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Theme

"Thus says the LORD, `Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;

but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,' declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Let us learn more about God and His work. Let us mine for gold in God's Word.

These are 52 Scriptural Devotions, one for each week of the year. Each gold mine is based on Scripture and has a title which summarizes the central vein. Each gold mine is also based on an actual diary letter that I wrote to my best friend, Harry Sieplinga, about my struggles in life and my attempts to discover and apply Scripture to my life during that time.

I chose the foregoing Scripture in Jeremiah as the Theme of the Book, because I conclude that we should focus more on who God is and what He has done than we should focus on us and what we have done.

Dedication

These collection of letters are dedicated to my wife, Theresa Barrett Hornbeck, and my best friend, Harry Sieplinga.

Foreword by Bill

Harry Sieplinga and I met each other in kindergarten at Muskegon Christian School. We became best friends and grew up together in the Dutch Christian Reformed Church community of Muskegon, Michigan.

After Muskegon Christian School and Western Michigan Christian High School, Harry and I parted ways when we went to college. Harry attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I attended Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Yet, we got together whenever we could. Later, we settled down with our own families. Harry lives with his wife and two sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I live with my wife and three sons in St. Petersburg, Florida. I have been an attorney for 20 years, and I continue to practice law in my own law firm.

In 1992, I started to write letters to Harry primarily because I became excited about what I was discovering in the Bible and I wanted to both record the discoveries and share them. Although the letters quote and compare Scriptures extensively, they also contain my own personal struggles to understand and apply Scriptures to my life. (Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture passages are from The Ryrie Study Bible, New American Standard Translation, Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Th.D., Ph.D, Moody Press, Chicago, 1978.)

As an attorney and a student who majored in philosophy and government at Harvard University, I understand that the foundation of Law is the basic assumption that we do what is right by knowledge of the Law and by willpower to comply with the Law. As I studied Scriptures, I was amazed to discover that we receive righteousness from God through faith in Christ. Faith is reckoned as righteousness. Moreover, the righteous live by faith. The world urges us to "Just do it". The Scriptures urge us to "Just believe it". The world believes faith is part of life only when everything else fails. The Bible teaches that faith in Christ is the very life of the righteous. I Peter 1:7 tells us that the proof of our faith is more precious than gold, even though tested by fire.

This inspiration and related inspirations led me to write letters to Harry. At random times, often months apart, I would write a letter to Harry whenever I felt inspired. Later, when I reread the letters, the letters would encourage me, reminding me of God's faithfulness and how He delivered me out of all my troubles.

My heritage is the Christian Reformed Church. My great-grandfather, William Heyns, a Professor at Calvin Theological

Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, wrote a handbook on catechism in the Dutch language titled Handboek Voor De Catechetiek published by Eerdmans-Sevensma Co. He later wrote books in English titled Outlines and Notes Bible History Old Testament published by Van Noord Book and Publishing Co. 1921 and Manual of Reformed Doctrine published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1926. My grandfather, Richard H. Pousma, M.D., was a medical missionary in China in 1926-1927, from which he wrote An Eventful Year in the Orient (a diary in form) also published by Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1927. Later, he was a medical missionary for Navajo Indians at the Christian Reformed Rehoboth mission in Gallup, New Mexico. In summary, I am blessed by such a heritage, and such a heritage has influenced me. These letters are a blend between doctrine (such as written by my great-grandfather) and diary (such as written by my grandfather).

In conclusion, I have put these letters to Harry in the format of 52 Scriptural Devotions. I pray that GOLD MINING will encourage you to read God’s Word and to likewise write a diary or journal on how God has delivered you in your particular troubles through life.

It should not be that tough to trust Him when I can remember His blessings on me in the past. Back around 1989, I listed my blessings. I updated it by adding Joshua on my list on 4/6/90. All of my blessings are from God, not through my own work. Even my sole practice law office is a blessing. If I had my way, I would have worked as an associate for a large firm. Yet, God has given me the freedom of working for myself which I have grown to appreciate.

I remember back when I started Harvard College in 1971 and thought: "What do I want to do with my life?" I knew I could make it as a doctor and have a comfortable life, simply following my father's footsteps. But I wanted to follow my passion as to what I thought was most important.

To me, what was most important was helping people to do what is right. Thus, I became interested in philosophy and government and law and focused on the question: "How do we do what is right?"

For over 20 years, I have studied that question, trying to find an answer.

