Joshua 22:17
Have we not had enough of the sin at Peor from which even yet we have not cleansed ourselves, and for which there came a plague upon the congregation of the Lord,
Tag: Confronting Sin
What a great passion they had in Israel at this time. Even though the 2 1/2 tribes were NOT committing any sin, the leaders of Israel decide to confront the "possibility" of them allowing sin into the nation. There is a good record of this in Joshua. In chapter seven Joshua and the nation confront Achan who had committed sin by stealing gold from the fall of Jericho, which was against God's command. They were very much sensitive to sin in their camp and the impact of that sin on their nation. The "sin at Peor" was still impacting them. The prophet Balaam lead them into establishing a covenant with the Moabites. The Moabites eventually would lead members of the nation into the worship of Baal. This is why the elders of Israel did not want the 2 1/2 tribes to set up a worship alter, contrary to the Law. They would soon discover that the tribes were making a memorial wall and not a worship center. It will not be long before the elders of Israel are not as sensitive and the fall of Israel will begin. However, here is a time they were sensitive and wanted to protect the holiness of the nation.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Tag: God's Omniscience in regard to Sin - Genesis 16-19
Genesis 19:12-13
Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”
Tag: God's Omniscience
God knows about sin. We don't hide anything from God. In the previous chapters God herd Sarah laugh in her heart when she overheard God tell Abraham that she would have a baby at 100. God knew that she was doing so in a mocking manner. In the next few verses we will see God destroy Lot's wife because she looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah in desire as God was destroying the city. In the above passage we read that the "outcry" of the people of Sodom came to God's ears. God knows we sin and hears the pain of that sin. God heard the sin of Cain as Abel''s blood cried out from the ground. God saw the running of Jonah who failed to head God's call for service. Jesus knew of the betrayal of His disciple. God knows we sin. God knew the sin of David as he killed Uriah. God knows our sin!!!
Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”
Tag: God's Omniscience
God knows about sin. We don't hide anything from God. In the previous chapters God herd Sarah laugh in her heart when she overheard God tell Abraham that she would have a baby at 100. God knew that she was doing so in a mocking manner. In the next few verses we will see God destroy Lot's wife because she looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah in desire as God was destroying the city. In the above passage we read that the "outcry" of the people of Sodom came to God's ears. God knows we sin and hears the pain of that sin. God heard the sin of Cain as Abel''s blood cried out from the ground. God saw the running of Jonah who failed to head God's call for service. Jesus knew of the betrayal of His disciple. God knows we sin. God knew the sin of David as he killed Uriah. God knows our sin!!!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Tag: Sin; The Old Nature - Romans 7-8
Romans 7:21-25
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Tag: Sin; The Old Nature
In Romans 6-7 Paul is teaching the Romans about the reason for the Law and the way Law "ignites" sin in our lives. Sin is like gasoline in our lives. When the Serpent tempted Eve to disobey the Law (don't eat the fruit), he ignited the passion of sin (the gasoline) and that caused Eve to sin. Christ came to fulfill all the Law and then die for us, thus breaking the penalty of the Law on us. However, Christ's death also gave us power over the "igniting of sin" in our lives by the Law. Yet, as the above passage teaches, we are not, YET, completely free from the Law. Hence, sin still is a battle raging in our lives as believers. But, the deliverance from that burning sin is through the power and resurrection of Christ. Note what one commentary states:
Paul’s primary emphasis in the present passage, however, is not on the believer’s eventual deliverance from sin’s presence but on the conflict with sin that torments every spiritually sensitive child of God. He therefore ends by summarizing the two sides of that struggle: So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
In the poem Maud (x. 5), one of Tennyson’s characters yearns, “Ah for a new man to arise in me, that the man I am may cease to be!” The Christian can say that a new man has already arisen in him, but he also must confess that the sinful part his old man has not yet ceased to be. (John MacCarther)
Even though we have the indwelling Christ, until we are glorified in heaven we will carry the sinful man with us. Our walk with God is to live in faith and give Christ full reign in our lives. When we don't, our sin nature is waiting to be ignited to produce the burning of sin in our lives.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Tag: Sin; The Old Nature
In Romans 6-7 Paul is teaching the Romans about the reason for the Law and the way Law "ignites" sin in our lives. Sin is like gasoline in our lives. When the Serpent tempted Eve to disobey the Law (don't eat the fruit), he ignited the passion of sin (the gasoline) and that caused Eve to sin. Christ came to fulfill all the Law and then die for us, thus breaking the penalty of the Law on us. However, Christ's death also gave us power over the "igniting of sin" in our lives by the Law. Yet, as the above passage teaches, we are not, YET, completely free from the Law. Hence, sin still is a battle raging in our lives as believers. But, the deliverance from that burning sin is through the power and resurrection of Christ. Note what one commentary states:
Paul’s primary emphasis in the present passage, however, is not on the believer’s eventual deliverance from sin’s presence but on the conflict with sin that torments every spiritually sensitive child of God. He therefore ends by summarizing the two sides of that struggle: So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
In the poem Maud (x. 5), one of Tennyson’s characters yearns, “Ah for a new man to arise in me, that the man I am may cease to be!” The Christian can say that a new man has already arisen in him, but he also must confess that the sinful part his old man has not yet ceased to be. (John MacCarther)
Even though we have the indwelling Christ, until we are glorified in heaven we will carry the sinful man with us. Our walk with God is to live in faith and give Christ full reign in our lives. When we don't, our sin nature is waiting to be ignited to produce the burning of sin in our lives.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Tag: Faith - Recognizging Christ's Authority - Matthew 7-8
Matthew 8:5-13
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
Tag: Faith - Recognizing Christ's Authority.
In the above passage the centurion is commended and rewarded for his faith. The key in the passage is to understand the character of his faith. His expression to Jesus about his own authority and his recognition of Jesus' obvious authority over the sickness of his servant, caused an unusual reaction in Jesus. Seeing the man's faith, Jesus states, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith." The lesson we need to learn here must consider what we learn about faith. The centurion did not have faith in Jesus' doctrine, although he could have. The faith act here is that the man "recognized Jesus authority." When Satan tempted Jesus he offered Jesus authority over all the kingdom Satan showed him. Jesus casts Satan away. The reason? Because Jesus knew all the kingdoms of the world were already under his authority. The centurion recognizes that. No one in Israel did. The speaks directly to the nations rejecting Jesus as their Messiah; their King with all authority. When we pray, in faith, we need to recognized Jesus authority to command sickness, pain, suffering, etc. That prayer is an act of faith recognizing Jesus' authority.
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
Tag: Faith - Recognizing Christ's Authority.
In the above passage the centurion is commended and rewarded for his faith. The key in the passage is to understand the character of his faith. His expression to Jesus about his own authority and his recognition of Jesus' obvious authority over the sickness of his servant, caused an unusual reaction in Jesus. Seeing the man's faith, Jesus states, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith." The lesson we need to learn here must consider what we learn about faith. The centurion did not have faith in Jesus' doctrine, although he could have. The faith act here is that the man "recognized Jesus authority." When Satan tempted Jesus he offered Jesus authority over all the kingdom Satan showed him. Jesus casts Satan away. The reason? Because Jesus knew all the kingdoms of the world were already under his authority. The centurion recognizes that. No one in Israel did. The speaks directly to the nations rejecting Jesus as their Messiah; their King with all authority. When we pray, in faith, we need to recognized Jesus authority to command sickness, pain, suffering, etc. That prayer is an act of faith recognizing Jesus' authority.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Tag: Security Taken Away - Isaiah 18-22
Isaiah 22:8-11
He has taken away the covering of Judah.
In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago.
