Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
when there is no peace.
Tag: False Teachers/False Philosophy
Jeremiah was the son of a priest who was called by God to give the message of doom and gloom to the nation that had rejected her God! /Five times in these six chapters, Israel and Judah are said to leave God and go whoring after another god. One of the reasons that Israel and Judah have forsaken God is the fact stated in the above verses. Although Jeremiah was a prophet and priest called by God to speak for Him, there were other prophets, priests and kings who also spoke. Whereas Jeremiah was giving a good and true message, the false teachers were prophesying peace, where there was no peace. Those false teachers would counter Jeremiah with their rosy colored stories and the people believed them. This lead them astray to seek other gods. Satan does this to us. We here a nice song and we are lead astray by the philosophy of the words and don't realize we were just serenaded to sleep doctrinally and spiritually. God sends His truth in His Word. He does not lead us astray, even if the words are harsh and difficult to swallow. False teachers like to say nice things, but they have no impact on the soul. Today's modern psychology will preach false doctrine and those who listen think they have peace. They have no peace. God will judge those teachers, but also those who don't actively discern their lies.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Tag: The evilness of man - Job 25-26
Job 25:5-6
Behold, even the moon is not bright,
and the stars are not pure in his eyes;
how much less man, who is a maggot,
and the son of man, who is a worm!”
Tag: The evilness of man
Job is in much pain and in much internal conflict. He is trying to wrap his mind around his circumstances while, at the same time, scrap the scabs from his body. He wants answers, but more importantly he wants empathy and understanding and comfort. Bildad, one of his "friends" (who originally came to comfort him - Job 2:10) decides to add to his internal conflict by reminding him all men are "worms." Firs, it should be noted that Bildad is not wrong. However, his logic is off. How can he claim that all men are "maggots" and "worms," inferring that Job does not have any way to criticize God, while at the same time, being a man, criticize Job. Once again we have the "truth" being used to batter Job, rather than to comfort Job. Bildad, like many believers, uses the truth to condemn his fellow believer, rather than uplift and comfort him. It is true, man is nothing. However, David in the Psalms uses that thought to humble us and to see the majesty of God:
Psalms 8:4
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
The writer of Hebrews echoes those same thoughts (Hebrews 2:6). Man is truly evil. But, that should magnify the grace of God in our hearts. The fact that we a maggots is not a surprise. The fact that God loves us, despite being like maggots, should surprise us. God's grace reaches down and lifts us up. Job need not claim his innocence in this struggle, but should claim the grace of God through this struggle. We are truly evil. Job is justifying himself, as we all would. Yet, man is truly evil and yet God is mindful of us? That is God's grace and His grace trumps that.
Behold, even the moon is not bright,
and the stars are not pure in his eyes;
how much less man, who is a maggot,
and the son of man, who is a worm!”
Tag: The evilness of man
Job is in much pain and in much internal conflict. He is trying to wrap his mind around his circumstances while, at the same time, scrap the scabs from his body. He wants answers, but more importantly he wants empathy and understanding and comfort. Bildad, one of his "friends" (who originally came to comfort him - Job 2:10) decides to add to his internal conflict by reminding him all men are "worms." Firs, it should be noted that Bildad is not wrong. However, his logic is off. How can he claim that all men are "maggots" and "worms," inferring that Job does not have any way to criticize God, while at the same time, being a man, criticize Job. Once again we have the "truth" being used to batter Job, rather than to comfort Job. Bildad, like many believers, uses the truth to condemn his fellow believer, rather than uplift and comfort him. It is true, man is nothing. However, David in the Psalms uses that thought to humble us and to see the majesty of God:
Psalms 8:4
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
The writer of Hebrews echoes those same thoughts (Hebrews 2:6). Man is truly evil. But, that should magnify the grace of God in our hearts. The fact that we a maggots is not a surprise. The fact that God loves us, despite being like maggots, should surprise us. God's grace reaches down and lifts us up. Job need not claim his innocence in this struggle, but should claim the grace of God through this struggle. We are truly evil. Job is justifying himself, as we all would. Yet, man is truly evil and yet God is mindful of us? That is God's grace and His grace trumps that.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Tag: Contentment - Psalm 36-38
Psalms 37:16
Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
Tag: Contentment
Note the other verses often associated with this verse:
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain,
Proverbs 15:16
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice.
