Mark 16:1-3 (ESV Strong's)
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”
Subject: Worship
What love is found in these verses!! These verses are, by all accounts, the first Sunday morning worship service after Christ's resurrection. These three women were present at the crucifixion. They had a chance to see the pain and suffering of the Lord (on their behalf). They were first hand witnesses of the crowd, mocking Him. They would have heard the thrives on the cross taunting Him and the soldiers on the ground casting lots for His clothing. The smell and the stench of the crucifixion site would have still, perhaps, clung to their clothes. These sights, sounds and scenes would have played in the minds all Friday night, all day Saturday and into Saturday night. The pain of these events compelled them to rise early Sunday morning. They could not bear the thought that Jesus was not prepared well after His death. They could not think that the Lord they loved was laying in a cold, dark tomb, not having even the simplest of care and preparations for His dead body. The compulsion is what we should have on any given Sunday. We ought to approach our worship services with the same care, love and constraint for Christ. They were not focused on their own needs on Sunday morning. They were focused on the person and body and work of Christ. They brought expensive sacrifices in the form of spices for the soul purpose to present them to Christ. They knew very little theology at this point. Substitutionary an ointment would not be discussed and identified as a key component of Christianity until much later. Yet, here are these women wanting to worship their Lord by their presence, presents and purpose. This is true Sunday morning worship. It was not about them, it was about Him.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Subject: Leadership and the Sorvereignty of God - Jeremiah 27-31
Jeremiah 27:5 (ESV Strong's)
“It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me.
Subject: Leadership and the sovereignty of God
If you ever doubt who is in charge, the above verse makes it clear. In this section of Jeremiah the world is being told that God will put the leader in charge whom He wants. The rest of the world is to honor this truth. God does not live in a politically correct society and culture. God reigns In a world He created. Jeremiah is tasked with the responsibility to tell the nations that Babylon is the new nation God wants in charge and everyone is to obey King Nebuchadnezzar. If not, they will be destroyed. The above truth is something God actually fulfills later. Note the following:
Jeremiah 28:13-14 (ESV Strong's)
“Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the Lord: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’”
In these verses Jeremiah is talking a false prophet, Hananiah, that God has indeed put Nebuchadnezzar in charge and given him the beast of the field. In our current political climate these thoughts are best believed and held to be true: God puts in charge whom HE wants in charge. We ought not fight it.
“It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me.
Subject: Leadership and the sovereignty of God
If you ever doubt who is in charge, the above verse makes it clear. In this section of Jeremiah the world is being told that God will put the leader in charge whom He wants. The rest of the world is to honor this truth. God does not live in a politically correct society and culture. God reigns In a world He created. Jeremiah is tasked with the responsibility to tell the nations that Babylon is the new nation God wants in charge and everyone is to obey King Nebuchadnezzar. If not, they will be destroyed. The above truth is something God actually fulfills later. Note the following:
Jeremiah 28:13-14 (ESV Strong's)
“Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the Lord: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’”
In these verses Jeremiah is talking a false prophet, Hananiah, that God has indeed put Nebuchadnezzar in charge and given him the beast of the field. In our current political climate these thoughts are best believed and held to be true: God puts in charge whom HE wants in charge. We ought not fight it.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Subject: God's Character - Job 35-36
Job 36:26 (ESV Strong's)
Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
the number of his years is unsearchable.
Subject: God's Character
"Behold, God is great!". There is enough in these three words to meditate on day and night: God is great! We often attribute greatness or awesomeness to some of the most unusual things. We see a new invention and we say it is a "great invention." We get a new job and say it is a "great job.". We order a pizza and say, "That was a great pizza.". In our society the word "great" is used for a variety of reasons. In the book of Job, this Hebrew word for great is only used twice. It is the only two times in the entire Old Testament the word is used. It is used in the above verse and then on chapter later, as follows:
Job 37:23 (ESV Strong's)
The Almighty—we cannot find him;
he is great in power;
justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
The word is a superlative and means "mighty.". What Elihu is telling Job is, however, is that God does not fit into Job's box. You can put God in an understandable box and call it quits. This is part of the world's problem: They want to say they know things and so they say they know God and have figured Him out. The question should be asked: "If you can figure your God out, is He really a God?". If the human man can completely understand God, does that reduce your God to a mere mortal. God is unsearchable. Elihu tells Job you can't even number His days. The skimpy concept of "how old are you?," is lost on God. God is great. Simply because we use that same word in our language to describe a sunset, don't diminish God. God is GREAT!!!
Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
the number of his years is unsearchable.
Subject: God's Character
"Behold, God is great!". There is enough in these three words to meditate on day and night: God is great! We often attribute greatness or awesomeness to some of the most unusual things. We see a new invention and we say it is a "great invention." We get a new job and say it is a "great job.". We order a pizza and say, "That was a great pizza.". In our society the word "great" is used for a variety of reasons. In the book of Job, this Hebrew word for great is only used twice. It is the only two times in the entire Old Testament the word is used. It is used in the above verse and then on chapter later, as follows:
Job 37:23 (ESV Strong's)
The Almighty—we cannot find him;
he is great in power;
justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
The word is a superlative and means "mighty.". What Elihu is telling Job is, however, is that God does not fit into Job's box. You can put God in an understandable box and call it quits. This is part of the world's problem: They want to say they know things and so they say they know God and have figured Him out. The question should be asked: "If you can figure your God out, is He really a God?". If the human man can completely understand God, does that reduce your God to a mere mortal. God is unsearchable. Elihu tells Job you can't even number His days. The skimpy concept of "how old are you?," is lost on God. God is great. Simply because we use that same word in our language to describe a sunset, don't diminish God. God is GREAT!!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Subject: Confession - Psalm 51-53
Psalms 51:4 (ESV Strong's)
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Subject: Sin and Confession
Psalm 51 is the famous piece of poetry David wrote in response to being discovered in his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the cover-up to kill Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. When Nathan the prophet is sent by God to confront David, we find, in this Psalm his response. In the above verse we see that David readily comes to the point of confession that the sin, although costing Uriah's his life and causing Bathsheba to sin, was ultimately against God. There are many reasons for David to "own" this sin and come to confession. (He will later, in this Psalm state that what God requires is a "broken spirit" ... this is accomplished by "confession" of the sin.) However, in the above verse David also states that the reason for his confession and ownership of the sin is because he wants to make sure God is "justified" in His Words and "blameless" in His judgment. When we confess our sin we acknowledge that God is "right" about sin and righteous and has the "right" to judge us for it. They world struggles with this concept. They believe in a God of absolute "love.". They don't want to acknowledge God is right and blameless in His judging of man. David fully confesses this truth. This is what makes Psalm 51 so powerful. David begins by acknowledging God's glory in His acts of judgment. In our confession we need to see God's glory in His judgment. Note what Joshua told Achan, who disobeyed God. His sin cost 36 men their lives. Joshua was about to have him and his family stoned to death. But, first, Joshua wanted him to confess God glory in this judgment:
Joshua 7:19 (ESV Strong's)
Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Subject: Sin and Confession
Psalm 51 is the famous piece of poetry David wrote in response to being discovered in his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the cover-up to kill Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. When Nathan the prophet is sent by God to confront David, we find, in this Psalm his response. In the above verse we see that David readily comes to the point of confession that the sin, although costing Uriah's his life and causing Bathsheba to sin, was ultimately against God. There are many reasons for David to "own" this sin and come to confession. (He will later, in this Psalm state that what God requires is a "broken spirit" ... this is accomplished by "confession" of the sin.) However, in the above verse David also states that the reason for his confession and ownership of the sin is because he wants to make sure God is "justified" in His Words and "blameless" in His judgment. When we confess our sin we acknowledge that God is "right" about sin and righteous and has the "right" to judge us for it. They world struggles with this concept. They believe in a God of absolute "love.". They don't want to acknowledge God is right and blameless in His judging of man. David fully confesses this truth. This is what makes Psalm 51 so powerful. David begins by acknowledging God's glory in His acts of judgment. In our confession we need to see God's glory in His judgment. Note what Joshua told Achan, who disobeyed God. His sin cost 36 men their lives. Joshua was about to have him and his family stoned to death. But, first, Joshua wanted him to confess God glory in this judgment:
Joshua 7:19 (ESV Strong's)
Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Subject: Counseling - 2 Samuel 5-9
2 Samuel 7:1-3 (ESV Strong's)
Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
Subject: Counseling
David has just advanced to be the King of Israel. He has just brought the Ark of the Lord back to Jerusalem ... in great celebration and fanfare. As David settles into to his daily living pattern, he begins to compare his fine living (in a "house of cedar," with the fact that the Ark of the Lord is out in a tent. This spawns and idea to build a worship temple for the Lord; a place to put the Ark. Nathan, who is a prophet of the Lord, is so caught up in the positive through and energy of this plan that, without asking God, gives David a green light. However, Nathan was speaking out of his own heart not out of the "mind" of Christ. God will speak to Nathan in the next verses and acknowledge that David's plan is honoring, but David is not. God recognizes David's heart, but not his testimony and past actions. (Note: This is even before his sin with Bathsheba.). Nathan failed to seek the Spirit of God in this thought process. See Romans 8:5-14:
Romans 8:5-8 (ESV Strong's)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Before giving counsel, no matter how great the idea, logic is not our source of truth. Logic would not expect the Red Sea to part. Logic would not expect water from a rock. Logic would not expect a small boy to take down a big giant with a small stone. Nathan thought David's idea was logical. God thought David was the wrong one to accomplish it. Before giving counsel, seek God's will and ways. Don't think logical, think Biblical.
Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
Subject: Counseling
David has just advanced to be the King of Israel. He has just brought the Ark of the Lord back to Jerusalem ... in great celebration and fanfare. As David settles into to his daily living pattern, he begins to compare his fine living (in a "house of cedar," with the fact that the Ark of the Lord is out in a tent. This spawns and idea to build a worship temple for the Lord; a place to put the Ark. Nathan, who is a prophet of the Lord, is so caught up in the positive through and energy of this plan that, without asking God, gives David a green light. However, Nathan was speaking out of his own heart not out of the "mind" of Christ. God will speak to Nathan in the next verses and acknowledge that David's plan is honoring, but David is not. God recognizes David's heart, but not his testimony and past actions. (Note: This is even before his sin with Bathsheba.). Nathan failed to seek the Spirit of God in this thought process. See Romans 8:5-14:
Romans 8:5-8 (ESV Strong's)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Before giving counsel, no matter how great the idea, logic is not our source of truth. Logic would not expect the Red Sea to part. Logic would not expect water from a rock. Logic would not expect a small boy to take down a big giant with a small stone. Nathan thought David's idea was logical. God thought David was the wrong one to accomplish it. Before giving counsel, seek God's will and ways. Don't think logical, think Biblical.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Subject: Leadership - Exodus 17-20
Exodus 18:17 (ESV Strong's)
Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.
Subject: Leadership
In the above verse we have the statement from Moses' father-in-law in regard to an observation of Moses' life. Moses was the leader of Israel and had started a bad practice/habit. Father-in-law, Jethro, had observed that Moses was the ONLY leader who was listening to the people to judge over their problems. He was the sole counselor. As a result, Moses and the people who meet from sun-up to sun-down to get all the people heard for the day. Remember, when they left Egypt there were 600,000 men (not counting women and children). Moses was outnumbered. Jethro would give Moses the art of developing and delegating other men to hear the issues of the people. However, the focus here is on that above verse. Jethro, a new believer (as assumed, based upon the previous verses), tells Moses (THE Moses ... the leader of the entire nation), that his habit and style of leadership is not good. We all need someone to tell us when what we are doing is not good. Moses, unlike many leaders today, takes the advice from Jethro to heart and changes his leadership style. He went from hierarchy model to a shared leadership model. Moses was not opposed to taking correction from someone. Good leadership does this. Good leaders listen to multiple voices to improve their leadership. Being able to be corrected is the key to great leadership. Leaders who can't hear the words, "What you are doing is not good," will never be better leaders. We all need someone to correct our bad habits.
Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.
Subject: Leadership
In the above verse we have the statement from Moses' father-in-law in regard to an observation of Moses' life. Moses was the leader of Israel and had started a bad practice/habit. Father-in-law, Jethro, had observed that Moses was the ONLY leader who was listening to the people to judge over their problems. He was the sole counselor. As a result, Moses and the people who meet from sun-up to sun-down to get all the people heard for the day. Remember, when they left Egypt there were 600,000 men (not counting women and children). Moses was outnumbered. Jethro would give Moses the art of developing and delegating other men to hear the issues of the people. However, the focus here is on that above verse. Jethro, a new believer (as assumed, based upon the previous verses), tells Moses (THE Moses ... the leader of the entire nation), that his habit and style of leadership is not good. We all need someone to tell us when what we are doing is not good. Moses, unlike many leaders today, takes the advice from Jethro to heart and changes his leadership style. He went from hierarchy model to a shared leadership model. Moses was not opposed to taking correction from someone. Good leadership does this. Good leaders listen to multiple voices to improve their leadership. Being able to be corrected is the key to great leadership. Leaders who can't hear the words, "What you are doing is not good," will never be better leaders. We all need someone to correct our bad habits.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Subject: Witnessing - 2 Corinthians 1-3
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (ESV Strong's)
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
Subject: Witnessing; being a good testimony
How do you smell today? What fragrance do you send off. This is the thought in the above couple of verse. Note what one word study book states:
(Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Abrid):
εὐωδία euōdía [fragrance]
In secular Greek euōdía has the literal sense of 'sweet smell,' 'scent,' e.g., of plants, fruits, wine, ointment, atmosphere, incense, breath. The LXX uses it for the sweet savor of the burnt offering. Philo compares the good influence of the wise to the invisible outflowing of a sweet scent.
We should "smell" like Christ and that smell should be natural. Others should not repeal from us because of our "stink" but should be drawn to Christ through our "scent.".
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
Subject: Witnessing; being a good testimony
How do you smell today? What fragrance do you send off. This is the thought in the above couple of verse. Note what one word study book states:
(Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Abrid):
εὐωδία euōdía [fragrance]
In secular Greek euōdía has the literal sense of 'sweet smell,' 'scent,' e.g., of plants, fruits, wine, ointment, atmosphere, incense, breath. The LXX uses it for the sweet savor of the burnt offering. Philo compares the good influence of the wise to the invisible outflowing of a sweet scent.
We should "smell" like Christ and that smell should be natural. Others should not repeal from us because of our "stink" but should be drawn to Christ through our "scent.".
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Subject: Prayer - Mark 13-14
Mark 14:35-36 (ESV Strong's)
And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Subject: Prayer
Imagine the scene spoken of in the above verses. Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane and is about to pray about His future crucifixion. What does that look like on any level from a human perspective? If you knew you were going to die what would you pray? But this is no ordinary death. Christ is about to endure the whole of God's wrath. This death was not His; it was the death of all of mankind. It is a death of tremendous pain and suffering. Yet, outside of the cross, this pain in this garden is the next worse thing Jesus would endure. He knows completely about the wrath of God. It is complete in its application and final in its execution. In these two verses we Jesus struggle. His human aspect of His being placed in a body of a man, yet, without sin, caused the above prayer. We might get discouraged by our own prayer life. This picture of Christ let's us see the spiritual struggle between the flesh and the Spirit centered around the aspect of prayer. God knows this struggle, through the act of His Son. We don't have a High Priest who doesn't know our infirmities. In all points He was tempted like we are, yet without sin. Take heart about your prayer life. Jesus knows the struggle.
And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Subject: Prayer
Imagine the scene spoken of in the above verses. Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane and is about to pray about His future crucifixion. What does that look like on any level from a human perspective? If you knew you were going to die what would you pray? But this is no ordinary death. Christ is about to endure the whole of God's wrath. This death was not His; it was the death of all of mankind. It is a death of tremendous pain and suffering. Yet, outside of the cross, this pain in this garden is the next worse thing Jesus would endure. He knows completely about the wrath of God. It is complete in its application and final in its execution. In these two verses we Jesus struggle. His human aspect of His being placed in a body of a man, yet, without sin, caused the above prayer. We might get discouraged by our own prayer life. This picture of Christ let's us see the spiritual struggle between the flesh and the Spirit centered around the aspect of prayer. God knows this struggle, through the act of His Son. We don't have a High Priest who doesn't know our infirmities. In all points He was tempted like we are, yet without sin. Take heart about your prayer life. Jesus knows the struggle.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Subject: Trusting God's Plan - Jeremiah 22-26
Jeremiah 24:4-6 (ESV Strong's)
Then the word of the Lord came to me: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
Subject: Trusting God's Plan
In this section of Jeremiah the prophet is protecting to the nation of Israel and telling them that God is sending them into captivity. He has a hard message to deliver. He is saying to them that God wants them in captivity to discipline them for their disobedience. So, this is a bad thing. It is bad because they are going to be discipline by an Almighty God. It is bad because the discipline will be to place them into captivity in the land of wicked people (The Babylonians). Yet, the prophet lays out a living example to them that this is going to be a good thing. In front of the Temple door God places two baskets. One basket is full of good figs and the other basket is full of very bad figs; so bad you can't eat them. The lesson God gives the people through Jeremiah's words is simple: The bad figs are the people who get to stay home (and will die) and the good figs are the people who will go away to captivity (and will live and be cared for by God). This is a great lesson: Being in the place God wants you, no matter the place, is better than being home and resisting God's discipline and His plan. Jeremiah is telling the people to give in to God's plan and they will be blessed, despite the fear of going into captivity, to a strange land. Or, you can fight to stay in the comfort of your home and resist God's plan and die. We so much, in life, don't want to accept God's plan when it moves us, or makes us feel uncomfortable. Yet, blessing is not where you are, but blessing comes if you are in God's place and submitting to His plan!!