Tag: Security Taken Away
God is about to bring judgement on Israel and in the above verse tells them one reason why. Instead of trusting in Him during tough times, they thought it best to trust in their own fortifications. In stead of turning to Him, the first thing they did was they "looked to the weapons of the House of Forest." (This was their armory.) These weapons would not save them. The second they the did was to created a moot between the two walls around the city. The City of Jerusalem had two walls: An outer wall and an inner wall. The space between was often filled with the poor and the bigger. However, when God brought the Babylonians agains them, instead of trusting in God, the Israelite leaders filled the space in between the outer and the inner wall with water, hence making the moot. God's chastising in the above verse is found in the last line: "But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago." God wants repentance in times of chastisement, not fortitude. Often when we talked to people who are in sin and God brings some difficulty, they fortify themselves. The concept of "intestinal fortitude" is something our society celebrates. However, God wants repentance and He wants to use recognize Him. They had a chance in their discipline to see God. Instead they saw their own solutions, which would not and did not work. Their pride hindered the humility you need to say, "I have nothing to save myself, I need God."
He has taken away the covering of Judah.
In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago.
Tag: Security Taken Away
God is about to bring judgement on Israel and in the above verse tells them one reason why. Instead of trusting in Him during tough times, they thought it best to trust in their own fortifications. In stead of turning to Him, the first thing they did was they "looked to the weapons of the House of Forest." (This was their armory.) These weapons would not save them. The second they the did was to created a moot between the two walls around the city. The City of Jerusalem had two walls: An outer wall and an inner wall. The space between was often filled with the poor and the bigger. However, when God brought the Babylonians agains them, instead of trusting in God, the Israelite leaders filled the space in between the outer and the inner wall with water, hence making the moot. God's chastising in the above verse is found in the last line: "But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago." God wants repentance in times of chastisement, not fortitude. Often when we talked to people who are in sin and God brings some difficulty, they fortify themselves. The concept of "intestinal fortitude" is something our society celebrates. However, God wants repentance and He wants to use recognize Him. They had a chance in their discipline to see God. Instead they saw their own solutions, which would not and did not work. Their pride hindered the humility you need to say, "I have nothing to save myself, I need God."
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Tag: God's Unkowningness vs our loneliness - Job 8-10
Job 9:11
Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not;
he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
Tag: God's Unknowingness vs our loneliness
Job is in a dark spot. He has lost everything and now he is lamented that loss. His words just prior to those above are claiming God's awesome power and creative acts. Job, although in a bad spot, is attempting to talk about God in the right way. He is telling his friends that he believes God is great and God is beyond anyone''s comprehension. However, he takes his thoughts and words too far. Likes his three friends, his statements are true but his application is false. Job, in the above text, is stating that God is all around him but totally invisible to him. He is making the claim that, although God created all things, Job can see God. Here is where his pain clouds his reasoning. If God created it all, wouldn't he be able to see God in the creation? Note what Paul tells us in Romans:
Romans 1:19-20
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
The creative things we do see, reveal the things about God we can't see. Job was so blinded by his pain he failed to recognize God, all around him. His pain made him feel alone and full of sorrow. Yet, God is right next to him, ready to give comfort. That is the issue with suffering. It removes our ability to see God in all His glory. We think we are totally alone. We are not!!
Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not;
he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
Tag: God's Unknowingness vs our loneliness
Job is in a dark spot. He has lost everything and now he is lamented that loss. His words just prior to those above are claiming God's awesome power and creative acts. Job, although in a bad spot, is attempting to talk about God in the right way. He is telling his friends that he believes God is great and God is beyond anyone''s comprehension. However, he takes his thoughts and words too far. Likes his three friends, his statements are true but his application is false. Job, in the above text, is stating that God is all around him but totally invisible to him. He is making the claim that, although God created all things, Job can see God. Here is where his pain clouds his reasoning. If God created it all, wouldn't he be able to see God in the creation? Note what Paul tells us in Romans:
Romans 1:19-20
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
The creative things we do see, reveal the things about God we can't see. Job was so blinded by his pain he failed to recognize God, all around him. His pain made him feel alone and full of sorrow. Yet, God is right next to him, ready to give comfort. That is the issue with suffering. It removes our ability to see God in all His glory. We think we are totally alone. We are not!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Tag: Grace and Mercy - Psalms 9-11
Psalms 10:16-18
The Lord is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Tag: Grace and Mercy
God has common grace and mercy. This is grace and mercy He gives to everyone, no matter their faith in Him. If God did not give common grace (blessings we don't deserve) and mercy (withholding judgment we do deserve) His judgment would simple destroy man. Jesus said it this way:
Matthew 5:45
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
In the above verse David calls for God to hear the prayers of the afflicted. The "afflicted" in this chapter are those who are bing afflicted by the wicked. He is particular talking about the rich and powerful. Those who use their position for selfish gain and oppress the weak. David tells us that God "hears" the prayer of the afflicted. He further tells us that God will "do justice." That earns He will make things just for the weak. We can rejoice that God is just and carries that justice to those who call upon Him!!
The Lord is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Tag: Grace and Mercy
God has common grace and mercy. This is grace and mercy He gives to everyone, no matter their faith in Him. If God did not give common grace (blessings we don't deserve) and mercy (withholding judgment we do deserve) His judgment would simple destroy man. Jesus said it this way:
Matthew 5:45
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
In the above verse David calls for God to hear the prayers of the afflicted. The "afflicted" in this chapter are those who are bing afflicted by the wicked. He is particular talking about the rich and powerful. Those who use their position for selfish gain and oppress the weak. David tells us that God "hears" the prayer of the afflicted. He further tells us that God will "do justice." That earns He will make things just for the weak. We can rejoice that God is just and carries that justice to those who call upon Him!!
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Tag: Women's Rights - Joshua 16-20
Joshua 17:3-6
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers.” So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.
Tag: Women's Rights
In this section of Joshua, the land is being distributed to the twelve tribes. Joshua is giving the land out to the heads of each of the tribes and that land is subsequently divided to the heads of families. However, in the above text we see that one family had NO sons. This was not a good thing in the time of the world. Sons carried on the father's name. Also, with no son, what would happened to the daughters? If they married outside their clan there would be a cross over of ownership of the land to another of the twelve tribes. The four daughters come forward and request from the leadership their father's portion. The sad thing that happens here is that Joshua and the priest, who are distributing the land, don't already know this, or had "forgotten" the law established by Moses. These four women must have been braved to step up in a time of "men" ruling. Yet, they had God's Word on their side. This is not actually a look at "women's rights" as much as it is a look into the rights afforded to women in God's Word. Man has destroyed the rights of other men and women, not God. God has "roles" each play and God wants those roles to remain. His Word addresses those roles, repeatedly. However, it is easy for men to crush others, including women, with their own version of what is "right." In this story we see the role of women does not allow for the discriminatory practice of subverting women.
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers.” So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.
Tag: Women's Rights
In this section of Joshua, the land is being distributed to the twelve tribes. Joshua is giving the land out to the heads of each of the tribes and that land is subsequently divided to the heads of families. However, in the above text we see that one family had NO sons. This was not a good thing in the time of the world. Sons carried on the father's name. Also, with no son, what would happened to the daughters? If they married outside their clan there would be a cross over of ownership of the land to another of the twelve tribes. The four daughters come forward and request from the leadership their father's portion. The sad thing that happens here is that Joshua and the priest, who are distributing the land, don't already know this, or had "forgotten" the law established by Moses. These four women must have been braved to step up in a time of "men" ruling. Yet, they had God's Word on their side. This is not actually a look at "women's rights" as much as it is a look into the rights afforded to women in God's Word. Man has destroyed the rights of other men and women, not God. God has "roles" each play and God wants those roles to remain. His Word addresses those roles, repeatedly. However, it is easy for men to crush others, including women, with their own version of what is "right." In this story we see the role of women does not allow for the discriminatory practice of subverting women.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Tag: Conflict - Genesis 12--15
Genesis 13:7-8
and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.
Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.
Tag: Conflict
This story is to show us that God's people should not be fighting in front of the world's people. Conflict is always difficult but we compound it when we have our conflict before the world, as believers. It is not that believers will NEVER have conflict. We saw conflict in the early church, when there was probably more revival and more sensitivity in the church than today. We saw tension and conflict:
1 Corinthians 4:11
Galatians 2:11
James 4:1-5
Acts 15:36-41
God's Word is honest with how men, believer and non-believer alike, have conflict. What we need to realize is that IN Christ we can and should resolve our conflict(s). In this text Abraham and Lot have a conflict. The conflict is resolved by sharing the land. The key here is that this was happening in front of the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Abraham is willing to give up his lands. We need to be willing to sacrifice to solve conflict.
and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.
Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.
Tag: Conflict
This story is to show us that God's people should not be fighting in front of the world's people. Conflict is always difficult but we compound it when we have our conflict before the world, as believers. It is not that believers will NEVER have conflict. We saw conflict in the early church, when there was probably more revival and more sensitivity in the church than today. We saw tension and conflict:
1 Corinthians 4:11
Galatians 2:11
James 4:1-5
Acts 15:36-41
God's Word is honest with how men, believer and non-believer alike, have conflict. What we need to realize is that IN Christ we can and should resolve our conflict(s). In this text Abraham and Lot have a conflict. The conflict is resolved by sharing the land. The key here is that this was happening in front of the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Abraham is willing to give up his lands. We need to be willing to sacrifice to solve conflict.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Tag: The purpose of suffering - Romans 5:3-4
Romans 5:3-4
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Tag: The purpose of suffering
God's word has much to say about suffering. Since our Savior suffered we, too, will suffer. He promised it. He promised blessings and He promised suffering. We can't take on without the other. John 17 tells of both. We can't pick and choose. Christ tells us in John 17 we will be Loved by God and Hated by the World. We can simply have the one without the other. This is why, in the above text, Paul tells us the purpose of suffering. This is ONE of the passage in Gods Word that gives us a purpose for suffering. This set of verses is not THE purpose, but A purpose for suffering. We are called to suffering because this is how God builds our character. We can think of David's running from Saul as a prime example of Paul's teaching. David ran from Saul and in the running developed character. He literally "became" the king as he ran and learned to lead. Suffering leads us to Godly character if we accept it by faith. Suffering is the tool, but it is a blunt tool if we do not mix it with faith. We we accept it by faith we will see growth unparalleled. If we fight it and resist it we miss the advantages that faith can bring.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Tag: The purpose of suffering
God's word has much to say about suffering. Since our Savior suffered we, too, will suffer. He promised it. He promised blessings and He promised suffering. We can't take on without the other. John 17 tells of both. We can't pick and choose. Christ tells us in John 17 we will be Loved by God and Hated by the World. We can simply have the one without the other. This is why, in the above text, Paul tells us the purpose of suffering. This is ONE of the passage in Gods Word that gives us a purpose for suffering. This set of verses is not THE purpose, but A purpose for suffering. We are called to suffering because this is how God builds our character. We can think of David's running from Saul as a prime example of Paul's teaching. David ran from Saul and in the running developed character. He literally "became" the king as he ran and learned to lead. Suffering leads us to Godly character if we accept it by faith. Suffering is the tool, but it is a blunt tool if we do not mix it with faith. We we accept it by faith we will see growth unparalleled. If we fight it and resist it we miss the advantages that faith can bring.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Tag: Secretly practice your righteousness - Matthew 5-6
Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Tag: Secretly practice your righteousness
The above passage makes it clear that the righteous acts we do are to be done for the glory of God. They are NOT to be done in front of men to solicit the praise of men. In our society today we have too many who are blasting their own horn to let the world know what they gave, or did, for the purpose of self-promotion and the praise of men. Jesus' teaching here is not to say we are never do an act of grace in front of men. In 1 Samuel 30 we see David seek the wisdom of God in front of his 400 angry men (who at the time were ready to stone him). He purposefully sought God's guidance as a way to show his men God was still with them and still in charge. But, he did not do so for the purpose to drink from the glory of men. We are to secretly practice our righteous acts (that Christ enables us to perform). They are only righteous acts if they are done in the power of Christ. If they are done in our power they are not righteous. Doing something for others to comfort them ought to be done to the praise and glory of God and in secret as much as possible so that we are glorified, but God is.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Tag: Secretly practice your righteousness
The above passage makes it clear that the righteous acts we do are to be done for the glory of God. They are NOT to be done in front of men to solicit the praise of men. In our society today we have too many who are blasting their own horn to let the world know what they gave, or did, for the purpose of self-promotion and the praise of men. Jesus' teaching here is not to say we are never do an act of grace in front of men. In 1 Samuel 30 we see David seek the wisdom of God in front of his 400 angry men (who at the time were ready to stone him). He purposefully sought God's guidance as a way to show his men God was still with them and still in charge. But, he did not do so for the purpose to drink from the glory of men. We are to secretly practice our righteous acts (that Christ enables us to perform). They are only righteous acts if they are done in the power of Christ. If they are done in our power they are not righteous. Doing something for others to comfort them ought to be done to the praise and glory of God and in secret as much as possible so that we are glorified, but God is.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Tag: God's Sovereignty - Isaiah 12-17
Isaiah 14:27
For the Lord of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
and who will turn it back?
Tag: God's Sovereignty
God has a purpose. He has a plan. Unlike the plans of man, God's plan will come to pass and no one will stop it. When God stretches fourth His hand, no one can prevent it. In these chapters of Isaiah God is stretching forth His hand in destruction to the nations who both ignored His grace and who hurt His people, Israel. God also has a plan and will stretch forth His hand for good on those who believe Him and put their trust in Him. God is working His plan and God will not be stopped. This is the sovereign purpose of God. His Son will come to the earth and will save the people from their sins. His Son will die and raise again to newness of life to save the people from their sins. His Son will return, some day, and reign for evermore with those who have put their trust in Him. God has plan and NO ONE can stop it. We can trust and rejoice in that and to that end.
For the Lord of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
and who will turn it back?
Tag: God's Sovereignty
God has a purpose. He has a plan. Unlike the plans of man, God's plan will come to pass and no one will stop it. When God stretches fourth His hand, no one can prevent it. In these chapters of Isaiah God is stretching forth His hand in destruction to the nations who both ignored His grace and who hurt His people, Israel. God also has a plan and will stretch forth His hand for good on those who believe Him and put their trust in Him. God is working His plan and God will not be stopped. This is the sovereign purpose of God. His Son will come to the earth and will save the people from their sins. His Son will die and raise again to newness of life to save the people from their sins. His Son will return, some day, and reign for evermore with those who have put their trust in Him. God has plan and NO ONE can stop it. We can trust and rejoice in that and to that end.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Tag: Strength in God - Job 6-7
Job 6:11-13
What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should be patient?
Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
Have I any help in me,
when resource is driven from me?
Tag: Strength in God
The words above come from Job as he sits in the boils and pain of his flesh. He has lost all hope (the previous verses and the last one, above). Job looks within himself and sees no strength to carry out his life. He is taking inventory of his life and finds no strength within to bare the burdens he has been dealt. There are a lot of believers who have and/or will be, again, in that spot of their life. God has allowed Satan to touch Job's life and that has zapped him of all his hope and strength. Verse thirteen is a key to understanding his psychological state: "Have I any help in me when resources is driven from me?" God has allowed Job to be in a spot where his money, family, and, now, his friends, have all deserted him. It must have been so refreshing for Job's friends to show up at his doorstep. Yet, when they begin to talk they are doing nothing but condemnation. Paul talks to us about these times in our lives when he is addressing his own pain and suffering. This is the time in our lives when we find God's grace is sufficient in our weakness and our strength when we are failing:
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
We can find solace, not within us, but in Christ. We can be strong, only in Him. This is an act of faith in our lives. We rest not in our talent, treasury or companionship, but in the work of Christ in our lives.