Even after graduation from Harvard in 1975, I was driven to seek an answer, and found it difficult to concentrate on getting a job. I "floundered" and was unemployed, studying the Bible, from June 1975 to December 1976. God led me each day to study the Bible, even when I thought I should concentrate on finding a job.

God led me into law which was not unusual or inconsistent with my study, and I went to law school from January 1977 to December 1979.

Again in January 1980 to May 1980, I "floundered" and was unemployed and studied the Bible. I still focused on the question "How do we do what is right?". Again, God led me to study the Bible each day.

Now, in 1992, I am convinced that I have an answer. We do what is right simply by believing God. Romans chapter 4 very clearly states that righteousness comes from faith, not works. "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness," Romans 4:5.

That we do what is right by simply believing God is so simple, but I am still trying to fully believe it and apply it to my life.

I do experience that my work is easy, whether it is the practice of law or serving the Lord in stewardship, missions, or some other service, when I trust God. God does His work in me. "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13.

I was amazed how easy it was being Chairman of Stewardship at Pasadena Community United Methodist Church when God worked in me.

GOLD MINE 4: I KINGS 17

MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT GOD DELIVERS US OUT OF THEM ALL

September 29, 1992

Harry:

The devotion that I had today was 1 Kings Chapter 17. It is helping me through another tough time.

I learned two major lessons through 1 Kings Chapter 17. First, just because God helps us through one trial does not mean that there will be no more trials. Second, God helps us often through humble and unexpected means.

In 1 Kings Chapter 17, God delivered Elijah from a drought through a miraculous provision of ravens at Cherith (Kerith) brook. However, the brook dried up. Then, God delivered Elijah through he miraculous provision of a widow and her handful of flour and a little oil in the jar. However, the widow's son became so sick that there was no breath left in him. Then, God returned the son's life to him.

Likewise, after God's financial delivery of me on September 3, 1992, I first though that I would face no more financial trials at least for a while. But now, I am again faced with another financial trial. I cannot depend on circumstances. I cannot depend on having life without troubles. I can only depend on God who delivers us out of all our troubles.

"The righteous cry and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34: 17-19 (emphasis added).

We cannot determine or know how many trials we will face or how God will deliver us. Too often, I set my hope having no more trials. Too often, I set my hope on receiving a check in the mail. Very often, God uses other and often humble and unexpected means to deliver me, time and time again.

Thanks for your photos, letters and calls.

Bill

GOLD MINE 5: JOSHUA 1:9

GO UP TO THE ALTAR AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH YOUR CHILD

October 5, 1992

Harry:

This was a good weekend. Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, I went with seven other men from my former church, Pasadena Community United Methodist Church, to a weekend retreat at the United Methodist campground in central Florida at Leesburg. This was my fifth straight year. It is always a spiritual mountain-top experience for me.

At the retreat, I recommitted myself to pray more and pray every day for my wife, Theresa, and my sons, Jay, John, and Joshua, and I dedicated myself to them. This may be an obvious duty to some fathers. I am more selfish. I tend to think only of my own spiritual condition and maybe say a prayer now and then for my family. I resolved to pray for my family more and care for their spiritual condition more. God gave my family to me. He wants me to take care of them with me, as one family.

My son, John, who had been baptized last Sunday at Azalea Baptist Church, wanted to respond to the altar call at the end of the service and asked me to go up to the altar with him. At first, I hesitated because I knew he had already accepted the Lord and had just been baptized last week. I also did not want others to misinterpret my going to the altar, thinking I needed help, rather than John. But then, I remembered that when I was his age I went up for altar calls repeatedly, maybe five or more times. (Harry, I also vaguely remember when we went up together for an altar call at Maranatha Bible Conference in Muskegon, Michigan.) With that memory and a feeling of a little shame at my pride, I proudly went to the altar with John with thanks in my heart to God.

Bill

GOLD MINE 6: PROVERBS 3:5-6

GOD WANTS US TO SEEK HIM ON EASY DAYS AS WELL AS DIFFICULT DAYS

October 28, 1992

Harry:

Yesterday, the Lord answered our prayers and we were able to replace our big old 1976 Dodge with a sleek, low-mileage 1986 used Buick.

Today, it seems like I have little problems. It almost seems like I do not need God. I have no pressing problems or trials at work or home this week. I think I can handle this week.

The Lord taught me that just as I come to Him with heavy and pressing needs and problems and trials, I also need to pray that He will guide me through easy days as well. He brought to my memory that the hardest days with God are easier than the easiest days without God.

