Not many people know him as Joses. He was of the priestly tribe of Levi, and lived on the island of Cypress. Apparently his personal presence was such as to cause others to consider him a “man among men.” While at Lystra the Lycaonians began to call him “Zeus” (Jupiter), the chief of the Greek gods. They called Paul “Hermes” (Mercurius) his messenger. Joses was a man who was respected and trusted by the apostles at Jerusalem. They trusted him to go on a mission to Antioch to check on rumors they had heard that some Hellenists (Gentiles) had received the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:20-22). It is written in the eternal record of God of Joses saying, “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

Joses was not afraid of laboring with his hands. In 1 Corinthians 9:6 it is said that he was a worker beside Paul. These men worked to provide a livelihood for themselves as they preached the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.

This man was also a very generous man. In Acts 4:36-37, when Joses saw the need of the Christians in Jerusalem, he went and sold some property that he had and gave the money to the apostles to be distributed as the people had need.

Joses was a traveling companion of Paul; a man with the heart of a missionary. They stood together against the persecution of government officials. They were together when various trials were inflicted upon them by the Jews. And it was Joses who first brought Paul [Saul] to the apostles in Jerusalem. His courage and faith is an example to all Christians.

For all this Joses was not perfect. When Peter first came to Antioch he would eat with the Gentiles. But when other Jews came from James, Peter stopped eating with the Gentiles because he was afraid of what those of the circumcision would think. Joses also got caught up in this offense (Galatians 2:12-13). But he repented and followed God’s way rather than man’s way.

One of the outstanding characteristics of Joses was his talent for encouraging other Christians. It was because of this talent that the apostles gave him the name “Barnabas” which is translated “son of encouragement.”

Barnabas is mentioned in 28 different verses in the New Testament. He is an example of inspiration for every Christian man and woman. His dedication and commitment to the gospel of Christ led him to sacrifice his time, his money, his comfort, and his own personal safety. He gave up many worldly pleasures to do the work of God.

The challenge for the month of September is for every member of the congregation to look at Barnabas and grow to be more like him these areas of service.

ü Help someone in mission work.

ü Bring someone to church with you.

ü Give more of your time to doing the work of God.

ü Sacrifice your money to help those in need.

ü Make a decision to get out of your comfort zone to help someone.

ü Give up some worldly pleasure and replace that time with doing something for God.

ü Develop the habit of exhorting your brothers and sisters in godliness.

Looking at the examples of strong, faithful Christians is an excellent avenue for learning ways to improve yourself as you seek to become more like Jesus Christ. Hebrews 6:12 says, “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). Joses, who was also named “Barnabas,” is an excellent example of a strong, faithful Christian who is worthy imitation.

“Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”

John 18:37-38

Pilate was not interested in truth. He was interested in preserving his status as governor, and this business concerning Jesus was putting that status in jeopardy. Politics hasn’t changed that much over the years. But neither have people in general as it pertains to their love of truth.

Truth is defined as that which is genuine, actual fact, real or manifest reality. Vines Dictionary says, “the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a matter.” Webster said, “conformity with fact or reality,” “the state or character of being true,” and “honesty; integrity; truthfulness.” There were other words used in defining truth. But these are sufficient for the purpose of this article.

God is Truth.

David said, “O Lord God of truth” (Ps. 31:5). Moses called Him “a god of truth” in Deuteronomy 32:5. Paul said that God cannot lie in Titus 1:2. The nature of God is such that lying is not within His ability. His holiness is so complete that lies cannot originate within or emanate from Him. Jesus Himself declared that God was true in John 8:26.

Jesus is Truth

In John 8:38 Jesus declared that He spoke the things that He had heard with His Father. He, being from the Father, said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

The Spirit of Truth

In John 16:13, Jesus, speaking about the Holy Spirit, said, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13).

God’s Word is Truth

The Bible is the book of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16 it says that all scriptures are God breathed. While He was praying to God, Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Failure to recognize and love truth can be deadly. “[A]nd with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Worship in Truth

In John 4:23-24 the Bible says, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Be Honest with Others

Seeing that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are truth, it should not be surprising that their followers are called to be truthful. “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR,’ for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

Be Honest with God

All liars will be cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment (Revelation 21:8). God is able to look inside your very soul and see the truth or the lies that reside there. “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7). The Lord knows what is in your heart and will reward accordingly (Revelation 2:23).

