Psalms 2:4-5
He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
The them reading through the Bible this year is based upon Colossians 1:9-10. Paul prays that the Colossian believers will "increase in the knowledge of God." Although every book of the Bible gives us in-depth knowledge of God, perhaps none does so in the fashion of the Psalms. It is a praise book about the very character of God. The psalms are the hymnal of praise to who God is, not just what He does (as how we read much of the other Scriptures). A great example of this truth is found in the above two verses. In the opening lines of this psalm the nations are raging against the Lord and against the king He established over them (although no particular king or kings are mentioned). They rage against the earthly king in "vain" - because they don't want to submit to the Heavenly King. It is a vain thing for earthly men to rage and rebel against an all-knowing and all-powerful Heavenly King. Yet, this foolishness does not stop them. And, what is God's response? The writer gives us insight into God's character by telling us He has two emotions: He laughs and He gets angry. We worship a God of emotion. It should be noted that it is man's rebellion that will illicit these two emotions from God. God shows emotion - we are made in His image - we show emotion. However, God's emotion of laughter (scoffing) and anger are done in perfect harmony to His character of holiness. We worship a God that is connected to His creation in emotion. He is not a god made of stone and stick that is a creation of ours. He is a God who is engaged with His creation. Yet, when that creation begins to rebel and assert itself toward Him, He laughs. God is said to laugh when foolish men reject Him and then appeal to Him. Note Solomon's use of the same Hebrew word for laugh when he writes about about they scoffers who suddenly meet calamity:
Proverbs 1:26
I will also laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your dread comes,
The God we worship is full of emotion. When we worship and show emotion that reflects the character of God. God laughs, God gets angry, God is grieved (Ephesians 4:30); God cries (John 11:35); God hates (Psalm 5:5); God rejoices (Jeremiah 32:41); God is jealous (Exodus 20:5); God loves (1 John 4:8). We worship a God full of emotion, never out of balance with His holiness, mercy, justice and grace.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Truth #2 - God loves to celebrate!! Joshua 1-5
Joshua 4:21-24
He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
God is a God of remembering. God wants us to remember the things He does for us and with us. In the above passage we have the recap of the crossing of the Jordan River, by Joshua and the new generation of Israelites. Just as Moses crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, Joshua lead this generation across the river bed of the Jordan. God stopped the rivers from flowing to show the people, the enemy and Joshua, His mighty power. God wants them to mark this spot so that in the future, when their children see the twelve stones they piled in the place they crossed, they can point to the majesty and power of God. Cultural relics or artifacts are an important part of any society. These tangible bookmarks are put in place to see what has been accomplished or achieved or rewarded in the past. "Marking the spot" is an important part of remembering and acknowledging. We do so when we put a trophy in a case, a diploma on the wall and/or a plaque on the wall. We are quick to remember our own accomplishments and give ourselves credit for great things done. Yet, in the above text we are to use the markers to teach others (our children) of God's great faithfulness. Perhaps the rule of thumb ought to be that we quickly forget what we think we may have achieved and, instead, mark a spot in regard to what God has done for us. Remember the stones.
He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
God is a God of remembering. God wants us to remember the things He does for us and with us. In the above passage we have the recap of the crossing of the Jordan River, by Joshua and the new generation of Israelites. Just as Moses crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, Joshua lead this generation across the river bed of the Jordan. God stopped the rivers from flowing to show the people, the enemy and Joshua, His mighty power. God wants them to mark this spot so that in the future, when their children see the twelve stones they piled in the place they crossed, they can point to the majesty and power of God. Cultural relics or artifacts are an important part of any society. These tangible bookmarks are put in place to see what has been accomplished or achieved or rewarded in the past. "Marking the spot" is an important part of remembering and acknowledging. We do so when we put a trophy in a case, a diploma on the wall and/or a plaque on the wall. We are quick to remember our own accomplishments and give ourselves credit for great things done. Yet, in the above text we are to use the markers to teach others (our children) of God's great faithfulness. Perhaps the rule of thumb ought to be that we quickly forget what we think we may have achieved and, instead, mark a spot in regard to what God has done for us. Remember the stones.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Turth #1 - God is a God of Rest!!! Genesis 1-3
Genesis 2:3
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
After the six days of creating, God took a rest. He didn't take a rest because He needed to. He didn't take a rest because He was bored. He took a rest to give us a pattern to follow. Everything in these first two chapters about creation is about a pattern and an example to us about God's order. Just like plants and animals are to produce after "their kind", so too, are we to are we to follow after God since we were made in His image. God has given us a pattern to follow. The root word in the above texted for "rested" is where we will eventually get the word "sabbath." Some would have us to believe that taking a rest on the seventh day is a Jewish Law and part of the Ten Commandments, no longer applicable to today's Christian. However, we ought to see that this is part of the character and nature of God, not part of a ceremonial or religious law. God has established a "rest" for the people of God. He not only rested on this day, He sanctified the day, the above text tells us. This is the first occurrence of the word or, concept, of sanctification in God's Word. God made this day holy. He made a distinction between the first six days and the seventh day. In one respect He made some time "normal" time and this time, "holy" time. The fact that God established "rest" is something we should dwell upon. Man's curse in chapter three will be toil and hard work, because he sinned. Yet, prior to the fall, God had established "rest." Note what one commentary says on this concept of rest:
(UBC OT) God blessed the seventh day, setting it apart from all other days by making it holy. From the premise that seven units symbolize wholeness or completeness, God’s sanctifying the seventh day certified that the creation was finished and perfect. In doing this God was expressing divine sovereignty over time. God separated time into ordinary time and holy time, for God did not want humans to become slaves to endless work. So humans are to rest one day in every seven in order to praise God and enjoy both the creation, the result of God’s labors, and the results of their own work. Holy time, therefore, adds meaning to activity done in regular time. Observance of holy time also refreshes the human spirit, adding a depth of meaning to life. God ties his deliverance of Israel out of Egypt into the observance of the seventh day (Deut. 5:12–15). Thus, on the Sabbath Israel worshiped the God of creation who was also the God of the exodus. In worshiping this great God regularly, humans exercise the spiritual dimension of being in God’s image.
Since the day of rest happened before the fall, it would be suggested that God designed the concept of rest and reflection over creation to praise Him, before man sinned. So, the day of rest was established before the sin of man is intended for us to take time away from our "creation" to reflect, refresh and rejoice over what God has done through us and with us. Take time to rest ... God planned it that way.
Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
After the six days of creating, God took a rest. He didn't take a rest because He needed to. He didn't take a rest because He was bored. He took a rest to give us a pattern to follow. Everything in these first two chapters about creation is about a pattern and an example to us about God's order. Just like plants and animals are to produce after "their kind", so too, are we to are we to follow after God since we were made in His image. God has given us a pattern to follow. The root word in the above texted for "rested" is where we will eventually get the word "sabbath." Some would have us to believe that taking a rest on the seventh day is a Jewish Law and part of the Ten Commandments, no longer applicable to today's Christian. However, we ought to see that this is part of the character and nature of God, not part of a ceremonial or religious law. God has established a "rest" for the people of God. He not only rested on this day, He sanctified the day, the above text tells us. This is the first occurrence of the word or, concept, of sanctification in God's Word. God made this day holy. He made a distinction between the first six days and the seventh day. In one respect He made some time "normal" time and this time, "holy" time. The fact that God established "rest" is something we should dwell upon. Man's curse in chapter three will be toil and hard work, because he sinned. Yet, prior to the fall, God had established "rest." Note what one commentary says on this concept of rest:
(UBC OT) God blessed the seventh day, setting it apart from all other days by making it holy. From the premise that seven units symbolize wholeness or completeness, God’s sanctifying the seventh day certified that the creation was finished and perfect. In doing this God was expressing divine sovereignty over time. God separated time into ordinary time and holy time, for God did not want humans to become slaves to endless work. So humans are to rest one day in every seven in order to praise God and enjoy both the creation, the result of God’s labors, and the results of their own work. Holy time, therefore, adds meaning to activity done in regular time. Observance of holy time also refreshes the human spirit, adding a depth of meaning to life. God ties his deliverance of Israel out of Egypt into the observance of the seventh day (Deut. 5:12–15). Thus, on the Sabbath Israel worshiped the God of creation who was also the God of the exodus. In worshiping this great God regularly, humans exercise the spiritual dimension of being in God’s image.
Since the day of rest happened before the fall, it would be suggested that God designed the concept of rest and reflection over creation to praise Him, before man sinned. So, the day of rest was established before the sin of man is intended for us to take time away from our "creation" to reflect, refresh and rejoice over what God has done through us and with us. Take time to rest ... God planned it that way.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Is your love, mercy and peace growing? Jude
Jude 1:1-2
Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
Jude is just a little book. This is just a guest, but in the opening line he not only calls himself a "bond-servant" of the Lord, but he also tells his readers he is the brother of the Apostle James. Without reading too much into that aspect of his indentification, you might think he is so small in the church world of the knowns, he must associate himself with someone who is. Perhaps, it gives the book a larger sense of importance than if he had said, "Hey, you all, this is Jude." Leaving the world of conjecture, Jude's opening line to these believers is all about their standing in Christ and how he wants them to be full of those things Salvation affords us. He is about to warn them to be watchful and vigilant about the false teachers who are tying to hijack the faith. Before he gets into the major warnings of this one-chapter-book, he prays that they might be filled (multiplied) with the essentials of Christ's salvation: Mercy, Peace, and Love. The word "multiplied" comes from a Greek word that eventually will become the English word, "plethora" for us. If we say we have a plethora of choices we are saying we have a full assortment of choices. What Jude is saying to these readers is that he prays for them that they might have the mercy, peace and love all believers begin with when they believe in Christ, to be multiplied into a full plethora of mercy, peace and love. The three, have no boundaries. When we become believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit begins to produce fruit in our lives. That fruit becomes the outworking of mercy, peace and love. We should have some fruit in the beginning of our walk with Christ and produce more fruit when we reach greater maturity in Christ. But, the Spirit does not stop in His work in our lives. He continues to produce more and more fruit that is expressed via mercy for others, peace in the midst of war and love for all. We don't reach a maximum level of these three. We can have too much mercy, peace and love. We can only have (or should have) a multiplying, plethora, of each.
Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
Jude is just a little book. This is just a guest, but in the opening line he not only calls himself a "bond-servant" of the Lord, but he also tells his readers he is the brother of the Apostle James. Without reading too much into that aspect of his indentification, you might think he is so small in the church world of the knowns, he must associate himself with someone who is. Perhaps, it gives the book a larger sense of importance than if he had said, "Hey, you all, this is Jude." Leaving the world of conjecture, Jude's opening line to these believers is all about their standing in Christ and how he wants them to be full of those things Salvation affords us. He is about to warn them to be watchful and vigilant about the false teachers who are tying to hijack the faith. Before he gets into the major warnings of this one-chapter-book, he prays that they might be filled (multiplied) with the essentials of Christ's salvation: Mercy, Peace, and Love. The word "multiplied" comes from a Greek word that eventually will become the English word, "plethora" for us. If we say we have a plethora of choices we are saying we have a full assortment of choices. What Jude is saying to these readers is that he prays for them that they might have the mercy, peace and love all believers begin with when they believe in Christ, to be multiplied into a full plethora of mercy, peace and love. The three, have no boundaries. When we become believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit begins to produce fruit in our lives. That fruit becomes the outworking of mercy, peace and love. We should have some fruit in the beginning of our walk with Christ and produce more fruit when we reach greater maturity in Christ. But, the Spirit does not stop in His work in our lives. He continues to produce more and more fruit that is expressed via mercy for others, peace in the midst of war and love for all. We don't reach a maximum level of these three. We can have too much mercy, peace and love. We can only have (or should have) a multiplying, plethora, of each.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Would you stand on a sinking ship and proclaim the promises of God? Acts 25
Acts 27:25
Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.
To understand the above statement made by Paul while standing on a sinking ship, we have to fully grasp the context of where he is, who he is talking to and what he is intending to do. In the last chapter of Acts, Paul was brought before the foreign leadership, Governor Fetus and King Agrippa. Although they could find nothing to convict him of in regard to any crimes against the state, they decided to send him to appear before Caesar, in Rome, at his request. Had Paul not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released (Acts 26:32). However, he did appeal to Caesar and they put him on a ship to make the journey. However, as Paul had predicted (Acts 27:9) the ship was met with a violent storm and his guards and men aboard the ship were about to perish. These men, like all of us on a sinking ship, were about to jump overboard. However, by this time, realizing all of Paul's previous prophecies had come true, the men were ready to listen to Paul. Paul, having again received a message from the Lord, told them all to stay on the ship and, if they believed, God will keep them safe. Even though the Centurion in charge did not listen to Paul earlier and went with majority vote and set sail (Acts 27:10), this time he would listen. Paul spoke with confidence to an unbelieving world, about a non-spiritual topic (a ship sinking and being torn apart by a storm). Of course, all things are spiritual, when we consider our response to any situation in life. The passage we have above is the reason why Paul could be so confident in the midst of disaster. Paul believed God. Paul believed that what God had said, He will bring it to pass. Although Paul had special revelation about this particular journey (he was, after all, the Apostle Paul) we also have revelation in His Word, today. In the midst of difficulty we have the promised revelation of Romans 8:28; all things work together for those who walk in His will. In the midst of the dark times of life we have the revelation of 1 Peter 5:7; cast your care on Him, for He cares for you. In the midst of loneliness we have the revelation of Matthew 28:20; I am with you always. When we fail Him and sin and guilt washes over all our body and mind we have the revelatory promises of Romans 8:1; there is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, and 1 John 1:9; if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Paul was willing, in the midst of a storm, to stand on the deck of a boat, being torn apart by the wind, rain, and waves, that God can and will protect them because God is a God of His Word. He will not protect them because they deserve it. He will protect them because He said He would. God does what He says He will do. The unbelieving world needs to hear that message and see us act upon it.
Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.
To understand the above statement made by Paul while standing on a sinking ship, we have to fully grasp the context of where he is, who he is talking to and what he is intending to do. In the last chapter of Acts, Paul was brought before the foreign leadership, Governor Fetus and King Agrippa. Although they could find nothing to convict him of in regard to any crimes against the state, they decided to send him to appear before Caesar, in Rome, at his request. Had Paul not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released (Acts 26:32). However, he did appeal to Caesar and they put him on a ship to make the journey. However, as Paul had predicted (Acts 27:9) the ship was met with a violent storm and his guards and men aboard the ship were about to perish. These men, like all of us on a sinking ship, were about to jump overboard. However, by this time, realizing all of Paul's previous prophecies had come true, the men were ready to listen to Paul. Paul, having again received a message from the Lord, told them all to stay on the ship and, if they believed, God will keep them safe. Even though the Centurion in charge did not listen to Paul earlier and went with majority vote and set sail (Acts 27:10), this time he would listen. Paul spoke with confidence to an unbelieving world, about a non-spiritual topic (a ship sinking and being torn apart by a storm). Of course, all things are spiritual, when we consider our response to any situation in life. The passage we have above is the reason why Paul could be so confident in the midst of disaster. Paul believed God. Paul believed that what God had said, He will bring it to pass. Although Paul had special revelation about this particular journey (he was, after all, the Apostle Paul) we also have revelation in His Word, today. In the midst of difficulty we have the promised revelation of Romans 8:28; all things work together for those who walk in His will. In the midst of the dark times of life we have the revelation of 1 Peter 5:7; cast your care on Him, for He cares for you. In the midst of loneliness we have the revelation of Matthew 28:20; I am with you always. When we fail Him and sin and guilt washes over all our body and mind we have the revelatory promises of Romans 8:1; there is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, and 1 John 1:9; if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Paul was willing, in the midst of a storm, to stand on the deck of a boat, being torn apart by the wind, rain, and waves, that God can and will protect them because God is a God of His Word. He will not protect them because they deserve it. He will protect them because He said He would. God does what He says He will do. The unbelieving world needs to hear that message and see us act upon it.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Are you influenced by and living in Babylon? Revelation 18-22
Revelation 18:4
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;
As the book of Revelation comes to a close God begins to pour our judgment on the earth and to set up His eternal reign with those who have placed their faith in Him. In the above verse we have John talking about Babylon, which can be interpreted as a place, a system and a way-of-life. Babylon was the place that God sent the nation of Israel for punishment of their sin of disobedience. God used Babylon and they abused their use and become the object of God's wrath themselves. But, Babylon is also a system and way of life in Scripture. It stands for everything that is against God. It holds to everything human and refutes and rejects the glory of God and His majesty. Babylon is the picture of sin; as is Egypt, in God's Word. These are places God redeemed Israel FROM. He used His power to bring them OUT of Egypt and Babylon. Symbolically speaking, these two nations and systems are sin and Satan's domain of ruin and self-promotion. Therefore when we read the above passage we must see it in this context. God is about to judge Babylon and He wants His people to stay clear and out of the way. We are told to "come out of her" rather than to dwell with her. John gives two reasons for us to do so: So that we don't participate in her sins and so that we don't receive her punishment. God has redeemed us FROM the world and the world's system. In Colossians 1:12 we are told by Paul that God, through Christ's work, has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His Beloved Son. We are to be different now that we are part of the family of God. We are not to be trapped in the mind of the world. Paul also tells us to "renew our mind" and to not "be conformed to the world" (Romans 12:1-2). We are to be unique in the word and "come out" of it. Peter tells us we are a "royal priesthood and a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9). God does not want us to join in the sins of the world. This might be one of the major dangers of the today's media and how it sucks us into the worldly system. We are entertained through our senses and influenced in our mind. We are desensitized by the world's philosophy. You might think of the man Lot and his wife as an example, here. Lot became attracted to this city of lights in the desert. He saw the lights and was drawn there. Eventually he and his wife became attached. His wife was so attached she long for the city even after being told to run away from the plague that was about to fall down on the city. She couldn't help but look back in desire and that turned her into a pilar of salt. Love of the world (Babylon) will always cause us to partake in some aspect of their plagues. If we wish to avoid that, "come out of her."
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;
As the book of Revelation comes to a close God begins to pour our judgment on the earth and to set up His eternal reign with those who have placed their faith in Him. In the above verse we have John talking about Babylon, which can be interpreted as a place, a system and a way-of-life. Babylon was the place that God sent the nation of Israel for punishment of their sin of disobedience. God used Babylon and they abused their use and become the object of God's wrath themselves. But, Babylon is also a system and way of life in Scripture. It stands for everything that is against God. It holds to everything human and refutes and rejects the glory of God and His majesty. Babylon is the picture of sin; as is Egypt, in God's Word. These are places God redeemed Israel FROM. He used His power to bring them OUT of Egypt and Babylon. Symbolically speaking, these two nations and systems are sin and Satan's domain of ruin and self-promotion. Therefore when we read the above passage we must see it in this context. God is about to judge Babylon and He wants His people to stay clear and out of the way. We are told to "come out of her" rather than to dwell with her. John gives two reasons for us to do so: So that we don't participate in her sins and so that we don't receive her punishment. God has redeemed us FROM the world and the world's system. In Colossians 1:12 we are told by Paul that God, through Christ's work, has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His Beloved Son. We are to be different now that we are part of the family of God. We are not to be trapped in the mind of the world. Paul also tells us to "renew our mind" and to not "be conformed to the world" (Romans 12:1-2). We are to be unique in the word and "come out" of it. Peter tells us we are a "royal priesthood and a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9). God does not want us to join in the sins of the world. This might be one of the major dangers of the today's media and how it sucks us into the worldly system. We are entertained through our senses and influenced in our mind. We are desensitized by the world's philosophy. You might think of the man Lot and his wife as an example, here. Lot became attracted to this city of lights in the desert. He saw the lights and was drawn there. Eventually he and his wife became attached. His wife was so attached she long for the city even after being told to run away from the plague that was about to fall down on the city. She couldn't help but look back in desire and that turned her into a pilar of salt. Love of the world (Babylon) will always cause us to partake in some aspect of their plagues. If we wish to avoid that, "come out of her."
Thursday, December 25, 2014
How do you express your love? Song of Songs 7-8
Song of Songs 7:10
“I am my beloved’s,
And his desire is for me.
There are many ways to express your love for someone. You can use the basic, "I love you" phrase. Those words should be spoken one to another, multiple times during a day. You can send flowers. You can, also, go on vacations and weekend escapes. However, you can't really express more in love than to use the words expressed above by the bride in our Song of Songs love story. To offer unprecedented commitment in one line and recognize supreme want in the next, is to show the full measure of love. What is being expressed in the above passage between the two lovers is a great picture of what is known about God's love for us and what should be, our love for Him. This love between the two is Biblical love. He has no other desire but to his bride. We are to have no other desire but to our God. She is fully committed to him. God is fully committed to us. This love is expressed in a variety of sensual words in chapter seven of Song of Songs. Touch, smell, sight, hearing and picturesque verbiage is used to say what this bride said in Hebrew and translated to us in just ten English words. Our love for our spouses ought to be on an equal plan. Our only desire ought to be who we have committed to in holy love. Note how Solomon says it in his other wisdom book, Proverbs;
Proverbs 5:18-19
Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.
As a loving hind and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.
Solomon is not about to let something else, or someone else, capture his love or attention. His desire is for his bride and his wisdom for us is to never let that fail. The remarkable thing in Solomon's life is that he DID let it fail. For political motivations, he began to marry other wives and those wives drove him from his true desire, the wife of his youth. We ought to be very careful in our lives, as the world wants us to find other desires. We might desire to be rich and therefore work so much we neglect our love. We might desire to play and spend so much time in play we fail to express our love to our love. We might become twisted and desire the wrong type of love with our love. The above words from Solomon ought to be our mantra: I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.
“I am my beloved’s,
And his desire is for me.
There are many ways to express your love for someone. You can use the basic, "I love you" phrase. Those words should be spoken one to another, multiple times during a day. You can send flowers. You can, also, go on vacations and weekend escapes. However, you can't really express more in love than to use the words expressed above by the bride in our Song of Songs love story. To offer unprecedented commitment in one line and recognize supreme want in the next, is to show the full measure of love. What is being expressed in the above passage between the two lovers is a great picture of what is known about God's love for us and what should be, our love for Him. This love between the two is Biblical love. He has no other desire but to his bride. We are to have no other desire but to our God. She is fully committed to him. God is fully committed to us. This love is expressed in a variety of sensual words in chapter seven of Song of Songs. Touch, smell, sight, hearing and picturesque verbiage is used to say what this bride said in Hebrew and translated to us in just ten English words. Our love for our spouses ought to be on an equal plan. Our only desire ought to be who we have committed to in holy love. Note how Solomon says it in his other wisdom book, Proverbs;
Proverbs 5:18-19
Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.
As a loving hind and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.
Solomon is not about to let something else, or someone else, capture his love or attention. His desire is for his bride and his wisdom for us is to never let that fail. The remarkable thing in Solomon's life is that he DID let it fail. For political motivations, he began to marry other wives and those wives drove him from his true desire, the wife of his youth. We ought to be very careful in our lives, as the world wants us to find other desires. We might desire to be rich and therefore work so much we neglect our love. We might desire to play and spend so much time in play we fail to express our love to our love. We might become twisted and desire the wrong type of love with our love. The above words from Solomon ought to be our mantra: I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Do you know how to praise Him? Psalm 149-150
Psalms 150
There is no doubt that the book of Psalms is all about praise. It is, in reality, the song book for a nation who is to sing praises to their King. This last chapter is a great microcosm of the entire book. In this little six verse chapter that concludes the 150 chapter book, note how we have a summary of true Biblical worship.
In verse on the writer tells us WHO to worship:
v1a - Praise the Lord!
We are to make sure our entire focus is to be on "The Lord." Too many people worship the band, the place, or the experience of worship and lose focus on the fact that it is the Lord who is to receive all of our praise and focus.
We are also told WHERE to worship in this chapter:
v. 1b - Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Then we are told WHAT to worship:
v. 2 - Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Our focus on worship are both the character and the acts of God in our lives. We are to praise Him, not complain to Him, about what He is doing in our lives.
We are also told in this chapter HOW to praise Him:
v. 3-5
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
This implies we are to make some noise for God. It is a sad fact that we can scream, holler and look like fools when our team scores a touchdown, goal or point, but in worship we must be formal and funeral-like. These instruments are basically noisy instruments. The harp and lyre might be soothing and calm, but the trumpet, timbrel, pipes and cymbals are not. In fact, the writer tells us to use "loud" cymbals. And, in case we missed it, he goes on to tell us to use "resounding" cymbals. We are also to get our entire body into worship. Note that is says with "dancing." Again, scoring a touchdown might cause us to high five someone we don't even know. Why can't we stand up and get into our worship with the same vigor knowing it is for the God of the universe who saved us and defeated death and Satan?
Lastly the chapter tells us WHO should worship. No one is exempt:
v. 6 - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
Anything that uses the air God created is to exhale that breath in praise. We are to inhale God's creation and exhale God's praise. That is the order. Breath in God's life and breath out God's praise. This chapter is an instruction sheet on how to do chapters 1-149. Praise Him!!!
There is no doubt that the book of Psalms is all about praise. It is, in reality, the song book for a nation who is to sing praises to their King. This last chapter is a great microcosm of the entire book. In this little six verse chapter that concludes the 150 chapter book, note how we have a summary of true Biblical worship.
In verse on the writer tells us WHO to worship:
v1a - Praise the Lord!
We are to make sure our entire focus is to be on "The Lord." Too many people worship the band, the place, or the experience of worship and lose focus on the fact that it is the Lord who is to receive all of our praise and focus.
We are also told WHERE to worship in this chapter:
v. 1b - Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Then we are told WHAT to worship:
v. 2 - Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Our focus on worship are both the character and the acts of God in our lives. We are to praise Him, not complain to Him, about what He is doing in our lives.
We are also told in this chapter HOW to praise Him:
v. 3-5
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
This implies we are to make some noise for God. It is a sad fact that we can scream, holler and look like fools when our team scores a touchdown, goal or point, but in worship we must be formal and funeral-like. These instruments are basically noisy instruments. The harp and lyre might be soothing and calm, but the trumpet, timbrel, pipes and cymbals are not. In fact, the writer tells us to use "loud" cymbals. And, in case we missed it, he goes on to tell us to use "resounding" cymbals. We are also to get our entire body into worship. Note that is says with "dancing." Again, scoring a touchdown might cause us to high five someone we don't even know. Why can't we stand up and get into our worship with the same vigor knowing it is for the God of the universe who saved us and defeated death and Satan?