God cares for us and takes us by the hand through the easy days as well as the hard days. The easy days often pose the greatest pitfalls to us, because we tend to ignore God and just rely on ourselves.

In the following Scripture, the Lord directs us to acknowledge Him in all our ways. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

It is comforting to me that God loves us so much that He is willing, and in fact wants, to be our Good Shepherd every day of our life, through sunny days on the mountaintop as well as dark days in the valley.

Bill

GOLD MINE 7: JOHN 6:27-29

WHAT SHALL WE DO TO WORK THE WORKS OF GOD?

November 19, 1992

Harry:

I believe the clearest and most succinct confrontation between works and faith in the Scripture is John 6: 27-29:

"`Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal. They said therefore to Him, `What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, `This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'"

Man wants to know what he (man) should do to be righteous. He gets up every morning and thinks: "What should I do?" God replies: "Look to Me. Look at what I do. My work is to make you believe in Me."

God changes the focus from man to God. God changes the focus from work of man to work of God. God changes the focus from works to faith. God changes the focus from man gaining faith through man's effort to God giving faith through God's work.

Bill

GOLD MINE 8: PSALM 19:7-11

GOD'S WORD IS MORE DESIRABLE THAN GOLD

December 2, 1992

Harry:

On my desk, I have Psalm 19: 7-11 copied and framed. Psalm 19:10 states that Scripture is "more desirable than gold". This book, GOLD MINING, shows you what gold I have been able to find. Please forgive me for what tarnish my words may be on God's gold. May my words more and more point to God's Word and say: "That's true!".

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3: 16-17.

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any

two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

"`BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER.' And this is the word which was preached to you." I Peter 1:25.

Bill

GOLD MINE 9: EPHESIANS 2:4-7

DON'T SEEK ACCOMPLISHMENTS OR DIVERSIONS. BASK IN GOD'S LOVE.

February 1, 1993

Harry:

We want to be loved. Whether we are the Dallas Cowboys doing everything we can to win the Super Bowl or we are a lonely teenager hoping for a date, we want to be approved and loved. We seek accomplishments to be loved. We also seek diversions to try to fill our empty souls.

We think we will be loved if we accomplish certain things. We think we can earn love. We also seek diversions to occupy our minds and souls with other things.

As Christians, even as mature Christians, we may sometimes believe that we experience and feel God's love only when we accomplish certain things. We think: "If we accomplish something, God will love us".

Too many mornings, we feel our souls are like empty blackboards. We feel we have to earn God's love each day. Each day, we start again with an empty blackboard, seeking to fill it with accomplishments so that God will love us.

The glorious news of God's love should overwhelm us like a wave overwhelms a sand castle. The Gospel is good news, Glorious news of God's love for us, hitting the earth in an explosion of God's love.

The Gospel split history in half from "Before Christ (B.C.)" to "After Christ (A.D.)".

We did nothing to earn God's love. Our righteousness is dung. We were dead, not near-dead, in our transgressions. We had no hope in ourselves.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-7.

God loves us with a great love. Our faith should so be assured of God's love that His love overwhelms us like a wave overwhelming a small sand castle. We should stand in awe with our mouths wide-open at God's great love for us that floods our soul.

"For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19.

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. ...". I John 3:1a.

"and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" Romans 5:5

If we start each day through faith with a heart full of God's love, what will we do?

A. Seek accomplishments to earn God's love?

B. Seek diversions to replace God's love? or

C. Bask in God's love?

Bill

GOLD MINE 10: PSALM 34:5

LOOK TO GOD AND BECOME RADIANT.

March 1, 1993

Harry:

"They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces shall never be ashamed.". Psalm 34:5.

When we look to God, we become radiant.

"For Thou dost light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness". Psalm 18:28.

God puts light into our hearts.

"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18.

When we behold the Lord, He transforms us into His image.

GOLD MINE 11: MATTHEW 18:3-4

WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF AS A CHILD IS GREATEST IN KINGDOM OF GOD

March 2, 1993

Harry:

"...`Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.'

`Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:3-4.

Man's notion of greatness is based on works; God's standard of greatness is child-like humility and faith.

The Christian life is not meant to be complex; only those who become like children are allowed to enter it.

The Christian life is simple. "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1.

God chose the "foolishness" of faith in Christ to shame the wise and to be the means of our salvation, wisdom, righteousness and sanctification. See I. Corinthians 1:18-31.

"that no man should boast before God." I Corinthians 1:29.

