Acts 11:22-24 (ESV Strong's)
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,
for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Truth: Faith in Christ demands faith with a steadfast purpose.
This chapter (11) begins with the Jewish Christians in the church questioning Peter going to the Gentiles to eat with them. In reality, Peter was sent by God to present the Gospel message to the Gentiles. As a result of Peter's work, the Spirit of God fell on the Gentiles and they were added to the church. The Jewish believers came to a better understanding of God's purpose: To save the world. In the above passages we are told that Barnabas goes to the believers in Antioch and begins to build them up in the faith. He does so by exhorting them all to remain faithful to the Lord and do so with steadfast purpose. Having a purpose driven life is a key to remaining faith. The world has many types of purpose they pursue. They often, foolishly, pursue the purpose of wealth, power and influence. God wants our purpose to be what His purpose is about. His purpose is about reaching the world with the message of His love and sacrifice. Our purpose is often winning, obtaining, gaining and/or conquering. When we are in faith to Christ we are aligned with His purpose. We are to, like Barnabas, exhort the believers in our midst to follow hard after God's purpose.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Truth #306 - In the midst of evil God is still just - Zephaniah
Zephaniah 3:5 (ESV Strong's)
5 The Lord within her is righteous;
he does no injustice;
every morning he shows forth his justice;
each dawn he does not fail;
but the unjust knows no shame.
Truth: Even in the midst of injustice God shows forth He is just.
We really can't get the full meaning of the above verse when we read it in isolation. Note the proceeding verses about the officials who rule the city of Jerusalem:
Zephaniah 3:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
3 Her officials within her
are roaring lions;
her judges are evening wolves
that leave nothing till the morning.
4 Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men;
her priests profane what is holy;
they do violence to the law.
In the midst of Jerusalem the leadership was corrupt. King and priest were leading the people into sin. Yet, despite that, people would still see the Lord's justice, every morning. Morning (the dawning of light) is a visible picture each day of God dispelling darkness (sin) and restoring justice (His holiness ... He is light ... James 1:16). Note what Lamentations says about God's morning work:
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV Strong's)
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
God give us His perfect justice and His perfect works. There is NO injustice in them. We can be assured that whatever God is bringing into our lives is for His perfect work to be done in our lives. It allows us to know Him in a personal way and it conforms us to the image of His Son.
5 The Lord within her is righteous;
he does no injustice;
every morning he shows forth his justice;
each dawn he does not fail;
but the unjust knows no shame.
Truth: Even in the midst of injustice God shows forth He is just.
We really can't get the full meaning of the above verse when we read it in isolation. Note the proceeding verses about the officials who rule the city of Jerusalem:
Zephaniah 3:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
3 Her officials within her
are roaring lions;
her judges are evening wolves
that leave nothing till the morning.
4 Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men;
her priests profane what is holy;
they do violence to the law.
In the midst of Jerusalem the leadership was corrupt. King and priest were leading the people into sin. Yet, despite that, people would still see the Lord's justice, every morning. Morning (the dawning of light) is a visible picture each day of God dispelling darkness (sin) and restoring justice (His holiness ... He is light ... James 1:16). Note what Lamentations says about God's morning work:
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV Strong's)
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
God give us His perfect justice and His perfect works. There is NO injustice in them. We can be assured that whatever God is bringing into our lives is for His perfect work to be done in our lives. It allows us to know Him in a personal way and it conforms us to the image of His Son.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Truth #305 - Legacy is highly overrated - Ecceleisastes 3-4
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 (ESV Strong's)
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.
14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.
15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place.
16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Truth: Legacy is highly overrated.
Today, when you reach the end of your years, career or time of service to something, you have a desire to leave a "legacy." We worry so much about what people will say about us that we start to live our lives different at the end and hope what they say will be great. What the above passage does is outline the futility in legacy mindsets. The story above is told by Solomon to show us that despite our rise in life from ashes to glory, in the end, after we are gone, few will even mention us, much less rejoice about us. This story is a story of the a young king is rises to power from being poor and imprisoned. He becomes king and then later his kingdom is passed to another. After his death "those who come later will not rejoice in him." The point is, they will not rejoice in his existence because they will be so concerned about new kings and new rises to power, they won't take time to remember and pay tribute. We do have leaders today we have named days after, streets after, buildings after. But, those who come after us don't even know who most of these people are or what they stood for. This is vanity. The point is that our existence, absent God, has no legacy. The only legacy that matters is if we lived for Christ and in His power. Will people say about us, "He/she was a person of Christ!" That is the only legacy that matters and that will last. It won't matter if you were once in prison and became a king!
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.
14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.
15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place.
16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Truth: Legacy is highly overrated.
Today, when you reach the end of your years, career or time of service to something, you have a desire to leave a "legacy." We worry so much about what people will say about us that we start to live our lives different at the end and hope what they say will be great. What the above passage does is outline the futility in legacy mindsets. The story above is told by Solomon to show us that despite our rise in life from ashes to glory, in the end, after we are gone, few will even mention us, much less rejoice about us. This story is a story of the a young king is rises to power from being poor and imprisoned. He becomes king and then later his kingdom is passed to another. After his death "those who come later will not rejoice in him." The point is, they will not rejoice in his existence because they will be so concerned about new kings and new rises to power, they won't take time to remember and pay tribute. We do have leaders today we have named days after, streets after, buildings after. But, those who come after us don't even know who most of these people are or what they stood for. This is vanity. The point is that our existence, absent God, has no legacy. The only legacy that matters is if we lived for Christ and in His power. Will people say about us, "He/she was a person of Christ!" That is the only legacy that matters and that will last. It won't matter if you were once in prison and became a king!
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Truth #304 - God's people can have faith in God's leadership - Psalm 125-127
Psalms 125:3
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous,
So that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.
Truth: God's people can have faith that God will prevent evil rulers from maintaining their rule.
The nation of Israel had a solid promise from God: The land was their land!! This becomes a cornerstone to their actions from the beginning to the present day. God had promised Israel the land and the promise of the land being possessed by them last through the Scripture, to the very end in The Revelation. The first line in the above verse states that a wicked leader will not rule over them (Scepter of Wickedness). God was promising them land but also righteous rulers. If there was a wicked king, that king would be replaced. The story of 1 and 2 Chronicles and 1 and 2 Kings is an example of that promise being worked out. This need for Godly leadership is so important the last part of the verse states that the removal of ungodly leaders will assure that the righteous, living in the land, will not, themselves, also turn to evil. God understands the power of leaders over the people. When people have an ungodly leader the do ungodly things. God continued to remove the ungodly leaders from the midst of Israel and would hold them responsible for the way they lead the people. Leadership is the rudder for the culture and the culture can or won't tolerate sin. When the leader sins the people know that the culture allows it. When the nation of Israel came out of Egypt a man was caught working on the Sabbath. Because the people knew that Moses would not tolerate such an act they stoned the man, based upon the command of God that didn't allow work on the Sabbath. That is a far cry from the culture to what the leaders of Israel would later create. Israel would later ignore the Sabbath and many other of God's commands and the leaders would lead them into this way of life. God did promise the land, but He also stated He would correct leadership from leading His people astray. God is in the promise of doing that same thing today. He has established Christ as the leader of Israel, whether they recognize Christ or not. God established the ultimate leader of righteousness in their land via Christ. Now they must follow.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous,
So that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.
Truth: God's people can have faith that God will prevent evil rulers from maintaining their rule.
The nation of Israel had a solid promise from God: The land was their land!! This becomes a cornerstone to their actions from the beginning to the present day. God had promised Israel the land and the promise of the land being possessed by them last through the Scripture, to the very end in The Revelation. The first line in the above verse states that a wicked leader will not rule over them (Scepter of Wickedness). God was promising them land but also righteous rulers. If there was a wicked king, that king would be replaced. The story of 1 and 2 Chronicles and 1 and 2 Kings is an example of that promise being worked out. This need for Godly leadership is so important the last part of the verse states that the removal of ungodly leaders will assure that the righteous, living in the land, will not, themselves, also turn to evil. God understands the power of leaders over the people. When people have an ungodly leader the do ungodly things. God continued to remove the ungodly leaders from the midst of Israel and would hold them responsible for the way they lead the people. Leadership is the rudder for the culture and the culture can or won't tolerate sin. When the leader sins the people know that the culture allows it. When the nation of Israel came out of Egypt a man was caught working on the Sabbath. Because the people knew that Moses would not tolerate such an act they stoned the man, based upon the command of God that didn't allow work on the Sabbath. That is a far cry from the culture to what the leaders of Israel would later create. Israel would later ignore the Sabbath and many other of God's commands and the leaders would lead them into this way of life. God did promise the land, but He also stated He would correct leadership from leading His people astray. God is in the promise of doing that same thing today. He has established Christ as the leader of Israel, whether they recognize Christ or not. God established the ultimate leader of righteousness in their land via Christ. Now they must follow.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Truth #303 - God is faithful to His Word - 2 Chronicles 29-32
2 Chronicles 32:20-22
But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword. So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.
