THANK YOU: Faithful Parents, Pastors, Teachers, Counsellors, Friends

When you feel like giving up on someone, please remember this – “… God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

Every time I read this story below, I get tears in my eyes. I’m thankful for those teachers and people whom God used to shape my life to help me be what I am today. But P.B.P.G.I.N.F.W.M.Y. “Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet.”

“[I’m] confident of this very thing, that He [God] who has begun a good work in [me] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; …Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6; 3:12-14).

Please read this touching story of a troubled child and do your part to make a difference in someone’s life today – https://teachersforchrist.wordpress.com/2018/08/06/teddy-stoddard/

If you are unsure of your eternal destiny, please read “The Bad News & The Good News” here: http://www.kelseypeach.com. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually.

“Thankful In A Virus Crisis?”

If we, as Christians, want to do and be in the will of God, and be well pleasing to Him, and meet His approval (2 Corinthians 5:9; See Matthew 25:21), we must give thanks in all things/situations in which we find ourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for all things apart from sin (Ephesians 5:20), and for all men (1 Timothy 2:1) whom God may use as “chisels, hammers, clamps, and saws” to help conform us into Christ’s image (Romans 8:28 ff; 12:1, 2; See Genesis 50:20).

Recently, while I was sitting in my car and waiting for my wife to get done shopping, I got out a small sheet of paper and started writing down some things for which I thought I should be thankful even in the midst of this corona virus pandemic that is taking the lives of many people. I’m thankful because –

God is still in control of all things, including this virus. He is all powerful (Revelation 1:8; Job 1; 2). He will keep the devil, who is a murderer (John 8:44), and wicked men (Ephesians 2:2; Psalm 2:1 ff) from wiping out all physical life on earth with their weapons of mass destruction – whether they be nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. Thankfully God will restrict the man of sin’s (antichrist’s) power to seven years (Daniel 9:27). Otherwise no flesh on earth would survive (Matthew 24:22). This awful time in human history could be just around the corner.

God will not allow me, as His child, to be tried and tested beyond my abilities. He will make a way for me to escape sinful temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:1). They can come from the devil (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-17), from my own sinful nature (Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 5:16-21; 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25), or from the present world system over which the devil currently rules (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Ephesians 2:2; John 14:30). He devised it during the days of Cain to try to control the sinful nature of man (Luke 11:50, 51; Genesis 4:16-22). When I sin, by acting  lawlessly (1 John 3:4), I’m supposed to confess my sins by naming them to God so I can be forgiven and my family fellowship can be restored (1 John 1:6-9; 2:1; Proverbs 28:13). I’m judicially forgiven at the moment of my salvation (Ephesians 1:7; See Romans 8:1).

God planned for me to be alive at this time in human history and wants me to bring glory to Him in all that I do and say (Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139:1 ff; 1 Corinthians 10:31; See Esther 4:14; Exodus 9:16). Jesus said this to His disciples, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16).

God has given me the opportunity to display the “Fruit of the Spirit” during this time (Galatians 5:22, 23). He will produce it in my life when I’m filled with the Spirit and willing to be led by Him (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:14). It’s my responsibility, as a Christian, to direct this fruit properly toward the right objects, at the right time, and for the right reasons (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 2:15-17; 3:1-17; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 13:1 ff).

God has revealed the future to me (and to all other Christians) in the pages of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:1-9; Revelation 1-22). [1] I know who wins in the end (Philippians 2:10, 11). Over ¼ of the Scriptures were prophetic in nature at the time when they were written by holy men of God (2 Peter 1:21) for our learning and comfort (Romans 15:4). He will keep His unconditional promises to us whether we believe them or not. He cannot lie (Titus 1:2; John 14:6).

I’m also thankful because this deadly virus –

It won’t last forever (Revelation 21:4). True believers in Christ have a bright future awaiting them (John 14:1-3; Psalm 16:11), but all unbelievers who lack Christ’s imputed righteousness (John 16:8-11; Romans 4:22; James 2:23), and who die without Christ as their personal Savior (1 Timothy 4:10), will suffer forever with the devil and his angels/demons in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8). The “Great White Throne” judgment will determine the degree of suffering that an unbeliever will experience for eternity (Revelation 20:11-15; See Matthew 10:15; 11:22, 24). The trustworthy Scriptures (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) don’t teach the ultimate annihilation of the wicked or reincarnation.

