As I told you yesterday, and then posted on FaceBook I have been having a bad week Spiritually, today's devotion is one I was trying to do yesterday. There are two parables, in two different books, that I am going to paraphrase instead of writing all those verses, and then I will get into the devotion, Please feel free to read the passage, before reading my version.
In Matt. 18:12-14 (Lk 15:3-7) we see the parable of the lost sheep, this man has 100 sheep and somehow one of them wandered away, as sheep do. So the man lock up the other 99 sheep, and heads out into the wilderness, climbing mountains, crossing creeks, and pushing his way through weeds, and bushes looking for his lost sheep. Then when he finds that sheep, he carries it home on his shoulders rejoicing, and gathers all his friends, and neighbors together because he is so happy.
Now over in Lk 15:8-10, we find the parable of the lost coin. The woman realizes one of her coins is missing, so she opens all the doors, and curtains, and then lights a candle to see in the dark spots, she cleans all the trash out of her house, she moves all her furniture, empties all the closets, and dumps out all the drawers until she finds that lost coin. Like the Shepard, she gathers all her friends so they can rejoice with her. Just as in heaven there is rejoicing when one sinner repents.
There is a common theme in both these parables, and that is God is seeking the lost souls, and He will do anything to save them, and once just one repents, He rejoices. I want to point out some things about the items that were lost.
1. The item was intimately known.
Not only did the person know that one was missing, but they knew exactly which one it was.
2. The items had value.
If not the person would not have spent so much time and energy looking for it.
3. The item is worth seeking.
Again, the person would not have went to so much trouble, except it worth it.
4. They did not give up/They were willing to do whatever was necessary
They did no stop until the item was found, they did recover the item
5. The person went to extremes to find the item
The Shepard went into the mountains, the woman tore apart her house, in order to find the item
6. When the item was found they were beyond happy, they rejoiced, and invited others to rejoice also.
7. They were not willing that any remain lost
Had it been another sheep, or another coin, the person would have reacted the same way.
Jesus was talking about Himself seeking out us, the sinner to come to repentance. Lk. 19:10"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost". 2 Peter 3:9 "The LORD is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". He has went to extremes, in order to provide a way for us to be saved, and not be lost. He has given each of us a value, and we are all worth seeking after, He does not give up on us, we give up on ourselves. He knows each and every one of us, saved or not intimately. Lk 15:10 "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth". He gathers His angels together to rejoice over us.
If this does not bring joy to your heart, I don't know what will. True for the most part these parables are about the lost, those that have not accepted Christ yet, but what about a Christian that strays from the fold? What about a Christian that falls into sin, I am here to tell you that when that Christian repents, there is joy in heaven, just as if that person was just saved.
It's devotions like this that keep me going, despite all the things that are happening around me, and to me. Despite all the heartache, and disappointments, in spite of all the troubles, and trials. I know my heart has been recharged, I know I feel a joy I have not felt in a week. I pray that this is a big a blessing to you, as it has been to me.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Phillip and the Ethiopian
Good morning, I have to say I have had a lot of difficulty preparing a devotion for today. I have actually tried to work up several different passages, with no luck. To be honest I am not completely sure that the passage I am going to use, is what God wants me to use, but it is the only one that I have not had the door closed on.
Open your Bible to Acts 8 starting with verse 26. We see the account of Philip and Ethiopian. First thing we see is that God through an angel told Philip to go out into the desert, and unlike me at times, Philip in vs 27 arose and went. He had no idea where he was going, or why but he did as God commanded. A good bit of the time, my faith is not that strong. I like what the Bible says next, "and behold", I have to wonder if Philip even though he was doing what he was told, was asking himself "why he was going to the desert". So God with His sense of humor makes the statement, "and behold here was someone for Philip to witness to".
The Ethiopian was reading Isiah 53, so Phillip asked him if he understood what he read. The man replied, "how can I understand, unless someone explain it to me". Now Phillip understood why he was there, especially when he was told by the Spirit (capital S) to go and witness to the man.
The man asked if Isaiah was talking about himself, or some other prophet. Phillip was then able to start in Isaiah and preach Jesus Christ unto the man. Just as Phillip finished his sermon, they "happened" upon some water, and the man asked if he could be baptized. Phillip asked him if he believed, the man responded, "I believe that "Jesus Christ is the Son of God". So Phillip, baptized him. And as soon as the man came up out of the water, immediately Phillip disappeared from sight, because the Spirit of God took him. And Phillip found himself in another town, still soaking wet (my translation). The Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing.
I can't tell you how many times I have been told to do something that I did not understand, sometimes I obeyed, and was blessed, other times I did not obey because of my unbelief, and I payed the price, then some of those times, I still had to go do what I had been told to do. The Bible tells us that the "natural man", or the unsaved carnal man can not understand the things of God, unless it is explained to them. We are also told that if the word of God goes out it will not return null and void, the Ethiopian had read the word, but did not understand, until Phillip explained it to him, then he believed. As soon as he believed he wanted to be baptized. Baptism will not save you, it is only a sign of obedience to God's word. Baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and the individual person showing their belief in, and obedience to Jesus Christ. When a person is saved there should be a desire to be baptized (barring a phobia of water, or some similar fear).
Now as amazing as the events have been so far, now we see the part that is hardest for the natural man to understand. You see God wanted Phillip in the desert to witness to the man, but He also wanted Phillip in the town of Azotus preaching, at the same time. For man this is impossible, but we all know that with God all things are possible. So just as Enoch was caught up, just as Jesus was caught up, Phillip was caught up, however Phillip just found himself in Azotus, not heaven. Can you just imagine Phillip, he is standing there in the water baptizing, he blinks and he is hours away in the middle of a town, still holding out his arms as if he is holding someone up out of the water. He looks around, and it seems no one noticed that he just appeared. Just imagine what all went through his mind in that first few seconds, before he had time to fully understand what had happened. I would love to experience being translated to another town, just once. Then again, I would probably need some time in a mental hospital, thinking I had completely lost my mind. But, not Phillip, he immediately started preaching.
I have always liked this chain of events, (the normal thing to say is I liked this story, however I don't want to use the word "story", that makes it sound made up, and not true), there is so many different lessons in here, obedience, God's wisdom, God's power, the power of the Scripture, the love of God just to name a few things. I just hope that this morning I was able to be a blessing to you, despite being troubled by Satan. However I do take comfort in knowing that when you are doing God's will, and you are having an impact for Christ, Satan will attack. I also know I am under God's protection, and all Satan can do is, make it difficult for me to put together the devotion God want's me to give to you. Especially if you pray for me, and for God's hand to be upon me.
Open your Bible to Acts 8 starting with verse 26. We see the account of Philip and Ethiopian. First thing we see is that God through an angel told Philip to go out into the desert, and unlike me at times, Philip in vs 27 arose and went. He had no idea where he was going, or why but he did as God commanded. A good bit of the time, my faith is not that strong. I like what the Bible says next, "and behold", I have to wonder if Philip even though he was doing what he was told, was asking himself "why he was going to the desert". So God with His sense of humor makes the statement, "and behold here was someone for Philip to witness to".
The Ethiopian was reading Isiah 53, so Phillip asked him if he understood what he read. The man replied, "how can I understand, unless someone explain it to me". Now Phillip understood why he was there, especially when he was told by the Spirit (capital S) to go and witness to the man.
The man asked if Isaiah was talking about himself, or some other prophet. Phillip was then able to start in Isaiah and preach Jesus Christ unto the man. Just as Phillip finished his sermon, they "happened" upon some water, and the man asked if he could be baptized. Phillip asked him if he believed, the man responded, "I believe that "Jesus Christ is the Son of God". So Phillip, baptized him. And as soon as the man came up out of the water, immediately Phillip disappeared from sight, because the Spirit of God took him. And Phillip found himself in another town, still soaking wet (my translation). The Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing.
I can't tell you how many times I have been told to do something that I did not understand, sometimes I obeyed, and was blessed, other times I did not obey because of my unbelief, and I payed the price, then some of those times, I still had to go do what I had been told to do. The Bible tells us that the "natural man", or the unsaved carnal man can not understand the things of God, unless it is explained to them. We are also told that if the word of God goes out it will not return null and void, the Ethiopian had read the word, but did not understand, until Phillip explained it to him, then he believed. As soon as he believed he wanted to be baptized. Baptism will not save you, it is only a sign of obedience to God's word. Baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and the individual person showing their belief in, and obedience to Jesus Christ. When a person is saved there should be a desire to be baptized (barring a phobia of water, or some similar fear).
Now as amazing as the events have been so far, now we see the part that is hardest for the natural man to understand. You see God wanted Phillip in the desert to witness to the man, but He also wanted Phillip in the town of Azotus preaching, at the same time. For man this is impossible, but we all know that with God all things are possible. So just as Enoch was caught up, just as Jesus was caught up, Phillip was caught up, however Phillip just found himself in Azotus, not heaven. Can you just imagine Phillip, he is standing there in the water baptizing, he blinks and he is hours away in the middle of a town, still holding out his arms as if he is holding someone up out of the water. He looks around, and it seems no one noticed that he just appeared. Just imagine what all went through his mind in that first few seconds, before he had time to fully understand what had happened. I would love to experience being translated to another town, just once. Then again, I would probably need some time in a mental hospital, thinking I had completely lost my mind. But, not Phillip, he immediately started preaching.
I have always liked this chain of events, (the normal thing to say is I liked this story, however I don't want to use the word "story", that makes it sound made up, and not true), there is so many different lessons in here, obedience, God's wisdom, God's power, the power of the Scripture, the love of God just to name a few things. I just hope that this morning I was able to be a blessing to you, despite being troubled by Satan. However I do take comfort in knowing that when you are doing God's will, and you are having an impact for Christ, Satan will attack. I also know I am under God's protection, and all Satan can do is, make it difficult for me to put together the devotion God want's me to give to you. Especially if you pray for me, and for God's hand to be upon me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Cost of Sin
Good morning. Let's start this morning in Deut. 34:10-12 "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, And in all that mighty hand and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel". There arose not a prophet since, how great would it be for God to say that about you? Think about it, there was Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and then there was Daniel who God allowed to prophesy about the second coming through visions, and yet none of these was as great as Moses.
However, turn back to 32:48-52 "And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, Get thee up into this mountain...and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: and die in the mount whither thou goest up...Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel...because ye sanctified me not...Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel". At several times, Moses had sinned, therefore God would not allow him to experience the joy of inhabiting the land of Canaan, the promised land he had been toiling over 40 years to get to. He was allowed to see the land, but not enter in. He got to see what he was missing out on. I feel God allowed him that much because he had been so faithful, but sin has a price, a price that has to be paid. There is no discount on this price, there are no "sale days", no "Christmas sales" (notice I did not spell that with an X, that is just blasphemy).
At first glance it seems weird that God would tell that Moses had sinned, and the punishment he received, then make the statement "there arose not a prophet since like unto Moses". But think about it like this, yes Moses sinned he was only human, however he was also faithful, in the end he repented of his sins, and he kept the commandments of God. That is all God asks of us, is that when we sin we repent. In Ps 103:14 the Psalmist says that God remembers that we are but dust, and can not help ourselves. His mercy and grace both provide a way for us to be forgiven. Even so, sin has a price that has to be paid.
Christ paid the sin price for us on Calvary, the sin price of death has been taken care of. But still there is a price we must pay. Sometimes that involves forfeited blessings, sometime God will mete out punishment equal to our sin. Why would God punish us if He has already paid the price for our sins? Because He loves us enough to chastise us, to keep us in His will where we are safe, and profitable to both Him and ourselves. After all any thing we do that is profitable to Him, is added to our account, and is profitable to ourselves.
In my life I have forfeited numerous blessings, and many times I have required God to chastise me in order to get me back in His will. What I want you to remember though is just because you fall under God's chastisement does not mean that you have forfeited everything. Moses was first allowed to see the Promised Land, but more importantly, God said he was the greatest prophet Israel had ever, or would ever see. Despite his sin and failure, God said he was still the greatest. What does God say about you? What will God say about you? I intend on hearing Him say "well done thou good and faithful servant", if that is all He says about me, I'll be happy. What do you want Him to say about you, are you striving toward that goal?
However, turn back to 32:48-52 "And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, Get thee up into this mountain...and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: and die in the mount whither thou goest up...Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel...because ye sanctified me not...Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel". At several times, Moses had sinned, therefore God would not allow him to experience the joy of inhabiting the land of Canaan, the promised land he had been toiling over 40 years to get to. He was allowed to see the land, but not enter in. He got to see what he was missing out on. I feel God allowed him that much because he had been so faithful, but sin has a price, a price that has to be paid. There is no discount on this price, there are no "sale days", no "Christmas sales" (notice I did not spell that with an X, that is just blasphemy).
At first glance it seems weird that God would tell that Moses had sinned, and the punishment he received, then make the statement "there arose not a prophet since like unto Moses". But think about it like this, yes Moses sinned he was only human, however he was also faithful, in the end he repented of his sins, and he kept the commandments of God. That is all God asks of us, is that when we sin we repent. In Ps 103:14 the Psalmist says that God remembers that we are but dust, and can not help ourselves. His mercy and grace both provide a way for us to be forgiven. Even so, sin has a price that has to be paid.
Christ paid the sin price for us on Calvary, the sin price of death has been taken care of. But still there is a price we must pay. Sometimes that involves forfeited blessings, sometime God will mete out punishment equal to our sin. Why would God punish us if He has already paid the price for our sins? Because He loves us enough to chastise us, to keep us in His will where we are safe, and profitable to both Him and ourselves. After all any thing we do that is profitable to Him, is added to our account, and is profitable to ourselves.
In my life I have forfeited numerous blessings, and many times I have required God to chastise me in order to get me back in His will. What I want you to remember though is just because you fall under God's chastisement does not mean that you have forfeited everything. Moses was first allowed to see the Promised Land, but more importantly, God said he was the greatest prophet Israel had ever, or would ever see. Despite his sin and failure, God said he was still the greatest. What does God say about you? What will God say about you? I intend on hearing Him say "well done thou good and faithful servant", if that is all He says about me, I'll be happy. What do you want Him to say about you, are you striving toward that goal?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Worship in Vain
I actually worked up today's devotion about a month ago, however I did not want to use it. You see in the beginning I told myself that I would not post anything that could be controversial, or offensive. Apparently God has other ideas, because He has not let this leave my mind. Then last night while talking to a friend about this subject, I decided to look back through my notebook and find something that I have previously made an outline for, but not posted, this one came up first, I knew then what God wanted, so please consult the author, and not get upset with the messenger.
Let's just start in Ps. 78:15 "Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues". "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" Matt 15:8-9. We all know that there are those religions out there that teach false doctrine. They have all kind of ideas about how to gain entrance into heaven. I am not talking about them, I am talking about those "churches" that are supposed to be filled by Christians. I am not going to get into a denomination thing, that is not my purpose either.
So what am I trying to accomplish, what is God wanting me explain to you? The answer is found in Heb. 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching". I always hear sermons about that word forsaking, meaning skipping church. But I am here to tell you that it means so much more. It means skipping anything that we are commanded to do, or teach in church. God commands our preachers, and each of us to teach and preach the Gospel of Christ. Just what is the Gospel of Christ? The short version is this; 1. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 2. We are saved by grace, nothing more nothing less. 3. Justification is by faith, not works 4. Faith without works is dead (non-existent). That is the Gospel of Christ.
