Twice Blessed
Can You Be Born When Old?
By Don Ruhl (May 17, 2009)
Have you been born again in the sense of which Jesus spoke?
Apparent Sign of Sympathy
By Don Ruhl (May 17, 2009)
Some dogs approach with apparent friendliness and then they bite.
Our Concerns
By Don Ruhl (May 16, 2009)
Are your concerns His concerns? Are His concerns your concerns?
Can We Decide When to Die?
By Don Ruhl (May 16, 2009)
Trust your life to Him who made you and who made the world and continues to run the world.
Jesus Singled Out
By Don Ruhl (May 14, 2009)
God the Father used the event of baptism to single out His Son.
The Rest of Your Acts
By Don Ruhl (May 14, 2009)
If you have never become a Christian, you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins.
Missed Opportunities For Greatness
By Don Ruhl (May 11, 2009)
The Lord expected Jeroboam to be like David, but Jeroboam chose a different path.
Terrified of Jesus
By Don Ruhl (May 11, 2009)
Are there things about Jesus, or other things in the Scriptures, that frighten you?
Would You Make This Request and Offer?
By Don Ruhl (May 10, 2009)
Solomon died and his son Rehoboam became king, "And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king" (1 Kings 12:1). The people wanted someone to represent them before the new king, "So it...
Hard Questions
By Don Ruhl (May 10, 2009)
The fame of the wealth and wisdom of Solomon did not remain in Israel, but spread to many kingdoms. "Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to...
The Darkest Day in History
By Don Ruhl (May 10, 2009)
When the Romans crucified Jesus this happened, "Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in...
The Dark Cloud
By Don Ruhl (May 6, 2009)
Then the king along with Israel dedicated the temple and as the priests came out of the holy place, a dark cloud filled the temple.
Read These Words Slowly and Thoughtfully
By Don Ruhl (May 6, 2009)
Luke said much by saying little. Think on his words today
See the Temple, Think of Heaven
By Don Ruhl (May 5, 2009)
Try to see in your mind what the writer described.
Do You Believe Jesus Is the King?
By Don Ruhl (May 5, 2009)
What do you think? Is Jesus the King of the Jews?
Give to God and God Gives to You
By Don Ruhl (May 4, 2009)
Solomon made an offering to God and God made an offer right back to Solomon,
We Cannot Hide Our Discipleship
By Don Ruhl (May 4, 2009)
Have you tried to hide who you are in Christ? You will not fool people.
Forever Loyal
By Don Ruhl (May 3, 2009)
Let us not overestimate our abilities for the future, but let us work on improving the kind of disciples we are now and then we shall be what we need to be later.
Just and God-Fearing Rulers
By Don Ruhl (May 1, 2009)
You may not rule over a nation, but there is some place in your life where you have authority or influence over someone.
An Open Request
By Don Ruhl (April 30, 2009)
Rather than complaining about a miserable condition, the famine, David consulted the Lord ............
The Desolation of Jerusalem
By Don Ruhl (April 30, 2009)
Any nation can so offend God that He gives it up to desolation.
A Priest With David
By Don Ruhl (April 20, 2009)
When you find someone who follows God, attach yourself to that person, for in so doing you will attach yourself to God.
When Your Brother Sins Against You
By Don Ruhl (April 20, 2009)
When your brother repents, forgive him even as you want God to forgive you, or even as you want your brother to forgive you when you sin against him.
Death Cares Not For Your Person
By Don Ruhl (April 19, 2009)
None of us should think that we can escape death. No, the only thing we can do is prepare ourselves for it. Are you prepared to die?
Wagging the Head
By Don Ruhl (April 7, 2009)
Has someone wagged his or her head at you? How did it affect you?
A Summary of National Blessings
By Don Ruhl (April 7, 2009)
As you read Deuteronomy 28, think of your nation and see why you have blessings and why you have cursings.
Before the Altar
By Don Ruhl (April 7, 2009)
give every first day of the week, remembering that you have money to give because the Lord has blessed you with it
They Led Him Away Again
By Don Ruhl (April 2, 2009)
Does anyone know fully what happened that day and to whom?
They Led Jesus Away
By Don Ruhl (April 2, 2009)
Did the men who came to arrest Jesus know who they arrested and the irony of leading Him away to the leaders of the Jews?
The Lord Turns Curses into Blessings
By Don Ruhl (April 1, 2009)
The secularists want to curse us, but it will not work.
How Would You Handle All Your Friends Forsaking You?
By Don Ruhl (April 1, 2009)
What would that do to your heart?
How Would You Handle All Your Friends Forsaking You?
By Don Ruhl (April 1, 2009)
What would that do to your heart?
What to Do If You Hear of Evil
By Don Ruhl (March 31, 2009)
Friends, it seems that most people simply accept the report without investigation.
No One Will Have to Point Him Out to You
By Don Ruhl (March 31, 2009)
When the Lord returns, you will know it.
Seek Peace First
By Don Ruhl (March 31, 2009)
Do you look for a reason to confront people and criticize them, or do you want peace and harmony?
Dietary Laws of Israel
By Don Ruhl (March 31, 2009)
While Israel could not eat unclean meat, the Lord provided plenty of meat that they could eat.
Ask the Lord
By Don Ruhl (March 31, 2009)
...........knowing that Jesus spoke the truth, four of the disciples asked Jesus about it.
How Your Nation Can Be Strong and Stay In Its Land
By Don Ruhl (March 30, 2009)
Do you want your nation to be strong and to prolong its days in its land?
The Number One Thing
By Don Ruhl (March 30, 2009)
A scribe asked Jesus what was the first commandment above all the others.
A Message for the World's Economies
By Don Ruhl (March 30, 2009)
Let us then not focus on blaming someone for the downturn of the world's economies,
Fight Against God and He Will Fight Against You
By Don Ruhl (March 30, 2009)
Have you been fighting Him? Cease immediately.
For Israel
By Don Ruhl (March 26, 2009)
While the covenant was for Israel, it also taught the world that the Lord expected holiness from His creation.
Have Faith
By Don Ruhl (March 26, 2009)
Do you think a lack of faith has kept you back from doing wonderful things?
Israel Finally Learned
By Don Ruhl (March 26, 2009)
Is it still true that if you believe in the Lord and do whatever He says, that you can do anything?
The Lord Knows What He Is Doing
By Don Ruhl (March 26, 2009)
The Lord sent two of His disciples to fetch a colt for Him, and He even told them what to expect when they went to take the colt.
Never Submit to the Devil
By Don Ruhl (March 25, 2009)
"And the devil said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread'" (Luke 4:3).
The Land Divided
By Don Ruhl (March 25, 2009)
"As the LORD had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did; and they divided the land" (Joshua 14:5). God wanted them to have the land, so they took it and enjoyed it.
Moses Explained the Law
By Don Ruhl (March 25, 2009)
"Deuteronomy" comes from two Greek words, meaning second law.
A Wide Open Request With No Conditions
By Don Ruhl (March 25, 2009)
'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask'" (Mark 10:35).
The Wisdom of the Gibeonites
By Don Ruhl (March 24, 2009)
Joshua 9 provides a lesson for churches in helping people who come asking for money or other things.
The Land the Lord Gave Israel
By Don Ruhl (March 23, 2009)
Why did the Lord give you the family members you have?
Does the Lord Command It?
By Don Ruhl (March 23, 2009)
Have you promised to do something? If so, do it, no matter what.
A Transfiguration
By Don Ruhl (March 23, 2009)
What a privilege to go with Jesus to a high mountain!