It makes me more aware of my mortality (Hebrews 9:27; See an exception in 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). If I, as a Christian, choose to live a life of sin, God may terminate my physical life on earth prematurely without taking my salvation away from me (Matthew 18:34; 1 Corinthians 11:28; 1 John 5:16, James 5:19, 20). “It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31; 12:5 ff).

It has given me opportunities to witness to lost people (Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15). The Gospel for salvation is the same for Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Merely knowing and believing the facts of the Gospel aren’t enough to save anyone (James 2:19). We must have a change of mind (repent) and transfer our faith and trust from ourselves and our good works (Isaiah 64:6) over to the Lord Jesus Christ of the Scriptures alone (and not to the false Christ of the cults) if we are to be saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Matthew 24:5; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15).

It has given me time to reflect on the value, quality, and quantity of my work on earth (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 11:28). If my good works are like gold, silver, and precious stones, I will be rewarded. If they don’t measure up to God’s standards, they will simply be burned up and I won’t receive the crowns, rewards, or praise from God that could have been mine (Revelation 3:11). Thankfully, my salvation can’t be withdrawn from me even if I commit the sin unto physical death (John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 10:28, 29; 1 John 5:16). We’ve heard this said, “Only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ [and His honor and glory] will last.”

It has given to me an opportunity to shine in a spiritually dark world (See Matthew 5:16). Spiritual darkness and wickedness are intensifying all around us (1 Timothy 4:1 ff; 2 Timothy 3:1 ff; Romans 1:18 ff). But the darker it gets, the brighter true Christians can shine for God (Philippians 2:15). The Lord Jesus Christ, who is “The Light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5), may return much sooner than most people realize. Perhaps Today! If you are a true Christian who really loves His imminent return, you will live differently and you will be given the “Crown of Righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8; See Revelation 4:10).

Questions: Are you absolutely sure that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe that you are saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what? If you’ve been saved, have you been baptized/immersed (Matthew 28:19, 20)? Are you growing spiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18)? Are you serving God and others with your spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1 ff)? Are you consistently sharing the Gospel with others who aren’t saved (Acts 1:8)? If not, why?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, please let us know how is has and then SHARE this with others.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on Follow.

[1] See our FREE “Understanding The Times Dispensations Chart” on our website and an article entitled “The Order Of Coming Events” at https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/02/20/the-order-of-coming-events-2/

“I Need Thee Every Hour”

Whether we want to admit it or not, we all depend on other people to supply services and/or products for our needs. Just suppose that everyone won a million dollars and quit his/her job. Stores would be closed. We’d be without food, water, electricity, phone, the Internet, and other vital services. Travel would come to a halt and life would be miserable for most of us. It might be like being hit by an EMP bomb. [1] Question – When was the last time you thanked someone for his/her service? When was the last time you gave thanks to God for what He has done, is doing, and will do for you?

Giving Thanks. The restaurant was crowded.  Just as an older man was about to begin his meal, a younger man approached him and asked if he could join him at his table.  “Sure, have a seat,” the older gentleman said.  Then, as was his custom, he bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the young fellow asked, “Do you have a headache?” He replied, “No, I don’t.”  “Well, is there something wrong with your food?” “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.” 

The younger fellow said, “Oh, you’re one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!”  The older man paused for a moment and then said, “Yes, you’re just like my dog. That’s what he does too!”

God’s Will. Christians are supposed to give thanks in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for all things apart from sin (Ephesians 5:20), and for all kinds of people who come into our lives (1 Timothy 2:1). Consider some of the serious consequences of failing to acknowledging God’s existence and refusing to give thanks to Him (Romans 1:18 ff; Psalm 9:17). Does this describe you at this time? Are you a Christian who is acting like an atheist?

Dependent. God designed us in such a way so that we are dependent on others. He gifted each of us with talents/skills that can/should be used to glorify Him by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31), and so that we can be a blessing to others and have joy in our lives.  J.O.Y. comes by placing Jesus first, others next, and yourself last. It is a part of the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Think about the things that you can/should do to bless others (James 4:17). “What do you have that you didn’t receive” (1 Corinthians 4:7)? Are you thinking more highly of yourself than you should think (Romans 12:3) and acting in pride (See Proverbs 6:16-18; Isaiah 14:14; 1 Peter 5:6)? If so, STOP! Otherwise you are about to be humbled. See what happened to proud King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:1 ff) and King Herod (Acts 12:23).

Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We wouldn’t be alive had not God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of lives – physical and spiritual life (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). God is the One who keeps us alive (Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:17) and determines the time and manner of the Christian’s death (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Do you know the difference between your “potential” and “actual” years? If not, ask us about this. In the Old Testament times the devil held the “keys of death” and took Job’s 10 children at one time (Hebrews 2:14; Job 1:18, 19). Today Christ holds the keys (Revelation 1:18).

Annie Hawks. She was a busy mother of three active children. One day, while at her regular household tasks, she began to wonder how anyone could really live, either in joy or in pain, without God’s help. This thought led her to write the words to the song that is still sung in some churches.

“I need thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford

Refrain:

“I need thee oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now my Savior
I come to thee.”

Comfort. God comforts believers so that we can comfort others in their time of need (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). While every Christian is given a “spiritual gift” at the time of his/her salvation (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7), some believers are given a special ability to exhort others by coming alongside of them (Romans 12:8; See 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24, 25). The Apostle Paul wrote, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” and “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 5:13; 6:10). Christ’s new commandment involves our loving fellow believers as He has loved us (John 13:34, 35; See 1 John 3:16, 17).

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Refrain

Help. Are you humble enough to recognize and admit your need for God’s help and from others (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:5, 6)? Or are you walking in pride? God hates it (Proverbs 6:16-18)? Beware! You are about to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13). Have you responded to God’s grace and placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day? If not, why not now? You may not be alive tomorrow (James 4:14; Proverbs 27:1).

Subscribe. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook and Youtube for our Bible studies. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We invite you to read our other articles at www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. Please let us know if this article has been helpful to you.

[1] EMP Information: So what will happen if we are hit by a massive EMP blast?  Well, according to a government commission that investigated this issue, approximately two-thirds of the U.S. population could potentially die from starvation, disease and societal chaos within one year.  It would be a disaster unlike anything that we have ever seen before in U.S. history.  Read more at:  https://www.infowars.com/what-are-you-going-to-do-when-a-massive-emp-blast-fries-the-u-s-electrical-grid/

[2] “I Need Thee Every Hour” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8IpwD2Ugds

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/n/e/ineedteh.htm

“Be Thankful If…”

You can/should be thankful if you grew up in a loving home with a father and mother and where Christ was honored and your parents modeled His love and the other parts of the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23). But sadly, many people never experienced this. You may have been verbally, physically, or sexually abused. You in turn may have mistreated your children or others as you were mistreated. Are you doomed to hell? Do you have to repeat this vicious cycle or can a change take place in your life and the lives of others? What does God’s Word tell us we need to do?

Forgiveness. We’ve all sinned [to a greater or lesser degree] and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). As such, we all deserve to be eternally separated from God in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:9). But because God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, took our place and died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, we can be judicially forgiven the moment we trust in Christ alone to save us (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). The only unforgivable sin today is unbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior (John 16:8-11). Have you placed your faith in Christ alone to save you? If not, why not trust Him now? Don’t boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14).

Sin. What is sin? Among other things, it is lawlessness (1 John 3:4; Romans 14:23; James 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). What should all unsaved sinners do? “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31; John 3:16, 18, 36; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)? What penalties are associated with sin? Physical and spiritual death (Romans 6:23; 13:1-7). What kind of people end up forever in the lake of fire? “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8). “…fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, [and] extortioners.” Do you fit into this group? Many of us did. Is there any way for us to get out of the devil’s family and into God’s family and be judicially forgiven (John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 1:7). Yes! We can be when we get washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Has this happened to you?

Action. What should a Christian who has sinned against God and other people do if he/she wants to receive family forgiveness and be well pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 5:9; John 15:1-10)?