What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should be patient?
Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
Have I any help in me,
when resource is driven from me?
Tag: Strength in God
The words above come from Job as he sits in the boils and pain of his flesh. He has lost all hope (the previous verses and the last one, above). Job looks within himself and sees no strength to carry out his life. He is taking inventory of his life and finds no strength within to bare the burdens he has been dealt. There are a lot of believers who have and/or will be, again, in that spot of their life. God has allowed Satan to touch Job's life and that has zapped him of all his hope and strength. Verse thirteen is a key to understanding his psychological state: "Have I any help in me when resources is driven from me?" God has allowed Job to be in a spot where his money, family, and, now, his friends, have all deserted him. It must have been so refreshing for Job's friends to show up at his doorstep. Yet, when they begin to talk they are doing nothing but condemnation. Paul talks to us about these times in our lives when he is addressing his own pain and suffering. This is the time in our lives when we find God's grace is sufficient in our weakness and our strength when we are failing:
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
We can find solace, not within us, but in Christ. We can be strong, only in Him. This is an act of faith in our lives. We rest not in our talent, treasury or companionship, but in the work of Christ in our lives.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Tag: God bless the righteous - Psalm 6-8
Psalms 7:8-9
The Lord judges the peoples;
judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.
Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
O righteous God!
Tag: God blesses the righteous
In these couple of verses of Psalm 6 we read David's prayer for the righteous and the wicked. His prayer, in essence, asks God to bless him (according to the integrity of his heart) and to stop the ends of the wicked. The question as to be asked of us, "If this were my prayer, based upon my integrity and righteousness, I would have little vindication?" David, with some faith and confidence is able to pray this prayer. He knows it is God who knows his heart and he is simply asking God to bless his life accordingly. Perhaps he already, by faith, knows the truth of Romans 5 and that we have been justified in Christ and therefore, declared righteous. Whatever his source, David prays that God will bless and establish the righteous. He asks that God stop the wickedness of the wicked. This is a great prayer for our world today. We need to prayer together, "Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end ...". In our very wicked world, this should be the prayer on our lips. We should want out righteousness (the righteousness we have in Christ) to be vindicated and the wickedness of the wicked to come to an end.
The Lord judges the peoples;
judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.
Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
O righteous God!
Tag: God blesses the righteous
In these couple of verses of Psalm 6 we read David's prayer for the righteous and the wicked. His prayer, in essence, asks God to bless him (according to the integrity of his heart) and to stop the ends of the wicked. The question as to be asked of us, "If this were my prayer, based upon my integrity and righteousness, I would have little vindication?" David, with some faith and confidence is able to pray this prayer. He knows it is God who knows his heart and he is simply asking God to bless his life accordingly. Perhaps he already, by faith, knows the truth of Romans 5 and that we have been justified in Christ and therefore, declared righteous. Whatever his source, David prays that God will bless and establish the righteous. He asks that God stop the wickedness of the wicked. This is a great prayer for our world today. We need to prayer together, "Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end ...". In our very wicked world, this should be the prayer on our lips. We should want out righteousness (the righteousness we have in Christ) to be vindicated and the wickedness of the wicked to come to an end.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Tag: God's Work for us and in us!!! Joshua 11-15
Joshua 13:6b-7
"... I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.”
Tag: God's Work for us and in us!!
In this section God is outlining the kings Joshua and the nation of Israel have already conquered AND the work that still needs to be done. It would be easy, with all the accomplishments, for Joshua and the nation to take some credit for the conquering of these nations. In the above section we are reading God inserting Himself into their thinking about "who" will "drive" out these nations. It is to, to easy for believers to get focused within on themselves when great victory comes. God has to interject Himself, as above, to keep us focused on Who and how God makes victory happen. We have to make sure we read God's Word!! That is where we are reminded that God is our strength and God is the source of our victories.
"... I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.”
Tag: God's Work for us and in us!!
In this section God is outlining the kings Joshua and the nation of Israel have already conquered AND the work that still needs to be done. It would be easy, with all the accomplishments, for Joshua and the nation to take some credit for the conquering of these nations. In the above section we are reading God inserting Himself into their thinking about "who" will "drive" out these nations. It is to, to easy for believers to get focused within on themselves when great victory comes. God has to interject Himself, as above, to keep us focused on Who and how God makes victory happen. We have to make sure we read God's Word!! That is where we are reminded that God is our strength and God is the source of our victories.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Tag: Work and Working to the Glory of God - Genesis 8-11
Genesis 11:1-4
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
Tag: Work and Working to the Glory of God
When God put Adam in the Garden of Eden God gave Adam a purpose and a task: Adam was to care for the garden and the garden was there to glorify God. So, Adam's purpose was to name the animals, care for the animals and the garden. Once sin entered the scene, however, everything changed in regard to the purpose in man's heart. The above text demonstrates that man's purpose in man's eyes is to "make a name for ourselves." Man lost the focus on the glory of God and creating a name for God. We are to be His ambassadors and our "jobs" are to be a took or just another pathway to glorify Him. Yet, in this passage we see that man had lost the focus on God and, instead, sought to promote man. God will, in the next few verses, say that "nothing can stop" man now. God sees that man has become one (they were supposed to replenish the earth). God confounds their language (hence the term for this story, "The Tower of Babel") and disperses them around the world. Man has not been in unity since. In once sense, man in unity to promote man is contrary to the will and plan of God. What we have here is a picture of what happens to man when he loses focus on the glory of God and wants, instead, to focus on the glory of self. This is what today's work world looks like. Believers should not be in this frame of mind. Our jobs are to bring Glory to Him!!
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
Tag: Work and Working to the Glory of God
When God put Adam in the Garden of Eden God gave Adam a purpose and a task: Adam was to care for the garden and the garden was there to glorify God. So, Adam's purpose was to name the animals, care for the animals and the garden. Once sin entered the scene, however, everything changed in regard to the purpose in man's heart. The above text demonstrates that man's purpose in man's eyes is to "make a name for ourselves." Man lost the focus on the glory of God and creating a name for God. We are to be His ambassadors and our "jobs" are to be a took or just another pathway to glorify Him. Yet, in this passage we see that man had lost the focus on God and, instead, sought to promote man. God will, in the next few verses, say that "nothing can stop" man now. God sees that man has become one (they were supposed to replenish the earth). God confounds their language (hence the term for this story, "The Tower of Babel") and disperses them around the world. Man has not been in unity since. In once sense, man in unity to promote man is contrary to the will and plan of God. What we have here is a picture of what happens to man when he loses focus on the glory of God and wants, instead, to focus on the glory of self. This is what today's work world looks like. Believers should not be in this frame of mind. Our jobs are to bring Glory to Him!!
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Tag: God's Word - Our Responsiblity to it - Romans 3-4
Romans 3:1-2
God's Righteousness Upheld
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Tag: God's Word - Responsibility to it!!