Truth: God can and will do miraculous things to protect those who serve Him.
King Hezekiah was a good king who did what honored God. That "doing good" and "honoring God" did not exempt him from suffering, however. We read in this chapter how the King of Babylon had come to destroy the nation and the king. But, Hezekiah laid their threats before God and what you read about is the result. We don't think of god as this type of God. However, this IS who He is. God had promised to protect and provide for His children. That is an act of faith on our part to trust Him for this care. In the above context, the enemy was actually killed by an angel. God can do some miraculous things to save His children. He promised He would and in the above passage He does. That should give us much strength in our own acts of faith as we wait for God. His word is faithful. He is faithful to His Word.
But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword. So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.
Truth: God can and will do miraculous things to protect those who serve Him.
King Hezekiah was a good king who did what honored God. That "doing good" and "honoring God" did not exempt him from suffering, however. We read in this chapter how the King of Babylon had come to destroy the nation and the king. But, Hezekiah laid their threats before God and what you read about is the result. We don't think of god as this type of God. However, this IS who He is. God had promised to protect and provide for His children. That is an act of faith on our part to trust Him for this care. In the above context, the enemy was actually killed by an angel. God can do some miraculous things to save His children. He promised He would and in the above passage He does. That should give us much strength in our own acts of faith as we wait for God. His word is faithful. He is faithful to His Word.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Truth #302 - There is no assignment before us when God is within us - Deuteronomny 7-9
Deuteronomy 9:1-3
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ Know therefore today that it is the Lord your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the Lord has spoken to you.
Truth: There is no assignment before us when God is within us
This book is the second giving of the Law. The old generation had died in the wilderness due to their lack of faith. This new generation was being warned to not follow their footsteps. God was with them and therefore they had no reason to fear. The first generation had spied out the land God was giving them and had said the giants were too big, the walls to large and the land to vast. God was about to bring this younger generation into the land and he didn't want them to to panic and have a lack-of-faith-moment. The above verses are to remind them that God is a powerful God and, even though they have a monumental task ahead of them, God would be with them. We lack faith when put both eyes on the task rather than the God who is giving us the task. The story of Peter walking on the water is the N.T. equivalent of this. Look at the Savior and walk on the water. Look at the water and sink into the water. That is the basic message to this generation. Look at the giants and you will probably fall prey to the giants. Look at the God who called you to this spot, and God will conquer the giants in your path.
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ Know therefore today that it is the Lord your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the Lord has spoken to you.
Truth: There is no assignment before us when God is within us
This book is the second giving of the Law. The old generation had died in the wilderness due to their lack of faith. This new generation was being warned to not follow their footsteps. God was with them and therefore they had no reason to fear. The first generation had spied out the land God was giving them and had said the giants were too big, the walls to large and the land to vast. God was about to bring this younger generation into the land and he didn't want them to to panic and have a lack-of-faith-moment. The above verses are to remind them that God is a powerful God and, even though they have a monumental task ahead of them, God would be with them. We lack faith when put both eyes on the task rather than the God who is giving us the task. The story of Peter walking on the water is the N.T. equivalent of this. Look at the Savior and walk on the water. Look at the water and sink into the water. That is the basic message to this generation. Look at the giants and you will probably fall prey to the giants. Look at the God who called you to this spot, and God will conquer the giants in your path.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Truth #301 - Despite circumstnaces, we can glory in Christ - James 1-3
James 1:9
But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
Truth: Despite our circumstances, we are to glory in the position we have in Christ.
In James' day, the believer was not typically in the position of wealth and high social status. The entire book was written to believers that were part of the "dispersed" believers. Even to those who were socially wealth, once they became believers, would be excoriated in the public eye and would lose position, wealth and even their jobs and/or careers. James will, repeatedly, in this letter warn the rich not to trust in those temporal and tangible pleasures for this life. What James does tell them (and us) is that even if we are socially deficient we are eternally wealthy. James, also, is not just telling us this for the future. The believer is "now" enjoying those benefits, as we are in Christ. James is not the Theologian that Paul is, but he is not less in what we have in Christ. The rich have nothing on us. We are rich in Christ and that gives us "creature" comforts and a different perspective for life's circumstances. In our society the poor and the destitute are not normally "glorying" in their position. This is how James is telling us to live upside-down in our world. Or, perhaps, better, how to live right-side-up in a upside-down world. We are to be different. Our bank account is not to give us comfort and reason to glory. Our team is not to give us comfort and reason to glory. Our careers are not to give us comfort and reason to glory. Our position in Christ is to give us glory, not our position in life.
But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
Truth: Despite our circumstances, we are to glory in the position we have in Christ.
In James' day, the believer was not typically in the position of wealth and high social status. The entire book was written to believers that were part of the "dispersed" believers. Even to those who were socially wealth, once they became believers, would be excoriated in the public eye and would lose position, wealth and even their jobs and/or careers. James will, repeatedly, in this letter warn the rich not to trust in those temporal and tangible pleasures for this life. What James does tell them (and us) is that even if we are socially deficient we are eternally wealthy. James, also, is not just telling us this for the future. The believer is "now" enjoying those benefits, as we are in Christ. James is not the Theologian that Paul is, but he is not less in what we have in Christ. The rich have nothing on us. We are rich in Christ and that gives us "creature" comforts and a different perspective for life's circumstances. In our society the poor and the destitute are not normally "glorying" in their position. This is how James is telling us to live upside-down in our world. Or, perhaps, better, how to live right-side-up in a upside-down world. We are to be different. Our bank account is not to give us comfort and reason to glory. Our team is not to give us comfort and reason to glory. Our careers are not to give us comfort and reason to glory. Our position in Christ is to give us glory, not our position in life.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Truth #300 - Declaration of Christ's Deity is Evidence of Faith - Acts 9-10
Acts 9:20
And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
Truth: The Declaration that Jesus is THE Son of God is the evidence of faith.
In Acts 9 we have the story of Paul's conversion from being a threat to the Church of Christ to a trumpeter for Christ. Paul was on a mission to destroy the church. The stories in the Book of Acts is to show us the power of the Gospel and how it changes lives, communities and even nations. When God intervenes in Paul's life and he begins to proclaim his loyalty for Christ, the very people who employed him to destroy the church sought his destruction. The reason? Because of the statement in the above verse. Paul declared that Jesus was THE Son of God. In John's epistle we read that this is the requirement for conversion. Note John's words:
1 John 4:15
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
Our status as "children of God" is defined by our belief and profession that Jesus was not just a good man; He was not just a knowledgable prophet; and, He was not just a miracle worker. Jesus was the Son of God. This is what separates good people of religion from good people of Christian faith. Good religions (i.e. Mormonism) can have great morales and great systems of belief. But, Paul's testimony and John's writings show us that a converted person is one who professes that Jesus IS the Son of God. Not "a" son of God (i.e. again, the Mormon system), but "THE" Son. The ONLY Son. Paul's conversion is monumental. Why? Because he ceased persecuting Christ through the torture of His believers and began proclaiming Christ to the torture of those who had previously commissioned him. That is a conversion.
And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
Truth: The Declaration that Jesus is THE Son of God is the evidence of faith.
In Acts 9 we have the story of Paul's conversion from being a threat to the Church of Christ to a trumpeter for Christ. Paul was on a mission to destroy the church. The stories in the Book of Acts is to show us the power of the Gospel and how it changes lives, communities and even nations. When God intervenes in Paul's life and he begins to proclaim his loyalty for Christ, the very people who employed him to destroy the church sought his destruction. The reason? Because of the statement in the above verse. Paul declared that Jesus was THE Son of God. In John's epistle we read that this is the requirement for conversion. Note John's words:
1 John 4:15
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
Our status as "children of God" is defined by our belief and profession that Jesus was not just a good man; He was not just a knowledgable prophet; and, He was not just a miracle worker. Jesus was the Son of God. This is what separates good people of religion from good people of Christian faith. Good religions (i.e. Mormonism) can have great morales and great systems of belief. But, Paul's testimony and John's writings show us that a converted person is one who professes that Jesus IS the Son of God. Not "a" son of God (i.e. again, the Mormon system), but "THE" Son. The ONLY Son. Paul's conversion is monumental. Why? Because he ceased persecuting Christ through the torture of His believers and began proclaiming Christ to the torture of those who had previously commissioned him. That is a conversion.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Truth #299 - Knowledge of God means honor for God - Habakkuk
Habakkuk 2:12-14
“Woe to him who builds a town with blood
and founds a city on iniquity!
Behold, is it not from the Lord of hosts
that peoples labor merely for fire,
and nations weary themselves for nothing?
For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Truth: Knowledge of the Lord means recognition and honor for the Lord.