1. Honest confession must be made to God first (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:1-5; 51:1-19). Keep in mind that doing this may not keep a person from the penalty of the civil government (Romans 13:1-7). The government doesn’t always do what is right but they are accountable to God (See James 3:1; Romans 14:12; Matthew 23:13-36; Isaiah 1:26; 5:20; 10:1; 2 Timothy 4:8; Daniel 4:17, 25).
2. Then, if possible, one needs to go to the offended party and seek forgiveness from that person (James 5:16). The offended party may or may not grant forgiveness to the perpetrator. But a Christian should forgive someone who asks for forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:22). If we don’t, we sin by yielding to the temptation from the devil to have an unforgiving and bitter spirit that will damage us (2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Hebrews 12:15; Matthew 18:34, 35).
3. The perpetrator (i. e. the sinning Christian) should realize that even though God promises to forgive him when he makes honest confession, God doesn’t forget what he’s done because He is omniscient (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25). But God won’t hold the sins he’s confessed against him (See Ezekiel 18:22; 33:16). Sometime in the future He will allow that person to be tempted in the same area to see how he/she will respond to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). The question is, Does the Christian love God more than the sinful pleasures of sin (James 1:12; Hebrews 11:25; 1 John 2:15-17)? Yes, there are pleasures to sin. Otherwise we wouldn’t engage in them.
4. A Christian needs to learn how to overcome the sinful temptations that come from the devil (Ephesians 6:10-17), or from his/her own sin nature (Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:8), or from the present world system (1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:15-17). There are different tactics that must be used with each enemy. (See https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/category/spiritual-enemies/).

The abused person. A believer who has suffered unjustly because of the sin of another person can/should commit his/her soul (emotions) to God and trust Him to work out a bad situation and bring something good from it (1 Peter 4:19; Romans 8:18, 28). Consider what God did for the patriarch Job after he was viciously mistreated by the devil and his friends (Job 1:1-2:13; 42:10-16). Notice how Joseph responded to his brothers who sold him into slavery (Genesis 50:20). Think about Christ’s suffering at the hands of cruel men that made our salvation possible (Acts 2:23). God holds you and me responsible for His death too (Acts 4:27). Our sins put Him on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; Isaiah 53:6). Perhaps you didn’t know this. If you’ve been wronged, you should go to the perpetrator (if he/she is a believer) and inform that person of the injustice that you believe has been committed against you. If reconciliation doesn’t take place this way, you should take two or three other believers with you and try to resolve the issue. If this doesn’t work, the matter should be brought before the local church and appropriate action taken (Matthew 18:15-35; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13). By all means you should leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19). God is just/righteous and will not allow sin to go without consequences that may seem severe to some people (See Hebrews 12:5 ff). We can count on Jesus, who will be the Judge of all men (John 5:22), to do what is right on judgment day (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:11-15). Furthermore, the civil government may also take action against certain crimes. It has authority from God to take another person’s life in some cases (See Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-7) Capital punishment is a deterrent to crime.

Unbelievers. These people, who rejected God’s offer of salvation (John 1:11, 12; 3:16, 18, 36), and natural revelation (Psalm 19:1; Romans1:18 ff) will be judged one day according to their works, not to determine their entering into heaven or not, but to determine the degree of suffering they will undergo in the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8; Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). No human being needs to go there. Christ’s death made provision for all men/women to be saved (1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 4:10). It is God’s desire for sinners to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Sadly, most people will reject His offer of deliverance because they love darkness more than light (John 3:19). Have you received by faith the gift of eternal life from God (Romans 6:23; John 3:16, 18, 36)? If not, why not today?

Help. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Please share what you’re learning with teachable people who are willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). Join us on Facebook Live and on Youtube for Bible studies.

Clear Gospel:  http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

“God Will Take Care Of You”

Beloved Hymn Stories

I love to learn how certain songs came into being. What led the author to write what he/she did? Some songs have a way of sticking in my mind. What kind of songs are appealing to you? Why?  Please share some of your favorite songs with me and why you like them.

Ebenezer. This particular name was used in a Christian hymn. Do you know in which one? (If you do, let me know.)  Ebenezer was the name that the prophet Samuel gave to a rock. Yes, to a rock. It came about when the Old Testament Jews were defeated by their enemies and when the ark of the covenant was taken from them. Samuel reminded the people that they could count on God to help them in the future just as He had helped them in the past if they would turn back to the Lord. Ebenezer means “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). The implication is that God hasn’t changed (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).  He could/would could help them in the future if they would turn back to the Lord and “Trust And Obey” Him. This is the title of another wonderful song that is worthy of our consideration.