Lastly the chapter tells us WHO should worship. No one is exempt:
v. 6 - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
Anything that uses the air God created is to exhale that breath in praise. We are to inhale God's creation and exhale God's praise. That is the order. Breath in God's life and breath out God's praise. This chapter is an instruction sheet on how to do chapters 1-149. Praise Him!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Why does God put us in places of influence? Esther 6-10
Esther 10:3
For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.
The story of Easter is the story of God putting His people in the place of power and/or influence over power for the purpose of accomplishing His plan for mankind. In this particular chapter of God's plan, God has His people, the Jews, in captivity because of their disobedience to Him. However, even in captivity, God is watching over His people. From the Jews will come the future Messiah, the Savior of the Word. God must and does protect the Jews from any harm. In the story of Queen Esther God takes a young Jewish girl and her uncle, Mordecai, and places them in the position of influence to protect the Jews from complete annihilation. A evil man (Haman) who had the king's (Ahasuerus) ear, was about to destroy the entire Jewish population. God protected them by putting Mordecai and Esther in the right spot at the right time. When we think about the "work" jobs we have in life, do we consider "why" God has placed us in these particular spots? We sometimes think that the job we have is to make money and to create a world of comfort for ourselves and our families. Although God is not objecting to a world that has some comfort, God actually puts us in the positions we have to be there for Him and for His plans and His needs. When we think of Joseph and Daniel and Mordecai and Esther we see the example of someone God put in the right place at the right time to do His work and have influence over the leaders of the day. But, it is not always someone of high prominence, that God uses. Note the following:
Acts 26:13
But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.
In the book of Acts, Paul had been taken captive by the religious leaders of the and they had made an oath to kill Paul. But, God had a young lad (Paul's nephew) standing nearby and used him to inform Paul's guard. God puts us in places of honor to accomplish His tasks and His good work. Mordecai found favor from all the Jews and his captors because God gave him that influence. We must never think that our rise to power or prominence is for our own good. Our rise to influence is so that we are in the right place at the right time to do the right thing for God - offer advice, or influence over a situation that God wants to go His way. We can either use our places and position for God's plan or use them to earn money and make ourselves comfortable. That is the choice before us.
For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.
The story of Easter is the story of God putting His people in the place of power and/or influence over power for the purpose of accomplishing His plan for mankind. In this particular chapter of God's plan, God has His people, the Jews, in captivity because of their disobedience to Him. However, even in captivity, God is watching over His people. From the Jews will come the future Messiah, the Savior of the Word. God must and does protect the Jews from any harm. In the story of Queen Esther God takes a young Jewish girl and her uncle, Mordecai, and places them in the position of influence to protect the Jews from complete annihilation. A evil man (Haman) who had the king's (Ahasuerus) ear, was about to destroy the entire Jewish population. God protected them by putting Mordecai and Esther in the right spot at the right time. When we think about the "work" jobs we have in life, do we consider "why" God has placed us in these particular spots? We sometimes think that the job we have is to make money and to create a world of comfort for ourselves and our families. Although God is not objecting to a world that has some comfort, God actually puts us in the positions we have to be there for Him and for His plans and His needs. When we think of Joseph and Daniel and Mordecai and Esther we see the example of someone God put in the right place at the right time to do His work and have influence over the leaders of the day. But, it is not always someone of high prominence, that God uses. Note the following:
Acts 26:13
But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.
In the book of Acts, Paul had been taken captive by the religious leaders of the and they had made an oath to kill Paul. But, God had a young lad (Paul's nephew) standing nearby and used him to inform Paul's guard. God puts us in places of honor to accomplish His tasks and His good work. Mordecai found favor from all the Jews and his captors because God gave him that influence. We must never think that our rise to power or prominence is for our own good. Our rise to influence is so that we are in the right place at the right time to do the right thing for God - offer advice, or influence over a situation that God wants to go His way. We can either use our places and position for God's plan or use them to earn money and make ourselves comfortable. That is the choice before us.
Monday, December 22, 2014
How do we rest and find peace in the midst of leadership change? Deuteronomy 32-34
Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.
In the preceding verses to the above passage we have the recorded death of Moses. For 120 years Moses was the main man. He was the one who was called from the little basket to the Red Sea to the Mana to the fights with Aaron and his wife. Moses was God's man and now, after his death, Joshua was to be the man in charge. The transfer of leadership from one generation to the next, under God's direction, is a wonderful activity to watch. Joshua, chosen by God, will lead the people to a place Moses could not, because of his sin. God knows how to make leadership changes. Moses would have to look at the land of Canaan and realize that all that work and wandering would never produced a blessing to him personally, but it would be given to the one he taught: Joshua. Moses was God's servant and he would rest in the fact that God gave him a chance to serve and have his hand on the one who would take the reigns next. Joshua was with Moses in the mountain when the Ten Commandments were handed down. Joshua had shadowed Moses all his life. Moses sent Joshua out as a spy and Joshua came back (along with Caleb) with a good report. As a result Joshua would now lead the people into the Promise Land. Moses' emotions of not being able to lead the people would be replaced, knowing that God had used him to train Joshua. God takes care of His people by providing leadership. We may not like the leadership, or see what God sees, but we must relax in that leadership. There were, no doubt, those that thought Moses' death would be bad for the nation. But, God would bless Joshua, as He blessed Moses. God takes care of leadership. God puts into leadership those He wants. We ought to trust in the leadership God gives His nation, His church, His families. God is in charge and leadership is simply an extension of His love to us. Not all leaders are Godly leaders, but all leaders are established by God. Not all leaders obey God but all leaders are given authority by God. We have to rest in the fact that God takes care of leaders and uses them in the way He wants to accomplish His plan.
Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.
In the preceding verses to the above passage we have the recorded death of Moses. For 120 years Moses was the main man. He was the one who was called from the little basket to the Red Sea to the Mana to the fights with Aaron and his wife. Moses was God's man and now, after his death, Joshua was to be the man in charge. The transfer of leadership from one generation to the next, under God's direction, is a wonderful activity to watch. Joshua, chosen by God, will lead the people to a place Moses could not, because of his sin. God knows how to make leadership changes. Moses would have to look at the land of Canaan and realize that all that work and wandering would never produced a blessing to him personally, but it would be given to the one he taught: Joshua. Moses was God's servant and he would rest in the fact that God gave him a chance to serve and have his hand on the one who would take the reigns next. Joshua was with Moses in the mountain when the Ten Commandments were handed down. Joshua had shadowed Moses all his life. Moses sent Joshua out as a spy and Joshua came back (along with Caleb) with a good report. As a result Joshua would now lead the people into the Promise Land. Moses' emotions of not being able to lead the people would be replaced, knowing that God had used him to train Joshua. God takes care of His people by providing leadership. We may not like the leadership, or see what God sees, but we must relax in that leadership. There were, no doubt, those that thought Moses' death would be bad for the nation. But, God would bless Joshua, as He blessed Moses. God takes care of leadership. God puts into leadership those He wants. We ought to trust in the leadership God gives His nation, His church, His families. God is in charge and leadership is simply an extension of His love to us. Not all leaders are Godly leaders, but all leaders are established by God. Not all leaders obey God but all leaders are given authority by God. We have to rest in the fact that God takes care of leaders and uses them in the way He wants to accomplish His plan.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
What gives you joy? 3 John
3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
When we observe parents doting over their children we can observe a variety of reasons for their smiling pride. Parents love it when their children do good. It is largely do to the fact that those actions and/or behaviors make them look good. What we get excited about in regard to our children says as much about us as it does them. When we are excited that they score a goal, make a basket, hit the ball, or get a great grade on a paper, we show them what we value. I don't know too many parents who get excited the way John does in the above verse. John is writing to his brother, Gaius. In this one chapter book of praise, John is going to make a big deal out of what John does in regard to his Christian walk. If you think of John as a parent on the side lines or in the bleachers and Gaius actively involved in the Christian playing field, you have a good picture of the purpose of this book. John is cheering for his children, Gaius being the main representative. John is standing up and screaming praise because Gaius (and others he is walking with) is doing great things for God, according to the truth John has earlier presented ... especially that the children of God walk in love for one another, but a love based upon the truth. Imagine your mother walking around with you all day and every time you do something good for others she breaks out in a cheer and starts waving a pom-pom. God is speaking through John and letting Gaius know that God values those who walk in the truth. Remember what Christ said in the Upper Room: I am the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6). So, when John tells Gaius that he is in joy because he is walking in truth, what he is really saying is that he is celebrating and thanking God that Gaius, and those with him, are walking IN Christ. John says he has no great joy than this witness he sees or has heard. Imagine if our own children walked in truth ... in Christ. What joy that would be. When we fail, however, to walk in Christ, ourselves, we can't expect our children to do so. When we fail to teach them truth, we can't expect them to do so. When we fail to celebrate others walking in truth, we can't expect our children to do so. We must celebrate people walking in truth and then we will be seen as valuing that aspect in the lives of others. When we do that our children will catch what we value. We need to make a big deal when we see those we love do something that is Biblical and according to Christ's Truth. Others will see that we value that type of walk. Then we can rejoice and be joyous knowing they, too, might do the same. What do you get joyous about? Is it when you see someone walk in truth?
I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
When we observe parents doting over their children we can observe a variety of reasons for their smiling pride. Parents love it when their children do good. It is largely do to the fact that those actions and/or behaviors make them look good. What we get excited about in regard to our children says as much about us as it does them. When we are excited that they score a goal, make a basket, hit the ball, or get a great grade on a paper, we show them what we value. I don't know too many parents who get excited the way John does in the above verse. John is writing to his brother, Gaius. In this one chapter book of praise, John is going to make a big deal out of what John does in regard to his Christian walk. If you think of John as a parent on the side lines or in the bleachers and Gaius actively involved in the Christian playing field, you have a good picture of the purpose of this book. John is cheering for his children, Gaius being the main representative. John is standing up and screaming praise because Gaius (and others he is walking with) is doing great things for God, according to the truth John has earlier presented ... especially that the children of God walk in love for one another, but a love based upon the truth. Imagine your mother walking around with you all day and every time you do something good for others she breaks out in a cheer and starts waving a pom-pom. God is speaking through John and letting Gaius know that God values those who walk in the truth. Remember what Christ said in the Upper Room: I am the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6). So, when John tells Gaius that he is in joy because he is walking in truth, what he is really saying is that he is celebrating and thanking God that Gaius, and those with him, are walking IN Christ. John says he has no great joy than this witness he sees or has heard. Imagine if our own children walked in truth ... in Christ. What joy that would be. When we fail, however, to walk in Christ, ourselves, we can't expect our children to do so. When we fail to teach them truth, we can't expect them to do so. When we fail to celebrate others walking in truth, we can't expect our children to do so. We must celebrate people walking in truth and then we will be seen as valuing that aspect in the lives of others. When we do that our children will catch what we value. We need to make a big deal when we see those we love do something that is Biblical and according to Christ's Truth. Others will see that we value that type of walk. Then we can rejoice and be joyous knowing they, too, might do the same. What do you get joyous about? Is it when you see someone walk in truth?
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Are you willing to present the Gospel before the lost world in front of powerful people? Acts 25-26
Acts 26:18
... to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’
The above text is stated by Paul while he is on trial for his life before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. Paul is making his defense before them because the Jewish leaders had accused him of distorting, denying, and destroying their faith. In reality, Paul was giving the Gospel message and the Jews, as well as Gentiles, were coming to Christ and leaving the Synagogues. Paul was on trial for the Gospel. This truth did not escape Paul and he took advantage of the situation by presenting the Gospel, here, in front of two of the most powerful people in the land. Paul was not afraid to speak for Christ, on any platform. The message in the above text will become a theme he utters later to the Church at Colossee, encouraging them in his prayer for them:
Colossians 1:12-13 (NASB Strong's Bible Text)
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
Paul realized that the Gospel, at its core, was about God rescuing us from the grip of Satan and placing us into the same inheritance with Christ, our Savior, the First Born and, therefore, our Brother. We must remember, that while we are living our lives in this world, that this world is our platform for presenting the Gospel and it is the most powerful message we have. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the very power of God (Romans 1:16). God, in our salvation, turned our darkness into light and removed us from Satan's dominion, cast our sins away into the abyss of forgiveness and included and blessed us with the inheritance as Sons, through the sanctification of faith. Nothing we have done does this. Only His work that we put our faith in and upon.
... to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’
The above text is stated by Paul while he is on trial for his life before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. Paul is making his defense before them because the Jewish leaders had accused him of distorting, denying, and destroying their faith. In reality, Paul was giving the Gospel message and the Jews, as well as Gentiles, were coming to Christ and leaving the Synagogues. Paul was on trial for the Gospel. This truth did not escape Paul and he took advantage of the situation by presenting the Gospel, here, in front of two of the most powerful people in the land. Paul was not afraid to speak for Christ, on any platform. The message in the above text will become a theme he utters later to the Church at Colossee, encouraging them in his prayer for them:
Colossians 1:12-13 (NASB Strong's Bible Text)
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
Paul realized that the Gospel, at its core, was about God rescuing us from the grip of Satan and placing us into the same inheritance with Christ, our Savior, the First Born and, therefore, our Brother. We must remember, that while we are living our lives in this world, that this world is our platform for presenting the Gospel and it is the most powerful message we have. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the very power of God (Romans 1:16). God, in our salvation, turned our darkness into light and removed us from Satan's dominion, cast our sins away into the abyss of forgiveness and included and blessed us with the inheritance as Sons, through the sanctification of faith. Nothing we have done does this. Only His work that we put our faith in and upon.
