BIBLE CHARACTERS: Moses - Man of God

I. He was Sympathetic (Heb. 11:23)
II. He was self denying (Heb. 11:24)
III. He was conscientious (Heb. 11:25)
IV. He was discriminating (Heb. 11:26)

Characteristics of:
A. Preserved in youth (Ex. 2:2-10)
B. Contended with evil (Ex. 7:11)
C. Fasted forty days (Ex. 34:28)
D. Controlled the sea (Ex. 14:21)
E. Fed a multitude (Ex. 16:15)

Moses life reveals:
I. The Providence of God (Ex. 2:1-10)
II. The Pronouncement of God (Ex. 3:1-14)
III. The Provision of God (Ex. 4:1-2)
VII. Man of loyalty (8:22-23)

(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Paul - Man of Vision
Introduction:
Physical Description
1) Short (2 Cor. 10:1)
2) Partly bald (2Cor. 10:1)
3) Crooked legs (2Cor. 10:1)
4) Physically strong (2Cor. 10:1)
5) Close set eyes (2Cor. 10:1)
6) Hooked nose (2Cor. 10:1)
7) Physically handicapped (2 Cor. 12:9)

Background:
1) Well educated
2) Linquistic ability evident
3) Tent maker by trade

Adventurer:
1) Many crisis (2 Cor. 11:23-28)
2) Narrow escapes (Acts 9:23-26 & Acts 16:25-34)
3) Sporadic violence (Acts 14:19-20)
4) Engaged in three missions tours

Principles governing his life:
1) Confidence (Phil. 4:13)
2) Appreciation (Phil. 1:3)
3) Concern (Rom. 9:3)
4) Considerate (1Cor. 8:13)
5) Humility (Eph. 3:8)
6) Disciplined (1 Cor. 9:27)
7) Positive (Rom. 8:31)
8) Contented ( Phil. 4:11)
9) Rewarded (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Joseph May God add or increase

I. A youthful dreamer (Gen. 37:5-9)
   a. His dreams came true 

II. Faithful in hard places (Gen. 39:1-6)
   a. Labored as a slave

III. Resisted temptation (Gen. 39:7-13)
   a. Fled from Potiphar's wife

IV. Unspoiled by prosperity (Gen. 41:14-46)
   a. Didn't yield to pride

V. Dependent upon God (Gen. 41:16)
   a. Illuminated by God

VI. Accepts providence of God (Gen. 50:20)
   a. Returned good for evil


The story of a young man who went from a pit to a palace. From rags to riches.

He lived as much like our Lord as any man has ever lived!

(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Elijah - The Prophet

I. Warns of Drought {1 Kings 17:1}

II. Divine Resources Adequate
   A. Fed by Ravens {1 Kings 17:6}
   B. Fed by Widow {1 Kings 17:15}
   C. Fed by an Angel {1 Kings 19:5-8}

III. A Fearless reformer {1 Kings 18:17}
   A. Stood against Ahab

IV. Mighty in prayer {1 Kings 17:20-22, 18:36-38, Ja. 5:17}

V. One instance of depression {1 Kings 19:3,4}

VI. Divinely honored {2 Kings 2:11, Matt. 17:3}

Miracles Preformed:
1. Drought {1 Kings 17:1}
2. Meal & Oil provided {1 Kings 17:14}
3. Child restored to life {1 Kings 17:22}
4. Sacrifice consumed {1 Kings 18:38}
5. Men Slain by fire {2 Kings 1:10}
6. Rain brought {1 Kings 1:10}
7. Jordan's waters Divided {2 Kings 2:8}

(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Nehemiah
The Man who had a mind to work

INTRODUCTION: Born in exile but grew up in the faith of Israel. Cup Bearer to the King Artaxerxes. Maintained confidential access to the king.