God’s Care. The song “God Will Take Care Of You” came about in the following way. “On a Sunday in 1904, Civilla Martin was in Lestershire, New York, when her husband, Walter, was compiling a collection of hymns for the Practical Bible Training School. They were planning to travel to another town that day, for Martin had a preaching assignment. Civilla woke up sick, and Martin was about to cancel his plans, when their child piped up and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, you don’t have to stay home because of mother – God will take care of us.’ Martin proceeded to the train station and fulfilled his appointment. When he returned, Civilla handed him the words of “God Will Take Care Of You,” which she had written in his absence. Going to his little organ, Martin composed the music, and it was first published in the songbook he was compiling for the school.” (Listen to it below.)

J. C. Penny. Apparently this song once served as a great encouragement to him during the depression when his business deals went sour. He heard the words to this song coming from a chapel one day as he was passing by. “Be not dismayed whate’er betide / God will take care of you.” It brought him out of his dark dungeon into the warm sunlight.

Anxiety. Are you a Christian who is full of cares and worries? Then consider these important words penned by the Apostle Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:4-8 NKJV). The Apostle Peter wrote: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7 NKJV). Are you doing this or worrying needlessly?

Meditate. Please reread these words and meditate on them for awhile (See Psalm 1:2 ; 1 Timothy 4:15). Let them sink into your spirit that belongs to your mind (Ephesians 4:23). Let them have an effect on your soul (emotions) too. Memorize and claim some promises that were given to us as Christians. Remember, not all the promises in the Scriptures are ours to claim. Here are a few of them that need to be mixed with faith so you can enjoy the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Hebrews 4:2): https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/31/promises-to-claim/

Believe. This is the only condition God has placed on us if we want to be saved from eternal condemnation in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (Acts 16:31; John 3:16; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8). The object of our faith needs to be in the Lord Jesus Christ, (not in the Christ of the cults) who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Luke 24:33-43). Are you trusting in any of your good works to get you into heaven? If so, stop! Salvation is not of works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this meditation has helped you, please let us know and then share it with someone else who may need some comfort from God and His Word (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). To receive future articles as them come out, click on “Follow.”

Stories in this article adapted from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert Morgan, Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 259

If you’re not sure of your salvation, read the Clear Gospel:  http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

If you are full of anxiety and fears about the future, listen to these songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92_BfspZngQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdZ7RdF07Eo

God Honoring Music: www.abidingradio.org

“Stress – Gone With The Wind”

“As quick as a click, it was gone. All of it. Two weeks of work, including a Saturday when he could have flown a kite with his kids. Two weeks of peering into the amber glow of a computer screen. Two weeks of honing, fine-tuning, and formatting. Gone with the wind. Gone to that twilight zone where all erased computer messages exist in perpetual limbo.” This is what Chuck Swindoll wrote about his editor, Larry Libby, in the introduction of his book entitled “Stress Fractures.”

Stress. If you’re like the rest of us, you have stressful incidents that come into your life from time to time. How we respond to them is very critical to us and those around us. Believe it or not, God tells us in His Word that He wants all true Christians to “give thanks in the midst of every situation” that comes into our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Doing this and giving thanks for all things and for all men isn’t possible unless a believer is filled with God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 Timothy 2:1). To be filled with the Spirit, we must make sure that we aren’t grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Do you know what this entails?

Joseph. After spending many years in prison for something he didn’t do, and when he could have taken vengeance out on his brothers who had mistreated him, Joseph said, “But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 39:13-23; 50:20).

Promise. “And we [Christians] know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Not all Christians love God and keep His commandments to New Testament believers (John 13:34, 35; 14:15). Maturing Christians are told not to love the present world system (1 John 2:15-17). Do you know what it is that you aren’t supposed to love?

World System. Among other things, it consists of human government, commerce, entertainment, education, industry, and senseless warfare (Genesis 4:16-26; Luke 11:50, 51). “In the sense of the present world system, the ethically bad sense of the word refers to the order or arrangement under which Satan has organized the world of unbelieving mankind upon his cosmic principles of force, greed, selfishness, ambition, and pleasure…[It] is imposing and powerful with military might; is often outwardly religious, scientific, cultured, and elegant; but, seething with national and commercial rivalries and ambitions, is upheld in any real crisis only by armed force, and is dominated by satanic principles.” – Taken from Scofield Study Bible note Revelation 13:8. As Christians, we can use the world system, but we are not to abuse it (1 Corinthians 7:31).

