If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them. John 13:17

Sometimes people feel good about the plans they are making……..which they will never follow through on. One day I was urging a man to accept Christ into his heart but he would not. He said that later he would. As he walked away he said, “You know, I feel better already.” I don’t know if he ever got saved. Like so many things, just knowing or planning is not enough. The follow through is everything. It’s like prescription medicine. It does you no good unless your medicine is taken. Luke 11:27,28 tells of a man who heard Jesus’ teachings and said “Blessed is the womb that bare thee”- in other words, His mother. Jesus said, “Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” The blessing is in the application. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. Deuteronomy 2:3

A compass makes a circle. The Israelites had for a long time been circling the area of Mt. Seir instead of going directly to the promised land after they had escaped from Egypt. Now if you go around in a circle three things happen. 1 You waste time. 2. You waste energy. 3. You end up exactly where you started. You may have been circling your own Mt Indecision. “I’m going to start a new plan….tomorrow. I’m going to really change…. tomorrow. I’m really going to serve the Lord….someday. And on it goes, around and around. You have circled this mountain long enough. You’ve wasted enough time. It is time to move on. Elijah said it perfectly: “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment. Exodus 23:2

To follow a multitude is to go along with the crowd. Young people are especially susceptible to this, but it is a temptation to all of us. It doesn’t matter if  we call it peer pressure, or following public opinion; it amounts to “go along to get along.” If rap music with brutal lyrics is what the group feels is “cool” then that is what many follow. If tattoos are the rage, that is what seems so important. “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:28. We belong to the Lord and God calls us to be a holy people, obedient to Him and devoted to His Word. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 6:17. Phillip P. Bliss wrote: “Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known. You can follow the multitudes to do good. David said:

“I went with the multitude to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday, (Sabbath). Psalms 42:4.  Find your  fellowship with God’s people. Amen.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. Exodus 14:20

As the Egyptians pursued the Israelites to destroy them after the exodus from Egypt, God caused a great cloud to appear between them which gave light to the Israelites and darkness to the Egyptians. On the one side of the cloud there was pitch darkness, and on the other side there was abundant light. The Gospel is like that. “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23,24. To the unsaved the Gospel is darkness, but to the saved it is light. To the unsaved it is dull, dreary, and tedious, but to us who are saved, it is a joy, it is delightful, it is honey out of the rock. What is it to you?

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. Genesis 7:1,16

If it had been Noah who shut the door of the ark, and sealed it, then when the torrential rains pounded the ark and the waves tossed it about, he might well have wondered if it were secure. But the LORD closed the door and shut him in. Will the door open or leak? I think not. That is the way our salvation is. It is not our doing. It is God’s work. GOD sent his Son, JESUS suffered for our sins and died in our place, and the HOLY SPIRIT baptizes us into the body of Christ. A threefold cord is not easily broken, especially when it is divine.

When the storms of life are raging and our little bark is tossed about by the violent waves, we are safe and secure because salvation is God’s work. When you hover about the door, and wonder if it will hold, it may be that you feel that you are the one who closed and sealed the door. If that were so, you have good cause to be concerned. You need to trust in Christ, commit to the Father and rest in the Spirit. It is He that called us, it is He that saved us, and it is He that shut us in. All honor, glory and praise be to Him. Amen.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22

This promise is very comprehensive, but He is the Lord, and with him all things are possible. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6. God has ordained that faith be the key that unlocks the storehouse of God’s blessings. How many battles have been won, how many problems solved and blessings received by the prayer of faith. Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” Mark 9:23.   

You should take courage, and rejoice. God has many blessings in store for you and they are received with the hand of faith. Prepare your heart, extend your arm, and open your hand. Amen.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris 

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

The disciples had been forbidden to teach in the name of Christ, or anything about him, which gave rise to the response in today’s verse, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Christ crucified, as the only way of salvation, is not a popular doctrine, and from the beginning attempts have been made to prevent its’ spread, and to silence those that spoke in the name of Jesus. Thank the Lord for those warriors of the cross who were faithful to God, and chose persecution rather than to disobey God. Christians are to be law-abiding citizens, but whenever there is a conflict between man’s law and God’s command, our answer must be that of the disciples in today’s passage, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. Deuteronomy 1:21

After their long wanderings in the desert, the Israelites were on the threshold of the promised land. The Lord told them, “I have set it before you, go up and possess it, don’t be afraid nor discouraged.” In your own life you may have been wandering in the desert of doubt, hardship, or various problems, like John Bunyon’s pilgrim in the Slough of Despond. God says to you, “Rise up! Leave this desert of doubt, fear, procrastination, and failure. The promised land is before you, but you  must enter it by faith, work, courage and prayer. God has given you the tools and the wherewithal to resolve these conflicts, and it is just a matter of obeying Him, and using the means he has provided. Victory and fulfillment are before you. “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: GO UP AND POSSESS IT.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

In our original state before conversion to Christ, we do not love God; the reason being that we want to govern our own lives as we see fit; do as we please with no rules or interference. This is the creed of the world. This selfish rule of conduct is the root of ALL the sin and the resultant problems and suffering in the world. When we were in this state, clutching our idols of self-love, God LOVED us, and sent his Son to save us from such a miserable condition and its’ eternal consequences. He first loved us and gave Himself for us to redeem us. How can we help but be moved by such love as is manifest by a crucified Savior? How can we do less than to worship, honor and love Him who gave Himself for. “We love him, because he first loved us.”