Bill

GOLD MINE 12: PSALM 52:9

GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOREVER, BECAUSE GOD HAS DONE IT.

March 11, 1993

Harry:

"I will give Thee thanks forever, because Thou hast done it,

And I will wait on Thy name, for it is good, in the presence of Thy godly ones." Psalm 52:9.

Are we happy because God did it? Or, are we happy because we did it?

Whatever success or fruit that we shall bear in life is because God has done it. We should be happy and thankful that God has done it.

Satan tries to pull us away from simple faith in God. He wants us to concentrate on our own works and our own righteousness which are worthless. Satan tries to get us to reason: "If I wait on the Lord, it won't get done. I should just do it."

God wants us to wait on Him and concentrate on His divine power and His promises:

"seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust". 2 Peter 1:3-4.

Give thanks to God, because He has done it. Wait on the name of the Lord for He will do it.

Bill

GOLD MINE 13: MATTHEW 6:33

FIRST SEEK GOD; FIRST BELIEVE CHRIST

March 16, 1993

Harry:

The world tries to press us into thinking that we can or should only seek God on Sunday or at least only after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our work, profession, livelihood and employment demands our first and deepest attention, according to the world. The world tries to box God into one hour a week of "religion".

Two passages in Scripture came to my mind today which overturn this mind set of the world:

1. Matthew 6:33 is the most succinct: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."

2. John 6:27-29 is a powerful passage comparing working for food with believing for eternal life, clearly stating what should be our first and deepest attention. Jesus said: "`Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal.' They said therefore to Him, `What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, `This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'"

1. We should seek God's kingdom and God's righteousness first.

2. Our work is to believe, but that isn't even truly our work. It is the work of God.

Bill

GOLD MINE 14: JOHN 7:38

BUBBLING UP AND OVERFLOWING

March 18, 1993

Harry:

Jesus said:

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, `From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water'". John 7:38.

Jesus said:

"but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life". John 4:14.

These Scriptural gold mines are what bubbles up and overflows from me. Each of us who believe in Jesus have different works which bubble up and overflow from us. Do we do it out of duty? No! We can not keep it capped. The works just keep bubbling up and overflowing.

Some of us teach or preach. Some of us provide music. Some of us give. Some of us are prayer warriors. Some of us open our homes and are hospitable. Some of us feed the hungry. Some of us feed the hungry. Some of us take care of children. Some of us take care of the elderly.

Some of these works just bubble up and overflow out of us, helping others.

Bill

GOLD MINE 15: PSALM 138:8

GOD WILL ACCOMPLISH WHAT CONCERNS US

May 10, 1993

Harry:

As I am reading through the Bible, I came across a verse in my devotion today that just asked to be quoted.

"The Lord will accomplish what concerns me;

Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;

Do not forsake the works of Thy hands." (emphasis added). Psalm 138:8

Psalm 57:2 similarly states: "I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me."

Romans 8:28 states: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:32 states:

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things"?

I know that I struggle to live by faith. I struggle to believe what I write. Sometimes, all I can see is the "bleak reality". But, the "bleak reality" is really only a logical future without God. But there is a God who has awesome and infinite power. God fulfills His promises and showers us with His lovingkindness. God can and does turn our "bleak reality" into our "abundant life".

God does not just sit in heaven and watch what we do or what happens to us. God accomplishes His will through us. He gives us everything we need. God continually encourages us. He give us His Son and His Spirit to dwell within us. He adopts us as His children. God creates the good works for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 God perfects the good work within us. Philippians 1:6. God predestines us. God calls us. God justifies us. God glorifies us. Romans 8:29-30.

Let us stop worrying about what we should do and start praising God for what He has done!

"For Thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by what Thou has done,

I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands." Psalm 92:4.

Bill

GOLD MINE 16: JOHN 6:16-21

SEEK CHRIST'S PRESENCE MORE THAN HIS PRESENTS.

July 13, 1993

Harry:

My minister, Dr. David Fannin of Azalea Baptist Church, repeatedly tells us, his congregation, that we should seek Christ's presence more than Christ's presents. I am gaining more understanding and appreciation for that wisdom.

Let us consider some questions to contrast.

Do we try to use Christ as a means to obtain something? Or, do we accept Christ as our end and destination, our bread of life, and our righteousness? Would we rather have Christ's presents or His presence? Is Christ our means or our end? Is Christ our truth and our life? Or, do we seek something more?

When a storm hits, do we seek calm seas or Christ? When we are hungry, do we seek whole wheat bread or whole life Christ?