Contentment is a character quality that flows from a heart satisfied with God. We can't find contentment in life until we can find contentment in Him. Those who strive for popularity, or who need the pleasure of mankind, have not found pleasure in God. Those who have a hunger for material possessions have not been filled by the Spirit of God. Those who seek more have not come to understand that God is all in all. In Psalm 37 we read in several places where David was envious of the wicked (Psalm 37:1, 7). Like Aspah in Psalm 73, David is looking at the wicked and notes they some of them live in great prosperity. Yet, God's Word brings him, as it does with Aspah, back to reality. We are to find our comfort and contentment in the God of God and Lord of Lords. When we find our eyes wandering and hearts chasing those visions, we need to stop and take a look at our Savior. He is the one who satisfies our ever need.
Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
Tag: Contentment
Note the other verses often associated with this verse:
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain,
Proverbs 15:16
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice.
Contentment is a character quality that flows from a heart satisfied with God. We can't find contentment in life until we can find contentment in Him. Those who strive for popularity, or who need the pleasure of mankind, have not found pleasure in God. Those who have a hunger for material possessions have not been filled by the Spirit of God. Those who seek more have not come to understand that God is all in all. In Psalm 37 we read in several places where David was envious of the wicked (Psalm 37:1, 7). Like Aspah in Psalm 73, David is looking at the wicked and notes they some of them live in great prosperity. Yet, God's Word brings him, as it does with Aspah, back to reality. We are to find our comfort and contentment in the God of God and Lord of Lords. When we find our eyes wandering and hearts chasing those visions, we need to stop and take a look at our Savior. He is the one who satisfies our ever need.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Tag: Leadership and Follower-ship - 1 Samuel 11-15
1 Samuel 14:52
There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.
Tag: Leadership and Follower-ship
Saul is turning out to be a terrible king. In the next chapter, specifically, he will actually see God remove him from the positional power of the king. He is becoming self-centered and self-indulging. Although he starts with the Spirit of God empowering him, he will end with the spirit of man controlling him. He starts out in faith, realizing that "God has done a great thing in Israel" ...
1 Samuel 11:13
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.”
... but ends creating a monument to himself:
1 Samuel 15:12
And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.”
The above verse is a transition verse to see that Saul begins to trust in God less and less and begins to trust in his army more and more. Latter when we see God select young David to be king we will read that God looks on the inside, while man looks on the outside. In the above text we see that Saul was looking on the outside to build his army. He forgot to look on the inside. This is the death of Saul (spiritually and in regard to leadership). Saul's leadership falls when he starts to rely on follower-ship over the Lordship of God!.
There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.
Tag: Leadership and Follower-ship
Saul is turning out to be a terrible king. In the next chapter, specifically, he will actually see God remove him from the positional power of the king. He is becoming self-centered and self-indulging. Although he starts with the Spirit of God empowering him, he will end with the spirit of man controlling him. He starts out in faith, realizing that "God has done a great thing in Israel" ...
1 Samuel 11:13
But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.”
... but ends creating a monument to himself:
1 Samuel 15:12
And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.”
The above verse is a transition verse to see that Saul begins to trust in God less and less and begins to trust in his army more and more. Latter when we see God select young David to be king we will read that God looks on the inside, while man looks on the outside. In the above text we see that Saul was looking on the outside to build his army. He forgot to look on the inside. This is the death of Saul (spiritually and in regard to leadership). Saul's leadership falls when he starts to rely on follower-ship over the Lordship of God!.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Tag: Faith in the Promises of God - Genesis 48-50
Genesis 50:25
Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.”
