Monthly Archives: November 2013

“And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison” (Genesis 39:20).

CorrieTenBoomJoseph was hated and abused by his brothers. He was sold by them as a slave and taken to Egypt. He was then accused of a crime he didn’t commit and was thrown into prison. We could separate each of these incidents in Joseph’s life and surmise that doing right doesn’t pay – after all, look at what happened to Joseph!

But God wants us by faith to see the bigger picture. God was at work through these circumstances in Joseph’s life. If Joseph had just focused on these events as isolated incidents – with no connection and no real purpose – it would have been very easy for him to become bitter. But Joseph saw God’s sovereign hand at work; and he was able to say to his brothers many years later, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

We could look at the seemingly isolated incidents in our own lives and have a totally wrong response. We could become angry and bitter if someone offends or wrongs us. We could become anxious or depressed as a result of some bad news or changing circumstances.

But God wants us by faith to see the bigger picture – to understand that He is in total control and that ultimately God writes the last chapter.

Corrie Ten Boom would often show a piece of her embroidery work to illustrate God’s sovereign plan. From the underside the pattern was unrecognizable – a collection of tangled threads and indiscriminate colors. But when viewed from above, the pattern was clear and defined. A few years ago, we visited Corrie’s family home in the Netherlands. A piece of her embroidery was on display and attached were the following words:

My life is but a weaving between my God and me,
I do not choose the colours, He works so steadily.
Oft times He weaves in sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
forget He sees the upper and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent, and the shuttle cease to fly,
will God unroll the canvas, and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the Weavers skilful hand,
as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

There are many reasons why Christians should be thankful; but sometimes we can be so caught up in our material blessings that we miss what should be the most significant object of our gratitude.

Paul had his priorities right when he said, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Paul was so overcome with gratefulness that he couldn’t even put his thoughts into words.

Of all the gifts that God has given us, of all the blessings He has showered upon us, there is none greater and there is none more deserving of our gratitude than the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything else pales into insignificance when compared with the holy, sinless Son of God.

There’s good reason for us to be thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Without Christ we have a sentence of death hanging over all our heads for “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Without Christ there is no salvation “…for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Without Christ there is no other way to the Father because Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

Without Christ we are “…aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). That is the awful condition of the man or woman without Christ today.

Yes, it’s right and proper to be thankful for the material blessings we enjoy; but let’s put them in proper perspective. The hymn writer reminds us:

“There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin;
He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in.”

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

TurtleThe author, Alex Haley, had an unusual picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post. When asked, about the picture, Haley answered, “Every time I write something significant, every time I read my words and think that they are wonderful, and begin to feel proud of myself, I look at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own. He had help.”

A respected businessman was asked the secret of his success. “Three things contributed to my success,” said the man. “First, I always treated people fairly. Second, I always offered a fair price. And third, my Aunt Edna died a few years back and left me two and a half million dollars.”

Both of these stories reveal the basis for gratefulness – remembering that everything we call our own is only what we have been given by God and others.

One definition states that gratefulness is “Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.”

When you sit down and really think about it, there are a multitude of people who have contributed to our success – family members, pastors, teachers, and friends. Let’s not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and let’s demonstrate genuine gratefulness to the Lord and to those who truly deserve it.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“…I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed” (Psalm 77:3).

A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first ten years his superior called him in and asked, “Do you have anything to say?” The monk replied, “Food bad.” After another ten years the monk again had opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, “Bed hard.” Another ten years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, “I quit.” “It doesn’t surprise me a bit,” said his superior, “You’ve done nothing but complain ever since you got here.”

A characteristic of ungratefulness is murmuring and complaining.

One author writes “There is a ’secret to happiness,’ and it is gratitude. All happy people are grateful, and ungrateful people cannot be happy. We tend to think that it is being unhappy that leads people to complain, but it is truer to say that it is complaining that leads to people becoming unhappy. Become grateful and you will become a much happier person.”

Another author says, “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain. Complaining doesn’t change anything or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord, and can invoke an invitation for the devil to cause havoc with our lives.”

Complaining makes us miserable.

Paul exhorts us to “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

While Corrie Ten Boom was living in a German concentration camp, her entire body became infested with lice, making a bad situation even worse. She was complaining about it one day when her sister reminded her of the Bible verse that says “In everything give thanks,” and she challenged Corrie to give thanks for the lice. Corrie responded, “How can I give thanks to God for lice?” But she made a choice to offer thanks for the lice anyway. Later, she found out that the lice had actually protected her from the assaults of the German soldiers.