When we turn 40 and panic and wonder what we have accomplished in this life, do we seek to number our works or to name our Savior?

In the following three portions of Scripture, all located in John 6, we shall see Christ as our end and our destination, as our bread of life, and as our Savior.

In John 6:16-21, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea to Capernaum when the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. The disciples were frightened. Jesus said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid".

John 6:21 then simply tells us: "They were willing therefore to receive Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going". (emphasis added).

The key to this passage is not that the sea became calm. (It is not mentioned in this passage whether or not the sea became calm.) The key is that as soon as they were willing to receive Him, the boat was at the land to which they were going.

In a storm, man thinks: "I need safety. I need the wind to stop blowing and the seas to calm. If this storm does not stop, I will die. "Jesus, calm the seas."

The point of this passage is that there is something immensely more important than what Jesus causes or brings. Sometimes, Jesus may calm the seas. However, what is most important is that Jesus' presence is our end and destination. Even if the wind continues to blow and the sea rages, if Christ is with us, we have the peace of knowing that we are where we should be.

In John 6:27, Jesus said: "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal."

When hungry, a man thinks: "I need bread. I cannot live without bread. `Jesus, give me bread.'" Esau, likewise, rationalized when he was hungry: "Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?" Esau sold his birthright for stew to Jacob.

Jesus here tells us to not work for food which perishes but for food which endures to eternal life. Jesus tells us that He is the bread of life which we should seek and that he who comes to Him shall not hunger and thirst. In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus told us not to be anxious about food, drink, or clothing by commanding and promising in verse 33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."

In John 6:28 and 29: "They said therefore to Him, `What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, `This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who He has sent.'"

In mid-life crisis, man thinks: "What have I accomplished in my life? I need works to my credit. I won't be saved or get rewards if I don't do enough works, "Jesus, help me to do your works."

However, Jesus focuses on the work of God and faith of man: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who He has sent."

In summary, too often, we seek calm circumstances (safety), money, and works rather than Christ Himself. We seek these goals of safety, money, and works, and we use Christ as a means to obtain them.

We need to understand that Jesus is not just the means; Jesus is the end. Jesus does not lead us to all things; all things under God's will leads us to Jesus.

Jesus is our harbor, our destination, our bread of life, our Savior, our righteousness, our goal, our truth, and our life.

Bill

GOLD MINE 17: PSALM 34:6-19

GOD DELIVERS US OUT OF ALL OUR TROUBLES.

August 2, 1993

Harry:

I am walking through "the valley of the shadow of death" called "finances". But, I fear no evil for God is with me.

This has been a difficult and frightening valley that requires all my faith and more. I didn't think I would make it beyond July 31; but here it is August 2, 1993 and God has helped me in four small but important financial ways.

"But the path of the righteousness is like the dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day". Proverbs 4:18.

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither, And in whatever he does, he prospers".

Psalm 1:2-3.

"The righteous cry and the Lord hears,

And delivers them out of all their troubles". Psalm 34:17.

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous;

But the LORD delivers him out of them all". Psalm 34:19.

"This poor man cried and the LORD heard him,

And saved him out of all his troubles". Psalm 34:6.

"O fear the LORD, you His saints;

For to those who fear Him, there is no want.

The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;

But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want

of any good thing". Psalm 34:9-10.

"Because he has loved Me,

therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him securely on high,

because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him, and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him,

And let him behold My salvation". Psalm 91:14-16.

"What then shall we say to these things?

If God is for us, who is against us?

He who did not spare His own Son,

but delivered Him up for us all,

how will He not also with Him freely give us all things"?

Romans 8:31-32.

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus". Philippians 4:19.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness;

and all these things shall be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow;

for tomorrow will care for itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own". Matthew 6:33-34.

"Ask, and it shall be given to you;

seek, and you shall find;

knock, and it shall be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives,

and he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks it shall be opened.

Or what man is there among you,

when his son shall ask him for a loaf,

will give him a stone?

Or if he shall ask for a fish,

he will not give him a snake, will he?

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:7-11.

I made it through Monday, August 2, 1993! God has not let me down! God has helped me with my financial struggles. Even when I thought God had let me down, God helped me! God keeps my faith and shows me that He keeps His Word! Although it may be dark in the life of the righteous, "the path of the righteous is like the dawn, That shines brighter until the full day". Proverbs 4:18.

