Uncategorized – Page 2 – Bible Treasures for Today

A Weary Soul in a Busy World

January 4, 2020January 3, 2020 by markjemilbooth, posted in Uncategorized

grayscale photo of people at market — Photo by Danilo Ugaddan on Pexels.com

Do you ever find times in your life when you feel like saying: “I need to wait for my soul to catch up with my body.” Our life is full of activity, and yet we experience emptiness and a great weariness of soul. God seems to be quite distant. We have lost the joy that we once had in Jesus Christ. What does the Word of God say? “For consider Him(Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:3)

A sure remedy of weariness of soul comes when we consider Jesus and keep our focus upon Him. There are many occasions in life when we need to “Consider Jesus.” As we “consider Him,” we will find the strength of the soul to carry on with our life.

1. Consider Jesus in times of temptation. Jesus understands our temptations. Jesus experienced temptation, and yet He stayed faithful to His Father. (Hebrews 2:18) As we “consider Jesus,” we will find His grace and strength helping us to overcome the temptation.

2. Consider Jesus in times of failure. Jesus never failed, and His compassion never fails. He restored Peter after his act of denial. (John 21:15-17). He will revive us if we come to Him in repentance and confession of our sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

3. Consider Jesus in times of fatigue. Jesus understands our fatigue because He experienced fatigue and hunger as He walked the earth. He gives His strength to our weary souls and bodies. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

4. Consider Jesus in times of spiritual dryness. Jesus alone can quench the thirst in our soul. “Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” (John 7:37)

5. Consider Jesus in times of loneliness. Jesus understands loneliness. He spent much time being alone. Also, when He was tried, convicted, beaten, and placed on the cross, He experienced loneliness. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

6. Consider Jesus in times of indecision. Amidst the many voices crying out to us, are we listening for his distinct, wise, and loving voice? He is our Good Shepherd who knows us by name and leads us in the way that we should go. (John 10:3)

As we walk this life, let us always “consider Jesus” in every path we take. He is there to bring rest, comfort, and direction to our weary soul.

Does Evil Still Exist?

January 3, 2020January 3, 2020 by markjemilbooth, posted in Uncategorized

What has happened to evil? We know that it is alive and well in the world around us, as well as in our hearts. However, people no longer consider anything as being evil. What is evil? Evil is living a life without God or rejecting what God says. God sees evil as boasting against all that He is and all that He does. “Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.” (Psalm 52:1)

Evil seems to be winning. We see this in the media, the realm of education, as well as our political system. People have changed the definition of evil. They define evil as not being tolerant of attitudes and behavior that are totally against God. People call evil good and good as being evil. We can quickly become discouraged amid the wave upon wave of evil that we see all around us and even in our hearts.

Is there any hope? Yes! Psalm 52 reminds us that the boasting of evil is only temporary; however, the goodness of God endures forever. We can always enjoy God’s goodness in the midst of all that may be happening around us. Evil does not have to overwhelm us. God’s goodness enables us to gain perspective and hope. God’s goodness will ultimately win out over evil. We need to focus upon God’s goodness amid this evil world, or else despair will rule over our lives.

“Dear Lord, I become discouraged when I see the evil around me and even within my own heart. I wonder why evil seems so bold and prevalent. People don’t care about your ways. They have chosen to go their way. As I read your Word, You remind me of the greatness of your goodness. Please keep my focus on your goodness as I live as a pilgrim in this wicked world. Amen”

A Prayer for 2020

January 1, 2020December 30, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Uncategorized

Malachi 3:6: The Canadian Rockies-Photo by Mark J. Booth

Dear Heavenly Father,
I live in a world that is continuously changing, yet you do not change. My circumstances may vary, but you do not change. My health may change, but you do not change. My financial situation may change, but you do not change. The people in my life may come and go, but you do not change.

Thank you, Father, for giving me the privilege to call you, Father. Thank you for the blessings of the past year. I experienced your mercy every day. Your Word brought direction, comfort, and conviction throughout the previous year. You blessed me by using my family and many other people who showed love and kindness towards me. You gave me strength when I was weak. You gave me wisdom when I was confused. Above all, I thank you for your love that I didn’t deserve.

Father, as I look forward to the New Year, I realize that I am facing the great unknown, but my unknown future is known to you. For this reason, I commit this New Year to you. Please help me to keep my eyes focused upon you.

Please guide me in every decision that I make. Help me to love my family and all those that you bring into my life. Please give me the strength, patience, and wisdom to bear any trial that may come my way. Could you help me to draw closer to you each day? Increase my faith because I often walk by sight and not by faith.