Gratefulness is a choice, not an emotion. As Christians, we can choose to be grateful because we know that each situation that we face has been allowed by God to accomplish His purposes. There’s not one thing that happens in your life or mine without the knowledge and permission of a Sovereign God Who has everything under control (Romans 8:28-29).

Joseph grew up in a home where he was hated by his older brothers. They abused him and sold him as a slave and he was taken into Egypt. The brothers lied to their father telling him that they had found Joseph’s coat covered in blood and that he must have been attacked and killed by a wild animal.

Meanwhile, back in Egypt, Joseph was accused of a crime he didn’t commit and was thrown into prison and forgotten about.

But God didn’t forget. Years later, God supernaturally transformed Joseph’s circumstances and brought him into the position of second in command over Egypt. God then providentially arranges a meeting between Joseph and his brothers; and as Joseph identifies himself to his brothers, they begin to panic. They’re fearful that Joseph will return evil for evil.

But Joseph surprises them and says, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph was able to look at the tragic events of his own life and see that God was using them to accomplish His plan and His purpose.

We can choose to give thanks in every situation believing by faith that God is in control and that He is using our circumstances for our ultimate good and His ultimate glory!

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).

By the time a child turns thirteen years of age, he has already made three important decisions which – apart from the grace of God – will affect him for the rest of his life.

One of those decisions is his attitude toward authority. Will he respond to authority or will he react in opposition against authority? Having the right response toward authority is critical for success in life. Paul tells us to honor those that God has placed in authority over us “…that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3). Do you know any young people and things aren’t going well for them? Many times their problems and difficulties can be traced back to their wrong response towards authority.

A second decision is what kind of friends he will have. Will he choose friends that will encourage him to do the right thing or will he choose friends that will lead him in the wrong direction? Proverbs 13:20 tells us the consequences of making a right or a wrong decision in this area – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

The third decision that a child has made by the age of thirteen is whether he will be a giver or a taker in life. An energy-giver is someone you like to be around. But an energy-taker is someone who drains you of emotional and physical energy. An energy giver…
• is quick to serve others
• is quick to see his own faults and failures
• is positive and encouraging
• is involved in the lives of others
• is quick to ask forgiveness when wrong
But an energy taker…
• waits on others to serve him
• points out the faults in others
• is negative and critical
• can only think about his own problems
• refuses to admit when he is wrong

These are three critically important decisions each of our children will make. Evaluate where each of your children are at in each of these significant areas. It is never too early to get involved in their lives and guide them towards making wise decisions that will bring God’s blessing.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Children are not naturally inclined to follow God’s Ways. You don’t have to teach children how to steal, cheat, lie or how to be disobedient. That comes naturally for all children. But you do need to teach them how to be truthful, how to respect authority, how to show kindness and forgiveness, and how to love and worship God.

Before they can apply and live out these ideals, they need to be taught them. Now that’s the responsibility of every Sunday School teacher and youth group leader. But it’s also the responsibility of every parent.

If God has blessed you with children, then He has given you the responsibility of teaching and instructing them in the ways of God. It’s not the primary responsibility of the church, youth leader, or pastor to lead your children to faith in Christ – it’s the responsibility of the Christian home!

Sometimes I fear we can be so eloquent in reaching out to others – yet by our words and actions and our attitudes at home, we literally drive our children away from God.

If the only time your children see you with an open Bible is on a Sunday morning at church and never or rarely in your home, they’re going to grow up with the idea that God’s Word isn’t all that important after all.

When your children ask you questions about life, don’t just give them your pat answers. Take them to the Word of God. Show them that the ultimate authority for life on any subject is not Hollywood, not their teachers at school, and it’s certainly not their peers.

There is a lot more to training up a child than simply taking them to church and Sunday school each week.

Could I encourage you – if you are not spending regular time together with your family around the Word of God then you are missing out on one of the most effective ways to pass on your faith to your children.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Scripture stresses the importance of parents teaching the principles of God’s Word to their children through the daily reading and instruction of God’s Word. This is primarily the responsibility of the Christian home – not the church or Sunday school.

When a father spends time with his family each day around God’s Word, it will make a lasting impact in the lives of the children. When they see their father excited about God’s Word they get excited about it too. As they begin each day in the Word of God, it starts to become a part of their life and influences their thinking and their actions. They begin to see life from God’s perspective, and are much more likely to detect Satan’s lies and avoid the pitfalls of his deception.