Friday, December 19, 2014
What side do you want to be on in th final battle? Revelation 12-17
Revelation 17:14
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”
Reading Revelations is sometimes tough. There are various interpretations of different passages and sometimes the imagery is difficult to be assured. However, despite the mirky waters of some passages, there are some very clear themes and crystal clear outcomes. In these chapters (12-17) God is pouring His wrath out on the earth; on those who rejected His Word and His Son. That is quite clear. In the above verse we also have another obvious outcome: Christ will win the final battle. Despite the wrath pouring out on mankind and God continuing to offer them grace and mercy, the world will rebel and wage war against Christ. Think about that ... about the foolishness of that statement. How do people, created by God, think they can destroy their Creator? They can't! God will overcome them. Why? Because there is no king like our King! There is no lord like our Lord! God will have the victory in the end. When reading the book of Revelation there is no secret about that. How the events will unfold may be, at times, foggy. But, in the end the fog dissipates and the Victor will stand ... Jesus Christ, Lord of Lords!! The other truth that is repeated over and over in Revelation is that those who aline themselves with God and His Son, will also stand with Him in the end, as the Victor. The established truth in God's Word is that we can either be with the world and wage war against Christ, or be with Christ in the end as He is crowned the ultimate victor. If that is the choice, that really is not choice. Believe, by faith in Christ's finished work, and we can rejoice along side the Victor in the end. The path to that end might seem dark and dreary and distant. But, the end is full of triumph and rejoicing.
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”
Reading Revelations is sometimes tough. There are various interpretations of different passages and sometimes the imagery is difficult to be assured. However, despite the mirky waters of some passages, there are some very clear themes and crystal clear outcomes. In these chapters (12-17) God is pouring His wrath out on the earth; on those who rejected His Word and His Son. That is quite clear. In the above verse we also have another obvious outcome: Christ will win the final battle. Despite the wrath pouring out on mankind and God continuing to offer them grace and mercy, the world will rebel and wage war against Christ. Think about that ... about the foolishness of that statement. How do people, created by God, think they can destroy their Creator? They can't! God will overcome them. Why? Because there is no king like our King! There is no lord like our Lord! God will have the victory in the end. When reading the book of Revelation there is no secret about that. How the events will unfold may be, at times, foggy. But, in the end the fog dissipates and the Victor will stand ... Jesus Christ, Lord of Lords!! The other truth that is repeated over and over in Revelation is that those who aline themselves with God and His Son, will also stand with Him in the end, as the Victor. The established truth in God's Word is that we can either be with the world and wage war against Christ, or be with Christ in the end as He is crowned the ultimate victor. If that is the choice, that really is not choice. Believe, by faith in Christ's finished work, and we can rejoice along side the Victor in the end. The path to that end might seem dark and dreary and distant. But, the end is full of triumph and rejoicing.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Do your love admire the beginning and the end of a life? Song of Songs 5-6
Song of Songs 5:10
“My beloved is dazzling and ruddy,
Outstanding among ten thousand.
In the remaining part of chapter five of this section the women begins a description of the man she is in love with. The entire chapters (5 & 6) are up to debate as to what they mean, what they are describing, where they take place and who is talking. Some believe chapter five is a dream and the women is having a passionate dream of her lover that is disrupted by a nightmare of his leaving. Others see sexual innuendoes in the writing that the man and the women are either dreaming of a sexual encounter or are having one. However, no matter the line of interpretation taken, the above verse seems to be the women talking and describing her lover. This is especially true if you see the words that follow in her description. Note what she says about her man:
v. 11 - HIs head is like gold & his locks like clusters of dates
v. 12 - His eyes like doves
v. 13 - His cheeks like a bed of balsam and his lips like lilies
v. 14 - His hands are rods of gold and his abdomen is carved ivory
v. 15 - His legs are pillars of alabaster
v. 16 - His mouth is full of sweetness
For those who think the physical body is to be covered and concealed and tossed aside for the more eternal and spiritual, these verse created quite an issue for them. This section is entitled by most Bibles as, "The admiration of the bride." It is typically the male who is said to have physical needs and attraction toward the female. We are often told that the female is not drawn toward the physical but the emotional. These verses would argue with that premise. It is the physical she is admiring. She, no doubt, is drawn to him spiritually and is fully in love. We have seen this in the beginning chapters. As a result of true love and true spiritual connectedness, the women now admires what God has created in this man ... his physical attributes. These are not the reason she loves him but they certainly are not missed by her watchful eye. If you were to describe a man to any women using the above descriptors, most women would say, "this is a man who is easy on the eyes!" We must remember that God gives beauty and proportion and attraction through the physical. God created beautiful things in this world. This bride believes her groom is one of those things and sings his praise. It is funny that in old age, these descriptions will change. If this groom is indeed, Solomon, read how he describes himself in old age in Ecclesiastes 12:1-7. In those verses Solomon's legs and hands are droopy and dull. His mouth is no longer full of sweetness but decay. His eyes, described her like doves, have flown away in old age ... he can hardly see. His hair is no longer gold and cluster of dates, but falling out and wrinkled like dead raisins. The lover, here, needs to embrace the look of his youth now. Her love, will, eventually, have to focus on something entirely different later.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Do you eve steal the stage from the Lord's deserved glory? Pslam 146-148
Psalms 148:11-13
Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
Both young men and virgins;
Old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above earth and heaven.
It is not hard for man to take credit for something good that has happened. We push and shove each other to be the first in line to get the credit. We love to exalt ourselves when accomplishment and success is in our arena. We love to celebrate our wins and the strength we have that secured the victory. No greater arena is that true than the olympus of sport. Athletes take credit for anything gained and point fingers at anyone but them when loss is consistent. Perhaps a group that rivals them in self-exaltation is the world of politics. Seldom do you find a group of men and women who jump in front of a crowd to take credit for things they had absolutely no doings. In the above section of Psalm 148 the writer is calling for a myriad of creation to praise God. Animals, created things and mankind are called upon to give praise and exaltation for the Name of the Lord. God has created all things. When even one of those things tries to grab glory for themselves they shame themselves. God is the one who deserves praise and ALL creatures should recognize this. From the king to the child, God is to be praised and exalted. His name ALONE should be praised. His glory is ABOVE the earth and heaven. Alone and Above are the key words in the above song. God is alone in regard to who deserves exaltation and praise and He is above all others to receive it. Let them (all creatures) praise the name of the Lord!!! Don't try to take credit for good things that happen to you. At the end of the day, rather say, "It was a good day today because God used me in a way to accomplish His purpose and plan for the world ... the Lord be praised."
Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
Both young men and virgins;
Old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above earth and heaven.
It is not hard for man to take credit for something good that has happened. We push and shove each other to be the first in line to get the credit. We love to exalt ourselves when accomplishment and success is in our arena. We love to celebrate our wins and the strength we have that secured the victory. No greater arena is that true than the olympus of sport. Athletes take credit for anything gained and point fingers at anyone but them when loss is consistent. Perhaps a group that rivals them in self-exaltation is the world of politics. Seldom do you find a group of men and women who jump in front of a crowd to take credit for things they had absolutely no doings. In the above section of Psalm 148 the writer is calling for a myriad of creation to praise God. Animals, created things and mankind are called upon to give praise and exaltation for the Name of the Lord. God has created all things. When even one of those things tries to grab glory for themselves they shame themselves. God is the one who deserves praise and ALL creatures should recognize this. From the king to the child, God is to be praised and exalted. His name ALONE should be praised. His glory is ABOVE the earth and heaven. Alone and Above are the key words in the above song. God is alone in regard to who deserves exaltation and praise and He is above all others to receive it. Let them (all creatures) praise the name of the Lord!!! Don't try to take credit for good things that happen to you. At the end of the day, rather say, "It was a good day today because God used me in a way to accomplish His purpose and plan for the world ... the Lord be praised."
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Are you held back by "learned helplessness?" Esther 1-5
Esther 4:9-12
Hathach came back and related Mordecai’s words to Esther. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and ordered him to reply to Mordecai: “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.” They related Esther’s words to Mordecai.
Many times in Scripture we come across an example of someone who is holding to an "assumed constraint" that they believe prevents them from doing something for God. Moses, when he was told to lead the people out of Egypt, thought his in ability to speak clearly was a constraint that would prevent him from doing the job God gave him. In Jesus' day the people thought Jesus was just a carpenter's son and therefore he could not be the Messiah and, therefore, in their midst Jesus didn't do many miracles. These were "assumptions" that they believe "constrained" them from experiencing God's glory and power. In the above passage we see that Esther, too, is held back, initially, by an assumed constraint. One of the kings servants, Hamman, had convinced the king to allow him to kill all the Jews. Mordecai sent a message to Esther, asking her, as the Queen, to go to the king and plea for him, her and the rest of the Jews. But, as the above text states, Esther was constrained because the command of the king was that if anyone just walked into the kings room, without being requested by the king, would be killed. Mordecai will eventually implore Esther to find a way around her "assumed constraint." When Esther initially saw the problem she was limited in her thought process because she looked at the issue through the eyes of the flesh. When we look a problem through the eyes of the flesh we often find ourselves constrained. It is only through the eyes of faith that we can find a way through these assumed constraints. To the world they ARE constraints. To the believer, a mustard seed of faith can move a mountain of problems. In the will of God we have no constraints. Our assumed constraints are founded by faithless fears. We believe we can't do something because we are thinking WE should be able to do something. But, we can't do anything. It is God working in us that makes us able to overcome these learned helplessness of assumed constraints.
Hathach came back and related Mordecai’s words to Esther. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and ordered him to reply to Mordecai: “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.” They related Esther’s words to Mordecai.
Many times in Scripture we come across an example of someone who is holding to an "assumed constraint" that they believe prevents them from doing something for God. Moses, when he was told to lead the people out of Egypt, thought his in ability to speak clearly was a constraint that would prevent him from doing the job God gave him. In Jesus' day the people thought Jesus was just a carpenter's son and therefore he could not be the Messiah and, therefore, in their midst Jesus didn't do many miracles. These were "assumptions" that they believe "constrained" them from experiencing God's glory and power. In the above passage we see that Esther, too, is held back, initially, by an assumed constraint. One of the kings servants, Hamman, had convinced the king to allow him to kill all the Jews. Mordecai sent a message to Esther, asking her, as the Queen, to go to the king and plea for him, her and the rest of the Jews. But, as the above text states, Esther was constrained because the command of the king was that if anyone just walked into the kings room, without being requested by the king, would be killed. Mordecai will eventually implore Esther to find a way around her "assumed constraint." When Esther initially saw the problem she was limited in her thought process because she looked at the issue through the eyes of the flesh. When we look a problem through the eyes of the flesh we often find ourselves constrained. It is only through the eyes of faith that we can find a way through these assumed constraints. To the world they ARE constraints. To the believer, a mustard seed of faith can move a mountain of problems. In the will of God we have no constraints. Our assumed constraints are founded by faithless fears. We believe we can't do something because we are thinking WE should be able to do something. But, we can't do anything. It is God working in us that makes us able to overcome these learned helplessness of assumed constraints.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Do you know how powerful singing is and why God created it? Deuteronomy 29-31
Deuteronomy 31:19
“Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it on their lips, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel.
In the book of Deuteronomy Moses is given the "second" edition of the Law. The first edition was given to those who rebelled against God and who did not obey Him. They were allowed to die in the wilderness over the past 40 years and a new generation arose who did not know the complete Law. So, Deuteronomy (which means, "Second giving of the Law") was written. Yet, even though this new generation was witness to the death of their parents for that rebellion toward God's Word, so, too, Moses knew they would be rebellious. Chapters 29-31 are typically knows as the blessings and the curses. The nation is given a choice to either obey God and be blessed or disobey God and be curse. Moses knew the hearts of the people, however, that they were constantly rebellious. In the above verse we see Moses telling the nation that he is going to put the warnings to obey God in the genre of a song. Moses knew the power of music and musical lyrics. God made many to enjoy the sound of music. It is amazing how many young people don't know simply historical facts (or, can't remember them for a test), yet they can sing, without mistake or error, the words of the latest popular song. Words set to music are much easier to memorize and learn than words without music. It is probably more real to believe that Moses' song was more of a poem than an urban rap. Songs in the Jewish culture were much different than songs in the Western culture, today. However, the interesting thing about songs, especially set to a notable tune, is that they are easily recognizable. This devotional is being written in late December while I'm in a retail coffee shop. The music on the overhead speakers is "Santa is Coming to Town." When the music is played I can quote every word of the song, even though I only hear it once a year. Yet, the four or five verses I have been trying to memorize since September still fail me. Music allows truths to be remembered and to be be retained. God placed the ability for songs to make a difference in our lives, in our hearts. Moses knew that and gives the nation the best message via song. The song is found in chapter 32, but the outline of the song is found in chapters 29-31. The truth Moses wanted to tell them is that if we believe God and obey Him, blessings will follow. If we fail to believe God and disobey Him, curses will follow. A simply tune that needs to be song over and over and over, again.
“Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it on their lips, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel.