Then the word of the Lord came to me: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
Subject: Trusting God's Plan
In this section of Jeremiah the prophet is protecting to the nation of Israel and telling them that God is sending them into captivity. He has a hard message to deliver. He is saying to them that God wants them in captivity to discipline them for their disobedience. So, this is a bad thing. It is bad because they are going to be discipline by an Almighty God. It is bad because the discipline will be to place them into captivity in the land of wicked people (The Babylonians). Yet, the prophet lays out a living example to them that this is going to be a good thing. In front of the Temple door God places two baskets. One basket is full of good figs and the other basket is full of very bad figs; so bad you can't eat them. The lesson God gives the people through Jeremiah's words is simple: The bad figs are the people who get to stay home (and will die) and the good figs are the people who will go away to captivity (and will live and be cared for by God). This is a great lesson: Being in the place God wants you, no matter the place, is better than being home and resisting God's discipline and His plan. Jeremiah is telling the people to give in to God's plan and they will be blessed, despite the fear of going into captivity, to a strange land. Or, you can fight to stay in the comfort of your home and resist God's plan and die. We so much, in life, don't want to accept God's plan when it moves us, or makes us feel uncomfortable. Yet, blessing is not where you are, but blessing comes if you are in God's place and submitting to His plan!!
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Subject: Suffering - Job 32-34
Job 34:34-35 (ESV Strong's)
Men of understanding will say to me,
and the wise man who hears me will say:
‘Job speaks without knowledge;
his words are without insight.’
Subject: Suffering
How do you respond to suffering? To answer that question we often turn to Job to observe him, since is the poster-child for suffering. When we do this, we need to make sure we also remember chapter one of the book. Job's suffering was brought on because God called him "righteous" and Satan said he was such because he had special favor from God. In Satan's view, if you removed the favor, Job would curse God. Job DOES give us much to embrace in regard to suffering. His lesson's are numerous and worthwhile for our own, personal suffering. However, the above passage is a lesson we might want to learn: To Avoid! In all of Job's words, as the scene unfolds day-by-day, he begins to use his words loosely. Remember, in Job's mind he IS righteous. In God's own testimony of Job He counted him righteous. Yet, Job knows he has sin. But, in his words, the world around him begin to see the futility of Job's argument. The evidence, as known my men, is to overwhelming. In their view, "Job speaks without knowledge.". In reality Job was speaking without knowledge. He DIDN'T know why God was allowing this to happen to him. Instead of "justifying" himself, he should have praised God. This is Elihu's argument. Note Elihu's words:
Job 32:2 (ESV Strong's)
Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God.
When we are in the midst of suffering we need to bless God and not speak as though we lack understanding. Speak about what we know in suffering. What we know is that God is caring and will care for us. He will not allow anything in our lives we don't need or can't handle in His grace.
Men of understanding will say to me,
and the wise man who hears me will say:
‘Job speaks without knowledge;
his words are without insight.’
Subject: Suffering
How do you respond to suffering? To answer that question we often turn to Job to observe him, since is the poster-child for suffering. When we do this, we need to make sure we also remember chapter one of the book. Job's suffering was brought on because God called him "righteous" and Satan said he was such because he had special favor from God. In Satan's view, if you removed the favor, Job would curse God. Job DOES give us much to embrace in regard to suffering. His lesson's are numerous and worthwhile for our own, personal suffering. However, the above passage is a lesson we might want to learn: To Avoid! In all of Job's words, as the scene unfolds day-by-day, he begins to use his words loosely. Remember, in Job's mind he IS righteous. In God's own testimony of Job He counted him righteous. Yet, Job knows he has sin. But, in his words, the world around him begin to see the futility of Job's argument. The evidence, as known my men, is to overwhelming. In their view, "Job speaks without knowledge.". In reality Job was speaking without knowledge. He DIDN'T know why God was allowing this to happen to him. Instead of "justifying" himself, he should have praised God. This is Elihu's argument. Note Elihu's words:
Job 32:2 (ESV Strong's)
Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God.
When we are in the midst of suffering we need to bless God and not speak as though we lack understanding. Speak about what we know in suffering. What we know is that God is caring and will care for us. He will not allow anything in our lives we don't need or can't handle in His grace.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Subject: Worship and Praise - Psalm 48-50
Psalms 50:14 (ESV Strong's)
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
Subject: Worship and Praise
This Psalm is about truly trusting and worshiping God. God is rebuking them for their false worship. They were proud of the fact that they we giving the proper animals and grain in their worship services. God rebukes them and tells them He doesn't want their bulls and goats. He tells them He already owns all the bulls and goats on a thousand hills and in all creation. What God wants in worship toward Him is a heart of Thanksgiving. When we give thanks we are saying we can't do something on our own and we have to say "thank you" to someone else for something. Having a "sacrifice" of thanks will show a true heart of worship. The second part of the verse tells us to do what we said we would do: Perform your vows. This, too, speaks toward worship. The people were saying one thing in worship and then going away and doing another. In this verse we are instructed to bring right worship (thanksgiving) and then go away and perform what we said we would perform in the worship. Offering a worship of thanks and living a life of thanks should go hand in hand. That is true worship.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
Subject: Worship and Praise
This Psalm is about truly trusting and worshiping God. God is rebuking them for their false worship. They were proud of the fact that they we giving the proper animals and grain in their worship services. God rebukes them and tells them He doesn't want their bulls and goats. He tells them He already owns all the bulls and goats on a thousand hills and in all creation. What God wants in worship toward Him is a heart of Thanksgiving. When we give thanks we are saying we can't do something on our own and we have to say "thank you" to someone else for something. Having a "sacrifice" of thanks will show a true heart of worship. The second part of the verse tells us to do what we said we would do: Perform your vows. This, too, speaks toward worship. The people were saying one thing in worship and then going away and doing another. In this verse we are instructed to bring right worship (thanksgiving) and then go away and perform what we said we would perform in the worship. Offering a worship of thanks and living a life of thanks should go hand in hand. That is true worship.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Subject: Leadership and grace to others - 2 Samuel 1-4
2 Samuel 3:31 (ESV Strong's)
Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier.
Subject: Giving Grace to others
To understand the above verse you and appreciate the character of David in these beginning years of his leadership, you have to understand the context of the story. Abner wears the leader of Saul's army. David would have served with Abner during his time of favor with Saul. They were not strangers to each other. When Saul, and his son Jonathan, died in battle, apparently, Abner, Saul's commander, did not die. Because of Abner's loyalty to Saul's family, he immediately makes Ishbosheth, Saul's son, the king. David takes notice of such loyalty. During this brief time of war between Ishbosheth/Abner and David and his commander, Joab, Abner kills Joab's brother. Joab takes vengeance on Abner, unknown by David, and kills Abner. It is in this context that the above verse records David's response. David was loyal to Saul and everyone related to Saul, all the way to the end. David's character in the beginning of his leadership demonstrated grace to others. He could have taken vengeance, himself, on those who pursued him. But, David understood loyalty and grace to those who were, at times, his enemies. Grace in the face of hardship and hatred is a remarkable trait for any leader. David extended grace as Abner, a real opportunists, was killed by Joab. Leadership must learn the art of grace.
Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier.
Subject: Giving Grace to others
To understand the above verse you and appreciate the character of David in these beginning years of his leadership, you have to understand the context of the story. Abner wears the leader of Saul's army. David would have served with Abner during his time of favor with Saul. They were not strangers to each other. When Saul, and his son Jonathan, died in battle, apparently, Abner, Saul's commander, did not die. Because of Abner's loyalty to Saul's family, he immediately makes Ishbosheth, Saul's son, the king. David takes notice of such loyalty. During this brief time of war between Ishbosheth/Abner and David and his commander, Joab, Abner kills Joab's brother. Joab takes vengeance on Abner, unknown by David, and kills Abner. It is in this context that the above verse records David's response. David was loyal to Saul and everyone related to Saul, all the way to the end. David's character in the beginning of his leadership demonstrated grace to others. He could have taken vengeance, himself, on those who pursued him. But, David understood loyalty and grace to those who were, at times, his enemies. Grace in the face of hardship and hatred is a remarkable trait for any leader. David extended grace as Abner, a real opportunists, was killed by Joab. Leadership must learn the art of grace.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Subject: God's Power - Exodus 13-16
Exodus 14:30-31 (ESV Strong's)
Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Subject: God's Power
When the children of Israel saw God's power they feared the Lord!! When the other nations saw God's power they feared the Lord!!
