A Good Name

Pro 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. KJB

What We Miss

Too many people miss the silver lining because they are expecting gold.

GOLD TO GIVE AWAY

HEBREW HONEYCOMB

William Andrew Dillard
GOLD TO GIVE AWAY
There are few verbal equals at arresting attention than the word “Gold.” Gold is considered the ultimate in precious metals, and highly desired for jewelry, dental work, reliable mechanical function, artwork, and a number of other uses where durability, dependability, and functionality are important, but most of all it represents wealth. When standards are referenced, it is the “gold standard” that is prized most. Some people refer to retirement years as the “golden” years. Certainly, the most desirable metal of the Olympics is the gold one, designating the, ultimate winner. But, there are other things of great value referred to as “gold.” Think about it!
The substance of the New Jerusalem, the permanent home of the saints for all eternity, is referred to as made of gold. Moreover, the faithful work of God’s people that will survive the fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ Jesus is referred to as gold, silver and precious stones. I Cor. 3:9-16. Their reward will be great!
Perhaps all of this is meant to underscores the extreme value of what is ours in the here and now to give away. It is what Solomon said in Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Without doubt, this is the gold most presently and acutely needed in a world of failures, dross, and discouragement. An encouraging word, not useless flattery, is so golden. It reaches the heart, and gives heart in a time when it is needed most.
To someone drowning in discouragement; to someone looking for a way up; to someone who is worn down with health, financial, even spiritual problems, a word fitly spoken is as pure gold in a picture of silver. The most wonderful thing about this is we all have a virtual bottomless vault of such apples of gold to share, and having shared them no shortage is realized, rather, wealth is increased in the sharing.
So, what is holding you back from being helped by helping others with these apples of gold in pictures of silver? Whatever it is, it is an impoverishing agent both to self and to others. Since we cannot bankrupt our supply of “golden apples,” ought we not to give as many away as opportunity presents? So, “God bless you, my friends” you are made in the very image of Almighty God. You are so important, and the very Creator has plans for great good for you, all who trust Him, and follow Him. He has made it possible for you to do this, and to be an ambassador of His, giving away God’s great bounty to us all: words fitly spoken: apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Solomon said, “As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”

Achan’s Temptations

Joshua 7:20, 21
“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it,” Joshua 7:21.
As the children of Israel began to take the Promised Land, their first major conquest was the city of Jericho. God ordered Joshua to destroy the entire city, except for Rahab and her home and to devote all the gold, silver and vessels of bronze and iron to Him. Once God brought the walls of Jericho down, everything seemed to go according to God’s plan. Victory was enjoyed by all, and Joshua led the people to the next conquest—Ai. The conquest of Ai was not successful, however, and it was soon discovered that someone had been disobedient to God’s orders and had stolen what was rightfully God’s. That someone was Achan.
In the chaos of Jericho’s destruction, Achan stumbled upon an opportunity to make himself wealthy which he simply could not resist. What he stole was equivalent to a year’s wages, and it seemed nobody else knew about it. God knew, though, and the entire nation suffered because of one man giving in to temptation.
Do you find it difficult to resist temptations brought on by greed? The story of Achan is a great reminder that, when we give in to temptations, our families and communities will suffer as a result. The next time you are tempted to take something that is not yours, consider the ramifications that fostering a culture of stealing would create. Remember: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6).

JUST A THOUGHT
Will you be content today?
Mark Clements

Redeemed by His Blood

 

1 Peter 1:18, 19

 

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers,” 1 Peter 1:18.

 

 

Recently, research has been done into how much of a difference parental financial involvement during college makes when it comes to a student’s academic achievement. The results might surprise you. Researcher Laura Hamilton (University of California—Merced) discovered that the more parental aid given to the student, the lower the student’s GPA. Conversely, the more students must sacrifice to pay for their own college, the better their grades. The research seems to follow a principle Jesus taught in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

 

We all go through moments in which we may forget the significance and power of being called the children of God. From time to time, we may treat sin with nonchalance or disregard the commands of God in pursuit of our own desires. It is in these moments when we need to be reminded of the high price that was paid for our salvation. God did not simply collect a sum of money to purchase us. He moved Heaven and earth, setting up His Son from before time began, to spill His blood on Calvary to purchase us. We enjoy the blessings and benefits that come from being children of God because Jesus was willing to lay His life down, becoming the sacrificial lamb who was executed for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus bought us with His blood. If we ever stop treasuring Christ, our hearts will begin to drift far from Him.

 

 

JUST A THOUGHT – Will you treasure Christ today?

 

Mark Clements

 

 

331 – Nov. 27 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

331 – Nov. 27 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

Soetgen… sealed her profession of faith with her own blood

November 27, 1560 – Soetgen vanden Houte, sealed her profession of faith with her own blood in the city of Ghent in Belgium. Soetgen, a godly woman fell into the hands of the same persecutors that her husband had fallen into previously, and now she was left a widow with three children. Just prior to her death, Soetgen left a testament to her children: This is a portion of that testament. “In the name of the Lord: Grace, peace and mercy from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, be to you, my dear children…To you, David, Betgen, and Tanneken, written by your mother in bonds, to put you in mind of the truth, to which I hope to testify by word and by death, by the help of the Almighty, and as an example to you. May the wisdom of the Holy Spirit instruct and strengthen you, that you may be nurtured in the ways of the Lord. Amen. Further my dear children, since it is pleasing to the Lord to take me out of the world, I will leave you a memento, not of silver of gold, for such jewels are perishable. I would fain inscribe a jewel in your heart were it possible-the word of truth. Thus I will a little teach you by the Word of the Lord, with my best wishes, according to the small ability I have received of the Lord, and in my simplicity,” At this point she began to exhort them to fear the Lord. Soetgen concluded by saying, “Oh! My dear children, I have written this with tears, admonishing you from love, praying for you with a fervent heart, that if it were possible, you may be found among that number (the redeemed). When your father was taken from me I did not spare myself, day or night, to bring you up… After commending the children to her family and to the Lord, Soetgen concluded her letter and was soon reunited with her husband in the presence of the Lord.

Dr. Greg J. Dixon from: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins /Thompson /, pp. 494-95.