Thank you, Father, for your ears that are always open to my prayers. Take my life and let it be devoted to you. I commit my ever-changing life to you because you are my unchanging Father. Amen.

A New Year: A New Look at Life

December 30, 2019December 28, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Bible Study, Christian Life, Christian Worship, Contemporary Issues, Uncategorized

The year 2020 has arrived. Perhaps, we have already made some goals for our life. However, this is an excellent opportunity to take an inventory of our spiritual lives.

God says in Haggai 1:5: “Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.”God’s people had returned to their land, but they had neglected to rebuild the temple. The people placed God on the back burner of their lives. Their priority was building their own lives without any thought of God.

Today, we often neglect our spiritual lives because we become preoccupied with all the activities in this world. Like the Israelites, have we neglected to take an inventory of our relationship with God?

The word “consider” means to note thoroughly, to perceive clearly, to think deeply. This word is used sixty-six times in the Bible. Why does God place such a priority on this word? Is it because He knows that we have the habit of keeping busy so that we don’t take the time to consider our walk with Him? Here are some questions to help begin an inventory of our spiritual lives.

1. Do I know God? “That I may know Him.” (Philippians 3:10) These words show Paul’s great desire to know the Lord in a personal way. He didn’t just want to know about God but to know Him as His Father, Lord, and Friend. Will we sacrifice our time and effort so that we can know God better?

2. Do I know myself? “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” (Psalm 139:23)We often find it difficult to allow God to search every aspect of our lives. We tend to excuse our sins and follies. God sees all and knows all. His examination not only shows us our sins and failures but also the way to move forward in 2020.

3. Do I use my time wisely? “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) Time is a gift that we often waste on matters that are not very important. Do we sacrifice the important things in life for the urgent? Time is a gift that we can invest in those things that promote our spiritual well-being.

4. Do I encourage those around me? We often focus upon our own lives, and we forget the impact that our lives have upon other people. One of my favorite Bible characters is Barnabas. He was a man who was always encouraging others.

He encouraged others by his example. (Acts 4:36-37)
He encouraged others with his friendship. (Acts 9:26-27)
He encouraged others with his words. (Acts 9:23)
He encouraged others by giving them a second chance. (Acts 15: 35-41)

5. Do I glorify God in all that I do? The highest purpose of our life is to bring glory to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) God desires us to bring glory to Him in all that we do. Do we glorify God in our thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions? De, we honor God in our family? Do we glorify God at work or at school? Do we glorify God with our plans and goals in life?

“Dear Heavenly Father, I am entering a new year. I need to consider my ways as I look forward to 2020. Please help me to know you more intimately. Guide me as to the use of my time. Use me to encourage the people you bring into my life. Above all, I want to glorify you in all that I am and do. Thank you for the blessings of 2019. Thank you for continuing your work in and through my life. Amen”

Finding Love in an Angry World

December 28, 2019December 27, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Bible Study, Christian Life, God, Joy, Uncategorized

Where can we find love and mercy in this world filled with selfishness and bitterness? The Psalmist David found the answer! “I trust in the mercy (lovingkindness) of God forever and ever.” (Psalm 52:8)

God’s love is a breath of fresh air in a world of insensitivity, anger, and a lack of compassion. God’s mercy never ends. His love carries us through the hurts, pain, and hatred that is all around us. His mercy is like a plane that flies above the storm. With His loving hand, God can lift us above the animosity within the world. Will we take His hand, today?

“Dear Heavenly Father, we need to focus on your love and mercy in this world that has turned its back on you. We see the selfishness, anger, and bitterness all around us, yet we know that your love and mercy never end. Please help us to share your lovingkindness and mercy with others who need you. Amen”

OVERWHELMED!

December 27, 2019December 19, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Bible Study, Christian Life, Christian Worship, God's Attributes, Uncategorized

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all sorts of negative thoughts about yourself, people, your situation, and even your relationship with God? These thoughts can bring about depression, anxiety, and fear. What does God say to us when we are feeling overwhelmed? “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, THY COMFORTS DELIGHT MY SOUL.” (Psalm 94:19)

God, with His loving arms, says to us: “Come unto me, I will bring my comfort unto you and bring delight to your innermost being.” When God’s comfort enters into our lives, the negative thoughts will be turned inside out into positive and comforting thoughts focused upon Him.