Fathers, we need to pass on to our children Scriptural convictions and not just preferences. Preferences can change depending upon the circumstances, but convictions never change. Spending daily time together around the Bible provides a time and place for a father to share and pass on his Scriptural convictions to his children.

Consistency matters more than quantity. Even if it is just for a few minutes each day, a child needs to know that his father has an unshakable confidence in the Word of God.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

familyworshipScripture stresses the importance of parents teaching the principles of God’s Word to their children through the daily reading and instruction of God’s Word.  This is primarily the responsibility of the Christian home – not the church or Sunday school.

Two of the great Biblical examples of this principle are Lois and Eunice – the grandmother and mother of Timothy. It appears that Timothy had been abandoned by his father, but these Godly women made a difference. Paul remarks how that the diligent application of this principle was instrumental in Timothy coming to faith in Christ at an early age – “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 3:15).

Parents, there are many things you can do for your children, but there is nothing that you can do for them that is more important than spending time with them in the Word of God and building God’s ways into their young lives.

I can’t over-emphasize the importance of this principle of spending daily time together in God’s Word as a family. It is absolutely critical! Scripture repeats it time and time again…

  • “…that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:10). 

  • “And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 11:19). 
  • “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.  For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children” (Psalm 78:4-6). 
  • “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). 

Don’t neglect this important responsibility as a parent. It will pay eternal dividends in the lives of your sons and daughters!

Morris Hull

Home Life Ministries

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“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

thinkingSpiritual warfare isn’t limited to the mission field. It takes place every single day in your life and in mine. The battleground is the mind. That’s why Paul says that we are to take captive “…every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

What we think about will have far reaching implications into each area of our lives including our health, our relationships with others, and our walk with God.

If we are constantly thinking about the people that have wronged us in the past then we will become bitter and become just like them in attitude – because we are continually being shaped to the object of our focus.

If we dwell on our circumstances and allow our mind to consider every possible negative outcome, we will become anxious and discouraged.

Paul provides us with a list of things to wrap our minds around in Philippians 4:8 – but what could he be talking about? There is an interesting correlation between Paul’s admonition and David’s description of the Word of God in Psalm 19:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9).

Do you see the connection? God’s Word needs to be our focus. Reject those thoughts that the enemy brings to your mind that do not line up with the teachings of Scripture. Its Truth is like an anchor that keeps us steady during the changing circumstances and storms of life.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“… And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5).

From the very beginning the Jewish day began at sundown – in the evening, not midnight. This would be especially noticeable if you were to visit Israel even today during their regular weekly Sabbath. All of the Jewish places of business would shut down on Friday evening before sunset as families made preparation to welcome and celebrate the new Sabbath.

This has implications for us even today – particularly with regard to our thought life.

When someone wakes up grouchy or irritable, we use the expression that he got out of bed on the wrong side; but it would be more accurate to say that he got in to bed on the wrong side – because the last thing you think about at night before you go to sleep is usually the first thing you think about the next morning when you awake.

If we allow our mind to focus on our circumstances or perhaps even worrying about things that haven’t yet happened – we give Satan an opportunity to cause us to be overwhelmed and discouraged.

David said, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches” (Psalm 63:5-6). David knew the importance of dwelling on the Truth of God’s Word and the constancy of God’s character.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a Roman prison. Added to that, there was the uncertainty that at any moment a Roman soldier could take his life. From a human perspective, Paul had ample reason to be discouraged and anxious. But there is not a trace of discouragement in the whole epistle. Paul too had learned the key to overcoming discouragement and he writes: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him…but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

David was facing a crisis. He was unaware that in just a few short days God would intervene and he would finally be established as King over Israel.

Satan often brings to us the most intense discouragements just before God is about to intervene and bring blessing. That’s why Paul says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

There are at least two ways we can learn from David to encourage our hearts in the Lord during times of discouragement.

First, spend more time reading God’s Word – especially the book of Psalms. David wrote many of the Psalms in the midst of overwhelming and discouraging circumstances. They serve to return our focus to God where His mercy and sovereignty are recurring themes throughout the Book.

During my first year as a pastor, a member of our congregation was terminally ill in hospital. On one particular occasion when I went to visit him, he was troubled and discouraged, and nothing the hospital staff would do could calm him down. Not knowing what else to do, I started reading to him from the Psalms and the result was astounding. Even the hospital staff were amazed at how the reading of God’s Word had such a powerful, calming effect upon this man’s spirit.