Believe. This is the only condition placed on an unsaved person for him/her to be saved. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). He is the One who died for our sins…and who rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Believe on Him through these facts and you will be saved and can have assurance of your salvation (Ephesians 2:8, 9; 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16). Beware of those who teach “Lordship for Salvation.” (See Below)

Help. If you aren’t sure of your eternal destiny, or if you need spiritual help, we’re here to try to help you. Our website was designed to help people like  you: www.kelseypeach.com. We can be reached at 805-238-3549. If this has helped you, we’d like to hear from you. Please share this with others too. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

Lordship For Salvation. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/category/lordship-salvation/

Clear Gospel. http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/the-gospel-audiobook/

God Honoring Music: www.abidingradio.org

“On Being Thankful”

“Every man is a moon and has a side which he turns toward nobody: you have to slip around behind if you want to see it.” Mark Twain. Saying it another way, “There’s one thing for which you should be thankful – only you and God have all the facts about yourself.”(Actually He knows more about you than you know about yourself – Psalm 139; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Job 23:10). In spite of His infinite knowledge about us and all the evil things we’ve done and will do, God still loved us and sent His only begotten Son to earth to die for our sins…and rise again bodily on the third day (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Anyone who places his/her faith in Christ alone for deliverance from the lake of fire will be saved and will be allowed into heaven to spend eternity with God (Acts 16:31). But this doesn’t mean that Christians will be free from hard times on earth (John 16:2; 2 Timothy 3:12).

Count Your Blessings. “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, / When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, / Count your many blessings, name them one by one, / And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” Johnson Oatman, Jr. “Let us [Christians] not complain, as some of [the Jews in the wilderness] complained, and 14,700 were destroyed by the [destroying angel]” (1 Corinthians 10:8-10; Numbers 14:41-50). Instead, let us continue to give thanks for –

Memories/Miracles. Our memories can be beneficial ordetrimental to us (Psalm 103:2; Luke 16:19-31). When God creates a news heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:13), the former things of this life will not be remembered or come to mind (Isaiah 65:17). In Old Testament times God instructed the Jews to observe numerous feasts throughout the year to serve as reminders of His faithfulness to them in spite of their constant failures. Examples: Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and Pentecost were significant times for the Jews. (See https://gotquestions.org/Jewish-festivals.html) What was the purpose of the miracles in the Old and New Testaments? When will there be an abundance of miracles performed in the future and by whom (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 6-22)?

Mole Hills/Mountains. A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not easy. “Why, this isn’t a path at all,” the little girl complained. “It’s all rocky and bumpy.” And her brother replied, “Sure, the bumps are what you climb on.” That’s a remarkable piece of philosophy. What do you do with the bumps on the path of life? – Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bumps Are What You Climb On. p. 11. When we visit “The Hall Of Faith” in Hebrews 11, we learn much about those who struggled in life. Some were delivered from adversities while others weren’t. But they maintained faith in God and His promises of better things to come in the future. So then, fellow Christian – “Be not dismayed whate’er betide, / God will take care of you! / Beneath His wings of love abide, / God will take care of you! / God will take care of you, / Through every day o’er all the way; / He will take care of you; / God will take care of you!” Civilla D. Martin

Promises/Predictions. Even though all of the Bible is for all Christians, not all of it is addressed to us. All of it is to be believed, but not all of it is to be believed and practiced (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9). God gave many promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Jews (Genesis 15, 17, 22). He also gave some promises to the sons of Ishmael and Esau pertaining to land and wealth (Genesis 16:1-16; 17:20; 25:23; 36:1-43). Once the Jews came out of Egypt, God gave them a new code of conduct, known as the “Mosaic Law” and includes “The Ten Commandments” (Exodus 20). New Testament Christians have different promises and rules for living. Do you know where they are found? When the Scriptures are interpreted normally, not allegorically, it becomes apparent that God had different rules for different people to test their obedience to Him. These “Rules for Living” (Dispensations) are not different ways to be saved. (Ask about our FREE “Dispensations Chart” and “Promises Sheet.”)