I. Had a mind to work (Determination) Neh. 4:6

II. Worked with his mind (Ingenuity) Neh. 4:17-18

III. Minded His work ( Persistence) Neh. 4:21

 A. Patriotism (Neh. 1:1-4)
  1. Loyal - Trustworthy - Well Qualified

 B. Prayerfulness (Neh. 1:5-11, 4:4)
    1. Reliance and dependence on God.

 C. Faith (Neh. 2:20, 4:14)
   1. God will prosper us

 D. Courage (Neh. 4:20, 6:10-11)
  1. We have the Power.

 E. Diligence (Neh. 4:21-23, 6:3)
   1. Kept right at it.

 F. Executive Ability (Neh. 4:13-20)
    1. Delegated Responsibility.

 G. Firmness in the Right (Neh. 13:11)
  1. Put them in their place.

 H. Earnestness in reform (Neh. 5:13)
  1. God does the sifting.

Hostile Methods directed against him:
1) Redicule - Neh. 2:19
2) Fear - Neh.4:8
3) Guile - Neh. 6:2-4
4) False Accusation - Neh. 6:5-7

Josephus says that Nehemiah died of old age (B.C. 413) and that the repaired walls of the city constituted his best and most enduing momument.
(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS:
ELISHA
(GOD HIS SALVATION)

Introduction: His name first occurs in the command given to the Prophet Elijah to anoint him as his successor(I Kings 19:16). He is to become mentor to Elisha. He finds Elisha engaged in plowing with twelve yoke of Oxen. He casts his mantle upon him transferring the role of leadership an the passing of the torch(I Kings 19:19). Receiving the double portion of the Spirit at the Jorden as Elijah is caught away(I Kings 2:15) his service extends over a sixty year period (B.C.892-832)

I. Bursting with energy (I Kings 19:19)
    A. Man of means
    B. God calls busy men

II. Totally Committed (I Kings 19:19-21)
    A. Renunciation of the past

III. Completely Dependent (II Kings 2:9)
    A. Sought essential equipment
    B. Twice as much

IV. Spake with Authority (II Kings 3:16-17)
    A. Enjoyed Divine Approval

V. Incorruptible Integrity (II Kings 5:16)
    A. Accepted no Bribes

VI. Lived Victoriously (II Kings 6:15-16)
    A. More than Conquerors
    B. Seeing with the Eyes of Faith

VII. Enjoyed Spiritual Vision (II Kings 6:17)
    A. Without a Vision People Perish (Pro.29:18)

VIII. Posthumous Influence (II Kings 13:20)
    A. He being dead yet speaketh (Heb.11:4)

(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS:
Peter - A Rock or Stone

Background:
1] He was a son of Jona [Matt. 16:17]
2] He had a brother Andrew [John 1:40]
3] He was under the foster care of Zebedee [Matt. 27:56]
4] He was an unlearned man [Acts 4:13]
5] He was an expert fisherman [Luke 5:5]
6] He was a married man [Matt. 8:14, Mark 1:30]
7] He was accompanied by his wife [1 Cor. 9:5]
8] He had a Galilean Accent [Mark 14:70]
9] He had a large home [Mark 1:29]
10] He is introduced to Christ [John 1:40-42]
11] He confesses Christ Lord [John 6:66-69]
12] He experiences the transfiguration [Matt. 17:1]
13] He denies the Lord [Matt. 17:1]
14] He is among the first to the tomb [John 20:1-6]
15] He gathered in the upper room for baptism [Acts 1:13]

Before Conversion:
1] Impulsive [Matt. 14:28-17:4]
  A. I Can Do it
2] Presumptuous [Matt. 16:22]
  A. To Know more than the Lord
3] Cowardly [Matt. 14:30]
  A. Fear takes possession of him.
4] Self-seeking [Matt. 19:27]
 A. What do we get out of it

After Conversion:
1] Spiritual Insight [John 6:67-68]
  A. We have no where else to go
2] Confessed his faith [John 6:69]
  A. He is Lord
3] Courageous & Unmoveable [Acts 4:19]
  A. We stand for God and right

Peter was put to death in Rome in the year 61 AD hanging on a cross upside down because he deemed himself unworthy.

(C)2003 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Andrew - Manliness
Introduction: Andrew is a man of great humility. He was from Bethsaida of Galilee [John 1:44]. He thought more of service than reputation-more of work to be done than of the place given to the worker. He was prompt to help.

1. Initially John the Baptists' disciple [John 1:35-40]
   a. Responsive to John's direction.
2. Immediate response when called. [Matt. 4:19-20]
   a. Left all and followed.
3. First to believe in Jesus [John 1:40]
   a. Recognized His Messiah ship.
4. He is always bringing someone to Jesus.
   a. He brought his brother.
     1. A personal witness.
   b. He brought a boy [John 6:8-11]
     1.He recognized the boys potential.
   c. He brought the Greeks [John 12:20-22]
     1. Counseled with Philip.
5. Final Destiny
   a. He sought the Holy Ghost [Acts 1:13]
     1. Sensed the necessity of the empowered spirit.
   b. Crucified on a cross in the form of an X.
     1. Having rebuked Aegeas for obstinate idolatry.

