Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

---

“He saith unto him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?’ Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? And he said unto Him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, ‘Feed my Sheep’” (John 21:17.)

A lot had happened in the days preceding this question from Jesus to Peter. At the final meal which the disciples had eaten with Jesus, He told them that each one there would be offended (be made to stumble) by Him that night. Jesus knew what was coming and He knew that the disciples would flee in fear when He was arrested. As usual, Peter spoke up and had proclaimed that maybe the others would be offended but not him. Jesus knew better and told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.

Peter boldly said that even if he should die he would not deny Christ. We all know what happened. Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered, and Peter did deny Christ. Jesus was crucified but arose from the dead in victory. He appeared to various people after His resurrection giving eyewitness proof that He had conquered death.

Now He was meeting with some of His disciples at the Sea of Galilee and a very humble Peter was there. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter had denied Christ three times and Jesus gave him three opportunities to state his love for Him. Peter wasn’t quite as bold in his answer, but he had learned from his rash behavior and now was ready to be used by Jesus to “feed my sheep.”

This is an important directive by Jesus. Most of us focus on the command Jesus gave to go out and evangelize the world, but this command to Peter was to feed my sheep. These sheep are the ones who belong to Jesus’ flock; the sheep are fellow Christians. “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink,” as the saying goes, and so it is with feeding on God’s Word. “You can lead a person to the Lord, but you can’t make him feed on God’s Word.” The food of God’s inerrant word is there for everyone to feed on.

It is up to the individual to eat and get nourishment from it, then to feed others in the flock. We allow things to get in the way of Bible study. A television show, a hobby, jogging, talking on the phone…none of these things are more important than feeding on God’s Word. Christ must be above everything in a Christian’s life. Bible study is essential to gain nourishment. How can you feed others if you are starving yourself?

How many of us deny food for our body? We always make time to nourish the body, but we need to also nourish our souls. Christians need to nourish our brothers and sisters, too. It isn’t only the man in the pulpit who feeds the sheep; each individual Christian has that responsibility.

Christians must receive God’s Word as truth, but only the study of God’s Word will prove the truth of what you are being fed. Paul certainly fed Jesus’ sheep and was thankful that the Thessalonians received God’s Word as truth.

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Today there are many who shun the Word of God, or even disparage it as a falsehood. It is easy to be deceived by false teachers if you don’t study God’s Word. A preacher may water down God’s Word so as not to offend members of the congregation, or a verse may be taken out of context in order to justify a lifestyle or an unbiblical idea. Yes, Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians had received God’s Word as truth, but what did he say about those in Berea?

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

The Bereans made sure that what was being fed to them was correct. They searched the Scriptures to be sure they weren’t being fed lies. How did they know that what was being taught about Jesus was true? They studied the Old Testament prophecies that told of the coming Messiah. They confirmed they were being fed truth.

Jesus encouraged His disciples to eagerly dig into God’s Word.

“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath” (Mark 4:24-25).

Whatever effort we put into the study of God’s Word, we will be rewarded with a like amount of nourishment and understanding. If we just don’t care we will be undernourished in the important understanding of God’s Word. You will easily be led astray if you don’t allow yourself to feed on God’s truth. There is a lost world all around us, but we who love Jesus need to be fed so we won’t be duped by the enemy.

Long before Jesus entered His creation, the prophet Amos spoke of a time that there would be a famine. The famine he foretold was not of food, but famine of hearing the word of God.

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).

By despising God, humanity will reap what they’ve sewn…a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Today we hear of crops failing and drought being a scourge upon the land. We see pictures of children who are starving because they cannot get food for nourishment. Because we do not hear God’s Word our souls are being starved just as those unfed children.

Amos said the days come, but those days are here. We are blessed that God’s Word is readily available in most countries, but there is a famine of…hearing the words of the LORD. Too often some make time for hearing vulgar jokes, watching blasphemous movies, or listening to satanic music but we don’t spend time hearing God’s Word. There are lost people everywhere, even sitting in pews, who desperately need to hear about Jesus and His love. How can you feed them if you have ignored His truth?

Maybe someone from the Mormon cult who has food laced with poison will be there. Or maybe a New Ager with lies instead of truth will try to feed them. If Christians were better fed we could spread the truth of God’s message of salvation to those who are hungry to receive it. Knowing God’s Word and encouraging fellow Christians is imperative. We cannot feed others if we aren’t fed ourselves. A famine of hearing the word of God is upon our land. God’s Word is available, but too many have their fingers in their ears.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Don’t plug your ears.

Each day this famine grows worse. It is being allowed by believers who won’t study God’s Word. They don’t feed themselves so they are unable to feed Jesus’ sheep or the lost. Too many Christians simply think, “Why should I bother?” Brethren, this attitude is completely against God’s Word. Jesus is our example. His entire ministry was spent feeding the sheep.

