find your rest and your peace in Him alone. That doesn’t mean you can’t change, but it means that when you do change, you’ll do so with a firm foundation of the Solid Rock-- the Lord Jesus Christ! IN A CHANGING WORLD, LOOK TO CHRIST AS YOUR ANCHOR AND FIND YOUR REST AND PEACE IN HIM. Sins Gone Forever Friday, March 13, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” John 1:28–31 Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would provide an offering for the sins of the entire nation of Israel. Two goats would be selected for the sacrifice. The first would be killed, and the blood would be taken into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled on the mercy seat. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). The second would be driven into the desert, symbolically taking away the sins from the nation—where we get the concept of a scapegoat. But the sins were not gone. They were covered by the blood on the mercy seat, but they were only symbolically taken away. Only the Lamb of God could not only atone for sin but remove it from our account before the Father. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). There are things each of us have in the past that we wish were not there. But while some consequences for sin may remain, the guilt of sin is gone forever—not just temporarily covered up, but permanently replaced with the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. Today's Growth Principle: Jesus has paid it all on our behalf, and our sins are gone from our record forever.

Presumptuous Prophets

Presumptuous Prophets
Thursday, March 12, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”

Deuteronomy 18:18–20

There are a lot of people in our world today who claim to be speaking for God, but whose actual words either contradict or add to the Bible. They tell us that God wants us to do certain things and not do others and if we do, we will be healthy and wealthy. They tell us that if we follow their advice, or (more often) if we send them money, God will do things which He has not actually promised to do. No matter what the name on the sign outside the building reads, and no matter how pretty the pulpit and platform on which such a person stands, they are not speaking the truth.

God takes a dim view of those who go beyond what He has spoken. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5–6). When we speak for God, either in a public setting or a private conversation, we must be diligent that we are accurately relaying His Word rather than our own opinions and ideas. The only reliable standard of truth is not how something sounds or whether it makes sense to our reasoning, but how it measures up against the Bible.

Today's Growth Principle:
Do not listen to or be influenced by those who falsely claim to be speaking for God.

The Holiness of God

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And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” --Luke 9:23 I read a while ago a statistic that said 47 percent of the people who live in the state of Texas attend church regularly. That’s nearly half of an entire state! Somebody said there are more churchgoers in Texas than people! Yet, that statistic saddens me because despite having so many who claim to be Christians in the area in which I live, our faith has very little influence on our population. What’s happened to the Church? Well for one, the Church has retreated. No longer is the Church fearless, but they’re playing it safe, avoiding confrontation at all costs. They’re scared that someone is going to be offended. They’re afraid someone is going to put them down. And as a result, churches across our nation have moved into the safety zone. Now this is a heart issue that lies within each individual Christian. So many buy into the world’s lies that it doesn’t really matter what you believe about God as long as it makes you happy. But as believers, we simply can’t escape the clarion call in our lives to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Christ. The Christian life isn’t a world of comfort and ease; it‘s not a cruise ship. Instead, it is a battleship, a lifelong fight against the enemy to win souls for the Kingdom of God. So if you’re searching for comfort in life, change your focus to serving the One who is Life! INSTEAD OF SEEKING COMFORTS IN LIFE, GIVE YOURSELF DAILY IN SERVICE FOR THE ONE WHO IS LIFE. The Holiness of God Wednesday, March 11, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying, Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.” 2 Kings 21:10–12 God is perfectly holy, and He hates sin. The society around us may mock God and promote sin, but that does not change His view that sin is awful. The church may lower its standards and say things are no longer sin that the Bible condemns, but that does not change the truth. The danger we face is that the voices around us, both secular and religious, that loudly proclaim sin is not so bad and God is no longer judging it can influence us to drop our guard. God has not changed. He still hates sin, and He is still the judge. This judgment is not just visited on individuals, but on entire nations as well. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).  This truth was once widely recognized. Even Thomas Jefferson, who was not a Christian wrote, “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that His justice cannot sleep for ever.” While our nation may have forgotten this sentiment, it is still true. The idea that sin goes on and on without consequences is false. On the other hand, Isaiah 55:7 tells us that when we turn to God in repentance, He is ready to forgive: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Today's Growth Principle: The holiness of God reminds us that we should not take sin lightly, but we should receive His mercy eagerly.

Taking on Hard Things

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My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. --Proverbs 23:26 In 1805, there was a naval battle between England and France that ended with Britain prevailing. Lord Nelson was the Admiral of the British fleet. So the French Admiral came aboard the English ship and stepped into the private quarters of Lord Nelson to surrender. When he walked in to greet Lord Nelson, he extended his hands and began congratulating the admiral for a great battle. Lord Nelson stepped back two steps, refusing to take the hand of that French admiral, and said, “Sir, your sword first, and then your hand!” Before the Lord Jesus Christ can extend to you His blessings for your life, before He can give you His hand of power, you must first surrender the sword by submitting yourself to Him. You have to completely disarm yourself, giving Him full control and allowing Him to have His way in your life. Many Christians today surrender up to a point, but then there’s that last little idol they just have to have. Instead, let go of the things of the world, raising your hands to Christ and telling Him, “Yes, Jesus. I’m all yours!” When you do, you’ll find more blessings than you could’ve ever received from the treasures of the world. SURRENDER YOUR LIFE FULLY TO CHRIST AND YOU’LL RECEIVE HIS VERY BEST BLESSINGS! Taking on Hard Things Tuesday, March 10, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” 2 Kings 2:9–10 In the years he served Elijah, Elisha saw God’s power displayed often. He recognized that the source of the miracles was not the prophet, but the Lord. When the time came for Elijah to be carried up to Heaven, Elisha knew that he would be replacing a powerful voice for God. To accomplish that task, he knew what was needed—the Holy Spirit that empowered the prophet. Rather than being content to just replace Elijah, Elisha wanted to do even more for God, so he asked for a “double portion.” Elijah told him that his request would be granted if Elisha saw him taken up to Heaven. He did, and that same power rested on Elisha throughout his life. It is not by coincidence that there are eight miracles recorded in Scripture connected with Elijah and sixteen with Elisha. Though both men undoubtedly did many other things, God was making the point that even though Elisha had asked for “a hard thing” God was able to bring it to pass. There is nothing worthwhile that is accomplished for God without struggle. If we only do the easy things, we will fall short of His purpose for our lives. As the old saying goes, “The door of opportunity swings on the hinges of opposition.” The fact that something is difficult does not mean that it should not be done, but that we should rely on God’s Spirit to equip us for the task. Today's Growth Principle: In the power of God, we can accomplish any task He sets before us, no matter how hard it seems.