Many Sacrifices Required Much Income
By Don Ruhl (March 21, 2009)
To offer as many sacrifices as the Lord wanted and as many as Israel wanted to offer on top of that, they would need many animals.
The Compassion of Jesus
By Don Ruhl (March 21, 2009)
Do you think the Lord has abandoned you or your church?
Balaam Found a Way
By Don Ruhl (March 21, 2009)
Beware of lusting after material wealth, for that wealth will destroy you.
Back at the Red Sea
By Don Ruhl (March 21, 2009)
Quit complaining and live as the Lord commands, always happy to do what He says, even if you do not like it.
Finding Fault
By Don Ruhl (March 20, 2009)
........when a choice comes down to keeping God's laws or man's laws, people reject God's laws and keep the man-made ones.
Asking Others to Serve
By Don Ruhl (March 20, 2009)
As the high priest of Israel, he and his sons had plenty of work to do. They would need assistance and Aaron had to go to his tribe and ask them for that assistance.
Compassion for People
By Don Ruhl (March 20, 2009)
More than anything else, people need teaching. They need to hear what God says.
Signs of a True Leader
By Don Ruhl (March 20, 2009)
Did the Lord make Moses a leader of Israel or did Moses do it himself? The way to answer that question is to see how he handled those who challenged his position.
Offended at Wisdom and Mighty Works
By Don Ruhl (March 19, 2009)
How would you have reacted to Jesus, if you had seen Him as a young child, then a teenager, who worked as a carpenter on into His twenties, and later He becomes this great teacher?
The Optimistic Tore Their Clothes
By Don Ruhl (March 19, 2009)
What would you have to hear that would move you to grab your clothes and then tear them?
Jesus Spent Time With People
By Don Ruhl (March 19, 2009)
Jesus did not avoid people, but when they needed Him, He went with them.
Were Those the Good Ol' Days?
By Don Ruhl (March 19, 2009)
You have heard of selective hearing, something us husbands are accused of having from time to time! Well, there is also selective memory, often appearing when people discuss the good ol' days.
How Would You Like to Meet This Man in the Dark?
By Don Ruhl (March 13, 2009)
.......do not fear when Lord stands before you.
The Arrangement of Light
By Don Ruhl (March 13, 2009)
Often elders, preachers, and teachers do not teach the word of the Lord and when that happens that church has begun to lose its light. May every elder, preacher, and teacher stand before their congregations and give us the word of the Lord. Do not simply read cute stories someone gave you. Give us the Scriptures!
Why Do You Buy Light?
By Don Ruhl (March 13, 2009)
Why did the Lord give the light of His word? Why did He make us lights? Shall we hide His word? Shall we hide the light that dwells within us?
Leaders and Their Offerings
By Don Ruhl (March 13, 2009)
While Israel offered money at other times, money is not the only offering that can be made to the Lord. The same holds true today. What can you offer to the Lord?
Satan Would Not Fight Against Himself
By Don Ruhl (March 11, 2009)
When you see someone defeating evil, do not conclude that the worker is evil.
Attending to the Needs of Leaders
By Don Ruhl (March 11, 2009)
Serving others, especially attending to the needs of leadership that they might do their jobs brings honor.
Can You Perform a Simple Command?
By Don Ruhl (March 10, 2009)
You know the simple commands that you hesitate to obey. Why do you hesitate?
Every Tribe Contributed a Leader
By Don Ruhl (March 10, 2009)
If you do not honor leadership, change today and start honoring all forms of leadership, even if you disagree with a leader.
Find a Way!
By Don Ruhl (March 10, 2009)
Have you let anyone or anything keep you from Jesus and His church?
Reverencing the Things of the Lord
By Don Ruhl (March 10, 2009)
Do not keep the holy days of idols and do not fear their places of worship, but remember that Yahweh of Israel is the Lord above all.
The Power of the Words of Jesus
By Don Ruhl (March 10, 2009)
Can you tell me whether there is a difference between God commanding light and and it appearing, and Jesus commanding an unclean spirit to come out of a man and it happened?
Bread and Frankincense in the Tabernacle
By Don Ruhl (March 10, 2009)
What you say to the Lord is as sweet to Him as frankincense is to us.
Was John Liberal?
By Don Ruhl (March 7, 2009)
If John had lived today, some preachers and members of the church would have labeled him a liberal.
Do Not Defile That Which Is Holy
By Don Ruhl (March 7, 2009)
When you pray for someone, be sure that you have made yourself holy before the Lord so that your prayer may be effectual.
Do Not Fear the Things of God
By Don Ruhl (March 6, 2009)
Go forth to live the rest of this day in confidence, not in yourself, but in Him who created you and does wonderful things for you.
Do Not Prostitute Yourself Spiritually
By Don Ruhl (March 6, 2009)
If we turn to someone to get what we should get from the Lord, He will set His face against us and cut us off.
A Grim Scene
By Don Ruhl (March 6, 2009)
He came to feel the full experience of the wrath of God upon our sins. Would you think on what happened that day the rest of this day.
Pure Family Relations
By Don Ruhl (March 6, 2009)
Keep all those things in mind when you are close to someone in a relationship who is not your spouse. It will keep you from sin.
Judas Did Not Anticipate the Death of Jesus
By Don Ruhl (March 5, 2009)
What God told Cain is especially true when we involve others as Judas did.
Judas Did Not Anticipate the Death of Jesus
By Don Ruhl (March 5, 2009)
What God told Cain is especially true when we involve others as Judas did.
Purity of the Flesh
By Don Ruhl (March 5, 2009)
The Lord created all things and so He wanted Israel to see to the proper functioning of all things.
The High Priest Before the High Priest
By Don Ruhl (March 5, 2009)
While Jesus does not walk the Earth today, we do come across people all the time without realizing who some of them are. Treat everyone as though he or she is higher than you.
Cleansing for a Leper
By Don Ruhl (March 5, 2009)
Have you given your body to the Lord for His service to use you as He desires?
A Shocking Revelation
By Don Ruhl (February 26, 2009)
If life never had speed bumps, we would fall asleep, but someone always keeps us awake.
Do As the Lord Says
By Don Ruhl (February 26, 2009)
God shows us grace and mercy, but He also wants us to care enough to listen to Him and to follow Him.
Living With the Goats
By Don Ruhl (February 25, 2009)
Can I get along with the goats? Can I get along with my fellow-sheep? Am I a goat?
A Sacrifice of Peace
By Don Ruhl (February 25, 2009)
Approaching the Lord is not all about what He can give us, whether it is forgiveness for the spirit or healing of the body.
You Will Not Have to Look for Jesus
By Don Ruhl (February 23, 2009)
Listen, when the Second Coming of Christ happens, no one will have to tell you about it. You will see it, hear it, and participate in it. Just be prepared for it.
A Burnt Offering of Small Animals
By Don Ruhl (February 23, 2009)
If you were one of the priests, would you have thought about the significance of each action, or just gone through the sacrifice carefully as you would a list to check off?
Three Questions for Jesus
By Don Ruhl (February 23, 2009)
See if you notice when He answers each. Have fun!
Is God Dull?
By Don Ruhl (February 23, 2009)
Do you see yellow, blue, purple, and red in nature? Who made that?
What a Table!
By Don Ruhl (February 22, 2009)
Is your inward man or woman as carefully prepared for service to the Lord as that table was?
Why Do You Do Good Works?
By Don Ruhl (February 22, 2009)
If we can please men while we also please God, we have walked into a wonderful situation........