Now no-where in the New Testament do I see where Jesus, any of the Disciples, or Apostles ever mentioned that we could be saved by "Praise". I have been in a lot of churches lately that to start the service will have a congregational song, then the "Praise Leader", will launch straight into a praise chorus, or five. There will be announcements, the offering (can't forget that), then more choruses, and the pastor never has a chance to bring a sermon. Everyone in the building is standing with their hands raised (nothing wrong with raising hands, it's Biblical), swaying back and forth as they sing, about how good God is, how loving God is, how great God is, how we are going to heaven, but never once does anyone mention the Gospel.
I have had more than one preacher tell me "we don't talk about the cross, because it offends people, we don't mention the blood because that is gross, and we don't mention the resurrection, because it is controversial". I am here to tell you that Jesus Christ Himself was controversial, the disciples and apostles were controversial, the blood is not gross, it washes me white as snow, and yes the cross is offensive, to Satan.
I am not saying we should not praise God. Just the opposite, we should praise Him every minute of every day. However, the Gospel is not praise, praise will not save a soul from hell, (Yes hell is real). Praise is an outpouring of the faith we have in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, after we accept Him into our hearts, and we actually know the love He has for us. There is no way to understand this love, until we know Him as our Savior, and praise will not save us it comes after we are saved.
Paul in Col. 1:28 explains what we are to be doing, he says "Whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus". What are we to be preaching and teaching, vs. 20 "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself". Jesus made a way for there to be peace between the Father, and man through the blood on the cross, praise is not mentioned.
Praise has it's place, we are told to praise God, special programs have their place, the love of God has it's place, but again it is not God's love that saves us. It was Jesus dying on the cross, shedding His blood as payment for our sins, and having victory over the grave when he arose the third day as a result of God's love for us. God's love provides a way, but will not save us of itself, we have to go to Him by way of the cross. There is no other way, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" Heb 9:22, vs 28 "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation".
Now we know what should be happening in our churches every service, every time we gather together, if this is not happening in your church, then you need to find a church where it does happen.
"But in vain they do worship me"
Let's just start in Ps. 78:15 "Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues". "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" Matt 15:8-9. We all know that there are those religions out there that teach false doctrine. They have all kind of ideas about how to gain entrance into heaven. I am not talking about them, I am talking about those "churches" that are supposed to be filled by Christians. I am not going to get into a denomination thing, that is not my purpose either.
So what am I trying to accomplish, what is God wanting me explain to you? The answer is found in Heb. 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching". I always hear sermons about that word forsaking, meaning skipping church. But I am here to tell you that it means so much more. It means skipping anything that we are commanded to do, or teach in church. God commands our preachers, and each of us to teach and preach the Gospel of Christ. Just what is the Gospel of Christ? The short version is this; 1. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 2. We are saved by grace, nothing more nothing less. 3. Justification is by faith, not works 4. Faith without works is dead (non-existent). That is the Gospel of Christ.
Now no-where in the New Testament do I see where Jesus, any of the Disciples, or Apostles ever mentioned that we could be saved by "Praise". I have been in a lot of churches lately that to start the service will have a congregational song, then the "Praise Leader", will launch straight into a praise chorus, or five. There will be announcements, the offering (can't forget that), then more choruses, and the pastor never has a chance to bring a sermon. Everyone in the building is standing with their hands raised (nothing wrong with raising hands, it's Biblical), swaying back and forth as they sing, about how good God is, how loving God is, how great God is, how we are going to heaven, but never once does anyone mention the Gospel.
I have had more than one preacher tell me "we don't talk about the cross, because it offends people, we don't mention the blood because that is gross, and we don't mention the resurrection, because it is controversial". I am here to tell you that Jesus Christ Himself was controversial, the disciples and apostles were controversial, the blood is not gross, it washes me white as snow, and yes the cross is offensive, to Satan.
I am not saying we should not praise God. Just the opposite, we should praise Him every minute of every day. However, the Gospel is not praise, praise will not save a soul from hell, (Yes hell is real). Praise is an outpouring of the faith we have in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, after we accept Him into our hearts, and we actually know the love He has for us. There is no way to understand this love, until we know Him as our Savior, and praise will not save us it comes after we are saved.
Paul in Col. 1:28 explains what we are to be doing, he says "Whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus". What are we to be preaching and teaching, vs. 20 "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself". Jesus made a way for there to be peace between the Father, and man through the blood on the cross, praise is not mentioned.
Praise has it's place, we are told to praise God, special programs have their place, the love of God has it's place, but again it is not God's love that saves us. It was Jesus dying on the cross, shedding His blood as payment for our sins, and having victory over the grave when he arose the third day as a result of God's love for us. God's love provides a way, but will not save us of itself, we have to go to Him by way of the cross. There is no other way, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" Heb 9:22, vs 28 "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation".
Now we know what should be happening in our churches every service, every time we gather together, if this is not happening in your church, then you need to find a church where it does happen.
"But in vain they do worship me"
Monday, July 26, 2010
The PIllar of Fire
This may sound familiar, but I am going to look at something differently than I have ever thought about it before. I was doing a little background on yesterday's devotion when I came across first Ex. 13:21-22, "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people". Then Neh. 9:19, where Nehemiah says "Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day to lead them in the way neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go". There is a lesson here about how God will never leave us, and about how He will lead us, but today's lesson is back in Exodus.
When I came across Ex. 14:24, there was a picture developed in my mind, and I just have not been able to get away from that picture, or the truth behind it. As we read this verse, use your mind's eye to picture what is going on. Imagine the camp of all those Israelites, out in the desert at the base of the mountains, with that pillar or column of fire/smoke/cloud stretching all the way to the sky, between the camp and the mountains. "And it came to pass, that the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians". Look up at the top of that pillar, now think, God looked THROUGH the pillar, He was inside the pillar, He WAS the pillar, can you see His face in the cloud? Look down the pillar, can you see His body, His hands, His legs, His feet, the cloud WAS the physical manifestation of God with them, watching over them, leading them, keeping them safe. What a wonderful thought.
Now think about it, we are told that He never changes. He told us that He would never leave or forsake us. We have the same pillar of fire/smoke/cloud beside each of us today, there just is not a physical manifestation. But, it is there nevertheless.
Acts 2:3 describes the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God anointed the believers, it is described as "cloven tongues of fire". How many other verses can you think of that describe God this way?
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says "I am with you always", however in Mk 14:7 He also says, "Me ye have not always", did He just contradict Himself? If you think so read John 14:16, and 15:26, He explains this apparent contradiction when He talks about giving us a Comforter, and when the Comforter is come. The Comforter is the Holy Spirit. The non-physical manifestation of the pillar of fire/smoke/cloud, of the Israelites.
The one thing I want you to take away today, is the mental picture of God looking out of the pillar, watching over His children.
When I came across Ex. 14:24, there was a picture developed in my mind, and I just have not been able to get away from that picture, or the truth behind it. As we read this verse, use your mind's eye to picture what is going on. Imagine the camp of all those Israelites, out in the desert at the base of the mountains, with that pillar or column of fire/smoke/cloud stretching all the way to the sky, between the camp and the mountains. "And it came to pass, that the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians". Look up at the top of that pillar, now think, God looked THROUGH the pillar, He was inside the pillar, He WAS the pillar, can you see His face in the cloud? Look down the pillar, can you see His body, His hands, His legs, His feet, the cloud WAS the physical manifestation of God with them, watching over them, leading them, keeping them safe. What a wonderful thought.
Now think about it, we are told that He never changes. He told us that He would never leave or forsake us. We have the same pillar of fire/smoke/cloud beside each of us today, there just is not a physical manifestation. But, it is there nevertheless.
Acts 2:3 describes the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God anointed the believers, it is described as "cloven tongues of fire". How many other verses can you think of that describe God this way?
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says "I am with you always", however in Mk 14:7 He also says, "Me ye have not always", did He just contradict Himself? If you think so read John 14:16, and 15:26, He explains this apparent contradiction when He talks about giving us a Comforter, and when the Comforter is come. The Comforter is the Holy Spirit. The non-physical manifestation of the pillar of fire/smoke/cloud, of the Israelites.
The one thing I want you to take away today, is the mental picture of God looking out of the pillar, watching over His children.
Get Out of the Way
First of all this morning I want to say that not posting yesterday, left me feeling empty for the day. I decided that with all I had to do Saturday afternoon, and early Sunday morning, there would be no way I would have had time. Apparently that was my decision, and not God's. It would have been difficult to get a post done, but at this point I am so glad to get back to posting, I just can't explain the joy.
Now, I heard on the news this morning that in Florida there is a Earnest Hemingway look a like contest, what is note worthy is that the winner this year said he shares more than looks with the author, they also share a love for women, and alcohol. In other words he is happy to share being known for being a drunk, and an adulterer. I would rather be known for resembling my LORD and Savior.
Finally to the devotion, a familiar passage, one that I have discussed before, but I am going to take a different look at it this morning. Let's start in 1 Kg 8:10-11, "And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD. So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD". Last time I discussed the Shekinah Glory of God, and the power it contains. But, what I want you to see this morning is that the cloud could not come down until all the priest had left the building. Man had to get out of the way before God could work.
I know in my life there have been a lot of times when I was facing a difficulty, a trial, temptation, or attack by Satan, and I tried to take care of it myself. All I did was make it worse, or at least accomplished absolutely nothing. Then I would finally, pray and turn it over to God, and just as I could see Him working I would decide I did not like what He was doing, so I would take over again. Or, I would wait a couple of hours, and not see anything that He was doing and my worry would get the best of me, and I would take over again. Strangest thing, as long as I would try to be in charge and not depend on Him, He did not work, He could not work. I had to take it, lay it at His feet and leave it there for Him, and no matter how tempted, I had to force myself to stay out of the way and let Him handle it in His own time, in His way, no matter what or how I wanted it done.
Turn over to Ex 40:33-35, something else very important to look at here, in the last part of vs 33 and the first of vs 34 the Bible says "So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation". What we see here is that, we have to do the job that God commands us to do, before He can do what He promised. Ask yourself this question, "How could the cloud (the glory of God), fill the tent, if Moses had not built the tent?" God could not do what He promised, until Moses finished the job that God had given him to do. Now I know that some people will say that God does not need us, He can do what He wants when He wants. This is true to a point, however the Bible says, that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved". It does not say some will call upon the name, others will just be saved because that is what God wants. We have to call upon Him first, then we will be saved. We have to do our part, before He can do His part. Rev. 22:12 says "And behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be". We are commanded to work, therefore we must work.
If you look at Mk 9:14-29, we see the account of the disciples that tried to cast out a demon unsuccessfully. In vs 23 Jesus says "If thou canst believe, all things are possible", we have to do our part first, then get out of the way, and let God do His part. Matt. 10:18-20 tells of Jesus instructing the twelve, and sending them out on a mission trip. He tells them that they will be brought before the authorities, but they are not to worry. They are supposed to speak with boldness, because, (vs 20) "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh IN you". We are to go to the world, we are to be witnesses, and we are to speak that is our part, if we do that then God will do His part, and that is to send His Spirit to speak through us. But He can not speak through us, if we don't go. He can not fill the temple, if we don't do our part, and build the temple.
Now, I heard on the news this morning that in Florida there is a Earnest Hemingway look a like contest, what is note worthy is that the winner this year said he shares more than looks with the author, they also share a love for women, and alcohol. In other words he is happy to share being known for being a drunk, and an adulterer. I would rather be known for resembling my LORD and Savior.
Finally to the devotion, a familiar passage, one that I have discussed before, but I am going to take a different look at it this morning. Let's start in 1 Kg 8:10-11, "And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD. So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD". Last time I discussed the Shekinah Glory of God, and the power it contains. But, what I want you to see this morning is that the cloud could not come down until all the priest had left the building. Man had to get out of the way before God could work.
I know in my life there have been a lot of times when I was facing a difficulty, a trial, temptation, or attack by Satan, and I tried to take care of it myself. All I did was make it worse, or at least accomplished absolutely nothing. Then I would finally, pray and turn it over to God, and just as I could see Him working I would decide I did not like what He was doing, so I would take over again. Or, I would wait a couple of hours, and not see anything that He was doing and my worry would get the best of me, and I would take over again. Strangest thing, as long as I would try to be in charge and not depend on Him, He did not work, He could not work. I had to take it, lay it at His feet and leave it there for Him, and no matter how tempted, I had to force myself to stay out of the way and let Him handle it in His own time, in His way, no matter what or how I wanted it done.
Turn over to Ex 40:33-35, something else very important to look at here, in the last part of vs 33 and the first of vs 34 the Bible says "So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation". What we see here is that, we have to do the job that God commands us to do, before He can do what He promised. Ask yourself this question, "How could the cloud (the glory of God), fill the tent, if Moses had not built the tent?" God could not do what He promised, until Moses finished the job that God had given him to do. Now I know that some people will say that God does not need us, He can do what He wants when He wants. This is true to a point, however the Bible says, that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved". It does not say some will call upon the name, others will just be saved because that is what God wants. We have to call upon Him first, then we will be saved. We have to do our part, before He can do His part. Rev. 22:12 says "And behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be". We are commanded to work, therefore we must work.
If you look at Mk 9:14-29, we see the account of the disciples that tried to cast out a demon unsuccessfully. In vs 23 Jesus says "If thou canst believe, all things are possible", we have to do our part first, then get out of the way, and let God do His part. Matt. 10:18-20 tells of Jesus instructing the twelve, and sending them out on a mission trip. He tells them that they will be brought before the authorities, but they are not to worry. They are supposed to speak with boldness, because, (vs 20) "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh IN you". We are to go to the world, we are to be witnesses, and we are to speak that is our part, if we do that then God will do His part, and that is to send His Spirit to speak through us. But He can not speak through us, if we don't go. He can not fill the temple, if we don't do our part, and build the temple.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
A Different Perspective
First of all let me say that I have proof that the Apostle's were Baptist preachers, the fact that it took them 20 verses, and a page and a half to say what I can say in one or two sentences, proves it. So I am going to do a lot a paraphrasing today, I wanted you to tell you that now, so it was just understood, when what I write doesn't match word for word with the Bible. However, I will be saying the exact same thing.
Let's start out this morning in Romans ch. 12, a very familiar passage, but I want to take a different perspective on it, than most of the sermons I hear preached. In vs. 1-2 Paul says, "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to the world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God". I can't count the number of sermons on these verses about the evil's of smoking, drinking, fornication, and other sins against the body. Of course this interpretation of these verses is correct. However, Paul was discussing something different, he was talking about our service to God.
We as Christians are to present our bodies, to Christ, as a sacrifice of ourselves to be used in His service, which is our reasonable service. He goes on in the next six verses to explain the gifts that God gives us. Those gifts are; prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, and showing mercy. We all have one or more of these gifts, and we are to use them. God did not give us these gifts, just so we can sit at home doing nothing. What gift did you get, if you don't know pray about it, let me know and I'll pray with you, God will let you know.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you"? 1 Cor 3:16. Paul is telling the Corinthians the same thing he told the Romans. He goes on to explain how the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. Then in ch 4 he continues, that we are the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, and that it is required of a steward to be found faithful. Paul then spends thirteen verses describing what it is like to be an apostle, the hardships they faced, the rejection they suffered, and the glory of God they witnessed. In direct comparison though he spends four verses, explaining that despite the apostles humility, they do have authority over the church, and this authority is given by God.