He is our example in how to turn away attacks from the enemy. In his pride Satan thought he could trick Jesus by approaching Him when His body was weak from lack of food…Jesus had just spent 40 days fasting. Satan knew that Jesus was hungry and challenged Him to turn the stones to bread. Jesus answered Him from God’s word by quoting from Deuteronomy chapter eight.

“But he answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

Satan will always attack when you are weak and unnourished in God’s word. Don’t allow him a foothold.

Jesus wrote a letter to the Ekklesia of Laodicea in which He criticized their apathy. That Laodicean congregation is alive and well in these last days and is a part of this famine of hearing God’s Word. They (we) are not being fed spiritually and are weakening, but then they do not want to hear the truth.

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

Today there are many pastors who don’t stand on God’s Word and truth. They don’t feed the sheep and the sheep are starving; they are looking for food in other pastures. Jesus has not given up on the individuals within these congregations.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

The problem with the Laodiceans is they believe they already have everything they need. Guess what, they don’t have the most important thing… Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus is standing on the outside knocking; He’s not inside. If any individual opens the door to Him He promises, “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me,” and so the famine for that individual is over. If you let Him in, Jesus will sup with you and you will be fed.

The famine of not hearing God’s Word is a choice people make individually. If you do not study your Bible you will not be fed; if you don’t surround yourself with Christian friends who hold God’s Word as truth you will be undernourished. Many Christians choose to be a part of this famine. Instead of being fed on God’s Word, many so-called Christians refuse to hear God’s Word; therefore they won’t be fed truth. By rejecting God’s truth they cannot properly feed others in the flock.

This is an end time’s scenario happening before our very eyes. When Amos spoke of a famine of God’s Word, he said people will no longer “hear” the Word of God. One day they may seek after it but they won’t find it. They didn’t want to “hear” it for so long that it will no longer be available. It is a “God famine” which is brought about by a lack of pursuit of His Word. The food is available, but if you won’t hear His truth you won’t be fed.

If we seek God we will find Him. On the other hand if we despise God and remain in this attitude for very long, it will be increasingly more difficult to “hear” His Word, let alone receive it unto ourselves. Jesus told Peter to feed my sheep and these words are for you and me as well. Nourish yourself on God’s Word and feed His sheep…then offer food to those who are lost.

God bless you all,

Ron & Nathele Graham

Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

---

“My Brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

Have you ever thought things were going along just fine in your life? You had your bills paid, a roof over your head, the family was all healthy and all your ducks were in order. Most of all, your relationship and fellowship with Jesus was great and you felt close to Him. You were serving Him in a way that you knew He wanted. Then, from out of nowhere things began to go wrong. Friends turned on you or major health problems began to happen to you or a loved one.

Sometimes temptation is put in your way and the urge to sin is great. These troubles can happen to anyone but when a Christian is diligently working for Jesus, they are targeted by Satan for attack. Every Christian must be prepared for these attacks.

In the above verse, James says to count it all joy when these things happen. That’s hard to do, but the truth is when you are serving Christ and are right with Him, Satan is threatened. That is why we are to count it joy. If you are no different than a worldly person who doesn’t know Jesus, Satan wouldn’t care. Count it joy if Satan sees a need to try to thwart your efforts in whatever Christ has called you to do.

Because of Adam’s sin everyone is subject to the evils of this world, but only Christians are a threat to Satan. The Greek word “peirasmos” translated as “temptations” actually refers to troubles…a time of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness. It is the same word used in what we refer to as the Lord’s Prayer.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Matthew 6:13a).

That actually should read “deliver us from the evil one.” When Satan attacks our first reaction needs to be prayer. The Lord is our strength and He will see us through every trial, temptation, and attack by the enemy. King David faced many attacks. He loved God and served Him. David killed the giant Goliath and won the favor of King Saul, yet Saul turned on him and tried to kill him. After Saul died David became king.

He was the one who God had always intended to be king, but David’s life was far from easy. His son, Absalom, was the cause of many satanic attacks; he helped his brother Amnon rape their sister, Tamar. He killed his brothers, he came against David to usurp the throne, he chased after David to kill him, etc. Absalom was used by Satan to attack God’s anointed. David faced many trials, but he always found that his strength was in the Lord.

“And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour, thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (2 Samuel 22:2-4).

David knew his God and he trusted Him. When Satan attacks, follow David’s example and turn to God. It is in Him that you will find strength. David knew this truth, and every Christian should too. We need to trust God and we need to pray, even before the attacks come. Too often, when Satan attacks we try to handle things on our own. If someone spreads gossip against us, which can be a form of satanic attack, it is natural to get angry and return evil for evil. Wrong. First we must be sure that we have not done anything to promote such gossip. Were you seen having dinner alone with someone who isn’t your spouse? Even if it truly was innocent you have put yourself in a compromising position.