Moses Broke Them; Moses Replaced Them
By Don Ruhl (February 22, 2009)
Moses would do whatever it took for all three parties to have a relationship. Does that describe you also?
Two Great Mistakes
By Don Ruhl (February 21, 2009)
The Sadducees thought they knew the truth, but Jesus revealed that they committed two mistakes.
Aholiab the Son of Ahisamach
By Don Ruhl (February 21, 2009)
What does the Lord have you doing right now?
How Do You Handle the King's Invitation?
By Don Ruhl (February 20, 2009)
Jesus spoke in a parable of a king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out servants to call those who had been invited to the wedding, but they did not want to go the wedding.
The Bull of the Sin Offering
By Don Ruhl (February 20, 2009)
Have you watched the slaughter of a bull before?
The Question of Authority
By Don Ruhl (February 20, 2009)
When others ask about your authority, be prepared to discern the spirit and motivation with which they ask, and be ready to show your authority. Also, do not be afraid to put the question right back on them.
Jesus Sent Disciples on a Mission
By Don Ruhl (February 19, 2009)
Jesus told two of His disciples to do something, but He did not tell them why they were to do it.......
The Altar
By Don Ruhl (February 19, 2009)
I hear many people question God's choices. However, does He not have the right, even more than we do, to make choices simply because that was what He wanted?
Receiving and Giving
By Don Ruhl (February 18, 2009)
Therefore, the Israelites freely received and so they should freely give. They willingly received, so they should willingly give.
What If the Lord Said to You, "What Do You Wish?"
By Don Ruhl (February 18, 2009)
Think for the rest of the day what you would say to Him, if He asked you that question.
The Time to Receive Wages
By Don Ruhl (February 17, 2009)
You have labored in the kingdom and the Lord knows what you have done.
What God Did
By Don Ruhl (February 17, 2009)
The church has learned that God placed our sins upon His blessed Son Jesus Christ. God defeated our enemy Satan at the cross, and by that Jesus brought us to God.
What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?
By Don Ruhl (February 17, 2009)
Do what God says to do and do not do what He says not to do.
It Rained Bread
By Don Ruhl (February 14, 2009)
Do you remember Him for it daily or do you complain as Israel did?
Divorce Controversy Never Ends
By Don Ruhl (February 14, 2009)
Do you view marriage as the Lord does?
God Will Settle All Accounts
By Don Ruhl (February 13, 2009)
We can obtain forgiveness from Him, but then we have to forgive our fellow servants.
Remember the Day
By Don Ruhl (February 12, 2009)
Most Christians I know can tell you the day and place they were born, but they cannot remember the date of their baptism.
No One Spared
By Don Ruhl (February 12, 2009)
The first nine plagues upon Egypt were horrible. Yet, the Egyptians had no idea of the devastation of plague number ten, which they would have considered worse than the first nine put together.
Do Not Influence a Child for Evil
By Don Ruhl (February 12, 2009)
Jesus had just said that we should be childlike to enter heaven and that if we receive children in His name, we are receiving Him.
From Ashes to Fine Dust to Boils
By Don Ruhl (February 11, 2009)
Did Pharaoh understand the power of the God before whom Pharaoh refused to humble himself?
Honor Jesus Christ
By Don Ruhl (February 11, 2009)
No man in heaven or on the earth is worthy of such honor.
Prove Yourself Before God's Enemies
By Don Ruhl (February 9, 2009)
Here's the thing. Why should the world listen to you and me?
Always Think Spiritually
By Don Ruhl (February 9, 2009)
Start with food, as Jesus did, and use it to make yourself think spiritually. Do that with other things through the day.
Have Mercy On Me!
By Don Ruhl (February 8, 2009)
What the child suffers in the body, the parents suffer in the spirit.
Do Not Ruin Opportunity
By Don Ruhl (February 7, 2009)
Friends, if sinners entice you, do not consent, you will regret it later.
Contrary Winds
By Don Ruhl (February 7, 2009)
As the world suffers from the wind-tossed economy, many seek to blame someone for it.
Like the Resurrection
By Don Ruhl (February 6, 2009)
Listen, if your loved ones who have died were followers of Christ, and if you follow Christ, you shall see each other again. What do that you think that will be like?
Boldness Brings Boldness
By Don Ruhl (February 6, 2009)
Herod ordered the death of John the Baptizer. Yet, when Herod heard of the miracles of Jesus, Herod concluded that John had risen from the dead and then had miraculous powers. Why did Herod order the death of John? Initially,...
The Right Attitude When Charged Falsely of Evil
By Don Ruhl (February 5, 2009)
The best thing to do is follow the example of the brothers of Joseph. It helped them more than they could have ever imagined.
Jesus Spoke in Parables
By Don Ruhl (February 5, 2009)
Read His parables and let them fascinate you on how He spoke of the greatest thing of which humans can be a part, yet, He showed that with simple stories of the earth.
Avoid Careless Reading
By Don Ruhl (February 4, 2009)
There is a time to skim over a text because you are looking for something, but for those times when you just read the text, be sure to avoid careless reading.
He Spoke in Short Stories
By Don Ruhl (February 4, 2009)
Can you say what you need to say in a short time?
Forgotten, Then Remembered
By Don Ruhl (February 4, 2009)
Perhaps someone has forgotten you, but be patient, go on living your life and see what happens.
Time in the Bible
By Don Ruhl (February 3, 2009)
Chronology does exist in the story of the Bible, but the primary purpose of the Bible is not chronology, rather God wanted to show us His love for man.
Genealogy in the Old Testament
By Don Ruhl (February 2, 2009)
You have probably said that we are all related in Adam, but you can come even further this way in time and say that we are all related in Noah.
Ready to Criticize
By Don Ruhl (February 2, 2009)
When you start doing good, be sure, someone will readily put you down or find something wrong with what you do.
Evil Shall Be Revealed
By Don Ruhl (January 31, 2009)
Jesus told His disciples that some would call Him Beelzebub.
Man's Approval Versus God's Approval
By Don Ruhl (January 30, 2009)
....sometimes those who are supposed to love us, do not.
Judas Preached
By Don Ruhl (January 30, 2009)
We see Judas as the betrayer, but for today think of him as a preacher.
A Welcome Turns into Abuse
By Don Ruhl (January 29, 2009)
Laban took care of Jacob, but in time Laban tried to get all that he could out of Jacob.
The Need for Mercy
By Don Ruhl (January 29, 2009)
Grace is giving what we do not deserve, and mercy is withholding what we deserve.
You Never Know Who Is Listening
By Don Ruhl (January 28, 2009)
Are you someone who talks too much or too loudly or without discretion as to who might be listening?
Do You Know What Jesus Says?
By Don Ruhl (January 28, 2009)
Let us think carefully on who Jesus is and be sure that we speak accurately of Him.
The End of a Great Man's Life
By Don Ruhl (January 27, 2009)
The story of the Bible, which is the story of salvation, is built upon the promises that God made to Abraham.
The Right Wording Leads to a Healing
By Don Ruhl (January 27, 2009)
How do you approach God in prayer?
Do People Respect and Honor You?
By Don Ruhl (January 27, 2009)
Do people respect and honor you where you live? I do not mean the members of the church where you go, but the local townspeople. If they do, why is it? If they do not, why is it?
Misjudging People
By Don Ruhl (January 26, 2009)
Is it possible that you have misjudged someone or even a whole class of people?
Why Do You Pray Publicly?
By Don Ruhl (January 25, 2009)
The Bible does not prohibit us from praying publicly, but it does prohibit the wrong motive.