Tag: Faith in the Promises of God
Joseph has had a hard, but rewarding life. He story starts out with him being especially loved by his father Jacob (Israel). He was the favorite of a father of 12 boys. That is a joyous position to have. God had put Joseph in a privileged position. To add to his favor, Joseph was given a set of dreams that indicated his brothers and father and mother would, some day, bow down to him. At the time they mocked, but, as we see, through hardship and evil, that is exactly what would happen. Despite the rough route to get there, Joseph was "over" his father, mother and brothers. Now he is about to die. He is 110 years old and was able to see his grandchildren to the third generation. In all this, he does not forget God and his promises. He knew through Israel's blessing of his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim, God was going to take the nation of Israel back to the "promised" land. With that in mind the above verse can be understood. Despite the struggle with his brothers, he makes them promise to take him back with them when God "visits" them. Joseph was well aware of the "exodus" that is about to take place and he wants to be buried in the land of his birth not the land of his death. Joseph held onto the promises of God throughout his entire life. Now he is expressing the same thing in face of his death. No matter the struggle and no matter the difficulty, we are to face life with the promises of God in view. God gives us His promises to allow us to serve Him faithfully, no matter the circumstances. Find a promise to hold onto today.
Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.”
Tag: Faith in the Promises of God
Joseph has had a hard, but rewarding life. He story starts out with him being especially loved by his father Jacob (Israel). He was the favorite of a father of 12 boys. That is a joyous position to have. God had put Joseph in a privileged position. To add to his favor, Joseph was given a set of dreams that indicated his brothers and father and mother would, some day, bow down to him. At the time they mocked, but, as we see, through hardship and evil, that is exactly what would happen. Despite the rough route to get there, Joseph was "over" his father, mother and brothers. Now he is about to die. He is 110 years old and was able to see his grandchildren to the third generation. In all this, he does not forget God and his promises. He knew through Israel's blessing of his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim, God was going to take the nation of Israel back to the "promised" land. With that in mind the above verse can be understood. Despite the struggle with his brothers, he makes them promise to take him back with them when God "visits" them. Joseph was well aware of the "exodus" that is about to take place and he wants to be buried in the land of his birth not the land of his death. Joseph held onto the promises of God throughout his entire life. Now he is expressing the same thing in face of his death. No matter the struggle and no matter the difficulty, we are to face life with the promises of God in view. God gives us His promises to allow us to serve Him faithfully, no matter the circumstances. Find a promise to hold onto today.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Tag: Knowledge vs Love - 1 Corinthians 7-8
1 Corinthians 8:7-9
However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
Tag: Knowledge vs Love
In the early Greek culture knowledge was to be pursued and was valued more than other virtues. This culture, during Paul's day, had infiltrated the church. The believers at Corinth were enamored by such knowledge. The "Gnostics" were a philosophical and religious sect that believed that participation with the Divine was through a "knowing." The more they "knew" the more they would become closer to godliness. This "knowing" would , hence, separate them from those who did not "know" at the same level. In the above text Paul is stating that it is true that some believers have more revelation than others (He would later attempt to prove that about himself ... see 1 Corinthians 12). Our current society boasts that, "knowledge is power." It is hard to argue such frameworks of life. But, Paul does. In the above text Paul is states that knowledge is not more powerful than love. He is telling us that "if we love others" we will be conscious of their level of knowledge. We will not put a stumbling block in front of them, but put them first and our preferences second. To Paul "Love is Power." Paul is not preaching a brand of ignorance for Christians, however. His entire life was dedicated in growing the church in knowledge. In chapter three, verse two, of this book he confronts this very church about their staying on "milk" and not ready for "solid food." Paul does not want us ignorant and unknowing. But, he does want us to put the love of others before our own rights, based upon our more perfect knowledge. Love trumps knowledge.