Exodus 15:15-16 (ESV Strong's)
Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed;
trembling seizes the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
Terror and dread fall upon them;
because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,
till your people, O Lord, pass by,
till the people pass by whom you have purchased.
In our world today we have so many who don't fear the Lord. The reason is because they don't see the power of the Lord. Today God does not part the Red Sea to show His power. Today God enables believers to love the unlovable; forgive the unforgivable; and to have peace in the midst of the unimaginable. Today the power of God is supposed to be demonstrated in the lives of the believers. Note what Paul's prayer was for himself and other Christians:
Philippians 3:10 (ESV Strong's)
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Because we fail to have the same desire as Paul we fail to demonstrate God's power. This is why the world is what it is today! They only way they would fear the Lord is when they see the power of God in our lives, through faith in His Son.
Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Subject: God's Power
When the children of Israel saw God's power they feared the Lord!! When the other nations saw God's power they feared the Lord!!
Exodus 15:15-16 (ESV Strong's)
Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed;
trembling seizes the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
Terror and dread fall upon them;
because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone,
till your people, O Lord, pass by,
till the people pass by whom you have purchased.
In our world today we have so many who don't fear the Lord. The reason is because they don't see the power of the Lord. Today God does not part the Red Sea to show His power. Today God enables believers to love the unlovable; forgive the unforgivable; and to have peace in the midst of the unimaginable. Today the power of God is supposed to be demonstrated in the lives of the believers. Note what Paul's prayer was for himself and other Christians:
Philippians 3:10 (ESV Strong's)
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Because we fail to have the same desire as Paul we fail to demonstrate God's power. This is why the world is what it is today! They only way they would fear the Lord is when they see the power of God in our lives, through faith in His Son.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Subject: Christ's Return - 1 Corinthians 15-16
1 Corinthians 15:24 (ESV Strong's)
Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
Subject: Christ's Return
The purpose of Christ's death, burial and resurrection was to crush death, bring life and put all things under God's authority. As the above verse states the end comes when Christ presents all things to God as the Kingdom of God is secured. Since Christ defeated all the enemies of God (death being the primary enemy ... The wages of sin is "death"), He will present to God the "Kingdom." To make that presentation of the Kingdom, Christ will "destroy" EVERY rule and EVERY authority and power. The power of sin over our lives: DESTROYED! The power of Satan in our lives: DESTROYED! The power of corrupt little leaders in this world: DESTROYED! For those who believe Christ is all LOVE, they need to see this verse that indicates the judgment of Christ. Any rule that attempts to defeat Christ or hinder Christ will be destroyed. That is the end!
Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
Subject: Christ's Return
The purpose of Christ's death, burial and resurrection was to crush death, bring life and put all things under God's authority. As the above verse states the end comes when Christ presents all things to God as the Kingdom of God is secured. Since Christ defeated all the enemies of God (death being the primary enemy ... The wages of sin is "death"), He will present to God the "Kingdom." To make that presentation of the Kingdom, Christ will "destroy" EVERY rule and EVERY authority and power. The power of sin over our lives: DESTROYED! The power of Satan in our lives: DESTROYED! The power of corrupt little leaders in this world: DESTROYED! For those who believe Christ is all LOVE, they need to see this verse that indicates the judgment of Christ. Any rule that attempts to defeat Christ or hinder Christ will be destroyed. That is the end!
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Subject: Prayer - Mark 11-12
Mark 11:20-25 (ESV Strong's)
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Subject: Prayer
Prayer is an essential weapon in the hands (knees?) of the believer. We are told to arm ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit and with the Shield of Faith, praying always:
Ephesians 6:16-18 (ESV Strong's)
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Being "alert" and "persevering" in prayer is also stated by Paul to the Colossians believers:
Colossians 4:2 (ESV Strong's)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Jesus taught us to pray and in the above text tells His disciples that prayer is effective when we have faith (believing) and when we have a pure heart (forgive those around us). When we harbor a lack of forgiveness in our hearts we can't expect God to meet our needs, request, or our supplications. Christ tells us that we should make sure we come to Him for needs and expect Him to meet those needs. James must have remembered these words when he wrote the following:
James 1:6-8 (ESV Strong's)
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Subject: Prayer
Prayer is an essential weapon in the hands (knees?) of the believer. We are told to arm ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit and with the Shield of Faith, praying always:
Ephesians 6:16-18 (ESV Strong's)
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Being "alert" and "persevering" in prayer is also stated by Paul to the Colossians believers:
Colossians 4:2 (ESV Strong's)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Jesus taught us to pray and in the above text tells His disciples that prayer is effective when we have faith (believing) and when we have a pure heart (forgive those around us). When we harbor a lack of forgiveness in our hearts we can't expect God to meet our needs, request, or our supplications. Christ tells us that we should make sure we come to Him for needs and expect Him to meet those needs. James must have remembered these words when he wrote the following:
James 1:6-8 (ESV Strong's)
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Subject: God's Justice - Jeremiah 17-21
Jeremiah 21:12 (ESV Strong's)
“And to the house of the king of Judah say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O house of David! Thus says the Lord:
“‘Execute justice in the morning,
and deliver from the hand of the oppressor
him who has been robbed,
lest my wrath go forth like fire,
and burn with none to quench it,
because of your evil deeds.’”
Subject: Justice - the true heart
In this section of Jeremiah (chapters 17-21) we read Jeremiah's prophesy about Jerusalem and the inhabitants of Judah. Because of their failure to follow God and obey His words they will be taken into captivity. In this final prophecy of this section Jeremiah tells them, one last time, what they must do to demonstrate their faith in God and their obedience to God. It is not by bring more sacrifices or doing more religious acts of formal worship. IF they want to demonstrate to God that they hear His message they will begin by "executing Justice" for the oppressed. At this point they (the leaders and rulers) were the ones who were oppressing the people. Jeremiah's prophesy is to tell them that they need to treat others with mercy and grace if they want God to treat them with mercy and grace. IF the refuse to give justice and mercy to the oppressed, God will judge them and oppress them. The fruit of repentance is to treat others the way God wants us to treat them.
“And to the house of the king of Judah say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O house of David! Thus says the Lord:
“‘Execute justice in the morning,
and deliver from the hand of the oppressor
him who has been robbed,
lest my wrath go forth like fire,
and burn with none to quench it,
because of your evil deeds.’”
Subject: Justice - the true heart
In this section of Jeremiah (chapters 17-21) we read Jeremiah's prophesy about Jerusalem and the inhabitants of Judah. Because of their failure to follow God and obey His words they will be taken into captivity. In this final prophecy of this section Jeremiah tells them, one last time, what they must do to demonstrate their faith in God and their obedience to God. It is not by bring more sacrifices or doing more religious acts of formal worship. IF they want to demonstrate to God that they hear His message they will begin by "executing Justice" for the oppressed. At this point they (the leaders and rulers) were the ones who were oppressing the people. Jeremiah's prophesy is to tell them that they need to treat others with mercy and grace if they want God to treat them with mercy and grace. IF the refuse to give justice and mercy to the oppressed, God will judge them and oppress them. The fruit of repentance is to treat others the way God wants us to treat them.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Subject: God's Sovereignty - Job 31
Job 31:4 (ESV Strong's)
Does not he see my ways
and number all my steps?
Subject: God's Sovereignty
Job is, in this last chapter of his speech, declaring his righteousness. Although he doesn't know that God has also declared him so (see chapter one), Job, to his friends, is arguing that IF he did sin, then his only appeal is toward God. The reason for this argument is found in the above verse: Since God see his ways and numbers his steps, it is only God who can be the judge of his life. This concept of God "numbering" his steps is not new to Job. Notice what he has already said in this book and will say about God and the steps he takes:
Job 14:16 (ESV Strong's)
For then you would number my steps;
you would not keep watch over my sin;
Job 31:37 (ESV Strong's)
I would give him an account of all my steps;
like a prince I would approach him.
Job 34:21 (ESV Strong's)
“For his eyes are on the ways of a man,
and he sees all his steps.
Solomon will take up this theme as well in the following proverb:
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV Strong's)
The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.
It is only when we know and recognize God's rule over each step we take that we will relax and rest in His sovereign care and will. We can rest because we know that God will know each step (because He directed each step) and because He cares about each step we take.
Does not he see my ways
and number all my steps?