Refreshing the Heart of God
By Don Ruhl (January 25, 2009)
What can you do today to refresh the heart of God?
Do Not Let Anything Keep You From Entering Heaven
By Don Ruhl (January 25, 2009)
Do not mess around with sin! If you play around with it, you will end up in hell.
How Will God Fulfill His Promises
By Don Ruhl (January 24, 2009)
Let us be patient and not try to fulfill the Lord's promises on our own, for when Abram and his wife Sarai tried that, it did not go well, as you will discover.
The Heart of the Matter
By Don Ruhl (January 24, 2009)
Blessed are you if you see your spiritual need for God.
You As a 75-Year-Old
By Don Ruhl (January 23, 2009)
Perhaps we could do better physically and spiritually by watching less television, and reading more and doing more.
God's Covenant With the World
By Don Ruhl (January 22, 2009)
God created the human race because He wants a family, a large family.
Rough Preachers
By Don Ruhl (January 22, 2009)
Do you want to hear what God says, even if it comes from a rough-looking character?
Giants
By Don Ruhl (January 21, 2009)
We might be mighty in body and mental capacity, but if we are not mighty with God in the spirit, then we have gained nothing and we are nothing.
Bible Questions With Ulterior Motives
By Don Ruhl (January 21, 2009)
Be careful when people ask you Bible questions.
Defend Your Position Then Get Away From the Enemy
By Don Ruhl (January 20, 2009)
We find it easy to criticize Eve, because we were not there and we think we know she should have done. We have the wisdom of hindsight. She did not. However, we can learn from her.
The Stunning Power of the Words of God
By Don Ruhl (January 20, 2009)
Do you think it is a good idea to disregard the commands of Someone so powerful?
Why Do We Criticize Others, But Not Ourselves?
By Don Ruhl (January 19, 2009)
See whether you pick others to pieces, but leave yourself alone.
Mary and the Holy Spirit
By Don Ruhl (January 19, 2009)
See the power of God. He knows all about the birth process, and He who dwells in heaven also knows the smallest details of the human body. How did He cause Mary to conceive without seed from a man?
The Tree of Life!
By Don Ruhl (January 19, 2009)
There will be more people in heaven than were in the Garden of Eden. Will I then have to wait in a long line to get to the tree of life?
Honoring and Reverencing God
By Don Ruhl (January 18, 2009)
God asked a couple of questions of the Jewish priests and it seems that it would be good to ask the same questions of ourselves,
The Family Promise of God Fulfilled
By Don Ruhl (January 18, 2009)
Read the last two chapters of the word of God with all the wide-eyed wonder of a child.
Ashamed Prophets
By Don Ruhl (January 17, 2009)
After prophecy has been sealed up and the prophets cut off; why will it be presumptuous and shameful to claim to be a prophet?
Their Enemies Judged Them, So, They Judged Their Enemies
By Don Ruhl (January 17, 2009)
Who sat on thrones to judge?
Shepherds and the Lord
By Don Ruhl (January 16, 2009)
The Lord is the Chief Shepherd over His flock, but He has also placed men as shepherds over His flock that they might tend to the needs of the flock while they are on earth.
Praise God for the Defeat of Our Enemies
By Don Ruhl (January 16, 2009)
Persecution in the western nations has arisen against the churches. Yet, in time we will see the judgment of God against our enemies. Has He in the meantime silenced anyone who fought you?
Things More Important Than Fasting
By Don Ruhl (January 15, 2009)
Should you ever fast? Yes, if the occasion calls for it, do it. Should you use fasting as a substitute for repenting of sin?
See the Events of Scripture
By Don Ruhl (January 15, 2009)
John experienced the Book of Revelation and he wrote down those experiences as he saw them. Now get that. He wrote down what he saw, because he wanted us to see in our mind's eye what he saw with his literal eye.
The Woman Became Blasphemous
By Don Ruhl (January 14, 2009)
Do you recall the last time in the Book of Revelation we saw a woman in the wilderness? Read Revelation 12:1-6. There John saw God's people, represented by a woman, fleeing into the wilderness for a long time.
Do You Understand the Signs and Symbols of the Bible?
By Don Ruhl (January 13, 2009)
Do you know the meaning of the man riding on a red horse and then it standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow with other colored horses behind him? You do not know the meaning of those things?
Rome Persecuted the Church, the Lord Persecuted Rome
By Don Ruhl (January 13, 2009)
Are you prepared for what the world may do next?
Is It Time for You to Live Well?
By Don Ruhl (January 11, 2009)
We have hard times economically today. Where does the church fit into our thinking during these times?
A Song in Heaven
By Don Ruhl (January 11, 2009)
The Christians who did not compromise, but stood against the beast of Rome will stand on a sea of glass with harps of God and they shall sing a wonderful song
When God Consumes
By Don Ruhl (January 10, 2009)
A day still awaits the judgment of God when He shall consume more than what He did in the days of Noah or the days of the Babylonians, but the Lord God of heaven shall consume the entire planet.
Do You Want to Hear a Voice From Heaven?
By Don Ruhl (January 10, 2009)
The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders listened to a song they had never heard before.
Do You Believe What God Tells You?
By Don Ruhl (January 9, 2009)
Always remember that He knows what He is doing and His way is always best. Accept it. Believe it. Do it.
The Sea Beast Recovered
By Don Ruhl (January 9, 2009)
The world does mighty things that capture the hearts of people, but whatever the world does ultimately fades or meets a tragic end.
See the Awesome Power of the Voice of God
By Don Ruhl (January 8, 2009)
Stand back and watch the voice of God in action. He simply speaks and see what happens,
When You Sin, How Shall You Go Before the Lord?
By Don Ruhl (January 7, 2009)
When we have sinned, what present can we give to the Lord that will appease Him?
The Power of God's Two Witnesses
By Don Ruhl (January 7, 2009)
Are you a member of the Church? Do you read and teach the Holy Scriptures? Friends, do not stop, but continue as you are.
The Outcast Become Strong
By Don Ruhl (January 6, 2009)
Are you a member of the church? Do you know who reigns over you?
The Completion of the Mystery of God
By Don Ruhl (January 6, 2009)
Do you believe that the church is God's primary focus in the world? Do you believe that God holds the world in the control of His hand?
Mourning the Condition of God's People
By Don Ruhl (January 5, 2009)
God loves you dearly, even as He did Israel and Judah, but even as His love did not prevent Him from rebuking them, so, His love for you will not prevent Him from rebuking you. Let us give ourselves to living in His holiness.
The World Does Not Know the Source of Its Problems
By Don Ruhl (January 5, 2009)
Let your light shine, both for your sake and for others.
Has a Mighty Tempest Beat Down on You?
By Don Ruhl (January 4, 2009)
We often approach the Lord's work with the attitude of a snobbish rich woman, picking what we want to do and turning our noses at what we do not like to do.
The Incense That You Send Up to God
By Don Ruhl (January 4, 2009)
Do you understand how much God wants to hear from you? If you pray regularly, are your prayers merely for the flesh all the time? Speak to the Father without ceasing and let matters of the spirit be your primary concern.
You Cannot Get Higher Than God
By Don Ruhl (January 3, 2009)
"Though you ascend as high as the eagle,
And though you set your nest among the stars,
From there I will bring you down," says the LORD.
(Obadiah 1:4)
A Complete Number From Israel
By Don Ruhl (January 2, 2009)
God knows just how many will be saved from Israel and the world.