God’s Desire. Sadly, most Christians are not “filled with the Spirit”(Ephesians 5:18). But we can be, should be, and should be filledcontinually with the Spirit. When we are, we will be giving thanks in the midst of all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for all things(Ephesians 5:20), and for all men (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Why? God is sovereign (Daniel 4:17, 25). The “Day of Man” seems to be coming to an end. God doesn’t want us to perish (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9) or to be ignorant about “Things to Come” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). A special blessing is promised to the one who reads, hears, and keeps(guards in his heart) the things that are written in the Book of Revelation (1:3). We have another FREE chart that focuses in on things from today into eternity future. If you’re interested, ask for one.

Help. We’re here to assist those who would like to discover what God has said in His Word and how it relates to their everyday life. We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to tell others about this site. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” 

Clear Gospel. http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/the-gospel-audiobook/

“Living With A Goat?”

A man went to his rabbi one day to complain about his living conditions. “Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can I do?” After some thought the rabbi answered, “The last time I was at your house I noticed that you had a goat. I want you to bring it into the room to live with you.” The man couldn’t believe what the rabbi had said. “Do as I say and come back to see me in a week,” insisted the rabbi.

A week later the man came back looking more distraught. “We cannot stand it,” he told the rabbi. “The goat is filthy.”  The rabbi said, “Now, go home and let the goat out, and come back in a week.”

So the man did as he was told to do. When the week was up he came back to see the rabbi and exclaimed, “Life is beautiful. We enjoy every minute of it now that there’s no goat — only the nine of us.” – Source unknown.

Atheists. The worst possible moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank. When challenged, even one of the most notorious atheists, had to admit that he should really refer to himself as an agnostic – one who doesn’t know for sure if God exists or not. Not one of us, as human beings, has been everywhere in the universe or knows all things. We should not say with certainty, “There is no God.”  Only a fool would say such a thing (Psalm 14:1).

Evidence. There is a lot of evidence for the existence of God in nature (Psalms 19:1-6). Those who deliberately reject such evidence are allowed to degenerate morally and spiritually (Romans 1:18-32). But there is still hope for such people as long as they are alive on planet earth. Spiritual blindness includes: natural blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14), Satanic blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4), and judicial blindness (Romans 11:25). Being omnipotent (Revelation 1:8), God can lift these blinds, if He chooses to do so (Acts 16:14; John 6:37, 44).

Gospel. God leaves most Christians on earth for a time after He saves us. He gives us the opportunity to share the Good News with others. It is the power of God unto salvation for Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16). It is – “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). He can/will save anyone who will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior (Acts 16:31).

Gift. God the Father gave us an indescribable gift – the gift of His only begotten Son (John 3:16). He came to die for all of our sins…and rise again bodily from the dead so that God could offer to us deliverance from hell and enable us to enter heaven. Have you placed your faith in Him alone to save you? If not, why not now?

Help. We’re here to help those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to pass this on to someone else too. To receive future articles as them come out, click on “Follow.”

You may also want to read these articles:

“Forgive Me When I Whine” –  https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/forgive-me-when-i-whine/

“Trials Ltd.”

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/trails-ltd/

“In Times Like These”

Perhaps you’re among those who feel like the world is up-side-down and reeling out of control. Maybe you’re wondering why things are happening as they are now. Do you think that these words need to be repeated? “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away just from the righteous man!” Isaiah 5:20-23

Song. Perhaps you will agree with author Ruth Caye Jones who wrote: “In times like these, we need a Savior / In times like these, we need an anchor / Be very sure, be very sure / Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock. / This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the one / This Rock is Jesus, The only One / Be very sure, be very sure / Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.”

Ebenezer. In Hebrew, this name means “Rock of Help.” The Old Testament prophet Samuel gave this name to a stone that was set up in recognition of God’s assistance in the Jews defeating the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:12). With God on one’s side, there was/is victory over all kinds of enemies that would seek to bring the people of God down. What do you know about the Christian’s three spiritual enemies? How can a Christian be victorious over them?

Help. The Psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah…Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1-3; 10).

Atheists. Did you know that there are powerful people who want to dismiss God from everything in our lives? Some want to take the words, “In God We Trust” off our money. Don’t be surprised if it happens. Personally, I feel sorry for those who call themselves “Atheists.” Think about these things. An atheist is the fellow who shakes his fist and defies the God he claims doesn’t exist. He hopes the Lord will do nothing to disturb his disbelief. He has no one to thank when he feels grateful. He would really be much more honest to say that he was an agnostic who isn’t sure if God exists or not. The Psalmist wrote, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good” (Psalm 14:1).

Nature. From nature we can learn that there is a God who is all powerful (Romans 1:20-32). And yet there are those who don’t want to be accountable to Him. So they try to dismiss Him from their thinking. Because of this, God often gives such people over to do whatever they want to do for a short period of time until God puts an end to their foolish ways. Anyone who truly wants to learn more about the true and living God will be given the Good News concerning the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Is your faith resting in Him alone?

Believe. You have a choice to make. You can believe on Him as your personal Savior or you can reject Him. After His death and bodily resurrection, God the Father highly exalted Jesus. One day every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (i.e. God) to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

Questions. Do you know for sure that you would go immediately into God’s presence if you were to die today? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you think you’re saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would it be? What is the difference between assurance of salvation and eternal security?

Help. If you have questions/comments about this article, feel free to contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website for more information: www.kelseypeach.com.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

“An Attitude Of Gratitude” Part 2

This is what each of us can and should have at all times. Thanksgiving should result in “thanks living” or in a continual “attitude of gratitude” and a life that is given in service to God and others after we’ve received God’s gift of eternal life (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6 :10). Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than it is to receive” (Acts 20:35). Most of you who are parents and grandparents know this to be true. We enjoy giving gifts to our children and grandchildren and watching their responses when they open up their packages at Christmas time or on their birthdays.

Good Gifts. God has given and continues to give good gifts to us all the time. We’re told that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). God gives us physical life and health. He heals us of all our diseases (Psalm 103:3) except the last one which causes us to die physically (Hebrews 9:27). But, believe it or not, some day He will raise everyone from the dead, believers and unbelievers, each one in his or her own order (1 Corinthians 15 ). Do you know in which of the five resurrections you will be raised?

Nature. God has given to most of us the ability to enjoy the beauties of nature that are all around us. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handwork” (Psalm 19:1). Have you ever looked up at the stars at night and wondered about the universe in which we live and how it all came into being? The Scriptures tell us that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Not only did He create them, He also holds together the molecules that naturally want to push away from each other (Colossians 1:17). God’s handiwork can be seen in the beautiful sunsets, in the painted deserts, in the purple mountains, or in the rolling hills around us here in Paso Robles. As I look at them, I’m reminded of the words of the Psalmist who said, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1, 2).

Food. He sends the sunshine and the rain (once in awhile around here) on the just and the unjust ones (Matthew 5:45). He is the One who causes the crops to grow so we can sustain our lives. Question: Do you pause to thank God for your food before you eat it? I’m impressed when I see a few people doing this even in restaurants.

Thankful. Quite often I thank God for allowing my wife and me to live in such a beautiful city and country. We’ve traveled to many countries, but for me, there’s no place like home and the country in which we live. Do tears ever well up in your eyes as you sing “America The Beautiful” or our national anthem? I confess, it happens to me quite often. I love my country and I want it to be a great country where truth and justice prevail. I want the United States to be a model nation for others to follow. Is that your desire too?

Strength. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:23). To his fellow Jews, Moses said, “As your days, so shall your strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). To the philosophers in Athens the Apostle Paul said, “In [God] we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Greatest Gift. But the greatest gift that God the Father gave to humanity was the gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you can quote the words of John 3:16 which says, “For God [the Father] so loved the world [you and me] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Apostle Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God [the Father] for His indescribable gift” which is the Lord Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 9:15). The greatest gift that Jesus Christ gave to us humans was Himself. As Someone who had never sinned (Hebrews 4:15), He voluntarily laid  down His life as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins (acts of lawlessness).

Gospel. The Good News is that “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). The Apostle Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). He also wrote to the believers in Ephesus, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”(Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Eternal Life. God’s quality of life (eternal life) is made available to all mankind right now (1 John 5:11-13). Will you accept it by faith? Once you get it, you can’t lose it. Jesus said, “I give them [My sheep] eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand…or My Father’s hand” (John 10:28, 29). If you haven’t received it yet, will you accept it right now? The Apostle John wrote, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). If you have received God’s gift of eternal life by faith, will you share the Good News concerning Christ with others who need Him so desperately?

Help. If you’re not sure about your eternal destiny, and would like additional help, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We enjoy receiving comments from people all around the world as one person tells others about this site or they come across it “by accident” or “providentially.”

Read Part 1 –  https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/an-attitude-of-gratitude/