This is where the problems start, apparently in the Corinthian church there was a major case of fornication, a man was sleeping with his mother. But as bad as this was, it's not what had Paul upset. What Paul was upset about was the fact that the church had not done anything about the situation. He says, they should have already made this man leave their company, but they were turning a blind eye to the situation. He repeats a theme from the Old Testament, that a little leaven ruins the whole lump of dough. It would be like adding garlic to your cornbread, just a little and that pan of cornbread would be uneatable.
Paul tells them, I have told you not to associate with fornicators, and yes I meant the fornicators, and idolators of the world. However, my statement covered those within the church also. He says it's not our job to judge the world, but our own members, God will judge the world.
I know, you are thinking well this started out about us doing the job God wants us to do, and ended up being about fornication. Not exactly, look back up a few verses, where Paul was talking about the leaven, he says a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump making it unusuable. Let's scale this up, a little fornication in our church makes the whole church unuseable. When there are "Christians", that are involved in drugs, drinking, fornication, and other sins within our church, the world looks at us and says "they are no better than I am", why would I want to join them, it's just something else I have to get out of bed early for. Of course we know this is true for the "big" sins, but what about the "little" sins? What about not being faithful, disbelief, anger, malice, not reading our Bible, spreading rumors under the guise of "finding the truth"? One Saturday recently I told someone I was going to visit their church the next day. Later that night I got a call from another church member, telling me not to visit, matter of fact they were leaving the church, and before I could realize what they were about to say, and stop them, they told me they found out that a particular event happened at the church, who it involved and what was done to cover it up. I went ahead and visited the church a couple of weeks, then I went to the pastor one day, and sat down in his office with the door closed, and I said this, "without going into details, I heard a rumor that a couple of months back there was some very bad activity discovered to be going on here at the church. I was told that you know about it, whether it happened or not, will probably not affect if I come to this church or not. However, if this is true there is a possibility that it could have a major impact on the church, and before I commit myself I want to be aware that this may have to be dealt with. I will not have a problem standing behind the church and dealing with the situation, if God leads me here, but I am not going into something blindly, I guess my question is this, do you know of any kind of event that was covered up, and hidden from the rest of the church taking place recently?" Even though he asked for a few minor details, all I could say is, if I said that one thing I would also be spreading rumors, and I won't do that. Another time, a few years back, one Sunday morning Dawn and I were leaving the Sunday School room talking to a friend, and we asked her how her husband was doing, she said they were getting a divorce. That night my dad also asked her how her husband was doing, she could not believe that we had not told him about the divorce, it was not our place to do so. I don't spread rumors, or tell other people's secrets. I am proud of this, however I look at my life, and see areas that I am not so faithful. Sometimes I just fall, sometimes I just don't care. I realize then that I am the leaven that destroys the church. I have to get on my knees and ask God to forgive me, to strengthen me, to convict me before I sin, not afterwards, and to help me overcome that sin. Yes, I want to be convicted before I sin, so that I can ask God for help in avoiding that sin.
Look at your life, do you see any leaven in it? God will give you strength to overcome, it may be a daily struggle, buy you can overcome if you want to. We are commanded to, are we doing it?
Let's start out this morning in Romans ch. 12, a very familiar passage, but I want to take a different perspective on it, than most of the sermons I hear preached. In vs. 1-2 Paul says, "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to the world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God". I can't count the number of sermons on these verses about the evil's of smoking, drinking, fornication, and other sins against the body. Of course this interpretation of these verses is correct. However, Paul was discussing something different, he was talking about our service to God.
We as Christians are to present our bodies, to Christ, as a sacrifice of ourselves to be used in His service, which is our reasonable service. He goes on in the next six verses to explain the gifts that God gives us. Those gifts are; prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, and showing mercy. We all have one or more of these gifts, and we are to use them. God did not give us these gifts, just so we can sit at home doing nothing. What gift did you get, if you don't know pray about it, let me know and I'll pray with you, God will let you know.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you"? 1 Cor 3:16. Paul is telling the Corinthians the same thing he told the Romans. He goes on to explain how the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. Then in ch 4 he continues, that we are the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, and that it is required of a steward to be found faithful. Paul then spends thirteen verses describing what it is like to be an apostle, the hardships they faced, the rejection they suffered, and the glory of God they witnessed. In direct comparison though he spends four verses, explaining that despite the apostles humility, they do have authority over the church, and this authority is given by God.
This is where the problems start, apparently in the Corinthian church there was a major case of fornication, a man was sleeping with his mother. But as bad as this was, it's not what had Paul upset. What Paul was upset about was the fact that the church had not done anything about the situation. He says, they should have already made this man leave their company, but they were turning a blind eye to the situation. He repeats a theme from the Old Testament, that a little leaven ruins the whole lump of dough. It would be like adding garlic to your cornbread, just a little and that pan of cornbread would be uneatable.
Paul tells them, I have told you not to associate with fornicators, and yes I meant the fornicators, and idolators of the world. However, my statement covered those within the church also. He says it's not our job to judge the world, but our own members, God will judge the world.
I know, you are thinking well this started out about us doing the job God wants us to do, and ended up being about fornication. Not exactly, look back up a few verses, where Paul was talking about the leaven, he says a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump making it unusuable. Let's scale this up, a little fornication in our church makes the whole church unuseable. When there are "Christians", that are involved in drugs, drinking, fornication, and other sins within our church, the world looks at us and says "they are no better than I am", why would I want to join them, it's just something else I have to get out of bed early for. Of course we know this is true for the "big" sins, but what about the "little" sins? What about not being faithful, disbelief, anger, malice, not reading our Bible, spreading rumors under the guise of "finding the truth"? One Saturday recently I told someone I was going to visit their church the next day. Later that night I got a call from another church member, telling me not to visit, matter of fact they were leaving the church, and before I could realize what they were about to say, and stop them, they told me they found out that a particular event happened at the church, who it involved and what was done to cover it up. I went ahead and visited the church a couple of weeks, then I went to the pastor one day, and sat down in his office with the door closed, and I said this, "without going into details, I heard a rumor that a couple of months back there was some very bad activity discovered to be going on here at the church. I was told that you know about it, whether it happened or not, will probably not affect if I come to this church or not. However, if this is true there is a possibility that it could have a major impact on the church, and before I commit myself I want to be aware that this may have to be dealt with. I will not have a problem standing behind the church and dealing with the situation, if God leads me here, but I am not going into something blindly, I guess my question is this, do you know of any kind of event that was covered up, and hidden from the rest of the church taking place recently?" Even though he asked for a few minor details, all I could say is, if I said that one thing I would also be spreading rumors, and I won't do that. Another time, a few years back, one Sunday morning Dawn and I were leaving the Sunday School room talking to a friend, and we asked her how her husband was doing, she said they were getting a divorce. That night my dad also asked her how her husband was doing, she could not believe that we had not told him about the divorce, it was not our place to do so. I don't spread rumors, or tell other people's secrets. I am proud of this, however I look at my life, and see areas that I am not so faithful. Sometimes I just fall, sometimes I just don't care. I realize then that I am the leaven that destroys the church. I have to get on my knees and ask God to forgive me, to strengthen me, to convict me before I sin, not afterwards, and to help me overcome that sin. Yes, I want to be convicted before I sin, so that I can ask God for help in avoiding that sin.
Look at your life, do you see any leaven in it? God will give you strength to overcome, it may be a daily struggle, buy you can overcome if you want to. We are commanded to, are we doing it?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Personal Convictions
Two men walk into the church office, and demand to speak with the pastor, once they get into the pastors office and the door is closed, the men began to argue, the pastor has to get kind of loud to get them to be quiet. He then tells one man to explain what the problem is. The man begins, "well pastor, a few days ago I was reading in the Old Testament, and I read where God told Moses that the people were not supposed to eat pork, and some other types of meat. So I prayed about it and realized that I have been sinning all my life, because I ate all that stuff. So I talked to Frank about it, and he told me I was wrong." At this point Frank interrupted and said "Pastor, I tried to tell Sam that we should be drinking a glass of wine every day, to improve our health, and he told me that we are not supposed to touch alcohol at all but,..." The pastor raised his hand and said "Stop right there, I see the problem". He picked up his Bible and read Rm 14:1-6, he highlighted verse 3 "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him". He went on to explain that sometimes God will give someone a conviction about something, that He does not give to someone else. Maybe He will tell you that you are not to eat something, now there may not be anything wrong with eating that item in of itself, however God in His infinite wisdom decided that He does not want YOU eating it. Just because God tells you not to eat it does not mean it is wrong for anyone else to enjoy it, but if YOU eat it, it is a sin because God told you not to. Do not judge anyone else for eating it, just because you can't, because it is a personal conviction. Notice the word personal.
The pastor went on to read vs. 7 & 8, "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the LORD; and whether we die, we die unto the LORD: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD's". He then explained, that Paul said a lot just to say that no matter what we are God's.
Then he said, that if you read vs 9-12, you will see what that means. First of all in vs 9 we see that Christ died for us, but more importantly He rose again that "He might be LORD both of the dead and living". Vs 10 ask why we judge our brother, because one day we will stand before God and be judged by Him. And as vs 11 tells us, "For it is written As I live, saith the LORD, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (vs12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God". If we have to explain ourselves to God, we should not expect anyone to explain them self to us.
The pastor went on to explain vs. 13-18, starting with that we should never do anything to make our brother stumble and fall into sin. Vs 14 again talks about personal conviction when it says "I know and am persuaded by the LORD Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean." He then said that in vs 15 we are told that if something we do, offends someone then we should not do it, or even talk about it around them. Vs 18 tells us that the man that does as Christ commands him, will be accepted by God, and approved of by man.
We are told in vs 19 & 20, that we are to do whatever we need to, in order to insure peace with those around us. Even though something may not be a sin, if we do it in a way to offend someone else, then it is a sin.
The pastor then looked at the two men, and said "now to make sure you understand all of this I want you to go home and read vs 21-23. Because those verses wrap everything else up into a small package". He decided by the look on the men's face that he would cover these verses real quick, and started by saying, "Remember just because something is not sin, if you offend someone it is. If you have faith, then you will please God, and make yourself happy by not condemning yourself by offending your brother. If you are not sure about something, but you do it anyway then it is sin, because you did not do it in faith, and "whatsoever is not of faith is sin". He then said a prayer with the men, and sent them home to study the chapter. Knowing that he had oversimplified things a bit, because he wanted them to study it, and understand it for them self. Knowing that some of what he said, even though correct did not go word for word with the verse, because he wanted the men to be strengthened by digesting the verse them self, and understanding it for them self, instead of being spoon fed, which offers no meat for growth.
The pastor went on to read vs. 7 & 8, "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the LORD; and whether we die, we die unto the LORD: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD's". He then explained, that Paul said a lot just to say that no matter what we are God's.
Then he said, that if you read vs 9-12, you will see what that means. First of all in vs 9 we see that Christ died for us, but more importantly He rose again that "He might be LORD both of the dead and living". Vs 10 ask why we judge our brother, because one day we will stand before God and be judged by Him. And as vs 11 tells us, "For it is written As I live, saith the LORD, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (vs12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God". If we have to explain ourselves to God, we should not expect anyone to explain them self to us.
The pastor went on to explain vs. 13-18, starting with that we should never do anything to make our brother stumble and fall into sin. Vs 14 again talks about personal conviction when it says "I know and am persuaded by the LORD Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean." He then said that in vs 15 we are told that if something we do, offends someone then we should not do it, or even talk about it around them. Vs 18 tells us that the man that does as Christ commands him, will be accepted by God, and approved of by man.
We are told in vs 19 & 20, that we are to do whatever we need to, in order to insure peace with those around us. Even though something may not be a sin, if we do it in a way to offend someone else, then it is a sin.
The pastor then looked at the two men, and said "now to make sure you understand all of this I want you to go home and read vs 21-23. Because those verses wrap everything else up into a small package". He decided by the look on the men's face that he would cover these verses real quick, and started by saying, "Remember just because something is not sin, if you offend someone it is. If you have faith, then you will please God, and make yourself happy by not condemning yourself by offending your brother. If you are not sure about something, but you do it anyway then it is sin, because you did not do it in faith, and "whatsoever is not of faith is sin". He then said a prayer with the men, and sent them home to study the chapter. Knowing that he had oversimplified things a bit, because he wanted them to study it, and understand it for them self. Knowing that some of what he said, even though correct did not go word for word with the verse, because he wanted the men to be strengthened by digesting the verse them self, and understanding it for them self, instead of being spoon fed, which offers no meat for growth.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
My Commitment to You
Yesterday God gave me a devotion for today, I thought. Then later on I started wondering if this blog was ever going to make a big difference. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am one of those people that if I am going to do it, it will be done correctly. I hate to admit it, but I have trouble doing the small jobs, not because I think I am too good for that, but because if I do something it should make a difference, it should improve things in a big way. I have spent hours reorganizing an area because I knew my way was better, and would speed up the process, and I was right. I don't care about being recognized for what I do, I don't care about being the boss, I am perfectly happy to work in the background, nobody ever noticing me, but I do like to hear people say that things are better, not that I did it, but that they are better, and if I have to be the boss to accomplish this, then so be it. I hope this makes sense. Anyway, I was praying about it, asking God to give me peace that at some point in time I would be making a difference in someone's life, even if I never know it, even though I want to see the fruit of my labor. I want to share with you some of the verses He gave me, I know I have talked about this theme before, but I feel it needs to be said again, if just for me.
First thing He told me is that I don't need to worry about how many people are "following", or how many people read on a regular basis, or how often they read, my job is to post the devotions He gives me, and according to 1 Cor. 3:5-8 "God giveth the increase". In other words I have nothing to do with that. Acts 1:7 tells us that "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power". I may be dead and in heaven before this blog reaches one person, then again it may happen today, God knows and that is all that matters, that part is not my job. Phil. 2:13 tells me that God works in me, both in His will, and for His good pleasure. In other words, if He wants me doing this just because He thinks its funny then I am supposed to do it. However He does not do anything just because it is funny, we are told that if His word goeth out, it will not return null and void, someone, somewhere, sometime will accept Christ as their Savior because of this.
Turn back over to 1 Cor 4:2 it says that it is required that I be found faithful in what God has asked me to do. It does not say it is expected, or that it is appreciated, it says that it is required. Required means "or else".