Paul has just written to the Roman's Christians about the la and God's judgment for those who don't keep it. He is about to tell them that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). But, in this section he gives them some understanding that our salvation is based upon our faith in the promises of God. I like how one commentator sums up this section:
"The logical follow-up to the preceding section is the question, “What advantage, then, is there is being a Jew?” (v. 1). Although ultimately Jews have no advantage, if we understand Paul rightly, they operate in the short run with a favorable handicap, for “they have been entrusted with the very words of God” (v. 2). God’s revelation does not happen just anywhere. Humanity cannot conjure up God whenever and wherever it will. God must be known where he makes himself known—within Israel. “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Paul does not say, however, that God gave his words to Israel, but that God entrusted them to Israel. This shifts the emphasis from ownership to stewardship, from possession of the law to responsibility to it. Israel’s knowledge of God was, of course, for its benefit, but it was not limited to Israel. Israel was not to be a dam but a sluiceway, “a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isa. 49:6)." (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series - NT)
We only find God because God chooses to reveal Himself to us. The Jews were "entrusted" with God's Word and were responsible to it via faith. Our salvation is based upon our faith response to Gods Word. We have no other way to be saved, sanctified or glorified. God gives us His Word and we respond in faith to it. Abraham will be used in this chapter as an example of someone given God's, ho responded by faith.
God's Righteousness Upheld
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Tag: God's Word - Responsibility to it!!
Paul has just written to the Roman's Christians about the la and God's judgment for those who don't keep it. He is about to tell them that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). But, in this section he gives them some understanding that our salvation is based upon our faith in the promises of God. I like how one commentator sums up this section:
"The logical follow-up to the preceding section is the question, “What advantage, then, is there is being a Jew?” (v. 1). Although ultimately Jews have no advantage, if we understand Paul rightly, they operate in the short run with a favorable handicap, for “they have been entrusted with the very words of God” (v. 2). God’s revelation does not happen just anywhere. Humanity cannot conjure up God whenever and wherever it will. God must be known where he makes himself known—within Israel. “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Paul does not say, however, that God gave his words to Israel, but that God entrusted them to Israel. This shifts the emphasis from ownership to stewardship, from possession of the law to responsibility to it. Israel’s knowledge of God was, of course, for its benefit, but it was not limited to Israel. Israel was not to be a dam but a sluiceway, “a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isa. 49:6)." (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series - NT)
We only find God because God chooses to reveal Himself to us. The Jews were "entrusted" with God's Word and were responsible to it via faith. Our salvation is based upon our faith response to Gods Word. We have no other way to be saved, sanctified or glorified. God gives us His Word and we respond in faith to it. Abraham will be used in this chapter as an example of someone given God's, ho responded by faith.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Tag: Temptation; Satan - Matthew 3-4
Matthew 4:10
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
Tag: Temptation - Satan
Jesus is taken into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Although He was the Son of God, He was still tempted, as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Christ's temptation and His resistance to the temptation is for a number of reasons. One of them is to demonstrate He was and is THE Son of God. He is our High Priest. Another reason for the temptation is seen in the Hebrews passage. Christ was tempted so He could experience what we experience. We do not have the ability to fight Satan's advances. We can, however, do the same thing Jesus did: Claim the Word of God and command Satan, in the name of Christ, to "be gone." Peter, in essence, tells us the same thing in his writing:
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
James also says:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In our temptation we are to use the Word of God, through the Spirt of God, in the power of the Son of God. But, we must say the words to him: Be Gone!
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
Tag: Temptation - Satan
Jesus is taken into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Although He was the Son of God, He was still tempted, as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Christ's temptation and His resistance to the temptation is for a number of reasons. One of them is to demonstrate He was and is THE Son of God. He is our High Priest. Another reason for the temptation is seen in the Hebrews passage. Christ was tempted so He could experience what we experience. We do not have the ability to fight Satan's advances. We can, however, do the same thing Jesus did: Claim the Word of God and command Satan, in the name of Christ, to "be gone." Peter, in essence, tells us the same thing in his writing:
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
James also says:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In our temptation we are to use the Word of God, through the Spirt of God, in the power of the Son of God. But, we must say the words to him: Be Gone!
Friday, January 13, 2017
Tag: The Character of Christ - Isisah 6-11
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Tag: The Character of Christ
As we read the above verses we have to also read the following:
Isaiah 7:15
He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
Isaiah 53:3-4
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
Although Isaiah writes that Christ will be Mighty God, Prince of Peach, he also writes that Jesus will be a man associated with the poor (eating curds and honey is an expression relating to a poor way of life) and He will be a man acquainted with grief and rejected by men. It is important to know all the character of Christ. He is the Wonderful Counselor, but He also knows the pain of being rejected by men. He is the Everlasting Father, but He also knows death. He is the Prince of Peach, but He also knows what it is like to be despised and not esteemed. Jesus was our Savior but knew the pain of rejection. We rejoice that we have an intercession who knows what we feel.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Tag: The Character of Christ
As we read the above verses we have to also read the following:
Isaiah 7:15
He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
Isaiah 53:3-4
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
Although Isaiah writes that Christ will be Mighty God, Prince of Peach, he also writes that Jesus will be a man associated with the poor (eating curds and honey is an expression relating to a poor way of life) and He will be a man acquainted with grief and rejected by men. It is important to know all the character of Christ. He is the Wonderful Counselor, but He also knows the pain of being rejected by men. He is the Everlasting Father, but He also knows death. He is the Prince of Peach, but He also knows what it is like to be despised and not esteemed. Jesus was our Savior but knew the pain of rejection. We rejoice that we have an intercession who knows what we feel.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Tag: Depression - Job 3-5
Job 3:3-4
“Let the day perish on which I was born,
and the night that said,
‘A man is conceived.’
Let that day be darkness!
May God above not seek it,
nor light shine upon it.
Tag: Depression
Job is depressed. We have, in this chapter, the words of man who's situation has stolen his hope. Job has lost everything. Satan was allowed to touch every aspect of Job except the one he cries out for in this chapter: His life. Job has lost family, heath, wealth, honor, purpose, and his hope. Yet, he was a man of God. We have to come to grips with this in our own walk of faith and when dealing with the world we live in. We can, without intent, walk through life and believe what Job's three friends mistakenly believed: That pain and suffering were the result of sin. What the book of Job teaches us is that even the innocent can suffer. This is an important framework for Christ. Christ was innocent and suffered for us. He was beaten and crucified, yet, innocent. We know that Job was a sinner. He was a man. Yet, God declared him righteous in the beginning of the book. Job's friends believe he is suffering because of his sin. Far too often, that is the assumption of the day. Yet, the book of Job is to show us we don't know the "why" of the suffering. If we give "truth" without the "why" we do a disservice to both the person and the truth. Don't simply believe that someone is a sinner and "deserves" the suffering they are going through. Realize they are hurting and have lost hope. Perhaps the best we can do is simply be by them and help them know we believe in a God who also knows the pain of suffering. He has felt it. He and He alone can console it.
“Let the day perish on which I was born,
and the night that said,
‘A man is conceived.’
Let that day be darkness!
May God above not seek it,
nor light shine upon it.
Tag: Depression
Job is depressed. We have, in this chapter, the words of man who's situation has stolen his hope. Job has lost everything. Satan was allowed to touch every aspect of Job except the one he cries out for in this chapter: His life. Job has lost family, heath, wealth, honor, purpose, and his hope. Yet, he was a man of God. We have to come to grips with this in our own walk of faith and when dealing with the world we live in. We can, without intent, walk through life and believe what Job's three friends mistakenly believed: That pain and suffering were the result of sin. What the book of Job teaches us is that even the innocent can suffer. This is an important framework for Christ. Christ was innocent and suffered for us. He was beaten and crucified, yet, innocent. We know that Job was a sinner. He was a man. Yet, God declared him righteous in the beginning of the book. Job's friends believe he is suffering because of his sin. Far too often, that is the assumption of the day. Yet, the book of Job is to show us we don't know the "why" of the suffering. If we give "truth" without the "why" we do a disservice to both the person and the truth. Don't simply believe that someone is a sinner and "deserves" the suffering they are going through. Realize they are hurting and have lost hope. Perhaps the best we can do is simply be by them and help them know we believe in a God who also knows the pain of suffering. He has felt it. He and He alone can console it.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Tag: Loved by God, Love for God - Psalm 3-5
Psalms 5:7
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
Tag: Loved by God; Love for God
This verses falls on the heals of statements in this Psalm by King David that God hates evildoers. The verse just prior to the above says that God is going to destroy those who speak lies. The contrast to those thoughts is found in the above verse. "But," means that there is something different for those who believe in God and those who love Him. Because of God's great love for us, we can enter His house and have a great love for Him. We are being told:
Develop a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Don't just love the gifts - love the Giver! Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, soul, and mind.