Bill

GOLD MINE 18: ISAIAH 41:10

GOD HELPS US IN UNEXPECTED AND DIFFERENT WAYS.

August 12, 1993

Harry:

Today's devotion is Isaiah 41. What a great and comforting verse is Isaiah 41:10!

"Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand". Isaiah 41:10.

How often we do look anxiously about us! We get anxious and panic when the check does not come in the mail. We lose faith when we do not see how God is going to help us. We care more about the check in the mail than we care about trusting God.

God often helps us in unexpected and different ways so that we do not base our trust in what we expect and see. God wants us to trust Him, no matter what we expect and see.

If we trust in just what we expect and see, such as money, then we will love and serve just what we expect and see, such as money. However, if we trust in God, no matter what we expect and see, we will love God.

We should not be anxious, particularly about money. Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:19, and many other verses assure us that God will take care of us.

It may also help us to not be anxious, if we understand that God wants to create, build and finish our faith in Him. How can He best do that? God often helps us in unexpected and different ways so that we do not just trust in what we expect and see. We just trust God to help us and get us through our struggles somehow.

Bill

GOLD MINE 19: PSALM 92:4

ARE WE GLAD ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE DONE OR BY WHAT GOD HAS DONE?

October 22, 1993

Harry:

I have not written a "Letter to Harry" in a long time. Today, I feel inspired to summarize what I have been trying to emphasize in many letters to you. I also want this letter to be a special tribute in honor of my beloved minister, Dr. David Fannin, who will be moving from my Azalea Baptist Church to go to Nassau Bay Baptist Church near Houston, Texas in about ten days. I will miss him. He has been a real blessing to me as a preacher and as a friend.

"For Thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done,

I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands." Psalm 92:4.

This should be our attitude! We should not be preoccupied by our works. We should not be preoccupied by what we should do. Rather, we should focus on God's works. We should be glad about what God has done.

Too often, we dwell on feelings of our own failures or inadequacies. We feel that because we are "mature Christians" we should examine ourselves more often and perfect ourselves.

It is easy to justify this focus on our self. We can pull out selected verses from the Bible that admonish us to do this or not to do that. Messages of failure and inadequacy even come from people we respect: preachers, teachers, and family. It can seem righteous to us for us to feel condemned and inadequate. When worldly wisdom is blended into God's Word, the resulting half truths are particularly believable and dangerous.

2 Timothy 2:15 exhorts us: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." We should not take verses out of their context. We should read, preach, and teach the meaning of the whole passage. Verses can be selected and isolated out of their passage as long as they are used in the meaning of the whole passage. Beware of sermons or messages based on just one or a few verses. Ask yourself what is the meaning of the whole passage.

Here are three questions that may help you in your study of a Scriptural passage:

1. Is the focus on what man has done or on what God has done?

2. Are we urged to work harder or believe more?

3. Did the victory come from what man did or what God did? Who got the glory?

Here are three portions of Scripture that plainly tell us to focus on the work of God and the faith of man. We need to focus on God more and on man less. We need to believe more, rather than work more.

John 6:28-29

"They said therefore to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'"

Romans 4:1-5

"What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. For what does Scripture say? 'AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.' Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,"

Galatians 3:2-5

"This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? Does He then, who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?"

In conclusion, focus on God and what He has done. Be glad by what God has done. Sing for joy at the works of God's hands.

Bill

GOLD MINE 20: PHILIPPIANS 2:13

GOD IS AT WORK IN YOU.

February 4, 1994

Harry:

In John 6:28, the Jews ask the most important question of all time: "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?". That is the central question of human life.

If you ask a preacher or teacher that question, he or she may answer: "Go to church. Attend Sunday School. Feed and clothe the poor. Tithe. Pray. Witness."

Of course, all of these works are good and important. However, the source of these works should be God working in us. The question should not be: "What shall we do?"; the question should be: "What is God doing in us?"

It is our tendency as human beings to focus on ourselves, rather on God. Church leaders feel pressured to prove their own righteousness through their own works.

But Jesus answered the Jews with a startling reply: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent". See John 6:29.

In Jesus' few words, He was saying: "First of all, you can't work the works of God. Second, don't worry about doing the works of God, God does His own work. This is what God's work is. Third, you should focus on your faith in me, rather than on what you should do. Fourth, you need help to believe in me. In fact, it is God's work that enables you to believe in me".

Each day we are faced with pressure to prove our own righteousness, and we are often pressured most at church.

We sit silently as we are taught to do a certain church work "to do the works of God".