But, you know what, it does not matter that it is required, that is not why I do it. Phil. 3:13-14 tells why I do it, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". I push toward the finish line, I struggle through my life toward my death, so I can receive the gift promised by God through His son Jesus. The gift being eternity in heaven, once I complete this life. 2 Tim. 4:7 says about the same thing when it says "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith". It is my hope and desire, my goal to get to the end of my life, and look back and be able to say that despite some failure's especially at the beginning, I have done the job God wanted me to do. Not because He commanded, and I was afraid not to comply, not because of any thing I might receive in eternity, but because He loved me enough to send His son to die to pay sins price, so that He might be my advocate with the Father. First of all, it is my reasonable duty to live for Him if He died for me, but more importantly because of His love for me, I love Him more than I love my own life, and you do things for those you love. You do everything you can to make them happy, because it makes you happy to make them happy.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" 1 Cor 9:24-25. This is the beginning of a thought that is finished in 2 Tim 4:7, where Paul says he finished his (race) course, he is specifically talking about a marathon race, not just any race, but a long distance endurance test. Here he is telling us that our lives are a race to the finish, just like in a earthly race where a prize is given to those who finish in the lead, we also can receive a prize, however this prize will never pass away, never end it is for eternity. If people can subject themselves to a marathon, (which does not make sense to me), then why can't I fight for my prize in heaven? Other than me just being lazy, more afraid of what people think than what God thinks, or me turning my back toward God and walking out of His will. Anyone that knows me will tell you I am not lazy, I don't care what people think spend anytime around me you'll figure that out, that leaves me being out of God's will. As long as I don't turn my back on Him, I stay in His will and do what He wants. He will never ever, never turn His back on me, therefore He will give me all the help I need to stay in His will, and do what He wants me to do. He does not need me to do anything, He can get someone else to do it, but He gives me an opportunity to please Him, and earn a prize in heaven. I love Him enough to please Him, so what He ask I will do, even if I don't see the benefit, because I know He does.
Let me make this clear, at no time was I thinking of not doing the blog. I just have a need to see the results of my work. I pick up small scraps of paper off the floor, just because it needs to be done. It's like this, when I became a restaurant manager, I accepted the position, because I knew I could make a difference, and I did, profits went up, costs went down, my customer satisfaction rating was 99.98%, I could see the results of my work. When I first started in shipping/receiving I spent a couple of days, working around my regular duties, to organize the warehouse, before I started stuff was sitting everywhere, and you could not find anything, after I finished, everything was lined up nice and neat, you could find what you needed, and we had more room, not to mention it just looked more professional (read better), I could see the result of my work. I have went in and scrubbed bathrooms, when it was not my job to do so, but when I finished you could see the results, I don't mind using a broom, or dust rag. I was helping set up for a banquet, there were 5 different type chairs in the banquet room, I had to take time to put all the same chairs at a table, instead of it just being haphazard, when I finished it looked better, even if it was something no one else wanted to do. So when I go weeks at at time without hearing any feedback, I get worried. I have been doing this for a couple of months now, and still the only readers I have are those I asked to help me, it is discouraging. I don't want to hear comments, and feedback to feed my ego, or make me feel important, I scrub toilets when it's not my job, do you really think I need to feel important? But, it does let me see the results of my labor. The important thing to me though is not the comments, or technically how many readers, but without increasing readership, we will never have a chance to reach someone. Which I think is the reason for doing this. However I have also said, it could just be God's way of making sure I do my devotion every day, because when I hurt, I will skip it, but with other depending on me not so much. I have went to work with a fever of 102, because I made a commitment to be there, they were counting on me to be there. I have went to work when I hurt so bad I could barely stand up, but I made a commitment. God made a commitment to me one day, and He will never fail to keep it, we are to be like Him as much as possible, so I keep my commitments. Even when I don't see the effects.
First thing He told me is that I don't need to worry about how many people are "following", or how many people read on a regular basis, or how often they read, my job is to post the devotions He gives me, and according to 1 Cor. 3:5-8 "God giveth the increase". In other words I have nothing to do with that. Acts 1:7 tells us that "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power". I may be dead and in heaven before this blog reaches one person, then again it may happen today, God knows and that is all that matters, that part is not my job. Phil. 2:13 tells me that God works in me, both in His will, and for His good pleasure. In other words, if He wants me doing this just because He thinks its funny then I am supposed to do it. However He does not do anything just because it is funny, we are told that if His word goeth out, it will not return null and void, someone, somewhere, sometime will accept Christ as their Savior because of this.
Turn back over to 1 Cor 4:2 it says that it is required that I be found faithful in what God has asked me to do. It does not say it is expected, or that it is appreciated, it says that it is required. Required means "or else".
But, you know what, it does not matter that it is required, that is not why I do it. Phil. 3:13-14 tells why I do it, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". I push toward the finish line, I struggle through my life toward my death, so I can receive the gift promised by God through His son Jesus. The gift being eternity in heaven, once I complete this life. 2 Tim. 4:7 says about the same thing when it says "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith". It is my hope and desire, my goal to get to the end of my life, and look back and be able to say that despite some failure's especially at the beginning, I have done the job God wanted me to do. Not because He commanded, and I was afraid not to comply, not because of any thing I might receive in eternity, but because He loved me enough to send His son to die to pay sins price, so that He might be my advocate with the Father. First of all, it is my reasonable duty to live for Him if He died for me, but more importantly because of His love for me, I love Him more than I love my own life, and you do things for those you love. You do everything you can to make them happy, because it makes you happy to make them happy.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" 1 Cor 9:24-25. This is the beginning of a thought that is finished in 2 Tim 4:7, where Paul says he finished his (race) course, he is specifically talking about a marathon race, not just any race, but a long distance endurance test. Here he is telling us that our lives are a race to the finish, just like in a earthly race where a prize is given to those who finish in the lead, we also can receive a prize, however this prize will never pass away, never end it is for eternity. If people can subject themselves to a marathon, (which does not make sense to me), then why can't I fight for my prize in heaven? Other than me just being lazy, more afraid of what people think than what God thinks, or me turning my back toward God and walking out of His will. Anyone that knows me will tell you I am not lazy, I don't care what people think spend anytime around me you'll figure that out, that leaves me being out of God's will. As long as I don't turn my back on Him, I stay in His will and do what He wants. He will never ever, never turn His back on me, therefore He will give me all the help I need to stay in His will, and do what He wants me to do. He does not need me to do anything, He can get someone else to do it, but He gives me an opportunity to please Him, and earn a prize in heaven. I love Him enough to please Him, so what He ask I will do, even if I don't see the benefit, because I know He does.
Let me make this clear, at no time was I thinking of not doing the blog. I just have a need to see the results of my work. I pick up small scraps of paper off the floor, just because it needs to be done. It's like this, when I became a restaurant manager, I accepted the position, because I knew I could make a difference, and I did, profits went up, costs went down, my customer satisfaction rating was 99.98%, I could see the results of my work. When I first started in shipping/receiving I spent a couple of days, working around my regular duties, to organize the warehouse, before I started stuff was sitting everywhere, and you could not find anything, after I finished, everything was lined up nice and neat, you could find what you needed, and we had more room, not to mention it just looked more professional (read better), I could see the result of my work. I have went in and scrubbed bathrooms, when it was not my job to do so, but when I finished you could see the results, I don't mind using a broom, or dust rag. I was helping set up for a banquet, there were 5 different type chairs in the banquet room, I had to take time to put all the same chairs at a table, instead of it just being haphazard, when I finished it looked better, even if it was something no one else wanted to do. So when I go weeks at at time without hearing any feedback, I get worried. I have been doing this for a couple of months now, and still the only readers I have are those I asked to help me, it is discouraging. I don't want to hear comments, and feedback to feed my ego, or make me feel important, I scrub toilets when it's not my job, do you really think I need to feel important? But, it does let me see the results of my labor. The important thing to me though is not the comments, or technically how many readers, but without increasing readership, we will never have a chance to reach someone. Which I think is the reason for doing this. However I have also said, it could just be God's way of making sure I do my devotion every day, because when I hurt, I will skip it, but with other depending on me not so much. I have went to work with a fever of 102, because I made a commitment to be there, they were counting on me to be there. I have went to work when I hurt so bad I could barely stand up, but I made a commitment. God made a commitment to me one day, and He will never fail to keep it, we are to be like Him as much as possible, so I keep my commitments. Even when I don't see the effects.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Samson and Judas
Hope everyone is having a good day. We are back in the Old Testament this morning, and we are going to look at one of the saddest verses in the Bible. I discussed this somewhere lately, I don't think it was here, but I have not had time to look. But even if I did this will be a little different.
"And she said, the Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him." Judges 16:20. Samson was at one time a great man of God, however he did not realize that God was no longer with him, that is what is sad. I hear all kinds of talk about how his hair was cut and he lost his strength, it does not matter that his hair was cut, well not for today's lesson. This is not about his vow not to cut his hair, that is another lesson. The point is, he had gotten so far from God, that she was able to cut his hair, that is why he lost his strength. He left God. Because he left God, God left him, allowing her to be able to trick him.
People get caught up in the details and miss the whole point, when God sends His Spirit upon us, we know it. It is a feeling like no other, we should know when the Spirit departs, but once we turn our back on God, we are not able to feel His presence, so we don't know when He leaves us this is what is sad. What you need to remember is, that we always leave Him, and leave Him no choice but to withdraw from us.
Jeremiah says in ch. 3:6 "The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot". Now look at vs 12 "return thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful saith the Lord". Vs. 22 "Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings". God is merciful, He is faithful to forgive, and heal when we (re)turn to Him. Again in Hos. 14:4 we see where God said that He will heal our backsliding, because He loves us freely. How many times does He have to say it, before we listen?
However we need to realize that sin has a price, a price that has to be paid. Also, let me ask you, when you were young, (some of us can remember that far back), and you were doing something that you were not supposed to, your parents told you to stop, and you ignored them and kept on doing it, what happened? I know for me, Mom, or Dad one would grab a belt, and I would regret not listening. Of course I would stop. Now with my kids, I would tell them why what they were doing was wrong, then I would spank them, and then immediately hug them, until they hugged me back. I then told them to sit in their room and think about what they were doing wrong, and when they understood they could come out and see me, at what time they got another hug. They never stayed mad at me for long, they always realized pretty quick why they got in trouble. It was very seldom they got a spanking twice for the same thing, they learned their lesson. If only we as Christians could learn our lesson that easily.
In Heb. 12:5b-6 "My son despise not thou the chastening of the LORD nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Why do you punish your children? It's not because you are mean, it's because you love them. There are times we have to face punishment from God, because of something we are doing, or not doing, not because He is vindictive, or harsh, but because He loves us. We need to accept His punishment, the way my children received theirs, quietly and sheepishly sticking our head out the bedroom door, and asking if we can have a hug. The answer from Him will always be yes.
My last question is, why is it so hard for us to repent? Why does God have to tell us several times that we are doing wrong? Why do we fight so hard to keep doing what we know is wrong? After all look at Mt. 27:3 "Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that he was condemned repented himself". Even Judas repented. If he can repent, why can't we?
"And she said, the Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him." Judges 16:20. Samson was at one time a great man of God, however he did not realize that God was no longer with him, that is what is sad. I hear all kinds of talk about how his hair was cut and he lost his strength, it does not matter that his hair was cut, well not for today's lesson. This is not about his vow not to cut his hair, that is another lesson. The point is, he had gotten so far from God, that she was able to cut his hair, that is why he lost his strength. He left God. Because he left God, God left him, allowing her to be able to trick him.
People get caught up in the details and miss the whole point, when God sends His Spirit upon us, we know it. It is a feeling like no other, we should know when the Spirit departs, but once we turn our back on God, we are not able to feel His presence, so we don't know when He leaves us this is what is sad. What you need to remember is, that we always leave Him, and leave Him no choice but to withdraw from us.
Jeremiah says in ch. 3:6 "The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot". Now look at vs 12 "return thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful saith the Lord". Vs. 22 "Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings". God is merciful, He is faithful to forgive, and heal when we (re)turn to Him. Again in Hos. 14:4 we see where God said that He will heal our backsliding, because He loves us freely. How many times does He have to say it, before we listen?
However we need to realize that sin has a price, a price that has to be paid. Also, let me ask you, when you were young, (some of us can remember that far back), and you were doing something that you were not supposed to, your parents told you to stop, and you ignored them and kept on doing it, what happened? I know for me, Mom, or Dad one would grab a belt, and I would regret not listening. Of course I would stop. Now with my kids, I would tell them why what they were doing was wrong, then I would spank them, and then immediately hug them, until they hugged me back. I then told them to sit in their room and think about what they were doing wrong, and when they understood they could come out and see me, at what time they got another hug. They never stayed mad at me for long, they always realized pretty quick why they got in trouble. It was very seldom they got a spanking twice for the same thing, they learned their lesson. If only we as Christians could learn our lesson that easily.
In Heb. 12:5b-6 "My son despise not thou the chastening of the LORD nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Why do you punish your children? It's not because you are mean, it's because you love them. There are times we have to face punishment from God, because of something we are doing, or not doing, not because He is vindictive, or harsh, but because He loves us. We need to accept His punishment, the way my children received theirs, quietly and sheepishly sticking our head out the bedroom door, and asking if we can have a hug. The answer from Him will always be yes.
My last question is, why is it so hard for us to repent? Why does God have to tell us several times that we are doing wrong? Why do we fight so hard to keep doing what we know is wrong? After all look at Mt. 27:3 "Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that he was condemned repented himself". Even Judas repented. If he can repent, why can't we?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
God wants WHO, to do something?
This morning we are back in the book of Isaiah, let's start in ch 6:5. We see where Isaiah had a vision of angels crying "holy, holy, holy is the LORD". As a result in vs 5 he says, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts". Isaiah realized his standing in the eternal scheme of things, he realized just how sinful man is.
In vs 6-7 we see where one of the angels took a hot coal off the alter and touched it to Isaiah's mouth, and told Isaiah that the coal had purged his sin.
Now for what I want you to see, in vs 8 "Also I heard the voice of the LORD saying, Whom shall I send and who will go for us? THEN SAID I, HERE AM I: SEND ME". Isaiah found out there was a job to do, he did not ask God, who was going, he said, send me. Can we say send me? I don't know if I could say it, I mean if God wanted someone to go to the Bahama's, I'm there, but what about the jungles of Africa, or South America, I would have to think about it. What about my next door neighbor? Uh oh, now my toes hurt.
Now we all can't go to the Bahama's, or Africa, or South America, but what we can do is support missions. 1 Chor 12:12-31, and 2 Chor 9:7-8 describe how we should give above our tithe to support missions. The theme in these verses is "Here am I send my money, because God loves a cheerful giver". Phil. 4:14-19 continues this theme, finally saying in vs 19 you supplied my needs, now "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". According to HIS riches in glory. How rich is God? If He is going to meet our needs based on how much riches He has, do I really need to worry about being broke because I gave to missions? There you go on my toes again.
Second Tim. 1:9 says "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling". James 1:22 "Be ye doers and not just hearers". God knows what he is doing when He calls us to do a job. Why do we argue with Him? Why do we try to get out of doing the job He called us to do? I know with me, it's because I am lazy, I don't want to get out of my comfort zone, I'm afraid I won't have enough money left, those people are weird I don't want to talk to them, I am out of mayonnaise, (Hey one excuse is as good as another).
We all say "Pray for our world, it's in bad shape and something needs to be done, somebody needs to step up and do what God wants, just not me". Isaiah had the right idea, don't even worry about talking to anyone else "I'll go". Are you willing to say "God whatever you want, I'll do it", am I willing to say it?