However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
Tag: Knowledge vs Love
In the early Greek culture knowledge was to be pursued and was valued more than other virtues. This culture, during Paul's day, had infiltrated the church. The believers at Corinth were enamored by such knowledge. The "Gnostics" were a philosophical and religious sect that believed that participation with the Divine was through a "knowing." The more they "knew" the more they would become closer to godliness. This "knowing" would , hence, separate them from those who did not "know" at the same level. In the above text Paul is stating that it is true that some believers have more revelation than others (He would later attempt to prove that about himself ... see 1 Corinthians 12). Our current society boasts that, "knowledge is power." It is hard to argue such frameworks of life. But, Paul does. In the above text Paul is states that knowledge is not more powerful than love. He is telling us that "if we love others" we will be conscious of their level of knowledge. We will not put a stumbling block in front of them, but put them first and our preferences second. To Paul "Love is Power." Paul is not preaching a brand of ignorance for Christians, however. His entire life was dedicated in growing the church in knowledge. In chapter three, verse two, of this book he confronts this very church about their staying on "milk" and not ready for "solid food." Paul does not want us ignorant and unknowing. But, he does want us to put the love of others before our own rights, based upon our more perfect knowledge. Love trumps knowledge.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Tag: Fruitful LIves - Mark 3-4
Mark 4:20
But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Tag: Fruitful Lives
In the above verse we have Jesus' explanation of the parable of the seeds. The parable states that the "sower went out to sow seeds." Some of the seeds feel on certain types of land and didn't produce, but some of the seeds (as in the above) feel on good soil and produced fruit. This parable is often spoken to encourage believers to produce fruit in their lives to demonstrate their belief. However, to understand the parable, it is important to understand that the "seed" is "God's Word." The fruit that is being produced is being produced by the "Word," not by us. When Jesus says that the seed is sown in "good soil" He doesn't mean in a "good" person, but rather in a life of "faith." When "faith" is mixed with "God's Word" we see fruit. Belief in the promises and faithful obedience to the precepts and principles of God's Word will produce fruit in our lives. We don't use our energy to produce fruit. We believe that reading God's Word and taking it for what it says will produce fruit in our lives. The fruit is the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). So, the Fruit of the Spirit is produced by Faith in the Word.
But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Tag: Fruitful Lives
In the above verse we have Jesus' explanation of the parable of the seeds. The parable states that the "sower went out to sow seeds." Some of the seeds feel on certain types of land and didn't produce, but some of the seeds (as in the above) feel on good soil and produced fruit. This parable is often spoken to encourage believers to produce fruit in their lives to demonstrate their belief. However, to understand the parable, it is important to understand that the "seed" is "God's Word." The fruit that is being produced is being produced by the "Word," not by us. When Jesus says that the seed is sown in "good soil" He doesn't mean in a "good" person, but rather in a life of "faith." When "faith" is mixed with "God's Word" we see fruit. Belief in the promises and faithful obedience to the precepts and principles of God's Word will produce fruit in our lives. We don't use our energy to produce fruit. We believe that reading God's Word and taking it for what it says will produce fruit in our lives. The fruit is the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). So, the Fruit of the Spirit is produced by Faith in the Word.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Tag: Restoration - Isaiah 61-66
Isaiah 66:22-23
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I make will endure before Me,” declares the Lord,
“So your offspring and your name will endure.
“And it shall be from new moon to new moon
And from sabbath to sabbath,
All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says the Lord.
Tag: Restoration
You can't read these last few verses of Isiah without going back and reading the first few verses of Isaiah. The comparison of the two will demonstrate the contents of the book. God is about the restoration of His people. Note the first couple verses of this book:
Isaiah 1:3-4
“An ox knows its owner,
And a donkey its master’s manger,
But Israel does not know,
My people do not understand.”
Alas, sinful nation,
People weighed down with iniquity,
Offspring of evildoers,
Sons who act corruptly!
They have abandoned the Lord,
They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away from Him.
In the beginning of the book it is about punishment and discipline. At the end of the book it is about blessing and restoration. In between it is about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Israel was chosen to be an example of God's grace. In their rebellion they were still the chosen nation to bring for the Messiah, the savior of the world. God did (at the end of their captivity) and will (at the end of the age) restore them. God is about restoration of His chosen people.
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I make will endure before Me,” declares the Lord,
“So your offspring and your name will endure.
“And it shall be from new moon to new moon
And from sabbath to sabbath,
All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says the Lord.
