Genesis 39:7-10 (ESV Strong's)
And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.”
But he refused and said to his master's wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge.
He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.
Subject: Temptation
The story of Joseph and Potiper's wife is one of the most known stories in the Old Testament. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, is eventually bought by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the Captain of the guard. This was a very powerful man. (Since Joseph would eventually serve second in command to Pharaoh, we have to wonder if Joseph ever returned to Potipher to get his revenge.) Potipar's wife makes advances after advances to have relationships with Joseph. Yet, the young man does not succumb to the temptation. It is something that happened to him day after day. Although she eventually falsely accused Joseph of rape, the temptation to have her is not once, or twice, but daily. Joseph gives us a great picture of a man of God who is tempted to sin and, through faith, endures that temptation. Note what Solomon says about these type of temptations:
Proverbs 1:10 (ESV Strong's)
My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
Joseph, in faith, refused to constant. He was not willing to throw away his faith for filth. In Proverbs 7 we have the story of someone who did. It was a lack of the fear of the Lord that the naive in in Proverbs 7 gave in to sin. Joseph, in the Fear of the Lord, took prison rather than passion.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Subject: Spiritual Judgment - 1 Corinthians 1-2
1 Corinthians 2:13-16 (ESV Strong's)
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Subject: Spiritual Knowledge
Paul is the master at persuading and using persuasive language to convince his audience to follow his arguments and accept them. You can read his letters without seeing the skill and craftsmanship of how he puts words and phrases and arguments together. However, he is spiritually understanding enough to know that it is not him who is doing this, but the Spirit of God. He has already told them, earlier in this letter, that his words are not the power of the content:
1 Corinthians 2:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
In this world, persuasive speech is glorified. It is even rewarded with speeches and honorariums and book deals. Our world, as well as the ancient world, is impressed with word of wisdom and words of persuasion. We still quote Socrates, Aristotle and Plato, all men who's words were immortalized in Paul's day. The world is quick to make men with great sounding words our idols and teachers. Yet, Paul, perhaps one of the most persuasive writers and speakers of all time, knows that spiritual wisdom is imparted through him by the Spirit of God and not by him. That is an amazing distinction. In SPITE of Paul, God can work. That was Paul's mantra. Many preachers today believe it is their words that are so convincing, rather than that the Spirit of God has chosen to work through them. When we allow God to speak through us we enjoy such great freedom. The last part of the above verses tell us that those who are "spiritual" are "judged by no one." When we speak truth in the Spirit and by the Spirit, we are not in the realm of being judged by man. It is when we are speaking on our own behalf that we can be judged. In Christ, we are not!
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Subject: Spiritual Knowledge
Paul is the master at persuading and using persuasive language to convince his audience to follow his arguments and accept them. You can read his letters without seeing the skill and craftsmanship of how he puts words and phrases and arguments together. However, he is spiritually understanding enough to know that it is not him who is doing this, but the Spirit of God. He has already told them, earlier in this letter, that his words are not the power of the content:
1 Corinthians 2:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
In this world, persuasive speech is glorified. It is even rewarded with speeches and honorariums and book deals. Our world, as well as the ancient world, is impressed with word of wisdom and words of persuasion. We still quote Socrates, Aristotle and Plato, all men who's words were immortalized in Paul's day. The world is quick to make men with great sounding words our idols and teachers. Yet, Paul, perhaps one of the most persuasive writers and speakers of all time, knows that spiritual wisdom is imparted through him by the Spirit of God and not by him. That is an amazing distinction. In SPITE of Paul, God can work. That was Paul's mantra. Many preachers today believe it is their words that are so convincing, rather than that the Spirit of God has chosen to work through them. When we allow God to speak through us we enjoy such great freedom. The last part of the above verses tell us that those who are "spiritual" are "judged by no one." When we speak truth in the Spirit and by the Spirit, we are not in the realm of being judged by man. It is when we are speaking on our own behalf that we can be judged. In Christ, we are not!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Subject: False Teachers - Matthew 24:5, 11, 24
Matthew 24:5, 11, 24 (ESV Strong's)
For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Subject: False Teachers
The disciples came to Jesus to ask about the end times. They wanted to know when Christ would come again, what the signs would be and when the end would be. Jesus eventually tells them that no one knows the time and season (Matthew 24:36, 42). But, He does tell them many other aspects of Kingdom living in the latter days. In the above verse He tells them the truth that false teachers would be prevalent in the last days. Their purpose would be "to lead astray" those who should be following the Savior. This is something believers, today, should be more aware about and prepare for that false teaching. Believers today live out their lives with little sensitivity toward false teaching. We not only tolerate their false teaching, we sometimes are caught, unaware, propitiating false doctrine ourselves. Today's church is much more concerned about warmth and welcome and worship feelings than they are truth, doctrine and standing against false teaching.
For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Subject: False Teachers
The disciples came to Jesus to ask about the end times. They wanted to know when Christ would come again, what the signs would be and when the end would be. Jesus eventually tells them that no one knows the time and season (Matthew 24:36, 42). But, He does tell them many other aspects of Kingdom living in the latter days. In the above verse He tells them the truth that false teachers would be prevalent in the last days. Their purpose would be "to lead astray" those who should be following the Savior. This is something believers, today, should be more aware about and prepare for that false teaching. Believers today live out their lives with little sensitivity toward false teaching. We not only tolerate their false teaching, we sometimes are caught, unaware, propitiating false doctrine ourselves. Today's church is much more concerned about warmth and welcome and worship feelings than they are truth, doctrine and standing against false teaching.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Subject: God's Faithfulness - Isaiah 45-50
Isaiah 46:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
“Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he,
and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.
Subject: God's Faithfulness
The truth contained in this passage is refreshment. When we live in a world that is so haphazard and so inconsistent, it is peaceful and assuring to know that our God is a God of Faithfulness, even to the end. God does not forget us when we are old. His faithfulness does not run out because He gets bored with us. We don't get a new version of God every year; the God 2.0 approach. What God is saying to the House of Jacob, above, we can rest upon today. God made us; will bear us; will carry us; and will save us. What God began He will finish:
Philippians 1:6 (ESV Strong's)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
God promises to save us to the end. God is faithful to His promise and the above verses put that into context for us. As we mature chronologically, we can rejoice that while others might not see us as significant as they used to, God does. We are still the center of His attention and He will make sure we are cared for until the end.
“Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he,
and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.
Subject: God's Faithfulness
The truth contained in this passage is refreshment. When we live in a world that is so haphazard and so inconsistent, it is peaceful and assuring to know that our God is a God of Faithfulness, even to the end. God does not forget us when we are old. His faithfulness does not run out because He gets bored with us. We don't get a new version of God every year; the God 2.0 approach. What God is saying to the House of Jacob, above, we can rest upon today. God made us; will bear us; will carry us; and will save us. What God began He will finish:
Philippians 1:6 (ESV Strong's)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
God promises to save us to the end. God is faithful to His promise and the above verses put that into context for us. As we mature chronologically, we can rejoice that while others might not see us as significant as they used to, God does. We are still the center of His attention and He will make sure we are cared for until the end.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Subject: Counseling - Job 18-19
Job 18:2 (ESV Strong's)
“How long will you hunt for words?
Consider, and then we will speak.
Job 18:2 (NASB Strong's)
“How long will you hunt for words?
Show understanding and then we can talk.
Job 18:2 (NIV 1984)
“When will you end these speeches?
Be sensible, and then we can talk.
Subject: Counseling
As this next chapter in Job's ordeal begins, his friend, Bildad, delivers his second speech. Bildad, up until now, has been "persuasive" in his arguments, like the other two friends of Job. They all three are attempting to get Job to admit this condition he is in is the result of his own sin. The all three, to one extent or the other, simple want Job to confess his sin and then God can bring goodness back to his life. That is their theme. However, Bildad is about to make a mistake no one counseling another person should make. Bildad is taking Job's remarks personal. In this opening sentence (above) Bildad, in essence, says: "When you come to your senses and can carry a conversation with us, speak up. But, until then, be quiet!!" In the next verse Bildad accuses Job of making their arguments, so far, as though they sound like they are coming from dumb cattle:
Job 18:3 (ESV Strong's)
Why are we counted as cattle?
Why are we stupid in your sight?
Instead of pointing Job to God and to God's love, mercy and grace (a theme that should be at the center of all Godly counsel), Bildad makes it personal and attacks Job. As you read this entire chapter you see Bildad go from persuasive to punitive. In this chapter he attacks Job rather than points Job to God. Instead of simply realizing that Job's words flow from pain and keeping his focus on God, Bildad begins to speak out of his pain (the pain that Job won't listen to him) and he attacks Job all the more. Now Job is feeling the pain of his health issues, the loss of his family and the suffering of his material loss AND the pain of his friend who is attacking him. Bildad could have been a close friend who simply came alongside Job and recognized the pain and pointing Him to God for strength and mercy. Instead, Bildad makes it personally because Job won't listen to his brilliant words. In our counseling of others, we must never pull a Bildad. We are not the source of strength for those we counsel. Our words are not intended to be healing. Our words are to point them to God who heals. He is the Healer. If we do that, they are rejecting Him and not us. Bildad put himself in the place of God. Counsellors are not be judges.
“How long will you hunt for words?
Consider, and then we will speak.
Job 18:2 (NASB Strong's)
“How long will you hunt for words?
Show understanding and then we can talk.
Job 18:2 (NIV 1984)
“When will you end these speeches?
Be sensible, and then we can talk.
Subject: Counseling
As this next chapter in Job's ordeal begins, his friend, Bildad, delivers his second speech. Bildad, up until now, has been "persuasive" in his arguments, like the other two friends of Job. They all three are attempting to get Job to admit this condition he is in is the result of his own sin. The all three, to one extent or the other, simple want Job to confess his sin and then God can bring goodness back to his life. That is their theme. However, Bildad is about to make a mistake no one counseling another person should make. Bildad is taking Job's remarks personal. In this opening sentence (above) Bildad, in essence, says: "When you come to your senses and can carry a conversation with us, speak up. But, until then, be quiet!!" In the next verse Bildad accuses Job of making their arguments, so far, as though they sound like they are coming from dumb cattle:
Job 18:3 (ESV Strong's)
Why are we counted as cattle?
Why are we stupid in your sight?
Instead of pointing Job to God and to God's love, mercy and grace (a theme that should be at the center of all Godly counsel), Bildad makes it personal and attacks Job. As you read this entire chapter you see Bildad go from persuasive to punitive. In this chapter he attacks Job rather than points Job to God. Instead of simply realizing that Job's words flow from pain and keeping his focus on God, Bildad begins to speak out of his pain (the pain that Job won't listen to him) and he attacks Job all the more. Now Job is feeling the pain of his health issues, the loss of his family and the suffering of his material loss AND the pain of his friend who is attacking him. Bildad could have been a close friend who simply came alongside Job and recognized the pain and pointing Him to God for strength and mercy. Instead, Bildad makes it personally because Job won't listen to his brilliant words. In our counseling of others, we must never pull a Bildad. We are not the source of strength for those we counsel. Our words are not intended to be healing. Our words are to point them to God who heals. He is the Healer. If we do that, they are rejecting Him and not us. Bildad put himself in the place of God. Counsellors are not be judges.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Subject: God's Love - Pslam 24-26
Psalms 25:7 (ESV Strong's)
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
Subject: God's Love
If you wear glasses you know how difficult little things can be when you don't have them. If you wear them for reading, especially. Without them you might find yourself bringing pieces of paper or phones up close to your nose to read the print. Everyone you see clearly you see through the lens of those glasses. It is doubtful God has poor seeing, but it essential that God sees us through the lens of His love, if we hope to have His mercy. If God were not to look at us through the lens of Love, He would undoubtedly see all our sins; plied up from our youth. In the above passage, King David asks God to look at his life through the lens of "steadfast" love. Not for David's sake, but for God's own goodness. God loving us does benefit us. But, it is for the purpose of bringing glory to Himself. God's love is an expression of His glory. God's love is expressed to us to demonstrate His goodness, not because He see us as good. We need to rejoice in the Love of God for the sake of magnifying God's glory.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
Subject: God's Love
If you wear glasses you know how difficult little things can be when you don't have them. If you wear them for reading, especially. Without them you might find yourself bringing pieces of paper or phones up close to your nose to read the print. Everyone you see clearly you see through the lens of those glasses. It is doubtful God has poor seeing, but it essential that God sees us through the lens of His love, if we hope to have His mercy. If God were not to look at us through the lens of Love, He would undoubtedly see all our sins; plied up from our youth. In the above passage, King David asks God to look at his life through the lens of "steadfast" love. Not for David's sake, but for God's own goodness. God loving us does benefit us. But, it is for the purpose of bringing glory to Himself. God's love is an expression of His glory. God's love is expressed to us to demonstrate His goodness, not because He see us as good. We need to rejoice in the Love of God for the sake of magnifying God's glory.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Subject: Unity against Sin - Judges 17-21
Judges 20:11 (ESV Strong's)
So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one man.
Subject: Unity against Sin
The theme of Judges is, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." The nation had no ruler to lead them and keep them from following hard after sin. After Joshua's death there was no transition plan for leadership. Each tribe was to secure their own land and form their own tribe, with leadership from that tribe. When the city of Gibeah, of the tribe of Benjamin, had taken a wife from a priest, raped and murdered her, the rest of the tribes came together to avenge her death. This is the lone time in the book of Judges such unity of the tribes was mentioned. Unlike other times when everyone did what they thought best, this instance brought them all together. This is mostly because the priest cut his dead wife up and sent a piece of her to every tribe in disgust. They rallied in equal disgust that someone would cut a person up into 12 pieces, to make a point. This was a sick and sad time in Israel. The unity would result in the deaths of almost 75,000 warriors in Israel. But, the story is told to remind us about the consequences of failed leadership, the results of evil and unchecked sin in the lives of a few men, and the ability of a whole nation to unity against sin. It took an unheard of story about the rape and murder of a women to get this nation to fall on their knees. Today, in our society someone is raped and murdered nightly. No one falls on their knees. We call for more legislation and gun control. Israel fell on its knees and came to exact justice as a nation, they were so abhorred with the events. We have grown cold to these tragedies. Would to God we united together to fight sin!! Even the church does not do so. In 1 Corinthians 5 we have the events of the church coming together because their was sin in the church. Today's church doesn't separate itself in unity over sin, it ignores it.
So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one man.
Subject: Unity against Sin
The theme of Judges is, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." The nation had no ruler to lead them and keep them from following hard after sin. After Joshua's death there was no transition plan for leadership. Each tribe was to secure their own land and form their own tribe, with leadership from that tribe. When the city of Gibeah, of the tribe of Benjamin, had taken a wife from a priest, raped and murdered her, the rest of the tribes came together to avenge her death. This is the lone time in the book of Judges such unity of the tribes was mentioned. Unlike other times when everyone did what they thought best, this instance brought them all together. This is mostly because the priest cut his dead wife up and sent a piece of her to every tribe in disgust. They rallied in equal disgust that someone would cut a person up into 12 pieces, to make a point. This was a sick and sad time in Israel. The unity would result in the deaths of almost 75,000 warriors in Israel. But, the story is told to remind us about the consequences of failed leadership, the results of evil and unchecked sin in the lives of a few men, and the ability of a whole nation to unity against sin. It took an unheard of story about the rape and murder of a women to get this nation to fall on their knees. Today, in our society someone is raped and murdered nightly. No one falls on their knees. We call for more legislation and gun control. Israel fell on its knees and came to exact justice as a nation, they were so abhorred with the events. We have grown cold to these tragedies. Would to God we united together to fight sin!! Even the church does not do so. In 1 Corinthians 5 we have the events of the church coming together because their was sin in the church. Today's church doesn't separate itself in unity over sin, it ignores it.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Subject: Conflict - Genesis 32-35
Genesis 32:20-21 (ESV Strong's)
and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.
Subject: Conflict
In the above passage Jacob is returning home and is afraid of his brother Esau. Remembering the story of their youth, Jacob had cheated Esau, the older son, out of both his birthright and his blessing. After being on the run in fear of Esau, for many years, Jacob returns. Upon his return he is still fearful. What will Esau do? Will Esau seek revenge? To appease Esau, Jacob gives up some of his own property and stages a series of gifts for his angry brother. It should be noted that NO where in this entire story does Jacob ask forgiveness or admits his wrong. (Remember, God had, from their brith, promised that the older would serve the younger.). What Jacob does is demonstrate his retreat by sacrificial giving. His words don't say, "I was wrong," but his actions say I want restoration. Perhaps Solomon had this scene in mind when he wrote the following proverbs:
Proverbs 21:14 (ESV Strong's)
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
Proverbs 17:8 (ESV Strong's)
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
Jacob is appealing to Esau's human condition. A gift carries much weight in the restoration of relationships. Jacob wanted to restore the relationship between him and his brother. Since he new that is brother was temporal in nature (remember, he sold his birthright because he was hungry for stew). A gift can appease strong wrath if the gift appeals to the nature of the person who is receiving it. Conflict can be averted when you passive the nature of the one in which you have conflict. Jacob, once again, using his understanding of another, was in a good position for himself.
and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.
Subject: Conflict
In the above passage Jacob is returning home and is afraid of his brother Esau. Remembering the story of their youth, Jacob had cheated Esau, the older son, out of both his birthright and his blessing. After being on the run in fear of Esau, for many years, Jacob returns. Upon his return he is still fearful. What will Esau do? Will Esau seek revenge? To appease Esau, Jacob gives up some of his own property and stages a series of gifts for his angry brother. It should be noted that NO where in this entire story does Jacob ask forgiveness or admits his wrong. (Remember, God had, from their brith, promised that the older would serve the younger.). What Jacob does is demonstrate his retreat by sacrificial giving. His words don't say, "I was wrong," but his actions say I want restoration. Perhaps Solomon had this scene in mind when he wrote the following proverbs:
Proverbs 21:14 (ESV Strong's)
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
Proverbs 17:8 (ESV Strong's)
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
Jacob is appealing to Esau's human condition. A gift carries much weight in the restoration of relationships. Jacob wanted to restore the relationship between him and his brother. Since he new that is brother was temporal in nature (remember, he sold his birthright because he was hungry for stew). A gift can appease strong wrath if the gift appeals to the nature of the person who is receiving it. Conflict can be averted when you passive the nature of the one in which you have conflict. Jacob, once again, using his understanding of another, was in a good position for himself.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Subject: Faith - Romans 15-16
Romans 16:25-27 (ESV Strong's)
Paul's final doxology after writing Romans:
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—
to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Subject: Faith
If you study the Book of Romans you are blown away by the work!! Paul has written a complete doctrinal dissertation on God's grace in the life of the believer. How do you summarize such an in depth book? The above three verses are Paul's summary. Notice the power of God's Word to bring about faith, which brings about Salvation. Paul's uses the words "revelation," "prophetic writings," and "command." He tells us that the Word is delivered through the gospel message and "preaching." God has ordained the preaching of His Word as THE method to bring about faith, which produces salvation. Not just any preaching of a word, but the preaching of the THE Word about Christ. That preaching will produce salvation in the souls of mankind. Faith comes from hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17). When we share God's Word, not our logic, people are converted. When we preach Jesus, not our church, people are saved. When we proclaim the Word of God about the Mystery of Christ, not the philosophy of this world, mankind is saved. Faith is produced by the word of God. If you want your own faith strengthened, read God's Word. It is belief in the truth of God's Word that enables us to walk in truth.
Paul's final doxology after writing Romans:
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—
to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Subject: Faith
If you study the Book of Romans you are blown away by the work!! Paul has written a complete doctrinal dissertation on God's grace in the life of the believer. How do you summarize such an in depth book? The above three verses are Paul's summary. Notice the power of God's Word to bring about faith, which brings about Salvation. Paul's uses the words "revelation," "prophetic writings," and "command." He tells us that the Word is delivered through the gospel message and "preaching." God has ordained the preaching of His Word as THE method to bring about faith, which produces salvation. Not just any preaching of a word, but the preaching of the THE Word about Christ. That preaching will produce salvation in the souls of mankind. Faith comes from hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17). When we share God's Word, not our logic, people are converted. When we preach Jesus, not our church, people are saved. When we proclaim the Word of God about the Mystery of Christ, not the philosophy of this world, mankind is saved. Faith is produced by the word of God. If you want your own faith strengthened, read God's Word. It is belief in the truth of God's Word that enables us to walk in truth.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Subject: God's Word - Matthew 20-22
Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV Strong's)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the great and first commandment.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Subject: God's Word
The entire "Law" is made up of not just the "Ten Commandments" but also all the teaching of the "Torah" (the first five books of the Bible). The main two books in that collection, that are "law" oriented are the books Deuteronomy and Leviticus. As you read those two books you can get lost in all the laws and regulations that the nation of Israel was supposed to follow. In the above passage, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus to have Him, in front of the crowds, pick ONE law that is greater than the others. The Pharisees had developed a system of over 600 laws. Jesus doesn't fall into their trap and boils the Law down to two "laws," love God and love man as yourself. He doesn't say we should "know" The Lord. He doesn't say we should "serve" The Lord. etc. We should love The Lord! Where does love come from? Galatians 5:22 - it is a fruit of the spirit. What Jesus is saying is that the only way you can summarize the Law and, therefore, keep the law, is to have the Spirit produce love in your life both for God and toward man.
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the great and first commandment.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Subject: God's Word
The entire "Law" is made up of not just the "Ten Commandments" but also all the teaching of the "Torah" (the first five books of the Bible). The main two books in that collection, that are "law" oriented are the books Deuteronomy and Leviticus. As you read those two books you can get lost in all the laws and regulations that the nation of Israel was supposed to follow. In the above passage, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus to have Him, in front of the crowds, pick ONE law that is greater than the others. The Pharisees had developed a system of over 600 laws. Jesus doesn't fall into their trap and boils the Law down to two "laws," love God and love man as yourself. He doesn't say we should "know" The Lord. He doesn't say we should "serve" The Lord. etc. We should love The Lord! Where does love come from? Galatians 5:22 - it is a fruit of the spirit. What Jesus is saying is that the only way you can summarize the Law and, therefore, keep the law, is to have the Spirit produce love in your life both for God and toward man.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Subject: Salavation - Isaiah 41-44
Isaiah 44:21-22 (ESV Strong's)
The Lord Redeems Israel
Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you; you are my servant;
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Subject: Salvation
Is there any truth in the world of education, science, industry or all of mankind that can compare to the above verses? God tells Judah, "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist." No quotes from Socrates, Einstein, or any other famous and brilliant person can carry the weight and gravity of Isaiah's words, above. God has chooses to forgive sin!! That is a blessed thought. We live in such guilt and shame due to our sin, yet God "blots" it out!! What more can be said. The essence of God's plan is the forgiveness of man and his restoration to God. In the last sentence above, Isaiah wants Israel to "return to me." The purpose of forgiveness is not mere relief from judgment, guilt and/or shame. The purpose of forgiveness is restoration of fellowship that was lost in the garden when Adam sinned. Remember, up until sin, Adam and God walked together in the garden. After sin, God came walking and Adam went hiding. Forgiveness is intended for restoration. Our pardon is meant to precede our return. Salvation will ultimately lead to Glorification.
The Lord Redeems Israel
Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you; you are my servant;
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Subject: Salvation
Is there any truth in the world of education, science, industry or all of mankind that can compare to the above verses? God tells Judah, "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist." No quotes from Socrates, Einstein, or any other famous and brilliant person can carry the weight and gravity of Isaiah's words, above. God has chooses to forgive sin!! That is a blessed thought. We live in such guilt and shame due to our sin, yet God "blots" it out!! What more can be said. The essence of God's plan is the forgiveness of man and his restoration to God. In the last sentence above, Isaiah wants Israel to "return to me." The purpose of forgiveness is not mere relief from judgment, guilt and/or shame. The purpose of forgiveness is restoration of fellowship that was lost in the garden when Adam sinned. Remember, up until sin, Adam and God walked together in the garden. After sin, God came walking and Adam went hiding. Forgiveness is intended for restoration. Our pardon is meant to precede our return. Salvation will ultimately lead to Glorification.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Subject: Hope - Job 15-17
Job 17:15 (ESV Strong's)
where then is my hope?
Who will see my hope?
Subject: Hope
In this section of Job, Eliphaz, Job's friend, has once again told Job that the reason he is in the condition he is in is because he has sinned in some grave way before God. This pain and suffering is God's judgment on Job for past sins and transgressions. Once again Eliphaz is mistaken and has mad assumptions based upon God's character without knowledge of God's plan. Job, the subsequent chapters, defends himself, as most of us would do. That puts Job in the wrong place as well. (False counsel will always lead to false behavior.). Job's defense does, however, bring him to the above question (or, conclusion): Where is my hope? The Hebrew word for "hope" here is used 32 times in the O.T. In the book of Job it is used 17 times. Note, in a couple of chapters what Job says about his "hope:"
Job 19:10 (ESV Strong's)
He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone, and my hope has he pulled up like a tree.
Job is keenly aware that the pain and suffering he is experiencing is cutting off his hope. Man without hope is lost and in deep despair. Depression is a life that has lost its hope. God, of course, is our ONLY hope. God has given us hope. The N.T. is full of hope because of what Christ can and does do. Eliphaz's words should have brought some measure of hope to job, as his friend and as a counselor for God. Instead, Eliphaz used bad doctrine, assumption and ignorance to talk to Job. Instead of saying to Job he didn't know WHY Job was in the position he was in, but that he did know that God is still there for him, Eliphaz offered no hope. Job, hence, had no hope. The worst thing we can do, when others are in a bad place, is take away their hope in God. God is the God of hope. Even when we feel all is lost, we must remember we have hope in God.
where then is my hope?
Who will see my hope?
Subject: Hope
In this section of Job, Eliphaz, Job's friend, has once again told Job that the reason he is in the condition he is in is because he has sinned in some grave way before God. This pain and suffering is God's judgment on Job for past sins and transgressions. Once again Eliphaz is mistaken and has mad assumptions based upon God's character without knowledge of God's plan. Job, the subsequent chapters, defends himself, as most of us would do. That puts Job in the wrong place as well. (False counsel will always lead to false behavior.). Job's defense does, however, bring him to the above question (or, conclusion): Where is my hope? The Hebrew word for "hope" here is used 32 times in the O.T. In the book of Job it is used 17 times. Note, in a couple of chapters what Job says about his "hope:"
Job 19:10 (ESV Strong's)
He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone, and my hope has he pulled up like a tree.
Job is keenly aware that the pain and suffering he is experiencing is cutting off his hope. Man without hope is lost and in deep despair. Depression is a life that has lost its hope. God, of course, is our ONLY hope. God has given us hope. The N.T. is full of hope because of what Christ can and does do. Eliphaz's words should have brought some measure of hope to job, as his friend and as a counselor for God. Instead, Eliphaz used bad doctrine, assumption and ignorance to talk to Job. Instead of saying to Job he didn't know WHY Job was in the position he was in, but that he did know that God is still there for him, Eliphaz offered no hope. Job, hence, had no hope. The worst thing we can do, when others are in a bad place, is take away their hope in God. God is the God of hope. Even when we feel all is lost, we must remember we have hope in God.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Subject: Praise and Worship - Psalm 21-23
Psalms 22:25 (ESV Strong's)
From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
Subject: Praise & Worship
In Psalm 22 we have King David under duress. He is being mocked, persecuted, and tormented. As we read through this Psalm we should view it in stark contrast to Psalm 23. Psalm 23 shows a confident David. He knows he is walking with God. In Psalm 22 he, at first, seems overwhelmed by his tormentors. He grows from this torment, however, into a place of praise. His struggle with those around him drives him to the praise of God before them. The King begins to praise God, despite this pain. How is that even possible? How can David find a place of praise in the midst of pain? In the above verse we see the answer: God gives him the praise. "From you comes my praise in the great congregation." What a great truth to hold to in the midst of our own pressures in life. We might not feel comfortable praising God on a given day (like a Sunday morning after a bad week of pressure and persecution), yet, like Peter and Silas in prison, they found a way to praise (Acts 5). Their source, like David, was the God who gives us praise; even when we don't have a reason to praise from the circumstances around us. We tend to think that praise is something we conjure up to give to God for His mercy and grace to us. Praise is something God gives us (His gift) to give back to Him. That is true worship.
From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
Subject: Praise & Worship
In Psalm 22 we have King David under duress. He is being mocked, persecuted, and tormented. As we read through this Psalm we should view it in stark contrast to Psalm 23. Psalm 23 shows a confident David. He knows he is walking with God. In Psalm 22 he, at first, seems overwhelmed by his tormentors. He grows from this torment, however, into a place of praise. His struggle with those around him drives him to the praise of God before them. The King begins to praise God, despite this pain. How is that even possible? How can David find a place of praise in the midst of pain? In the above verse we see the answer: God gives him the praise. "From you comes my praise in the great congregation." What a great truth to hold to in the midst of our own pressures in life. We might not feel comfortable praising God on a given day (like a Sunday morning after a bad week of pressure and persecution), yet, like Peter and Silas in prison, they found a way to praise (Acts 5). Their source, like David, was the God who gives us praise; even when we don't have a reason to praise from the circumstances around us. We tend to think that praise is something we conjure up to give to God for His mercy and grace to us. Praise is something God gives us (His gift) to give back to Him. That is true worship.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Subject: Serving God - Judges 12-16
Judges 15:18-20 (ESV Strong's)
And he was very thirsty, and he called upon the Lord and said, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”
And God split open the hollow place that is at Lehi, and water came out from it. And when he drank, his spirit returned, and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore; it is at Lehi to this day.
And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.
Subject: Serving God
The story of Samson is a made-for-movie type story. The man Samson, like his father, seems to be spiritual dull. He lacks integrity and seems to be the Warrior-Seeker-Jester type. He wants to have an fun adventure and conquer as he goes on this journey. Of all of God's judges in this book, Samson seems the least spiritual, but, some do equal him in many ways. God chose to use this man because God can choose those whom He wishes to use. In the above passage we see what happens after the aftermath of Samson killing 1,000 Philistines with the jaw-bone of an ass. The weapon and the number of the enemy slain shows the significances of Samson's strength, given to him by God. Although Samson lacks a lot of spiritual focus, the interested aspect of the above passage is that this wouldn't be the request of a self-ish man; typical of someone of Samson's demeanor. In the above passage we have the typical request of a warrior who has just slain 1,000 of the enemy ... He needs his physical needs meet. Again, although he is spiritually challenged, God grants Samson the request for water. God is for us!! We must remember that. Although God wouldn't approve of most of Samson's antics, God did call him to serve and when God calls to serve God equips and sustains. The strength of Samson and the care of Samson were all in God's care. God equips and cares for us; despite our short comings and spiritual dullness.
And he was very thirsty, and he called upon the Lord and said, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”
And God split open the hollow place that is at Lehi, and water came out from it. And when he drank, his spirit returned, and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore; it is at Lehi to this day.
And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.
Subject: Serving God
The story of Samson is a made-for-movie type story. The man Samson, like his father, seems to be spiritual dull. He lacks integrity and seems to be the Warrior-Seeker-Jester type. He wants to have an fun adventure and conquer as he goes on this journey. Of all of God's judges in this book, Samson seems the least spiritual, but, some do equal him in many ways. God chose to use this man because God can choose those whom He wishes to use. In the above passage we see what happens after the aftermath of Samson killing 1,000 Philistines with the jaw-bone of an ass. The weapon and the number of the enemy slain shows the significances of Samson's strength, given to him by God. Although Samson lacks a lot of spiritual focus, the interested aspect of the above passage is that this wouldn't be the request of a self-ish man; typical of someone of Samson's demeanor. In the above passage we have the typical request of a warrior who has just slain 1,000 of the enemy ... He needs his physical needs meet. Again, although he is spiritually challenged, God grants Samson the request for water. God is for us!! We must remember that. Although God wouldn't approve of most of Samson's antics, God did call him to serve and when God calls to serve God equips and sustains. The strength of Samson and the care of Samson were all in God's care. God equips and cares for us; despite our short comings and spiritual dullness.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Subject: Power - Genesis 29-31
Genesis 31:29 (ESV Strong's)
It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’
Subject: Power
Power is an unusual commodity among leaders. Heads of families; heads of state; heads of industry; heads of sports teams, all want power and get it on several fronts. There is all kinds of power in this world. In the above text, Laban, the uncle of Jacob, thought he had power. He even tells Jacob that he has all the power he needs to defeat Jacob. Yet, he doesn't. Laban doesn't really have power. He has the illusion of power. Laban only thinks he has power. In reality God has power. God has the power to crush Laban or sustain him. Perhaps that is the worse thing about power - it corrupts you into thinking you actually have it. But, there is no power unless God gives it. Power is something God gives to people to accomplish His tasks and His plan. We can delude ourselves into thinking we have real power, but the truth is, we only have the power God gives us and wants us to have. Laban was mistaken. God put a parameter around Laban and he was completely limited in what he could do to Jacob. That is a truth we can all rejoice in. The power others think they have to do us harm is limited by God and God's plan.
It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’
Subject: Power
Power is an unusual commodity among leaders. Heads of families; heads of state; heads of industry; heads of sports teams, all want power and get it on several fronts. There is all kinds of power in this world. In the above text, Laban, the uncle of Jacob, thought he had power. He even tells Jacob that he has all the power he needs to defeat Jacob. Yet, he doesn't. Laban doesn't really have power. He has the illusion of power. Laban only thinks he has power. In reality God has power. God has the power to crush Laban or sustain him. Perhaps that is the worse thing about power - it corrupts you into thinking you actually have it. But, there is no power unless God gives it. Power is something God gives to people to accomplish His tasks and His plan. We can delude ourselves into thinking we have real power, but the truth is, we only have the power God gives us and wants us to have. Laban was mistaken. God put a parameter around Laban and he was completely limited in what he could do to Jacob. That is a truth we can all rejoice in. The power others think they have to do us harm is limited by God and God's plan.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Subject: Sanctification - Romans 13-14
Romans 13:11-12 (ESV Strong's)
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Subject: Sanctification
Paul has spent the better portion of this parchment to write about the Justification of man. He wanted them to know that Justification was completely and only by God. At the beginning of chapter 12 through the end of the book, he begins to address how we should live in view of that Justification. In light of being fully justified by God, what should happen to our lives? In these remaining chapters Paul wants them to know that justification will automatically begin to make a change in person's life. If that person has, by faith, come to Christ, their lives will begin to change. That change of life is called Sanctification. In Justification, through faith, we are have been declared righteous by the work of Christ. In Sanctification, through faith, we are being made righteous. In the above passage Paul writes that the hour (not "time" hours, but "period" hours) is now upon us. God's salvation was not a period of time in the past, but an era of time we are living in NOW. Justification was a moment in time where God declared us righteous. Sanctification is a period of time whereby God is making us righteous. By faith we are asking God's justification to take root in our lives and produced a sanctified life. All by faith. One unseen and the other demonstrated by the fruit produced by the Spirit. When Paul tells us to cast off the works of darkness (how we used to live) and to put on the armor of light (the life in, of and by the Spirit) he is telling us that our faith does not stop at Justification. He is telling us that, by faith, we are live in such a way that our old life is consumed by the life in the Spirit. When Paul says it is "time to wake from sleep" he is saying, our belief woke us up and we must keep believing to see this change take place in our lives. We began in belief and we must finish in belief. Spiritual growth is now and it is done just as we begun, through faith and belief in Christ's work in our lives.
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Subject: Sanctification
Paul has spent the better portion of this parchment to write about the Justification of man. He wanted them to know that Justification was completely and only by God. At the beginning of chapter 12 through the end of the book, he begins to address how we should live in view of that Justification. In light of being fully justified by God, what should happen to our lives? In these remaining chapters Paul wants them to know that justification will automatically begin to make a change in person's life. If that person has, by faith, come to Christ, their lives will begin to change. That change of life is called Sanctification. In Justification, through faith, we are have been declared righteous by the work of Christ. In Sanctification, through faith, we are being made righteous. In the above passage Paul writes that the hour (not "time" hours, but "period" hours) is now upon us. God's salvation was not a period of time in the past, but an era of time we are living in NOW. Justification was a moment in time where God declared us righteous. Sanctification is a period of time whereby God is making us righteous. By faith we are asking God's justification to take root in our lives and produced a sanctified life. All by faith. One unseen and the other demonstrated by the fruit produced by the Spirit. When Paul tells us to cast off the works of darkness (how we used to live) and to put on the armor of light (the life in, of and by the Spirit) he is telling us that our faith does not stop at Justification. He is telling us that, by faith, we are live in such a way that our old life is consumed by the life in the Spirit. When Paul says it is "time to wake from sleep" he is saying, our belief woke us up and we must keep believing to see this change take place in our lives. We began in belief and we must finish in belief. Spiritual growth is now and it is done just as we begun, through faith and belief in Christ's work in our lives.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Subject: Temptation and Sin - Matthew 17-19
Matthew 18:7-9 (ESV Strong's)
“Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.
Subject: Temptation and Sin
Before Jesus says the above words to His disciples, He has just told them that those who cause a little child to sin are in grave danger. He has just stated that it would be better for them that a great millstone would be tied around their neck and that they be tossed into the deepest sea, than to suffer God's wrath for causing a child to stumble in life. Jesus extends this warning in the above passage and broadens the emphasis. Jesus tells us that temptation in life WILL come (He states, "it is necessary" for temptation to come into the world ... Meaning sin is in the world and it will happen). What He is talking about in the above verses is both "external" temptation (from outside sources) and "internal" temptation (from our own body). In both cases extreme measures are to be taken. He states, "woe" to the person who introduces temptation to sin to another person. Like the "milestone around the neck and tossed into the sea" thought, the person who introduces sin to another is in grave danger and the path of God's wrath. Fathers who introduce sin to their sons; husbands who do so to their wives; wives to husbands; friends to friends; are all in the path of God's anger and judgement. But, there is also an internal component of sin's temptation. What my hand reaches for and where my feet attempt to take me, are also co-conspirators. The answer: drastic surgery. Cutting off the hand, or the foot. There seems to be no middle ground. There is no training and educational component. There is only radical separation. In Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus says the same thing about our eyes in the context of lust; we are to pluck them out if they lead us to lust. Sin is to be dealt with in a radical way in Jesus' teaching. We don't deal with it in this manner. We allow temptation to allure us and we flirt with it. Surgery is the only way to remove the tumor of sin!!
“Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.
Subject: Temptation and Sin
Before Jesus says the above words to His disciples, He has just told them that those who cause a little child to sin are in grave danger. He has just stated that it would be better for them that a great millstone would be tied around their neck and that they be tossed into the deepest sea, than to suffer God's wrath for causing a child to stumble in life. Jesus extends this warning in the above passage and broadens the emphasis. Jesus tells us that temptation in life WILL come (He states, "it is necessary" for temptation to come into the world ... Meaning sin is in the world and it will happen). What He is talking about in the above verses is both "external" temptation (from outside sources) and "internal" temptation (from our own body). In both cases extreme measures are to be taken. He states, "woe" to the person who introduces temptation to sin to another person. Like the "milestone around the neck and tossed into the sea" thought, the person who introduces sin to another is in grave danger and the path of God's wrath. Fathers who introduce sin to their sons; husbands who do so to their wives; wives to husbands; friends to friends; are all in the path of God's anger and judgement. But, there is also an internal component of sin's temptation. What my hand reaches for and where my feet attempt to take me, are also co-conspirators. The answer: drastic surgery. Cutting off the hand, or the foot. There seems to be no middle ground. There is no training and educational component. There is only radical separation. In Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus says the same thing about our eyes in the context of lust; we are to pluck them out if they lead us to lust. Sin is to be dealt with in a radical way in Jesus' teaching. We don't deal with it in this manner. We allow temptation to allure us and we flirt with it. Surgery is the only way to remove the tumor of sin!!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Subject: The Nature of Man - Isaiah 36-39
Isaiah 39:8 (ESV Strong's)
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”
Subject: The Nature of Man
In this passage we have the true reflection of what is in the heart of a man. King Hezekiah had just been healed from a terrible, terminal illness. Isaiah had come to him and told him that God had heard his prayer for relief from this illness and he would have his life restored. It end from death bed to restoration. God would add 15 years to his life. However, right after the healing, representatives from another nation (Babylon) would come to the door to visit the king. Instead of being humble and talking to them about how God had rescued Israel from Assyria and from a life ending illness, King Hezekiah, instead, opens up the palace and shows them HIS greatness. Instead of honoring God for what GOD had done in his life, the king honors himself and steals God's honor. We have a choice in life to take honor from men and make ourselves to be the heroes of our lives, or to give honor to God. Regretfully, the nature of man is to steal the honor for himself. Hezekiah is no different. We would want to be, but we all attempt to steal God's glory and honor. God, protect me from this type of attitude!!!
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”
Subject: The Nature of Man
In this passage we have the true reflection of what is in the heart of a man. King Hezekiah had just been healed from a terrible, terminal illness. Isaiah had come to him and told him that God had heard his prayer for relief from this illness and he would have his life restored. It end from death bed to restoration. God would add 15 years to his life. However, right after the healing, representatives from another nation (Babylon) would come to the door to visit the king. Instead of being humble and talking to them about how God had rescued Israel from Assyria and from a life ending illness, King Hezekiah, instead, opens up the palace and shows them HIS greatness. Instead of honoring God for what GOD had done in his life, the king honors himself and steals God's honor. We have a choice in life to take honor from men and make ourselves to be the heroes of our lives, or to give honor to God. Regretfully, the nature of man is to steal the honor for himself. Hezekiah is no different. We would want to be, but we all attempt to steal God's glory and honor. God, protect me from this type of attitude!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Subject: Nature of Man - Job 14
Job 14:1 (ESV Strong's)
“Man who is born of a woman
is few of days and full of trouble.
Subject: Nature of Man
In this chapter, Job is continuing his response to his accusers, but he directs this chapter toward God. He is laying out his case to God of how fragile and futile his life is as compared to God and the rest of the world. In the first verse (above) we might agree that the theme of the entire chapter is stated in summary form. Job makes three observations: 1]. Man is born of a woman. That means man has a beginning. Man is not God, eternal, and therefore is born with limited. Man starts out like a flower (see the next verse) and then withers away. Our birth is the greatest and worse day of our lives. It is the day we start to live and it is the day we start to die. 2]. Man has few days to live. Man's days are number, Job will say later in this chapter (14:16). We need to approach life realizing every day is a gift, but it is a gift that has a termination date on it. When we are young we do not realize that. But, it is never-the-less true. We have little time and that time belongs to God, not us. We are to spend it honoring and glorifying Him. 3]. Our days are full of "trouble," Job states. Most of us don't want to think this way. It is, after all, a very pessimistic view of life. Yet, to deny this truth is to deny the very nature of man's life. We are in trouble. Job will go on in this chapter and talk about the sin and inquiry that is within us. The very truth of this phrase is why we know we need God's grace. God is the God of grace and it is He who rescues us from our trouble (see Psalm 18). to admit our days are full of trouble is not to live pessimistically; it is to come to the realization that we need grace and that changes our lives. We don't live in optimism by denying the trouble in life. We can only have hope when we have our HOPE in the God of HOPE. Job's confession is our redemption. The nature of Man needs the Grace of God.
“Man who is born of a woman
is few of days and full of trouble.
Subject: Nature of Man
In this chapter, Job is continuing his response to his accusers, but he directs this chapter toward God. He is laying out his case to God of how fragile and futile his life is as compared to God and the rest of the world. In the first verse (above) we might agree that the theme of the entire chapter is stated in summary form. Job makes three observations: 1]. Man is born of a woman. That means man has a beginning. Man is not God, eternal, and therefore is born with limited. Man starts out like a flower (see the next verse) and then withers away. Our birth is the greatest and worse day of our lives. It is the day we start to live and it is the day we start to die. 2]. Man has few days to live. Man's days are number, Job will say later in this chapter (14:16). We need to approach life realizing every day is a gift, but it is a gift that has a termination date on it. When we are young we do not realize that. But, it is never-the-less true. We have little time and that time belongs to God, not us. We are to spend it honoring and glorifying Him. 3]. Our days are full of "trouble," Job states. Most of us don't want to think this way. It is, after all, a very pessimistic view of life. Yet, to deny this truth is to deny the very nature of man's life. We are in trouble. Job will go on in this chapter and talk about the sin and inquiry that is within us. The very truth of this phrase is why we know we need God's grace. God is the God of grace and it is He who rescues us from our trouble (see Psalm 18). to admit our days are full of trouble is not to live pessimistically; it is to come to the realization that we need grace and that changes our lives. We don't live in optimism by denying the trouble in life. We can only have hope when we have our HOPE in the God of HOPE. Job's confession is our redemption. The nature of Man needs the Grace of God.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Subject: God's Strength-God's Word
Psalms 18:29-30 (ESV Strong's)
For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Subject: God's Strength - God's Word
I can't jump!! Jumping over a wall would only happen to me if the wall were small and their was a couch on the other side so I could rest after the jump. This is what is so amazing about God. What we can do or are required to do, as believers, has nothing to do with our ability. God doesn't expect me to jump over a wall. God has the power, we are just the conduit. Life will bring "walls" into our path. Satan brings "walls" into our journey. It is God, through HIs Word, that empowers us and gets us to where we need to be ... Overall the wall. We can trust God's Word and believe in God's promises. He "proves true." And, when the wall is moving at us, God becomes the shield for us. God's way is "perfect." Think about that and meditate on that. We can rest assured that whatever wall, or attack we are under and up again, God is the refuge. It is refreshing to know that I don't have to jump a wall, even a small wall. God is my strength, through HIs Word, based upon His character.
For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Subject: God's Strength - God's Word
I can't jump!! Jumping over a wall would only happen to me if the wall were small and their was a couch on the other side so I could rest after the jump. This is what is so amazing about God. What we can do or are required to do, as believers, has nothing to do with our ability. God doesn't expect me to jump over a wall. God has the power, we are just the conduit. Life will bring "walls" into our path. Satan brings "walls" into our journey. It is God, through HIs Word, that empowers us and gets us to where we need to be ... Overall the wall. We can trust God's Word and believe in God's promises. He "proves true." And, when the wall is moving at us, God becomes the shield for us. God's way is "perfect." Think about that and meditate on that. We can rest assured that whatever wall, or attack we are under and up again, God is the refuge. It is refreshing to know that I don't have to jump a wall, even a small wall. God is my strength, through HIs Word, based upon His character.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Subject: God's Provision - Judges 6-11
Judges 11:23-24 (ESV Strong's)
So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them?
Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess.
Subject: God's Provision
The King of the Amorites had come against the nation of Israel. At that time the elders of Israel asked Jephthah to come out and lead them. When Jephthah asks the Amorites why they were coming against Israel, their king stated that the history between the two nations goes all the way back to when Israel came out of Egypt. At that time, according to their king, Israel took possession of their land and they, now, wanted it back. Jephthah, although not a man of great heritage (he was the son of a prostitute), tells the king and the Amorites, that what actually happened was that God had dispossessed them of their land. He uses the logic that IF their god, Chemosh, gave them land to possess, would they not possess it? So, if Yahweh gave the nation of Israel land, then why wouldn't they take it and keep it. The key in this passage is that Jephthah recognized the provision of God in the midst of persecution by the world. God takes care of His people. When we have what we have because of our own strength, we really have nothing that last. When we have what we have because of God's strength and provision, we have something permanent. Jephthah will go out and conquer the Amorites (again!). What God gives us we should claim and not allow anyone, anything, or any tactic of Satan to take it away. When God provides, He provides permanently.
So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them?
Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess.
Subject: God's Provision
The King of the Amorites had come against the nation of Israel. At that time the elders of Israel asked Jephthah to come out and lead them. When Jephthah asks the Amorites why they were coming against Israel, their king stated that the history between the two nations goes all the way back to when Israel came out of Egypt. At that time, according to their king, Israel took possession of their land and they, now, wanted it back. Jephthah, although not a man of great heritage (he was the son of a prostitute), tells the king and the Amorites, that what actually happened was that God had dispossessed them of their land. He uses the logic that IF their god, Chemosh, gave them land to possess, would they not possess it? So, if Yahweh gave the nation of Israel land, then why wouldn't they take it and keep it. The key in this passage is that Jephthah recognized the provision of God in the midst of persecution by the world. God takes care of His people. When we have what we have because of our own strength, we really have nothing that last. When we have what we have because of God's strength and provision, we have something permanent. Jephthah will go out and conquer the Amorites (again!). What God gives us we should claim and not allow anyone, anything, or any tactic of Satan to take it away. When God provides, He provides permanently.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Subject: Prayer - Genesis 24-27
Genesis 24:12-14 (ESV Strong's)
And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.
Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
Subject: Prayer
Abraham's servant has been sent out to find a wife for Abraham's son, Isaac. Abraham is following God's promises and Word and doesn't want to take a son from the people of the land they are living in (Cannan). So, he sends his servant back to his home country. When the servant left he had very little faith in Abraham's God. However, the long trip back to the Abraham's home country has changed his view of the trip. Whereas before he didn't know what to do if God didn't bless him, he is now willing to pray a very specific prayer to see god's grace. The servant now is willing to trust in the sovereignty of God vs. where he was earlier (Genesis 24:5). The key here is the specificity of his prayer. What boldness! He prays for not only direction as to the future wife of Isaac, he prays to God for specific signs of God's grace and direction. It is doubtful that we pray this way today. We often hide behind our theology: That God doesn't give us "signs" today!! And, there is no promise that God will give us answers in signs. However, the boldness of prayer should not be limited by our own theology. We ought not to hide and diminish our prayer to God because we worry He might not work that way or answer our prayers that are specific. We ought not to pray for signs as God has indicated He is past the sign age:
Matthew 12:39 (ESV Strong's)
But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
But, we do tend to be too general in our prayers because we fear He either won't answer or lacks the power. Whatever happened in Abraham's servant from the beginning of the trip to the this point in his quest, needs to happen to us. We need to be bold in prayer. We ought to have the boldness the writer of Hebrews speaks about:
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV Strong's)
The Full Assurance of Faith
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.
Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
Subject: Prayer
Abraham's servant has been sent out to find a wife for Abraham's son, Isaac. Abraham is following God's promises and Word and doesn't want to take a son from the people of the land they are living in (Cannan). So, he sends his servant back to his home country. When the servant left he had very little faith in Abraham's God. However, the long trip back to the Abraham's home country has changed his view of the trip. Whereas before he didn't know what to do if God didn't bless him, he is now willing to pray a very specific prayer to see god's grace. The servant now is willing to trust in the sovereignty of God vs. where he was earlier (Genesis 24:5). The key here is the specificity of his prayer. What boldness! He prays for not only direction as to the future wife of Isaac, he prays to God for specific signs of God's grace and direction. It is doubtful that we pray this way today. We often hide behind our theology: That God doesn't give us "signs" today!! And, there is no promise that God will give us answers in signs. However, the boldness of prayer should not be limited by our own theology. We ought not to hide and diminish our prayer to God because we worry He might not work that way or answer our prayers that are specific. We ought not to pray for signs as God has indicated He is past the sign age:
Matthew 12:39 (ESV Strong's)
But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
But, we do tend to be too general in our prayers because we fear He either won't answer or lacks the power. Whatever happened in Abraham's servant from the beginning of the trip to the this point in his quest, needs to happen to us. We need to be bold in prayer. We ought to have the boldness the writer of Hebrews speaks about:
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV Strong's)
The Full Assurance of Faith
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Subject: Love One Another - Romans 12
Romans 12:10 (ESV Strong's)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Subject: Love One Another
Let's look at the above verse in several other versions of the Bible:
Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:10 (NIV 1984)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 (NASB Strong's)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Each of these versions gives us something of the meaning in the original language. The key thought, despite some of the different word choices is, we are to put others before ourselves. We are to prefer others before us and shower honor on them. The word in the Greek of honor is "time" (pronounced, "tee-may" in the Greek). It means to give proper value to something or someone. In 1 Peter 3:7 husbands are to give "honor" to their wife ... They are to show proper value to her. In the Body of Christ we are to show proper tee-may, value, to others in the Body, even above ourselves. Paul has been writing this entire letter to the believing Jews and the believing Gentiles at Rome. The Jews were tempted to think their "form" of Christian Faith was more valuable than that of the Gentiles. Since "they" were God's chosen people, the Jews were tempted to make Gentile believers less valuable in the Body. Paul corrects that, here!! We can do the same thing, but not only across ethnic lines. We can also do so in regard to which spiritual gifts are more important (another contextual application, here). We can think we are better than other Christians across socio-economic lines. Paul says, NO!! We are to love one another and do so in such a way that we "outdo" (ESV version) each other in our attempt to show others their value. We often value ourselves over others. Paul turns that upside down and says to value others over ourselves. That approach will solve almost all the problems in churches, organizations, communities and countries. That is Christianity at its best!
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Subject: Love One Another
Let's look at the above verse in several other versions of the Bible:
Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:10 (NIV 1984)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 (NASB Strong's)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Each of these versions gives us something of the meaning in the original language. The key thought, despite some of the different word choices is, we are to put others before ourselves. We are to prefer others before us and shower honor on them. The word in the Greek of honor is "time" (pronounced, "tee-may" in the Greek). It means to give proper value to something or someone. In 1 Peter 3:7 husbands are to give "honor" to their wife ... They are to show proper value to her. In the Body of Christ we are to show proper tee-may, value, to others in the Body, even above ourselves. Paul has been writing this entire letter to the believing Jews and the believing Gentiles at Rome. The Jews were tempted to think their "form" of Christian Faith was more valuable than that of the Gentiles. Since "they" were God's chosen people, the Jews were tempted to make Gentile believers less valuable in the Body. Paul corrects that, here!! We can do the same thing, but not only across ethnic lines. We can also do so in regard to which spiritual gifts are more important (another contextual application, here). We can think we are better than other Christians across socio-economic lines. Paul says, NO!! We are to love one another and do so in such a way that we "outdo" (ESV version) each other in our attempt to show others their value. We often value ourselves over others. Paul turns that upside down and says to value others over ourselves. That approach will solve almost all the problems in churches, organizations, communities and countries. That is Christianity at its best!
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Subject: God's Correction - Matthew 14-16
Matthew 16:21-23 (ESV Strong's)
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”
But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Subject: God's Correction
Imagine the above story as it actually happened with Jesus, Peter and the other disciples siting around and observing their interaction. Jesus had just rewarded Peter a few minutes earlier. Peter had recognized and stated verbally that Jesus was the "Son of God" and Jesus let him know that this truth did not come from his natural heart (flesh and blood) but that the Father in heaven had given him that truth. Jesus then told Peter, in front of all of them, that He would build the church on this same faith Peter expressed!! Imagine how Peter's stock rose in the midst of the disciples. He must have been on cloud nine. Perhaps his chest even began to expand with a slight sense of pride. Then, the above happens. Jesus begins to tell the disciples that, yes, the church would be built on faith, but that faith would be centered around His suffering. Peter rejected that thought. He believed Jesus would be a Conquering King, not a Suffering Servant. Peter's objection was met with Christ's correction. Peter goes from fame to fool. All in a moment's notice. Jesus was willing to correct the disciple He just praised because the correction was needed. Even though it may have been harsh to the disciples, it was done in love. Jesus was going to build the church on the faith Peter demonstrated in the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus could not let that faith be taken hostage by Satan to use Peter's flesh and to miss the most important phrases of this narrative: The church would be built on the truth of Jesus sacrifice. God is willing to discipline His children, no matter their station, status or insights. We need to be willing to take that correction so that we can become the person God wants us to be. NO matter our insights previously.
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”
But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Subject: God's Correction
Imagine the above story as it actually happened with Jesus, Peter and the other disciples siting around and observing their interaction. Jesus had just rewarded Peter a few minutes earlier. Peter had recognized and stated verbally that Jesus was the "Son of God" and Jesus let him know that this truth did not come from his natural heart (flesh and blood) but that the Father in heaven had given him that truth. Jesus then told Peter, in front of all of them, that He would build the church on this same faith Peter expressed!! Imagine how Peter's stock rose in the midst of the disciples. He must have been on cloud nine. Perhaps his chest even began to expand with a slight sense of pride. Then, the above happens. Jesus begins to tell the disciples that, yes, the church would be built on faith, but that faith would be centered around His suffering. Peter rejected that thought. He believed Jesus would be a Conquering King, not a Suffering Servant. Peter's objection was met with Christ's correction. Peter goes from fame to fool. All in a moment's notice. Jesus was willing to correct the disciple He just praised because the correction was needed. Even though it may have been harsh to the disciples, it was done in love. Jesus was going to build the church on the faith Peter demonstrated in the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus could not let that faith be taken hostage by Satan to use Peter's flesh and to miss the most important phrases of this narrative: The church would be built on the truth of Jesus sacrifice. God is willing to discipline His children, no matter their station, status or insights. We need to be willing to take that correction so that we can become the person God wants us to be. NO matter our insights previously.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Subject: Security in God - Isaiah 29-33
Isaiah 33:5-6 (ESV Strong's)
The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness,
and he will be the stability of your times,
abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.
Subject: Security in God
This portion of Isaiah is about the judgment on God's people for their disobedience, failure to believe and their seeking safety and refuge from someone or something, other than God. They had sought to go to Egypt to find security from the enemies God was bringing to discipline them, rather than to repent and seek God. In their time of trouble they turned to earthly and material things for their hope. Much like we do today. In our current presidential campaign cycle we have much of this going on. Believers are turning to the hope of their leaders and their constitution, rather than the trust of God to intervene and give us stability, salvation, wisdom and knowledge. We are turning to our law, our education, our finances, and the memory of our "past glory" for both guidance and strength. Yet, it is God who demands our worship and praise. It is God who should be and will be our security. He is to be exalted. He will bring in justice and righteousness. Yet, we turn to worthless means, like Israel, in our times of trouble.
The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness,
and he will be the stability of your times,
abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.
Subject: Security in God
This portion of Isaiah is about the judgment on God's people for their disobedience, failure to believe and their seeking safety and refuge from someone or something, other than God. They had sought to go to Egypt to find security from the enemies God was bringing to discipline them, rather than to repent and seek God. In their time of trouble they turned to earthly and material things for their hope. Much like we do today. In our current presidential campaign cycle we have much of this going on. Believers are turning to the hope of their leaders and their constitution, rather than the trust of God to intervene and give us stability, salvation, wisdom and knowledge. We are turning to our law, our education, our finances, and the memory of our "past glory" for both guidance and strength. Yet, it is God who demands our worship and praise. It is God who should be and will be our security. He is to be exalted. He will bring in justice and righteousness. Yet, we turn to worthless means, like Israel, in our times of trouble.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Subject: God's Sovereignty vs. Human Governance - Job 12-13
Job 12:23-25 (ESV Strong's)
He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth
and makes them wander in a trackless waste.
They grope in the dark without light,
and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Subject: God's Sovereignty vs. Man's Governance
As this little devotional is being written we are in the beginning stages of the 2016 presidential campaign. Nations we never heard of are in play on the world's stage. Leaders who have little standing in the known power-groups in the world are staking claim to their own rule and their own control over territory and even without territory ... In the ideas of man's man!! It would be easy to lose focus on God in the midst of all this chaotic upheaval on the stage of power and leadership. The news media is swarming with prognosticators and pundits who claim some special revelation on the prospects of future happenings. Yet, in the above passage, in Job's defense of his painful and Dalmatia situation, we get a truth that can ease the hearts and minds of God's people: God is still in charge. For Job the above thoughts must have been so reassuring. He was not thinking of presidents and pundits or problems or politics. He was focused on His problem; a loss of family and health. Yet, in the midst of that loss and that pain, he held to the above truth. God is in charge. God brings some down and sets others up. God is God and we have nothing to fear. His PERFECT love cast out all fear.
He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth
and makes them wander in a trackless waste.
They grope in the dark without light,
and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Subject: God's Sovereignty vs. Man's Governance
As this little devotional is being written we are in the beginning stages of the 2016 presidential campaign. Nations we never heard of are in play on the world's stage. Leaders who have little standing in the known power-groups in the world are staking claim to their own rule and their own control over territory and even without territory ... In the ideas of man's man!! It would be easy to lose focus on God in the midst of all this chaotic upheaval on the stage of power and leadership. The news media is swarming with prognosticators and pundits who claim some special revelation on the prospects of future happenings. Yet, in the above passage, in Job's defense of his painful and Dalmatia situation, we get a truth that can ease the hearts and minds of God's people: God is still in charge. For Job the above thoughts must have been so reassuring. He was not thinking of presidents and pundits or problems or politics. He was focused on His problem; a loss of family and health. Yet, in the midst of that loss and that pain, he held to the above truth. God is in charge. God brings some down and sets others up. God is God and we have nothing to fear. His PERFECT love cast out all fear.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Subject: God's Care - Pslam 15-17
Psalms 17:6-9 (ESV Strong's)
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
Subject: God's Care
Those who put their trust in God are the apple of His eye. God loves His children and hides them under the shadow of His wings. There is nothing more peaceful an assuring than this aspect of God's care. The two pictures (apple of His eye and shadow of His wings) conjures us a comfort only God can provide. With His eye God sees all and, yet, we are at the center (that is the reference for the "apple" of an eye). And when He sees all, He also sees the harm that others are trying to bring. He doesn't just objectively see the danger and the pain we face or experience, He actively covers us with His wing (a metaphor for the power of God). We are watched and covered. God sees and acts. God's care is not passive. God's care is not simply a Theology. God's care is a practical intercession of an omnipotent God who acts on our behalf, because we need it. God's care is interacting and intersecting in our lives.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
Subject: God's Care
Those who put their trust in God are the apple of His eye. God loves His children and hides them under the shadow of His wings. There is nothing more peaceful an assuring than this aspect of God's care. The two pictures (apple of His eye and shadow of His wings) conjures us a comfort only God can provide. With His eye God sees all and, yet, we are at the center (that is the reference for the "apple" of an eye). And when He sees all, He also sees the harm that others are trying to bring. He doesn't just objectively see the danger and the pain we face or experience, He actively covers us with His wing (a metaphor for the power of God). We are watched and covered. God sees and acts. God's care is not passive. God's care is not simply a Theology. God's care is a practical intercession of an omnipotent God who acts on our behalf, because we need it. God's care is interacting and intersecting in our lives.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Subject: Sin - Judges 1-5
Judges 1:21 (ESV Strong's)
But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
Subject: Sin
In the above verse the phrase, "did not drive our the ..." is repeated several times in this chapter, and by inference, in the entire book. In 1:27, 29, 30, 31 and 33 we can read the exact same words. The entire theme of the book of Judges is centered around Israel's willingness, ability, desire or fear to completely destroy the enemy of God and of Israel. Their failure to completely destroy the enemy would allow the sin of these nations to infiltrate the nation of Israel. God told them to completely destroy the nations. Joshua had reminded them, before his death, of what would happen if they didn't. Therefore God put them into judgement for their lack of willingness to obey Him. This is wha happens when we allow sin to reign in our lives, even a little sin. At first it was just one nation, Benjamin, who didn't drive out the inhabitants. Then it was Manasseh; then Ephraaim; Than Zubulan; Than Asher; Than Naphtali. Sin in our lives is contagious. We are to drive it completely out. If not, if affects other parts of our life and other parts of our family.
But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
Subject: Sin
In the above verse the phrase, "did not drive our the ..." is repeated several times in this chapter, and by inference, in the entire book. In 1:27, 29, 30, 31 and 33 we can read the exact same words. The entire theme of the book of Judges is centered around Israel's willingness, ability, desire or fear to completely destroy the enemy of God and of Israel. Their failure to completely destroy the enemy would allow the sin of these nations to infiltrate the nation of Israel. God told them to completely destroy the nations. Joshua had reminded them, before his death, of what would happen if they didn't. Therefore God put them into judgement for their lack of willingness to obey Him. This is wha happens when we allow sin to reign in our lives, even a little sin. At first it was just one nation, Benjamin, who didn't drive out the inhabitants. Then it was Manasseh; then Ephraaim; Than Zubulan; Than Asher; Than Naphtali. Sin in our lives is contagious. We are to drive it completely out. If not, if affects other parts of our life and other parts of our family.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Subject: Power - Genesis 20-23
Genesis 23:8-12 (ESV Strong's)
And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar,
that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.”
Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city,
“No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.”
Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land.
Subject: Power
The above verses are taken from the passage in Genesis 23 that concerns Abraham buying a tomb to bury Sarah, who died at the age of 127. Abraham wants to honor Sarah and, at the same time, wants to make sure he does so by "buying" a tomb, rather than using his power to obtain it. Abraham could have used the power he had over the group to obtained the tomb for no cost. That would, however, not have honored Sarah (a free grave is not honoring since it costs you nothing). It also would not be honoring to God. God had given Abraham the power he had. It was not to be abused. Just because you have power does not mean you have to abuse others with your position. Proverbs say a rich man has many friends:
Proverbs 14:20 (ESV Strong's)
The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
Abraham did not abuse that position of wealth, that attracts many friends. We need to be aware of those who use their wealth in a poor manner for their own profit and gain. Notice in the above text that even after the man who owned the tomb Abraham wanted offered to give it to him, Abraham "bowed down before the people of the land." His humility in power is a picture of Christ. Christ had all the power, but He laid his life down for man-kind. That is the ultimate use of power. Laying it down for others.
And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar,
that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.”
Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city,
“No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.”
Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land.
Subject: Power
The above verses are taken from the passage in Genesis 23 that concerns Abraham buying a tomb to bury Sarah, who died at the age of 127. Abraham wants to honor Sarah and, at the same time, wants to make sure he does so by "buying" a tomb, rather than using his power to obtain it. Abraham could have used the power he had over the group to obtained the tomb for no cost. That would, however, not have honored Sarah (a free grave is not honoring since it costs you nothing). It also would not be honoring to God. God had given Abraham the power he had. It was not to be abused. Just because you have power does not mean you have to abuse others with your position. Proverbs say a rich man has many friends:
Proverbs 14:20 (ESV Strong's)
The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
Abraham did not abuse that position of wealth, that attracts many friends. We need to be aware of those who use their wealth in a poor manner for their own profit and gain. Notice in the above text that even after the man who owned the tomb Abraham wanted offered to give it to him, Abraham "bowed down before the people of the land." His humility in power is a picture of Christ. Christ had all the power, but He laid his life down for man-kind. That is the ultimate use of power. Laying it down for others.
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