We need to get off our pew, and into the workforce, there is no unemployment insurance in God's workforce, especially not when we are unemployed because we don't want to work. I am not able to travel thousands of miles to a jungle, but I am able to pray, to write a blog, to visit my neighbors and so much more that I can do, God knows what I am capable of, and if He calls me to go to Africa then I am wrong, I can travel that far. If He does call me for that, then I need to quit complaining, quit using my health as an excuse, and start packing my bags. Then again maybe I just need to take the church prayer list, and pray for each person on it daily, maybe I need to meet with the pastor before church, put my hand on his shoulder and pray for God's power and Spirit to fall on him, and give him boldness to preach the Word the way God intended. Maybe, prepare a meal for a elderly church member, and deliver it, and spend time with them. What about purchasing cassette tapes of the sermons for shut-in members that can't afford to purchase them, themselves. There is so much we can do, and God expects us to do it.
In vs 6-7 we see where one of the angels took a hot coal off the alter and touched it to Isaiah's mouth, and told Isaiah that the coal had purged his sin.
Now for what I want you to see, in vs 8 "Also I heard the voice of the LORD saying, Whom shall I send and who will go for us? THEN SAID I, HERE AM I: SEND ME". Isaiah found out there was a job to do, he did not ask God, who was going, he said, send me. Can we say send me? I don't know if I could say it, I mean if God wanted someone to go to the Bahama's, I'm there, but what about the jungles of Africa, or South America, I would have to think about it. What about my next door neighbor? Uh oh, now my toes hurt.
Now we all can't go to the Bahama's, or Africa, or South America, but what we can do is support missions. 1 Chor 12:12-31, and 2 Chor 9:7-8 describe how we should give above our tithe to support missions. The theme in these verses is "Here am I send my money, because God loves a cheerful giver". Phil. 4:14-19 continues this theme, finally saying in vs 19 you supplied my needs, now "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". According to HIS riches in glory. How rich is God? If He is going to meet our needs based on how much riches He has, do I really need to worry about being broke because I gave to missions? There you go on my toes again.
Second Tim. 1:9 says "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling". James 1:22 "Be ye doers and not just hearers". God knows what he is doing when He calls us to do a job. Why do we argue with Him? Why do we try to get out of doing the job He called us to do? I know with me, it's because I am lazy, I don't want to get out of my comfort zone, I'm afraid I won't have enough money left, those people are weird I don't want to talk to them, I am out of mayonnaise, (Hey one excuse is as good as another).
We all say "Pray for our world, it's in bad shape and something needs to be done, somebody needs to step up and do what God wants, just not me". Isaiah had the right idea, don't even worry about talking to anyone else "I'll go". Are you willing to say "God whatever you want, I'll do it", am I willing to say it?
We need to get off our pew, and into the workforce, there is no unemployment insurance in God's workforce, especially not when we are unemployed because we don't want to work. I am not able to travel thousands of miles to a jungle, but I am able to pray, to write a blog, to visit my neighbors and so much more that I can do, God knows what I am capable of, and if He calls me to go to Africa then I am wrong, I can travel that far. If He does call me for that, then I need to quit complaining, quit using my health as an excuse, and start packing my bags. Then again maybe I just need to take the church prayer list, and pray for each person on it daily, maybe I need to meet with the pastor before church, put my hand on his shoulder and pray for God's power and Spirit to fall on him, and give him boldness to preach the Word the way God intended. Maybe, prepare a meal for a elderly church member, and deliver it, and spend time with them. What about purchasing cassette tapes of the sermons for shut-in members that can't afford to purchase them, themselves. There is so much we can do, and God expects us to do it.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Word
Just how important is the Bible in our daily life? After all I know so many who never pick up a Bible unless they are going to church, and even then there are times they don't open it, instead they just listen to the preacher read the passages.
There are way too many verses for me to list them all, but I am going to hit a few, let's start in Ps. 119:11 "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee". The Psalmist says the only way he can keep from sinning is to fill his heart with the Word of God. He goes on to say in verse 105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path". He says the scripture, gives him direction, shows him the correct way to go, and keeps him from stumbling. I know I stumble more than I should, so I know I need to spend more time in the scripture. He also says in verse 127 "I love thy commandments above gold; yea above fine gold", the word of God is more important to him than all the riches in the world. Actually a good deal of Ps. 119 deals with God's word, His commandments, and what it should mean to us. It would be worth us reading the entire chapter on a weekly basis, just to remind ourselves.
Now let's look at some of the things Jesus, and the apostles said about the scripture. Mt. 4:4 "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God". Chapter 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away".
Turn all the way over to James ch 1 vs 22 "by ye doers of the word, and not hearers only". If you continue reading down to vs 25, you see that if a man is just a hearer, then he forgets what kind of man he is, but a doer shall be blessed. Continuing the theme of being a doer, look at 2 Tim. 4:2 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine", vs 5 "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry". Now what did Paul mean by "be instant in season, out of season"? Be ready at any time to share the gospel, not just on Sunday, or Wednesday night, or during a "revival", but at any time.
Now back up a couple of chapters, to ch 2, vs 15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth". "For whosever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's and of the holy angels". Lk 9:26. We need to be constantly in the Word of God, not just reading and forgetting, but studying, learning, committing to memory so that it might lead us, it might show us the way, so we can do what it says so that we are not ashamed of it, and we are not ashamed of ourselves when we meet our LORD and Savior. I want you to notice I did not say memorize it. When I was in school, the night before a test I would memorize the material, and I was lucky if I could remember it the next day. But if I spent a few minutes each day, going over what we studied that day, plus what we had already gone over, the night before the test I did not have to open the book, and I would still know the material weeks later. I had learned the information, however when I memorized that is all I did, there was no learning taking place. We are commanded to learn, commanded to know the word of God. If we don't know the word, we can't do what it commands, funny how that circle works isn't it. Actually that is God's plan.
One more passage, one that is familiar, and one we just looked at a couple of days ago, but there is so much information in each verse, there are so many lessons to be learned from each one. Heb. 4:12-13 tells us that the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, it is quick and powerful enough to not only separate the soul and spirit, but to know the thoughts and intents of the heart. The scripture will illuminate, will make known our deepest thoughts, and our secret intentions. There is none of us that can hide anything from the eyes of God.
The word of God can be a lamp lighting our path, showing us the way, or it can be a sharp sword, dividing us asunder, the choice is ours. Do we study and learn what it says, or do we turn our back on God?
There are way too many verses for me to list them all, but I am going to hit a few, let's start in Ps. 119:11 "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee". The Psalmist says the only way he can keep from sinning is to fill his heart with the Word of God. He goes on to say in verse 105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path". He says the scripture, gives him direction, shows him the correct way to go, and keeps him from stumbling. I know I stumble more than I should, so I know I need to spend more time in the scripture. He also says in verse 127 "I love thy commandments above gold; yea above fine gold", the word of God is more important to him than all the riches in the world. Actually a good deal of Ps. 119 deals with God's word, His commandments, and what it should mean to us. It would be worth us reading the entire chapter on a weekly basis, just to remind ourselves.
Now let's look at some of the things Jesus, and the apostles said about the scripture. Mt. 4:4 "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God". Chapter 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away".
Turn all the way over to James ch 1 vs 22 "by ye doers of the word, and not hearers only". If you continue reading down to vs 25, you see that if a man is just a hearer, then he forgets what kind of man he is, but a doer shall be blessed. Continuing the theme of being a doer, look at 2 Tim. 4:2 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine", vs 5 "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry". Now what did Paul mean by "be instant in season, out of season"? Be ready at any time to share the gospel, not just on Sunday, or Wednesday night, or during a "revival", but at any time.
Now back up a couple of chapters, to ch 2, vs 15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth". "For whosever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's and of the holy angels". Lk 9:26. We need to be constantly in the Word of God, not just reading and forgetting, but studying, learning, committing to memory so that it might lead us, it might show us the way, so we can do what it says so that we are not ashamed of it, and we are not ashamed of ourselves when we meet our LORD and Savior. I want you to notice I did not say memorize it. When I was in school, the night before a test I would memorize the material, and I was lucky if I could remember it the next day. But if I spent a few minutes each day, going over what we studied that day, plus what we had already gone over, the night before the test I did not have to open the book, and I would still know the material weeks later. I had learned the information, however when I memorized that is all I did, there was no learning taking place. We are commanded to learn, commanded to know the word of God. If we don't know the word, we can't do what it commands, funny how that circle works isn't it. Actually that is God's plan.
One more passage, one that is familiar, and one we just looked at a couple of days ago, but there is so much information in each verse, there are so many lessons to be learned from each one. Heb. 4:12-13 tells us that the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, it is quick and powerful enough to not only separate the soul and spirit, but to know the thoughts and intents of the heart. The scripture will illuminate, will make known our deepest thoughts, and our secret intentions. There is none of us that can hide anything from the eyes of God.
The word of God can be a lamp lighting our path, showing us the way, or it can be a sharp sword, dividing us asunder, the choice is ours. Do we study and learn what it says, or do we turn our back on God?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Fill the Gap
Good Sunday morning, hope everyone can make it to God's house today, I plan on trying, but I don't know if I can this soon after surgery.
This morning I want to look at the book of Ezekiel, specifically with chapter 22. If you start with verse one, actually if you go back to chapter 8, you will read about all the sins of Israel. God goes into great detail explaining how the people of cheated, stole, shed blood, failed to observe the Sabbath, the prophets have lied saying "Thus saith the LORD", when the LORD had not spoken. Because of this they would suffer captivity. Verse 18 of chapter 22 says "the house of Israel is to me become dross", if you don't know dross is what is left over when brass, tin or iron is melted to be recast. It is the trash, the leftover garbage, and God said the nation of Israel had became dross to Him, because of their wickedness.
Again God tells Ezekiel the sins of Israel, they have devoured souls, they have made many widows, the priests have violated the law, and profaned holy things, the people have vexed the poor and needy. Then in verse 30 God says, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none".
If you have a security fence around your property, but it has a hole in it, it is not very secure. You will be looking for anything you can find to fill that hole, until you can get it repaired. In those times, when a nation went to war the army would form a line, a hedge, and as long as everyone maintained their position the line held, but when one person fell, the rest would move together to close the gap, to keep the enemy from getting through. God was looking for one man, that was righteousness enough so that He would not have to chastise the nation. But I found none. So the children of Israel went into captivity.
In Ps 106:23, we see where the Psalmist said "Therefore he said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach (gap), to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them". Moses stood in the gap, and protected the Israelites. Yesterday we see where Abraham stood in the gap and protected Lot. I did not plan this, God gave me yesterday's devotion Thursday on the way home, and today's lesson on Saturday night. I don't know if God is talking to me, or someone else, but one of us needs to listen. I know my son needs all the prayers he can get, because of most of the decisions he is making right now. He is a good kid, that knows right from wrong, and I am always hearing compliments about him, but he is making some dumb decisions. So maybe, these lessons are for me. I don't know what any of you are going through, but God could be talking to you too, I don't know. But, I will be praying, and thanking Him for assuring me, that my son will return to His path. Even if it has not happened yet, I will thank Him, because I know, that I know, that I know that it will happen, because He said so.
This morning I want to look at the book of Ezekiel, specifically with chapter 22. If you start with verse one, actually if you go back to chapter 8, you will read about all the sins of Israel. God goes into great detail explaining how the people of cheated, stole, shed blood, failed to observe the Sabbath, the prophets have lied saying "Thus saith the LORD", when the LORD had not spoken. Because of this they would suffer captivity. Verse 18 of chapter 22 says "the house of Israel is to me become dross", if you don't know dross is what is left over when brass, tin or iron is melted to be recast. It is the trash, the leftover garbage, and God said the nation of Israel had became dross to Him, because of their wickedness.
Again God tells Ezekiel the sins of Israel, they have devoured souls, they have made many widows, the priests have violated the law, and profaned holy things, the people have vexed the poor and needy. Then in verse 30 God says, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none".
If you have a security fence around your property, but it has a hole in it, it is not very secure. You will be looking for anything you can find to fill that hole, until you can get it repaired. In those times, when a nation went to war the army would form a line, a hedge, and as long as everyone maintained their position the line held, but when one person fell, the rest would move together to close the gap, to keep the enemy from getting through. God was looking for one man, that was righteousness enough so that He would not have to chastise the nation. But I found none. So the children of Israel went into captivity.
In Ps 106:23, we see where the Psalmist said "Therefore he said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach (gap), to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them". Moses stood in the gap, and protected the Israelites. Yesterday we see where Abraham stood in the gap and protected Lot. I did not plan this, God gave me yesterday's devotion Thursday on the way home, and today's lesson on Saturday night. I don't know if God is talking to me, or someone else, but one of us needs to listen. I know my son needs all the prayers he can get, because of most of the decisions he is making right now. He is a good kid, that knows right from wrong, and I am always hearing compliments about him, but he is making some dumb decisions. So maybe, these lessons are for me. I don't know what any of you are going through, but God could be talking to you too, I don't know. But, I will be praying, and thanking Him for assuring me, that my son will return to His path. Even if it has not happened yet, I will thank Him, because I know, that I know, that I know that it will happen, because He said so.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Prayer of a righteous man
This morning we are going to be looking at another long passage, so I'll just be hitting the verses that I want to point out. Of course the whole passage is important, but there are just a few verses I want to use for today's devotion.
Let's start in Gen. 13, we pick up after Abram, and Lot have journeyed to a new land, but the place they were was not able to support all the cattle, so they decided to part company, Abram gave Lot his choice of land. In verse 10 we see Lot's first mistake, "And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere". He looked and saw something pretty, something that looks good, but not everything that looks good is. Now in verse 12 "and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners". Don't be fooled, Lot knew to start with what kind of people lived in Sodom. But he choose to crawl out of his tent every morning so that he could see the city, he wanted to be able to lay on his bed at night and see the lights of the city. He wanted to be in the city, but knew better, so I'll just sit here and stare and wish.
Now look all the way over to ch. 15:6, the Bible is speaking of Abram at this point when it says "And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness". Abram was a righteousness man in the eyes of God, remember this. At this point God has decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham has tried to change his mind, however there could not be found even ten righteousness men in the city, so it would be destroyed.
Look now at ch 19 starting with verse 1, we see that two angels have came to visit Lot, in order to have him leave the city before it is destroyed. Unfortunately the men of the city saw the two strangers enter in Lot's house. Interesting point here, if you notice Lot has moved from the plain facing Sodom, to living in the middle of it, that is the way sin works. Back to the lesson, the men of the city demanded that Lot send the two men out. Verse 5 says "that we may know them", I have heard preachers say that, because of Lot's next offer this means that the men of Sodom wanted to have sex with the strangers, I do not know this to be true, it is a possibility, however I never saw it that way, but I did want to mention it. Anyway, Lot in an effort to protect his guest, in verse 8 offered his two youngest daughters, who are virgins, to the men of the city instead. He offered his daughters as whores, how wicked has Lot became living in the city of sin.
But the angels protected the house that night, and at daybreak led Lot and his family out of the city. But even though Lot had to offer his daughters, his wife looked back at the city, not wanting to leave. Immediately she was turned into a pillar of salt, God's punishment on her, as she was outside the city, even though her heart was still inside the city.