It is hard to trust these words of Jesus. We feel that faith is only a worthless cloud of dreams and that only works get things done. However, Jesus reassures us: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father." John 14:12.

We can say with Jesus: "the Father abiding in Me does His works." (John 14:10). We can say: "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ

Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.

In conclusion, focus on God. Believe God is at work in you. Believe God gives you the will to do His will. Believe God made you as a unique and precise workmanship to do his works. We do not have the same gifts; we do not do the same works. We are unique and do the works which God prepared just for us beforehand.

Bill

GOLD MINE 21: HEBREWS 12:2

WE CAN'T FOLLOW CHRIST UNLESS WE KEEP OUR EYES ON CHRIST.

February 24, 1994

Harry:

In a sermon last Sunday, the Biblical text contained the words: "Follow Me." Let us look at some of those verses:

"And He said to them, `Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" Matthew 4:19.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, `If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me'". Matthew 16:24.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them; and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27-28.

I began to think how important it is for us to look and focus on Jesus. It is easy for us to agree with the point that we should look and focus on Jesus, but I experience in myself and also see in other Christians a tendency or attraction to look at ourselves.

We are more concerned about our own image, especially to others, than we are concerned about the image of Christ. We think: "We are mature Christians, look at us." We do not quite trust taking our eyes off ourselves to look at Christ. We are more concerned about our own righteousness than "the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith". See Philippians 3:9.

It should be obvious that if we are to follow Christ, we should above all seek to see Him. If we take our eyes off of Him, we will slow down, fall behind or wander. If we keep our eyes on Him, we can almost effortlessly follow Him. We do not need to think about: "Am I walking fast enough? Am I tired? Am I staying on course?" If we keep our eyes on Him, we will walk with Him.

The Christian life is often described as a walk. (See for examples: "walk by the Spirit", Galatians 5:16; "If you walk in My statutes", Leviticus 26:3; "walk in newness of life", Romans 6:4; "walk in a manner worthy of the calling", Ephesians 4:1).

We will keep up with Jesus if we keep our eyes on Him,

GOLD MINE 22: I CORINTIANS 2:9-12

THE SPIRIT REVEALS TO US THE THINGS FREELY GIVEN TO US BY GOD

April 27, 1994

Harry:

"but just as it is written,

`THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN

AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,

AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,

ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM'.

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. ...

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may know the things freely given to us by God".

I Corinthians 2: 9, 10, & 12.

Not only does God freely give us wondrous gifts that are too good to believe, God also reveals these gifts to us through the Holy Spirit which He also gives to us. The Holy Spirit helps us to believe and understand these gifts freely given to us by God.

Bill

GOLD MINE 23: LUKE 9:38-43

AMAZED AT THE GREATNESS OF GOD

May 15, 1994

Harry:

Luke 9:38-43 tells us of Jesus' miracle of healing the boy who was possessed by an unclean spirit which the disciples could not cast out.

What was the impact of Jesus' miracle?

"And they were all amazed at the greatness of God." Luke 9:43a.

Jesus' miracle drew out amazement and faith in the people. The people became aware of the great things God had done for them.

Shouldn't our preaching and teaching have that goal also?

Paul writes: "And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God". 1 Corinthians 2:4-5.

Just as Jesus' miracle in Luke 9:38-43 and Paul's preaching in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 drew out faith on the power of God, our preaching and teaching should have as its goal to make a similar impact. Our preaching and teaching should make people amazed at the greatness of God and the great things God has done for them (and can do for them).

Bill

GOLD MINE 24: JOHN 14:1-6

JESUS IS THE CURE FOR DISCONTENTMENT

September 6, 1994

Harry:

It is the first day after Labor Day weekend. The kids have the blues because they are starting school. The parents have the blues because they are back at work.

Although by the time you receive this letter, it will be toward the end of the week and the blues may have passed or changed into an excitement for the weekend, I thought I would write this letter if for no other reason than to get away from my own blues. My devotion this morning was John 14:1-6, and some thoughts about the blues and their cure came to mind.

One of the biggest causes of the blues is our search for peace and joy in the weekends, in TV, in the movies, in sports, in our possessions, in our work,, and in our friends and family. Although these are all good, even gifts of God, we cannot find lasting peace and joy in them alone. They can and certainly do give us some peace and joy, but what happens when the weekend is over, our favorite sports team loses, we don't have what we want, aggravations occur at work, or our friends and family get upset with us?