Subject: God's Sovereignty
Job is, in this last chapter of his speech, declaring his righteousness. Although he doesn't know that God has also declared him so (see chapter one), Job, to his friends, is arguing that IF he did sin, then his only appeal is toward God. The reason for this argument is found in the above verse: Since God see his ways and numbers his steps, it is only God who can be the judge of his life. This concept of God "numbering" his steps is not new to Job. Notice what he has already said in this book and will say about God and the steps he takes:
Job 14:16 (ESV Strong's)
For then you would number my steps;
you would not keep watch over my sin;
Job 31:37 (ESV Strong's)
I would give him an account of all my steps;
like a prince I would approach him.
Job 34:21 (ESV Strong's)
“For his eyes are on the ways of a man,
and he sees all his steps.
Solomon will take up this theme as well in the following proverb:
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV Strong's)
The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.
It is only when we know and recognize God's rule over each step we take that we will relax and rest in His sovereign care and will. We can rest because we know that God will know each step (because He directed each step) and because He cares about each step we take.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Subject: Inheritance - Psalm 45-47
Psalms 47:4 (ESV Strong's)
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
Subject: Inheritance
We don't get to choose our inheritance. Those who give us an inheritance, choose the inheritance. We are just the benefactors of their grace. In the above passage, Jacob, whom God loves, is the benefactor of God's grace. In the immediate context the inheritance is the land God enabled them to conquer by being the warriors spoken of in the preceding verses. God has given them the land and that is part of His covenant grace to them. They might complain it wasn't enough, or it wasn't the land they wanted, or it was too hard to conquer, but the inheritance is an expression of God's grace. Today, for the believer, the inheritance is our relationship with Christ. He IS our relationship. In this Psalm we are to "clap" our hands for our inheritance. We are to praise Him for our inheritance. We are to rejoice in Him and count Christ as our inheritance. There are are many who are striving for a temporal inheritance. They rejoice when they receive it. Yet, it is not valuable. It will fade away. Christ is our inheritance and He will never fade away.
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
Subject: Inheritance
We don't get to choose our inheritance. Those who give us an inheritance, choose the inheritance. We are just the benefactors of their grace. In the above passage, Jacob, whom God loves, is the benefactor of God's grace. In the immediate context the inheritance is the land God enabled them to conquer by being the warriors spoken of in the preceding verses. God has given them the land and that is part of His covenant grace to them. They might complain it wasn't enough, or it wasn't the land they wanted, or it was too hard to conquer, but the inheritance is an expression of God's grace. Today, for the believer, the inheritance is our relationship with Christ. He IS our relationship. In this Psalm we are to "clap" our hands for our inheritance. We are to praise Him for our inheritance. We are to rejoice in Him and count Christ as our inheritance. There are are many who are striving for a temporal inheritance. They rejoice when they receive it. Yet, it is not valuable. It will fade away. Christ is our inheritance and He will never fade away.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Subject: Discord - 1 Samuel 26-31
1 Samuel 26:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
Subject: Bad Counsel
In the preceding chapter (chapter 24) Saul is perusing David and David has a chance to take Saul's life. At the end of the chapter, Saul tells David he will no longer pursue him as long as David promises to not seek revenge on Saul's family. David so promises and the deal is struck. However, in the above verse, months later, we have the story of the Ziphites coming to Saul to tell him were David is now hiding. When we read chapter 26 we will discover that David once again can take Saul's life and doesn't. Yet, the lesson here is the story of the Ziphites. Saul and David had come to an agreement. But, the Ziphites decided to stir up the anger of Saul and cause him to once again pursue David. Those weak in the faith are often lead astray by those who have no faith. Note what David's son, Solomon, will eventually say about behavior demonstrated in this story by the Ziphites:
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV Strong's)
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
That last line, "one who sows discourse among brothers" is the sin recorded in this story. God hates those who stir up discord. God is the God of peace. Discord is the fruit of evil. Saul's heart is stirred up to discord but these people. We need to guard our hearts to makes sure others don't stir up our anger. We need to make sure we follow God's ways in peace and to pursue peace with even our enemies (Romans 12).
Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
Subject: Bad Counsel
In the preceding chapter (chapter 24) Saul is perusing David and David has a chance to take Saul's life. At the end of the chapter, Saul tells David he will no longer pursue him as long as David promises to not seek revenge on Saul's family. David so promises and the deal is struck. However, in the above verse, months later, we have the story of the Ziphites coming to Saul to tell him were David is now hiding. When we read chapter 26 we will discover that David once again can take Saul's life and doesn't. Yet, the lesson here is the story of the Ziphites. Saul and David had come to an agreement. But, the Ziphites decided to stir up the anger of Saul and cause him to once again pursue David. Those weak in the faith are often lead astray by those who have no faith. Note what David's son, Solomon, will eventually say about behavior demonstrated in this story by the Ziphites:
Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV Strong's)
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
That last line, "one who sows discourse among brothers" is the sin recorded in this story. God hates those who stir up discord. God is the God of peace. Discord is the fruit of evil. Saul's heart is stirred up to discord but these people. We need to guard our hearts to makes sure others don't stir up our anger. We need to make sure we follow God's ways in peace and to pursue peace with even our enemies (Romans 12).
Monday, April 11, 2016
Subject: God's Sovereignty - Exodus 9-12
Exodus 12:40-42 (ESV Strong's)
The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. It was a night of watching by the Lord, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.
Subject: God's Sovereignty
These entire chapters about the exodus of Israel and the plundering of Egypt are an example of the marvelous power of God and His awesome sovereign rule over mankind. The above verses should give us hope and delight as we think of God's timing and God's knowledge of our situation. We are often in a state where we want God to either speed up the process He has us in, or slow down the process. We are never satisfied. What we have to realize is that God has perfect timing. The nation of Israel was in Egypt exactly 430 years. The above text say, "... On that very day ...". God knows where He wants us and how long He wants us there. Our job is to be ready to move or change when He opens the door. Those in the nation of Israel who had "made a home" in Egypt would have been disappointed with their sudden departure (maybe that is why, later, they cry to Moses and Aaron to go back to Egypt). God has perfect timing. If we are worried we are in the wrong place for too long, or not long enough, that is God's issue. God knows the perfect time for us to be where we are to do His work for the period he established.
The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. It was a night of watching by the Lord, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.
Subject: God's Sovereignty
These entire chapters about the exodus of Israel and the plundering of Egypt are an example of the marvelous power of God and His awesome sovereign rule over mankind. The above verses should give us hope and delight as we think of God's timing and God's knowledge of our situation. We are often in a state where we want God to either speed up the process He has us in, or slow down the process. We are never satisfied. What we have to realize is that God has perfect timing. The nation of Israel was in Egypt exactly 430 years. The above text say, "... On that very day ...". God knows where He wants us and how long He wants us there. Our job is to be ready to move or change when He opens the door. Those in the nation of Israel who had "made a home" in Egypt would have been disappointed with their sudden departure (maybe that is why, later, they cry to Moses and Aaron to go back to Egypt). God has perfect timing. If we are worried we are in the wrong place for too long, or not long enough, that is God's issue. God knows the perfect time for us to be where we are to do His work for the period he established.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Subject: Gifts - 1 Corinthians 12-14
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV Strong's)
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Subject: Gifts
Before you can understand the above passage in this letter to the church at Corinth, you have to read the last verse from the proceeding chapter:
1 Corinthians 12:31 (ESV Strong's)
But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way.
In chapter twelve Paul has outlined some issues others have with spiritual gifts. There were those who thought they didn't have any, those who thought the gift they had was insignificant and those who thought the gift they had was superior. Paul states that all believers have gifts and all the gifts are put in place as God wills. There are no believers without gifts and there are no believers with a wrong or insignificant gift. Paul writes to them that the greatest gifts God gave us was faith, hope and love; the greatest being love. He wants us to pursue the greatest gift of Love and use the other gifts through this lens. Love is the fuel, purpose, guidelines and compelling control over all the other gifts. It matters not if you have a superior gift (prophecy) or less influential gift (hospitality), both are to look at the other in love and are in need of the other. Love governs all uses of the gift. This love looks like the above verses. Kindness, patience, no envy are all ways to describe the perfect love that God has given us. We don't rejoice in the evil we see but we believe and hope all things God has said. Love is the ultimate gift that guides everything the believer does. Love for God and love for others.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Subject: Gifts
Before you can understand the above passage in this letter to the church at Corinth, you have to read the last verse from the proceeding chapter:
1 Corinthians 12:31 (ESV Strong's)
But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way.