Now if Lot and his family had gotten just as evil as the the men of Sodom, why did God spare them? Why would God withhold His judgement on this one family, but not anyone else? The answer is in 19:29 "when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow".
Lot was saved because of Abraham's righteousness. Prov. 14:9 "Fools make a mock at sin (Lot): but among the righteous there is favour (Abraham)". 2 Peter 2:6-9 talks about God destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, because of their wickedness, and Lot being saved, vs 9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished". God knew what he was doing, and he did it because of Abraham.
What we learn here is never give up on your loved ones, God will spare them because of your prayers for them. Yes there comes a time when God will turn someone over to a reprobate mind, but I believe that as long as a righteous prayer is going up for the person, it is never too late.
Let's start in Gen. 13, we pick up after Abram, and Lot have journeyed to a new land, but the place they were was not able to support all the cattle, so they decided to part company, Abram gave Lot his choice of land. In verse 10 we see Lot's first mistake, "And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere". He looked and saw something pretty, something that looks good, but not everything that looks good is. Now in verse 12 "and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners". Don't be fooled, Lot knew to start with what kind of people lived in Sodom. But he choose to crawl out of his tent every morning so that he could see the city, he wanted to be able to lay on his bed at night and see the lights of the city. He wanted to be in the city, but knew better, so I'll just sit here and stare and wish.
Now look all the way over to ch. 15:6, the Bible is speaking of Abram at this point when it says "And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness". Abram was a righteousness man in the eyes of God, remember this. At this point God has decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham has tried to change his mind, however there could not be found even ten righteousness men in the city, so it would be destroyed.
Look now at ch 19 starting with verse 1, we see that two angels have came to visit Lot, in order to have him leave the city before it is destroyed. Unfortunately the men of the city saw the two strangers enter in Lot's house. Interesting point here, if you notice Lot has moved from the plain facing Sodom, to living in the middle of it, that is the way sin works. Back to the lesson, the men of the city demanded that Lot send the two men out. Verse 5 says "that we may know them", I have heard preachers say that, because of Lot's next offer this means that the men of Sodom wanted to have sex with the strangers, I do not know this to be true, it is a possibility, however I never saw it that way, but I did want to mention it. Anyway, Lot in an effort to protect his guest, in verse 8 offered his two youngest daughters, who are virgins, to the men of the city instead. He offered his daughters as whores, how wicked has Lot became living in the city of sin.
But the angels protected the house that night, and at daybreak led Lot and his family out of the city. But even though Lot had to offer his daughters, his wife looked back at the city, not wanting to leave. Immediately she was turned into a pillar of salt, God's punishment on her, as she was outside the city, even though her heart was still inside the city.
Now if Lot and his family had gotten just as evil as the the men of Sodom, why did God spare them? Why would God withhold His judgement on this one family, but not anyone else? The answer is in 19:29 "when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow".
Lot was saved because of Abraham's righteousness. Prov. 14:9 "Fools make a mock at sin (Lot): but among the righteous there is favour (Abraham)". 2 Peter 2:6-9 talks about God destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, because of their wickedness, and Lot being saved, vs 9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished". God knew what he was doing, and he did it because of Abraham.
What we learn here is never give up on your loved ones, God will spare them because of your prayers for them. Yes there comes a time when God will turn someone over to a reprobate mind, but I believe that as long as a righteous prayer is going up for the person, it is never too late.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Christian Unity
This was actually yesterday's, but apparently you can only schedule two at a time.
Good Thursday morning, let's start this morning in James 4:1 "From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? A few days ago there was a thread on FaceBook, with somewhere around fifty post (I don't remember exactly), all but a few were Christian people not only arguing, but name calling, and other such nonsense. How often do we come up on another Christian that believes a little differently than us, about a minor issue and not a point of Doctrine, and we are determined to prove them wrong.
The question is asked in 1 Chr 1:13 "Is Christ divided?" Matt. 12:25 tells us that Jesus said "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". Why, do we fight about stuff that has no eternal meaning? If someone is teaching that you can be saved by praying to the apostles, or to Mary, then yes we should show them the correct scripture. However 2 Tim. 2:14 says "strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting the hearers". If you know you are not going to change someones belief, do not argue with them, not unless they are willing to see the truth.
Titus 2:1 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine". If you don't know what falls under doctrine, and what doesn't, check the link on the left of the page, titled "Statement of Belief's". Any thing other that what is listed there, has no eternal value, and is not important. And definitely not important enough to cause strife within the body of Christ, which is a sin. If you encounter someone calling them self a Christian, and they are insistent on arguing just to be arguing, then walk away from them, and wash your hands of them. Other than to pray for God to work in their heart.
Good Thursday morning, let's start this morning in James 4:1 "From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? A few days ago there was a thread on FaceBook, with somewhere around fifty post (I don't remember exactly), all but a few were Christian people not only arguing, but name calling, and other such nonsense. How often do we come up on another Christian that believes a little differently than us, about a minor issue and not a point of Doctrine, and we are determined to prove them wrong.
The question is asked in 1 Chr 1:13 "Is Christ divided?" Matt. 12:25 tells us that Jesus said "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". Why, do we fight about stuff that has no eternal meaning? If someone is teaching that you can be saved by praying to the apostles, or to Mary, then yes we should show them the correct scripture. However 2 Tim. 2:14 says "strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting the hearers". If you know you are not going to change someones belief, do not argue with them, not unless they are willing to see the truth.
Titus 2:1 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine". If you don't know what falls under doctrine, and what doesn't, check the link on the left of the page, titled "Statement of Belief's". Any thing other that what is listed there, has no eternal value, and is not important. And definitely not important enough to cause strife within the body of Christ, which is a sin. If you encounter someone calling them self a Christian, and they are insistent on arguing just to be arguing, then walk away from them, and wash your hands of them. Other than to pray for God to work in their heart.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Old Lady
There is an old story about an elderly lady in a leper hospital in S. Africa, when some new missionaries came by to visit the current missionaries. They were given a tour of the hospital when they saw this old lady, she was missing all of her fingers, and all of her toes, part of her eyelids had already fallen off, along with a good part of the rest of her body. The new missionaries told each other they needed to go visit this lady, and try to cheer her up. So they went in her room, and before they could say a word, she smiled real big and welcomed them to the hospital, then she went on to tell her how happy she was being at the hospital. In her village, she would be an outcast, she would have to live outside the village in the wild. She would have to depend on the kindness of others for food, and water, if anyone would bring it to her at all. But everyone at the hospital was so good to her, they were all happy to see her each day. She was able to move around the facility, and visit with other people, and when someone new came in she was able to share her love for her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. In her 40 years in the hospital, she had personally led over 100 people to Christ. Actually since she was saved after arriving at the hospital, her condition had improved, because of all the prayers people were saying for her.
The missionaries left the room, both in tears and amazed. This was the first time either of them had ever actually seen the truth to Phil. 4:11 "for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content". Reading about things, and hearing about things is one thing, experiencing them first hand is another.
Paul goes on in verse 19 and says "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". The question is not can you understand the verse, the question is can you believe the verse. There are times he test our faith, like the time before I got approved for disability, and we were living on one income, there was this one month that we did not have the money for our light bill. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed, but it came down to the last day to pay the bill. I got up that morning, and told God thank you for giving us the money, even though at this point I was very doubtful. At 10:00 I saw the mailman, and went to get the mail, in the mail that day was a check from an auto insurance company I had left 2 years before. I had overpaid them by $149.32, the light bill was $149.36. I made it to the bank, and cashed the check, then down to the light company. She looked up my account, then picked up the radio and called the service guy to tell him not to turn off our power, he was getting out of the truck at my house. Another 30 seconds, and it would have been to late, we would have had to pay the reconnect fee anyway. He provides on His time schedule, not ours.
You see, I had overpaid that company two years earlier, because as we are told in Matt. 6:8 "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him". He knew two years earlier that I would need that much money on that specific date. If the money had gotten there any earlier, it would not have strengthened my faith the way it did. After that, I had no doubts of any kind about whether He would supply our needs. Not until my disability started coming in, and I did not "have to depend on Him". I mean with the extra money coming in, I did not have to pray for every meal to be provided. Of course He was providing by giving that monthly check, but if you've ever been in a situation like that you will understand the feelings of relief I felt at that time. Since then he has taught me again to trust Him, and how to be content in my present situation. As with Paul's thorn in the flesh, His grace is sufficient for me.
The missionaries left the room, both in tears and amazed. This was the first time either of them had ever actually seen the truth to Phil. 4:11 "for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content". Reading about things, and hearing about things is one thing, experiencing them first hand is another.
Paul goes on in verse 19 and says "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". The question is not can you understand the verse, the question is can you believe the verse. There are times he test our faith, like the time before I got approved for disability, and we were living on one income, there was this one month that we did not have the money for our light bill. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed, but it came down to the last day to pay the bill. I got up that morning, and told God thank you for giving us the money, even though at this point I was very doubtful. At 10:00 I saw the mailman, and went to get the mail, in the mail that day was a check from an auto insurance company I had left 2 years before. I had overpaid them by $149.32, the light bill was $149.36. I made it to the bank, and cashed the check, then down to the light company. She looked up my account, then picked up the radio and called the service guy to tell him not to turn off our power, he was getting out of the truck at my house. Another 30 seconds, and it would have been to late, we would have had to pay the reconnect fee anyway. He provides on His time schedule, not ours.
You see, I had overpaid that company two years earlier, because as we are told in Matt. 6:8 "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him". He knew two years earlier that I would need that much money on that specific date. If the money had gotten there any earlier, it would not have strengthened my faith the way it did. After that, I had no doubts of any kind about whether He would supply our needs. Not until my disability started coming in, and I did not "have to depend on Him". I mean with the extra money coming in, I did not have to pray for every meal to be provided. Of course He was providing by giving that monthly check, but if you've ever been in a situation like that you will understand the feelings of relief I felt at that time. Since then he has taught me again to trust Him, and how to be content in my present situation. As with Paul's thorn in the flesh, His grace is sufficient for me.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Move or Change?
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" Jas. 1:17 God does not change, period. "And Thou LORD, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth...and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail". Heb. 1:10-12. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" Heb 13:8. Twice now Paul has told us that the LORD does not change, and Jesus does not change either. But Paul is not the only Biblical author that tells us that God does not change. PS 102:27 "But, thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end". This Psalm is actually a prayer of the afflicted, pouring out his complaint before the LORD. If a Jew under the law, which condemns can get hope from the fact that God never changes, how much more should we be encouraged knowing that Jesus gave His life to save our souls. Knowing His grace and mercy in a way the Israelites of the Old Testament never could, how can we not be encouraged, how can we remain a victim, why can we not have joy in our hearts?
However, there is more to this than just us being encouraged, there is something that God requires of us. In Acts 20:22-24 Paul says "And now, behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the LORD Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God". Paul said that he was bound in the spirit, meaning that God had control of his life, and he had no choice but to follow the will of God, and go to Jerusalem knowing it would probably lead to his death. But, God had commanded that he preach the gospel, just as He commands us to tell the Good News, and so for him there was no other option, he would not be moved out of the will of God.
Turn back to Psalms, 10:6, 16:8 30:6, 62:2, there is a common phrase, and thought in all of these verses, and that is "I shall not be moved". God put me here, and I shall not be moved by any thing, person, force, situation, condition or spirit from heaven or hell, other than God Himself. I put my trust in God, and if this is where He wants me, I shall not be moved. God does not change, and neither shall I.
As long as I am in His will, and I am where He wants me, doing what He wants me too, then I can not, and shall not allow anything to change me, or move me. Unless God tell me it's time to make a change. Rom. 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon Him". All we have to do is call on Him. Are we accessing the riches that are available to us, or do we live in spiritual poverty?
However, there is more to this than just us being encouraged, there is something that God requires of us. In Acts 20:22-24 Paul says "And now, behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the LORD Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God". Paul said that he was bound in the spirit, meaning that God had control of his life, and he had no choice but to follow the will of God, and go to Jerusalem knowing it would probably lead to his death. But, God had commanded that he preach the gospel, just as He commands us to tell the Good News, and so for him there was no other option, he would not be moved out of the will of God.
Turn back to Psalms, 10:6, 16:8 30:6, 62:2, there is a common phrase, and thought in all of these verses, and that is "I shall not be moved". God put me here, and I shall not be moved by any thing, person, force, situation, condition or spirit from heaven or hell, other than God Himself. I put my trust in God, and if this is where He wants me, I shall not be moved. God does not change, and neither shall I.
As long as I am in His will, and I am where He wants me, doing what He wants me too, then I can not, and shall not allow anything to change me, or move me. Unless God tell me it's time to make a change. Rom. 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon Him". All we have to do is call on Him. Are we accessing the riches that are available to us, or do we live in spiritual poverty?
Monday, July 12, 2010
The word, and the Word
First off, if you don't mind in the comments section, let me know how many of you read the devotion on Sunday. I am trying to decide if I need to continue a Sunday devotion, or if the thought to skip that one day is from the evil one.
Now today I want to take just a minute to to remind ourselves just what the Word of God is. Let's start in Matt. 4:4, this is Matthew's account of the temptation of Jesus. Satan has just told Jesus to turn the stone into bread, "And 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". Of course a word is not going to satisfy our empty stomach, but The Word will satisfy our Spiritual stomach. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works". 2 Tim. 3:16. The Bible is the Word of God, and as we saw a few weeks ago, even the sections on lineage can be helpful to our spiritual walk.
Titus 1:2-3, tells us that God cannot lie, and that He promised us eternal life, when "in due times", He manifested His Word to us through preaching, by those who follow His commandment. In Rev. 3:8 God says "Behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and has kept my word, and has not denied my name". When He says "thou hast a little strength", He does not mean they are weak, it means they have studied the word, they have immersed themselves in it, they have prayed, and obeyed His commandments, because of this they are spiritually strong. God also says that no man can shut the door He opened, how is this possible, the answer is in Heb 4:12 "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". Not only is the Word strong enough to separate the soul and spirit, but He actually knows the very thoughts of man, and even the intent that is in our hearts. Just as Ananias and Saphira tried to lie about how much they sold the land for, if we do something because of what others will think of us, instead of doing it for the glory of God, He will know the truth.
LORD God, I come to you now, on bended spiritual knee, knowing that it is only by your mercy and grace that I am able to enter your throne room to bring my petitions and request myself. Father God, I thank you for giving us both your Word, and your word. LORD I ask that every time I open the word, that you would send your Word, to open my heart, and prepare my mind for the truth that you have prepared for me. Heavenly Father, I pray that you will feed me with your word, help me use it to grow spiritually so that you are able to say that I have a little strength.
My LORD and Father, I pray for those that read these devotions, that you give me, open their hearts, and prepare their minds, that they may feed on the milk and meat of your word, and grow spiritually in your Word. Thank you for those that are faithful to reading what you give me. God I pray that you will increase the readership, not for my benefit, but for your glory.
I ask these things in the holy, merciful, and true, name of Jesus Christ my savior. AMEN
Now today I want to take just a minute to to remind ourselves just what the Word of God is. Let's start in Matt. 4:4, this is Matthew's account of the temptation of Jesus. Satan has just told Jesus to turn the stone into bread, "And 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". Of course a word is not going to satisfy our empty stomach, but The Word will satisfy our Spiritual stomach. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works". 2 Tim. 3:16. The Bible is the Word of God, and as we saw a few weeks ago, even the sections on lineage can be helpful to our spiritual walk.