Habakkuk is the prophet who dares to ask of God that no one else will. God was going to discipline His people. Those people were His chosen people. Everything these people had been taught is that they were special in the eyes of God. However, they didn't learn the lessons about what happens if and when they sin. God is going to discipline them and He is going to use the wicked nation of Babylon as His tool to correct them. With this, Habakkuk has an issue. Habakkuk objects with a variety of questions. As God unfolds His answers, we have the above response of Habakkuk. Habakkuk now knows that even though God may use the wicked to discipline His children, God is to be honored, despite their power. To paraphrase his words, "Even if the wicked build a great city (or, nation) on the blood of innocent people they need to realize that it is God who gives that ability. Just like God gives them the ability to make a simple fire to stay warm, so too, He does, to make them strong. When God's knowledge comes through the land, His glory is contained in that knowledge and He should be honored and recognized for that glory." Today, men operate as though God does not exist and that He deserves no honor. Yet, when His knowledge swipes through the land, we too, are to give Him glory. Knowing God means to honor God. Recognition follows knowledge.
“Woe to him who builds a town with blood
and founds a city on iniquity!
Behold, is it not from the Lord of hosts
that peoples labor merely for fire,
and nations weary themselves for nothing?
For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Truth: Knowledge of the Lord means recognition and honor for the Lord.
Habakkuk is the prophet who dares to ask of God that no one else will. God was going to discipline His people. Those people were His chosen people. Everything these people had been taught is that they were special in the eyes of God. However, they didn't learn the lessons about what happens if and when they sin. God is going to discipline them and He is going to use the wicked nation of Babylon as His tool to correct them. With this, Habakkuk has an issue. Habakkuk objects with a variety of questions. As God unfolds His answers, we have the above response of Habakkuk. Habakkuk now knows that even though God may use the wicked to discipline His children, God is to be honored, despite their power. To paraphrase his words, "Even if the wicked build a great city (or, nation) on the blood of innocent people they need to realize that it is God who gives that ability. Just like God gives them the ability to make a simple fire to stay warm, so too, He does, to make them strong. When God's knowledge comes through the land, His glory is contained in that knowledge and He should be honored and recognized for that glory." Today, men operate as though God does not exist and that He deserves no honor. Yet, when His knowledge swipes through the land, we too, are to give Him glory. Knowing God means to honor God. Recognition follows knowledge.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Truth #298 - Apart from Christ these is an emptimess in our life labor - Ecclesiastes 1-2
Ecclesiastes 1:14-15
I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
What is crooked cannot be made straight,
and what is lacking cannot be counted.
Truth: Apart from Christ there is an emptiness in the labor of our life.
Men go from job to job and occupation to occupation. In the days gone by, someone would get a job and hold that job for the remainder of his or her life. However, in today's world, many younger workers will experience 5-10 different jobs and have multiple jobs at one time. Despite the method or the approach, men are always seeking something better in regard to a life occupation and the earning of a living. They are, in reality, chasing the wind. This is Solomon's point in this passage. Everything we do is simply chasing the wind and futile at best. Apart from Christ we can't make the crooked straight and we can count what is not there. Corporate American seems to be the masters of chasing the wind and if you understand the stock market it is literally counting what is not there. It is money that is not really present that people count to make themselves feel secure. Yet, it plunges as quickly as the wind changes. They are, chasing the wind. When we have Christ in our lives we have meaning and we have purpose. Without His abiding presence we are locked into the Solomon's words: All is vanity.
I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
What is crooked cannot be made straight,
and what is lacking cannot be counted.
Truth: Apart from Christ there is an emptiness in the labor of our life.
Men go from job to job and occupation to occupation. In the days gone by, someone would get a job and hold that job for the remainder of his or her life. However, in today's world, many younger workers will experience 5-10 different jobs and have multiple jobs at one time. Despite the method or the approach, men are always seeking something better in regard to a life occupation and the earning of a living. They are, in reality, chasing the wind. This is Solomon's point in this passage. Everything we do is simply chasing the wind and futile at best. Apart from Christ we can't make the crooked straight and we can count what is not there. Corporate American seems to be the masters of chasing the wind and if you understand the stock market it is literally counting what is not there. It is money that is not really present that people count to make themselves feel secure. Yet, it plunges as quickly as the wind changes. They are, chasing the wind. When we have Christ in our lives we have meaning and we have purpose. Without His abiding presence we are locked into the Solomon's words: All is vanity.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Truth #297 - Only God can relieve us from the stress of life
Psalms 123:3-4
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
Truth: Only God can relieve us from the stress of life
In this Psalm (123) we have the writer crying out to God for relief from the stress of life that is often caused by the people in our lives. There are people in our lives who wish to do us harm and who wish to make life tough for us. The nation of Israel is an example to us of what can happen when you live as people of God, the children of God, in a land that rejects God. The only deliverance we have from them is to toss ourselves onto the mercy of God. We have the ability to trust Him because He gives us the gift of faith. We need His mercy. He renews His mercy to us each morning. It is that mercy that keeps back what we deserve. Without God's mercy would be judged for being the sinners that we are. Praise God for mercy!!
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
Truth: Only God can relieve us from the stress of life
In this Psalm (123) we have the writer crying out to God for relief from the stress of life that is often caused by the people in our lives. There are people in our lives who wish to do us harm and who wish to make life tough for us. The nation of Israel is an example to us of what can happen when you live as people of God, the children of God, in a land that rejects God. The only deliverance we have from them is to toss ourselves onto the mercy of God. We have the ability to trust Him because He gives us the gift of faith. We need His mercy. He renews His mercy to us each morning. It is that mercy that keeps back what we deserve. Without God's mercy would be judged for being the sinners that we are. Praise God for mercy!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Truth #296 - Anchored in God keeps us strong in the World - 2 Chronicles 25-28
2 Chronicles 27:6
So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.
Truth: Anchored in God keeps us in the place of strength
The world, today, preaches that we are to operate from a place of strength and not weakness. When we negotiate, we are to use our strengths to "win" in that negotiation. Jotham, the king of Judah, had put God first in his life. He decided to pursue God and that allowed God to make him prosper. Instead of utilizing his own strength, however, he sought out God's strength and operating in that power. His strength was actually a weakness. In the above passage it says he "ordered" his ways before the Lord. Note what the author Vine says about this word, "ordered:"
VINE: This root used concretely connotes being firmly established, being firmly anchored and being firm. The first meaning is applied to a roof which is “firmly established” on pillars. So Samson said to the lad who was leading him: “Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them” (Judg. 16:26). In a similar sense the inhabited earth “is firmly established or anchored”; it is immovable: “... The world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved” (Ps. 93:1). In Ps. 75:3the image shifts to the earth “firmly established” upon pillars. In Ps. 65:6the divine establishing of the mountains is synonymous with divine creating. The verb also means “to be firm”: “And you grew up and became tall and arrived at [the age for fine ornaments]; your breasts were formed, and your hair had grown” (Ezek. 16:7, rsv),
So, Jotham gave up his own strength and, rather, found his real strength by putting his faith in God's Word and in God's power. We can't do that unless we come to Christ in our weakness and admit to Him we are nothing without Him. Paul said it as follows:
2 Corinthians 12:10
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.
Truth: Anchored in God keeps us in the place of strength
The world, today, preaches that we are to operate from a place of strength and not weakness. When we negotiate, we are to use our strengths to "win" in that negotiation. Jotham, the king of Judah, had put God first in his life. He decided to pursue God and that allowed God to make him prosper. Instead of utilizing his own strength, however, he sought out God's strength and operating in that power. His strength was actually a weakness. In the above passage it says he "ordered" his ways before the Lord. Note what the author Vine says about this word, "ordered:"
VINE: This root used concretely connotes being firmly established, being firmly anchored and being firm. The first meaning is applied to a roof which is “firmly established” on pillars. So Samson said to the lad who was leading him: “Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them” (Judg. 16:26). In a similar sense the inhabited earth “is firmly established or anchored”; it is immovable: “... The world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved” (Ps. 93:1). In Ps. 75:3the image shifts to the earth “firmly established” upon pillars. In Ps. 65:6the divine establishing of the mountains is synonymous with divine creating. The verb also means “to be firm”: “And you grew up and became tall and arrived at [the age for fine ornaments]; your breasts were formed, and your hair had grown” (Ezek. 16:7, rsv),
So, Jotham gave up his own strength and, rather, found his real strength by putting his faith in God's Word and in God's power. We can't do that unless we come to Christ in our weakness and admit to Him we are nothing without Him. Paul said it as follows:
2 Corinthians 12:10
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Truth #295 - Obedience to the righteous law produces a righteous life - Deuteronomy 4-6
Deuteronomy 6:25
And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’
Truth: Obedience the righteous laws of God will produce a righteous life.