Illustration: Leonard Bernstein, [the celebrated orchestra leader] was asked, what is the hardest instrument to play? He replied without hesitation, "Second fiddle. I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm or second french horn or second flute, now that's a problem. And yet if no one plays second we have no harmony! Andrew was happy playing second fiddle.

An evangelist is a beggar telling another hungry beggar where to get bread.


(C)2005 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries.

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Abraham - Father of a Multitude 
Introduction: Joshua 24:2 tells us Abraham’s Father was an Idolater. Initially He was a gentile who came from Ur. He was a Bedouin-like sheep Master. He uttered no Prophecy, wrote no book, sang no song, gave no laws yet he is spoken of as the father of the faithful and the friend of God. [Is. 41:8]

Points to Ponder:
I. Obedience [Gen. 12:4]
 A. Left home and friends.
II. Unselfishness [Gen. 13:9]
  A. Gave Lot his choice.
III. Courage [Gen. 14:14]
  A. Defeated the robber kings.
IV. Benevolence [Gen. 14:20]
  A. Gave tithes to God.
V. Incorruptibility [Gen. 14:23]
  A. Refuses to receive gifts for services.
VI. Mighty in Prayer [Gen. 18:23-33]
  A. Intercessory Prayer vital.
VII. Wonderful in Faith [Heb. 11:17 & Gen. 22]
  A. Willing to offer his son.

Lessons to be learned:
1] Faith has trials.
2] Faith shines through the clouds.
3] Faith in spite of trials glorifies God.

On a whole Abraham was the greatest, purest and most venerable
of the patriarchs revered by Jews, Mohammedans and Christians.

(C)2005 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries. You may print for this devotional for your own personal use but any reproduction for personal gain is strictly prohibited.

BIBLE CHARACTERS:
Jesus: The Son of God

The Son of God became the Son of Man that we might become the Sons of God!


Jesus Means Saviour    /  Christ means Messiah

1. His Humanity
   
   1. Growth - Luke 2:40
   2. Sorrow - Matt. 26:37
   3. Sleep - Luke 8:23
   4. Hunger - Luke 4:2
   5. Poverty - Luke 9:58
   6. Weariness John 4:6
2. His Divinity
   1. His Authority Matt. 28:18
   2. His Foreknowledge John 18:4
   3. His Pre-Existence Micah 5:2 & John 8:58
   4. His Pre-Eminence Col. 1:18

His Sufficiency - John Gospel

1. The Son of God - Chap. 1:12
2. The Son of Man - Chap. 2:1
3. The Devine Teacher - Chap. 3:3
4. The Soul Winner - Chap. 4:10
5. The Great Physician - Chap. 5:8
6. The Bread of Life - Chap. 6:35
7. The Water of Life - Chap. 7:37
8. The Defender of the Weak - Chap. 8:7
9. The Light of the World - Chap. 9:5
10. The Good Shepherd - Chap. 10-11
11. The Resurrection and the Life - Chap. 11:25
12. The King - Chap. 12:13
13. The Servant - Chap. 13:4
14. The Counselor - Chap. 14:16
15. The True Vine - Chap - 15:5
16. The Giver of the Spirit Chap. 16:7
17. The Great Intercessor - Chap. 17:7
18. The Model Sufferer - Chap. 18:36
19. The uplifted Savior - Chap. 19:18
20. The Victor over Death - Chap. 20:1
21. The Restorer of the Penitent - Chap. 21:15

(C)2006 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries. You may print the article for your own personal use. But any posting or distribution of this article without express written consent is prohibited!

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Jeremiah - The Weeping Prophet [Lamentations 1:16]

I. His Background:

1. Divinely Chosen [1:5]
2. Commissioned [1:10]
3. Promised Presence [1:19]

II. His Rejection:

1. By His Neighbors [11:19-21]
2. Family [12:6]
3. Friends [20:10]
4. All People [26:8]

III. His Message:

1. Search for a Man [5:1]
2. Old ways Best [6:16]
3. Lost Opportunity [8:20]
4. Depravity of Heart [17:9]
5. Clay & The Potter [18]
6. Finding God [29:3]
7. New Covenant [31:31-34]

Jeremiah was regarded as a meddler and a traitor for his message of condemnation rather than salvation! He reminds us God's message is not always comforting and encouraging.