Titus 1:2-3, tells us that God cannot lie, and that He promised us eternal life, when "in due times", He manifested His Word to us through preaching, by those who follow His commandment. In Rev. 3:8 God says "Behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and has kept my word, and has not denied my name". When He says "thou hast a little strength", He does not mean they are weak, it means they have studied the word, they have immersed themselves in it, they have prayed, and obeyed His commandments, because of this they are spiritually strong. God also says that no man can shut the door He opened, how is this possible, the answer is in Heb 4:12 "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". Not only is the Word strong enough to separate the soul and spirit, but He actually knows the very thoughts of man, and even the intent that is in our hearts. Just as Ananias and Saphira tried to lie about how much they sold the land for, if we do something because of what others will think of us, instead of doing it for the glory of God, He will know the truth.
LORD God, I come to you now, on bended spiritual knee, knowing that it is only by your mercy and grace that I am able to enter your throne room to bring my petitions and request myself. Father God, I thank you for giving us both your Word, and your word. LORD I ask that every time I open the word, that you would send your Word, to open my heart, and prepare my mind for the truth that you have prepared for me. Heavenly Father, I pray that you will feed me with your word, help me use it to grow spiritually so that you are able to say that I have a little strength.
My LORD and Father, I pray for those that read these devotions, that you give me, open their hearts, and prepare their minds, that they may feed on the milk and meat of your word, and grow spiritually in your Word. Thank you for those that are faithful to reading what you give me. God I pray that you will increase the readership, not for my benefit, but for your glory.
I ask these things in the holy, merciful, and true, name of Jesus Christ my savior. AMEN
Friday, July 9, 2010
Our Father in Heaven
Years ago, I was still in high school, and I had an after school job doing deliveries for a printing company. I made a delivery to a local church one day, the secretary I normally dealt with was out, so the priest was taking care of the office. When I went in there were several church members in the office visiting with the priest. He had some questions for me about some things, so I ended up talking to him for several minutes. Because of a verse I had read in my devotions the day before I was referring to him as "Pastor", the first time he looked at me strange, but went on. After the third time I said pastor, one of the church members, jumped up walked over to me, and in a very un-polite voice said, "he is to be referred to as Father, you need to have respect for the priest". As politely as I could I replied "I mean no respect Pastor, however, Matthew chapter 23 and verse 9 says 'And call o man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven', and I feel I should obey God rather than man". The priest, said I understand and respect your stand, even though we don't acknowledge that verse. The church member stomped out of the office.
This lesson could be about following the convictions God has given you, (which I did, and continue to do, I still refer to priest as Pastor, even though sometimes they do get mad), or it could be about following the Bible, or it could be about having one Father, our Father in heaven. But, I guess it's kind of about all three, which would make a trinity, ironic isn't it.
Let me make one thing clear, I am not saying it is a sin to refer to a priest as father, I don not know that it is a sin. But, God gave me a personal conviction about it, and "to him who knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, it is sin".
Now Matt. 5:16, 45, and 48 all tell us "your Father in heaven", in the model prayer Jesus says "Our Father who art in heaven", and 1 Jn 5:7 says "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one". All of these verses tell us that our Father is in heaven, and not on earth, so how can we call any man father?
John 15:14 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you". Chapter 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him", then in vs. 23 Jesus says "if a man love Me, he will keep my words...". Notice in vs 21 it says "he that hath my commandments", and vs 23 just says "he will keep (all) my words". I believe that there is those commandments that apply to everyone, and then for some reason God gives individual people personal convictions, for instance only using the King James Version or not. If God has convicted you of something and you do it anyway it is sin. I have a few friends that have Jewish ties and so when writing the name of God they leave the "o" out, (G-d). Now if I am posting to their page, or sending them a letter, I also leave the "o" out, out of respect for them. I don't think this is absolutely necessary, but God has told me to do it, therefore I have to. Romans 14:13-16 "...I know, and am persuaded by the LORD Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if they brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably...Let not your good be evil spoken of" If it is unclean to you, it is unclean. If it is unclean to your brother, respect his conviction, otherwise even though it is not sin, it becomes sin.
What convictions has God given you? Are you following them?
This lesson could be about following the convictions God has given you, (which I did, and continue to do, I still refer to priest as Pastor, even though sometimes they do get mad), or it could be about following the Bible, or it could be about having one Father, our Father in heaven. But, I guess it's kind of about all three, which would make a trinity, ironic isn't it.
Let me make one thing clear, I am not saying it is a sin to refer to a priest as father, I don not know that it is a sin. But, God gave me a personal conviction about it, and "to him who knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, it is sin".
Now Matt. 5:16, 45, and 48 all tell us "your Father in heaven", in the model prayer Jesus says "Our Father who art in heaven", and 1 Jn 5:7 says "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one". All of these verses tell us that our Father is in heaven, and not on earth, so how can we call any man father?
John 15:14 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you". Chapter 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him", then in vs. 23 Jesus says "if a man love Me, he will keep my words...". Notice in vs 21 it says "he that hath my commandments", and vs 23 just says "he will keep (all) my words". I believe that there is those commandments that apply to everyone, and then for some reason God gives individual people personal convictions, for instance only using the King James Version or not. If God has convicted you of something and you do it anyway it is sin. I have a few friends that have Jewish ties and so when writing the name of God they leave the "o" out, (G-d). Now if I am posting to their page, or sending them a letter, I also leave the "o" out, out of respect for them. I don't think this is absolutely necessary, but God has told me to do it, therefore I have to. Romans 14:13-16 "...I know, and am persuaded by the LORD Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if they brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably...Let not your good be evil spoken of" If it is unclean to you, it is unclean. If it is unclean to your brother, respect his conviction, otherwise even though it is not sin, it becomes sin.
What convictions has God given you? Are you following them?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sin and Sorrow
LORD God Father in heaven, I come to you this morning asking that you will open both my heart, and the heart of all those who read this. Help us to see the truth of your Word, help us to understand the mysteries that are made clear by your Spirit. I ask this in the name of Jesus the author and finisher of my faith, AMEN.
Let's start this morning in Isaiah, this is a familiar passage, but I am going to try to pull out something that is not told very often. It may seem you have heard this before, but I think I am going to a place that few go to. Start in chapter 53:4a, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows". vs 6c "the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all". vs 12c "He bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors". As I said, this is a familiar passage, but what I want you to notice is not so much that He carried our sins and griefs, but that He carried them for everyone.
Now flip over to the New Testament, Heb. 9:28a "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many", 1Pet 2:24a "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body". Here we see the Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Christ, in the New Testament.
Now, if you notice all these passages tell us that He suffered the sins and griefs of every person that ever lived. That means that He knows the sorrow of the grief of death, financial problems, physical problems, relationship failure, wayward children, and every other grief and sorrow you can think of.
It also means He knows what it is like to be a thief, adulterer, to have an abortion, to have greed, jealousy, to be a homosexual, to lose your faith, and any other sin I left out.
I have had people argue with me on some of these points. They say, "I know He suffered the minor things, but I don't think that God could ever know what it is like to go through the major things, He is too Holy, He is too good, He hates those things, why would He want to know what it's like". The Bible does not say He suffered those things He wanted too, and it doesn't say He carried the minor things. It says He carried the grief and sin of us all.
Why would the most Holy LORD God suffer those things, why would he want to experience what it is like to have that in His life. The answer is found first in Heb. 2:18 "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted". and in Phlp 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding". Because He suffered those things that we go through, He is able to completely understand what we go through. Yes, it's true that He is God, He did not have to go through those things to understand, and know what it is like, but tell me, you are going through a difficult situation and need to talk to someone about it, who would you choose, someone who had never experienced what you are going through, or someone who had been through it and overcome it.
I am here to tell you, that Jesus Christ on the cross suffered whatever you are going through, and when He rose from the dead and walked out of the grave, He overcame it, in a way no human ever could. All we have to do is trust Him, and call on Him, and allow Him to work in our life and heart.
If you have never accepted Christ as your LORD and Savior there is a link on the left side of the page to the Romans Road to Salvation, please take a look, and you can contact me if you have any questions or doubts.
Let's start this morning in Isaiah, this is a familiar passage, but I am going to try to pull out something that is not told very often. It may seem you have heard this before, but I think I am going to a place that few go to. Start in chapter 53:4a, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows". vs 6c "the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all". vs 12c "He bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors". As I said, this is a familiar passage, but what I want you to notice is not so much that He carried our sins and griefs, but that He carried them for everyone.
Now flip over to the New Testament, Heb. 9:28a "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many", 1Pet 2:24a "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body". Here we see the Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Christ, in the New Testament.
Now, if you notice all these passages tell us that He suffered the sins and griefs of every person that ever lived. That means that He knows the sorrow of the grief of death, financial problems, physical problems, relationship failure, wayward children, and every other grief and sorrow you can think of.
It also means He knows what it is like to be a thief, adulterer, to have an abortion, to have greed, jealousy, to be a homosexual, to lose your faith, and any other sin I left out.
I have had people argue with me on some of these points. They say, "I know He suffered the minor things, but I don't think that God could ever know what it is like to go through the major things, He is too Holy, He is too good, He hates those things, why would He want to know what it's like". The Bible does not say He suffered those things He wanted too, and it doesn't say He carried the minor things. It says He carried the grief and sin of us all.
Why would the most Holy LORD God suffer those things, why would he want to experience what it is like to have that in His life. The answer is found first in Heb. 2:18 "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted". and in Phlp 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding". Because He suffered those things that we go through, He is able to completely understand what we go through. Yes, it's true that He is God, He did not have to go through those things to understand, and know what it is like, but tell me, you are going through a difficult situation and need to talk to someone about it, who would you choose, someone who had never experienced what you are going through, or someone who had been through it and overcome it.
I am here to tell you, that Jesus Christ on the cross suffered whatever you are going through, and when He rose from the dead and walked out of the grave, He overcame it, in a way no human ever could. All we have to do is trust Him, and call on Him, and allow Him to work in our life and heart.
If you have never accepted Christ as your LORD and Savior there is a link on the left side of the page to the Romans Road to Salvation, please take a look, and you can contact me if you have any questions or doubts.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What Woud You Do?
This morning we are are going to be looking at the account of Stephen, which is found in Acts 6:8 through 8:4. You remember what happened, Stephen started preaching the word of God, and as usual when the Word is preached, with power, lives were changed. So the Jewish leaders became worried about losing their power. If you remember, those leaders were not worried about the work of God, they were more interested in the power and status they had as religious leaders. How often do we see this in our churches these days? So after it became evident to them that they were not going to be able to quiet him, by just arguing with him, because not only could he answer their arguments with a knowledge they did not have, but they were unable to rebut his statements. They decided to pay some people to lie against Stephen, and say he was trying to overthrow the Jewish establishment. He was arrested, and brought before the council of elders and high priest.
When he was allowed to defend himself, he began to tell the history of the Jewish people starting with Abram. He told how, every great prophet of Israel was not believed, and how the Jewish leaders tried to find a way to quiet that prophet, until his words were proven true. He then turned his attention to Jesus, and the present council of leaders in ch. 7:51 "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears", Oh my, not only did he just call them ignorant, but said their heart and ears were "uncircumcised". That is like saying that their heart was not even Jewish. Continuing "ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did; so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted: and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers" He said, all the leaders before you, are responsible for persecuting, and killing the true man of God, and now you have actually killed God Himself. As you can imagine, this did not sit well with them.
Now to the lesson, in ch. 7:58 "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him..." How often as a nation do we turn against the man of God? Look however, at verse 60 "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep".
When someone does something wrong to us, what is our response? Do we find a way to get back at them, get even with them? Or do we pray that God will work in their heart and life, and change their outlook?
Now in ch. 8 starting with verse 1b "And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles,...As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."
We in America have it way too easy. There needs to be persecution against us. Maybe then we would stop playing Christian, and actually be one. Then again, Christianity in America just might cease to exist, except for just a few. I am including myself in this, I pray I would have the faith to stand for Christ, but who knows how I would react with a gun to my head, or my wife or kids head. What about you, how would you react?
Do we support missions, or is our tithe enough for us? Supporting missionaries is commanded in the Bible. I have been in so many "churches" lately that did not give one penny to missions. They collected the "tithe" for their church, but they did not believe in sending any money to others. While we are at it, any church that does not support Jewish missions, needs to reread their Bible. Gentile missionaries going to the Jewish people is Biblical. The Jews are God's chosen people, we received the gift of God through the Jewish nation, we should be giving that gift back to them.
ABBA Father, I come to you humbled knowing I am a sinner, unworthy of your love, yet you loved me anyway. Loved me enough to send your Son to pay sins price of death for me. Oh God, I pray that you will use me, make my life an example to show others your love, mercy and grace. I lift up the church in America, Oh LORD God, send a revival to America, convict hearts make us right with You. LORD Jesus, give us a burden not only for missions, but especially Jewish missions. Father, send your Holy Spirit to me daily, fill me with your Word as I prepare and write the devotions, give me the words You would have me to say. Correct me when I am wrong, as I don't want to say anything here that is not right. I lift up those reading Your Word here, open their hearts and minds, let Your truth sink in. Let it make a difference in their life. Father, lead me in the things you would have me do, You know the burdens you have placed on my heart, help me to work in those areas. Show me when it is something I came up with, and when it is Your will for my life. I bring these petitions to Your throne, in the holy, just, wonderful, merciful, gracious name of the only begotten Son Jesus Christ, AMEN.
When he was allowed to defend himself, he began to tell the history of the Jewish people starting with Abram. He told how, every great prophet of Israel was not believed, and how the Jewish leaders tried to find a way to quiet that prophet, until his words were proven true. He then turned his attention to Jesus, and the present council of leaders in ch. 7:51 "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears", Oh my, not only did he just call them ignorant, but said their heart and ears were "uncircumcised". That is like saying that their heart was not even Jewish. Continuing "ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did; so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted: and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers" He said, all the leaders before you, are responsible for persecuting, and killing the true man of God, and now you have actually killed God Himself. As you can imagine, this did not sit well with them.
Now to the lesson, in ch. 7:58 "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him..." How often as a nation do we turn against the man of God? Look however, at verse 60 "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep".
When someone does something wrong to us, what is our response? Do we find a way to get back at them, get even with them? Or do we pray that God will work in their heart and life, and change their outlook?
Now in ch. 8 starting with verse 1b "And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles,...As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."
We in America have it way too easy. There needs to be persecution against us. Maybe then we would stop playing Christian, and actually be one. Then again, Christianity in America just might cease to exist, except for just a few. I am including myself in this, I pray I would have the faith to stand for Christ, but who knows how I would react with a gun to my head, or my wife or kids head. What about you, how would you react?
Do we support missions, or is our tithe enough for us? Supporting missionaries is commanded in the Bible. I have been in so many "churches" lately that did not give one penny to missions. They collected the "tithe" for their church, but they did not believe in sending any money to others. While we are at it, any church that does not support Jewish missions, needs to reread their Bible. Gentile missionaries going to the Jewish people is Biblical. The Jews are God's chosen people, we received the gift of God through the Jewish nation, we should be giving that gift back to them.