“Dear Lord, you understand how life seems overwhelming to me. I can’t cope with everything that comes my way. However, your comfort carries me through these times and brings joy out of depression. You also bring peace out of anxiety. I thank you that you are always available with your loving arms outstretched to me. Amen”

Christmas Thoughts for Today

December 24, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Uncategorized

Bennett Park, Charlotte, MI Photo by Mark J Booth

Merry Christmas to all of you who subscribe to my blog or read my posts. May each of you enjoy this special time of year with family and loved ones.

As we think about this time of year, we can’t forget the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are three thoughts that I pray would be a blessing to those who read them.

1. Do not fear God’s plan for your life. Embrace it! God does know what He is doing. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30)

2. Do not ever limit what God can do with your life. What may seem insignificant to man is very significant to God. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) In the birth of Jesus, God used 1) an insignificant young woman (Mary), 2) an insignificant object (a manger), 3) an insignificant city (Bethlehem) 4) an insignificant nation (Israel). God wants to use each of us “insignificant” people for His purposes and His Glory. Can we say: “Here, am I, Lord, use me.”?

3. Do not forget the One who was born in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Jesus is our Saviour, Messiah, and Lord. Many people forget who is the baby in the manger. Let us not be one of them.

“Dear Lord
Help me to see beyond the lights of Christmas and see you, the Light of the World.
Help me to see beyond the gifts of Christmas and see you, the Gift from God the Father.
Help me to see beyond the food of Christmas and see you, the Bread of Life.
Help me to see beyond the activity of Christmas and see you, the Rest of my Soul. Amen”

Have We Lost the Wonder of Jesus?

December 23, 2019December 23, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Bible Study, Christian Life, Christian Worship, Prayer, Uncategorized

71726_146294305417437_3810787_n — The Canadian Rockies-Photo by: Mark J Booth

Christmas in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1983, was quite different for our family of three. I had always been accustomed to cold weather and snow in Michigan. In Johannesburg, it was the middle of the summer. What could we do with our toddler? We ventured out one evening to nearby Joubert Park to see the annual Christmas displays. We were surprised that the displays had nothing to do with Christmas. Each display depicted a fairy tale story. What did the Three Blind Mice and Little Jack Horner have to do with Christmas? Where was Jesus in the manger? Where was the Christmas music? Finally, in a quiet corner, we found the manger scene lost amid the fairy tales.

Today, those displays remind me of how easy it is to forget Jesus amid all the activity, lights, music, and shopping of the season. We may give Jesus a little corner of our lives as the baby in Bethlehem, but are we willing to allow Him to rule in our hearts and lives?

Seven hundred years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah prophesied concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. He not only spoke of His birth but revealed the character of the coming Deliverer of Israel. These words are quite well-known, yet do we know the meaning of this description of Jesus? “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

This description of Christ creates a spirit of prayer, worship, and praise unto Jesus. Yes, He came to earth as a baby, but He is unique. He is God in the flesh. Do we take the opportunity to pray, honor, and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will you join me in the following prayers based on the greatness of the baby in the manger.

“And His Name Shall be Called:

Wonderful-“Dear Lord Jesus, As I read the Bible, I often treat it as a textbook from which to learn the truth. I can lose the wonder of being in your presence. I can lose the wonder of all that you have done in my life. Please restore the wonder of your birth, life, death, and resurrection in my life. With wonder comes true worship. You are worthy. Amen”
Counsellor-“Lord, you are always there to guide me. When I don’t know what to do, you show me the way. When I need to pour out my heart to someone, you are always ready to listen. Thank you for being my counselor always and in every situation. You are truly the All-Wise God! Amen”
The mighty God-“Dear Lord, I often find myself trying to live the Christian life without you. I try to deal with life’s difficulties on my own. I forget that you are all-powerful and that nothing is too hard for you. Please help me to lean upon your all-powerful arms. Please enable me to trust you in every situation and to remember that nothing is impossible with you. Thank you for your patience on my behalf. Thank you that you are the mighty fortress to whom I may always flee. Amen”
The Everlasting Father-“Dear Lord, because you are the Father of Eternity, you are always with me. You love, protect, and provide for me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Help me to love you even in a small way as you love me. Please help me to learn at your feet and be quick to obey you. Thank you that I can call out to you as My Heavenly Father, and you always answer! Amen”
The Prince of Peace-“Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for me so that I may have peace with you! I also thank you that when I cast my cares upon you, I may also experience your peace every day. Please work in the hearts of the many people who don’t know you as THE PRINCE OF PEACE. Amen.

This time of year is an excellent opportunity to renew our wonder of the attributes and works of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Jesus is more than the Babe in the manger. He is the Savior of the World and the Lord of our lives. Let’s do more than to keep in Christ in Christmas. Let’s keep Christ in the center of our lives.