Because of the way God loves us (with steadfast love) we can enter His presence. We don't enter His presence because we are so good, but because His love for us is so deep and we can love Him back as a result. Our love for Him is based upon His love for us.
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
Tag: Loved by God; Love for God
This verses falls on the heals of statements in this Psalm by King David that God hates evildoers. The verse just prior to the above says that God is going to destroy those who speak lies. The contrast to those thoughts is found in the above verse. "But," means that there is something different for those who believe in God and those who love Him. Because of God's great love for us, we can enter His house and have a great love for Him. We are being told:
Develop a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Don't just love the gifts - love the Giver! Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, soul, and mind.
Because of the way God loves us (with steadfast love) we can enter His presence. We don't enter His presence because we are so good, but because His love for us is so deep and we can love Him back as a result. Our love for Him is based upon His love for us.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Tag: Take time to stop and remember God's Word and Worship Him - Joshua 6-10
Joshua 8:30-32
At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
Tag: Take time to stop and remember God's Word
Joshua was on a role. He has conquered Jericho and, after a small set-back, he has conquered Ai. In the next couple of chapter he will conquer more of the land and more of the cities. He will make a mistake and make a covenant with the Gibeonites, falling to their deception. In the midst of the battles, however, we have the above section recounting Joshua's "time-out." This is a strategic rest Joshua takes to make sure everyone is focused upon God and God's Word. It is actually quite amazing that right after this time to worship and re-focus, that the Gibeonites come and deceive Joshua. However, it does show Joshua's commitment to make sure the people don't forget the Word of God and giving Glory to God for the victories they did experience. In the midst of the battle we are to take time to focus on God's Word and the aspect of worshiping God. Take time to worship and praise and focus on God in the midst of the battle.
At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
Tag: Take time to stop and remember God's Word
Joshua was on a role. He has conquered Jericho and, after a small set-back, he has conquered Ai. In the next couple of chapter he will conquer more of the land and more of the cities. He will make a mistake and make a covenant with the Gibeonites, falling to their deception. In the midst of the battles, however, we have the above section recounting Joshua's "time-out." This is a strategic rest Joshua takes to make sure everyone is focused upon God and God's Word. It is actually quite amazing that right after this time to worship and re-focus, that the Gibeonites come and deceive Joshua. However, it does show Joshua's commitment to make sure the people don't forget the Word of God and giving Glory to God for the victories they did experience. In the midst of the battle we are to take time to focus on God's Word and the aspect of worshiping God. Take time to worship and praise and focus on God in the midst of the battle.
Monday, January 9, 2017
Tag: God's Provision through Grace - Genesis 4-7
Genesis 6:21-22
Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.
Tag: God's Provision through Grace
Noah and his family didn't know it but they would be in the ark for over half a year. This was not going to be a Saturday afternoon cruise up a river. There would be no way for Noah to understand the extent of what God was doing. This was all unfamiliar territory. There was no refrigerator on the ark. There was no ice to keep things cool and to keep food from spoiling. There is no doubt that by this time on the earth there was an understanding of how to keep food. Homes didn't have refrigerators either. Never-the-less, there was no way of knowing how to store food on a boat. God had to provided for them wisdom and understanding of how to pack provisions. This food was to be for them and for the many animals. We know that God can and has provided miraculous ways for food to be provided. The widow in Elijah's day had an oil bottle that never ran out. God is going to provide for them. However, they had to, by faith, not worry about the food, but trust God and do as he said. Noah's wife could not be a worrier about where they would have food. Noah's sons could not be worriers as to how they would feed the animals. Noah simply obeyed, as the above text states. God provides where He guides us to go. We are not exempt from gathering the "food" but He will sustain the use of it through the entire journey.
Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.
Tag: God's Provision through Grace
Noah and his family didn't know it but they would be in the ark for over half a year. This was not going to be a Saturday afternoon cruise up a river. There would be no way for Noah to understand the extent of what God was doing. This was all unfamiliar territory. There was no refrigerator on the ark. There was no ice to keep things cool and to keep food from spoiling. There is no doubt that by this time on the earth there was an understanding of how to keep food. Homes didn't have refrigerators either. Never-the-less, there was no way of knowing how to store food on a boat. God had to provided for them wisdom and understanding of how to pack provisions. This food was to be for them and for the many animals. We know that God can and has provided miraculous ways for food to be provided. The widow in Elijah's day had an oil bottle that never ran out. God is going to provide for them. However, they had to, by faith, not worry about the food, but trust God and do as he said. Noah's wife could not be a worrier about where they would have food. Noah's sons could not be worriers as to how they would feed the animals. Noah simply obeyed, as the above text states. God provides where He guides us to go. We are not exempt from gathering the "food" but He will sustain the use of it through the entire journey.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Tag: Service for God in the Image of Christ - Sanctification - Romans 1-2
Romans 1:1-6
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
Tag: Service for God in the Image of Christ - Sanctification
To sum up what Paul is saying in the above text could be as follows:
"God, please shape my life into the image of Christ, using the chisel of God's Word in the hand of the Spirit of God so that in the end my life might reach other for Christ and be found in your glory and praise."
Paul knows the purpose of his life. It is not found from within it is found from above. God gave it to him. That is not to say it is not discovered from within. The Spirit of God is shaping his hear and mind to want to serve God to reach others and see them, like him, conformed to the image of Christ. That is my prayer for this new year - to allow the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, to shape me into the image of the Son of God to the glory and praise of God.
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
Tag: Service for God in the Image of Christ - Sanctification
To sum up what Paul is saying in the above text could be as follows:
"God, please shape my life into the image of Christ, using the chisel of God's Word in the hand of the Spirit of God so that in the end my life might reach other for Christ and be found in your glory and praise."
Paul knows the purpose of his life. It is not found from within it is found from above. God gave it to him. That is not to say it is not discovered from within. The Spirit of God is shaping his hear and mind to want to serve God to reach others and see them, like him, conformed to the image of Christ. That is my prayer for this new year - to allow the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, to shape me into the image of the Son of God to the glory and praise of God.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Subject: God's Grace in the midst of Sin
Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah,
Subject: God's Grace in the midst of Sin
God's Word is open and transparent. God, through His Word, is open and transparent about the lives of those who believe in Him. God sees our sin and, in the midst of that sin, shows His grace. The sin of David in regard to adultery with Bathsheba is well documented. God did not hide it from the world. He actually published it. God could have written a book that had only the good things His people did. However, He didn't. God shows us in our sins and our failures. Yet, in the midst of them He shows His grace. As a result of David's sin a child was born, Solomon. God not only makes Solomon a great king, but includes the linage of the Messiah through Solomon, David's seed. Satan wanted to destroy David and His seed. We will see that a little later in the next chapter as King Herod kills all the male babies of Bethlehem. But, the sin of David is turned into a step in the process of the birth of Christ. One of the ways we can make it through tough times and tough circumstances, even circumstances of our own making, God's grace is sufficient in our weakness. By faith we have to believe that God will and does turn our mistakes to His glory and our failures to His praise.
and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah,
Subject: God's Grace in the midst of Sin
God's Word is open and transparent. God, through His Word, is open and transparent about the lives of those who believe in Him. God sees our sin and, in the midst of that sin, shows His grace. The sin of David in regard to adultery with Bathsheba is well documented. God did not hide it from the world. He actually published it. God could have written a book that had only the good things His people did. However, He didn't. God shows us in our sins and our failures. Yet, in the midst of them He shows His grace. As a result of David's sin a child was born, Solomon. God not only makes Solomon a great king, but includes the linage of the Messiah through Solomon, David's seed. Satan wanted to destroy David and His seed. We will see that a little later in the next chapter as King Herod kills all the male babies of Bethlehem. But, the sin of David is turned into a step in the process of the birth of Christ. One of the ways we can make it through tough times and tough circumstances, even circumstances of our own making, God's grace is sufficient in our weakness. By faith we have to believe that God will and does turn our mistakes to His glory and our failures to His praise.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Subject: Sanctification by Faith - Isaiah 1-6
Isaiah 6:6-7
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Subject: Sanctification by Faith
In chapter six of Isaiah, the prophet has a vision of seeing God on His throne. Such a vision causes the prophet to realize his own sin and his own unrighteousness. Seeing God and hearing the angels declare God, "Holy, holy, holy," the prophet falls to his face and confess his own sinfulness (such should be everyone's response to worshiping God). The above verses follow Isaiah's confession of sin and his nature as compared to God. Isaiah had no recourse but to confess. That confession solicits a response from God, who sends a messenger (and angel) to save and sanctify Isaiah. Isaiah's faith in God was rewarded by a response from God. God is not compelled to respond, but He does. This is God's grace. God's grace sends one of His messengers to care for Isaiah's confessed "unclean" lips. God gives grace as we approach Him in faith. Sanctification happens when faith is practiced. Isaiah saw himself as needing sanctification. There are many who don't:
Proverbs 30:12
There are those who are clean in their own eyes
but are not washed of their filth.
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Subject: Sanctification by Faith
In chapter six of Isaiah, the prophet has a vision of seeing God on His throne. Such a vision causes the prophet to realize his own sin and his own unrighteousness. Seeing God and hearing the angels declare God, "Holy, holy, holy," the prophet falls to his face and confess his own sinfulness (such should be everyone's response to worshiping God). The above verses follow Isaiah's confession of sin and his nature as compared to God. Isaiah had no recourse but to confess. That confession solicits a response from God, who sends a messenger (and angel) to save and sanctify Isaiah. Isaiah's faith in God was rewarded by a response from God. God is not compelled to respond, but He does. This is God's grace. God's grace sends one of His messengers to care for Isaiah's confessed "unclean" lips. God gives grace as we approach Him in faith. Sanctification happens when faith is practiced. Isaiah saw himself as needing sanctification. There are many who don't:
Proverbs 30:12
There are those who are clean in their own eyes
but are not washed of their filth.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Subject: Motivation and Worship - Job 1-2
Job 1:9
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?
Subject: Motivation to Worship
The above verse may be the theme and purpose of the book of Job. The entire book is about the reason we serve God and do we do so out of heart that recognizes God's attributes rather than God's gifts to us. Job is living his life (or suffering in his life) in our stead. Satan believes the only reason Job is worshipping God is because God has blessed him beyond measure. Satan can not fathom someone wanting to worship God for no reason except that God is God. Satan didn't! Satan had a great position and instead of worshipping God he revolted against God. God demands our worship and He wants that worship based upon who He is and not what He has given us. Believers praise and worship God because of their salvation. We should. But, we should also praise God for the God He is, because that is the essence of His salvation for us. God saves based upon His love for. It is not just what He does, but who He is. Satan believed Job was only serving God out of appreciation for gifts, position and blessing. God allowed Satan to test that theory and that is the reason for the book. Why do we each serve and worship God?
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?
Subject: Motivation to Worship
The above verse may be the theme and purpose of the book of Job. The entire book is about the reason we serve God and do we do so out of heart that recognizes God's attributes rather than God's gifts to us. Job is living his life (or suffering in his life) in our stead. Satan believes the only reason Job is worshipping God is because God has blessed him beyond measure. Satan can not fathom someone wanting to worship God for no reason except that God is God. Satan didn't! Satan had a great position and instead of worshipping God he revolted against God. God demands our worship and He wants that worship based upon who He is and not what He has given us. Believers praise and worship God because of their salvation. We should. But, we should also praise God for the God He is, because that is the essence of His salvation for us. God saves based upon His love for. It is not just what He does, but who He is. Satan believed Job was only serving God out of appreciation for gifts, position and blessing. God allowed Satan to test that theory and that is the reason for the book. Why do we each serve and worship God?
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Subject: The Authority of Christ - Psalm 1-2
Psalms 2:7
I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Subject: The Authority of Christ
The above verse is quoted 10 times in the N.T. In the context of this chapter the verse is the response to the kings of the earth who "plot vain things" against Yahweh and those who have faith in Yahweh. The leaders of the world would like to eradicate those who have faith in God, hoping by doing so they will eradicate Yahweh themselves. They wish to establish themselves and their kingdoms in ultimate rule and power. Yet, God will "laugh" it says. God is amused by their quest for power. Perhaps a great example of this is the Tower of Babel in Genesis 10. The peoples of the world came together to build a tower to reach God, assuming to take reigns of the universe. God simple caused their tongues to speak different languages and it dispersed them throughout the world. God must have laughed at that moment when they could not talk to each other. God does not simply laugh, however. He offers a King and Savior. God offers to them a real King, full of authority and related to God. It would be His Son. The Son would have full authority over all nations, tribes and tongues. The nations of the world attempt to control the world and accumulate power over it. God sent His Son to save the world and rescue the world from that hunger and desire for power.
I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Subject: The Authority of Christ
The above verse is quoted 10 times in the N.T. In the context of this chapter the verse is the response to the kings of the earth who "plot vain things" against Yahweh and those who have faith in Yahweh. The leaders of the world would like to eradicate those who have faith in God, hoping by doing so they will eradicate Yahweh themselves. They wish to establish themselves and their kingdoms in ultimate rule and power. Yet, God will "laugh" it says. God is amused by their quest for power. Perhaps a great example of this is the Tower of Babel in Genesis 10. The peoples of the world came together to build a tower to reach God, assuming to take reigns of the universe. God simple caused their tongues to speak different languages and it dispersed them throughout the world. God must have laughed at that moment when they could not talk to each other. God does not simply laugh, however. He offers a King and Savior. God offers to them a real King, full of authority and related to God. It would be His Son. The Son would have full authority over all nations, tribes and tongues. The nations of the world attempt to control the world and accumulate power over it. God sent His Son to save the world and rescue the world from that hunger and desire for power.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Subject: God fights for us - Joshua 1-5
Joshua 5:13-15
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Subject: God fights for us.
Up to this point, Joshua may have thought he as the MAN. He was now in charge. He as given a special miracle of authentication by leading the people through the Jordon River, just like Moses led the people through the Red Sea. The people now revered him. Note:
Joshua 4:14
On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.
However, to make sure Joshua did not view himself in a hire status than he should, he meets the "commander of the army of the Lord." This is either a Christophany (an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament), or, at the least, a Theophany (the appearance of God in physical form in the Old Testament). God is in charge. God rules the day. God IS THE commander. The interesting piece in this passage is when Joshua ask who side this person is on the Commander of the Lord's army replies, "No." He does not respond in a way we would think. Yet, He does clarify who He is and who's side He is on ... He is on the Lords side. That IS on the answer. There should be no confusion in HIs answer. He is letting Joshua know that He stands for the Lord. If Joshua stands for the Lord than this Christophany IS on his side. If, on the other hand, Joshua ceased to follow God, this Commander of the Lord's army will still be on the Lord side and therefore agains Joshua. For us it is the same. God is here to fight for us as long as we are clinging to Him. He will fight against us if we lose our focus on Him. This is a lesson Joshua will soon have to know or learn (see chapter seven and the story of Ai).