Twisting the Intention of Your Words
By Don Ruhl (January 1, 2009)
If you speak the truth and you do it kindly, it does not matter, people will still twist your words, or if they do not pervert what you said, they will give a false motive for what you said.
Be prepared, for it will surely happen.
The Fiery Red Horse
By Don Ruhl (January 1, 2009)
Good things happen when the church preaches the good news of Jesus Christ and His church, but evil does not rejoice and bad things happen also.
If You Insist on Sin, God Will Let You Go On Doing It
By Don Ruhl (December 31, 2008)
If we insist on a sinful life, the Lord will let us believe what we want, even letting us believe that we have justification for doing what we want to do.
Jesus Is Worthy
By Don Ruhl (December 31, 2008)
Put yourself in the place of John the apostle when he received visions that we call the Book of Revelation. Can you imagine what an emotional experience that must have been?
Threshing God's People with Brutality
By Don Ruhl (December 21, 2008)
The Lord watches how the world treats His people.
The People Closest to the Throne
By Don Ruhl (December 21, 2008)
Do not look at the ancient Israelites as different from us, for we all belong to the family of God. Refer to them as your brothers and sisters.
Wake Up and Wail!
By Don Ruhl (December 20, 2008)
Keep your eyes open. Be alert spiritually. Know how God works. Know how He thinks. Always be prepared for His coming judgment.
Judah Would Not Escape
By Don Ruhl (December 19, 2008)
Sometimes when another suffers for his wrong doing and nothing is said to us initially, we believe that we have escaped.
Your Love at the Beginning
By Don Ruhl (December 19, 2008)
Do you need to restore your initial love? Examine yourself and if the need is there, rededicate yourself to the Lord immediately.
Punishment Arrived
By Don Ruhl (December 18, 2008)
In Hosea 9:1-6, the prophet explained that Israel had played the harlot and she would suffer for it.
Grace and Peace From the Godhead
By Don Ruhl (December 17, 2008)
Picture the Father sitting on His throne and the seven spirits of God, representing the Holy Spirit, surrounding the throne, and Jesus Christ right there also, all wanting John to let you know that they send grace and peace to you.
How does that make you feel?
Deeds Directed Toward God
By Don Ruhl (December 17, 2008)
Ephraim busied itself with things, but not the right things, whereas the tribe should have busied itself with God. He said to Ephraim through Hosea,
Sneaky Men
By Don Ruhl (December 16, 2008)
While the first generation of preachers still walked the earth, certain teachers and preachers snuck into the church, who made it sound as though the wonderful grace of God was license to live lewdly.
The Prophet's Family
By Don Ruhl (December 16, 2008)
God used the family of Hosea to illustrate the relationship between Israel and God. Israel acted as a wife who turned to harlotry. The names of the children of Hosea would also illustrate the relationship between Israel and God.
Does Your Soul Prosper?
By Don Ruhl (December 15, 2008)
If your preacher prayed that your whole life and bodily health would match the condition of your soul, what would your life and bodily health be?
A Precise Pre-History of the Greeks
By Don Ruhl (December 15, 2008)
God knows the affairs of your nation and He knows how those things affect the church there. Have confidence in Him that He shall take care of you.
More Proverbs of Solomon
By Don Ruhl (November 8, 2008)
The wisdom of God outshines the wisdom of man.
Receive God's Grace
By Don Ruhl (November 8, 2008)
God desires to bless you richly, but He will not do it, if you do not want it.
If You Want to Give, You Will Find a Way
By Don Ruhl (November 8, 2008)
If you do not want to give to the treasury of the church every first day of the week, you will find a reason not to give, but if you want to give, you will not be able to find a reason to keep you from giving.
Who Was Agur? Who Are You?
By Don Ruhl (November 8, 2008)
Who are you? Does the world know you? Will it ever know you?
Improve Holiness
By Don Ruhl (November 8, 2008)
Paul revealed that if we separate ourselves from the sin of the world, God will receive us, He will be a Father to us, and we shall be sons and daughters to Him (Second Corinthians 6:16-18).
God Has to Prove Himself to His People
By Don Ruhl (November 7, 2008)
God wanted His people to hear something.
Be Just and Fair
By Don Ruhl (November 7, 2008)
Does someone work under you? If so, how do you treat him?
What God Can Do
By Don Ruhl (November 7, 2008)
Have you sold yourself to sin? The Lord can and wants to bring you back. Are you ready?
Give Thanks for Your Congregation
By Don Ruhl (November 7, 2008)
Do you thank God for the church of which you are a member? Think of the good things your congregation does and then mention those things in prayer to God.
Do You Believe the Report?
By Don Ruhl (November 7, 2008)
Israel surely thought that they would believe anything from the Lord, yet, when preconceived ideas entered their minds, many of them found a report from Him hard to believe,
Nations, Sins, and Leaders
By Don Ruhl (November 6, 2008)
How does your life contribute or take away from the life of your nation?
More Proverbs of Solomon
By Don Ruhl (November 6, 2008)
Solomon received his wisdom from God. Therefore, these are the proverbs of God.
The wisdom of God outshines the wisdom of man.
Desiring Our Heavenly Habitation
By Don Ruhl (November 6, 2008)
Truly, all of Christianity and our whole lifetimes prepare us for the time we leave our bodies behind and join the Lord. Therefore, let us not fear death, but welcome it when it comes.
Overworking to Be Rich
By Don Ruhl (November 6, 2008)
He did not say you cannot be rich, just do not overwork to get there.
Do Not Lose Heart
By Don Ruhl (November 6, 2008)
Paul loved his Jewish countrymen. He wanted all of them saved, knowing that most of them had rejected the good news of Jesus Christ and that broke Paul's heart.
Who Directs Your Nation?
By Don Ruhl (November 5, 2008)
In America, we elect most of our leaders, but what Solomon wrote still holds true, even as it does for the farmer who does the labor, but we give thanks to God when we eat the farmer's food.
Has the Spirit Written on Your Heart?
By Don Ruhl (November 5, 2008)
Although Paul had preached the gospel to the Corinthians, and they converted to Christ, yet, someone convinced them to doubt the apostleship of Paul. He wondered whether he had to commend himself to them again.
Integrity Versus Perversity
By Don Ruhl (November 5, 2008)
Would you much rather be poor, living a life of integrity or speak perversity and be a fool? I think I know your answer.
From Sorrow to Gladness
By Don Ruhl (November 5, 2008)
Paul had made the Corinthians sorrowful (Second Corinthians 2:1), but he did not want to go to them in that way again.
Quietness Versus Strife
By Don Ruhl (November 5, 2008)
We all want plenty of food, including many choices, but if there is strife among the people eating, the food does not taste so good. How much more delightful it is to have only one piece of dry food when there is peace among those eating.
It Is All of God
By Don Ruhl (November 1, 2008)
Everything about your life is of God. When you go about your business today, think of that fact and learn to see that everything is of God, about God, and through God.
The Usage of Knowledge
By Don Ruhl (November 1, 2008)
How do I use knowledge? Do I tear people down with what I know or do I use it to make people better?
Do You Contribute Every Week?
By Don Ruhl (November 1, 2008)
When you have to be gone, leave your contribution with someone that he may put it in the collection, or if you were unable to leave it behind, make it up when you return.
Relationships With Fathers
By Don Ruhl (November 1, 2008)
Watch yourself respond to your father's instruction, and you will see whether you are a wise child or a scoffing one.
Always Abound in the Work of the Lord
By Don Ruhl (November 1, 2008)
Do not give up working for the Lord, because it is not in vain, even if you cannot see the results.
Wisdom Invites You to a Fabulous Dinner
By Don Ruhl (October 31, 2008)
Wisdom has built a beautiful house and look what else she has done,
She has slaughtered her meat,
She has mixed her wine,
She has also furnished her table.
(Proverbs 9:1, 2)
Speaking in Tongues
By Don Ruhl (October 31, 2008)
In the first century, God gave certain members of the church the ability to speak fluently in another tongue, a language, without having studied that language previously. Why did He do that?
Make the Commands of Wisdom a Part of You
By Don Ruhl (October 31, 2008)
When something is part of you, you do not necessarily have to think of it, because it is with you all the time and you live by it. When you walk, you do not think of taking steps, you just walk.
Humility Leads to Wisdom
By Don Ruhl (October 31, 2008)
Pride brings shame; humility brings wisdom. Do the following.
Find a Way to Build Others Up
By Don Ruhl (October 30, 2008)
While speaking in another tongue (a language), that that speaker had not known previously was a miracle and something spectacular, yet, if no one understood what was said, no one was benefited, except God (First Corinthians 14:2).
Another Reason to Read Proverbs Daily
By Don Ruhl (October 30, 2008)
You remember what I showed you from Proverbs 3:1, 2 and why you should read the Book of Proverbs daily.
What Am I Without Love?
By Don Ruhl (October 30, 2008)
What am I without love? Well, Paul said that I could be the best speaker on earth and in heaven, but without love for the people to whom I speak, I am just a lifeless musical instrument (First Corinthians 13:1).
A Reason to Read Proverbs Daily
By Don Ruhl (October 30, 2008)
I tell the congregation where I preach that they ought to read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs everyday as it corresponds to the day of the month. For example, I am writing this on August 30, so, today I should read Proverbs 30.
Spiritual Gifts and Idols
By Don Ruhl (October 30, 2008)
Paul had imparted to the Corinthian Christians miraculous gifts, giving them abilities they never had when they worshiped idols (First Corinthians 12:1, 2).
The Foundation of Knowledge
By Don Ruhl (October 29, 2008)
Do you want the best knowledge that exists? Okay then, get this truth rooted deeply in your heart,
Why Do You Assemble With the Church?
By Don Ruhl (October 29, 2008)
The Corinthians came together, but there were problems. Paul said, "Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse" (First Corinthians 11:17).
Praise the Lord From the Heavens!
By Don Ruhl (October 29, 2008)
Everything above us praises the Lord. His angels, His hosts, the sun and the moon, all the stars, the highest heavens, and even the waters above the heavens praise their Maker (Psalm 148:2-4).
Remember
By Don Ruhl (October 29, 2008)
Many of the messages of the Bible tell us to remember something or someone. Doing so keeps us healthy spiritually.
Be Quick to Praise God
By Don Ruhl (October 29, 2008)
David lived successfully before the Lord. Do you want to live the same way? If you do, do what David did.
Get Away From It
By Don Ruhl (October 28, 2008)
Paul said, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (First Corinthians 10:14), even as Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. Get away from anything that seeks to take your heart away from the Lord.
God and Israel; God and the Church
By Don Ruhl (October 28, 2008)
The Israelites in the wilderness had many of the experiences that we have as Christians. They were all baptized and ate and drank from the same spiritual food and drink that we have, which is Christ (First Corinthians 10:1-4).
How Well God Knows You
By Don Ruhl (October 28, 2008)
David said that the Lord had known him and searched him (Psalm 139:1). Just how well does the Lord know us and to what extent can He search us?
The Rights of Preachers
By Don Ruhl (October 28, 2008)
Christians in the Corinthian Church criticized Paul, perhaps because he took some time off or experienced some other benefit. Therefore, he said to them, "My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat and drink?
Praise God for His Mercy
By Don Ruhl (October 28, 2008)
Psalm 136 repeats, "For His mercy endures forever," twenty-six times! The psalmist stated a truth about God in one line, then followed it with the repetition of His mercy. The psalmist began,
Food Is Food
By Don Ruhl (October 27, 2008)
The Corinthians asked Paul whether it was okay to eat food sacrificed to idols. The idolaters would make their sacrifices, then sell the meat in the market. Could Christians purchase and eat that meat?
May God remember what we have done
By Don Ruhl (October 27, 2008)
As David ascended to Jerusalem to worship, he wanted the Lord to remember all his afflictions and his vows,
LORD, remember David
And all his afflictions;
Here is how you can be blessed
By Don Ruhl (October 27, 2008)
Do you want to be happy when you eat the fruit of your labor? Then fear the Lord and walk in His ways (Psalm 128:1-3).
Be Careful How You Touch the Opposite Sex
By Don Ruhl (October 27, 2008)
The Christians in Corinth had some questions for Paul, one of those questions had to do with relationships between the genders. He began, "Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
If It Had Not Been For the Lord
By Don Ruhl (October 27, 2008)
Psalm 124 will prepare your heart and mind for worship.
Let God Know of Your Trouble
By Don Ruhl (October 27, 2008)
Some people believe that they would bother God, if they told Him of their trouble. Oh, friends, God is a friend like you have never had before. Are not your friends the kind of people who want to be there when you have trouble?
Our Relationship With the World
By Don Ruhl (October 26, 2008)
Members of the Corinthian Church had lawsuits against one another, bringing up matters against one another before the courts of the Roman Empire. Paul shamed them for doing that, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?" (First Corinthians 6:1).
Maximum Worship
By Don Ruhl (October 26, 2008)
Psalms 120-134 all have a preface that says, "A Song of Ascents," or the Old King James Versions says, "A Song of Degrees," and in some cases the preface also indicated the writer.
Delivering Someone to Satan
By Don Ruhl (October 26, 2008)
The Corinthian church not only had a member who was living in fornication, but the church boasted of allowing such a member to be among them, "And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you" (First Corinthians 5:2).
Do You Need a Light in This Dark World?
By Don Ruhl (October 26, 2008)
The darkness of the world keeps us from seeing where we should go. There is sexual lust, false doctrine, hatred, covetousness, false witnessing, doubt, materialism, and every other fleshly desire. How then can I see the way to go?
What Kind of Servant Are You?
By Don Ruhl (October 26, 2008)
As followers of Christ we are also servants of Christ and stewards of God. Okay, so what kind of servants are we?
Do You Need Hope?
By Don Ruhl (October 25, 2008)
If you need hope right now, the word of God is the place to go, for the psalmist said,
Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
Can a Teacher Speak to Me Spiritually?
By Don Ruhl (October 25, 2008)
Paul rebuked the Corinthian Christians, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ" (First Corinthians 3:1).
See Wondrous Things
By Don Ruhl (October 25, 2008)
The average person living around you has no idea what the word of God says. Even Christians have to hear constantly what the word says. I have been reading through the Bible annually for around 32 years, yet, I still come across things that I need to hear.
Who Needs Whose Mind?
By Don Ruhl (October 25, 2008)
In First Corinthians 2:16, Paul quoted Isaiah, and then commented, "For 'who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ."
How Shall We Repay Him?
By Don Ruhl (October 25, 2008)
The psalmist had a good question and, thankfully, he gave a good answer for us to think on,
What shall I render to the LORD
For all His benefits toward me?
Just Ordinary People Like Us
By Don Ruhl (October 24, 2008)
We exalt Paul because he was an apostle of Jesus Christ (First Corinthians 1:1). Yet, he wrote to the Church of God in Corinth, comprised of ordinary people like us, but God had also called those people to be saints, just like us (First Corinthians 1:2).
