DISCIPLE

     Scripture declares that "the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts" (1 Chron. 28:9). Is it any wonder that He declared that the thoughts of man are "evil" (Gen. 6:5), "vanity" (Psa. 94:11), "an abomination" (Prov. 15:26), "of iniquity" (Is. 59:7), "sin" (Prov. 24:9)? God declares that He is not to be found in any of the thoughts of the wicked (Psa. 10:4), that their thoughts are against Him for evil (Psa. 56:5). God says that His thoughts are higher than human thoughts even as the heavens are high above the earth (Is. 55:9), and that the unrighteous man is to forsake his thoughts (Is. 55:7). The Lord Jesus declared that the evil thoughts of men proceed out of their own hearts (Mark 7:21). The Holy Spirit declared that the Bible is the critic, the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:13).      Therefore, when there arises a question ...

Donald L. Norbie, Greely, Colorado, USA       A Jewish teacher of the Old Testament asked the Lord, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? ’ Matt. 22:36. The Jews loved to argue about the finer points of their law. The Lord responded, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment’, Matt. 22:37-38.      To love God is not a commonly found religious requirement. Most religions are based on fear. The god or gods must be appeased so they will not hurt you. They are viewed as powerful and cruel, gods to be feared, but surely not to be loved. Worship consists of gifts and deeds to earn favor with these awesome, fearful spirits. To placate them some people have offered human sacrifices, even their own children. ‘They burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods’, Deut. 12:31. Moses spoke to Israel of their God, saying, ‘He...

Heaven is the center of the Christian's universe, and he is bound to it by eight golden links: 1. Our Father is there (Matthew 6:9). 2. Our Saviour is there (Hebrews 9:24). 3. Our home is there (John 14:2). 4. Our name is there (Luke 10:20). 5. Our life is there (Colossians 3:1-3). 6. Our heart is there (Matthew 6:19-21). 7. Our inheritance is there (1 Peter 1:3-5). 8. Our citizenship is there (Philippians 3:20). -- Henry Durbanville As the poet William Blane wrote: Let those who know no second birth, Labour to write their names on earth. My joy is this, that Love divine, On heaven's scroll hath written mine.