Be Honest with Yourself

James wrote, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). Self deceit is a tremendous danger. It is not always easy to see yourself as God sees you. John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Satan is at the root of this. He is the great “deceiver,” a liar, and a murderer (Revelation 12:9; John 8:44). But all too often we are like Israel of old, where Jeremiah said, “The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” (Jeremiah 5:31.)

The Valley of Decision Joel 3:14 speaks about “the valley of decision!” The Gentiles had decided to follow their own ways of wickedness, thus bringing upon themselves destruction. In Judges 24:15 Joshua called upon the people to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” The journey of life is filled with decisions. It is these decisions that will determine your eternal destiny in the life to come. Moses led the children of Israel through the valley of decision when he said, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

The Mountain of Dedication God told Abraham to go to a mountain and offer the son that he loved, Isaac, as a sacrifice to Him (Genesis 22). When Abraham received this word he did not weep uncontrollably, waver back and forth, argue with God, or reject God because He asked too much of him. The Bible says that Abraham rose up early and went. As they were going up the mountain, Isaac asked, “’My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ Then he said, ‘Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’” (Genesis 22:7.) Consider Abraham’s dedication, his strength of will, his faith on that mountain to obey God’s will and not His own.

The Sea of Delight After a person has crossed the “valley of decision” in favor of the Lord; after a person has climbed the “mountain of dedication” like the “Father of the Faithful”; for that person there is a “sea of delight” waiting. In this life Peter said that there is joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Pet. 4:8). Paul said to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4). But heaven itself is that ultimate sea of delight. For in that place there shall be no tears, no pain, no heartache (Rev. 21:4). “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).

Every cook knows that when you change the ingredients, or fail to follow the cooking instructions, or use inferior ingredients in a recipe you will end up with a different tasting dish, an inferior dish, or a different dish altogether. Each ingredient and each step of the cooking instructions is designed to produce that perfect taste that pleases and satisfies those who eat it.

God has given to us the recipe for seeing good days. Through the inspired pen of Peter God has written that recipe down for you in 1 Peter 3:8-12:

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

This recipe will produce that perfect life of good days for all who will follow it. But too often we want to “have our cake and eat it too.” We want the good days without having to follow the recipe as God has written.

Most all Christians want to live and peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters. We all have compassion and are tenderhearted toward one anothe, until someone speaks an unkind word about us. How fast does that “dander” getup? How quick do the gloves come off? How long before disparaging words cross our tongue? Paul wrote, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). Our words will either fan the flames of disunity or hatred, or they will seek to promote peace. What kind of speech are you adding to your recipe?

Another part of the recipe is to turn away from evil. It is because of evil that Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). It is because of evil (sin) that you are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). It is because of the evil of the world that Jesus had to die on the cross (Isaiah 53). Evil (sin) is an ingredient that ruins the recipe for good days. It adds guilt, discontentment, and disharmony to a person’s mind and heart and circumstances in life. And if it is not removed it will change God’s blessing of good days into a curse. The only way to take away evil from the recipe is by adding the blood of Jesus. 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

But turning away from evil is only part of the recipe. We must also “do good.” Our Lord Jesus Christ was a man who went about doing good (Acts 10:38). God our Father is the giver of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). Is it any wonder that His children are called to maintain and be zealous for good works? (See Titus 2:14; 3:14.) Did you ever wonder why Jesus’ parable about the Samaritan man who stopped to help a man who had been robbed and beaten is called “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”? It is because of his good works. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” What good works are you adding to your recipe in order that you might see good days?

Another part of the recipe is to seek peace. Peace is an essential element of good days. When you are being harassed and tormented then you certainly would not call that a good day. Our Lord and King has been called the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). It is He who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Jesus came to tear down the middle wall of partition and make peace between the Jews and the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-16). He was also sent by our heavenly Father in order to make peace between man and God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

But not only are we to seek peace, but in order for the recipe come out right we must pursue peace. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Contentions and strife are worldly and demonic and do not come from above (James 3:15; 4:1-4). Jesus has commanded to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). He also commanded to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-45). Can a faithful child of God do one and not the other?