In chapter twelve Paul has outlined some issues others have with spiritual gifts. There were those who thought they didn't have any, those who thought the gift they had was insignificant and those who thought the gift they had was superior. Paul states that all believers have gifts and all the gifts are put in place as God wills. There are no believers without gifts and there are no believers with a wrong or insignificant gift. Paul writes to them that the greatest gifts God gave us was faith, hope and love; the greatest being love. He wants us to pursue the greatest gift of Love and use the other gifts through this lens. Love is the fuel, purpose, guidelines and compelling control over all the other gifts. It matters not if you have a superior gift (prophecy) or less influential gift (hospitality), both are to look at the other in love and are in need of the other. Love governs all uses of the gift. This love looks like the above verses. Kindness, patience, no envy are all ways to describe the perfect love that God has given us. We don't rejoice in the evil we see but we believe and hope all things God has said. Love is the ultimate gift that guides everything the believer does. Love for God and love for others.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Subject: Worshp - Mark 9-10
Mark 9:4-6 (ESV Strong's)
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
Subject: Worship
What is at the center of your worship? God always seems to discover what is at the center. In the above passage we have the story often referred to as, The Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of the mountain and he is "transfigured" before them into a bright white light. While there the figures of Moses and Elijah also appear. How Peter, James or John would know what Moses or Elijah looked like, we have no idea. Yet, they did. As a result Peter, go figure, becomes the spokes-person. But, he doesn't know what to say. What do we do when we don't know what to say? We often just start talking. That is what Peter did and he blurted out that they should build "tents" (a type of way to show honor and praise for someone) for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. God speaks out, as a result of Peter's suggestion. God doesn't directly condemn Peter's "art of worship" but He does make sure Peter knows who should be worshiped. God tells the three disciples that it Jesus (God's Son) that is to be honored and to listen to Him. Peter wanted to honor all three of them the same. God said, NO!! Honor my Son. It is so tempted to put men on the same level as Jesus. We honor "men of God," often, at the same level as we honor Jesus. When we are out of words to say we often say the wrong thing. Perhaps a question would have been more appropriate for Peter: "What would you like us to do Jesus?" God always speaks to what we put at the center of our worship. Peter attempted to put the iconic Moses and Elijah into the center of their worship. God said no. We have to be careful that we don't, on impulse, put something, or someone, else in the middle of our worship, on the same level as Jesus.
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
Subject: Worship
What is at the center of your worship? God always seems to discover what is at the center. In the above passage we have the story often referred to as, The Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of the mountain and he is "transfigured" before them into a bright white light. While there the figures of Moses and Elijah also appear. How Peter, James or John would know what Moses or Elijah looked like, we have no idea. Yet, they did. As a result Peter, go figure, becomes the spokes-person. But, he doesn't know what to say. What do we do when we don't know what to say? We often just start talking. That is what Peter did and he blurted out that they should build "tents" (a type of way to show honor and praise for someone) for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. God speaks out, as a result of Peter's suggestion. God doesn't directly condemn Peter's "art of worship" but He does make sure Peter knows who should be worshiped. God tells the three disciples that it Jesus (God's Son) that is to be honored and to listen to Him. Peter wanted to honor all three of them the same. God said, NO!! Honor my Son. It is so tempted to put men on the same level as Jesus. We honor "men of God," often, at the same level as we honor Jesus. When we are out of words to say we often say the wrong thing. Perhaps a question would have been more appropriate for Peter: "What would you like us to do Jesus?" God always speaks to what we put at the center of our worship. Peter attempted to put the iconic Moses and Elijah into the center of their worship. God said no. We have to be careful that we don't, on impulse, put something, or someone, else in the middle of our worship, on the same level as Jesus.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Subject: God's Word - Jeremiah 12-16
Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV Strong's)
Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
Subject: God's Word
The outside world does not understand what believers are all about, especially in regard to the power of God's Word. The world has written millions of books. Depending on the stats you check, there are some where between 600,000 and 1,000,000 books published each year. Yet, the Bible is the number one selling book of all time - all the time. The world does not get it, but perhaps the above verse can give some reason we love the Bible and we find solace, strength, steadfastness and stamina in its pages. When Jeremiah says he "ate" God's Word, he is giving us a picture of fully digesting and enjoying and becoming nourished by the Word. There are a lot of metaphors in God's Word for God's Word, but this one might be the best. The Hebrew word here for "ate" is to burn up, or devour. This is not just an appetizer. God's Word is the source of nourishment and strength for the believer. But, by using the metaphor "ate," Jeremiah also conveys to use some enjoyment. There is a place in the Bible where eating God's Word is associated with bitterness:
Revelation 10:9 (ESV Strong's)
So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”
But, it is more likely to say what is implied here, by Jeremiah. Note the following:
Ezekiel 3:3 (ESV Strong's)
And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.
When we get up in the morning and devour God's Word we are having the best breakfast we can possibly have: The Breakfast of Champions - Faith Champions. Faith comes from hearing God's Word. It becomes our Joy!!
Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
Subject: God's Word
The outside world does not understand what believers are all about, especially in regard to the power of God's Word. The world has written millions of books. Depending on the stats you check, there are some where between 600,000 and 1,000,000 books published each year. Yet, the Bible is the number one selling book of all time - all the time. The world does not get it, but perhaps the above verse can give some reason we love the Bible and we find solace, strength, steadfastness and stamina in its pages. When Jeremiah says he "ate" God's Word, he is giving us a picture of fully digesting and enjoying and becoming nourished by the Word. There are a lot of metaphors in God's Word for God's Word, but this one might be the best. The Hebrew word here for "ate" is to burn up, or devour. This is not just an appetizer. God's Word is the source of nourishment and strength for the believer. But, by using the metaphor "ate," Jeremiah also conveys to use some enjoyment. There is a place in the Bible where eating God's Word is associated with bitterness:
Revelation 10:9 (ESV Strong's)
So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”
But, it is more likely to say what is implied here, by Jeremiah. Note the following:
Ezekiel 3:3 (ESV Strong's)
And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.
When we get up in the morning and devour God's Word we are having the best breakfast we can possibly have: The Breakfast of Champions - Faith Champions. Faith comes from hearing God's Word. It becomes our Joy!!
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Subject: Depression - Job 29-30
Job 29:2-5 (ESV Strong's)
“Oh, that I were as in the months of old,
as in the days when God watched over me,
when his lamp shone upon my head,
and by his light I walked through darkness,
as I was in my prime,
when the friendship of God was upon my tent,
when the Almighty was yet with me,
when my children were all around me,
Subject: Remembering
In the above passage Job continues his discourse with this three friends. He is in a state of depression about his life. Note what he said in a previous chapter:
Job 27:2 (ESV Strong's)
“As God lives, who has taken away my right,
and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
He now, in this chapter, begins to reminisce about the past and about where his standing in life was full of blessing. In this entire chapter he is full of memories of great times and fantastic days. In the next chapter he moves into reality ... What it is like today ... His pain is overtaking him. But, in this chapter he does a walk down memory lane. There are numerous lessons to learn here, but two come to mind. First, Job is encouraged by these memories. And, he should be. It is okay to remember the good days of the past. We are often told in Scripture to "remember." Note Psalm 42:4 as one example. Having a great memory of the past is healthy and gives us some encouragement for the future. We are to remember the good things that God brought into our lives and the blessings He bestowed upon us. But, that brings us to the second lesion in this chapter: Job doesn't mention that these blessings and good things were from God. When we remember and forget God we don't do honor and worship to God. Note what James tells us:
James 1:17 (ESV Strong's)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
If we have good things happening to us, or had them happen to us, it was a gift of God. He sends the rain onto the just and the unjust. Job begins down a good road (it will assist him in his depressed state) but makes it worse by not attributing the blessings in life to God (He has no problem attributing the pain in his life to God in the very next chapter). Don't forget to remember, but also, don't forget to remember Who provided the good things and great memories.