The Blessings of God-Fearers
By Don Ruhl (October 24, 2008)
The psalmist said that the man who fears the Lord is blessed. Why is that?
Women, Work for the Church!
By Don Ruhl (October 24, 2008)
How did Paul get the Letter to the Romans to the Roman church? Paul wrote of a woman, Phoebe, who carried his letter to the church, which is why he said, "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also" (Romans 16:1, 2).
When Someone You Love Hates You
By Don Ruhl (October 24, 2008)
David wrote a psalm, asking God not to be silent, for David had been praising God, and then David needed God to speak for him (Psalm 109:0, 1).
People Shall See and Hear
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Paul preached where others had not gone to preach before in fulfillment of Scripture. He said,
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And those who have not heard shall understand."
(Romans 15:21)
Say the Lord Is Good
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Psalm 107 begins with this wonderful exaltation,
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
(Psalm 107:1)
Is Christianity About Pleasing Ourselves?
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Are you strong in the faith? If so, Paul by the Spirit said to "bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1). The goal of the religion of Jesus Christ is this, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification" (Romans 15:2).
Sing Songs of Rejoicing
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Yes, we have trials and tribulations and we need to sing about those things, singing that God helps us through all those things. We also need to sing of His mighty deeds. Let us sing songs that lift up our souls that we might rejoice that we are God's children.
Receive Others
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
If you can capture the spirit of the following passage, you will take in the mind of Christ and become a disciple of His, "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables" (Romans 14:1, 2).
The Lord's Benefits
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Do not hold yourself back in blessing the Lord, but be sure to think on His benefits toward you constantly. David sang,
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits
(Psalm 103:2)
The Lord's Benefits
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Do not hold yourself back in blessing the Lord, but be sure to think on His benefits toward you constantly. David sang,
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits
(Psalm 103:2)
You and the Government
By Don Ruhl (October 23, 2008)
Now that you follow Christ, how shall you view the government, especially if it is hostile toward your religion? The Holy Spirit says, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1).
Tremble Before the Great God!
By Don Ruhl (October 22, 2008)
Let this passage run through your veins today,
The LORD reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
(Psalm 99:1)
Sing About Him!
By Don Ruhl (October 22, 2008)
Are you in love with God? Sing about Him! Psalm 96 begins,
You and the World
By Don Ruhl (October 22, 2008)
Now that you present your body as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1), offer your mind also, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).
Consider Everything About God
By Don Ruhl (October 22, 2008)
Many people have false ideas on God and those ideas lead to troubled lives or belief in false doctrine. Therefore, we must get a full picture of our God. Paul sought to give us such when he wrote, "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off" (Romans 11:22).
Never Forget This About God
By Don Ruhl (October 16, 2008)
Moses gave us the first five Books of the Bible. What psalm could he possibly write for us? He began Psalm 90, saying that the Lord had been the dwelling place of Israel in all generations (Psalm 90:1), and here is how that is possible,
He Wears Majesty Like Clothing
By Don Ruhl (October 16, 2008)
Would you pause sometime today and think on this,
The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The LORD is clothed,
He has girded Himself with strength.
Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved.
(Psalm 93:1)
When Your Life Is Full of Troubles
By Don Ruhl (October 16, 2008)
To read the Bible in a year, read Psalms 88 and 89. Heman the Ezrahite had so many troubles that they were bringing him to an early grave (Psalm 88:3-9). What did he do about the situation? What would you...
God and Israel
By Don Ruhl (October 16, 2008)
Paul argued that in the first century, Israel, for the most part, had cast away God. Does that mean God in turn had cast away Israel? Paul said, "I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew" (Romans 11:1, 2).
Knowledge Without Zeal
By Don Ruhl (October 16, 2008)
Paul said of the Jews, "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2). Of the church, I bear them witness that many of them have a knowledge of God, but not according to zeal.
When Your Life Is Full of Troubles
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
Heman the Ezrahite had so many troubles that they were bringing him to an early grave (Psalm 88:3-9). What did he do about the situation? What would you do? Would you get drunk? Would you take antidepressants? Would you take it out on your family? What would you do? Heman began the Psalm, revealing what he did,
God Has Forgiven You
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
The sons of Korah wrote of the greatest of blessings, forgiveness. They saw God's favor toward His people (Psalm 85:0, 1), and then sang,
You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;
You have covered all their sin. Selah
(Psalm 85:2)
Your Conscience and the Holy Spirit
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
Paul wrote to the Romans of his strong feelings for wanting his brethren in the flesh saved. He began, "I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit..." (Romans 9:1), then Paul went on to explain his sorrow for his lost brethren. He knew that the Holy Spirit was aware of what he thought and felt.
Creation and You
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
Creation knows about God's children. Dwell on the following the rest of the day, "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19).
God and Judges
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
Asaph revealed that God watches judges. First, look where God is,
God stands in the congregation of the mighty;
He judges among the gods.
(Psalm 82:0, 1)
You Are Free
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
Before you entered Christ, you lived in the law of sin and death. However, in Christ Jesus, you are free from that old way of living. The Holy Spirit said, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1, 2).
How Long, Lord?
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
We are the people of God and we know that we should be doing better, yet, the world does not respect us as it should. Israel experienced similar things.
What Does Your Baptism Say?
By Don Ruhl (October 15, 2008)
Some people thought that God's grace meant they could continue in sin, but Paul refuted that thinking quickly, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Romans 6:1, 2). Why try to live in sin if you died to it? It does not make sense.
Law and Freedom
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
We cannot get away from it. Anywhere we go, we are under laws. Not only is this true in the world, but it is also true in the spirit. When we unite ourselves with Jesus Christ, it is because we have separated ourselves from some other law under which we lived.
The Endless Need for Teaching
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
Asaph, the writer of Psalm 78 (Psalm 78:0), commanded the people of Israel to hear his words as he opened his mouth in a parable, things he had heard from his father's generation and he wanted to pass on to his children's generation (Psalm 78:1-4).
How You Can Know That God Is Near
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
Asaph wrote a song set to the tune of "Do Not Destroy" (Psalm 75:0). While we do not know the tune anymore, the name of it is interesting, for Psalm 75 speaks to the wicked that they not destroy, otherwise, God shall put them down!
When the Wicked Do Well
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
You do your best to do everything right, yet, you have a hard time getting ahead in this world. Those not Christians cheat and lie, but they seem to have no problem getting ahead. Is it time to give up and join the wicked?
Access to Grace
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
Who would turn down access to the greatest treasure ever? Sadly, most people do. However, you have chosen that access. Paul said that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
Remember That God Is Your Helper!
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
Trouble comes and we forget the help that is on our side. David wrote a song to help us remember our Helper and that is the reason for Psalm 70 (Psalm 70:0).
David began pleading for God to hurry and help (Psalm 70:1), because someone sought to hurt David, but he knew that God could help (Psalm 70:2, 3).
Thank God for His Grace!
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
The mighty Abraham did not find justification before God because of works, otherwise, Abraham could have boasted before God of how magnificent a man he was (Romans 4:1, 2).
God Is Always True
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
God gave His oracles to the Jews first (Romans 3:2), yet, some Jews did not believe in Him. Does that nullify God's work in the Scriptures? No, for Paul argued, "For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:
Judgment in Truth
By Don Ruhl (September 19, 2008)
Does my righteous judging of a person excuse my participation in the same sin? No, but many people think that way. Paul said, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things" (Romans 2:1).