The best example of this discontentment can be found in watching me watch TV. When I watch TV, I constantly change channels with my remote control: click, click, click, around and around and around. I must believe that there is some peace and joy out there on some channel, but anybody who watches me must think I am a deranged idiot. I know my wife has questions or comments about me.

The words of Jesus beckon us to come to Him: "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me....I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." John 14:1 and 6b.

I need to believe and rest upon the fact that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life and stop looking around for the way and the truth and the life in other places that tempt me with quick bits of peace and joy.

Peace and joy cannot be found in the weekends, in TV or movies, in sports, in possession, in work, or even in our friends and family.

Jesus is the way and the truth and the life, not just in an abstract or eternal way, but Jesus is the way for us right now, Jesus is the truth right now, and Jesus is the life right now.

Do not be troubled. Know that God will strengthen, help, and uphold you. Remember He will always be with you.

When the weekend is over, remember that the God who showed you a good time during the weekend is still with you to help you at work and to continue to shower you with blessings.

When you cannot find anything on TV or the movies, read the Bible.

When your favorite sport team loses, remember and rejoice that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:57)

When you don't have what you want and TV continues to flash it on commercials in front of you, turn off the TV and look around you. Appreciate your home and the food in your refrigerator. Take a bite to eat, remember and give thanks to God for what He has given you.

When aggravations occur at work, remember Isaiah 41:10 which tells us that God will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us. Remember how He has done it in the past and believe He will do it now again.

When friends and family get upset with you, look at how your kids receive scolding and spankings and yet how they bounce back and love you and you love them. Forget the squabbles, forgive them and forget.

In conclusion, John 6: 19-21 has intrigued me for months. When the disciples were willing to receive Jesus into their boat, although they were out to sea, having rowed about 3 to 4 miles, "immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going." When we receive Jesus into our hearts again, even though it is a blue Tuesday after Labor Day, we are where we should be. We are in the middle of truth and life, and we don't want to be anywhere else.

Bill

GOLD MINE 25: ROMANS 8:6

SELF-IMPROVEMENT OR GOD'S IMPROVEMENT?

October 4, 1994

Harry:

"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace". Romans 8:6.

Upon what do we focus?

A. "What can I do to be better?

B. "What has God done to make me better?

Too often, we focus on what we can do to be better.

When we focus about what we can do to be better, we set our mind on the flesh. When we focus on what God has done, we set our mind on the Spirit.

We may ask: "But should not I try to be better?!"

Although the Law is good and it is good to be better, the problem is sin within us. "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not". Romans 7:18.

When we focus on ourselves and our own determination, even though we are trying to do what is right in obeying the Law, we are setting our mind on the flesh and are trusting ourselves, instead of God, to do what is right.

This temptation (to focus on ourselves and trust ourselves and just try to do what is right) is particularly strong for "mature Christians" and church leaders. We think: "I should do what is right, and I can do what is right".

However, Paul reminds mature Christians and church leaders: "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" Galatians 3:3.

We, even mature Christians and church leaders, can not perfect ourselves by the flesh. We can not place the Law in front of us and perfect ourselves by our determination to obey it. Romans 7:15-24.

When we try to do so, we are under a curse. "For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, `CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM'". Galatians 3:10.

"You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness."

Galatians 5:4-5. (emphasis added).

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.

We can not perfect ourselves. Only God can perfect ourselves. "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified". Hebrews 10:14.

When we preach and teach, do we focus on what we should do or on what God has done?

Bill

GOLD MINE 26: PSALM 92:12-15

DON'T BE A HORSE; BE A TREE.

December 6, 1994

Harry:

"The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree,

He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Planted in the house of the Lord,

They will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still yield fruit in old age;

They shall be full of sap and very green,

To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

Psalm 92:12-15 (emphasis added).

Maybe, we should pray:

"I pray that I shall always be

A Christian as lovely as a tree."

We do not often think of ourselves as trees. Just the opposite, we want to be men or women of action: workers. We would rather be like a lion or eagle or horse; any animal, but not a plant!

However, the analogies between the righteous and trees in the Bible should not be ignored. It may offend our pride, but the analogies are there.

"But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;

I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

I will give Thee thanks forever, because Thou hast done it,

And I will wait on Thy name, for it is good, in the presence of Thy Godly ones." Psalm 52:8-9 (emphasis added).

I do not know of any animals that bear fruit. The next time someone asks you what you would like to be like. Think of a tree.

The church is becoming too much like the world. We feel that we should set goals and w