God’s recipe for seeing good days is perfect. And when followed correctly this recipe will produce a sweet smelling aroma that is pleasing to God. If you would see good days then examine your life and make certain that you are following God’s recipe and using quality ingredients. God appreciates when you go the extra mile to make your life taste good to Him.

In the very beginning of time God put forth the institution of family as a hub of social activity, the center of education, and the anchor of spiritual development. The physical family that God designed and set in motion with Adam and Eve was the genesis of His plan for a solid foundation for a God fearing family. It was God’s intention that this physical family be a “prep school” for the spiritual family of God.

Over time God saw that the physical family had lost its purpose. In Genesis 6 there was a generation of people who had ceased to seek the treasures of God, but were seeking only the pleasures of self. Jesus said, “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:38-39). Their pleasures eroded and destroyed their treasure.

In Judges 2:10 it is written, “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” Somewhere, somehow there was a failure of that following generation. Either they did not receive, or refused to accept the teaching of God. The implication from the wording of this verse indicates that their parents failed to provide the teaching that was needed. Whatever the reason, because they did not know God they were sent into captivity.

In today’s world our physical families have fallen on hard times. Mom or dad are often absent from the family. If there are two parents, often both are having to work to pay the bills and keep a roof over the family’s head. The children are being educated by a Godless school, and by the world [worldly] wide web, cell phones, and ungodly friends. Is it a real surprise that we are raising up a generation that does not know God?

Homecoming should be more than a time for seeing familiar faces, renewing old acquaintances, and catching up on earthly news. It should be a time of remembrance that God has designed our physical family in order to help prepare us for that eternal family in heaven. It must be remembered that we must not only prepare ourselves for eternity, but that God has placed upon our shoulders the responsibility to prepare the next generation for that home in heaven. The church is important in this task. But it is in the home where the greatest influence on a child’s life is usually anchored.

Abraham was chosen by God for many reasons. One reason is found in Genesis 18:19, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” It is clear from this passage that God appreciates those parents who take the time to teach their children to “keep the way of the Lord.” It will make a world of difference for you and for your children.

In a Bible study not long ago this verse came to mind, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). This verse has reference to those who would preach the word of God, for some were preaching a perverted gospel. We should not accept preaching just because someone calls himself a preacher. A faithful Christian will “search the scriptures” to see whether or not the preaching is true (Acts 17:11).

In the study the comment was made, in the context of alcoholic beverages, “Nobody told me that those ‘spirits’ were the ‘spirits’ of demons.” I thought about 1 John 4:1 and what a perversion and an abuse of scripture it would be to use 1 John 4:1 as a justification for drinking alcoholic beverages. That is not the kind of “spirits” John was talking about.

Nevertheless, the statement by my friend was true. Alcoholic beverages are the “spirits of demons.”

About half of all traffic accidents in the United States involve alcoholic beverages. Approximately half of all prison inmates in the U.S. were either drinking or using drugs or trying to obtain alcohol or drugs when they committed their crime. Medical experts have proven that drinking alcohol has a negative impact on the liver. Alcohol also kills brain cells.

There are no records that I am aware of that speak to the number of marriages that come to an end due to at least in part because of bottled spirits. But as a former police officer I can attest from personal observation that many families are ruined, destroyed because one or both of the spouses drown their sorrows in alcohol. It affects people from all walks of life.

Visit your local graveyard or funeral home and inquire about how many teenagers were prematurely laid to rest due to the fact that they decided to try the bottled “spirits” and learned a moment too late that the price for such experiments was death.

Someone may say, “I need a drink to loosen up after a hard day.” Well, alcohol does help a person to “loosen up.” It is a depressant that slows down your mind. The first part of a person’s body that alcohol affects is the frontal lobe of the brain. That is where your decision making brain cells reside. That is where your morals and your inhibitions are located.

The next part of the brain that is affected is the part that controls your motor skills. Slurred speech, red—glassy eyes, blurred vision, the inability to walk a straight line or stand on one foot are signs that a police officer looks for when examining someone who may be intoxicated. But when the motor skills have been affected the police officer knows that the decision making ability has already been affected by the “spirits.”