The Wicked Melt, But the Righteous Rejoice
By Don Ruhl (September 18, 2008)
How shall the different peoples of the earth be before God? Our God is awesome and how people react in His presence depends upon how they have lived, and that is worth singing about (Psalm 68:0).
Praise God for Forgiveness
By Don Ruhl (September 18, 2008)
We thank God constantly for material things, such as our food and the country in which we live, but a greater gift than those things is forgiveness. Have you praised God for His forgiveness? The theme of forgiveness demands a song (Psalm 65:0).
A Magnificent Greeting
By Don Ruhl (September 18, 2008)
Paul showed the gravity with which he took his faith, writing to the Romans that he was a bondservant of Jesus Christ and an apostle for spreading the prophesied gospel concerning God's Son Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-3).
Silently Wait for God
By Don Ruhl (September 18, 2008)
David had Jeduthun put Psalm 62 to music, for the poem truly speaks of something worth singing (Psalm 62:0). Someone attacked David, spreading lies about him, because this enemy blessed David with the mouth, but inwardly the enemy cursed David (Psalm 62:3, 4).
Be Guiltless and Someone Will Know
By Don Ruhl (September 18, 2008)
Even as Pilate and Herod could see that Jesus had not committed any wrongdoing, so the centurion transporting Paul could see that he was guiltless and harmless. Therefore, Luke wrote of the comfortableness of the centurion around Paul, even in Rome, "Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him" (Acts 28:16).
Awake, O God!
By Don Ruhl (September 18, 2008)
David knew that Saul had sent men to kill him (Psalm 59:0), but he turned his attention to God, crying out for deliverance (Psalm 59:1, 2). However, David knew that he had not done anything to bring on the persecution of Saul, and David could pray to God about that, believing that God knows all things,
People Watch You
By Don Ruhl (August 29, 2008)
After the ship wrecked on which Paul and his friends were traveling to Rome, the people of Malta, the island where they swam to, showed great kindness to the survivors (Acts 28:1, 2).
Do Not Hold Back Your Praise!
By Don Ruhl (August 29, 2008)
The sons of Korah wrote many psalms that God preserved in the Bible, and we wonder how many did God not preserve (Psalm 47:0). They began Psalm 47 with this mighty encouragement,
Be Happy to Defend Yourself
By Don Ruhl (August 29, 2008)
Do you walk in truth and with Jesus everyday? If so, you will have your enemies and they shall accuse you of evil falsely. Therefore, when you get the chance to defend yourself, do not dread it, but gladly give your defense and use it to show the life of Christ in you.
You Cannot See Your Strength
By Don Ruhl (August 29, 2008)
Are you a child of God? If so, listen to a contemplation of the sons of Korah, which they gave to the chief musician that he might make it into a song (Psalm 44:0). They began by addressing God and how they had heard that He worked in the days of their fathers (Psalm 44:1).
The Government Can Be Our Helper
By Don Ruhl (August 29, 2008)
Sometimes the government fights the church and sometimes the government helps the church, protecting her from her enemies. Acts 25 shows the Roman government doing the latter. Paul and his accusers stood before the Roman governor Festus (Acts 25:1–10).
Stop Being Tedious
By Don Ruhl (August 28, 2008)
The Jews got together along with a good speaker to bring accusations against Paul (Acts 24:1). When the speaker stood before Felix the governor, listen to the speaker admit his tediousness and you will notice it even before he confesses it, “And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying:
What Happens When You Remember the Poor
By Don Ruhl (August 28, 2008)
Considering the poor is such a mighty theme it is worth singing about. Therefore, David wrote a hymn of praise and gave it to the chief musician to put it to music (Psalm 41:0). The first thing David said was,
Blessed is he who considers the poor…
Religion and Government Conspiring to Silence the Church
By Don Ruhl (August 28, 2008)
More than forty Jews conspired to kill Paul (Acts 23:12, 13), but to carry out their plan, they needed government assistance. These men went to their leaders and wanted the leaders to go the government leaders for a conspiracy to kill Paul.
The Arrows of God
By Don Ruhl (August 28, 2008)
David wrote a psalm, designed to bring to remembrance (Psalm 38:0), for we often forget our sin and the consequences of it, but to remember our past sin cleanses us from future sin. David cried out to God,
Our Behavior Toward Leaders
By Don Ruhl (August 28, 2008)
Humanity glories in showing disrespect toward leaders and authority, especially if a leader has done something deserving of disrespect. However,
The Thoughts of a Criminal
By Don Ruhl (August 28, 2008)
How does a criminal think? In Psalm 36, David told us (Psalm 36:0). The root of the wickedness of a criminal, David revealed in verse 1,
An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked:
There is no fear of God before his eyes.
Getting People's Attention
By Don Ruhl (August 27, 2008)
Paul became all things to all men, which meant that when he spoke to the Jews, he spoke as a Jew and it got their attention, "'Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.' And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent (Acts 22:1, 2).
Bless the Lord on All Occasions
By Don Ruhl (August 27, 2008)
King Saul had driven David out of the Kingdom of Israel and he headed for the Philistines, but they questioned what he was doing there. Fearing for his life, David pretended to be insane and the king of the Philistines drove David away.
Others Willingly Suffered With Paul
By Don Ruhl (August 27, 2008)
The Holy Spirit warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem, because of the suffering awaiting him, but that did not deter him, nor did it deter others, for you will hear Luke using the plural pronoun and he was not the only one to accompany Paul to Jerusalem, "And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem.
In God We Put Our Trust
By Don Ruhl (August 27, 2008)
David wrote a hymn of praise and delivered it to the chief musician to put it to music (Psalm 31:0). While David had a huge problem and wanted God’s help, yet, listen to David’s emphasis. He began by telling the Lord that in Him David put his trust, therefore, he never wanted to be ashamed of that trust, but knew that God would deliver him in righteousness (Psalm 31:1).
On the Move
By Don Ruhl (August 27, 2008)
Paul and his friends found a ship that would take them to the land of Israel quickly. Just watch the ship travel, “Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
Do You Want God to Hear You?
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
David wrote a psalm (Psalm 28:0), in which he desperately wanted God to hear the supplications of his heart.
Do People Know How You Live?
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
As Paul headed to Jerusalem, he wanted to talk to the Ephesian elders, but he did not want to spend too much time there that he would miss a feast of the Jews, and so he went to a city close by and called for the elders (Acts 20:16, 17).
Lift Up Your Soul to the Lord and You Shall Not Be Ashamed
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
David (Psalm 25:0) spoke of you when he wrote Psalm 25. He lifted his soul up to God and knew He would not let David be ashamed,
To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
When Did the Preacher Leave?
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
Some preachers leave a congregation right in the middle of controversy, because they do not like to deal with such things. They might have to pick sides and lose friends in the process. So, they may throw out some words that they think should solve the problem, and then quickly leave.
My God, My God Why Have I Forsaken You?
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
Psalm 22 prophesied of what Jesus would suffer for us. The preface (Psalm 22:0), says that David wrote this hymn of praise to be sung with the tune known then as, "The Deer of the Dawn."
Paul Traveled to Preach
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
Traveling is fun and exciting. Paul did plenty of traveling and he may have enjoyed the sites along the way, but the Holy Spirit did not record those things, because Paul had a different purpose in mind.
See the Glory of God
By Don Ruhl (August 26, 2008)
David wrote a poem as a psalm, which is a hymn of praise. He wrote the words and gave them to the chief musician, who put music to the words (Psalm 19:0). The Holy Spirit did not preserve the music, but he did preserve the words. And what magnificent words the Spirit delivered to us!