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

If the gossip is truly unfounded then you need to look to Christ’s example. Forgive those who are used of Satan to do wrong to us. The worst satanic attack was when this prideful fallen angel thought he could defeat God. When God entered His creation in the form of a human, Satan tried every hard to stumble Him. He inspired the Pharisees to come against Jesus, he tempted Him in the wilderness, and he was the force behind the crucifixion. What Satan cannot understand is God’s love. The crucifixion was not a failure but a victory. It was part of God’s plan of salvation and Jesus went to the cross willingly. As He hung on that cross and looked down upon those who had pounded the nails into His hands and feet He only felt love and forgiveness.

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).

Satan has no love within him. When he is confronted with God’s love his attacks are defeated. Live your life so that nobody will believe lies and gossip told about you, but also show love to those who spread those lies. Pray for your enemies. Is it easy to do this? No, but that is what we are to do because we represent Christ. Every problem is not an attack by Satan. Sometimes things just go wrong, and sometimes it is our own choices that cause the problems. For instance, God directs us that marriage is between one man and one woman and any sexual act outside of God’s perfect plan is sin. So, if you choose to have sexual relations with your girlfriend or boyfriend and you contract a sexually transmitted disease that is a choice you made. You cannot blame God or Satan.

The question remains, what do you do when Satan attacks? Paul urged the Ephesians to “…be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10.) This directive was followed by a “how to” list…how to be strong in the Lord. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Notice that he says to put on the “whole” armor of God. He doesn’t say to pick a piece you like and that is sufficient. This is spiritual warfare so you need spiritual protection. Put it on and don’t take it off.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14).

This is the starting place for putting on the armor. Truth. God’s truth is where our defense against Satan’s attacks begins. If you are not well-versed in God’s truth, then you need to study your Bible and apply it to your life. Next is the breastplate of righteousness. This piece protects vital organs such as the heart. Your heart needs protection from satanic lies that can draw you away from God. Don’t neglect this piece of armor.

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

Proper shoes are important to a soldier, even a soldier who is fighting a spiritual battle. A Roman soldier wouldn’t consider going to battle wearing sandals, and so a Christian soldier needs the proper shoes to fight a spiritual battle. Shoes protect the feet from stumbling. The shoes of Roman soldiers are said to have had sharp nails in them so as to grip into the ground for a solid footing. The gospel of peace will keep you from stumbling and slipping in your Christian walk. Be prepared; don’t neglect your shoes. Study God’s Word so you have a good grip on His truth.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

The shield of faith protects the other pieces of armor when Satan attacks. Every Christian must place their faith in Christ and His truth. What is faith?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

This chapter lists those who placed their faith in God and accomplished great things for Him. Read it then study the accounts of their faith throughout the Bible. We need this same faith in God today because Satan is still trying to work his wickedness. Keep your shield of faith before you and don’t let down your guard.

Next we are to put on the helmet of salvation.

“And take the helmet of salvation…” (Ephesians 6:17a).

The truth of our salvation is vital to the Christian, but Satan’s fiery darts can plant doubt that you really are saved. Satan likes to plant doubts in a Christian’s mind, and these darts are the same ones he used in the Garden of Eden. He caused Eve to doubt God’s Word and tempted her to eat the forbidden fruit. Today God’s Word is still being twisted to cause doubt. Put the helmet of salvation firmly on for protection.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Don’t neglect the helmet.

“… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b.)

Other pieces of armor mentioned are for protection, but the sword is something to fight with. The sword of the Spirit is aggressive, but what is it? It is the Word of God—the Bible. If you do not know God’s Word you are leaving yourself open to defeat. The Word of God is what Jesus used when Satan attacked Him in the wilderness. Satan tempted Him, but Jesus could not be swayed because He fended off the attack using the sword of the Spirit…the Word of God.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

Pray without ceasing. Pray for protection, pray for your children, pray for your spouse, pray for friends, pray for your nation, pray, pray, pray. Paul asked for prayers for himself.

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20).

Paul needed prayers to speak boldly? We usually think of him as very bold, but even the boldest need prayer. Have you prayed for your pastor today? He needs the full armor of God too, and your prayers are part of that armor. He needs to speak boldly of God’s truth without wavering on any point, and your prayers will help him keep his armor on.

Believers and non-believers alike will experience troubles in this life, but it seems as if the troubles are worse when you serve Jesus openly. Satan and his minions want to come between you and your Savior and the attack will be where it hurts most. So, what does a Christian do when Satan attacks? Trust Jesus. Pray. Sing His praises. Continue in your work for Jesus in spite of the attacks. Put on the full armor of God and don’t take it off.

God bless you all,

Ron & Nathele Graham