Ephesians 5:18 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18). The excess here is not in reference to how much alcohol has been drunk. “Excess” (KJV) is from the Greek word “asotia” which is translated as “riot” (riotous living), “dissolution,” and “debauchery” in the ASV, Young’s Literal Translation, and the English Standard Version. It has reference to the effects of drunkenness. Proverbs 23:33 says it this way, “Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.” Isaiah wrote, “But they also have erred through wine, And through intoxicating drink are out of the way; The priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed up by wine, They are out of the way through intoxicating drink; They err in vision, they stumble in judgment” (Isaiah 28:7).

Someone may say, “Well, I only drink one or two drinks. I am not a drunkard.” A pertinent question is “Why?” If you are not drinking alcoholic beverages to become drunk, then why drink them at all? Is it just a habit? Is it for social purposes? Does it make you feel sophisticated? Is it because your friends are doing it?

If your answer is that “It loosens me up and helps me to unwind,” then is it not the case that you are in fact one drink drunk? How many drinks does a person have to drink in order to become drunk? Do you have to fall in the ditch and be unable to get up before you consider yourself drunk? The fact that a person is one drink drunk is proven in the fact that it has an effect on that person, that is, to loosen up or unwind. Police often use a breathalyzer machine to measure how much a person has had to drink in the past few hours. It measures how much alcohol is in a person’s blood. This machine will measure even one drink.

Drinking bottled spirits also has other side effects. It hinders and even destroys your influence upon those who see you. One man told me that he often went into a bar and had a drink and talked to people about Jesus. I asked him how many people he had converted. He grew rather quiet. It also sets an example for your children. A majority of teenage alcoholics reported that they had their first exposure to alcohol at home.

The writer of Proverbs summed it up in chapter 20:1, “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” When you look at the lives that have been destroyed by the “Devil’s drink” wisdom dictates that you refrain from “trying the spirits” and stay as far away from alcoholic beverages as you can. Peter said, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries”

In a Bible study not long ago this verse came to mind, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). This verse has reference to those who would preach the word of God, for some were preaching a perverted gospel. We should not accept preaching just because someone calls himself a preacher. A faithful Christian will “search the scriptures” to see whether or not the preaching is true (Acts 17:11).

In the study the comment was made, in the context of alcoholic beverages, “Nobody told me that those ‘spirits’ were the ‘spirits’ of demons.” I thought about 1 John 4:1 and what a perversion and an abuse of scripture it would be to use 1 John 4:1 as a justification for drinking alcoholic beverages. That is not the kind of “spirits” John was talking about.

Nevertheless, the statement by my friend was true. Alcoholic beverages are the “spirits of demons.”

About half of all traffic accidents in the United States involve alcoholic beverages. Approximately half of all prison inmates in the U.S. were either drinking or using drugs or trying to obtain alcohol or drugs when they committed their crime. Medical experts have proven that drinking alcohol has a negative impact on the liver. Alcohol also kills brain cells.

There are no records that I am aware of that speak to the number of marriages that come to an end due to at least in part because of bottled spirits. But as a former police officer I can attest from personal observation that many families are ruined, destroyed because one or both of the spouses drown their sorrows in alcohol. It affects people from all walks of life.

Visit your local graveyard or funeral home and inquire about how many teenagers were prematurely laid to rest due to the fact that they decided to try the bottled “spirits” and learned a moment too late that the price for such experiments was death.

Someone may say, “I need a drink to loosen up after a hard day.” Well, alcohol does help a person to “loosen up.” It is a depressant that slows down your mind. The first part of a person’s body that alcohol affects is the frontal lobe of the brain. That is where your decision making brain cells reside. That is where your morals and your inhibitions are located.

The next part of the brain that is affected is the part that controls your motor skills. Slurred speech, red—glassy eyes, blurred vision, the inability to walk a straight line or stand on one foot are signs that a police officer looks for when examining someone who may be intoxicated. But when the motor skills have been affected the police officer knows that the decision making ability has already been affected by the “spirits.”

Ephesians 5:18 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18). The excess here is not in reference to how much alcohol has been drunk. “Excess” (KJV) is from the Greek word “asotia” which is translated as “riot” (riotous living), “dissolution,” and “debauchery” in the ASV, Young’s Literal Translation, and the English Standard Version. It has reference to the effects of drunkenness. Proverbs 23:33 says it this way, “Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.” Isaiah wrote, “But they also have erred through wine, And through intoxicating drink are out of the way; The priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed up by wine, They are out of the way through intoxicating drink; They err in vision, they stumble in judgment” (Isaiah 28:7).