“Oh, that I were as in the months of old,
as in the days when God watched over me,
when his lamp shone upon my head,
and by his light I walked through darkness,
as I was in my prime,
when the friendship of God was upon my tent,
when the Almighty was yet with me,
when my children were all around me,
Subject: Remembering
In the above passage Job continues his discourse with this three friends. He is in a state of depression about his life. Note what he said in a previous chapter:
Job 27:2 (ESV Strong's)
“As God lives, who has taken away my right,
and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
He now, in this chapter, begins to reminisce about the past and about where his standing in life was full of blessing. In this entire chapter he is full of memories of great times and fantastic days. In the next chapter he moves into reality ... What it is like today ... His pain is overtaking him. But, in this chapter he does a walk down memory lane. There are numerous lessons to learn here, but two come to mind. First, Job is encouraged by these memories. And, he should be. It is okay to remember the good days of the past. We are often told in Scripture to "remember." Note Psalm 42:4 as one example. Having a great memory of the past is healthy and gives us some encouragement for the future. We are to remember the good things that God brought into our lives and the blessings He bestowed upon us. But, that brings us to the second lesion in this chapter: Job doesn't mention that these blessings and good things were from God. When we remember and forget God we don't do honor and worship to God. Note what James tells us:
James 1:17 (ESV Strong's)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
If we have good things happening to us, or had them happen to us, it was a gift of God. He sends the rain onto the just and the unjust. Job begins down a good road (it will assist him in his depressed state) but makes it worse by not attributing the blessings in life to God (He has no problem attributing the pain in his life to God in the very next chapter). Don't forget to remember, but also, don't forget to remember Who provided the good things and great memories.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Subject: Worship - Psalm 42-44
Psalms 42:2 (ESV Strong's)
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
Subject: Worship
Imagine a faith so strong that you "thirst" for it. We all can understand the concept of "thirsting." After a work out, we are desperate for water. On a very hot day we swing in to our favorite place to get a cold drink. This is the picture the writer of this Psalm gives us. But, for us, we only have to go to the sink, refrigerator, or vendor. To this writer and his ancient readers, it would be a long walk to the well, or a search for a natural spring, brook, or stream. David is a shepherd in this Psalm. It is his responsibility to get the sheep to a quiet stream to drink. He so desired God in his life that he compared that walk with God to that journey for water for his sheep. The last line speaks about his longing to see God (probably in worship). He so longs to worship God he compares it to that longing of a thirsty soul. Do we have such a longing for worship? Do we wake up each day and crave communion in prayer with God? Do we so long for God that (verse 1), our heart pants for Him, like a dear pants for water? That is the picture of what worship should be like. Worship is not our experience, but our longing to experience Him. He, alone, can satisfying our thirst.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
Subject: Worship
Imagine a faith so strong that you "thirst" for it. We all can understand the concept of "thirsting." After a work out, we are desperate for water. On a very hot day we swing in to our favorite place to get a cold drink. This is the picture the writer of this Psalm gives us. But, for us, we only have to go to the sink, refrigerator, or vendor. To this writer and his ancient readers, it would be a long walk to the well, or a search for a natural spring, brook, or stream. David is a shepherd in this Psalm. It is his responsibility to get the sheep to a quiet stream to drink. He so desired God in his life that he compared that walk with God to that journey for water for his sheep. The last line speaks about his longing to see God (probably in worship). He so longs to worship God he compares it to that longing of a thirsty soul. Do we have such a longing for worship? Do we wake up each day and crave communion in prayer with God? Do we so long for God that (verse 1), our heart pants for Him, like a dear pants for water? That is the picture of what worship should be like. Worship is not our experience, but our longing to experience Him. He, alone, can satisfying our thirst.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Subject: Counsel and Good Leadershp - 1 Samuel 21-25
1 Samuel 24:4-7 (ESV Strong's)
And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.
Subject: Leadership and Counsel
Beware of the counsel of friends who don't read God's Word on a regular basis. In the above story, David's friends meant well but did not know God's Word. David did not yet have Romans 12 that tells us to let God be the avenger and pay back evil for evil. Had he had that passage he could have told his men that Paul writes to give our enemies cold water when they are thirsty. Yet, that passage in Romans 12 is based off of what David's son, not yet born at the time of this story, Solomon, will write in several of the Proverbs. Not rending evil for evil is often repeated in the book of Proverbs. But, David had the teaching of Moses and the teaching of Joshua and what he learned from Samuel. David knew the character of God. He knew that taking vengeance upon whom God had anointed to be king would be contrary to God's character and God's Word. His men did not. It would have been popular with his men for David to kill Saul. Remember, his men were on the run from Saul, as well. David didn't follow the counsel of his friend, or seek popularity in his decision making. David sought to do what was right before God, even, perhaps, to his own demise. Leadership was needed in this situation and that is what David brought. It says in the end that David "persuaded" his men with his words. That is what great leaders do: They follow the principles of life and persuade others to follow them also; even if it is unpopular.
And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.
Subject: Leadership and Counsel
Beware of the counsel of friends who don't read God's Word on a regular basis. In the above story, David's friends meant well but did not know God's Word. David did not yet have Romans 12 that tells us to let God be the avenger and pay back evil for evil. Had he had that passage he could have told his men that Paul writes to give our enemies cold water when they are thirsty. Yet, that passage in Romans 12 is based off of what David's son, not yet born at the time of this story, Solomon, will write in several of the Proverbs. Not rending evil for evil is often repeated in the book of Proverbs. But, David had the teaching of Moses and the teaching of Joshua and what he learned from Samuel. David knew the character of God. He knew that taking vengeance upon whom God had anointed to be king would be contrary to God's character and God's Word. His men did not. It would have been popular with his men for David to kill Saul. Remember, his men were on the run from Saul, as well. David didn't follow the counsel of his friend, or seek popularity in his decision making. David sought to do what was right before God, even, perhaps, to his own demise. Leadership was needed in this situation and that is what David brought. It says in the end that David "persuaded" his men with his words. That is what great leaders do: They follow the principles of life and persuade others to follow them also; even if it is unpopular.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Subject: Bad Leadership - Exodus 5-8
Exodus 5:5-8 (ESV Strong's)
And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!” The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen, “You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’
Subject: Bad Leadership
Pharaoh's original objection to Moses request to go and worship God was a labor shut down and productivity issue. He didn't want his building project to be put on hold for someone to worship their God. In today's economy there is a similar pattern. We have work product that can't shut down long enough to worship God. We can't take a day off to have a true time to worship. If we did, productivity would cease and our buildings and machines would set idle. Man's work is in direct conflict with God's work. God wants us to worship and praise Him. To do this you have to stop your own work. Now, in this story the theme is much bigger than a simple work stoppage. As the story unfolds the point will be less about work and more about Pharaoh seeing God and knowing God. Yet, his original issue was not about knowing God, or honoring God. His first thought is that the building project would run late and he simply didn't want them to slow production in order to worship God. We have the same issues today. We have business owners and shop keepers who simply don't want to lose the revenue and therefore keep the work going, preventing people to worship. We have many modern-day Pharaohs today.
And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!” The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen, “You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’
Subject: Bad Leadership
Pharaoh's original objection to Moses request to go and worship God was a labor shut down and productivity issue. He didn't want his building project to be put on hold for someone to worship their God. In today's economy there is a similar pattern. We have work product that can't shut down long enough to worship God. We can't take a day off to have a true time to worship. If we did, productivity would cease and our buildings and machines would set idle. Man's work is in direct conflict with God's work. God wants us to worship and praise Him. To do this you have to stop your own work. Now, in this story the theme is much bigger than a simple work stoppage. As the story unfolds the point will be less about work and more about Pharaoh seeing God and knowing God. Yet, his original issue was not about knowing God, or honoring God. His first thought is that the building project would run late and he simply didn't want them to slow production in order to worship God. We have the same issues today. We have business owners and shop keepers who simply don't want to lose the revenue and therefore keep the work going, preventing people to worship. We have many modern-day Pharaohs today.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Subject: Head cover in church - 1 Corinthians 11
1 Corinthians 11:2-5 (ESV Strong's)
Head Coverings
Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
Subject: Head Covering in Church
(NOTE: Some of this is taken from Dan Wallace ... bible.org)
In regard to "head cover" in the church:
There are several views in vogue on the text, but within evangelicalism three or four come readily to mind:
(1) This text has no applicability to us today. Paul is speaking about a ‘tradition’ that he has handed on. Hence, since this is not the tradition of the modern church, we hardly need to consider this text.
(2) The head covering is the hair. Hence, the applicability today is that women should wear (relatively) long hair.
(3) The head covering is a real head covering and the text is applicable today, in the same way as it was in Paul’s day. (NOTE ... Me ... this argument is based upon a theological discussion not on a social discussion.) Within this view are two basic sub-views:
a. The head covering is to be worn by all women in the church service.
b. The head covering is to be worn by women in the church service only when praying or prophesying publicly.
(4) The head covering is a meaningful symbol in the ancient world that needs some sort of corresponding symbol today, but not necessarily a head covering. This also involves the same two sub-views as #3 above.
I personally would agree with #3 or #4. #3 fits the text the easiest. However, since we don't like it practically we dump it off to #4.
NOTE: Notice what Paul states about his own statements in this verse:
1 Corinthians 11:10
That is why a wife ought to have a "symbol" of authority on her head, because of the angels. (Paul is saying in this verse that the hat or covering IS a symbol of something more meaningful ... authority, respect and priority.)