The simply truth of the entire book of Deuteronomy is the above truth. The older generation did not recognize this truth, disobeyed God's word and were left to die in the wilderness. This new generation, which will enter the promise land under Joshua's leadership and not Moses' leadership, will need to remember and practice this truth. The complete giving of the law the second time like this (the meaning of "deuteronomy") is so that this new generation doesn't fall into the same trap as their fathers. The truth is that when we follow God's truth we will be blessed with righteous living and a righteous life. We will still encounter sin in the world and as such, have challenges in our life. A righteous life is not a life free from the affects of sin. A righteous life is a life that enjoys the benefits of a guilt free and shame free life. A righteous life is one where the affects of sin do not define us, restrain us, or diminish us. We have been declared righteous by God and therefore enjoy the benefits of righteousness when we walk in favor of His Word.
And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’
Truth: Obedience the righteous laws of God will produce a righteous life.
The simply truth of the entire book of Deuteronomy is the above truth. The older generation did not recognize this truth, disobeyed God's word and were left to die in the wilderness. This new generation, which will enter the promise land under Joshua's leadership and not Moses' leadership, will need to remember and practice this truth. The complete giving of the law the second time like this (the meaning of "deuteronomy") is so that this new generation doesn't fall into the same trap as their fathers. The truth is that when we follow God's truth we will be blessed with righteous living and a righteous life. We will still encounter sin in the world and as such, have challenges in our life. A righteous life is not a life free from the affects of sin. A righteous life is a life that enjoys the benefits of a guilt free and shame free life. A righteous life is one where the affects of sin do not define us, restrain us, or diminish us. We have been declared righteous by God and therefore enjoy the benefits of righteousness when we walk in favor of His Word.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Truth #294 - God commends people for faith - Hebrews 11-13
Hebrews 11:1-2
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.
Truth: God commends people for their faith, not for their skill set.
In our society the worker, the athlete, and all forms of profession are evaluated by their performance and outcomes. Today, the educational industry is being rocked by a change in how they evaluate teachers. Teachers are now being evaluated by how well their students do (some thought that should always be how they were evaluated). Product is the key form of all evaluation. We are rewarded in our society if we produce. Not so in Christianity. According to the above verse, we receive commendation, from God, based upon our faith. We aren't exempt from work and production, but the production (bearing fruit) in the believers life is a direct result of their faith. Faith produces works. But, we are commended and rewarded by faith. That is what this chapter eleven of Hebrews is written to demonstrate to us. God is commending these people to us ... He is rewarding them with recognition based upon their faith. A few verses later we will read that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Christianity is the opposite of the world. We are rewarded for thrusting ourselves onto God's mercy and grace via faith. To have faith we have to come to the point that we realize we have no skill set or individual merit that would warrant God's commendation. Faith is the conduit for God's commendation. The word in Greek for commendation is "martus." As one person said it, "In a very similar sense our testimony for Jesus Christ is an extremely serious thing. Please note that the Greek word "martus"—the basis for "martureo", or "witness"—is where we get our English word "martyr." It is when, by faith in God, we express our testimony that we are known as martyr ... giving your life for Christ.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.
Truth: God commends people for their faith, not for their skill set.
In our society the worker, the athlete, and all forms of profession are evaluated by their performance and outcomes. Today, the educational industry is being rocked by a change in how they evaluate teachers. Teachers are now being evaluated by how well their students do (some thought that should always be how they were evaluated). Product is the key form of all evaluation. We are rewarded in our society if we produce. Not so in Christianity. According to the above verse, we receive commendation, from God, based upon our faith. We aren't exempt from work and production, but the production (bearing fruit) in the believers life is a direct result of their faith. Faith produces works. But, we are commended and rewarded by faith. That is what this chapter eleven of Hebrews is written to demonstrate to us. God is commending these people to us ... He is rewarding them with recognition based upon their faith. A few verses later we will read that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Christianity is the opposite of the world. We are rewarded for thrusting ourselves onto God's mercy and grace via faith. To have faith we have to come to the point that we realize we have no skill set or individual merit that would warrant God's commendation. Faith is the conduit for God's commendation. The word in Greek for commendation is "martus." As one person said it, "In a very similar sense our testimony for Jesus Christ is an extremely serious thing. Please note that the Greek word "martus"—the basis for "martureo", or "witness"—is where we get our English word "martyr." It is when, by faith in God, we express our testimony that we are known as martyr ... giving your life for Christ.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Truth #293 - God Children our sent to find God's Children - Acts 7 & 8
Acts 8:26-29
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
Truth: God wants to use His children to reach other children.
This is a marvelous story of God's sovereign rule and the obedience of one of his children. Note the following in this story:
1. Philip was in this place by the Spirit's movement in his life ... Are we sensitive to where the Spirit wants us to be? Are we aware that God's purpose for us is NOT to accumulate wealth, assurances for old age, a legacy for ourselves, or property and other possessions? God has a purpose us and it is the spreading of the Gospel and the power of it in our lives.
2. Philip is ask to go to a crossroad in the desert and meets a man from another country/culture for the purpose of saving one lost soul. Are we cognizant of where God wants us to be? We are not to look for warm climates, mountain settings, river beds or cozy sunsets. God has a place for us that might be in the midst of the desert at the crossroads of two dirt roads.
3. The man just happens to be reading a passage about Christ. While we are being put in the position to witness the Gospel to others we don't always know what God is doing in the hearts of those He wants us to speak to. We often think that the "work" depends on us and our preparation and our skill sets. And, whereas, that is important, God is causing a thirst in the hearts those He sends us to speak to about the Gospel. His job is to do the preparation and conversion. Our job is to be available to provide the message.
4. This is a story about a man, in that day, who was an outcast. Who is the Ethiopian eunuch today? Today, in our lives, we each have an Ethiopian eunuch whom we would prefer to not talk to or associate with. Isn't it interesting that these are the very people God brings us to talk to and to present the power of the Gospel.
The truth is we are God's Children who are sent to gather more of God's Children.
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
Truth: God wants to use His children to reach other children.
This is a marvelous story of God's sovereign rule and the obedience of one of his children. Note the following in this story:
1. Philip was in this place by the Spirit's movement in his life ... Are we sensitive to where the Spirit wants us to be? Are we aware that God's purpose for us is NOT to accumulate wealth, assurances for old age, a legacy for ourselves, or property and other possessions? God has a purpose us and it is the spreading of the Gospel and the power of it in our lives.
2. Philip is ask to go to a crossroad in the desert and meets a man from another country/culture for the purpose of saving one lost soul. Are we cognizant of where God wants us to be? We are not to look for warm climates, mountain settings, river beds or cozy sunsets. God has a place for us that might be in the midst of the desert at the crossroads of two dirt roads.
3. The man just happens to be reading a passage about Christ. While we are being put in the position to witness the Gospel to others we don't always know what God is doing in the hearts of those He wants us to speak to. We often think that the "work" depends on us and our preparation and our skill sets. And, whereas, that is important, God is causing a thirst in the hearts those He sends us to speak to about the Gospel. His job is to do the preparation and conversion. Our job is to be available to provide the message.
4. This is a story about a man, in that day, who was an outcast. Who is the Ethiopian eunuch today? Today, in our lives, we each have an Ethiopian eunuch whom we would prefer to not talk to or associate with. Isn't it interesting that these are the very people God brings us to talk to and to present the power of the Gospel.
The truth is we are God's Children who are sent to gather more of God's Children.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Truth #292 - God is the God of Wrath - Nahum
Nahum 1:2
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord is avenging and wrathful;
the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries
and keeps wrath for his enemies.
Truth: God's wrath is a holy part of His Character
When the world speaks of "God" they often speak that He is the "God of love" and "mercy." God, they say, would never allow anything bad to happen to man and that when bad happens it either proves there is no God, or God is weak and can't stop the evil from happening. Or, they think and scream that God is "unfair." However, the above verse states an opposite view of God that the world does not want to confess. God, who indeed is a God of love (1 John 4:16), is also the God of wrath and is jealous for the worship due Him. When mankind (as witnessed by the city of Nineveh in this book) rejects God's grace and mercy and does not honor God with their heartfelt worship, God WILL avenge that lack of worship and WILL bring His holy wrath on mankind. Nineveh had heard the message of God's mercy and grace 100 years earlier through the prophet Jonah. They repented and worshipped God. But, years later they rejected the grace of God and exchanged it for worship of self and idols, representing creation rather than the Creator. God is the God of Love and the God of Justice and Wrath. His mercy flows along the same river as His wrath. When we worship God we ought to sing praises to His love as much as His wrath and vengeance on those who reject His character and His plans. God is the God of wrath ... in complete harmony with His love and mercy.
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord is avenging and wrathful;
the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries
and keeps wrath for his enemies.