In the book of Deuteronomy Moses is given the "second" edition of the Law. The first edition was given to those who rebelled against God and who did not obey Him. They were allowed to die in the wilderness over the past 40 years and a new generation arose who did not know the complete Law. So, Deuteronomy (which means, "Second giving of the Law") was written. Yet, even though this new generation was witness to the death of their parents for that rebellion toward God's Word, so, too, Moses knew they would be rebellious. Chapters 29-31 are typically knows as the blessings and the curses. The nation is given a choice to either obey God and be blessed or disobey God and be curse. Moses knew the hearts of the people, however, that they were constantly rebellious. In the above verse we see Moses telling the nation that he is going to put the warnings to obey God in the genre of a song. Moses knew the power of music and musical lyrics. God made many to enjoy the sound of music. It is amazing how many young people don't know simply historical facts (or, can't remember them for a test), yet they can sing, without mistake or error, the words of the latest popular song. Words set to music are much easier to memorize and learn than words without music. It is probably more real to believe that Moses' song was more of a poem than an urban rap. Songs in the Jewish culture were much different than songs in the Western culture, today. However, the interesting thing about songs, especially set to a notable tune, is that they are easily recognizable. This devotional is being written in late December while I'm in a retail coffee shop. The music on the overhead speakers is "Santa is Coming to Town." When the music is played I can quote every word of the song, even though I only hear it once a year. Yet, the four or five verses I have been trying to memorize since September still fail me. Music allows truths to be remembered and to be be retained. God placed the ability for songs to make a difference in our lives, in our hearts. Moses knew that and gives the nation the best message via song. The song is found in chapter 32, but the outline of the song is found in chapters 29-31. The truth Moses wanted to tell them is that if we believe God and obey Him, blessings will follow. If we fail to believe God and disobey Him, curses will follow. A simply tune that needs to be song over and over and over, again.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
How do you greet a false teacher? 2 John
2 John 1:10-11
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
Just how far should you extract yourself from false teaching? If we honestly think someone is teaching some doctrine contrary to the Gospel of Christ, what should be our Biblical approach? According to the Apostle John, late in his life, we are not even to give them a greeting (see above verse). So, if we believe a particular sect of religion or denomination of religion is preaching a false gospel, how close should we be in working with them, IF, John is telling us here, to not even greet them? To be specific we have to understand what the Greek word for greeting (Chairo) means. The intent of the word is not simply a greeting of "hello" or some other Western form of speech. The word "chairo" carries more weight than a trite phrase. It carries a meaning of wishing them joy or grace. This is why someone who doesn't believe in the saving grace of Christ (the Gospel) should not be afforded such a greeting. To see the greeting used in the wrong way, note how Judas uses "chairo" when he greets Jesus in the Garden for the purpose of betrayal:
Matthew 26:49
Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Judas conveyed "grace to you" to Jesus, but in his heart was betrayal. John is telling us to not convey to those who preach another gospel, even by way of your opening greeting, that you might be wishing them favor or respect. We are not to wish those well who reject our Savior. We are not, for the sake of political correctness, convey to them that we are in link with them in any respect. God has made us part of His family and He wants to to convey love and peace to those in the family. But, those who reject our Savior are not in line with that love and peace. John is writing this little letter well after all the other Apostles were probably gone. By this time in the Church many false teachers were going from church to church to preach their false doctrine. John wants to make sure that this church he is writing to does not even greet these false teachers, much less bring them into the church to hear them. He is saying, "Don't send them on their way with favor." Make sure you remember we are children of the King and purity (the combination of love and truth) is important in the Body of Christ.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
Just how far should you extract yourself from false teaching? If we honestly think someone is teaching some doctrine contrary to the Gospel of Christ, what should be our Biblical approach? According to the Apostle John, late in his life, we are not even to give them a greeting (see above verse). So, if we believe a particular sect of religion or denomination of religion is preaching a false gospel, how close should we be in working with them, IF, John is telling us here, to not even greet them? To be specific we have to understand what the Greek word for greeting (Chairo) means. The intent of the word is not simply a greeting of "hello" or some other Western form of speech. The word "chairo" carries more weight than a trite phrase. It carries a meaning of wishing them joy or grace. This is why someone who doesn't believe in the saving grace of Christ (the Gospel) should not be afforded such a greeting. To see the greeting used in the wrong way, note how Judas uses "chairo" when he greets Jesus in the Garden for the purpose of betrayal:
Matthew 26:49
Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Judas conveyed "grace to you" to Jesus, but in his heart was betrayal. John is telling us to not convey to those who preach another gospel, even by way of your opening greeting, that you might be wishing them favor or respect. We are not to wish those well who reject our Savior. We are not, for the sake of political correctness, convey to them that we are in link with them in any respect. God has made us part of His family and He wants to to convey love and peace to those in the family. But, those who reject our Savior are not in line with that love and peace. John is writing this little letter well after all the other Apostles were probably gone. By this time in the Church many false teachers were going from church to church to preach their false doctrine. John wants to make sure that this church he is writing to does not even greet these false teachers, much less bring them into the church to hear them. He is saying, "Don't send them on their way with favor." Make sure you remember we are children of the King and purity (the combination of love and truth) is important in the Body of Christ.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
How do you get your mind around the discomfort in your life? Acts 23-24
Acts 24:27
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.
Sometimes God uses bad circumstances in life to bring about good results. That statement can be verified and validated throughout all of Scripture. Satan wanted to show God that Job was not a perfect man. God gave Satan permission to hurt Job, but with some parameters. God actually allow the evil band of thieves to swoop down and hurt Job's family and possessions. God used those bad circumstances to teach Job and us a great lesson on how to pursue God in the midst of struggles. God used the unfair treatment of Joseph by his brothers to accomplish great things for His children in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). So, too, in the above passage we see that God is going to use a bad situation and frustrating time for His servant Paul to accomplish a greater purpose someplace else. In the above chapter in Acts we have Paul on trial for false accusations being brought by the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem. These leaders did not want Paul to succeed and even plotted to kill him earlier in the previous chapter. After Paul appeared before on magistrate, Felix, he actually was on the verge of getting set free. Paul had already been in prison over two years for these false chargers. Now, according to the above verse, a new magistrate, Felix is replaced by Porcius Festus. Upon his exit from authority, however, Felix reverses his attitude toward Paul to appease the Jewish leaders and leaves Paul in jail. What would you do? Falsely imprisoned and accused, we might all lash out to God, or others, crying out for our freedom. We might go get a lawyer to defend ourselves. Why was Paul so content? Because Paul knew that God had a bigger plan for his life. A plan bigger than his immediate comfort. Note the following verse:
Acts 23:11
But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”
Paul knew that God was taking him to Rome. Paul knew the lessons from Joseph, David, Daniel and others; that God sometimes uses bad circumstances to accomplish greater results. Paul was not afraid of Felix, Festus or any magistrate. He had a Word from the Lord that God was going to use him and, in that use, protect him. Remember, it would be Paul, who in the midst of all this struggle would pen the words in Romans 8:28, "that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose." God doesn't allow anything to happen to us that He doesn't first and foremost want to use for His glory. We must rejoice in that and we must rest in that thought. God is less concerned about our comfort and more concerned about our fulfillment of His mission. If God had our comfort in mind we would be taken to Glory immediately after our new birth. But, God is concerned about HIs mission and our fulfilling our part in that mission ... even if it feels painful at the time.
But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.
Sometimes God uses bad circumstances in life to bring about good results. That statement can be verified and validated throughout all of Scripture. Satan wanted to show God that Job was not a perfect man. God gave Satan permission to hurt Job, but with some parameters. God actually allow the evil band of thieves to swoop down and hurt Job's family and possessions. God used those bad circumstances to teach Job and us a great lesson on how to pursue God in the midst of struggles. God used the unfair treatment of Joseph by his brothers to accomplish great things for His children in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). So, too, in the above passage we see that God is going to use a bad situation and frustrating time for His servant Paul to accomplish a greater purpose someplace else. In the above chapter in Acts we have Paul on trial for false accusations being brought by the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem. These leaders did not want Paul to succeed and even plotted to kill him earlier in the previous chapter. After Paul appeared before on magistrate, Felix, he actually was on the verge of getting set free. Paul had already been in prison over two years for these false chargers. Now, according to the above verse, a new magistrate, Felix is replaced by Porcius Festus. Upon his exit from authority, however, Felix reverses his attitude toward Paul to appease the Jewish leaders and leaves Paul in jail. What would you do? Falsely imprisoned and accused, we might all lash out to God, or others, crying out for our freedom. We might go get a lawyer to defend ourselves. Why was Paul so content? Because Paul knew that God had a bigger plan for his life. A plan bigger than his immediate comfort. Note the following verse:
Acts 23:11
But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”
Paul knew that God was taking him to Rome. Paul knew the lessons from Joseph, David, Daniel and others; that God sometimes uses bad circumstances to accomplish greater results. Paul was not afraid of Felix, Festus or any magistrate. He had a Word from the Lord that God was going to use him and, in that use, protect him. Remember, it would be Paul, who in the midst of all this struggle would pen the words in Romans 8:28, "that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose." God doesn't allow anything to happen to us that He doesn't first and foremost want to use for His glory. We must rejoice in that and we must rest in that thought. God is less concerned about our comfort and more concerned about our fulfillment of His mission. If God had our comfort in mind we would be taken to Glory immediately after our new birth. But, God is concerned about HIs mission and our fulfilling our part in that mission ... even if it feels painful at the time.
Friday, December 12, 2014
What would happen if God removed His grace? Revelation 6-11
Revelation 7:9-12
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying,
“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Reading through Revelation 6-11 can be some tough reading. It is not for the faint of heart. By "faint of heart" we don't mean someone who simply has a hard time understanding prophecy. But "faint of heart" we mean grasping the destruction through war and death. We have, in our society, been desensitized to death of masses. We see it in movies and television shows repeatedly. We see scores of people killed, but we seldom have to see the affects of their deaths in funerals and family loss. We see someone killed on the screen or in the news every day. We "get" death and destruction. Yet, nothing can prepare you for chapter six of Revelation. God sends forth permission for man's sin to finally be completely out of control. When God removes His grace from the earth human and non-human creation, full of sin, is allowed to go free to destroy. In the midst of that destruction, however, God still has those He calls His own and He rescues them and clothes them in white robes. In the midst of the battle on the earth and the civil war and the loss of food and sustenance for mankind, in heaven their is a worship service going on to praise God. God rescues those who are faithful to Him from destruction and they, in-turn, worship and praise Him. Notice the seven aspects mentioned to praise God: Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might!!! On the earth below the power and might of God is being demonstrated simply by the removal of His grace. In the heavens, those who believed in God on the earth, are praising and worshipping their God and King. Peace is removed from the earth and being celebrated in heaven. Famine and sword are running free on the earth and bounty and thanksgiving are being worshiped in heaven. Man has two paths of destiny facing him today: He can take the path to worship God by believing in Christ, which results in a celebration worship in heaven. Or, he can take the path of resisting God's grace and then live on an earth, one day, completely exempt of God's grace, where man is free to war and plunder and profane. In chapters six and seven of this great book of prophecy we have these two scenes. Sorrow and pain on earth; celebration and worship in heaven. That sums up the plan of God. He offers, freely, the worship in heaven, but reminds all that the payment for rejecting Him is equally true. "If you don't want grace in your life," He says, "I'll simply remove grace from the earth and let you devour one another." To the others He calls us to praise Him.
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying,
“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Reading through Revelation 6-11 can be some tough reading. It is not for the faint of heart. By "faint of heart" we don't mean someone who simply has a hard time understanding prophecy. But "faint of heart" we mean grasping the destruction through war and death. We have, in our society, been desensitized to death of masses. We see it in movies and television shows repeatedly. We see scores of people killed, but we seldom have to see the affects of their deaths in funerals and family loss. We see someone killed on the screen or in the news every day. We "get" death and destruction. Yet, nothing can prepare you for chapter six of Revelation. God sends forth permission for man's sin to finally be completely out of control. When God removes His grace from the earth human and non-human creation, full of sin, is allowed to go free to destroy. In the midst of that destruction, however, God still has those He calls His own and He rescues them and clothes them in white robes. In the midst of the battle on the earth and the civil war and the loss of food and sustenance for mankind, in heaven their is a worship service going on to praise God. God rescues those who are faithful to Him from destruction and they, in-turn, worship and praise Him. Notice the seven aspects mentioned to praise God: Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might!!! On the earth below the power and might of God is being demonstrated simply by the removal of His grace. In the heavens, those who believed in God on the earth, are praising and worshipping their God and King. Peace is removed from the earth and being celebrated in heaven. Famine and sword are running free on the earth and bounty and thanksgiving are being worshiped in heaven. Man has two paths of destiny facing him today: He can take the path to worship God by believing in Christ, which results in a celebration worship in heaven. Or, he can take the path of resisting God's grace and then live on an earth, one day, completely exempt of God's grace, where man is free to war and plunder and profane. In chapters six and seven of this great book of prophecy we have these two scenes. Sorrow and pain on earth; celebration and worship in heaven. That sums up the plan of God. He offers, freely, the worship in heaven, but reminds all that the payment for rejecting Him is equally true. "If you don't want grace in your life," He says, "I'll simply remove grace from the earth and let you devour one another." To the others He calls us to praise Him.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Do you love in order to feel love; or do you feel love in order to love? Song of Songs 4-5
Song of Songs 4:10
“How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much better is your love than wine,
And the fragrance of your oils
Than all kinds of spices!
In chapter four of this love story Solomon is describing his bride and her beauty to him. He uses a wide variety of terms and word-pictures to share with the reader what he feels and senses when he is with his love. In the above passage he does the same, using three senses to describe what she does for him. He uses sight ("how beautiful"). He uses taste ("how much better is you love than wine"). And, he uses smell ("... and the fragrance of oils ..."). Love affects the senses. Love stirs the senses and the emotions. We often talk about love being more of a verb than a noun. Love should be an action word ... something we do. It should no be a noun ... something we feel. Yet, we should have our senses stirred by love. When you look at your love you ought to have those senses stirred. This passage is not telling you "will" happen when you are in love, but what "could" happen when you are in love. Love is a verb and an action that we do, not something we feel. Yet, when we start doing love it should not surprise us that the feelings of love follow and the senses of love kick in to do what Solomon was experiencing. Some are ONLY attracted by the senses. Sight, smell and taste are the only way they experience love. Lust can do the same thing if we only look for a stirring of the senses. That is not what Solomon is describing. Solomon has already described his sacrificial love for his bride. He would lay his life down for her. What we have in the above text is the description of what the feelings look like AFTER he has demonstrated unconditional and sacrificial love for his beloved. When we love in holiness and in action the senses are put in proper order and kick in to give us an excitement, not contained or provided in any other aspect of life. In the wrong order it leads to disaster and emptiness (See the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:15). When we love unconditionally and sacrificially (meaning we will give up our lives for each other) the emotion of the senses kicks in and we can enjoy that aspect of love. These senses don't define love and they don't initiate love; they are the results of love.
“How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much better is your love than wine,
And the fragrance of your oils
Than all kinds of spices!
In chapter four of this love story Solomon is describing his bride and her beauty to him. He uses a wide variety of terms and word-pictures to share with the reader what he feels and senses when he is with his love. In the above passage he does the same, using three senses to describe what she does for him. He uses sight ("how beautiful"). He uses taste ("how much better is you love than wine"). And, he uses smell ("... and the fragrance of oils ..."). Love affects the senses. Love stirs the senses and the emotions. We often talk about love being more of a verb than a noun. Love should be an action word ... something we do. It should no be a noun ... something we feel. Yet, we should have our senses stirred by love. When you look at your love you ought to have those senses stirred. This passage is not telling you "will" happen when you are in love, but what "could" happen when you are in love. Love is a verb and an action that we do, not something we feel. Yet, when we start doing love it should not surprise us that the feelings of love follow and the senses of love kick in to do what Solomon was experiencing. Some are ONLY attracted by the senses. Sight, smell and taste are the only way they experience love. Lust can do the same thing if we only look for a stirring of the senses. That is not what Solomon is describing. Solomon has already described his sacrificial love for his bride. He would lay his life down for her. What we have in the above text is the description of what the feelings look like AFTER he has demonstrated unconditional and sacrificial love for his beloved. When we love in holiness and in action the senses are put in proper order and kick in to give us an excitement, not contained or provided in any other aspect of life. In the wrong order it leads to disaster and emptiness (See the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:15). When we love unconditionally and sacrificially (meaning we will give up our lives for each other) the emotion of the senses kicks in and we can enjoy that aspect of love. These senses don't define love and they don't initiate love; they are the results of love.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Are you trained by God to fight? How were you trained? Psalm 143-145
Psalms 144:1-2
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle;
My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My stronghold and my deliverer,
My shield and He in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues my people under me.
The implication of the above verses is that you and I, as God's children, will, at some point and time in our lives, be in war and engaged in battle. There would be no reason for David to tell us that God "trains" our hands for war and than not have us in a war. God is constantly giving us training on how to be victorious in our walk with Him. He trains us for a purpose. That purpose is to stand for Him and to reflect Him in all that we do. His training, like David's, is often in the wilderness, tending sheep and protecting them from lions and bears. David learned to fight the giant by first fighting the bears and lions who would attack the sheep in his charge. Being a shepherd was typically a boring job. Sheep are dump and you simply have to rescue them from themselves most of the time. So, we can imagine David practicing with his sling daily, just to break the boredom. Yet, God will allow a lion or bear to come along just to get David's heart going and to see if all that practice with his sling would pay off. Little did David know that one day he would actually take a man's life with that little sling. So, too, with us. We practice our day to day lives, fighting the little battles He has for us, only to realize that some day we will have greater battles to fight. Notice in the second verse of the above lines of "how" God teaches David, or, perhaps, better, "what" He teaches David. David tells us that what he learned was that it isn't really his fight at all. This is, in reality, God's fight. God is the fortress, not David's skill. God is the stronghold, not David's might. God is the shield, not David's talents. God subdues the people, not David's charm and leadership prowess. David was trained to battle and fight and what He learns is that it is not his skills that matter, but God's character.
Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle;
My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My stronghold and my deliverer,
My shield and He in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues my people under me.
The implication of the above verses is that you and I, as God's children, will, at some point and time in our lives, be in war and engaged in battle. There would be no reason for David to tell us that God "trains" our hands for war and than not have us in a war. God is constantly giving us training on how to be victorious in our walk with Him. He trains us for a purpose. That purpose is to stand for Him and to reflect Him in all that we do. His training, like David's, is often in the wilderness, tending sheep and protecting them from lions and bears. David learned to fight the giant by first fighting the bears and lions who would attack the sheep in his charge. Being a shepherd was typically a boring job. Sheep are dump and you simply have to rescue them from themselves most of the time. So, we can imagine David practicing with his sling daily, just to break the boredom. Yet, God will allow a lion or bear to come along just to get David's heart going and to see if all that practice with his sling would pay off. Little did David know that one day he would actually take a man's life with that little sling. So, too, with us. We practice our day to day lives, fighting the little battles He has for us, only to realize that some day we will have greater battles to fight. Notice in the second verse of the above lines of "how" God teaches David, or, perhaps, better, "what" He teaches David. David tells us that what he learned was that it isn't really his fight at all. This is, in reality, God's fight. God is the fortress, not David's skill. God is the stronghold, not David's might. God is the shield, not David's talents. God subdues the people, not David's charm and leadership prowess. David was trained to battle and fight and what He learns is that it is not his skills that matter, but God's character.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
What do you do when the market opens? Nehemiah 10-13
Nehemiah 10:31
As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.
Belief in God and following God can, at times, be disruptive to community commerce. Here, in the above text, we have the commitment of those returning to the promise land, after years of bondage, who make a commitment to follow God's Word over personal comfort and commerce. God's Word had always forbidden the Israelite nation from doing work on the Sabbath, especially commerce. Although they often abused this law for their own benefit, it was one of the more visible laws they could obey and demonstrate their commitment to God. In the case above we find that the local sales of goods, by non-Jewish vendors, was taking place, on a regular basis, on the Sabbath. Because Nehemiah had re-built the walls of Jerusalem these vendors would bring their wares and set up a market within the walls. Under Nehemiah's leadership we not only see the walls rebuilt, however, we also see the hearts rebuilt. As a result, when the vendors would show up to sell, the buyers stayed home. It was a bleak Black Friday event. All because the buyer decided to obey God's Word. Obedience to God's Word often disrupts those looking for financial gain. Noticed what happens later when Paul takes the Gospel to the City of Ephesus, who practiced the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana):
Acts 19:23-25
About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.
Because people of Ephesus were coming to Christ they started to toss their magic books and false gods into a fire and quit buying the wares of men like Demetrius. The old adage, "follow the money" applies here and many places where people of God decide to follow Christ and His Way and reject the plunder and produce of the world. God's Word (and our obedience to it) does not mirror the world's system. Too much of our activity is designed to support the world's system rather than reject it and follow principles of God's Word. We must decide if we will partake of the world's commerce or obey our God's principles. In Nehemiah's day they simply didn't show up when the market opened. What happens to us when the market opens?
As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.
Belief in God and following God can, at times, be disruptive to community commerce. Here, in the above text, we have the commitment of those returning to the promise land, after years of bondage, who make a commitment to follow God's Word over personal comfort and commerce. God's Word had always forbidden the Israelite nation from doing work on the Sabbath, especially commerce. Although they often abused this law for their own benefit, it was one of the more visible laws they could obey and demonstrate their commitment to God. In the case above we find that the local sales of goods, by non-Jewish vendors, was taking place, on a regular basis, on the Sabbath. Because Nehemiah had re-built the walls of Jerusalem these vendors would bring their wares and set up a market within the walls. Under Nehemiah's leadership we not only see the walls rebuilt, however, we also see the hearts rebuilt. As a result, when the vendors would show up to sell, the buyers stayed home. It was a bleak Black Friday event. All because the buyer decided to obey God's Word. Obedience to God's Word often disrupts those looking for financial gain. Noticed what happens later when Paul takes the Gospel to the City of Ephesus, who practiced the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana):
Acts 19:23-25
About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.
Because people of Ephesus were coming to Christ they started to toss their magic books and false gods into a fire and quit buying the wares of men like Demetrius. The old adage, "follow the money" applies here and many places where people of God decide to follow Christ and His Way and reject the plunder and produce of the world. God's Word (and our obedience to it) does not mirror the world's system. Too much of our activity is designed to support the world's system rather than reject it and follow principles of God's Word. We must decide if we will partake of the world's commerce or obey our God's principles. In Nehemiah's day they simply didn't show up when the market opened. What happens to us when the market opens?
Monday, December 8, 2014
Do you recognize the gift(s) of God? Deuteronomy 26-28
Deuteronomy 26:1
Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the Lord your God "gives" you as an inheritance, and you possess it and live in it,
In this chapter and the next couple of chapters to follow, Moses is going to give several laws about what to do when the nation of Israel gets into the "promised land." Repeatedly Moses will refer to this land they are about to enter, as something "given" to them by the Lord your God. Although the word has several meanings it is translated from the Hebrew "natan" over 1,800 times in the Old Testament. When we fold in all the various verb forms that number jumps to 2,000. In this chapter (26) it is used almost ten times and is translated "gives" or "given." Moses wants to outline for the nation the way they are are to offering worship to Yahweh. The point he wants them to grasp is that this land they are entering and will soon have to fight for is actually a "gift" to them. God is establishing the worship and the praise services, prior to them actually getting the land and arriving into the land. God wants them to always remember that even though He is going to ask them to go to war against the nation currently in the land, they must never forget that He is giving them the land and He is giving them the wisdom, strength and power to fight for the land. It would be so easy for them to simply think, after arriving in the land and securing the boarders, that they had accomplished something. In this chapter of Deuteronomy we see that God is using "natan" over and over to remind them they are getting a gift that they must go in and posses. So, they are given a gift by God and the power to posses it and the instructions on how to thank God for it. This is similar to the Gospel. We are given a gift of Salvation and the power and strength to possess this salvation, through Spirit powered Sanctification, and then we are instructed on how to thank God for that salvation and the "land" He gives us in victory over sin. Like the Israelites of old our possession is a gift of God and from God. Our land is our victory over sin. When we conquer sin in our lives that is a gift of God, by God and in His power. We are to be thankful. The spiritual gifts we are given when the Spirit indwells us are to be recognized and praised. We are to worship God and give Him thanks for our salvation, sanctification and gifts for service. When we enter our promised land (power over sin and freedom from it) we are praise God. We are to worship Him and never get to the point to believe or act like we have done this ourselves. It is a gift of God.
Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the Lord your God "gives" you as an inheritance, and you possess it and live in it,
In this chapter and the next couple of chapters to follow, Moses is going to give several laws about what to do when the nation of Israel gets into the "promised land." Repeatedly Moses will refer to this land they are about to enter, as something "given" to them by the Lord your God. Although the word has several meanings it is translated from the Hebrew "natan" over 1,800 times in the Old Testament. When we fold in all the various verb forms that number jumps to 2,000. In this chapter (26) it is used almost ten times and is translated "gives" or "given." Moses wants to outline for the nation the way they are are to offering worship to Yahweh. The point he wants them to grasp is that this land they are entering and will soon have to fight for is actually a "gift" to them. God is establishing the worship and the praise services, prior to them actually getting the land and arriving into the land. God wants them to always remember that even though He is going to ask them to go to war against the nation currently in the land, they must never forget that He is giving them the land and He is giving them the wisdom, strength and power to fight for the land. It would be so easy for them to simply think, after arriving in the land and securing the boarders, that they had accomplished something. In this chapter of Deuteronomy we see that God is using "natan" over and over to remind them they are getting a gift that they must go in and posses. So, they are given a gift by God and the power to posses it and the instructions on how to thank God for it. This is similar to the Gospel. We are given a gift of Salvation and the power and strength to possess this salvation, through Spirit powered Sanctification, and then we are instructed on how to thank God for that salvation and the "land" He gives us in victory over sin. Like the Israelites of old our possession is a gift of God and from God. Our land is our victory over sin. When we conquer sin in our lives that is a gift of God, by God and in His power. We are to be thankful. The spiritual gifts we are given when the Spirit indwells us are to be recognized and praised. We are to worship God and give Him thanks for our salvation, sanctification and gifts for service. When we enter our promised land (power over sin and freedom from it) we are praise God. We are to worship Him and never get to the point to believe or act like we have done this ourselves. It is a gift of God.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Is it important that you love the Children of God? 1 John 4-5
1 John 5:4-5
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
John writes this little epistle in what we might call syllogistic form. A syllogism is a way to convey an argument of thought. A simple syllogism is A = B; B = C; therefore A = C. Another syllogistic argument might be: Bald men are beautiful; David is bald; therefore David is beautiful. :))) John uses these arguments to make his case for the relationship between us and God; us and love; us and other believers. He simply states: God is love and loves His children; "If" we say we are of God we too are born and full of love; Therefore we should treat others in love, as God does. This love that God conveyed through His Son's death on the cross was the shinning moment of God defeating the world, Satan and sin. God's love reigned supreme and conquered all. Therefore, (using syllogistic reasoning) since God's love overcame the World through His Son's act of death; and, that our faith in Christ conveys that love to us; then - We too have overcome the world with that same love .... that is demonstrated in how we treat others. So, our "faith" (not just ours, but the Christian community of faith) overcomes the world and gives us victory in it. This is what John is trying to tell us. He makes a huge connection between theology and our every day practical life. He tells us God is love and that love has been placed in us by the indwelling presences of Christ through the Spirit. Since He does dwell in us (and is full of love) we, too, are full of love. That love (since we are fill by it) ought to flow over into the lives of other believers. This overflowing love, therefore, defeats sin, just like it did when Christ showed us the greatest love, by laying His life down for us. We can't allow the world to steal our love for each other; sway our love for each other; or, prevent the proper expression of our love for each other. Our "victory" over the world ... to overcome the sin in the world ... is to express love to all believers. If we have another child of God whom we can't express love to or with, than we are allowing the world to attempt a coup. The world can't win, but our lack of love causes us to stumble in this world. Victory over the world can be relevant and successful as we express Christ's love in us, through us, toward others. Christ loves His Children through love; We are given Christ's love through His abiding presence; Therefore, we should naturally love God's children in Christ's love.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
John writes this little epistle in what we might call syllogistic form. A syllogism is a way to convey an argument of thought. A simple syllogism is A = B; B = C; therefore A = C. Another syllogistic argument might be: Bald men are beautiful; David is bald; therefore David is beautiful. :))) John uses these arguments to make his case for the relationship between us and God; us and love; us and other believers. He simply states: God is love and loves His children; "If" we say we are of God we too are born and full of love; Therefore we should treat others in love, as God does. This love that God conveyed through His Son's death on the cross was the shinning moment of God defeating the world, Satan and sin. God's love reigned supreme and conquered all. Therefore, (using syllogistic reasoning) since God's love overcame the World through His Son's act of death; and, that our faith in Christ conveys that love to us; then - We too have overcome the world with that same love .... that is demonstrated in how we treat others. So, our "faith" (not just ours, but the Christian community of faith) overcomes the world and gives us victory in it. This is what John is trying to tell us. He makes a huge connection between theology and our every day practical life. He tells us God is love and that love has been placed in us by the indwelling presences of Christ through the Spirit. Since He does dwell in us (and is full of love) we, too, are full of love. That love (since we are fill by it) ought to flow over into the lives of other believers. This overflowing love, therefore, defeats sin, just like it did when Christ showed us the greatest love, by laying His life down for us. We can't allow the world to steal our love for each other; sway our love for each other; or, prevent the proper expression of our love for each other. Our "victory" over the world ... to overcome the sin in the world ... is to express love to all believers. If we have another child of God whom we can't express love to or with, than we are allowing the world to attempt a coup. The world can't win, but our lack of love causes us to stumble in this world. Victory over the world can be relevant and successful as we express Christ's love in us, through us, toward others. Christ loves His Children through love; We are given Christ's love through His abiding presence; Therefore, we should naturally love God's children in Christ's love.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Have you ever made a wrong assumption of someone or something that led to a riot? Acts 21-22
Acts 21:29
For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
Acts 21:38
Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?"
Assumption is the root of many evil acts. In Luke 2:44 we have the story of Mary and Joseph returning home after visiting Jerusalem with young Jesus. It states that they "supposed" he was in the caravan, when, indeed, he wasn't. Luke tells us that they had "assumed" this for so long that they actually traveled a full days journey, not knowing this entire time that Jesus was still in the Temple, teaching the Scribes and Pharisees ... as a young boy. That "assumption" would have been written about in the papers and broadcast on the news cycle if it were to happen today. When we assume something we can go a long way in the wrong direction. This is the point of what Dr. Luke gives us in the above passages. Paul was sent to the Temple by the Apostles and church leaders in Jerusalem for the sole purpose of showing them that Paul was not opposed to the Old Testament Law. Surprisingly, Paul agrees to this act of appeasement (way out of Paul's character) and while he is there, doing what others think best for his life, the Jewish leaders see him and, by chance (God IS IN control), they saw him, in the Temple with Trophimus. Apparently, Trophimus was a convert from Ephesus and Ephesus was noted for Greeks who worshiped the sex god, Diana. Although Trophimus was a believer (strike one against him in the Jews eyes), he was, more importantly, a Greek (strike two). We aren't told if Paul actually brought Trophimus into the temple, or not. It seems highly unlikely as Paul would have been highly aware that this would set the Jews off in a violent manner. It seems more likely that the Jewish pack did what the Spirit of God tells us: They saw Trophimus and assumed Paul brought him into the Temple. This assumption yields to Paul being mobbed and beaten, until, of course, the centurion Guard assigned to that location came running to stop the riot. But, because he saw Paul being beaten by these "fine, upstanding Jewish leaders (who we can believe had take well care of this centurion), he too assumed the worse: Paul must be that Egyptian who stirred up a revolt in the past. Paul attempts to clarify all this mixed-up knowledge, but to no avail. Instead of clarification of the issues, these circumstances, based upon assumption, are used by God to get Paul arrested and eventually sent to Rome ... the very place Paul had asked God to send him. Paul had desired to go to Rome many times but was often hindered (Romans 1:13). Now Paul was about to head to Rome, but through the prison system of the state government. God could have sent Paul to Rome on a red carpet. Instead, He sends him in chains. The prophet Agabus had prophesied this very thing a few verses earlier in this chapter (Acts 21:10). God uses these false assumptions to get His work done. We often are victims of false assumptions about us. Even though they are wrong, God often uses them to accomplish work in our lives. At times, we also have false assumptions about others. We make plans and work those plans based upon false assumptions. When the Roman centurion heard that Paul was a Roman citizen all the guards backed away from Paul and the centurion began to be worried that he had put Paul in chains ... all based upon an assumption. Who do we put into chains in our minds, simply based upon an assumption. God can use our false assumptions to accomplish His will. But, He would rather we treat others without these assumptions and suppositions.
For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
Acts 21:38
Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?"
Assumption is the root of many evil acts. In Luke 2:44 we have the story of Mary and Joseph returning home after visiting Jerusalem with young Jesus. It states that they "supposed" he was in the caravan, when, indeed, he wasn't. Luke tells us that they had "assumed" this for so long that they actually traveled a full days journey, not knowing this entire time that Jesus was still in the Temple, teaching the Scribes and Pharisees ... as a young boy. That "assumption" would have been written about in the papers and broadcast on the news cycle if it were to happen today. When we assume something we can go a long way in the wrong direction. This is the point of what Dr. Luke gives us in the above passages. Paul was sent to the Temple by the Apostles and church leaders in Jerusalem for the sole purpose of showing them that Paul was not opposed to the Old Testament Law. Surprisingly, Paul agrees to this act of appeasement (way out of Paul's character) and while he is there, doing what others think best for his life, the Jewish leaders see him and, by chance (God IS IN control), they saw him, in the Temple with Trophimus. Apparently, Trophimus was a convert from Ephesus and Ephesus was noted for Greeks who worshiped the sex god, Diana. Although Trophimus was a believer (strike one against him in the Jews eyes), he was, more importantly, a Greek (strike two). We aren't told if Paul actually brought Trophimus into the temple, or not. It seems highly unlikely as Paul would have been highly aware that this would set the Jews off in a violent manner. It seems more likely that the Jewish pack did what the Spirit of God tells us: They saw Trophimus and assumed Paul brought him into the Temple. This assumption yields to Paul being mobbed and beaten, until, of course, the centurion Guard assigned to that location came running to stop the riot. But, because he saw Paul being beaten by these "fine, upstanding Jewish leaders (who we can believe had take well care of this centurion), he too assumed the worse: Paul must be that Egyptian who stirred up a revolt in the past. Paul attempts to clarify all this mixed-up knowledge, but to no avail. Instead of clarification of the issues, these circumstances, based upon assumption, are used by God to get Paul arrested and eventually sent to Rome ... the very place Paul had asked God to send him. Paul had desired to go to Rome many times but was often hindered (Romans 1:13). Now Paul was about to head to Rome, but through the prison system of the state government. God could have sent Paul to Rome on a red carpet. Instead, He sends him in chains. The prophet Agabus had prophesied this very thing a few verses earlier in this chapter (Acts 21:10). God uses these false assumptions to get His work done. We often are victims of false assumptions about us. Even though they are wrong, God often uses them to accomplish work in our lives. At times, we also have false assumptions about others. We make plans and work those plans based upon false assumptions. When the Roman centurion heard that Paul was a Roman citizen all the guards backed away from Paul and the centurion began to be worried that he had put Paul in chains ... all based upon an assumption. Who do we put into chains in our minds, simply based upon an assumption. God can use our false assumptions to accomplish His will. But, He would rather we treat others without these assumptions and suppositions.
Friday, December 5, 2014
What happens to our prayers once they leave our lips? Revelation 1-5
Revelation 5:8
When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your prayers after they leave you lips, thoughts, mind? We know that God hears them. We know that He answers them, albeit not always like we prefer. But, according to the above passage our prayers are collected in the bowls that are held by the twenty-four elders that sit around the throne of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is not the only verse in The Revelation that states this truth. Note the following:
Revelation 8:3-4
Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.
What we see from the hand of John is that God collects the prayers of the saints and then, those prayers, become incense to the throne room of God. Yes, God answers are prayers, in some way or another. But, did you know that the very fragrance of heaven is altered by the prayer you pray in you prayer closet, on the way to work, in your darkest times of life, in the most wonderful times of praise, in the hospital room, in the board room, in the bedroom, in the garage? God keeps our prayers. We often hear people tell us to make sure we are careful what we post to the internet because it will always be there, forever. Yet, it really won't. When God destroys the world and builds a new heaven and a new earth, God will also destroy the words of man; the internet. But, our prayers WILL be kept forever. They are kept in the bowls of the elders as they sit around the throne of God. We are a fragrance to God. Note how Paul views our lives:
2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;
Our lives and our prayers are used by Christ to God for a sweet smell. Our prayers are used by God as an air freshener in heaven. We ought to think of prayers as way to communicate to God for the things we need. That use of prayer is not wrong and and is even encouraged by Christ and the writers of Scripture. But, our prayers should not be whining to God. Imagine if whining were a scent in heaven? What are the best smelling prayers? It would be imagined that the best incense of prayer would be those of praise and thanksgiving and not those of whining. Those of need and humbleness toward God to fill those needs must create a great scent in the throne room of God. What would the twenty-four elders call your prayers if it were a scent to God?
When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your prayers after they leave you lips, thoughts, mind? We know that God hears them. We know that He answers them, albeit not always like we prefer. But, according to the above passage our prayers are collected in the bowls that are held by the twenty-four elders that sit around the throne of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is not the only verse in The Revelation that states this truth. Note the following:
Revelation 8:3-4
Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.
What we see from the hand of John is that God collects the prayers of the saints and then, those prayers, become incense to the throne room of God. Yes, God answers are prayers, in some way or another. But, did you know that the very fragrance of heaven is altered by the prayer you pray in you prayer closet, on the way to work, in your darkest times of life, in the most wonderful times of praise, in the hospital room, in the board room, in the bedroom, in the garage? God keeps our prayers. We often hear people tell us to make sure we are careful what we post to the internet because it will always be there, forever. Yet, it really won't. When God destroys the world and builds a new heaven and a new earth, God will also destroy the words of man; the internet. But, our prayers WILL be kept forever. They are kept in the bowls of the elders as they sit around the throne of God. We are a fragrance to God. Note how Paul views our lives:
2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;
Our lives and our prayers are used by Christ to God for a sweet smell. Our prayers are used by God as an air freshener in heaven. We ought to think of prayers as way to communicate to God for the things we need. That use of prayer is not wrong and and is even encouraged by Christ and the writers of Scripture. But, our prayers should not be whining to God. Imagine if whining were a scent in heaven? What are the best smelling prayers? It would be imagined that the best incense of prayer would be those of praise and thanksgiving and not those of whining. Those of need and humbleness toward God to fill those needs must create a great scent in the throne room of God. What would the twenty-four elders call your prayers if it were a scent to God?
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Who do you bring into your banquet and how do you introduce them? Song of Songs 1-2
Song of Songs 2:4
“He has brought me to his banquet hall,
And his banner over me is love.