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Subject: God fights for us.
Up to this point, Joshua may have thought he as the MAN. He was now in charge. He as given a special miracle of authentication by leading the people through the Jordon River, just like Moses led the people through the Red Sea. The people now revered him. Note:
Joshua 4:14
On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.
However, to make sure Joshua did not view himself in a hire status than he should, he meets the "commander of the army of the Lord." This is either a Christophany (an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament), or, at the least, a Theophany (the appearance of God in physical form in the Old Testament). God is in charge. God rules the day. God IS THE commander. The interesting piece in this passage is when Joshua ask who side this person is on the Commander of the Lord's army replies, "No." He does not respond in a way we would think. Yet, He does clarify who He is and who's side He is on ... He is on the Lords side. That IS on the answer. There should be no confusion in HIs answer. He is letting Joshua know that He stands for the Lord. If Joshua stands for the Lord than this Christophany IS on his side. If, on the other hand, Joshua ceased to follow God, this Commander of the Lord's army will still be on the Lord side and therefore agains Joshua. For us it is the same. God is here to fight for us as long as we are clinging to Him. He will fight against us if we lose our focus on Him. This is a lesson Joshua will soon have to know or learn (see chapter seven and the story of Ai).
Monday, January 2, 2017
Subject: God rules and sustains everything - Genesis 1-3
Genesis 1:14-16
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.
Subject: God Rules, Sustains Everything
In the creation story, the creation of the sun and the moon has more description than any other part of creation, except man and woman. Many commentators believe this may be because the ancient world so worshiped the sun and the moon, as gods, that the author (Moses) is making a statement that these, gods, of the world are simply lights, sent for the bidding of God. Note what the author states about these two created lights:
A. to divide the day from the night (14a)
B. for signs, for fixed times, for days and years and for seasons (14b)
C. to give light on the earth (15)
D. to rule the day (16a) } God made the
E´. to rule the night (16b) } two lights
F´. to give light on the earth (17)
G´. to rule the day and the night (18a)
H´. to divide the light from the darkness (18b)
For those who were, would and are worshipping the sun, moon and stars, this is quite a blow. These lights, as dynamic as they may be, are simply creatures, at God's command. It is interesting that God created the plant life on day three and the sun (to give the plants the light they need) on day four. This is not the way science would design it. What, or who, would sustain the life of the plants before the sun can give them light? This question is why it is important to understand what Paul stated in Colossians:
Colossians 1:15-17
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Science would evolve the sun and then the plant life evolved later. But, faith in God's Word tells us that God sustains all life and holds all things together by the Word of His Power. The creation story makes all of our science seem backwards. True science (what God intended) never contradicts true Biblical interpretation. However, man's "understanding" of science and man''s "understanding" of God's Word often conflict. But, the truth of science and the truth of God's Word are never at odds. Only our interpretation of each. God designed the created things they way He wanted. He sustains it and and holds it all together as a result of who He is, not as a result of how science is.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.
Subject: God Rules, Sustains Everything
In the creation story, the creation of the sun and the moon has more description than any other part of creation, except man and woman. Many commentators believe this may be because the ancient world so worshiped the sun and the moon, as gods, that the author (Moses) is making a statement that these, gods, of the world are simply lights, sent for the bidding of God. Note what the author states about these two created lights:
A. to divide the day from the night (14a)
B. for signs, for fixed times, for days and years and for seasons (14b)
C. to give light on the earth (15)
D. to rule the day (16a) } God made the
E´. to rule the night (16b) } two lights
F´. to give light on the earth (17)
G´. to rule the day and the night (18a)
H´. to divide the light from the darkness (18b)
For those who were, would and are worshipping the sun, moon and stars, this is quite a blow. These lights, as dynamic as they may be, are simply creatures, at God's command. It is interesting that God created the plant life on day three and the sun (to give the plants the light they need) on day four. This is not the way science would design it. What, or who, would sustain the life of the plants before the sun can give them light? This question is why it is important to understand what Paul stated in Colossians:
Colossians 1:15-17
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Science would evolve the sun and then the plant life evolved later. But, faith in God's Word tells us that God sustains all life and holds all things together by the Word of His Power. The creation story makes all of our science seem backwards. True science (what God intended) never contradicts true Biblical interpretation. However, man's "understanding" of science and man''s "understanding" of God's Word often conflict. But, the truth of science and the truth of God's Word are never at odds. Only our interpretation of each. God designed the created things they way He wanted. He sustains it and and holds it all together as a result of who He is, not as a result of how science is.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Subject: Mercy, Peace and Love - Jude
Jude 1:1-2
Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
Subject: Mercy, Peace and Love
Jude is just a little book. This is just a guess, but in the opening line he not only calls himself a "bond-servant" of the Lord, but he also tells his readers he is the brother of the Apostle James. Without reading too much into that aspect of his indentification, you might think he is so small in the church world of the knowns, he must associate himself with someone who is. Perhaps, it gives the book a larger sense of importance than if he had said, "Hey, you all, this is Jude." Leaving the world of conjecture, Jude's opening line to these believers is all about their standing in Christ and how he wants them to be full of those things Salvation affords us. He is about to warn them to be watchful and vigilant about the false teachers who are tying to hijack the faith. Before he gets into the major warnings of this one-chapter-book, he prays that they might be filled (multiplied) with the essentials of Christ's salvation: Mercy, Peace, and Love. The word "multiplied" comes from a Greek word that eventually will become the English word, "plethora" for us. If we say we have a plethora of choices we are saying we have a full assortment of choices. What Jude is saying to these readers is that he prays for them that they might have the mercy, peace and love all believers begin with when they believe in Christ, to be multiplied into a full plethora of mercy, peace and love. The three, have no boundaries. When we become believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit begins to produce fruit in our lives. That fruit becomes the outworking of mercy, peace and love. We should have some fruit in the beginning of our walk with Christ and produce more fruit when we reach greater maturity in Christ. But, the Spirit does not stop in His work in our lives. He continues to produce more and more fruit that is expressed via mercy for others, peace in the midst of war and love for all. We don't reach a maximum level of these three. We can't have too much mercy, peace and love. We can only have (or should have) a multiplying, plethora, of each.
Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,
To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
Subject: Mercy, Peace and Love
Jude is just a little book. This is just a guess, but in the opening line he not only calls himself a "bond-servant" of the Lord, but he also tells his readers he is the brother of the Apostle James. Without reading too much into that aspect of his indentification, you might think he is so small in the church world of the knowns, he must associate himself with someone who is. Perhaps, it gives the book a larger sense of importance than if he had said, "Hey, you all, this is Jude." Leaving the world of conjecture, Jude's opening line to these believers is all about their standing in Christ and how he wants them to be full of those things Salvation affords us. He is about to warn them to be watchful and vigilant about the false teachers who are tying to hijack the faith. Before he gets into the major warnings of this one-chapter-book, he prays that they might be filled (multiplied) with the essentials of Christ's salvation: Mercy, Peace, and Love. The word "multiplied" comes from a Greek word that eventually will become the English word, "plethora" for us. If we say we have a plethora of choices we are saying we have a full assortment of choices. What Jude is saying to these readers is that he prays for them that they might have the mercy, peace and love all believers begin with when they believe in Christ, to be multiplied into a full plethora of mercy, peace and love. The three, have no boundaries. When we become believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit begins to produce fruit in our lives. That fruit becomes the outworking of mercy, peace and love. We should have some fruit in the beginning of our walk with Christ and produce more fruit when we reach greater maturity in Christ. But, the Spirit does not stop in His work in our lives. He continues to produce more and more fruit that is expressed via mercy for others, peace in the midst of war and love for all. We don't reach a maximum level of these three. We can't have too much mercy, peace and love. We can only have (or should have) a multiplying, plethora, of each.
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