Truth: God's wrath is a holy part of His Character
When the world speaks of "God" they often speak that He is the "God of love" and "mercy." God, they say, would never allow anything bad to happen to man and that when bad happens it either proves there is no God, or God is weak and can't stop the evil from happening. Or, they think and scream that God is "unfair." However, the above verse states an opposite view of God that the world does not want to confess. God, who indeed is a God of love (1 John 4:16), is also the God of wrath and is jealous for the worship due Him. When mankind (as witnessed by the city of Nineveh in this book) rejects God's grace and mercy and does not honor God with their heartfelt worship, God WILL avenge that lack of worship and WILL bring His holy wrath on mankind. Nineveh had heard the message of God's mercy and grace 100 years earlier through the prophet Jonah. They repented and worshipped God. But, years later they rejected the grace of God and exchanged it for worship of self and idols, representing creation rather than the Creator. God is the God of Love and the God of Justice and Wrath. His mercy flows along the same river as His wrath. When we worship God we ought to sing praises to His love as much as His wrath and vengeance on those who reject His character and His plans. God is the God of wrath ... in complete harmony with His love and mercy.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Truth #291 - Good works are rewarded by God and man - Proverbs 30-31
Proverbs 31:31
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Truth: Good works are rewarded by God and allowed to impress man
It is important to know the order of good works as in relationship with faith. There are those who see good works as an avenue to God and believe by doing good works they will be rewarded by God. However, God's word doesn't teach such a truth. Good works are a result of faith toward God and God rewards faith that produces good works. Good works are the evidence of a life of faith. (See Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 11:6; and Romans 5-7). In the above passage we have the final verse from Proverbs 31, which is a "resume" of the virtuous women. From the beginning of her descriptions to this point we have read about her amazing "works." However, the previous verse tells us that her works are a result of her being a women who "fears the Lord." That is a testimony of her faith. And, as a result of her faith, we see that she is therefore producing works that God then rewards with the praise of men. It should be noted that a person who does good works should not be ignored. This verse is evidence that God approves of honoring those who do good works. The final aspect of her good works, after being glorifying to God, is that man will praise her. However, remember what our Lord said of such works:
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
We are to praise those who do good works, but we are also to make sure when we are praised that God is the one who is glorified for the works. We can't think that we are doing good works to receive merit toward our salvation. We can't think we are doing good works to seek the praise of men. But, if we do works by faith, for God's glory, we will receive the honor of God and men.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Truth: Good works are rewarded by God and allowed to impress man
It is important to know the order of good works as in relationship with faith. There are those who see good works as an avenue to God and believe by doing good works they will be rewarded by God. However, God's word doesn't teach such a truth. Good works are a result of faith toward God and God rewards faith that produces good works. Good works are the evidence of a life of faith. (See Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 11:6; and Romans 5-7). In the above passage we have the final verse from Proverbs 31, which is a "resume" of the virtuous women. From the beginning of her descriptions to this point we have read about her amazing "works." However, the previous verse tells us that her works are a result of her being a women who "fears the Lord." That is a testimony of her faith. And, as a result of her faith, we see that she is therefore producing works that God then rewards with the praise of men. It should be noted that a person who does good works should not be ignored. This verse is evidence that God approves of honoring those who do good works. The final aspect of her good works, after being glorifying to God, is that man will praise her. However, remember what our Lord said of such works:
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
We are to praise those who do good works, but we are also to make sure when we are praised that God is the one who is glorified for the works. We can't think that we are doing good works to receive merit toward our salvation. We can't think we are doing good works to seek the praise of men. But, if we do works by faith, for God's glory, we will receive the honor of God and men.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Truth #290 - God answers us when we are in tight places - Psalm 120-121
Psalms 120:1
In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
Truth: God answers us when we are in a tight places.
The Hebrew word for "distress" in the above verse is explained this way in the Vines Dictionary of Biblical Words:
tsarah means “straits” or “distress” in a psychological or spiritual sense, which is its meaning in Gen. 42:21 (the first occurrence): “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear....”
In the Genesis 42:21 passage the brothers of Joseph are talking about how they should have seen his "distress" when they first put in him a pit and then eventually sold him into slavery. The word conjures up a stressful situation where we have no control and can't escape a certain peril or fear of peril. How the non-believing world operates in such times, I can't understand. Who do they turn to? Who can they cry out to? They can turn to finance, or psychology, or relationships, or chemicals. But none of those things are assured of relief or strength in the midst of the struggle. It is only the God of the universe who can reach down and relieve our distress and find a way of escape for us. Knowing that we have that help at our disposal is the reason believers can sustain a positive and uplifting attitude, despite the circumstances of life. We can call and He will answer. That is all we need to know. The writer is here rejoicing in the fact that God is the God who listens to HIs children and wants to come their aide. He wants to rescue, provide, secure, surround and/or sustain us. Rejoice in the assurance of this verse.
In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
Truth: God answers us when we are in a tight places.
The Hebrew word for "distress" in the above verse is explained this way in the Vines Dictionary of Biblical Words:
tsarah means “straits” or “distress” in a psychological or spiritual sense, which is its meaning in Gen. 42:21 (the first occurrence): “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear....”
In the Genesis 42:21 passage the brothers of Joseph are talking about how they should have seen his "distress" when they first put in him a pit and then eventually sold him into slavery. The word conjures up a stressful situation where we have no control and can't escape a certain peril or fear of peril. How the non-believing world operates in such times, I can't understand. Who do they turn to? Who can they cry out to? They can turn to finance, or psychology, or relationships, or chemicals. But none of those things are assured of relief or strength in the midst of the struggle. It is only the God of the universe who can reach down and relieve our distress and find a way of escape for us. Knowing that we have that help at our disposal is the reason believers can sustain a positive and uplifting attitude, despite the circumstances of life. We can call and He will answer. That is all we need to know. The writer is here rejoicing in the fact that God is the God who listens to HIs children and wants to come their aide. He wants to rescue, provide, secure, surround and/or sustain us. Rejoice in the assurance of this verse.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Truth #289 - When God's grace is dimiished, the smallest foe wins - 2 Chroniles 21-24
2 Chronicles 24:24
Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the Lord delivered into their hand a very great army, because Judah had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash.
Truth: When God's grace is diminished the smallest of foe can conquer the weakened saint
In the above passage we have the results of King Joash's disobedience. In his younger years this king served God and was full of fame and strength. The priest, Jehoiada gave him good counsel and kept him on the right course. But, after Jehoiada died, Joash began to disobey God, even more. As a result of his disobedience that limited God's grace. Remember, what God's Word says about grace, and how we obtain it:
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
In his pride, Joash cut of God's grace to his life. As a result, as the above verse states, the army of the Syrians came up against him with "few men" and, yet, that was enough. Because they had "forsaken the Lord" the "Lord delivered into their hand a very great army." It matters not our skills set, strength, numbers or power, when we disobey God and, as a result, His grace is not able to flow into our lives, the smallest of foe can cause us harm. After the battle of Jericho, Achan took some of the spoil and buried it under his tent. The next day the entire nation of Israel was beaten by a small army because God's grace was limited by Achan's sin. We can not fight with God and employ His power when we limit His power in our lives by open sin. God gives grace to the humble and when we sin, we are not humble but proud and thinking of our own wants, desires and wills. God resist that and therefore small foes can bring us down.
Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the Lord delivered into their hand a very great army, because Judah had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash.
Truth: When God's grace is diminished the smallest of foe can conquer the weakened saint
In the above passage we have the results of King Joash's disobedience. In his younger years this king served God and was full of fame and strength. The priest, Jehoiada gave him good counsel and kept him on the right course. But, after Jehoiada died, Joash began to disobey God, even more. As a result of his disobedience that limited God's grace. Remember, what God's Word says about grace, and how we obtain it:
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
In his pride, Joash cut of God's grace to his life. As a result, as the above verse states, the army of the Syrians came up against him with "few men" and, yet, that was enough. Because they had "forsaken the Lord" the "Lord delivered into their hand a very great army." It matters not our skills set, strength, numbers or power, when we disobey God and, as a result, His grace is not able to flow into our lives, the smallest of foe can cause us harm. After the battle of Jericho, Achan took some of the spoil and buried it under his tent. The next day the entire nation of Israel was beaten by a small army because God's grace was limited by Achan's sin. We can not fight with God and employ His power when we limit His power in our lives by open sin. God gives grace to the humble and when we sin, we are not humble but proud and thinking of our own wants, desires and wills. God resist that and therefore small foes can bring us down.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Truth #288 - The lessons of the past are to build the faith for today - Deuteronomy 1-3
Deuteronomy 3:21-22
And I commanded Joshua at that time, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. So will the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’
Truth: God uses past experiences of faith and victory to teach us to trust tomorrow.
The book of Deuteronomy is the "second giving of the Law." This is the book Moses writes for the "second" generation of Israelites. The first generation, the ones lead out of Egypt, have all died or are dying. They disobeyed God and are dying in the wilderness. God, on the other hand, is allowing their children to enter the promise land. However, the children (now adults) were not old enough when the Law was first handed down. So, this is the "second" giving of the Law that will teach the younger generation the law and the promises of God. However, as we look at the above verses we learn an important truth: God does not want a new generation to forget the blessings He gave to the previous generation. Not only did this younger generation need to know the Law, they needed to know the care and power of the God behind the Law and what He did for their fathers. We are to read carefully and remember assuredly the great things God has done in the past for His people. These things in the past are what helps us build our faith. We can see what God did for them and, therefore, what He can do for us. Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth and told them to make sure they remembered the lessons from Israel's past:
1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to show us the power of God in faith, by outlining the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11. That gives us an understanding of the past things God has done and ways He has worked in the lives of others and can and will work in our lives.
And I commanded Joshua at that time, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. So will the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’
Truth: God uses past experiences of faith and victory to teach us to trust tomorrow.
The book of Deuteronomy is the "second giving of the Law." This is the book Moses writes for the "second" generation of Israelites. The first generation, the ones lead out of Egypt, have all died or are dying. They disobeyed God and are dying in the wilderness. God, on the other hand, is allowing their children to enter the promise land. However, the children (now adults) were not old enough when the Law was first handed down. So, this is the "second" giving of the Law that will teach the younger generation the law and the promises of God. However, as we look at the above verses we learn an important truth: God does not want a new generation to forget the blessings He gave to the previous generation. Not only did this younger generation need to know the Law, they needed to know the care and power of the God behind the Law and what He did for their fathers. We are to read carefully and remember assuredly the great things God has done in the past for His people. These things in the past are what helps us build our faith. We can see what God did for them and, therefore, what He can do for us. Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth and told them to make sure they remembered the lessons from Israel's past:
1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to show us the power of God in faith, by outlining the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11. That gives us an understanding of the past things God has done and ways He has worked in the lives of others and can and will work in our lives.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Truth #287 - We have an advocate in heaven - Hebrews 8-10
Hebrews 9:24
For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
Truth: We have an advocate to defend us in the presence of God: His Son, Our Savior, Jesus
If you have ever gone to trial in a legal proceeding you know the value of a good lawyer. A lawyer's job is to bring your argument, in legal speak, before the judge. Since we don't know most of the finer points of the law, this lawyer is to know the law, know our case and know the arguments to convince the judge we are innocent, or free from responsibility, etc. That is our legal system. It has many flaws, but it is still one of the best legal systems in the world. However, imagine if, on top of defending me, my lawyer also stated, to the Judge, that I AM guilty and I deserve whatever punishment the Judge is wanting to exact, but the Lawyer states to the Judge, "I paid for his iniquity and he has NO guilt. Lay his punishment on me!" Imagine that!! That would be the BEST legal system. This is what Christ has done for us and what is stated in the above verse. Christ has entered the courtroom and stood in front of the Judge (His Father) on our behalf and pleads for us. He states to the Father, "I paid for his sin, his punishment is on my and I paid for that, as well. He is free!!" What a marvelous and blessed truth and hope. God sent His Son to pay for the punishment of the sin God would eventually have to convict us about. Christ pleads for us. Christ is for us!!! What a blessed hope!!
For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
Truth: We have an advocate to defend us in the presence of God: His Son, Our Savior, Jesus
If you have ever gone to trial in a legal proceeding you know the value of a good lawyer. A lawyer's job is to bring your argument, in legal speak, before the judge. Since we don't know most of the finer points of the law, this lawyer is to know the law, know our case and know the arguments to convince the judge we are innocent, or free from responsibility, etc. That is our legal system. It has many flaws, but it is still one of the best legal systems in the world. However, imagine if, on top of defending me, my lawyer also stated, to the Judge, that I AM guilty and I deserve whatever punishment the Judge is wanting to exact, but the Lawyer states to the Judge, "I paid for his iniquity and he has NO guilt. Lay his punishment on me!" Imagine that!! That would be the BEST legal system. This is what Christ has done for us and what is stated in the above verse. Christ has entered the courtroom and stood in front of the Judge (His Father) on our behalf and pleads for us. He states to the Father, "I paid for his sin, his punishment is on my and I paid for that, as well. He is free!!" What a marvelous and blessed truth and hope. God sent His Son to pay for the punishment of the sin God would eventually have to convict us about. Christ pleads for us. Christ is for us!!! What a blessed hope!!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Truth #286 - God in your heart - God on your face - Acts 5-6
Acts 6:15
And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Truth: Those who spend time with God will reflect His glory!!
The "him" in the above passage is Stephen. Stephen was selected, by the Apostles, to aide in the service of the widows. (Chapter six opens with the story of some widows in the church who are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Stephen and a few others were selected to help in this ministry.) Stephen, although a minister of tables (probably a "deacon" in our minds, today) is also proving himself to be a strong minister of the word. While doing his service, Stephen is not limited by "his assignment" in the Body of Christ. He is proving to be a gifted orator and takes that gift to the market place. Once there he is confronted by religious leaders. In their confrontation it is said they can't "withstand the wisdom" the Spirit of God is giving Stephen. Note the proceeding verse:
Acts 6:10
But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
In order to have that power you have to be walking in the Spirit and submitting tot he Spirit's work in your own life. As they gazed at him they could not help but see his face look different. This is similar to when Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days. When he came down from the mountain he had to cover his face because it had glowed with God's glory. Like the moon reflects the sun, so we will reflect the Son of God, when we are fellowshipping and submitting to Him. Those around us will see that we have a different face. But, you don't show a different face to the world unless you have a heart for God. Stephen had that heart.
And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Truth: Those who spend time with God will reflect His glory!!
The "him" in the above passage is Stephen. Stephen was selected, by the Apostles, to aide in the service of the widows. (Chapter six opens with the story of some widows in the church who are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Stephen and a few others were selected to help in this ministry.) Stephen, although a minister of tables (probably a "deacon" in our minds, today) is also proving himself to be a strong minister of the word. While doing his service, Stephen is not limited by "his assignment" in the Body of Christ. He is proving to be a gifted orator and takes that gift to the market place. Once there he is confronted by religious leaders. In their confrontation it is said they can't "withstand the wisdom" the Spirit of God is giving Stephen. Note the proceeding verse:
Acts 6:10
But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
In order to have that power you have to be walking in the Spirit and submitting tot he Spirit's work in your own life. As they gazed at him they could not help but see his face look different. This is similar to when Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days. When he came down from the mountain he had to cover his face because it had glowed with God's glory. Like the moon reflects the sun, so we will reflect the Son of God, when we are fellowshipping and submitting to Him. Those around us will see that we have a different face. But, you don't show a different face to the world unless you have a heart for God. Stephen had that heart.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Truth #285 - God is for us - Micah
Micah 7:19-20
He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old.
Truth: God does not cast off forever
If you have ever been under discipline by God, you know what this verse is taking about. God is not the God who will not forget His love for us. Although He does discipline His children, He does so in a measured manner and will restore us. God's purpose for discipline is sanctification and restoration. God is FOR us. He wants us restored. This book of Micah is about God's discipline and His restoration. God is the God who sent His Son to restore us. I don't deserve His restoration and that is why it is called grace. He is for us. He send His Son for us. His Son died for us. The above verses, the last two in the book, are all about what the book is about ... it is about restoration and the compassion of a righteous God on a wicked people. It is about a righteous God's compassion on a wicked man like me. God is for us!!!
He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old.
Truth: God does not cast off forever
If you have ever been under discipline by God, you know what this verse is taking about. God is not the God who will not forget His love for us. Although He does discipline His children, He does so in a measured manner and will restore us. God's purpose for discipline is sanctification and restoration. God is FOR us. He wants us restored. This book of Micah is about God's discipline and His restoration. God is the God who sent His Son to restore us. I don't deserve His restoration and that is why it is called grace. He is for us. He send His Son for us. His Son died for us. The above verses, the last two in the book, are all about what the book is about ... it is about restoration and the compassion of a righteous God on a wicked people. It is about a righteous God's compassion on a wicked man like me. God is for us!!!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Truth #284 - When leadership is righteous their is rejoicing in follower-ship - Proverbs 29
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
Truth: When leadership is righteous their is rejoicing in follower-ship
It seems appropriate in a political year that we look deeper into this proverb. As much as "politics" reject the "Religious Right" this proverbs is actually played out time and time again in many organizations and business entities across our nation. When righteous people rule there is prosperity that last and the members of those organization and busness ventures "rejoice." However, when a wicked person is ruling there may be "profit" but it is at the cost of people and their groans are heard from Wall Street to Main Street. Solomon's words here are written well before a two-party system. He is not concerned with political affiliations as much as Diety Relations. He knows that a person who loves God and is ruling to glorify God will produce an environment that people can find many things to rejoice in. I do not believe that every person who claims to be on the religious right is righteous. But, I do believe to be right with God is to be righteous and that will always benefit the followers if that is the leaders creed and governance.
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
Truth: When leadership is righteous their is rejoicing in follower-ship
It seems appropriate in a political year that we look deeper into this proverb. As much as "politics" reject the "Religious Right" this proverbs is actually played out time and time again in many organizations and business entities across our nation. When righteous people rule there is prosperity that last and the members of those organization and busness ventures "rejoice." However, when a wicked person is ruling there may be "profit" but it is at the cost of people and their groans are heard from Wall Street to Main Street. Solomon's words here are written well before a two-party system. He is not concerned with political affiliations as much as Diety Relations. He knows that a person who loves God and is ruling to glorify God will produce an environment that people can find many things to rejoice in. I do not believe that every person who claims to be on the religious right is righteous. But, I do believe to be right with God is to be righteous and that will always benefit the followers if that is the leaders creed and governance.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Truth #283 - Those who love God's Word are assured to be protected by God - Psalm 119
Psalms 119:165
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
Truth: Those who love God's Word are assured to be protected by God's power and promises.
The above passage should be read in light of several other verse in the Scriptures:
Proverbs 3:23 (speaking to those who follow God's Word)
Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
Proverbs 4:12 (same context)
When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.
Psalm 91:12 (speaking of how angles will watch over those who love God and His Word)
On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
There many, many other verses we could site to make the argument that those who love God and His Word can be assured of their safety in life's sinful circumstances. It does not mean, however, that we won't have trouble. It means that in the midst of trouble we can be assured of making right choices and having faithful character. We can think about Joseph and Daniel as prime examples. Or, in the N.T., the apostle Paul. We are not to worry about stumbling in our walk when we have the God of the universe paving the street before us. Yes, like Job, He might put speed bumps or "Ys" in the road for us, but He also promises that we will not be stumbling and groping around in the dark, when these things come ... like the unbelieving world. He even says, in the above verse, that we will have peace in such circumstances. Men and women of faith are always shown to have great, amazing and unexplainable peace in the midst of trying times. Those who love God's Word can be assured of that continued promise.
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
Truth: Those who love God's Word are assured to be protected by God's power and promises.
The above passage should be read in light of several other verse in the Scriptures:
Proverbs 3:23 (speaking to those who follow God's Word)
Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
Proverbs 4:12 (same context)
When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.
Psalm 91:12 (speaking of how angles will watch over those who love God and His Word)
On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
There many, many other verses we could site to make the argument that those who love God and His Word can be assured of their safety in life's sinful circumstances. It does not mean, however, that we won't have trouble. It means that in the midst of trouble we can be assured of making right choices and having faithful character. We can think about Joseph and Daniel as prime examples. Or, in the N.T., the apostle Paul. We are not to worry about stumbling in our walk when we have the God of the universe paving the street before us. Yes, like Job, He might put speed bumps or "Ys" in the road for us, but He also promises that we will not be stumbling and groping around in the dark, when these things come ... like the unbelieving world. He even says, in the above verse, that we will have peace in such circumstances. Men and women of faith are always shown to have great, amazing and unexplainable peace in the midst of trying times. Those who love God's Word can be assured of that continued promise.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Truth #282 - God will forgive us for poor decisions made - 2 Chronicles 18-22
2 Chronicles 18:31
As soon as the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; God drew them away from him.
Truth: God will forgive us for poor decisions made, even after we hear His counsel.
Have you ever made a decision you know you were not to make that put you in a place, position or state that was dangerous? This is what Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, did. He went to visit the King of Israel, Ahab. Ahab enticed him to go into battle with him against the king of Syria. However, before doing so, they both sought out God's will. Through false prophets, both were convinced to go into battle. However, one prophet, Micaiah, told them NOT to go into battle. They didn't listen. As a result of refusing to obey God's Word, they found themselves in a bad spot. This happens to us all and when it does we feel weak, shamed and helpless. This is the perfect place to be. God can come to our rescue when we find ourselves helpless. Jehoshaphat cried out to God and God drew the enemy away from him. When we cry out to God, we find deliverance. Jonah was disobedient, ran from God and the Word of His command to go to Ninevah, and found himself in the belly of the great fish. Yet, in Jonah 3 we read about Jonah crying out to God and God delivered him. Despite his disobedience, God is for us. Peter denied Christ three times. Despite his disobedience God established a relationship of love with him when the risen Lord asked him three times, "Do you love me?" God is in the business of forgiving us and coming to our rescue. He is on our side ... even when we disobey Him. That is the truth of 1 John 1:9.
As soon as the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; God drew them away from him.
Truth: God will forgive us for poor decisions made, even after we hear His counsel.
Have you ever made a decision you know you were not to make that put you in a place, position or state that was dangerous? This is what Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, did. He went to visit the King of Israel, Ahab. Ahab enticed him to go into battle with him against the king of Syria. However, before doing so, they both sought out God's will. Through false prophets, both were convinced to go into battle. However, one prophet, Micaiah, told them NOT to go into battle. They didn't listen. As a result of refusing to obey God's Word, they found themselves in a bad spot. This happens to us all and when it does we feel weak, shamed and helpless. This is the perfect place to be. God can come to our rescue when we find ourselves helpless. Jehoshaphat cried out to God and God drew the enemy away from him. When we cry out to God, we find deliverance. Jonah was disobedient, ran from God and the Word of His command to go to Ninevah, and found himself in the belly of the great fish. Yet, in Jonah 3 we read about Jonah crying out to God and God delivered him. Despite his disobedience, God is for us. Peter denied Christ three times. Despite his disobedience God established a relationship of love with him when the risen Lord asked him three times, "Do you love me?" God is in the business of forgiving us and coming to our rescue. He is on our side ... even when we disobey Him. That is the truth of 1 John 1:9.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Truth #281 - God dwells among us - Numbers 33-36
Numbers 35:34
You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the Lord dwell in the midst of the people of Israel.”
Truth: God dwells in our midst, which is why we need to be holy.
In this section Moses is giving the final instructions to the nation, before they enter the promise land. Moses is telling them that God dwelling among them is the reason for their holiness. They will fail at their mission but they should not exact motivation. God dwelling among us should be enough reason for the nation to want to live by faith in holiness. God saved us for such a life:
Psalms 85:9
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
God wants us to live holy. He dwells with us to make it happen. He dwells in us to keep us and make us holy. Notice our NT instructions:
1 Peter 1:16
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
God wants us to live holy lives because He is dwelling in us and among us.
You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the Lord dwell in the midst of the people of Israel.”
Truth: God dwells in our midst, which is why we need to be holy.
In this section Moses is giving the final instructions to the nation, before they enter the promise land. Moses is telling them that God dwelling among them is the reason for their holiness. They will fail at their mission but they should not exact motivation. God dwelling among us should be enough reason for the nation to want to live by faith in holiness. God saved us for such a life:
Psalms 85:9
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
God wants us to live holy. He dwells with us to make it happen. He dwells in us to keep us and make us holy. Notice our NT instructions:
1 Peter 1:16
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
God wants us to live holy lives because He is dwelling in us and among us.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Truth #280 - Our hope is not a feeling, it is a Person - Hebrews 5-7
Hebrews 6:18-19
so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Truth: The Christian hope is not a "feeling" but a "person" - the Person of Christ
When the world talks about "hoping" for something, they conjure up a meaning for us that is quite different than the meaning for hope in God's word ... especially in the above passage. The world "hopes" for things based upon a flawed focus. They hope for a peace agreement in the Middle East and it based upon the character and trust of those negotiating. The character of the flawed nations is the foundation of their hope. Parents hope that their children will grow and make great choices and "turn out" okay. Their hope if founded upon the character of a child, or their skills for instilling character in their children. The world uses the word hope when they probably mean "we are crossing our fingers." When we read about hope in God's Word, however, and it is known as the Christian Hope, we are talking about a real person. The person of Christ. In the above passage we read that our hope is the person of Christ who enters into the inner place with God and sits at the right hand of God. When we read about hope in the New Testament for the Believer we read the following:
Titus 2:13
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Our hope is not a feeling, not based upon our own personal constructs, and not based in the flawed and sinless nature of men and nations. Our hope does't begin with what we feel but with WHO He is!! Our hope is a person. We have hope in the person of Christ. Our hope is that He will keep us until the end and perfect us to the end. He is our blessed hope!
so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Truth: The Christian hope is not a "feeling" but a "person" - the Person of Christ
When the world talks about "hoping" for something, they conjure up a meaning for us that is quite different than the meaning for hope in God's word ... especially in the above passage. The world "hopes" for things based upon a flawed focus. They hope for a peace agreement in the Middle East and it based upon the character and trust of those negotiating. The character of the flawed nations is the foundation of their hope. Parents hope that their children will grow and make great choices and "turn out" okay. Their hope if founded upon the character of a child, or their skills for instilling character in their children. The world uses the word hope when they probably mean "we are crossing our fingers." When we read about hope in God's Word, however, and it is known as the Christian Hope, we are talking about a real person. The person of Christ. In the above passage we read that our hope is the person of Christ who enters into the inner place with God and sits at the right hand of God. When we read about hope in the New Testament for the Believer we read the following:
Titus 2:13
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Our hope is not a feeling, not based upon our own personal constructs, and not based in the flawed and sinless nature of men and nations. Our hope does't begin with what we feel but with WHO He is!! Our hope is a person. We have hope in the person of Christ. Our hope is that He will keep us until the end and perfect us to the end. He is our blessed hope!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Truth #279 - We can be bold in Jesus name - Acts 3-4
Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Truth: Those who believe in Jesus can be bold in this world
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
In the first chapters of Acts (the entire book, really) we have the resistance of the Jewish leaders and others, to the thought that Jesus rose from the dead and to the power of the Gospel. It is this power that is visually seen by the religious leaders in the above verse. The disciples were not "educated" men ... they were "common" men. Yet, with boldness, Peter and John delivered the message of a resurrected Savior. They had just said, in the proceeding verse:
Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Think of the power of that statement, but also the risk of those words coming from a uneducated and common man, as it is spoken to the learned and intellectual. It is almost insulting. Hence our struggle today. The lowliest of all believers can be bolder than any Phd. certified scholar when the come to know that truth and spend time in prayer with Jesus and reading the Scriptures about Him. Jesus is the powerful name that began this section of reading as Peter spoke the name of the Jesus, the risen Lord, and healed a lame man. Our boldness is NOT In our education. Our boldness is NOT in our skill-sets. Our boldness is NOT in our networking, legacy, connectivity, competency, or logical reasoning. Our boldness is in the Name of Jesus and when we spend time with Him we can have the boldness of a lion. We are the children of God and as children we can call on the name of His Son, Jesus. Be bold!!! Notice what Peter and John eventually pray after they are released that day and they return to the other disciples:
Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Truth: Those who believe in Jesus can be bold in this world
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
In the first chapters of Acts (the entire book, really) we have the resistance of the Jewish leaders and others, to the thought that Jesus rose from the dead and to the power of the Gospel. It is this power that is visually seen by the religious leaders in the above verse. The disciples were not "educated" men ... they were "common" men. Yet, with boldness, Peter and John delivered the message of a resurrected Savior. They had just said, in the proceeding verse:
Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Think of the power of that statement, but also the risk of those words coming from a uneducated and common man, as it is spoken to the learned and intellectual. It is almost insulting. Hence our struggle today. The lowliest of all believers can be bolder than any Phd. certified scholar when the come to know that truth and spend time in prayer with Jesus and reading the Scriptures about Him. Jesus is the powerful name that began this section of reading as Peter spoke the name of the Jesus, the risen Lord, and healed a lame man. Our boldness is NOT In our education. Our boldness is NOT in our skill-sets. Our boldness is NOT in our networking, legacy, connectivity, competency, or logical reasoning. Our boldness is in the Name of Jesus and when we spend time with Him we can have the boldness of a lion. We are the children of God and as children we can call on the name of His Son, Jesus. Be bold!!! Notice what Peter and John eventually pray after they are released that day and they return to the other disciples:
Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Truth #278 - When we put ME on the throne we hinder HIS love - Jonah
Jonah 2:8
Those who pay regard to vain idols
forsake their hope of steadfast love.
Truth: When we put an idol in place of God we hinder His steadfast love into our lives.
Jonah was on the run and has already caused much affliction in the lives of those around him. The sailors in the ship have lost their cargo and almost their lives (although, in HIS rebellion, GOD provided THEM salvation). Now Jonah is in the belly of the great fish and he is, like all of us, crying out in repentance. This is a "fox-hole-conversion-prayer." Jonah is desperate. The circumstances of life have caused him to repent and have given him much clarity about the situation he has put himself in. God has brought Jonah to his knees in the belly of a fish. You can't get much lower than that. The reality God wants Jonah to know is confessed in the above passage. When we chase "worthless" idols, we cut off God's continuous love. There is no doubt that this aspect of the prayer is pointing to Nineveh, to Israel, the men on the ship AND to Jonah. Israel had left God and followed worthless idols. Note the following:
Jeremiah 2:13
for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
Nineveh, in their pursuit of their own autonomy and selfish gains, had forsaken the God of all creation and grace. The men on the ship, when caught in a storm, first turned to their "own" gods for deliverance and that meant they didn't have God's grace. Once they tossed Jonah over board, God's grace and steadfast love swept into their lives. Jonah, had paid attention to a "vain idol" (himself and his selfish thoughts about the Ninevites) and God had brought this punishment on him for that. He was actually in the place of God's love. Had God not loved him, God would not have prepared for him a fish to rescue him. The fish was not a bad thing, it was a life ring. Yet, Jonah had to come to realize that when we worship idols in our lives (anything that tries to take place on the throne reserved only for God), we must realize we hinder God's steadfast love. God is the God of love. He wants to extend that love to us. Yet, we often put something else on the throne of our lives (our own sinful needs) and we cut off God's love from being active in our lives. People who worship the idols on the thrones of their lives have no room for God and His great love.
Those who pay regard to vain idols
forsake their hope of steadfast love.
Truth: When we put an idol in place of God we hinder His steadfast love into our lives.
Jonah was on the run and has already caused much affliction in the lives of those around him. The sailors in the ship have lost their cargo and almost their lives (although, in HIS rebellion, GOD provided THEM salvation). Now Jonah is in the belly of the great fish and he is, like all of us, crying out in repentance. This is a "fox-hole-conversion-prayer." Jonah is desperate. The circumstances of life have caused him to repent and have given him much clarity about the situation he has put himself in. God has brought Jonah to his knees in the belly of a fish. You can't get much lower than that. The reality God wants Jonah to know is confessed in the above passage. When we chase "worthless" idols, we cut off God's continuous love. There is no doubt that this aspect of the prayer is pointing to Nineveh, to Israel, the men on the ship AND to Jonah. Israel had left God and followed worthless idols. Note the following:
Jeremiah 2:13
for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
Nineveh, in their pursuit of their own autonomy and selfish gains, had forsaken the God of all creation and grace. The men on the ship, when caught in a storm, first turned to their "own" gods for deliverance and that meant they didn't have God's grace. Once they tossed Jonah over board, God's grace and steadfast love swept into their lives. Jonah, had paid attention to a "vain idol" (himself and his selfish thoughts about the Ninevites) and God had brought this punishment on him for that. He was actually in the place of God's love. Had God not loved him, God would not have prepared for him a fish to rescue him. The fish was not a bad thing, it was a life ring. Yet, Jonah had to come to realize that when we worship idols in our lives (anything that tries to take place on the throne reserved only for God), we must realize we hinder God's steadfast love. God is the God of love. He wants to extend that love to us. Yet, we often put something else on the throne of our lives (our own sinful needs) and we cut off God's love from being active in our lives. People who worship the idols on the thrones of their lives have no room for God and His great love.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Truth #277 - We reap what we sow - Proverbs 27-28
Proverbs 27:23-27
Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens.
Truth: Know your flocks because you reap what you sow
How many of us take the time to "know the condition of our flocks?" Do we take the time to study our life? Do we take the time to see what and where our life fits in regard to the plan of God. We cast our eyes on money, yet we know, as the verse says, it will not last forever. These five verses stress the importance of the principle: You sow what you reap! Know the conditions of your flocks ... it will pay off in the end. Solomon uses the picture of a "flock" of lambs and goats to illustrate his principle. If we take care of our flocks our flocks will take care of us. Solomon contrasts "riches" that can be owned with the "flocks" that can be nutured. He contrasts the crown that disappears with milk of goats that sustain us. The lesson of the story is that there are some things we invest in and trust that will not last. There are other things we can trust in that, not only will last, will sustains us later. "Know the condition of your flocks" and you will know the difference between that which disappears and that which sustains.
Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens.
Truth: Know your flocks because you reap what you sow
How many of us take the time to "know the condition of our flocks?" Do we take the time to study our life? Do we take the time to see what and where our life fits in regard to the plan of God. We cast our eyes on money, yet we know, as the verse says, it will not last forever. These five verses stress the importance of the principle: You sow what you reap! Know the conditions of your flocks ... it will pay off in the end. Solomon uses the picture of a "flock" of lambs and goats to illustrate his principle. If we take care of our flocks our flocks will take care of us. Solomon contrasts "riches" that can be owned with the "flocks" that can be nutured. He contrasts the crown that disappears with milk of goats that sustain us. The lesson of the story is that there are some things we invest in and trust that will not last. There are other things we can trust in that, not only will last, will sustains us later. "Know the condition of your flocks" and you will know the difference between that which disappears and that which sustains.
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