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Matthew 14:27

The disciples were in a raging storm in the middle of the Sea of Galilee between 3:00 and 6:00 A.M., (the fourth watch of the night). In the midst of the fierce storm as their boat was being tossed by the waves, they saw Jesus walking on the water, and thinking it was a spirit, they cried out in fear. Can you imagine the panic and fear that must have possessed them? Then they heard the familiar voice of the Savior, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” The tempests that rage around us may be of a different type, such as deadlines, debt, health issues, finances etc., but they are just as real and just as frightening. When these storms are bursting all around us and threatening to inundate us, how wonderful it is to hear the master’s voice, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. Exodus 14:13

The Israelites had escaped the bondage and slavery of Egypt and now with the Red before them  and the Egyptians pursuing behind them, they felt trapped, and complained to Moses that they should have just stayed in Egypt and endured the cruel slavery. This gave  rise to Moses’ response, “Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.” In like manner, you may have escaped Satan’s bondage by coming to Christ, but now face problems that seem to be unsolvable. Maybe you feel hemmed in and helpless. Leave off murmuring and complaining and begin calling upon the LORD. He is a miracle-working God, and He didn’t bring you out of Satan’s grasp just to leave you stranded in the wilderness. “Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12

It is time indeed to seek the LORD. How many years have been wasted? How many remain? Do you look dreamily toward the horizon and say “Someday I’m going to repent of my sins and truly receive Jesus into my heart.”  “Some day I’m really going to serve Him. Some day.  But not today.” Days become weeks, weeks become months and months become years and  you still say, “Oh I know. Someday I’m really going to turn my life over to Jesus. Someday. But not now. When will it be? “IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” If only you would truly lift up your eyes to heaven, you would see the skies dark and the clouds heavy with the showers of blessing that the Lord waits to pour out upon you. “All things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 Satan has promoted the false idea that the Christian life is boring, or dull, and that the life of sin and rebellion against God and against His Christ is a life of excitement and fun. Just the contrary. IN the words of the song, “If you want joy, real joy, wonderful joy, let Jesus come into your heart.” The stolen moments of lust, greed, and debauchery always, ALWAYS, have a hangover, a regret, and ultimately…death. Those basking and frolicking in lewdness and filth, as well as pigs wallowing in a cesspool, say surely there is no other paradise than this. But the fact is, that if  you have Jesus in your heart, the one who is altogether lovely, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, you have the best of both worlds; joy in your heart and fulfillment here on earth now; and an eternity of delight and felicity which the Bible says that we cannot even begin to imagine. Indeed, Jesus came “that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

This man Zacchaeus was a publican, that is, a tax collector for the Romans, and was looked down on by Jewish society as a great sinner; so when Jesus went to his house as a guest, many grumbled and “murmured, saying, that he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” But the fact that he was a sinner was precisely the reason Jesus spent time with him. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” That is why He left heaven and came into this world of suffering and sorrow. He said in Luke 5:31,32. “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” This actually includes everyone because Romans 3:10 tells us, “There is none righteous, no, not one. He is searching, He is seeking, He is knocking on the door. What is your response?

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

God has ordained that his work be carried on by the tithes and offerings of his people. The tithe (10% of your income) and whatever you decide on beyond that to support the Lord’s work, give cheerfully and not grudgingly, for God loves a generous and cheerful giver, but is displeased with the miserly and stingy. Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” Mark 10:8. It is a blessing and a joy to work for the Lord, and to give to His work, and happy indeed are they who experience this for themselves. “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

Behold, I have refined the, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10

It will be seen in eternity that the things we went through on earth were for our good and for our instruction. God loves you, and he knows what you are going through. He is refining you in the furnace of affliction. God works his sovereign will and we are told in Lamentations 3:33, “He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Hebrews 12:7. This chastening and correction is for our betterment and we must not think that we add anything to what Jesus did on the cross. “By HIS stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:5,6.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalms 119:71

Have you ever said, “It was good for me to be afflicted; good to be sick, lose money, or suffer.”? Why would King David say such a thing? The last part of the verse tells us; “that I might learn thy statutes.” Sometimes the rod is necessary. Sometimes we need a set-back in order to get our attention; and if it causes us to “learn God’s statutes,” and to get back into fellowship with God, then the affliction has served its’ purpose and we can say with David, “It was good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” God is not a permissive and indulgent father. “And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.” Ezekiel 20:37

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

The word “charity” in the Greek is agape, meaning simply….love; love one another. Those of us who are born again are brothers and sisters in Christ, and experience the same Lord, the same faith, and the same baptism. Being linked together as we are with the ties of our relationship to the Lord, it is natural that we should love one another. This love is a definite sign that we are saved, and the lack of it is a sign that we are still lost and yet in our sins. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14. This is the “acid test”. If you do not love active Christians who serve Christ, or find them annoying, this is symptomatic of an unregenerate heart. True love overlooks or covers the trespasses of others.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Ephesians 4:1

What is the “vocation to which we are called”? 1 Corinthians 1:9 says that “you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord”. Our verse for today tells us to walk worthy of that calling, which means to live in such a way as to adorn the doctrine of Christ by living a pure and holy life, following that which is good, honest and true, and not running with rioters, fornicators, liars, and sinners of all sorts. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light , as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids. Zechariah 9:17

Our hearts are moved as we think of the goodness of God in the abundance and overflow of material blessings; family, houses, land, freedom, abundance of food of all kinds. How great is His goodness toward us! But these are only material, temporal blessings. Consider his goodness toward us when we were lost and dying in our sins, and on the way to an eternity of penal suffering and darkness. He sent his Son, his beloved Son, to be our substitute on the cross and to die in our place that we might be washed in his blood, pardoned for our sins, and enjoy sweet, joyous, beautiful fellowship with Him, for which we were created, and which we will experience throughout eternity. Oh the goodness of our God! Oh the joy and blessings that he has prepared us! “How great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!” Amen.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris