James 4:5-10

Dear Brethren,

The only way for any person to enter into heaven is by turning to and following the Lord Jesus Christ. The person who desires eternal life must first be saved, thereby becoming a child of God. However, obedience to God's word requires a person to submit themselves to God. Submitting to God means that a person must be willing to do whatever the Bible teaches.

For instance, if a person is not saved, then he must submit to the teachings of Jesus. Consider as an example Mark 16:15-16 which reads, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'" The words of Jesus are clear and simple. Submitting to these teachings will bring salvation.

Too often, even within the lives of Christians, submitting to the Lord can be hindered by worldly temptations and desires. The person who would be saved must make the conscience desire to submit to the Lord and His teachings. Without such a determination, faithful obedience to the Lord will not be found. As James wrote, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Here is James 4:5-10 presented for your consideration.

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

In Love,

John Duvall

Matthew 19:4-6

Dear Brethren,

The separation of a husband and his wife is a terrible thing. Such a separation can lead to the severing of the wedding union. While such divorces are common place today, such devastation is still against God's will for the husband and the wife. When a man and woman enters into marriage, it is to be for the remainder of their living days. Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

Quite often, the separation of a husband and his wife begins with a smaller element. For instance, if someone or something comes between the husband and his wife, the seed for separation may be planted. The separating element could be a person who comes between those joined in union. The element could also be a job, a hobby, money, a mother or father-in-law, or even the children. Yes, the children can also come between a husband and his wife if they allow it to happen.

The husband and wife must always keep God at the center of their relationship, letting everyone else stay outside their circle. With such a union and a commitment, the husband and wife relationship will last until the final days of their lives. Here is Matthew 19:4-6 presented for your consideration.

4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’
5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ ?
6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

In Love,

John Duvall

Luke 1:1-4

Dear Brethren,

Most people want to hear an accurate accounting of any given factual story. When a person watches a news program on television, he expects to hear the facts. Any news journalist who fabricates any element of a news story will have a short lived job as a journalist. A news journalist must report the facts.

While all scriptures in the Bible have been given by God (2 Timothy 3:16), the gospel account written by Luke records Luke's intent to accurately present the facts regarding the life of Jesus Christ. Luke took the job of setting "in order a narrative of those things which" had been fulfilled. In order to accomplish this task, Luke spoke with "eyewitnesses and ministers of the word," which enabled Luke to have a "perfect understanding of all things from the very first." Luke then sent this "narrative," this "orderly account," to an acquaintance named Theophilus. Because of Luke's efforts, we have a fourth gospel account of the life and death of Jesus Christ, an account which we can trust, just as we trust all the written word of God. Here is Luke 1:1-4 presented for your consideration.

1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us,
2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,
3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

In Love,

John Duvall

Psalms 103:1-5

Dear Brethren,

What has the Lord done for you? Have you ever given thought to the blessings given by the Lord? Look first at the physical blessings of your life. The Lord is the very reason you have life in your physical body. He is the reason you have a beating heart and a complex mind. He has given you life. Consider also you abilities, your passions, your desires, and even your family: these all exist because of the life given you by God.

What about the spiritual blessings found within Jesus Christ? For Christians, these spiritual blessings abound. Starting with the forgiveness of sins to a life of fellowship with the Father in heaven, these blessings flow through a Christian's life. James wrote, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Here is Psalms 103:1-5 presented for your consideration.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

In Love,

John Duvall