Tag: Restoration
You can't read these last few verses of Isiah without going back and reading the first few verses of Isaiah. The comparison of the two will demonstrate the contents of the book. God is about the restoration of His people. Note the first couple verses of this book:
Isaiah 1:3-4
“An ox knows its owner,
And a donkey its master’s manger,
But Israel does not know,
My people do not understand.”
Alas, sinful nation,
People weighed down with iniquity,
Offspring of evildoers,
Sons who act corruptly!
They have abandoned the Lord,
They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away from Him.
In the beginning of the book it is about punishment and discipline. At the end of the book it is about blessing and restoration. In between it is about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Israel was chosen to be an example of God's grace. In their rebellion they were still the chosen nation to bring for the Messiah, the savior of the world. God did (at the end of their captivity) and will (at the end of the age) restore them. God is about restoration of His chosen people.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Tag: Envy of the Wicked - Job 23-24
Job 24:12
“From the city men groan,
And the souls of the wounded cry out;
Yet God does not pay attention to folly.
Tag: Envy of the Wicked
Like Asaph's Psalm 73, Job is in the midst of comparing himself to the wicked. In chapter 26 of this book, Job claims his innocence before his three friends and before God. This is the chapter Job begins to cry out for a court hearing. He wishes to prove his innocence in court. However, he can't find God and therefore can't accuse God of wrong doing in a court of law (Job 23:8-10). Job is right on the edge, at this point, of accusing God of wrong doing. In chapter 24 he begins to compare his innocence from chapter 23 to the guilt of the world around him. He is wanting to prove that he didn't deserve these circumstances, but others did. Yet, God has done nothing to him. He states in the above verse the city "groans" because of the wicked injustice of men, "Yet, God does not pay attention to folly." His conclusion is that God won't give him a hearing and God is NOT paying any attention to those who live in folly. Asaph's Psalm 73 starts out the same way. Both men tend to view the wicked as "living at ease" and have not worries of God's wrath. However, that is where both men make their mistake. They make two serious errors in their logic. The first is that men who reject God can live at ease. That may be true on the inside, however, their is a day of judgement and as they grow closer to it, their attention to the end causes great agony. The second mistake they make is comparing their lives to the wicked, rather than comparing their lives to God and His holiness. Yes, Job, the wicked are bad. However, their badness does not constitute your innocence. It doesn't work that way. We are wall wicked and all need God's grace. When we live in light and in need of His grace we live at peace knowing we have that grace, by faith (Romans 5:1-4)
“From the city men groan,
And the souls of the wounded cry out;
Yet God does not pay attention to folly.
Tag: Envy of the Wicked
Like Asaph's Psalm 73, Job is in the midst of comparing himself to the wicked. In chapter 26 of this book, Job claims his innocence before his three friends and before God. This is the chapter Job begins to cry out for a court hearing. He wishes to prove his innocence in court. However, he can't find God and therefore can't accuse God of wrong doing in a court of law (Job 23:8-10). Job is right on the edge, at this point, of accusing God of wrong doing. In chapter 24 he begins to compare his innocence from chapter 23 to the guilt of the world around him. He is wanting to prove that he didn't deserve these circumstances, but others did. Yet, God has done nothing to him. He states in the above verse the city "groans" because of the wicked injustice of men, "Yet, God does not pay attention to folly." His conclusion is that God won't give him a hearing and God is NOT paying any attention to those who live in folly. Asaph's Psalm 73 starts out the same way. Both men tend to view the wicked as "living at ease" and have not worries of God's wrath. However, that is where both men make their mistake. They make two serious errors in their logic. The first is that men who reject God can live at ease. That may be true on the inside, however, their is a day of judgement and as they grow closer to it, their attention to the end causes great agony. The second mistake they make is comparing their lives to the wicked, rather than comparing their lives to God and His holiness. Yes, Job, the wicked are bad. However, their badness does not constitute your innocence. It doesn't work that way. We are wall wicked and all need God's grace. When we live in light and in need of His grace we live at peace knowing we have that grace, by faith (Romans 5:1-4)
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Tag: Supporting others in Christ - Psalm 33-35
Psalms 34:3
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
Psalms 35:27
Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication;
And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified,
Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
Tag: Supporting Others in Christ
In the prophecy of Amos we read the following:
Amos 3:3
Do two men walk together unless they have made an appointment?