Bad Tidings in the Season of Good Tidings

December 21, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Bible Study, Christian Life, Christian Worship, God's Attributes, Uncategorized

430847_4352389606245_1178711093_n — Storm brewing over Downriver Area of Metro Detroit.

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:7)

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” is a Christmas Carol that people sang since the 16th century in England. It is a song of joy as expressed in the words: “Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” However, not everybody receives good tidings during this time of year. We still face trials, sorrow, and pain. We may feel a great sense of loneliness. Yes, evil tidings don’t stop during this time of year: however, there is good news from God.

In the Bible, we see many people who triumphed over the evil tidings in their lives. Joseph overcame many evil tidings, including betrayal, slavery, and prison, to become the prime minister of Egypt. Ruth overcame the evil tidings of the death of her husband and living in poverty. She would soon marry Boaz and become the great-grandmother of King David.

God gives us his Word to encourage us as we face the evil tidings of life that may come our way. Every day, “bad news” can surprise us. We don’t ask for it, but it is a package delivered to the doorway of our lives. How can we triumph even amid heartbreaking news? Psalm 112:7 gives us an answer to this question.

Typically, our first response to bad news is to be afraid or fearful. Fear paralyzes us. It causes us to focus on the bad news instead of our Great God. God tells us that we do not have to be afraid of the “evil tidings” that enter into our life. God knows that fear will keep us from seeing Him. Fear causes us to doubt the goodness and the power of God. For this reason, God gives us many verses that command us to “fear not.”

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob,and he that formed thee, O Israel, FEAR NOT: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
” FEAR THOU NOT; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID.” (John 14:27)

When fear departs amid the bad news, then we can do the next step in facing our bad news. We now can “fix our heart” upon the Lord. Our bad news is an opportunity to focus on God. We can focus upon all of His attributes and promises. When we fix our hearts upon the Lord, it may not change our circumstances, but it will change how we face our situations. We will understand with the Apostle Paul that God’s grace is sufficient for the “evil tidings” that may come in our life.

Once fear has departed, and we have fixed our heart upon the Lord, then we can have faith in Him. Faith is responding to all that we know about God. The more we know the Lord, the more we will be able to trust Him. True faith knows that God will never leave us, nor forsake us regardless of the “bad news” that may come our way. His love is unchanging. He loves us with an “everlasting love.”. Faith in our Lord will dispel any fear in our life. It will enable us to bear whatever “bad news” that comes our way.

In summary, when we receive bad news, Psalm 112: 7 tells us three ways to respond to the “evil tidings.”

Do not allow fear to dominate our thoughts and actions.
Fix our hearts upon the Lord. Let our thoughts focus on the Lord.
Place our faith in the Lord. He will carry us as we face the “bad news’ in our life.

When “evil tidings” enter, God has a way of turning those evil tidings into an opportunity to see Him work in our lives. God will turn those “evil tidings” into “good tidings” that will draw us closer to Him, and bring glory to His name.

“Dear Lord, the news that I receive is not always positive. I see people who are suffering. I visit those who have marital problems. I talk with those who have a loved one who is dying. I see people who have turned away from you. I also face difficulties from time to time in my life. I tend to meet the bad news with fear. Help me to turn my eyes off the “bad news” and fix my heart upon you. Please, increase my faith. Help me to believe that you will take this “bad news” and make it into a blessing. Thank you for your excellent plan for my life. Amen”

Forgetting God in a Busy World

December 19, 2019December 17, 2019 by markjemilbooth, posted in Bible Study, Christian Life, Christian Servants, God's Attributes, Uncategorized

With all of our activities, worries, and work, we can find it quite easy to forget what is most important in our lives. We are focusing on the minors and ignoring the primary purpose for our lives. Majoring on the minor things does not just happen today, but it happened in the lives of God’s people in the Old Testament. Jeremiah made this clear: ” (Jeremiah 2:32)

Why do we allow activities to crowd God out of our lives? Many times we are not even conscious of God’s absence. Each day passes, and God becomes more and more distant. How do we return to God?

Our return to God begins with God. He will often bring things into our lives that will humble us and make us see our need for God once again. He breaks us to remake us. God always has His hands wide open, saying: “Come back to me.” Will we?

“Dear Lord, we get so busy doing many things that we find it easy to forget you. We don’t want to forget you, but it just happens. Thank you for your patience with us. Please help us to return to you with a heart of humility and love.