His book is a vivid reminder that God does not ask us to be successful but faithful.


© 2008 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries

BIBLE CHARACTERS: Joshua: Jehovah is Salvation

His Character One of:

I. Faith (Num. 14:6-8)
  A. Makes us Optimists      

II. Consecration (Num. 32:12)
  A. Unconditional Surrender

III. Spiritual Mindedness (Jos. 3:5)
  A. He knew God was in control.

IV. Godly Reverence (Jos. 5:14)
   A. Prostrate before Him.

V. Courage (Jos. 10:25)
  A. Enemy Under our feet.

VI. Obedience (Jos. 11:15)
  A. Followed through

VII. Decision (Jos. 24:15)
  A. The choice is yours.

VIII. Wisdom (Due. 34:9)
  A. Fear of the Lord.


Roles He Played:

As a Son:  
Nun was his father . The Name means Prosperity!

As a slave:  
He had witnessed the moral and social degradation of his country men, as a consequence He became a great leader!

As a soldier: 
He knew how to plan campaigns, disciple forces, use spies and pray.

As a Servant:
Because of his unswerving loyalty and devotion he is called the servant of Moses.

As a spy: 
He brought back an optimistic report.

As a savior: 
At the age of 85 Joshua led the people into Canaan.

As a Statesman:
He dealt magnanimously with all whom he met.

As a Saint:
He was filled with the Spirit (Due. 34:9)
He Enjoys The Presence of God. (Jos. 1:5)
He was obedient to the Word and will of God (Num. 32:12) (Jos. 5:4)

Companion to Caleb…. Successor to Moses…. Friend to God…. He died at the age of 110.


© 2009 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries

THE HIGHWAY!

I JUST HEARD FROM GOD TODAY AND HE SAID, "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness." Isaiah 35:8

Tucked away in the Old Testament is the gospel of Isaiah. Throughout his glorious book he attempts to draw a word picture of God's redemptive plan. His intention is to write the 'good news' in an understandable and readable fashion.

In Isaiah 35 he paints a pictures of the dramatic life of growth and abundance that comes to the child of God! In verse one he mentions that the barren life will begin to blossom as a rose. Verse two talks of an abundant life that is filled with joy and singing. How much like what Jesus said when he declared, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." [John 10:10]

As you move through verse three you find a strength imparted that we might do the work of God. Also a deepening desire to pray becomes the passion of the child of God. In verse four he banishes fear from our hearts as is suggested in 2 Tim. 1:7 giving us the resources of power, love and a sound mind!

Moving further along in verse five our eyes are opened that we might see the truth of God and our ears are unstopped that we may hear the still small voice of the Spirit. In verse six we see the contagious enthusiasm and radiant joy that grips the heart of God's child. Then in verse seven an ever springing flow of living water transforms every life it touches!

Then Isaiah shows us where to walk in verse eight. He says, "And a highway shall be there." We step upon this highway as we experience the new birth; as we become new creatures in Christ; as we are redeemed by the blood! As we walk in this wonderful highway we are made more and more, conscious of our need of inner cleansing. The ’old man’ of sin rises up in indignation again and again. Finally to compensate for this ’defeating force’ we seek the Lord in a moment of total consecration and He sanctifies our hearts. Remember He saves us from our sins when we are born again and he saves us from ourselves when we are sanctified! At that moment we begin walking on the way of holiness. It is a narrow way and few there be that find it!

Isaiah describes it as a pure way [the unclean shall not pass over it - Verse 8]; He further points out it’s a practical way [wayfaring men - Verse 8] Then we see it is as a plain way [fools shall not err therein - Verse 9]. He says, It is a praise way [The ransomed shall come with songs - Verse 10]. Finally it is a prospective way [Sorrow and sighing shall flee away - Verse 10].

This way is open to all. If you are enjoying the blessing of sins forgiven why not enter the joys of the sanctified life. Remember Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." [Matt. 5:8]

In Jesus;
Rev. W. Scott Lockard

© 2007 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries