Job 28:23 (ESV Strong's)
“God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place.
Subject: God's Wisdom
Job is speaking to his friends and is telling them that no man can find wisdom. He tells them that the earth can't contain wisdom, hold wisdom, or reveal wisdom. But, God can. God holds Wisdom. Wisdom was there at creation (Proverbs 8-9). Christ is personified as wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2. When we seek Wisdom, we are seeking Christ. When we seek Christ, we find Wisdom. In the above verse it states that God understand the "way." The Hebrew word for "way" here is that of a path or road. God knows the ways of wisdom. He lays it out in HIs Word. He reveals it to His worshippers. We can know wisdom and know how to follow it. We can also have the strength to follow it. Wisdom is not a separate entity. The Fear of the Lord is wisdom. Having a relationship with Christ is to have Wisdom.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Subject: Evangelism - Psalm 39-41
Psalms 40:9-10 (ESV Strong's)
I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O Lord.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
Subject: Evangelism
Do we hide the good things God has done for us or is doing for us? Do we broadcast them in public? Do we let others know the greatness of the God's mercy and grace in our lives? In the above verses David tells us his approach to telling the world around him about his God. He reminds us that we are to not hide God's grace in our lives, but to tell the world around us. Perhaps Paul was reading this Psalm while in prison, when he penned these words:
Colossians 4:3-6 (ESV Strong's)
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Paul was telling the church at Colosse that despite his imprisonment, he was not going to stop telling others about God's greatness in his life. We ought to always be ready to proclaim what God did, is doing and can do in our lives as we believe in Faith. The best evangelism is seen in the story of the blind man in John 9. He just told others his personal story of God's working in his life. The same holds true for all believers.
I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O Lord.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
Subject: Evangelism
Do we hide the good things God has done for us or is doing for us? Do we broadcast them in public? Do we let others know the greatness of the God's mercy and grace in our lives? In the above verses David tells us his approach to telling the world around him about his God. He reminds us that we are to not hide God's grace in our lives, but to tell the world around us. Perhaps Paul was reading this Psalm while in prison, when he penned these words:
Colossians 4:3-6 (ESV Strong's)
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Paul was telling the church at Colosse that despite his imprisonment, he was not going to stop telling others about God's greatness in his life. We ought to always be ready to proclaim what God did, is doing and can do in our lives as we believe in Faith. The best evangelism is seen in the story of the blind man in John 9. He just told others his personal story of God's working in his life. The same holds true for all believers.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Subject: God's Deliverance - 1 Samuel 16-20
1 Samuel 17:46-47 (ESV Strong's)
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.”
Subject: God's Deliverance
God chooses many methods to save His people. In the above text we see that David is about to go to war against Goliath. In the text we read, "... That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves to with sword and spear." What the world is about to know is that God choose to use a young shepherd boy with a sling and a stone. God is the one who choose to use the sling. We could read the above passage and think that David was simply going to get on his knees and pray Goliath to death. God COULD HAVE chosen to do just that. But, God elected to, instead, use a rock and a stone from the hand of a boy with a staff. This should teach us something about God's methods. God CAN save by using prayer alone. God CAN save by using a tool like a sling. God CAN save by using a whale, or a donkey. God CAN save by using water from a rock. God CAN save by using two loaves and five fishes. God's methods might change, but God's faithfulness to save when we have faith does not change. We don't know if God will use a doctor using new medicine, or a church filled with believers praying for our freedom (think Peter in jail). We do know that God will save!!1
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.”
Subject: God's Deliverance
God chooses many methods to save His people. In the above text we see that David is about to go to war against Goliath. In the text we read, "... That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves to with sword and spear." What the world is about to know is that God choose to use a young shepherd boy with a sling and a stone. God is the one who choose to use the sling. We could read the above passage and think that David was simply going to get on his knees and pray Goliath to death. God COULD HAVE chosen to do just that. But, God elected to, instead, use a rock and a stone from the hand of a boy with a staff. This should teach us something about God's methods. God CAN save by using prayer alone. God CAN save by using a tool like a sling. God CAN save by using a whale, or a donkey. God CAN save by using water from a rock. God CAN save by using two loaves and five fishes. God's methods might change, but God's faithfulness to save when we have faith does not change. We don't know if God will use a doctor using new medicine, or a church filled with believers praying for our freedom (think Peter in jail). We do know that God will save!!1
Monday, March 28, 2016
Subject: God's Care - Exodus 1-4
Exodus 2:23-25 (ESV Strong's)
God Hears Israel's Groaning
During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
Subject: God's Care
God knows!!! The last words of the above verse ought to be the most comforting to us in our lives. He knows our heartache and our pain. Note what the writer of Hebrews tells us:
Hebrews 4:15 (ESV Strong's)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
God not only knows our weaknesses and our pain He can "sympathize" with them. Vine in his dictionary of Greek words tells us this about the word, "sympathize:"
(Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary) sumpatheo (συμπαθέω, 4834), “to suffer with another (sun, ‘with,’ pascho, ‘to suffer’), to be affected similarly” (Eng., “sympathy”), to have “compassion”
When God saw the pain and suffering of His people in slavery and bondage in Egypt, He sent them a savior: Moses. He did not want them to suffer. When God saw our slavery to sin and our bondage to evil, God sent us a Savior: Jesus. Christ came and was the representative for us toward God. He suffered as we suffered. When we pray to Christ about being rejected, He knows that rejection. When we pray to Christ about being lonely, He knows lonely. When we pray to Christ about a separation, He knows separation and even desertion. There is NOTHING we pray about to the Father that the Son has not experienced. God knows!!!!
God Hears Israel's Groaning
During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
Subject: God's Care
God knows!!! The last words of the above verse ought to be the most comforting to us in our lives. He knows our heartache and our pain. Note what the writer of Hebrews tells us:
Hebrews 4:15 (ESV Strong's)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
God not only knows our weaknesses and our pain He can "sympathize" with them. Vine in his dictionary of Greek words tells us this about the word, "sympathize:"
(Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary) sumpatheo (συμπαθέω, 4834), “to suffer with another (sun, ‘with,’ pascho, ‘to suffer’), to be affected similarly” (Eng., “sympathy”), to have “compassion”
When God saw the pain and suffering of His people in slavery and bondage in Egypt, He sent them a savior: Moses. He did not want them to suffer. When God saw our slavery to sin and our bondage to evil, God sent us a Savior: Jesus. Christ came and was the representative for us toward God. He suffered as we suffered. When we pray to Christ about being rejected, He knows that rejection. When we pray to Christ about being lonely, He knows lonely. When we pray to Christ about a separation, He knows separation and even desertion. There is NOTHING we pray about to the Father that the Son has not experienced. God knows!!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Subject: Pride and Overconfidence - 1 Corinthians 9-10
1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV Strong's)
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Subject: Pride and overconfidence
It is so easy in our life to have confidence in our own abilities. We are even encouraged at an early age of life to have confidence by parents, teachers and coaches. An air of confidence is what separates people into leadership and follower-ship. We often replace fearing and timid leaders with confident leaders. The church at Corinth was a confident group of believers. They had taken their Giftedness and boasted about it. They were proud of their standing in the church. They were proud of a lot of areas of their walk. Paul is writing to them in chapter ten to warn them about the pitfalls that happened to the Nation of Israel. They are the same pitfalls that can happen to them. Paul has just outlined several areas where the Israelites failed and wants them to learn these lessons. In fact, he has just told them twice, the Israelites had these failures happen so that the Corinthian church would have examples for their life and learning (10:6, 11). In the above verse Paul stresses to them that in this very difficult time of the world (much like ours today) we need to see that "our" strength is not enough to sustain us in troubled times. Paul is about to tell them that their only hope is God's faithfulness (10:13). When we do good we are puffed up in pride and that is the first step to the journey of destruction. Paul is giving us the theme of Proverbs: Pride goes before the fall and a haughty spirit before destruction. Overconfidence is a sin that can't creep into a believers life. It steals the glory from God and hinders His equipping us for further service.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Subject: Pride and overconfidence
It is so easy in our life to have confidence in our own abilities. We are even encouraged at an early age of life to have confidence by parents, teachers and coaches. An air of confidence is what separates people into leadership and follower-ship. We often replace fearing and timid leaders with confident leaders. The church at Corinth was a confident group of believers. They had taken their Giftedness and boasted about it. They were proud of their standing in the church. They were proud of a lot of areas of their walk. Paul is writing to them in chapter ten to warn them about the pitfalls that happened to the Nation of Israel. They are the same pitfalls that can happen to them. Paul has just outlined several areas where the Israelites failed and wants them to learn these lessons. In fact, he has just told them twice, the Israelites had these failures happen so that the Corinthian church would have examples for their life and learning (10:6, 11). In the above verse Paul stresses to them that in this very difficult time of the world (much like ours today) we need to see that "our" strength is not enough to sustain us in troubled times. Paul is about to tell them that their only hope is God's faithfulness (10:13). When we do good we are puffed up in pride and that is the first step to the journey of destruction. Paul is giving us the theme of Proverbs: Pride goes before the fall and a haughty spirit before destruction. Overconfidence is a sin that can't creep into a believers life. It steals the glory from God and hinders His equipping us for further service.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Subject: God's Care - Mark 5-6
Mark 6:45 (ESV Strong's)
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
Subject: God's Care
Jesus knew a storm was coming. But, Jesus sent the disciples into the storm. We must always remember that God knows where He is sending us. We need only trust that God is sending us and knows the storm He has plained for us. In the early chapters of Acts we see Peter and Silas locked away in prison. God didn't miss this situation on the agenda of the religious leaders of the day. God made sure that, in the midst of the storm and in the middle of the boat, that Jesus would show up to care for them. Christ always shows up. In the lives we live for Jesus we have to have the faith to remember that He never sends us where He hasn't planned to deliver us. The disciples, we're not expecting Jesus to walk on water. The Israelites were not expecting God to part the Red Sea either. Paul and Silas were not expecting an earthquake to deliver them from that prison cell, either. We should rest in the assurance that God will always come to our rescue; especially if it was He who sent us into the boat to begin with.
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
Subject: God's Care
Jesus knew a storm was coming. But, Jesus sent the disciples into the storm. We must always remember that God knows where He is sending us. We need only trust that God is sending us and knows the storm He has plained for us. In the early chapters of Acts we see Peter and Silas locked away in prison. God didn't miss this situation on the agenda of the religious leaders of the day. God made sure that, in the midst of the storm and in the middle of the boat, that Jesus would show up to care for them. Christ always shows up. In the lives we live for Jesus we have to have the faith to remember that He never sends us where He hasn't planned to deliver us. The disciples, we're not expecting Jesus to walk on water. The Israelites were not expecting God to part the Red Sea either. Paul and Silas were not expecting an earthquake to deliver them from that prison cell, either. We should rest in the assurance that God will always come to our rescue; especially if it was He who sent us into the boat to begin with.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Subject: Service to God - Jeremiah 1-6
Jeremiah 1:18-19 (ESV Strong's)
And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”
Subject: Service to God
All believers have been called to a life of service to God, our King. We have but one real gift to give to Him; it is the life He has bestowed upon us. We are to give that life back. Like young Samuel of old, our cry to God out to be: "Speak Lord, your servants hears!" Moses at the burning bush, although doubting his skill level, was willing to be used as a servant of God. David, as a young shepherd boy, was willing to be used by God and stepped up with a sling and a stone to kill his giant. So, too, Jeremiah is called to a life of service. It would not be an easy life. Those he spoke against would fight against him. That means pain and suffering for the servant. What Jeremiah is asked to do is to deliver a message of God into hostile territory. He would not be the first (think Noah), nor would he be the last (think Jonah, Peter and Paul). God does not call His servants to a life of comfort, but to a life of service. Comfort is for our time in glory. This life is for our time of service. We ought not to think of it as a time to be pampered, but to be peppered. The world is going to reject our message. Jeremiah was sent to his OWN people and the above verse says they will be fighting him. But, they will not prevail. Where God sends us to speak, God sends someone to protect us. What a blessed thought. The battle may rage, but the comfort from the Spirit is still here to protect us.
And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”
Subject: Service to God
All believers have been called to a life of service to God, our King. We have but one real gift to give to Him; it is the life He has bestowed upon us. We are to give that life back. Like young Samuel of old, our cry to God out to be: "Speak Lord, your servants hears!" Moses at the burning bush, although doubting his skill level, was willing to be used as a servant of God. David, as a young shepherd boy, was willing to be used by God and stepped up with a sling and a stone to kill his giant. So, too, Jeremiah is called to a life of service. It would not be an easy life. Those he spoke against would fight against him. That means pain and suffering for the servant. What Jeremiah is asked to do is to deliver a message of God into hostile territory. He would not be the first (think Noah), nor would he be the last (think Jonah, Peter and Paul). God does not call His servants to a life of comfort, but to a life of service. Comfort is for our time in glory. This life is for our time of service. We ought not to think of it as a time to be pampered, but to be peppered. The world is going to reject our message. Jeremiah was sent to his OWN people and the above verse says they will be fighting him. But, they will not prevail. Where God sends us to speak, God sends someone to protect us. What a blessed thought. The battle may rage, but the comfort from the Spirit is still here to protect us.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Subject: Salvation - Job 25-26
Job 25:4 (ESV Strong's)
How then can man be in the right before God?
How can he who is born of woman be pure?
Subject: Salvation
Bildad, one of Job's three friends, is not attempting to show Job his sinfulness and, by implication, why he deserves to suffer at the hands of God. Although Bildad is wrong to attribute Job's suffering to Job's sin, he is correct in asking the above questions. Again, Job's friends were often right in their theology, but considerably off in their application (doesn't that sound familiar with our own world?). Bildad brings up a great point that all men should consider. Since God is holy, how can man be "right before God?" Since we are born of a women, how can we be "pure?" Although you can find the answer to this question in every book in the Bible (as all books point to Christ in either statement, or symbol), Paul makes this completely clear in the following verses:
Romans 5:1 (ESV Strong's)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:11 (ESV Strong's)
More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 8:1 (ESV Strong's)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
It is through Christ that we are delivered from the wages of sin and the way of sin. How can a man be pure before God? By believing in the Son who paid for the sin of man. Bildad asks the question, Paul gives the answer.
How then can man be in the right before God?
How can he who is born of woman be pure?
Subject: Salvation
Bildad, one of Job's three friends, is not attempting to show Job his sinfulness and, by implication, why he deserves to suffer at the hands of God. Although Bildad is wrong to attribute Job's suffering to Job's sin, he is correct in asking the above questions. Again, Job's friends were often right in their theology, but considerably off in their application (doesn't that sound familiar with our own world?). Bildad brings up a great point that all men should consider. Since God is holy, how can man be "right before God?" Since we are born of a women, how can we be "pure?" Although you can find the answer to this question in every book in the Bible (as all books point to Christ in either statement, or symbol), Paul makes this completely clear in the following verses:
Romans 5:1 (ESV Strong's)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:11 (ESV Strong's)
More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 8:1 (ESV Strong's)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
It is through Christ that we are delivered from the wages of sin and the way of sin. How can a man be pure before God? By believing in the Son who paid for the sin of man. Bildad asks the question, Paul gives the answer.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Subject: Deliverance - Paslm 36-38
Psalms 37:39-40 (ESV Strong's)
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Subject: Deliverance
Where does the non-believer turn in times of trouble? Where do those who do not believe there is a god, turn to when they ache or when they fear? This section of reading started out in Psalm 36 and stated the following:
Psalms 36:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
Imagine living a life where, when times get tough, you turn to your own self for strength and for comfort. Or, you turn to mankind, who we know will often desert us in times of trouble. In the above passage in Psalm 37, however, we have the plan for the believer in times of distress and difficulty: They turn to Lord God and He helps them and delivers them. They have a hope in them. Being able to turn to just those around you, who are equally vulnerable to pain, is a shallow and foolish way to deal with the difficulty in this world brought to us by sin. But, the God of the universe is the stronghold of the believer and a the place of their refuge. We have nothing to fear because we fear Him.
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Subject: Deliverance
Where does the non-believer turn in times of trouble? Where do those who do not believe there is a god, turn to when they ache or when they fear? This section of reading started out in Psalm 36 and stated the following:
Psalms 36:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
Imagine living a life where, when times get tough, you turn to your own self for strength and for comfort. Or, you turn to mankind, who we know will often desert us in times of trouble. In the above passage in Psalm 37, however, we have the plan for the believer in times of distress and difficulty: They turn to Lord God and He helps them and delivers them. They have a hope in them. Being able to turn to just those around you, who are equally vulnerable to pain, is a shallow and foolish way to deal with the difficulty in this world brought to us by sin. But, the God of the universe is the stronghold of the believer and a the place of their refuge. We have nothing to fear because we fear Him.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Subject: God's Faithfulness - 1 Samuel 11-15
1 Samuel 15:34-35 (ESV Strong's)
Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Compare the above verse with this one:
1 Samuel 15:29 (ESV Strong's)
And also the Glory of Israel (God) will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.”
Subject: Faithfulness of God
In the comparison of these two verses we have the bold statement of Samuel that God DOES NOT regret (to be sorry for something) in v. 29 and yet, in verse 35, the narrator of the book clearly states that God did regret (was sorry) He made Saul King. This paradox has been handled by many theologians. Here is one commentary thought:
(Word Biblical Commentary) The chapter as it stands leaves the reader with a paradox. Yahweh clearly had changed his mind about Saul, as both v 11 and v 35 affirm. But the final shape of the text insists that we see this shift in some tension with the usual truth about Israel's faithful God: he does not lie nor change his mind; he is not like a man who changes his mind (v 29). Without this affirmation of Yahweh's fidelity the reader might see history or God's character as arbitrary, even terrifying. One needs to know that God can be counted on. But this reaffirmation of theological truth does not smother historical reality: Yahweh's change of heart about Saul is left to stand. How we are to resolve the tension between God's fidelity and his freedom is not suggested. Perhaps the paradox expresses the real truth: He never changes his mind, and yet he does. In other biblical contexts such paradoxes can be gracious: the God who can never forget Zion (Isa 49:15) forgets his people's sin (Jer 31:34).
When faced with such paradox we need to let Scripture speak and not attempt to rationalize or speak for it. Note these passages on God's fidelity (His unchangeableness):
See Nu 23:19; Mal 3:6 and notes; see also Ps 110:4; Jer 4:28.
In all these passage it states that God is faithful and does not change. There is no conflict in God's eyes between the statement in v. 29 and those in vv. 11, 35, where the Lord is said to “regret” that he had made Saul king. God does not change in "character" - His character stays the same. Yet, like Samuel, He was sorry that Saul was king. Not sorry in that He made Saul the king, but sorry in that Saul didn't live up to what a King could live up to. God does not change. He does change His methods. But, His character stays the same. We can rejoice in that truth.
Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Compare the above verse with this one:
1 Samuel 15:29 (ESV Strong's)
And also the Glory of Israel (God) will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.”
Subject: Faithfulness of God
In the comparison of these two verses we have the bold statement of Samuel that God DOES NOT regret (to be sorry for something) in v. 29 and yet, in verse 35, the narrator of the book clearly states that God did regret (was sorry) He made Saul King. This paradox has been handled by many theologians. Here is one commentary thought:
(Word Biblical Commentary) The chapter as it stands leaves the reader with a paradox. Yahweh clearly had changed his mind about Saul, as both v 11 and v 35 affirm. But the final shape of the text insists that we see this shift in some tension with the usual truth about Israel's faithful God: he does not lie nor change his mind; he is not like a man who changes his mind (v 29). Without this affirmation of Yahweh's fidelity the reader might see history or God's character as arbitrary, even terrifying. One needs to know that God can be counted on. But this reaffirmation of theological truth does not smother historical reality: Yahweh's change of heart about Saul is left to stand. How we are to resolve the tension between God's fidelity and his freedom is not suggested. Perhaps the paradox expresses the real truth: He never changes his mind, and yet he does. In other biblical contexts such paradoxes can be gracious: the God who can never forget Zion (Isa 49:15) forgets his people's sin (Jer 31:34).
When faced with such paradox we need to let Scripture speak and not attempt to rationalize or speak for it. Note these passages on God's fidelity (His unchangeableness):
See Nu 23:19; Mal 3:6 and notes; see also Ps 110:4; Jer 4:28.
In all these passage it states that God is faithful and does not change. There is no conflict in God's eyes between the statement in v. 29 and those in vv. 11, 35, where the Lord is said to “regret” that he had made Saul king. God does not change in "character" - His character stays the same. Yet, like Samuel, He was sorry that Saul was king. Not sorry in that He made Saul the king, but sorry in that Saul didn't live up to what a King could live up to. God does not change. He does change His methods. But, His character stays the same. We can rejoice in that truth.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Subject: Forgiveness - Genesis 48-50
Genesis 50:19-21 (ESV Strong's)
But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Subject: Forgiveness
Joseph is now the second most powerful person in the land AND the most powerful person in their family. AFTER the death of Israel, the other brothers feared for their life. They were afraid that Joseph would seek retribution on them for their mistreatment of him; now that Israel, their father, we dead. We have to love the first statement Joseph makes about this, however: DO NOT FEAR, FOR AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD? That is what it means to NOT forgive someone. When we decide not to forgive someone we put ourselves in the PLACE OF GOD. That is not our role. It is God who forgives. He forgave us. We are not in the place to cast judgment as that would put us in the place of God. We forgive because we were forgiven. Joseph knew this truth and did not attempt to judge his brothers. but, Joseph even went farther than NOT judge them. The last line states that he "provided for them." He "comforted them: and "spoke kindly" to them. This is not the characteristics of a man holding a grudge or withholding forgiveness. In Romans 12 we are told to not only forgive those who wrong us but to also do good to them. Give them water to drink when they are thirsty. God did this for us. Joseph did this for his brothers. We are supposed to do it to those who wrong us.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Subject: Forgiveness
Joseph is now the second most powerful person in the land AND the most powerful person in their family. AFTER the death of Israel, the other brothers feared for their life. They were afraid that Joseph would seek retribution on them for their mistreatment of him; now that Israel, their father, we dead. We have to love the first statement Joseph makes about this, however: DO NOT FEAR, FOR AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD? That is what it means to NOT forgive someone. When we decide not to forgive someone we put ourselves in the PLACE OF GOD. That is not our role. It is God who forgives. He forgave us. We are not in the place to cast judgment as that would put us in the place of God. We forgive because we were forgiven. Joseph knew this truth and did not attempt to judge his brothers. but, Joseph even went farther than NOT judge them. The last line states that he "provided for them." He "comforted them: and "spoke kindly" to them. This is not the characteristics of a man holding a grudge or withholding forgiveness. In Romans 12 we are told to not only forgive those who wrong us but to also do good to them. Give them water to drink when they are thirsty. God did this for us. Joseph did this for his brothers. We are supposed to do it to those who wrong us.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Subject: Marriage Relations - 1 Corinthians 7-8
1 Corinthians 7:1-6 (ESV Strong's)
Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.
For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
Subject: Marriage Relations
Why has the church abrogated the subject of sexual relations in marriage to the world? We have given away our authoritative voice about sexual relations in marriage because the world has made sex so dirty and racy. Paul lived in a time of Greek culture where orgies were a normal activity. Prostitution was even connected to some religious beliefs. Sex was part of many worship services in the Ancient World. Paul, however, does not diminish his voice on this subject because the world's voice is louder and dissonant. Paul tells the church that the act of marriage is a mutual responsibility to both marriage partners. He tells us that if we set the marriage act aside, it needs to be mutual and it needs to be for a limited time frame. He also states that his views on this are not a "command" but by "concession." Paul is referring to his last statement concerning setting aside the marriage act for prayer. He is not telling them to do this (that would be an act of asceticism ... Something he spoke against in Colossians 2). Paul wants the church to know that sexual relations between a husband and wife should not hinder their relationship or hinder their relationship with Christ. This is a mutual respectful treatment of giving yourself to each other. We let the world preach their sermons on this subject and it amounts to a "taking" of what you need. In Paul's teachings, servant-hood of Christ comes through, even in this part of our lives.
Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.
For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
Subject: Marriage Relations
Why has the church abrogated the subject of sexual relations in marriage to the world? We have given away our authoritative voice about sexual relations in marriage because the world has made sex so dirty and racy. Paul lived in a time of Greek culture where orgies were a normal activity. Prostitution was even connected to some religious beliefs. Sex was part of many worship services in the Ancient World. Paul, however, does not diminish his voice on this subject because the world's voice is louder and dissonant. Paul tells the church that the act of marriage is a mutual responsibility to both marriage partners. He tells us that if we set the marriage act aside, it needs to be mutual and it needs to be for a limited time frame. He also states that his views on this are not a "command" but by "concession." Paul is referring to his last statement concerning setting aside the marriage act for prayer. He is not telling them to do this (that would be an act of asceticism ... Something he spoke against in Colossians 2). Paul wants the church to know that sexual relations between a husband and wife should not hinder their relationship or hinder their relationship with Christ. This is a mutual respectful treatment of giving yourself to each other. We let the world preach their sermons on this subject and it amounts to a "taking" of what you need. In Paul's teachings, servant-hood of Christ comes through, even in this part of our lives.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Subject: Faith - Mark 3-4
Mark 4:40-41 (ESV Strong's)
He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Subject: Faith
The character faith is revealed in t his story about Jesus, the disciples, the boat and the storm. The "team" gets into a boat to go to the other side of the lake. As they are rowing and/or sailing, Jesus falls asleep on a cushion. As the storm arrives the disciples try, in their strength, to combat the winds and waves. If you have ever been in a real storm on a large lake, or body of weather, you know how futile this can be. In desperation they would have rowed and rowed. Awaking Jesus solves the problem, however. He speaks to the storm, "Peace! Be still!" That command calmed the sea. Not a little calm, either. The Scripture says a "great calm." They (the disciples) are amazed. Jesus doesn't say, "Why didn't you just wake me up?" Instead, Jesus goes right to the aspect of faith. In essence, Jesus is telling them to use their reasoning to realize they must use their faith. If they would have thought about it, faith would have kicked in. They had Jesus in the boat. Their thought should not have been, "We might drown." Their thought should have been, "We have the Son of God in the boat. Why do we fear? If anything happens to Him it will happen to us." Faith is not absent reason. Faith is putting your trust in a God who has made secure and sure promises. That is not "blind faith." Our faith is based upon sound reasoning. Those who reject God and believe in nothing are the ones who have "blind faith." They believe in human teachings and superstition and myths passed on from age to age. All these things change from generation to generation to generation. Believers, hold faith in the promises of God. Jesus wanted the disciples to see Him there and realize they could trust that "fact." Instead they feared the unknown.
He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Subject: Faith
The character faith is revealed in t his story about Jesus, the disciples, the boat and the storm. The "team" gets into a boat to go to the other side of the lake. As they are rowing and/or sailing, Jesus falls asleep on a cushion. As the storm arrives the disciples try, in their strength, to combat the winds and waves. If you have ever been in a real storm on a large lake, or body of weather, you know how futile this can be. In desperation they would have rowed and rowed. Awaking Jesus solves the problem, however. He speaks to the storm, "Peace! Be still!" That command calmed the sea. Not a little calm, either. The Scripture says a "great calm." They (the disciples) are amazed. Jesus doesn't say, "Why didn't you just wake me up?" Instead, Jesus goes right to the aspect of faith. In essence, Jesus is telling them to use their reasoning to realize they must use their faith. If they would have thought about it, faith would have kicked in. They had Jesus in the boat. Their thought should not have been, "We might drown." Their thought should have been, "We have the Son of God in the boat. Why do we fear? If anything happens to Him it will happen to us." Faith is not absent reason. Faith is putting your trust in a God who has made secure and sure promises. That is not "blind faith." Our faith is based upon sound reasoning. Those who reject God and believe in nothing are the ones who have "blind faith." They believe in human teachings and superstition and myths passed on from age to age. All these things change from generation to generation to generation. Believers, hold faith in the promises of God. Jesus wanted the disciples to see Him there and realize they could trust that "fact." Instead they feared the unknown.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Subject: God's Awesomeness - Iasiah 62-66
Isaiah 64:4 (ESV Strong's)
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.
Subject: God's Awesomeness
Our God is awesome!!! That statement should be the end of this blog! Nothing more needs to be said. The above verse carries all the meaning we need to know throughout our given day. Others speak of their religion, but we speak of a God no one can even imagine in their flesh. Others speak of their "spiritual" experience, but no one has see our God unless He so reveals Himself to them through the Spirit. Those whom He has chosen to reveal Himself should rejoice. Others can't hear Him and others can't see Him. But, if we "wait" for Him, He WILL ACT! God is for us. He is not against us. The unbelieving world cannot imagine Him. The unbelieving world can't see Him. They laugh at our worship of an unseen God ... From OLD. Yet, God has given to us Himself. We can know Him and see Him through His Word. Our God is Awesome!!
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.
Subject: God's Awesomeness
Our God is awesome!!! That statement should be the end of this blog! Nothing more needs to be said. The above verse carries all the meaning we need to know throughout our given day. Others speak of their religion, but we speak of a God no one can even imagine in their flesh. Others speak of their "spiritual" experience, but no one has see our God unless He so reveals Himself to them through the Spirit. Those whom He has chosen to reveal Himself should rejoice. Others can't hear Him and others can't see Him. But, if we "wait" for Him, He WILL ACT! God is for us. He is not against us. The unbelieving world cannot imagine Him. The unbelieving world can't see Him. They laugh at our worship of an unseen God ... From OLD. Yet, God has given to us Himself. We can know Him and see Him through His Word. Our God is Awesome!!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Subject: God's Soverignty - Job 23-24
Job 23:8-10 (ESV Strong's)
“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
Subject: God's Sovereignty
The best way to meditate on the above verses is to first put yourself in Job's shoes; or skin. If we were in his skin we would be in immense pain and suffering. Although the book started out in great prosperity for Job and his family, he now sits in skin boils and loss (children, riches, property). So, when we read the above passage we see that, despite, his framework he has a great sense of faith for God and God's sovereign care. Yet, although he knows God is sovereign and will ultimately care for him, he is not sure how or from which direction. He knows God is working. God is working on his left and his right. Yet, Job does not see Him or know where God is going to come through next. This, despite his situation, is the best place to be in life. God has provided in the past and he will provide in the future. God is not predicable, except for His unchanging character. Job writes this a few verse later:
Job 23:13
But He is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.
We can fret and frown, but we should, by faith, believe that despite the pain and suffering, God is right there, on the left and on the right. We may not know it, but that does not diminish the truth of it!
“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
Subject: God's Sovereignty
The best way to meditate on the above verses is to first put yourself in Job's shoes; or skin. If we were in his skin we would be in immense pain and suffering. Although the book started out in great prosperity for Job and his family, he now sits in skin boils and loss (children, riches, property). So, when we read the above passage we see that, despite, his framework he has a great sense of faith for God and God's sovereign care. Yet, although he knows God is sovereign and will ultimately care for him, he is not sure how or from which direction. He knows God is working. God is working on his left and his right. Yet, Job does not see Him or know where God is going to come through next. This, despite his situation, is the best place to be in life. God has provided in the past and he will provide in the future. God is not predicable, except for His unchanging character. Job writes this a few verse later:
Job 23:13
But He is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.
We can fret and frown, but we should, by faith, believe that despite the pain and suffering, God is right there, on the left and on the right. We may not know it, but that does not diminish the truth of it!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Subject: Trusting God - Pslam 33-35
Psalms 34:8-10 (ESV Strong's)
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Subject: Trusting God
In the last verse of the above, the writer of this Psalm (David) states, "The young lions suffer want and hunger ....". Young lions are lions of strength and self-sufficiency. They are the most active and powerful hunters. Of all the beast, the lion is the "king." What the writer is trying to teach us is that, in our own self-sufficiency, we will lack. We might count on our strength, skill and prowess to get us through, we WILL lack!!! But, "those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." This is why, in the beginning of these verses the writer tells us to "taste and see" that the Lord is good. He wants us to employ two senses in our discovery of the Lord. The "see" sense is easy to get. We look at the world around us and can see that God is doing a great thing and God is great. The "taste" sense is harder to comprehend. How do we "taste" God. Perhaps this is the passage Christ was mediating on when He told us, "I am the bread of life." We often use the metaphor, "taste life." What God is saying here is that in this world we can use a lot of things to satisfy our appetites. Note this Proverb:
Proverbs 16:26 (ESV Strong's)
A worker's appetite works for him;
his mouth (hunger) urges him on.
So, what we see it that our "appetite" is always in high gear and we attempt, through work, to satisfy that appetite. What the Psalmist is saying is, "taste" the Lord and you will find out He will satisfy your hunger. Our world is always seeking to quench the thirst and hunger inside them. This writer says, the Lord is satisfaction and, unlike the lion trying to satisfy his hunger (natural as it might be), he will go hungry. If we taste and see the Lord is good, we will not go hungry. We will be satisfied with good things from God.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Subject: Trusting God
In the last verse of the above, the writer of this Psalm (David) states, "The young lions suffer want and hunger ....". Young lions are lions of strength and self-sufficiency. They are the most active and powerful hunters. Of all the beast, the lion is the "king." What the writer is trying to teach us is that, in our own self-sufficiency, we will lack. We might count on our strength, skill and prowess to get us through, we WILL lack!!! But, "those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." This is why, in the beginning of these verses the writer tells us to "taste and see" that the Lord is good. He wants us to employ two senses in our discovery of the Lord. The "see" sense is easy to get. We look at the world around us and can see that God is doing a great thing and God is great. The "taste" sense is harder to comprehend. How do we "taste" God. Perhaps this is the passage Christ was mediating on when He told us, "I am the bread of life." We often use the metaphor, "taste life." What God is saying here is that in this world we can use a lot of things to satisfy our appetites. Note this Proverb:
Proverbs 16:26 (ESV Strong's)
A worker's appetite works for him;
his mouth (hunger) urges him on.
So, what we see it that our "appetite" is always in high gear and we attempt, through work, to satisfy that appetite. What the Psalmist is saying is, "taste" the Lord and you will find out He will satisfy your hunger. Our world is always seeking to quench the thirst and hunger inside them. This writer says, the Lord is satisfaction and, unlike the lion trying to satisfy his hunger (natural as it might be), he will go hungry. If we taste and see the Lord is good, we will not go hungry. We will be satisfied with good things from God.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Subject: God's Strength and Deliverance - 1 Samuel 6-10
1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV Strong's)
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”
Subject: God's Strength
Israel is in a very unusual place. The writer(s) of 1 Samuel are writing to us to show us what happened in Israel in those days that produced the "king" system and how David would become "King." The point of the book is to give us context for the "king" leadership and David's reign in that leadership, to whom the Messiah would eventually come. Israel, in the next chapter, demands a "king" to rule over them. they want to be like the other nations and have a king. This desire comes despite what we read in the above verse. In regard to their enemies, Israel had all the help they needed in God. Through Samuel's leadership, God had delivered them. He was theirs "Ebenezer." God had delivered them time and time again. Yet, despite that deliverance and demonstration of power, the nation would turn toward the way of the world for leadership. We are the same way in our lives today. Even though God delivers us time and time again (Mostly in unknown, or unrecognizable ways), we turn to other sources for leadership and strength. We worship doctors, luck, friends and family who "save" us from peril. Yet, God is our Ebenezer." He is our strength. We ought to worship Him for our ability to succeed. Instead, we often seek a "king" in our lives, like the world.
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”
Subject: God's Strength
Israel is in a very unusual place. The writer(s) of 1 Samuel are writing to us to show us what happened in Israel in those days that produced the "king" system and how David would become "King." The point of the book is to give us context for the "king" leadership and David's reign in that leadership, to whom the Messiah would eventually come. Israel, in the next chapter, demands a "king" to rule over them. they want to be like the other nations and have a king. This desire comes despite what we read in the above verse. In regard to their enemies, Israel had all the help they needed in God. Through Samuel's leadership, God had delivered them. He was theirs "Ebenezer." God had delivered them time and time again. Yet, despite that deliverance and demonstration of power, the nation would turn toward the way of the world for leadership. We are the same way in our lives today. Even though God delivers us time and time again (Mostly in unknown, or unrecognizable ways), we turn to other sources for leadership and strength. We worship doctors, luck, friends and family who "save" us from peril. Yet, God is our Ebenezer." He is our strength. We ought to worship Him for our ability to succeed. Instead, we often seek a "king" in our lives, like the world.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Subject: Government - Genesis 44-47
Genesis 47:22 (ESV Strong's)
Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.
Subject: Government
As the famine in the land of Egypt continued to ravish the land, it wasn't long before Pharaoh owned everything. He took the people's money, land and personhood as payment for the grain that Joseph watched over. Instead of being merciful, Pharaoh took advantage of the situation and enlarged his own station in life. This is typical of people in power and political agendas, as well. Things are not much different today. Although, the above passage shows us something about Pharaoh we wouldn't expect. Pharaoh made sure the religious leaders of the day were not taxed. Even though he taxed everyone else and took advantage of them, Pharaoh made sure that the priest were cared for. These would not be the priest of the Israel. These would have been the false priest that, eventually, Moses and Aaron will square off against during the Exodus. However, it should be noted that Pharaoh is, at this time, willing to recognize the value of "religion" in the society. This is not something many nations today value. Many of the most wicked nations squelch the spiritual world. Many corporations in our country squelch the spiritual world. Yes, these were false teachers, but it does show that government can and did recognize the spiritual needs of our lives. Today our country wants to ignore and punish those who are of faith, unless it is there approved faith. Many nations operate this way. However, it should be noted that even wicked Pharaoh, himself, was willing to make space in the tax code for his priest.
Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.
Subject: Government
As the famine in the land of Egypt continued to ravish the land, it wasn't long before Pharaoh owned everything. He took the people's money, land and personhood as payment for the grain that Joseph watched over. Instead of being merciful, Pharaoh took advantage of the situation and enlarged his own station in life. This is typical of people in power and political agendas, as well. Things are not much different today. Although, the above passage shows us something about Pharaoh we wouldn't expect. Pharaoh made sure the religious leaders of the day were not taxed. Even though he taxed everyone else and took advantage of them, Pharaoh made sure that the priest were cared for. These would not be the priest of the Israel. These would have been the false priest that, eventually, Moses and Aaron will square off against during the Exodus. However, it should be noted that Pharaoh is, at this time, willing to recognize the value of "religion" in the society. This is not something many nations today value. Many of the most wicked nations squelch the spiritual world. Many corporations in our country squelch the spiritual world. Yes, these were false teachers, but it does show that government can and did recognize the spiritual needs of our lives. Today our country wants to ignore and punish those who are of faith, unless it is there approved faith. Many nations operate this way. However, it should be noted that even wicked Pharaoh, himself, was willing to make space in the tax code for his priest.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Subject: Church - How the Body Functions - 1 Corinthians 5-6
1 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV Strong's)
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
Subject: Church - How the Body functions
We have all heard the adage, "don't hang out your dirty laundry for all to see." The thought behind that wit is to make sure the secret things of our own world are not exposed to everyone around you. The instruction is to keep the dirt home. In one sense, this is what Paul is telling the Church at Corinth. Apparently they had some grievances between each other. Instead of one person working it out with the other person, with the use of the church body, these two combatants took their dispute to be Judge Judy of their world. They took a conflict that could have been settled with the help of the body. But, instead of asking for the body to do what it does (keep the body pure and clean) they went before the unsaved world, before "unrighteous" judges, rather than the church body. Paul even asked them, "Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?" The key here is that Paul wants them to know the value of the Body of Christ. We are on this earth to move the Body of Christ forward. When we take our grievances to others, we fail to recognize the value of how God put the Body together. We need to have strong Church families that this can happen. If not, we will air our laundry (and we have dirty laundry) in front of the unsaved world. That is the shameful act Paul is trying to avoid with this teaching.
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
Subject: Church - How the Body functions
We have all heard the adage, "don't hang out your dirty laundry for all to see." The thought behind that wit is to make sure the secret things of our own world are not exposed to everyone around you. The instruction is to keep the dirt home. In one sense, this is what Paul is telling the Church at Corinth. Apparently they had some grievances between each other. Instead of one person working it out with the other person, with the use of the church body, these two combatants took their dispute to be Judge Judy of their world. They took a conflict that could have been settled with the help of the body. But, instead of asking for the body to do what it does (keep the body pure and clean) they went before the unsaved world, before "unrighteous" judges, rather than the church body. Paul even asked them, "Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?" The key here is that Paul wants them to know the value of the Body of Christ. We are on this earth to move the Body of Christ forward. When we take our grievances to others, we fail to recognize the value of how God put the Body together. We need to have strong Church families that this can happen. If not, we will air our laundry (and we have dirty laundry) in front of the unsaved world. That is the shameful act Paul is trying to avoid with this teaching.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Subject: Change - Mark 1-2
Mark 2:20-22 (ESV Strong's)
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”
Subject: Change
When reading anyone of the four Gospels it is important to know that they were written AFTER the Church was established. Mark, in this instance, was heavily influenced by Peter's epistles and was probably written in the 50s or early 60 A.D. The Gospel were written to impact the Church and give the Church some context for the teachings of the Apostles, to new converts. Mark was written to Gentile believers in particular. They were coming to Christ and that upset the Jewish believer. Galatians, Hebrews, Romans and many of the Epistles were written to address the tension between the Jew and the Gentile believer. The above verses speak to this very thought. Jesus' illustration is simply: Jesus is new. The Kingdom has come and that is new. That means the "new" teaching will be disruptive to the "old" way of thinking. Jesus is not telling the disciple to NOT sew a new piece of clothe on an old garment. He is NOT teaching them to not put new wine in a new wine skin. He is saying, normal thought process does NOT do those things. But, the Kingdom coming is NOT a normal process. The Kingdom and Kingdom teaching will be disruptive to the old ways, unless the mind is changed and renewed. When a person comes to Christ, all things are made new and the teaching of Christ will be seen differently and less disruptive. But, if you hold to the old (no change in the life of the person) than the new teachings are totally disruptive (and should be). There is an irony to Christ's teaching (for the Church). In that moment the disciples of Jesus were not fasting (like the Religious leaders of the day). That was disruptive to their teaching. Yet, Jesus is telling them that now that the Kingdom was there, there was no reason to fast. He then tells them that His presence is going to be disruptive, like how a new clothe will tear away the old cloth when it is sewn on the old clothe and then washed and shrinks. His teaching will be disruptive, like when new wine is put into old wineskins and expands. It SHOULD be disruptive. That's the irony. Yet, if we have a new life in Christ, it is not disruptive. Change happens and is disruptive. But, Change done correctly, preparing for the disruption, by looking at life in Christ, is disruptive in the right way: A changed life ... Different than the world. (See Colossians 3)
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”
Subject: Change
When reading anyone of the four Gospels it is important to know that they were written AFTER the Church was established. Mark, in this instance, was heavily influenced by Peter's epistles and was probably written in the 50s or early 60 A.D. The Gospel were written to impact the Church and give the Church some context for the teachings of the Apostles, to new converts. Mark was written to Gentile believers in particular. They were coming to Christ and that upset the Jewish believer. Galatians, Hebrews, Romans and many of the Epistles were written to address the tension between the Jew and the Gentile believer. The above verses speak to this very thought. Jesus' illustration is simply: Jesus is new. The Kingdom has come and that is new. That means the "new" teaching will be disruptive to the "old" way of thinking. Jesus is not telling the disciple to NOT sew a new piece of clothe on an old garment. He is NOT teaching them to not put new wine in a new wine skin. He is saying, normal thought process does NOT do those things. But, the Kingdom coming is NOT a normal process. The Kingdom and Kingdom teaching will be disruptive to the old ways, unless the mind is changed and renewed. When a person comes to Christ, all things are made new and the teaching of Christ will be seen differently and less disruptive. But, if you hold to the old (no change in the life of the person) than the new teachings are totally disruptive (and should be). There is an irony to Christ's teaching (for the Church). In that moment the disciples of Jesus were not fasting (like the Religious leaders of the day). That was disruptive to their teaching. Yet, Jesus is telling them that now that the Kingdom was there, there was no reason to fast. He then tells them that His presence is going to be disruptive, like how a new clothe will tear away the old cloth when it is sewn on the old clothe and then washed and shrinks. His teaching will be disruptive, like when new wine is put into old wineskins and expands. It SHOULD be disruptive. That's the irony. Yet, if we have a new life in Christ, it is not disruptive. Change happens and is disruptive. But, Change done correctly, preparing for the disruption, by looking at life in Christ, is disruptive in the right way: A changed life ... Different than the world. (See Colossians 3)
Friday, March 11, 2016
Subject: Salvation - Isaiah 56-61
Isaiah 61:11 (ESV Strong's)
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
Subject: Salvation and Sanctification
In this passage and section of Isaiah, the prophet has written about the sin of Israel. He has outlined the sins of Israel. They have sought God, but not with their heart. They have put on the robes of worship, but not the heart of worship. In this chapter, however, God speaks to the nation about His grace and covenant salvation. He wants the nation to know that even though they have sinned greatly, God is faithful to his covenant and will bring for righteousness and peace in their midst, through Christ. Just as sure as the earth brings for vegetation, God will produce righteousness. God is faithful, even when we are not. When we read the New Testament we see how God does the above truths. God produces righteousness and praise through Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians is produced by the Spirit. It IS the fruit of THE Spirit. Righteousness is produced by God's work, not our work. Praise comes from a heart that is controlled by God and that is owned by God.
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
Subject: Salvation and Sanctification
In this passage and section of Isaiah, the prophet has written about the sin of Israel. He has outlined the sins of Israel. They have sought God, but not with their heart. They have put on the robes of worship, but not the heart of worship. In this chapter, however, God speaks to the nation about His grace and covenant salvation. He wants the nation to know that even though they have sinned greatly, God is faithful to his covenant and will bring for righteousness and peace in their midst, through Christ. Just as sure as the earth brings for vegetation, God will produce righteousness. God is faithful, even when we are not. When we read the New Testament we see how God does the above truths. God produces righteousness and praise through Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians is produced by the Spirit. It IS the fruit of THE Spirit. Righteousness is produced by God's work, not our work. Praise comes from a heart that is controlled by God and that is owned by God.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Subject: Counseling - Job 22
Job 22:6-11 (ESV Strong's)
For you have exacted pledges of your brothers for nothing
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
You have given no water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
The man with power possessed the land,
and the favored man lived in it.
You have sent widows away empty,
and the arms of the fatherless were crushed.
Therefore snares are all around you,
and sudden terror overwhelms you,
or darkness, so that you cannot see,
and a flood of water covers you.
Subject: Counseling (Judgmental Spirit)
The three friends of Job are tying to provide counsel to Job. They only see what they can see physically, playing out in Job's life. They see his children gone; they see his property gone; they see his health gone; they see what they see. Eliphaz is now speaking and, like most of us today, when we see others in this type of a state, he starts making a judgement. Eliphaz has come to the conclusion that this disaster on Job can only be because of sin in his life. So, Job's friend, starts to outline for Job, in the time of his greatest needs, a laundry list of his sins ... Or, at least what he believes must be Job's sins. Yet, from the first chapter in the book we hear God say to Satan, boasting about Job:
Job 1:8 (ESV Strong's)
And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
One of the temptations we have, when we see others in difficulty, is to make a judgement about why they are in difficulty. That might be our fist great misstep in trying to provide God's grace in their lives. Paul had a "thorn in his side" - should we conclude it was sin, or was it God's way of simply keeping him humble? We ought to be careful not to be like Eliphaz. He made a judgement about Job that was certainly not in God's plan. Counseling ought to be about finding how God can enter the situation, not about how we can make judgements about the situation.
For you have exacted pledges of your brothers for nothing
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
You have given no water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
The man with power possessed the land,
and the favored man lived in it.
You have sent widows away empty,
and the arms of the fatherless were crushed.
Therefore snares are all around you,
and sudden terror overwhelms you,
or darkness, so that you cannot see,
and a flood of water covers you.
Subject: Counseling (Judgmental Spirit)
The three friends of Job are tying to provide counsel to Job. They only see what they can see physically, playing out in Job's life. They see his children gone; they see his property gone; they see his health gone; they see what they see. Eliphaz is now speaking and, like most of us today, when we see others in this type of a state, he starts making a judgement. Eliphaz has come to the conclusion that this disaster on Job can only be because of sin in his life. So, Job's friend, starts to outline for Job, in the time of his greatest needs, a laundry list of his sins ... Or, at least what he believes must be Job's sins. Yet, from the first chapter in the book we hear God say to Satan, boasting about Job:
Job 1:8 (ESV Strong's)
And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
One of the temptations we have, when we see others in difficulty, is to make a judgement about why they are in difficulty. That might be our fist great misstep in trying to provide God's grace in their lives. Paul had a "thorn in his side" - should we conclude it was sin, or was it God's way of simply keeping him humble? We ought to be careful not to be like Eliphaz. He made a judgement about Job that was certainly not in God's plan. Counseling ought to be about finding how God can enter the situation, not about how we can make judgements about the situation.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Subject: Pride - Psalm 30-32
Psalms 30:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
Subject: Pride
When we have riches we think we can't be moved!! That is the point of what we read in the portion of this psalm, above. David was in a place where he mistakenly thought his riches were sufficient to provide him with security. This certainly wasn't written while he was a young shepherd boy. This must have been composed when he was in the place of leadership of Israel. He had, like most in power and privilege, replaced God's sovereign care and security, with temporal and fleeting riches. Note what one commentary says about these verses:
(Word Biblical Commentary) In his health and prosperity, he had come to a position of self-confidence, thinking that what he had was a consequence of his own achievement. In the context of the Hebrew covenant, self-confidence could be one of the most fundamental sins, for it assumed that health and prosperity were a consequence of human achievement, rather than the gift of the God of the covenant (Deut 8:17-18).
There is no greater sin than the sin of pride and self-achievement. Satan tempted Eve in such a way. Satan tempted our Savior in the same manner. Satan wants us to be self-sustained. David, however, in the second portion of this passage comes to his senses. He realizes that his security was only a result of God, working behind the scene and hidden from David's fleshy view. David is "dismayed" that God would so love him and so care for him, despite his sin of pride. We need to realize that any security we have on this earth due to achievement, finances, or position is a result of God's favor. We need to rejoice in that favor, shown to us in such a way.
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
Subject: Pride
When we have riches we think we can't be moved!! That is the point of what we read in the portion of this psalm, above. David was in a place where he mistakenly thought his riches were sufficient to provide him with security. This certainly wasn't written while he was a young shepherd boy. This must have been composed when he was in the place of leadership of Israel. He had, like most in power and privilege, replaced God's sovereign care and security, with temporal and fleeting riches. Note what one commentary says about these verses:
(Word Biblical Commentary) In his health and prosperity, he had come to a position of self-confidence, thinking that what he had was a consequence of his own achievement. In the context of the Hebrew covenant, self-confidence could be one of the most fundamental sins, for it assumed that health and prosperity were a consequence of human achievement, rather than the gift of the God of the covenant (Deut 8:17-18).
There is no greater sin than the sin of pride and self-achievement. Satan tempted Eve in such a way. Satan tempted our Savior in the same manner. Satan wants us to be self-sustained. David, however, in the second portion of this passage comes to his senses. He realizes that his security was only a result of God, working behind the scene and hidden from David's fleshy view. David is "dismayed" that God would so love him and so care for him, despite his sin of pride. We need to realize that any security we have on this earth due to achievement, finances, or position is a result of God's favor. We need to rejoice in that favor, shown to us in such a way.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Subject: Sacrifice - 1 Samuel 1-5
1 Samuel 1:24-28 (ESV Strong's)
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young.
Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli.
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord.
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him.
Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
And he worshiped the Lord there.
Subject: Sacrifice
We talk a lot in Christian circles within the Church about sacrifice. We talk about giving it all to the Lord. We call it, in Theological terms, the Lordship of Christ. That is the thought that we give everything to Christ and He is Lord of all that is in our life. He is to be Lord of money. He is to be Lord of our family. He is to be Lord of our eating. He is to be Lord of our entertainment. He is Lord of all. We "talk" about that Lordship, but do we really do it. Would be willing (are we willing) to take the one thing we "love" the most and lay it on the alter for God and in His care. This is the thought in the above passage that outlines Hannah's sacrificing Samuel, the son she prayed so hard for, to the Lord. She, at the time, had no other son. She was barren before she had Samuel. She had no prospects for more children. She, however, made a commitment to the Lord and gave her "gift" from God, back to God. There probably aren't many women, who can't get pregnant, who have read this story. But, we all should read this story and think about that one thing we love so much, if we would be willing to give it back to God. Claiming with our lips that Christ is Lord is one things. Doing it with your only son? That is quite another.
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young.
Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli.
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord.
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him.
Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
And he worshiped the Lord there.
Subject: Sacrifice
We talk a lot in Christian circles within the Church about sacrifice. We talk about giving it all to the Lord. We call it, in Theological terms, the Lordship of Christ. That is the thought that we give everything to Christ and He is Lord of all that is in our life. He is to be Lord of money. He is to be Lord of our family. He is to be Lord of our eating. He is to be Lord of our entertainment. He is Lord of all. We "talk" about that Lordship, but do we really do it. Would be willing (are we willing) to take the one thing we "love" the most and lay it on the alter for God and in His care. This is the thought in the above passage that outlines Hannah's sacrificing Samuel, the son she prayed so hard for, to the Lord. She, at the time, had no other son. She was barren before she had Samuel. She had no prospects for more children. She, however, made a commitment to the Lord and gave her "gift" from God, back to God. There probably aren't many women, who can't get pregnant, who have read this story. But, we all should read this story and think about that one thing we love so much, if we would be willing to give it back to God. Claiming with our lips that Christ is Lord is one things. Doing it with your only son? That is quite another.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Subject: Forgivenss - Genesis 40-43
Genesis 42:16-17 (ESV Strong's)
Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. Or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.”
And he put them all together in custody for three days.
Subject: Forgiveness
Perhaps the title of these verses ought to be: Forgive, but verify! Joseph is in an odd place. He is in the place of power after being in places of humility and distress. He was sold into slavery by these brothers; accused of rape; place in prison; forgotten about by those he helped. He was now in the place of power and could do whatever he wanted. Only Pharaoh was greater than Joseph. The above verses, perhaps, show they struggle in Joseph's heart over forgiving his brothers. He puts in them custody for three days. Perhaps he was thinking of leaving them there. Perhaps he was wanting to pay them back for all the harm they caused him. Yet, it seems more likely he was testing them. He had already forgiven them in his heart, but he needed to see where their heart was in order to know who their interaction would be from this point forward. Would they sell out one of their other brothers to save their own skin? Would they make a deal so they could get home? He, perhaps, put them in custody to watch the agony that was about to happen. They knew this was because of what they had done to Joseph, yet, they didn't know Joseph was standing right there. In the art of forgiveness, you sometimes have to see the heart of the person you have forgiven. Forgiveness is not a choice. We are commanded to do so. But our forgiveness does not always change the heart of the person(s) we are forgiving. Joseph forgave them (judicially) but had to verify their actions from this point forward (practically). Our heart is to be the same for both the judicial act and the practical act. The heart of the one you are forgiving might never change, however. That just changes the practical, not the judicial.
Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. Or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.”
And he put them all together in custody for three days.
Subject: Forgiveness
Perhaps the title of these verses ought to be: Forgive, but verify! Joseph is in an odd place. He is in the place of power after being in places of humility and distress. He was sold into slavery by these brothers; accused of rape; place in prison; forgotten about by those he helped. He was now in the place of power and could do whatever he wanted. Only Pharaoh was greater than Joseph. The above verses, perhaps, show they struggle in Joseph's heart over forgiving his brothers. He puts in them custody for three days. Perhaps he was thinking of leaving them there. Perhaps he was wanting to pay them back for all the harm they caused him. Yet, it seems more likely he was testing them. He had already forgiven them in his heart, but he needed to see where their heart was in order to know who their interaction would be from this point forward. Would they sell out one of their other brothers to save their own skin? Would they make a deal so they could get home? He, perhaps, put them in custody to watch the agony that was about to happen. They knew this was because of what they had done to Joseph, yet, they didn't know Joseph was standing right there. In the art of forgiveness, you sometimes have to see the heart of the person you have forgiven. Forgiveness is not a choice. We are commanded to do so. But our forgiveness does not always change the heart of the person(s) we are forgiving. Joseph forgave them (judicially) but had to verify their actions from this point forward (practically). Our heart is to be the same for both the judicial act and the practical act. The heart of the one you are forgiving might never change, however. That just changes the practical, not the judicial.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Subject: Service Together - 1 Corinthians 3-4
1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV Strong's)
For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
Subject: Service together to God
Paul is entering a significant area in his letter to this church at Corinth. He is about to introduce his need to correct them for some sin in there lives that is impacting the church. He has just told them that their jealousy and strife is a clear indication they are acting a "mere humans" and not as children of the King. In this paragraph he particularly calls them out for their swearing allegiance to him or to another teacher, Apollos. This immature act of loyalty to one over the other does not befit their actual calling in Christ. In the above verses Paul explains why. They are not to swear allegiance to him or Apollos or any teacher, who is under Christ. Their allegiance is to Christ, the Head of the Church. He doesn't separate himself (although, in the hierarchy of the church he could) from Apollos, claiming superior Apostle status. Instead he tells them that they are in this a fellow-workers, all under the work of God. We are God's field and God's building; separate metaphors, with equal meaning. Note what one commentator says about this passage:
(UBC-NTSet) They do not labor with God; they are God’s servants, and they labor with each other. Paul’s syntax emphasizes God and God’s priority in the tasks and the doing of ministry. The church is God’s field, God’s building, so that to claim allegiance to or status from one or another of God’s servants is nonsense. With the alteration of images—from field to building—Paul sets up the lines that follow.
I love the statement in this writers words: "They do not labor with God; they are God's servant, and they labor with each other." There are many teachers of God's Word who mistakenly teach we are co-workers with God in our salvation. This writer makes an important distinction. We labor with each other. But, we labor FOR God. He is the builder. He is the Creator; we are just the tools:
1 Peter 4:19 (ESV Strong's)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
Subject: Service together to God
Paul is entering a significant area in his letter to this church at Corinth. He is about to introduce his need to correct them for some sin in there lives that is impacting the church. He has just told them that their jealousy and strife is a clear indication they are acting a "mere humans" and not as children of the King. In this paragraph he particularly calls them out for their swearing allegiance to him or to another teacher, Apollos. This immature act of loyalty to one over the other does not befit their actual calling in Christ. In the above verses Paul explains why. They are not to swear allegiance to him or Apollos or any teacher, who is under Christ. Their allegiance is to Christ, the Head of the Church. He doesn't separate himself (although, in the hierarchy of the church he could) from Apollos, claiming superior Apostle status. Instead he tells them that they are in this a fellow-workers, all under the work of God. We are God's field and God's building; separate metaphors, with equal meaning. Note what one commentator says about this passage:
(UBC-NTSet) They do not labor with God; they are God’s servants, and they labor with each other. Paul’s syntax emphasizes God and God’s priority in the tasks and the doing of ministry. The church is God’s field, God’s building, so that to claim allegiance to or status from one or another of God’s servants is nonsense. With the alteration of images—from field to building—Paul sets up the lines that follow.
I love the statement in this writers words: "They do not labor with God; they are God's servant, and they labor with each other." There are many teachers of God's Word who mistakenly teach we are co-workers with God in our salvation. This writer makes an important distinction. We labor with each other. But, we labor FOR God. He is the builder. He is the Creator; we are just the tools:
1 Peter 4:19 (ESV Strong's)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Subject: Gospel - Matthew 26-28
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV Strong's)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Subject: Gospel
There is no secret as to the purpose of the believe in Christ. Jesus did not leave the disciples (or us) without a clear set of expectations. Our mission, accepted or not accepted, is to make disciples and equip them to make further disciples. We can get lose in this world, as to purpose. Life's charms and charmers entice us to seek the material, the temporal and the practical. Jesus instructs us, in the above passage, to seek the eternal. We are on this temporary earth to build His eternal kingdom. But, Jesus doesn't just tell us our mission, He also equips us for the mission. He tells us that the Holy Spirit will be the power behind our seeking and doing this mission. Unlike the employer who tells us to do something and gives us no resources or skill-sets to accomplish the mission, Jesus is not so. He outlines the mission and provides the power to complete the mission. We are not the ones who do it, we are simply the conduit to accomplish it. We think we are hear to build our security and seek the ultimate in retirement. Our real purpose, through our jobs and our accumulated resources, is to build the Kingdom to make disciples.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Subject: Gospel
There is no secret as to the purpose of the believe in Christ. Jesus did not leave the disciples (or us) without a clear set of expectations. Our mission, accepted or not accepted, is to make disciples and equip them to make further disciples. We can get lose in this world, as to purpose. Life's charms and charmers entice us to seek the material, the temporal and the practical. Jesus instructs us, in the above passage, to seek the eternal. We are on this temporary earth to build His eternal kingdom. But, Jesus doesn't just tell us our mission, He also equips us for the mission. He tells us that the Holy Spirit will be the power behind our seeking and doing this mission. Unlike the employer who tells us to do something and gives us no resources or skill-sets to accomplish the mission, Jesus is not so. He outlines the mission and provides the power to complete the mission. We are not the ones who do it, we are simply the conduit to accomplish it. We think we are hear to build our security and seek the ultimate in retirement. Our real purpose, through our jobs and our accumulated resources, is to build the Kingdom to make disciples.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Subject: God's Charater in Salvation - Iasiah 51-55
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV Strong's)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Subject: God's Character in Salvation
The above couple of verses are often quoted in times of darkness and in times of trouble. They certainly are a great source, in those moments, to reflect and find peace in the sovereign nature of God in times of trouble. However, in context, the verses are actually not talking about the power and knowledge of God in the midst of darkness. They are the prophet Isaiah's expression after stating the following about God's salvation of His people. Note the verses just before those two are written:
Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
In verses 8 and 9, we see that they begin with the word, "For ...". That "for" is therefore a reason. The prophet is saying that "God's ways are not man's ways" in the context of the mystery of salvation. God is telling the nation of Israel, through Isaiah, that those who do not deserve God's compassion and pardon can come to God. Yet, that doesn't make sense: That a righteous God would pardon a sinful man. Hence the next verses: My ways are not your ways. Man would not and could not design such a salvation. In fact, in all the world's time no man-made-religion has ever come up with a design of a Savior and a pardon from sin based upon that Savior's death. This is why Isaiah writes, "My ways are not your ways." Yes, these verses are great in times of mystery and trouble, but the real essence of them is in regard to the mystery of salvation. Our salvation is gloriously created!!!
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Subject: God's Character in Salvation
The above couple of verses are often quoted in times of darkness and in times of trouble. They certainly are a great source, in those moments, to reflect and find peace in the sovereign nature of God in times of trouble. However, in context, the verses are actually not talking about the power and knowledge of God in the midst of darkness. They are the prophet Isaiah's expression after stating the following about God's salvation of His people. Note the verses just before those two are written:
Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
In verses 8 and 9, we see that they begin with the word, "For ...". That "for" is therefore a reason. The prophet is saying that "God's ways are not man's ways" in the context of the mystery of salvation. God is telling the nation of Israel, through Isaiah, that those who do not deserve God's compassion and pardon can come to God. Yet, that doesn't make sense: That a righteous God would pardon a sinful man. Hence the next verses: My ways are not your ways. Man would not and could not design such a salvation. In fact, in all the world's time no man-made-religion has ever come up with a design of a Savior and a pardon from sin based upon that Savior's death. This is why Isaiah writes, "My ways are not your ways." Yes, these verses are great in times of mystery and trouble, but the real essence of them is in regard to the mystery of salvation. Our salvation is gloriously created!!!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Subject: False Teaching - Job 20-21
Job 21:14-16 (ESV Strong's)
They say to God, ‘Depart from us!
We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’
Behold, is not their prosperity in their hand?
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
Subject: False Teaching
In the previous chapter, one of Job's friends, Zophar, has told Job that the wicked are the ones who are punished in life. And, since Job's experience falls in line with that type of punishment, he, too, must be wicked. Job counters his argument, however, with a different set of evidence. Job states that when he views the wicked he seems many who are never punished. The prosper in their ways. In the above text they even go to the extent of boasting that they do not need God. Their self-sufficient and self-powered prosperity is a reflection that God does not exist or is not in control of life. In the large scheme of this book, Zophar is trying to tell Job his situation is a result of wickedness. Job is saying it is true that many wicked are punished on this earth, but also, many are not. So, Zophar's argument is not consistent. However, in Job's explanation of his counter argument, he states something that is very important for all of us in the midst of suffering. In the above verses Job states, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me." The wicked person who is not experiencing pain and suffering as a result of their wickedness has come to the conclusion that God is dead. They believe it is their own power that makes them prosper. Job, in his pain and suffering, refuses to listen to the counsel of the wicked. His situation is NOT going to drive him to false doctrine and belief. Job, like David in Psalm 1, refuses to "walk in the counsel of the ungodly." Even those circumstances don't demonstrate it, Job is in the midst of God's hands. He refuses to follow Zophar's argument or wicked men who deny God. He will remain faithful, despite his confusion about his pain and suffering.
They say to God, ‘Depart from us!
We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’
Behold, is not their prosperity in their hand?
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
Subject: False Teaching
In the previous chapter, one of Job's friends, Zophar, has told Job that the wicked are the ones who are punished in life. And, since Job's experience falls in line with that type of punishment, he, too, must be wicked. Job counters his argument, however, with a different set of evidence. Job states that when he views the wicked he seems many who are never punished. The prosper in their ways. In the above text they even go to the extent of boasting that they do not need God. Their self-sufficient and self-powered prosperity is a reflection that God does not exist or is not in control of life. In the large scheme of this book, Zophar is trying to tell Job his situation is a result of wickedness. Job is saying it is true that many wicked are punished on this earth, but also, many are not. So, Zophar's argument is not consistent. However, in Job's explanation of his counter argument, he states something that is very important for all of us in the midst of suffering. In the above verses Job states, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me." The wicked person who is not experiencing pain and suffering as a result of their wickedness has come to the conclusion that God is dead. They believe it is their own power that makes them prosper. Job, in his pain and suffering, refuses to listen to the counsel of the wicked. His situation is NOT going to drive him to false doctrine and belief. Job, like David in Psalm 1, refuses to "walk in the counsel of the ungodly." Even those circumstances don't demonstrate it, Job is in the midst of God's hands. He refuses to follow Zophar's argument or wicked men who deny God. He will remain faithful, despite his confusion about his pain and suffering.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Subject: Worship and Praise to God - Psalm 27-29
Psalms 28:7 (ESV Strong's)
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
Subject: Worship and Praise to God
We often turn to so many different sources for our strength and our comfort. We have family that we run to in time of need. We have a spouse who is supposed to be there to comfort us; and often is. We have a job that gives us a sense of security. We have a bank account or a check coming in that gives us hope and sustainability. We have a cottage we retreat to for refreshment. We have a vacation we look forward to for a few days of sun, surf and selfishness. We have an object that we can shine, play with, or use as a pacifier for or life; or blanket of comfort. But, all these things pale to the God of the universe. When we have a personal relationship with God we have what we read in the above verse from David's life. We find in God our strength and a shield. Our strength and the strength of others will fail. But, God does not. We can both trust God completely (nothing else is that sure) and we can know that we are helped by God (nothing else can be counted on to be there for us). This should exult our hearts and should give us reason for praise and thankfulness. He is the One we run to and find our refreshment in and our strength to meet the troubles of the day.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
Subject: Worship and Praise to God
We often turn to so many different sources for our strength and our comfort. We have family that we run to in time of need. We have a spouse who is supposed to be there to comfort us; and often is. We have a job that gives us a sense of security. We have a bank account or a check coming in that gives us hope and sustainability. We have a cottage we retreat to for refreshment. We have a vacation we look forward to for a few days of sun, surf and selfishness. We have an object that we can shine, play with, or use as a pacifier for or life; or blanket of comfort. But, all these things pale to the God of the universe. When we have a personal relationship with God we have what we read in the above verse from David's life. We find in God our strength and a shield. Our strength and the strength of others will fail. But, God does not. We can both trust God completely (nothing else is that sure) and we can know that we are helped by God (nothing else can be counted on to be there for us). This should exult our hearts and should give us reason for praise and thankfulness. He is the One we run to and find our refreshment in and our strength to meet the troubles of the day.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Subject: Wisdom - Ruth
Ruth 4:1-5 (ESV Strong's)
Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.
Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech.
So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.”
Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.”
Subject: Wisdom
Boaz is a wise man. In this story of Ruth we have learned that Ruth was married to the son of Naomi. She was from a different country. Both Naomi's husband and two sons had died in Ruth's country and Ruth decided to care for Naomi and return to the land of Israel with her. Boaz, as her nearest relative, had the right and the responsibility to marry Ruth to carry on the family name. Yet, Boaz also knew that another relative had a closer relationship to Ruth. Instead of just talking to the relative about Ruth, Boaz exposes to the city fathers the character of this near relative, at the gate of the city (where the business of cities was conducted in ancient times). The man would take the land (that would boast his station in life (land ownership was, like today, a sign of prestige). However, the relative did not want Ruth in marriage. Boaz did! Boaz used Godly wisdom to make sure that the man didn't come back later and claim "property" based upon a false premise of "not knowing" what was happening and/or didn't know property was included. Boaz makes sure that the deal is a real deal. His wisdom before on HOW to enact the deal was just as important as the responsibility to become Ruth's redeemer. How we approach transactions like this in life is an important indicator of the wisdom we have from God. Those who are wise, by fearing the Lord, see prior to the situation and make sure they are covering all the bases of man's nature. Boaz knew the "nature of man" and made sure he exposed that properly before moving forward. A wise lesson for our lives today.
Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.
Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech.
So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.”
Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.”
Subject: Wisdom
Boaz is a wise man. In this story of Ruth we have learned that Ruth was married to the son of Naomi. She was from a different country. Both Naomi's husband and two sons had died in Ruth's country and Ruth decided to care for Naomi and return to the land of Israel with her. Boaz, as her nearest relative, had the right and the responsibility to marry Ruth to carry on the family name. Yet, Boaz also knew that another relative had a closer relationship to Ruth. Instead of just talking to the relative about Ruth, Boaz exposes to the city fathers the character of this near relative, at the gate of the city (where the business of cities was conducted in ancient times). The man would take the land (that would boast his station in life (land ownership was, like today, a sign of prestige). However, the relative did not want Ruth in marriage. Boaz did! Boaz used Godly wisdom to make sure that the man didn't come back later and claim "property" based upon a false premise of "not knowing" what was happening and/or didn't know property was included. Boaz makes sure that the deal is a real deal. His wisdom before on HOW to enact the deal was just as important as the responsibility to become Ruth's redeemer. How we approach transactions like this in life is an important indicator of the wisdom we have from God. Those who are wise, by fearing the Lord, see prior to the situation and make sure they are covering all the bases of man's nature. Boaz knew the "nature of man" and made sure he exposed that properly before moving forward. A wise lesson for our lives today.
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