Second, meditate on God’s Truth each night as you go to sleep. It is often at night that we are faced with the most intense discouragement. David said, “…my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches” (Psalm 63:5-6).

Discouragement comes as a result of believing Satan’s lies. Focus instead upon the Truth of God’s Word. Dwell and meditate upon a specific verse or passage that counteracts the lie from the enemy.

Faithful reading and meditation upon God’s Word can bring peace and joy during our times of greatest discouragement.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

One of the characteristics of our day is a prevalent attitude of ungratefulness. Ungratefulness has a tendency to breed discouragement in the life of a Christian.

That’s why – particularly during times of discouragement – it is critically important for us to recall God’s blessings to us and to thank Him for what He has done. The old familiar hymn by J. Oatman reaffirms this truth. He wrote:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest toss’d,
When you are discouraged, think all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

When King Jehoshaphat and his army were surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered by the enemy soldiers, he came up with an unforeseen strategy that routed the enemy.

“…he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

There is spiritual power over the enemy in audibly praising God.

If you are going through a time of discouragement, don’t give-in to those negative destructive thoughts from the enemy. Recall God’s goodness and blessings, and give Him thanks!

Paul says “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Often when we begin to experience pressure or problems – especially in our marriage – our natural reaction is “How can I get out of this?” We look for an easy way out and completely miss the spiritual lessons and benefits God wants us to learn.

Our first response to adversity should not be to try andremove it, but to ask the Lord to show us His purpose in allowing it. There are many benefits that God wants us to learn through suffering, but we will only experience them as we respond Biblically and with the right heart attitude.

Adversity is God’s way of demonstrating the sufficiency of Christ.

Richard Wurmbrand tells the story of a Russian Army captain who put a gun to the head of a pastor and told him to denounce Christ or he would be shot. The pastor told him that he would never deny his Savior. The captain threw his gun on the floor and embraced the man of God. “It is true!” he cried. “It is true. I believe so, too, but I could not be sure men would die for this belief until I found it out for myself. Oh, thank you! …Now I too can die for Christ.”

If we follow our own human reasoning and try to get out from under the pressure of adversity and trials, the world will never understand that Jesus Christ is truly sufficient for any situation. When Christians divorce and churches split because of our selfishness and pride, we damage God’s name and His reputation, and we fail to demonstrate the sufficiency of Christ.

The little neighbor boy watched intently as the pastor put the finishing touches to an outdoor project. Thinking that the little boy was mesmerized with his woodworking skills he asked, “Are you watching me to see a job well done?” “No,” said the little boy, “I’m waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”

The world is watching – and so are your children. They are watching and they are learning from how you respond to adversity and trials. Are you teaching them that Jesus Christ is truly sufficient?

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Often when we begin to experience pressure or problems – especially in our marriage – our natural reaction is “How can I get out of this?” We look for an easy way out and completely miss the spiritual lessons and benefits God wants us to learn.

Our first response to adversity should not be to try andremove it, but to ask the Lord to show us His purpose in allowing it. There are many benefits that God wants us to learn through suffering, but we will only experience them as we respond Biblically and with the right heart attitude.

Adversity is often a signal to re-evaluate our priorities.

Having the wrong priorities can have devastating consequences – not only upon our lives, but also upon the lives of those we love the most.

Our greatest priority is our relationship with Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33; Mark 12:28-30). Making sure that this is indeed our first priority involves spending time in the Word of God, regular self-examination, and the realization that God’s chief purpose is the transformation of our character.

When this priority is neglected, those closest to us begin to notice. When we neglect to spend personal time in the Word of God, not only do we fail to provide a spiritual example to our family, but we also make ourselves more vulnerable to temptation.

The Bible is also clear that our marriage and the needs of our family should take precedence over our ministry or vocation. In fact, a Godly marriage and family form the basic credentials for a successful ministry (Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). The rebellion of the eldest son of a pastor, caused him to re-evaluate his priorities and spend more time with his younger children.

I have met and talked with many Christian workers and missionaries who were successful in winning others to Christ but in the process have lost their most valuable asset – their family – because of misplaced priorities. You need to be a better husband and dad than you are a businessman or a church leader. You need to be a better wife and mother than you are at anything else.

Adversity in your marriage and in your family may be God’s call to re-evaluate your priorities.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Often when we begin to experience pressure or problems – especially in our marriage – our natural reaction is “How can I get out of this?” We look for an easy way out and completely miss the spiritual lessons and benefits God wants us to learn.