ABBA Father, I come to you humbled knowing I am a sinner, unworthy of your love, yet you loved me anyway. Loved me enough to send your Son to pay sins price of death for me. Oh God, I pray that you will use me, make my life an example to show others your love, mercy and grace. I lift up the church in America, Oh LORD God, send a revival to America, convict hearts make us right with You. LORD Jesus, give us a burden not only for missions, but especially Jewish missions. Father, send your Holy Spirit to me daily, fill me with your Word as I prepare and write the devotions, give me the words You would have me to say. Correct me when I am wrong, as I don't want to say anything here that is not right. I lift up those reading Your Word here, open their hearts and minds, let Your truth sink in. Let it make a difference in their life. Father, lead me in the things you would have me do, You know the burdens you have placed on my heart, help me to work in those areas. Show me when it is something I came up with, and when it is Your will for my life. I bring these petitions to Your throne, in the holy, just, wonderful, merciful, gracious name of the only begotten Son Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
A Change of Plans
"Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, O house of Israel cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel". Jer. 18:3-6. It should be humbling to know that we are but clay in the hands of the almighty God. But, I know so many people who see it as a challenge to prove they are stronger than God. Is. 45-9 says, "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, what makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" "Woe", is a dangerous word. When you see the word woe, that means you had better sit up and take notice. It's kind of like when you call your child by all three names.
This same lesson is continued in Romans, just proving that nothing has changed over the years. Rm 9:20-21 "Nay but, O man who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"
This lesson started out as one showing our need to obey God, but after praying over, and studying these verses, I realized just how much God was talking directly to me. "Why hast thou made me thus?", do you know how many times over the last few years, I have asked God this very question? I accepted several years ago, that He was not going to heal my thorn in the flesh. And even though I know He has a plan, and a reason for me suffering this way, I still often wonder why, and wish that things were different. So once again He is reminding me, that I am not supposed to know His thoughts or reasons, I am to trust Him unconditionally. Without reserve, or knowledge.
He told Paul in 2 Chr. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness". Paul went on to say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me". I haven't quite got to the point were I can honestly say, I will glory in my infirmities, even though I pray daily that I can. I make this statement quite often, but I can't honestly say that it is true in my heart.
I do take comfort in knowing that Paul, much like myself had to be reminded of this truth. In 2 Chr. 3:5 Paul made the statement, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God". Even though he knew this, he had to be reminded of it. This does not make it ok, for me to not trust, I still sin when I don't trust. But, knowing that Paul had the same need to understand, and have relief, is enough to give me hope that I too can trust the way I am supposed to.
As I said, my whole devotion changed this morning as I was typing it up, so let me now give you the rest of the original.
Is 64:8-9 "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold see we beseech thee, we are all they people."
Is 65:2-3 "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon alters of brick"
65:17-18 "For Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy".
65:23-25 "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble, for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD".
My original thought was to show how that He is constantly working on us, changing us, and will continue until the day that He makes a new heaven and a new earth, and we are all made perfect. However He had a different idea, and of course you know who won, because He knows more than I do.
This same lesson is continued in Romans, just proving that nothing has changed over the years. Rm 9:20-21 "Nay but, O man who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"
This lesson started out as one showing our need to obey God, but after praying over, and studying these verses, I realized just how much God was talking directly to me. "Why hast thou made me thus?", do you know how many times over the last few years, I have asked God this very question? I accepted several years ago, that He was not going to heal my thorn in the flesh. And even though I know He has a plan, and a reason for me suffering this way, I still often wonder why, and wish that things were different. So once again He is reminding me, that I am not supposed to know His thoughts or reasons, I am to trust Him unconditionally. Without reserve, or knowledge.
He told Paul in 2 Chr. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness". Paul went on to say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me". I haven't quite got to the point were I can honestly say, I will glory in my infirmities, even though I pray daily that I can. I make this statement quite often, but I can't honestly say that it is true in my heart.
I do take comfort in knowing that Paul, much like myself had to be reminded of this truth. In 2 Chr. 3:5 Paul made the statement, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God". Even though he knew this, he had to be reminded of it. This does not make it ok, for me to not trust, I still sin when I don't trust. But, knowing that Paul had the same need to understand, and have relief, is enough to give me hope that I too can trust the way I am supposed to.
As I said, my whole devotion changed this morning as I was typing it up, so let me now give you the rest of the original.
Is 64:8-9 "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold see we beseech thee, we are all they people."
Is 65:2-3 "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon alters of brick"
65:17-18 "For Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy".
65:23-25 "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble, for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD".
My original thought was to show how that He is constantly working on us, changing us, and will continue until the day that He makes a new heaven and a new earth, and we are all made perfect. However He had a different idea, and of course you know who won, because He knows more than I do.
Monday, July 5, 2010
A Nation
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" Ps 33:12a. America is NO LONGER a nation whose God is the LORD.
I can prove this is true for one reason, and one reason only. Forget all the obvious reasons, drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, worship of money and so forth. All of these are a symptom of the real reason. Not even the fact that Christians have turned their back on God is the reason that we have left God.
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed". Gen. 12:2-3. We have turned our back on Israel. In this passage, God is talking to Abram, before his name was changed to Abraham. He then became father of Isaac, whose name was changed to Israel, then gave birth to the nation.
In Mat. 25:31-45 we see where Jesus was discussing the last days before His return, and He says, that when He returns that He shall gather all nations before Him. Then He shall separate those nations with the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left. The sheep are invited into heaven, because they feed, clothed, and ministered to Jesus when He was sick, and in prison. They ask, when did we do this to you, He answers when you did it to my brethren the Jews. The goats are told to depart into everlasting punishment because they did not do these things to the Jews.
But it's not too late for us, Jer 18:8 "If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them". 2 Chr 7:14-15 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is make in this place". Isn't it good to know that not only is He willing to forgive us, but that we don't have to get His attention first, He is actually listening, and watching so that He knows when we pray.
How did we get in this place to start with? It is the people that we have elected to lead our country. This is not a political statement, this problem has been going on for years. Even before the current administration, or the one before. This is not about any one person or party, it's about a school of thought that has been going around for decades that says that Israel does not have a right to inhabit their own country, and does not have a right to defend their country. I am not saying that everything that Israel has done over the last few years is right, but Israel is God's chosen people. We need to stand behind them no matter what. That does not mean that we can't let them know that we think they are doing wrong, after all that is what Christian friends are for, but we should never oppose them, for any reason. Unless we want to suffer God's wrath.
We need to elect Godly leaders, that are willing to stand up and support Israel, even if it's not the politically correct thing to do. This is not going to happen without a lot of prayer.
I know this is not a popular subject, but it needs to be said. God did not call us to be popular, but to speak His word. God has given me a burden on my heart for Israel, one which will not allow me to remain silent.
Rev. 2:21-23 "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works".
I can prove this is true for one reason, and one reason only. Forget all the obvious reasons, drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, worship of money and so forth. All of these are a symptom of the real reason. Not even the fact that Christians have turned their back on God is the reason that we have left God.
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed". Gen. 12:2-3. We have turned our back on Israel. In this passage, God is talking to Abram, before his name was changed to Abraham. He then became father of Isaac, whose name was changed to Israel, then gave birth to the nation.
In Mat. 25:31-45 we see where Jesus was discussing the last days before His return, and He says, that when He returns that He shall gather all nations before Him. Then He shall separate those nations with the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left. The sheep are invited into heaven, because they feed, clothed, and ministered to Jesus when He was sick, and in prison. They ask, when did we do this to you, He answers when you did it to my brethren the Jews. The goats are told to depart into everlasting punishment because they did not do these things to the Jews.
But it's not too late for us, Jer 18:8 "If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them". 2 Chr 7:14-15 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is make in this place". Isn't it good to know that not only is He willing to forgive us, but that we don't have to get His attention first, He is actually listening, and watching so that He knows when we pray.
How did we get in this place to start with? It is the people that we have elected to lead our country. This is not a political statement, this problem has been going on for years. Even before the current administration, or the one before. This is not about any one person or party, it's about a school of thought that has been going around for decades that says that Israel does not have a right to inhabit their own country, and does not have a right to defend their country. I am not saying that everything that Israel has done over the last few years is right, but Israel is God's chosen people. We need to stand behind them no matter what. That does not mean that we can't let them know that we think they are doing wrong, after all that is what Christian friends are for, but we should never oppose them, for any reason. Unless we want to suffer God's wrath.
We need to elect Godly leaders, that are willing to stand up and support Israel, even if it's not the politically correct thing to do. This is not going to happen without a lot of prayer.
I know this is not a popular subject, but it needs to be said. God did not call us to be popular, but to speak His word. God has given me a burden on my heart for Israel, one which will not allow me to remain silent.
Rev. 2:21-23 "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works".
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Sunday go to Church Meeting
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" Matt. 18:20. "they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were all sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:1b-3a. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31
Anytime we walk into church, God is there with us. So why aren't we always filled with the Holy Spirit, and why don't we leave speaking the word of God boldly. Because we limit God. We don't gather in His name, we gather in the name of, programs, dinners, cantatas, and other good but unessential reasons. More importantly, we are not all with one accord. We all have different reasons for being there, we all have other things on our mind, and we are all more worried about what time the service is over, so we can go home and eat, than receiving the word of God. I said receiving, not hearing the word of God. PS. 78:41 "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy one of Israel". 2 Tim. 3:1-2, tells us that in the end times, (which we are living in), that men will have a "form of godliness (small g), but deny the power thereof". On Sunday we are "SuperChristian", then Monday through Saturday we live like the devil.
In 2 Kings 13 starting in verse 14, Elisha tells king Joash to take a bow and a quiver of arrows and shoot and smite the ground. So Joash not understanding Elisha's reason, shoots three times. Elisha was furious, "you should have shot 5 or 6 times, if you had you would have utterly destroyed the Syrians in battle, but now you will only defeat them three times. We don't understand, the word of God sometimes, so instead of praying and studying and seeking guidance from others, we just half-way follow, (Or Believe) it.
Most precious LORD God, you alone are Holy, True, and Just. There is no one else that can compare with your Goodness, Kindness or Faithfulness. You are the Most High, Most Merciful, Most Grace-ful Living God. I come before you this morning, on bended knee, humbled by the love you had for me. Thank You LORD Jesus, for enduring the cross, to make a way for me to be forgiven of my sins. Thank you for continuing to work in my life, to make me what YOU want me to be.
O God, my heavenly Father, I long for the day that I am able to enter into my eternal home, and be in your presence for eternity. O God, on that day I pray that I am able to hear you say "well done thou good and faithful servant". ABBA Father, I pray that your Holy Spirit will work in my life, convicting me, leading me, correcting my path when I stray, and providing comfort when I fall.
Dear God, I pray that as we go to church today, that you will, convict us of our sins, so we may confess them, because you are faithful to forgive us, so that our heart might be right with you before we enter your house. I pray you will empty our hearts and minds, of all outside distractions, remove all fear and disbelief. Then fill us with your word, give us the message you know that we need today. LORD, lead us to repentance, give us comfort, fill us with boldness, give us strength to do what you want us to. Give us a desire to be in, and do your will.
Most gracious LORD, I pray that you will continue to work in my life, continue to lead me, to convict me, to comfort me, to strengthen me, and give me boldness to speak your word in both love and truth. Show me what it is you want me to do, you know I can be oblivious sometimes, so make it clear and obvious. Speak to me in that still small voice, I love to hear.
Thank you for always meeting my needs, even those times that you test my faith by waiting to the very last minute, especially those times, because it does increase my faith.
LORD God, I lift up to you those reading this, Father you know who they are, I lift them up to you, I pray the same things for them, that I prayed for myself. Be with them as they go to church, Help them to worship you the way you deserve to be worshiped.
I pray for this blog, Lord bless this work, increase it. Lord make sure that I only speak the truth. Help the reader to understand your message. Give me the message that you want me to bring every day. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
I bring these petitions, in the most holy, most loving, most gracious, most faithful name of Jesus Christ the son of the only God.
Anytime we walk into church, God is there with us. So why aren't we always filled with the Holy Spirit, and why don't we leave speaking the word of God boldly. Because we limit God. We don't gather in His name, we gather in the name of, programs, dinners, cantatas, and other good but unessential reasons. More importantly, we are not all with one accord. We all have different reasons for being there, we all have other things on our mind, and we are all more worried about what time the service is over, so we can go home and eat, than receiving the word of God. I said receiving, not hearing the word of God. PS. 78:41 "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy one of Israel". 2 Tim. 3:1-2, tells us that in the end times, (which we are living in), that men will have a "form of godliness (small g), but deny the power thereof". On Sunday we are "SuperChristian", then Monday through Saturday we live like the devil.
In 2 Kings 13 starting in verse 14, Elisha tells king Joash to take a bow and a quiver of arrows and shoot and smite the ground. So Joash not understanding Elisha's reason, shoots three times. Elisha was furious, "you should have shot 5 or 6 times, if you had you would have utterly destroyed the Syrians in battle, but now you will only defeat them three times. We don't understand, the word of God sometimes, so instead of praying and studying and seeking guidance from others, we just half-way follow, (Or Believe) it.
Most precious LORD God, you alone are Holy, True, and Just. There is no one else that can compare with your Goodness, Kindness or Faithfulness. You are the Most High, Most Merciful, Most Grace-ful Living God. I come before you this morning, on bended knee, humbled by the love you had for me. Thank You LORD Jesus, for enduring the cross, to make a way for me to be forgiven of my sins. Thank you for continuing to work in my life, to make me what YOU want me to be.
O God, my heavenly Father, I long for the day that I am able to enter into my eternal home, and be in your presence for eternity. O God, on that day I pray that I am able to hear you say "well done thou good and faithful servant". ABBA Father, I pray that your Holy Spirit will work in my life, convicting me, leading me, correcting my path when I stray, and providing comfort when I fall.
Dear God, I pray that as we go to church today, that you will, convict us of our sins, so we may confess them, because you are faithful to forgive us, so that our heart might be right with you before we enter your house. I pray you will empty our hearts and minds, of all outside distractions, remove all fear and disbelief. Then fill us with your word, give us the message you know that we need today. LORD, lead us to repentance, give us comfort, fill us with boldness, give us strength to do what you want us to. Give us a desire to be in, and do your will.
Most gracious LORD, I pray that you will continue to work in my life, continue to lead me, to convict me, to comfort me, to strengthen me, and give me boldness to speak your word in both love and truth. Show me what it is you want me to do, you know I can be oblivious sometimes, so make it clear and obvious. Speak to me in that still small voice, I love to hear.
Thank you for always meeting my needs, even those times that you test my faith by waiting to the very last minute, especially those times, because it does increase my faith.
LORD God, I lift up to you those reading this, Father you know who they are, I lift them up to you, I pray the same things for them, that I prayed for myself. Be with them as they go to church, Help them to worship you the way you deserve to be worshiped.
I pray for this blog, Lord bless this work, increase it. Lord make sure that I only speak the truth. Help the reader to understand your message. Give me the message that you want me to bring every day. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
I bring these petitions, in the most holy, most loving, most gracious, most faithful name of Jesus Christ the son of the only God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)