Some truths in the passage that can't be ignored, no matter the interpretation:
KEY: Paul just finished a section on "freedom" in the Christian walk being governed by love and not "rights." We can't understand chapter 11 if we don't accept and believe in the theme and truth of chapter 10
1. Paul is telling us that, during praying or prophesying, there needs to be a respect for the gender differences. They are not the same and should not look the same. The people of Corinth seem to have taken Jesus’ teaching on the marriage-less (and perhaps by implication, sex- or genderless) future of the saints as the basis for erasing the present-day distinctions between men and women—specifically in terms of their apparel during the worship service.
2. Since Paul goes back to the order of Creation for one of his arguments, this is not simply a cultural issue and any interpretation must reflect this argument.
3. Paul seems to be concerned about authority as much as look. Since one of his arguments includes the authority topic the answer to the interpretation must include that aspect.
4. Since in the last verse on the subject (1 Corinthians 11:16) Paul states that if you disagree and want to be contentious there is no other answer he can give, Paul must believe that some 1) Won't agree with him 2) His teaching is what the rest of the churches are doing 3) their disagreement, if it would exists, is characterized as being contentious.
5. Paul seems to assume the "authority" of Christ over man and man over woman, but he is not here arguing that. IF we read this in the eyes of "respect" for the created order and respect for each other's God given roles (verses 5 and 7) we might see this differently.
6. Notice in 1 Corinthians 11:13 Paul states, "Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?" Isn't Paul saying to the church, "you decide for yourself?" But, he is making the argument that they should observe the spirit of his argument.
Head Coverings
Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
Subject: Head Covering in Church
(NOTE: Some of this is taken from Dan Wallace ... bible.org)
In regard to "head cover" in the church:
There are several views in vogue on the text, but within evangelicalism three or four come readily to mind:
(1) This text has no applicability to us today. Paul is speaking about a ‘tradition’ that he has handed on. Hence, since this is not the tradition of the modern church, we hardly need to consider this text.
(2) The head covering is the hair. Hence, the applicability today is that women should wear (relatively) long hair.
(3) The head covering is a real head covering and the text is applicable today, in the same way as it was in Paul’s day. (NOTE ... Me ... this argument is based upon a theological discussion not on a social discussion.) Within this view are two basic sub-views:
a. The head covering is to be worn by all women in the church service.
b. The head covering is to be worn by women in the church service only when praying or prophesying publicly.
(4) The head covering is a meaningful symbol in the ancient world that needs some sort of corresponding symbol today, but not necessarily a head covering. This also involves the same two sub-views as #3 above.
I personally would agree with #3 or #4. #3 fits the text the easiest. However, since we don't like it practically we dump it off to #4.
NOTE: Notice what Paul states about his own statements in this verse:
1 Corinthians 11:10
That is why a wife ought to have a "symbol" of authority on her head, because of the angels. (Paul is saying in this verse that the hat or covering IS a symbol of something more meaningful ... authority, respect and priority.)
Some truths in the passage that can't be ignored, no matter the interpretation:
KEY: Paul just finished a section on "freedom" in the Christian walk being governed by love and not "rights." We can't understand chapter 11 if we don't accept and believe in the theme and truth of chapter 10
1. Paul is telling us that, during praying or prophesying, there needs to be a respect for the gender differences. They are not the same and should not look the same. The people of Corinth seem to have taken Jesus’ teaching on the marriage-less (and perhaps by implication, sex- or genderless) future of the saints as the basis for erasing the present-day distinctions between men and women—specifically in terms of their apparel during the worship service.
2. Since Paul goes back to the order of Creation for one of his arguments, this is not simply a cultural issue and any interpretation must reflect this argument.
3. Paul seems to be concerned about authority as much as look. Since one of his arguments includes the authority topic the answer to the interpretation must include that aspect.
4. Since in the last verse on the subject (1 Corinthians 11:16) Paul states that if you disagree and want to be contentious there is no other answer he can give, Paul must believe that some 1) Won't agree with him 2) His teaching is what the rest of the churches are doing 3) their disagreement, if it would exists, is characterized as being contentious.
5. Paul seems to assume the "authority" of Christ over man and man over woman, but he is not here arguing that. IF we read this in the eyes of "respect" for the created order and respect for each other's God given roles (verses 5 and 7) we might see this differently.
6. Notice in 1 Corinthians 11:13 Paul states, "Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?" Isn't Paul saying to the church, "you decide for yourself?" But, he is making the argument that they should observe the spirit of his argument.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Subject: Worship and Sin - Mark 7-8
Mark 7:14-15 (ESV Strong's)
And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”
Subject: Sin and True Worship
In our society we are very much concerned, as Christians, about what people put into their bodies and what they do with some of the vices of this world (alcohol; tobacco; foods; drugs; etc). The above teaching of Christ does NOT give us free reign to put into our bodies anything we want. Too many other passages teach the holiness of the body; the offense of weaker brothers; and separation by appearance from the world. Yet, we, like the Pharisees, can get rather ritual and legalistic, quite quickly about how to live our lives "holy" before God. In the beginning of this chapter the Pharisees were concerned that the disciples of Jesus did not wash their hands, at all, before eating, much less in the ritualistic manner of the religious teachers of the day. Jesus, in the above verses, is telling them that the things that "go into" a person are not what makes them defiled before God. Jesus is teaching about spiritual holiness. He is NOT teaching about health to your body; witness to the outside world; or, how to avoid offending a weaker brother. Those teachings are saved for the teachings of the Paul, Peter and the rest of the Apostles. What Jesus is teaching is that we are not sinners by what goes in, but what comes off our tongue, our through our attitudes, in our actions toward others. Wash you hands and bath ten times a day. But, to be angry in your heart is the real sin. That defiles someone. We are to allow Christ to purify us and change the actions of our heart. Then we are to focus on treating our bodies as temples. Purity of heart through faith in Christ proceeds what goes past the lips to the stomach.
And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”
Subject: Sin and True Worship
In our society we are very much concerned, as Christians, about what people put into their bodies and what they do with some of the vices of this world (alcohol; tobacco; foods; drugs; etc). The above teaching of Christ does NOT give us free reign to put into our bodies anything we want. Too many other passages teach the holiness of the body; the offense of weaker brothers; and separation by appearance from the world. Yet, we, like the Pharisees, can get rather ritual and legalistic, quite quickly about how to live our lives "holy" before God. In the beginning of this chapter the Pharisees were concerned that the disciples of Jesus did not wash their hands, at all, before eating, much less in the ritualistic manner of the religious teachers of the day. Jesus, in the above verses, is telling them that the things that "go into" a person are not what makes them defiled before God. Jesus is teaching about spiritual holiness. He is NOT teaching about health to your body; witness to the outside world; or, how to avoid offending a weaker brother. Those teachings are saved for the teachings of the Paul, Peter and the rest of the Apostles. What Jesus is teaching is that we are not sinners by what goes in, but what comes off our tongue, our through our attitudes, in our actions toward others. Wash you hands and bath ten times a day. But, to be angry in your heart is the real sin. That defiles someone. We are to allow Christ to purify us and change the actions of our heart. Then we are to focus on treating our bodies as temples. Purity of heart through faith in Christ proceeds what goes past the lips to the stomach.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Subject: Knowing God - Jeremiah 7-11
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV Strong's)
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Subject: Knowing God
Jeremiah is warning Israel, per God's instructions, to come back to God. They have forsaken Him and sought idols and injustice. They said one thing in the Temple and practice another thing in their Town. In the above verse, however, Jeremiah defines what it means to have a relationship with God. The leaders of the land were "boasting" about their own wisdom and knowledge. God tells them to boast, rather in the fact that they can KNOW God. He is the source of all things knowledge. They were boasting in their temporal knowledge without God. Yet, knowing God is the one thing that would bring them satisfaction. It is He who practices the things they are not. They were being unjust and deceptive in their relationships with others. God does not. He practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness. He "delights" in these things. In Him are found all the things we need. Note Paul's words:
Colossians 2:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
They were following the deceptive words of the false teachers. Jeremiah reminds them that in God are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and we can know them.
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Subject: Knowing God
Jeremiah is warning Israel, per God's instructions, to come back to God. They have forsaken Him and sought idols and injustice. They said one thing in the Temple and practice another thing in their Town. In the above verse, however, Jeremiah defines what it means to have a relationship with God. The leaders of the land were "boasting" about their own wisdom and knowledge. God tells them to boast, rather in the fact that they can KNOW God. He is the source of all things knowledge. They were boasting in their temporal knowledge without God. Yet, knowing God is the one thing that would bring them satisfaction. It is He who practices the things they are not. They were being unjust and deceptive in their relationships with others. God does not. He practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness. He "delights" in these things. In Him are found all the things we need. Note Paul's words:
Colossians 2:3-4 (ESV Strong's)
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
They were following the deceptive words of the false teachers. Jeremiah reminds them that in God are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and we can know them.
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