Our first response to adversity should not be to try and remove it, but to ask the Lord to show us His purpose in allowing it. There are many benefits that God wants us to learn through suffering, but we will only experience them as we respond Biblically and with the right heart attitude.

Adversity is often God’s call for self-examination.

God has arranged a regular time for self-examination to take place among God’s people as we prepare for the ordinance of communion.

There are two major purposes for communion. It is to be a solemn time of reflection as we consider the suffering and death of our Savior. But it is also to be an introspective time of self-examination as we prepare our hearts. It is a time for confessing and repenting of sin.

As Paul was giving directions for the observance of the Lord’s Supper, he said, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:28-30).

If we refuse to deal with unconfessed sin and ignore these times for self-examination, God may bring along sickness or other forms of adversity as an even greater motivation for self-examination to take place.

Whether your church observes communion weekly, monthly, or quarterly – our preparation should be ongoing and daily. Our regular prayer should echo the words of the Psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Often when we begin to experience pressure or problems – especially in our marriage – our natural reaction is “How can I get out of this?” We look for an easy way out and completely miss the spiritual lessons and benefits God wants us to learn.

Our first response to adversity should not be to try andremove it, but to ask the Lord to show us His purpose in allowing it. There are many benefits that God wants us to learn through suffering, but we will only experience them as we respond Biblically and with the right heart attitude.

Adversity is God’s way of getting our attention.

Shortly after leaving high school I started my own little business. I had all kinds of plans and goals for my life but none of them included God.

Then on the 7th of March 1979, I was driving along a little twisty road in county Down, Northern Ireland; and the next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital. I later learned that I had been involved in a head-on collision with a truck. When they found me, my heart had already stopped beating, and it took them almost an hour to cut me out of the car. A week later I had a blood clot in my lung, and the doctors told my parents that they didn’t think I was going to survive one particular night.

That same night as I lay in that hospital bed drifting in and out of consciousness, the Lord brought a Bible verse to my mind – “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). I realized that I had come within an inch of eternity twice within a period of a week. If I had died, yes, I would have gone to be with the Lord because I had accepted Christ as my personal Savior, but I also knew that those were words that the Lord could never have said to me because I had done absolutely nothing for Him.

As a result of that accident, I lost my business; and at the time, I thought it was the worst possible thing that could ever have happened to me. But now, as I look back on it, I say, “Thank God for it!” – because God used that car accident to get my attention. He used that car accident to cause me to take my eyes of the temporal things of this world and to focus them upon eternal realities. This was a major turning point in my Christian life.

Sometimes we can be so busy with our own plans and goals that we have little or no time for God’s. But when trials comes, we are suddenly faced with problems and pressures too big for us to handle. God uses suffering to get our attention and to help us see life from a whole new perspective.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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“And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes…to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 1:3-4).

Nebuchadnezzar had a plan: he wanted to turn God’s people into Babylonians. There are several specific objectives that he wanted to accomplish.

First, he wanted to remove every memory of the one true God. One of first things to happen to Daniel and his friends was a name change (Daniel 1:7). In Bible times the name of a person was both significant and important. Each of these young men’s names included a reference to God, and that’s exactly why Nebuchadnezzar wanted them changed. He wanted to remove every reminder of the one true God. He wanted to obliterate every memory of the God of Israel!

Second, he wanted to weaken or destroy the testimony of God’s people; and he chose to accomplish this through compromise (Daniel 1:5).

Third, he wanted to indoctrinate these young people with the worldly philosophies and practices of his culture (Daniel 1:4). Nebuchadnezzar ordered these young Israelites to undergo a course of instruction that was to transform them into Babylonians and make them unrecognizable from the world.

This didn’t happen overnight. The plan was to be gradual – it was to be daily for three years (Daniel 1:5).

As we read this, there are striking similarities to what is taking place in our own culture and many Christian parents aren’t realizing it until it’s too late. Out of the thousands of God’s people that were taken into Babylon, there were only four who refused to conform.

What made them this way? Where did they learn to make a difference? I suggest that they learned it at home.

All indications are that things are going to become increasingly more difficult for us as Christians in the days ahead. We don’t know what opposition our children might face. That’s not our responsibility to worry; but it is our responsibility to teach them to love God and to train them how to stand for Truth in a culture that is hostile to Christianity.

Knowing the enemy’s strategy is one thing, resisting it is another! There is an urgency to be involved in the lives of our sons and daughters. Our opportunity for influence passes all too quickly. Make today count!

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

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