Someone may say, “Well, I only drink one or two drinks. I am not a drunkard.” A pertinent question is “Why?” If you are not drinking alcoholic beverages to become drunk, then why drink them at all? Is it just a habit? Is it for social purposes? Does it make you feel sophisticated? Is it because your friends are doing it?

If your answer is that “It loosens me up and helps me to unwind,” then is it not the case that you are in fact one drink drunk? How many drinks does a person have to drink in order to become drunk? Do you have to fall in the ditch and be unable to get up before you consider yourself drunk? The fact that a person is one drink drunk is proven in the fact that it has an effect on that person, that is, to loosen up or unwind. Police often use a breathalyzer machine to measure how much a person has had to drink in the past few hours. It measures how much alcohol is in a person’s blood. This machine will measure even one drink.

Drinking bottled spirits also has other side effects. It hinders and even destroys your influence upon those who see you. One man told me that he often went into a bar and had a drink and talked to people about Jesus. I asked him how many people he had converted. He grew rather quiet. It also sets an example for your children. A majority of teenage alcoholics reported that they had their first exposure to alcohol at home.

The writer of Proverbs summed it up in chapter 20:1, “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” When you look at the lives that have been destroyed by the “Devil’s drink” wisdom dictates that you refrain from “trying the spirits” and stay as far away from alcoholic beverages as you can. Peter said, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3).

The wise man Solomon warned his son about women who had “the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart” (Proverbs 7:10b). Solomon described this woman as being rebellious and would not stay at home. This woman was bold and unashamed. She would passionately kiss a stranger and with enticing words invite him to her bed. Solomon says that this young man followed her not knowing “it would cost his life” (Proverbs 7:23).

In the not too distant past those who wore the attire of harlots restricted such wear to the Red light district or behind the darkened windows of houses of ill repute. But in our present generation women like Madonna and Ashley Simpson and men such as Marilyn Manson have brought the attire of a harlot into our everyday fashion. Magazine covers and advertisements bombard the public with images of men and women dressed in the attire of a harlot. It is considered cool to dress in such attire. In fact, it has become rather difficult to find clothing for teenagers and young adults that is befitting holiness and modesty. But it is not impossible.

When a person dresses like the world and speaks like the world then do not be surprised when others believe him or her to be a worldly person. Shorts and skirts that expose too much of a person’s thigh is contrary to Christian modesty. Blouses and shirts that expose the breasts and cleavage do not demonstrate a Christ-like spirit. Wearing your pants down around your hips exposing your underwear to the world is contrary to the Bible’s definition of modesty.

The story is told of a family sitting down to breakfast. Their teenage daughter asked if she could buy a new bikini for a trip she was planning to the lake. Her father asked her to stand up and to strip down to her underwear right there at the table. The young lady was appalled and refused to do such a shameful thing. Her father pointed out to her that she was planning on going to the lake and stripping down in front of strangers and friends in a bikini that covered less than her underwear.

Why do people believe that it is okay to wear such clothes at the lake or the beach but not in your own home in front of mom and dad? Is it because of a standard that says that when we are out in the world then we can dress like the world?

When Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, they learned that they were naked and were ashamed. Their shame was a good thing. They hid themselves and then made coverings for themselves out of fig leaves. But their coverings were not sufficient in God’s eyes. So God made them coverings. The word used here is translated “coats” or “tunics.” It is from the Hebrew word “keth-o-neth” which describes a long shirt styled garment that covered from the neck to the knees.

As noted above, the attire of a harlot was designed to entice or catch the eye of a passerby. In Isaiah 47:1-3 God prophesies that He would remove the shirt and uncover the thigh to show the nakedness of Babylon. In Exodus 28:42 the priests were to wear trousers underneath their robes to insure that they did not show their nakedness (expose their thighs) as they performed their duties. These trousers were to be from the waist and cover their thighs.

The way that a person dresses often reflects the mindset, the attitude of the person. This may not be true in cases where finances are extremely deficient. But for the most part in society today people are able to choose the style of clothes they purchase.

With this in mind, what is the standard by which you select your clothing? Is your primary standard the current fashion of the day? Or, is your primary standard your own personal comfort? Or, is your standard one that professes godliness?