Song of Songs is a difficult book to read because there are so many different views of "how" to read it. Do we read it as a allegory of Christ's love for the church? Do we read it as a story of God's love for Israel? Do we read it as a shepherd's love for a female shepherdess, whom Solomon is trying to steal away from the young shepherd boy? Do we read it as Solomon's first love and his eventual marriage to that love? All the above views are held by some great theologians and pastors. No matter your interpretational views, everyone can agree that the book is about love. One's love for another. With that said, the above verse gives us a glimpse of that theme. Whoever is speaking, and whoever they are speaking about about, has been brought into the "banquet hall." What we know about a banquet hall (under any interpretation) is that it is a place of celebration and gathering of close friends, family and collegues. What we have in the verse, above, is a lover bringing the person they love into a gathering of close friends to "show her" off to those friends. How does he show her off? With a "banner" over her that reads, "LOVE." The Hebrew word for "banner" is used 14 times in the Old Testament. Of those 14 times, 13 of them are used in the book of Numbers when the nation of Israel is coming to rest in the desert and setting up camp. Moses tells us where each tribe pitched their tent when it became nightfall. In that place, where THAT tribe was resting for the night, they placed their name on a flag and put it high on a pole. The "banner" over their tribe would read the name of the tribe's father (Judah, Benjamin, Reuben, etc). The banner was a flag. It would indicate that below the banner you would find whatever was named on the flag at the other end of the pole, or under the banner. In the case we see in the above verse, Solomon is saying that the thing you would find under his banner for this women is: LOVE (now indicated with a flag over this young women being introduced to the young man's friends and family). What the young man was saying is that this women is loved and was brought to this banquet in love. But, perhaps there is even a great lesson pictured here. In the days of Solomon it would not be unusual for a king to go out to conquer another country. Upon their return it would, also, not be unusual to have that king return to their home country carrying the banner(s) of the king(s) they conquered on their side; like scalps of the defeated dead. The king would bring those "banners" into the banquet hall to celebrate their great victory or victories. In our above verse, however, we see that the victory over this women was not one of a fight or a siege or a conquest; but, rather, one of love. The king has not stormed her castle and brought her into his life via force or war. In the above verse we see that she was conquered and brought into the banquet hall through the most powerful of weapons: LOVE. What a great picture of how Christ conquered us. His banner over us is love. He brings us into His banquet hall via love. He could conquer us via force, but He doesn't. He storms the castle of our hearts via love (John 3:16). So, too, should we in regard to others. We are to "conquer" others via the banner of Love. Peter tells us in regard to our Christian brothers, that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.). We ought to raise our banner over others and bring them into the banquet hall of our lives and show them off to our friends. The flag we fly ought to read, LOVE. It covers sins and conveys hope. The banner of LOVE says we forgive. The banner of LOVE says we accept this person with all their failures. When we were the most unlovable, God's love for us captured us (even when we didn't deserve it) and He expressed love for us. The flag flying high above our heads and waived by Jesus Christ reads, Love. So, too, should we in regard to our treatment of others. We ought to escort them into our banquet hall and place a banner over them and us that reads: LOVE!! When we do this, the One who gets the glory is the One who created love and demonstrated it to us!! His banner of us is Love!!
“He has brought me to his banquet hall,
And his banner over me is love.
Song of Songs is a difficult book to read because there are so many different views of "how" to read it. Do we read it as a allegory of Christ's love for the church? Do we read it as a story of God's love for Israel? Do we read it as a shepherd's love for a female shepherdess, whom Solomon is trying to steal away from the young shepherd boy? Do we read it as Solomon's first love and his eventual marriage to that love? All the above views are held by some great theologians and pastors. No matter your interpretational views, everyone can agree that the book is about love. One's love for another. With that said, the above verse gives us a glimpse of that theme. Whoever is speaking, and whoever they are speaking about about, has been brought into the "banquet hall." What we know about a banquet hall (under any interpretation) is that it is a place of celebration and gathering of close friends, family and collegues. What we have in the verse, above, is a lover bringing the person they love into a gathering of close friends to "show her" off to those friends. How does he show her off? With a "banner" over her that reads, "LOVE." The Hebrew word for "banner" is used 14 times in the Old Testament. Of those 14 times, 13 of them are used in the book of Numbers when the nation of Israel is coming to rest in the desert and setting up camp. Moses tells us where each tribe pitched their tent when it became nightfall. In that place, where THAT tribe was resting for the night, they placed their name on a flag and put it high on a pole. The "banner" over their tribe would read the name of the tribe's father (Judah, Benjamin, Reuben, etc). The banner was a flag. It would indicate that below the banner you would find whatever was named on the flag at the other end of the pole, or under the banner. In the case we see in the above verse, Solomon is saying that the thing you would find under his banner for this women is: LOVE (now indicated with a flag over this young women being introduced to the young man's friends and family). What the young man was saying is that this women is loved and was brought to this banquet in love. But, perhaps there is even a great lesson pictured here. In the days of Solomon it would not be unusual for a king to go out to conquer another country. Upon their return it would, also, not be unusual to have that king return to their home country carrying the banner(s) of the king(s) they conquered on their side; like scalps of the defeated dead. The king would bring those "banners" into the banquet hall to celebrate their great victory or victories. In our above verse, however, we see that the victory over this women was not one of a fight or a siege or a conquest; but, rather, one of love. The king has not stormed her castle and brought her into his life via force or war. In the above verse we see that she was conquered and brought into the banquet hall through the most powerful of weapons: LOVE. What a great picture of how Christ conquered us. His banner over us is love. He brings us into His banquet hall via love. He could conquer us via force, but He doesn't. He storms the castle of our hearts via love (John 3:16). So, too, should we in regard to others. We are to "conquer" others via the banner of Love. Peter tells us in regard to our Christian brothers, that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.). We ought to raise our banner over others and bring them into the banquet hall of our lives and show them off to our friends. The flag we fly ought to read, LOVE. It covers sins and conveys hope. The banner of LOVE says we forgive. The banner of LOVE says we accept this person with all their failures. When we were the most unlovable, God's love for us captured us (even when we didn't deserve it) and He expressed love for us. The flag flying high above our heads and waived by Jesus Christ reads, Love. So, too, should we in regard to our treatment of others. We ought to escort them into our banquet hall and place a banner over them and us that reads: LOVE!! When we do this, the One who gets the glory is the One who created love and demonstrated it to us!! His banner of us is Love!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Do you maintain the cause of the afflicted? Psalms 140:12
Psalms 140:12
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted
And justice for the poor.
One of the major themes of God's Word is that God is a just God. He doesn't just suggest it to others, He demands it. It is the essence of God. In Micah 6:8 we read that is the main requirement of man toward God and toward other human beings. God demands justice in our treatment of others. you can't read too much of God's Word without getting this message. God holds the Edomites responsible throughout Scripture for their failure to simply let the nation of Israel to pass by through their land. God judges them throughout the prophets for this act of "injustice." The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's (Israel) brother. Because they mistreated their brother (being unjust) they would be judged for it. This is what it means in the above text when it states, "the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted." The judgement on the Edomites did not happen right away but God did, finally, judge them. We might not always see God's judgment, but we will see it ... eventually. Right now there is much oppression in the world; oppression by many powerful and ungodly leaders. In faith we read the above verse and in faith we say with the writer, "I know ...". It is comforting "to know" that God will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor. It is also compelling. It is compelling on us to do likewise. We are to reflect our Father as His children. We, too, should look for ways to maintain their cause and administer their justice. That is what our Father would do and that is what we should do.
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted
And justice for the poor.
One of the major themes of God's Word is that God is a just God. He doesn't just suggest it to others, He demands it. It is the essence of God. In Micah 6:8 we read that is the main requirement of man toward God and toward other human beings. God demands justice in our treatment of others. you can't read too much of God's Word without getting this message. God holds the Edomites responsible throughout Scripture for their failure to simply let the nation of Israel to pass by through their land. God judges them throughout the prophets for this act of "injustice." The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's (Israel) brother. Because they mistreated their brother (being unjust) they would be judged for it. This is what it means in the above text when it states, "the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted." The judgement on the Edomites did not happen right away but God did, finally, judge them. We might not always see God's judgment, but we will see it ... eventually. Right now there is much oppression in the world; oppression by many powerful and ungodly leaders. In faith we read the above verse and in faith we say with the writer, "I know ...". It is comforting "to know" that God will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor. It is also compelling. It is compelling on us to do likewise. We are to reflect our Father as His children. We, too, should look for ways to maintain their cause and administer their justice. That is what our Father would do and that is what we should do.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Do you know your "great work?" Nehemiah 5-9
Nehemiah 6:1-3
Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall, and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates, then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”
One of the many topics I talk about in my leadership training for CEOs and organizational top leaders is the concept of "strategic abandonment." That is a fancy phrase for deciding what to keep on your plate and what to toss off. People who have a high level of responsibility often have to make strategic decisions about to keep doing and what to abandon. The fact is, in our "busy" world, we all have to make those same decisions for our families and lives. Great strategic abandonment is what is happening with Nehemiah in the above passage. He is in the middle of a great work; rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem through the hands of discouraged people. He was being dissuaded by his own people and their lack of initiative. But, once he overcame their resistance, it was the enemy from the outside that came up against him, as stated in the above passage. Nehemiah's quote in verse three above is one for the ages and one we should mediate upon and memorize and be ready to use, often: "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down." This is the core of great strategic abandonment. God had given Nehemiah a great work. He was not about to leave the work to have another "meeting." Especially with a man who was really out to get him away from the work. God has a job for each of us and we are put here to do that job. It is our core purpose of life. We are put here to build a wall (Nehemiah); lead a nation out of slavery (Moses); kill a giant (David); build a church (Paul); save a nation (Esther). We can't do proper strategic abandonment until we know what the Divine calling is. We need to find our "wall to build" (our great work) and refuse to come down for any more meetings!!!
Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall, and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates, then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”
One of the many topics I talk about in my leadership training for CEOs and organizational top leaders is the concept of "strategic abandonment." That is a fancy phrase for deciding what to keep on your plate and what to toss off. People who have a high level of responsibility often have to make strategic decisions about to keep doing and what to abandon. The fact is, in our "busy" world, we all have to make those same decisions for our families and lives. Great strategic abandonment is what is happening with Nehemiah in the above passage. He is in the middle of a great work; rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem through the hands of discouraged people. He was being dissuaded by his own people and their lack of initiative. But, once he overcame their resistance, it was the enemy from the outside that came up against him, as stated in the above passage. Nehemiah's quote in verse three above is one for the ages and one we should mediate upon and memorize and be ready to use, often: "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down." This is the core of great strategic abandonment. God had given Nehemiah a great work. He was not about to leave the work to have another "meeting." Especially with a man who was really out to get him away from the work. God has a job for each of us and we are put here to do that job. It is our core purpose of life. We are put here to build a wall (Nehemiah); lead a nation out of slavery (Moses); kill a giant (David); build a church (Paul); save a nation (Esther). We can't do proper strategic abandonment until we know what the Divine calling is. We need to find our "wall to build" (our great work) and refuse to come down for any more meetings!!!
Monday, December 1, 2014
How do you judge others and do you daily business practices? Deuteronomy 23-25
Deuteronomy 25:13-16
“You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a full and just weight; you shall have a full and just measure, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. For everyone who does these things, everyone who acts unjustly is an abomination to the Lord your God.
Justice matters to God. God is a God of justice. The first act of injustice was in the Garden of Eden. Eve had disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. That was an act of injustice. God had to make that right and so the first visible death took place as God killed an animal to "cover" Adam and Eve (symbolic of what His Son would do centuries later). God couldn't just dismiss their sin and injustice. Justice matters to God. If you read through the Proverbs and focus on leadership you will see much written about the combination of leadership and justice. God is looking for us to reflect His character of justice. This is why, in the Law, Moses outlines for the nation the above passage. Often business was done by weighing out grain or money or other measurable items of trade and worth. Men would carry around, in a bag, the weights for measurement. Moses warns them to not possess differing weights, meaning "inaccurate" weights. God wanted them to be assured to know that that would not be just. Justice in this passage was to have accurate and correct weights in the bag for their daily business. Moses gives them two motivations for this type of accurate measurement. The first was that God promised to bless them as a result of just business practices. There is a blessing when we follow the ways of God in doing our business. He gives a second of motivation by telling them that not only will God be blessing them if the DO use just weights, but also that they will be an abomination to God if they don't. God is concerned about how we do our daily business. God is concerned how we measure our and weigh out our acts of business. Using inaccurate or unjust weights is seen by God as sin. Cheating in our business dealings with others is not blessed by God. God wants us to reflect Him in our day-to-day business dealings. Don't use moving weights or light weights or extra heavy weights when dealing with others. Measure others not by what you feel, but by what God tells us. Think of the many ways we "measure" others ... we use our own standards, when we ought to use God's standards ... God's weights.
“You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a full and just weight; you shall have a full and just measure, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. For everyone who does these things, everyone who acts unjustly is an abomination to the Lord your God.
Justice matters to God. God is a God of justice. The first act of injustice was in the Garden of Eden. Eve had disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. That was an act of injustice. God had to make that right and so the first visible death took place as God killed an animal to "cover" Adam and Eve (symbolic of what His Son would do centuries later). God couldn't just dismiss their sin and injustice. Justice matters to God. If you read through the Proverbs and focus on leadership you will see much written about the combination of leadership and justice. God is looking for us to reflect His character of justice. This is why, in the Law, Moses outlines for the nation the above passage. Often business was done by weighing out grain or money or other measurable items of trade and worth. Men would carry around, in a bag, the weights for measurement. Moses warns them to not possess differing weights, meaning "inaccurate" weights. God wanted them to be assured to know that that would not be just. Justice in this passage was to have accurate and correct weights in the bag for their daily business. Moses gives them two motivations for this type of accurate measurement. The first was that God promised to bless them as a result of just business practices. There is a blessing when we follow the ways of God in doing our business. He gives a second of motivation by telling them that not only will God be blessing them if the DO use just weights, but also that they will be an abomination to God if they don't. God is concerned about how we do our daily business. God is concerned how we measure our and weigh out our acts of business. Using inaccurate or unjust weights is seen by God as sin. Cheating in our business dealings with others is not blessed by God. God wants us to reflect Him in our day-to-day business dealings. Don't use moving weights or light weights or extra heavy weights when dealing with others. Measure others not by what you feel, but by what God tells us. Think of the many ways we "measure" others ... we use our own standards, when we ought to use God's standards ... God's weights.
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