Paul wrote about the standard that should be used in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, “in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” Men should not make the mistake of believing that God’s instruction on modesty does not also apply to them.

“Modest apparel” has reference to clothing that is designed not to draw lustful attention. It is not gaudy. “Propriety” refers to that which is proper. It is from the Greek word “aidos” and is defined as “a sense of shame, modesty,” “awe,” or “reverence” (Vines’ Dictionary, pg. 598; Thayers Lexicon, pg. 14). A Christian whose primary desire is to please God will take careful note of this passage. The clothing that you choose to wear will either profess your godliness to the world, or, it will reflect your worldliness. What are you professing to the world by your choice of clothing?

Have you ever had a time when joy touched your very soul; when you were overwhelmed with a feeling of contented happiness? Did you have such a feeling on your graduation day when, after many years of sitting in a desk taking notes, after tedious memorization and hours and hours of homework, and after all those tests you finally reached the end of your goal? Or, maybe on that wonderful day when you said those rapturous words, “I do,” you enjoyed that wonderful feeling of indescribable joy.

Peter tells about a great joy that every Christian can claim as his or her own: “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8, KJV).

It is a worthwhile study to look at Peter’s reasons for this unspeakable joy. They are listed in 1 Peter 1:3-9.

1. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (Vs. 3). That empty tomb where Jesus was laid is an undeniable source of Joy for every believer. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is a sure anchor of hope for every mortal human who will look in faith beyond the day of death to the day of the resurrection of the dead.

2. “[T]o an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (Vs. 4). Isaiah 51:6 says that the earth is growing old and will vanish away. But heaven will not grow old or be corrupted. The inheritance of heaven will be eternal, without rust, or corruption; neither do thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).

3. “[W]ho are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (Vs. 5). The greatest scientific minds and the world’s foremost philosophers and theologians are unable to give salvation or eternal life to a single soul. But through faith in the promises of God you can have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). Through faith you may have the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).

4. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (Vs. 6). The tribulations of this life provide a counterpoint, a measuring stick, if you will, to the glory and joys of heaven. Paul and James both gave instructions to rejoice in various trials and tribulations (Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; James 1:2, 12). After they had been beaten, the apostles rejoiced, being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ (Acts 5:41).

5. “[T]hat the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Vs. 7). The value of your faith is far greater than silver or gold or any other material thing in existence. Trials and tribulations are the purifying fire that separates the dross from the precious ore of a genuine faith. Having a faith that is pure, genuine will be to your praise, honor and glory when Jesus returns to receive His own (John 14:1-3).

6. “[R]eceiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls” (Vs. 9). When all is said and done and your life comes to an end, the only thing that will matter is whether or not you will walk through the pearly gate or be cast into the bottomless pit. All other considerations will immediately vanish from your list of priorities. Jesus put it in perspective when He said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37.)

The word “faith” is found 3 times in these seven verses. Faith is a change of mind that brings about a change in action (Hebrews 11:7). Saving faith is an obedient faith (James 2:17-26; Hebrews 3:18-19). The joy that is unspeakable is found in a faith that is unshakable. When you trust with all your heart that Jesus has been raised from the dead, and that through Him God has begotten you to a living hope of an eternal home in heaven that does not fade away, and has given to you the promise of salvation, then that unspeakable joy may be yours. If your faith is strong that unspeakable joy can be yours even in the face of fiery trials and tribulations.

Hello again from Chuuk.

Today is Sunday here (Chuuk is across the international date line and about 14 hours ahead of the USA).  I am getting ready to walk to Epinupe Village for worship with Tatau and the brethren.

Last night after our studies, Anthony decided he wanted to put on Christ in Baptism.  We drove down to the ocean and Hermes baptized him into Christ Jesus.  Say a prayer for Anthony.  He was a Catholic.  He is single with some worldly ways that he is working to overcome. 

Hermes had been teaching him prior to our coming.  He is a great worker for the church; a solid man of faith among a people who have been nurtured in the fruits of Satan.  He is a bright lamp in the place.  There are others who are also shinning.  Kinde is working hard to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.  Tatau is steady in his dedication.

Joey is working hard to provide a solid foundation for the church.  The wisdom he is showing as he works with the people is yeilding fruit that will have an impact on the lives of the people in Chuuk for a long, long time as God blesses the work.

Keep them and us in your prayers. 

Steve Vice