Amos is prophesying for God to the nation of Israel. His point is that Israel can't expect to walk with God if they have not come to some agreement as to where that walk should start and should end. Israel was rebelling against God and therefore NOT able to walk with God. In the two verses from Psalms, above, we read that the desire of the writer is that he has someone who will walk with him for the purpose of Magnifying God. Both come from Psalms write by David. David knew what it was like to walk alone. He knew that unless he could find companionship centered AROUND GOD, he would not survive. Believers all need someone to walk with us and to glorify God with us. When we need vindication we need to know that we have someone who is praying and is looking to say, "Let the Lord be magnified." Magnifying God is allowing Him to grow larger and larger in your life, in your walk, in your conversation; in every aspect of your life. Having someone with you to do that is the most awesome of relationships.
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
Psalms 35:27
Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication;
And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified,
Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
Tag: Supporting Others in Christ
In the prophecy of Amos we read the following:
Amos 3:3
Do two men walk together unless they have made an appointment?
Amos is prophesying for God to the nation of Israel. His point is that Israel can't expect to walk with God if they have not come to some agreement as to where that walk should start and should end. Israel was rebelling against God and therefore NOT able to walk with God. In the two verses from Psalms, above, we read that the desire of the writer is that he has someone who will walk with him for the purpose of Magnifying God. Both come from Psalms write by David. David knew what it was like to walk alone. He knew that unless he could find companionship centered AROUND GOD, he would not survive. Believers all need someone to walk with us and to glorify God with us. When we need vindication we need to know that we have someone who is praying and is looking to say, "Let the Lord be magnified." Magnifying God is allowing Him to grow larger and larger in your life, in your walk, in your conversation; in every aspect of your life. Having someone with you to do that is the most awesome of relationships.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Tag: Spirit of God - Empowerment for Service - 1 Samuel 6-10
1 Samuel 10:6
Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man.
Tag: Spirit of God - Empowerment for Service
In the Old Testament and the New Testament the ministry of the Holy Spirit is evident. And, although the evidence of the Spirit's work in the soul's of men is quite different, the fact that the Spirit of God comes on man for the good of service to God is quite clear in both testaments. In the above passage we have the story of the Spirit of God coming onto Saul for ministry as Israel's first king. God has granted the desires of the nation for a king and Saul was to be the answer to their prayer. He will end up failing and the Spirit of God will eventually leave him.
1 Samuel 16:14
Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him.
In the OT the Spirit of God moved in and out of people's lives. God was using the Spirit to empower them for specific service. In the NT the Spirit of God comes into our lives and takes up permanent residence for service and holiness. The similarity in each book is that God empowers His servants by the Spirit for His glory. We do NOTHING in our own power. We think we do. We start to see good things happen and we start to take credit for the work the Spirit actually does in our lives. Saul will do this in the next chapters. In reality, it is God working in his life in the power of the Spirit. He will lose that power as he begins to take credit for his accomplishments and efforts. It is the Spirit of God who produces fruit in our lives. That is what it is referred to as the "Fruit OF THE Spirit" (Galatians 5:22).
Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man.
Tag: Spirit of God - Empowerment for Service
In the Old Testament and the New Testament the ministry of the Holy Spirit is evident. And, although the evidence of the Spirit's work in the soul's of men is quite different, the fact that the Spirit of God comes on man for the good of service to God is quite clear in both testaments. In the above passage we have the story of the Spirit of God coming onto Saul for ministry as Israel's first king. God has granted the desires of the nation for a king and Saul was to be the answer to their prayer. He will end up failing and the Spirit of God will eventually leave him.
1 Samuel 16:14
Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him.
In the OT the Spirit of God moved in and out of people's lives. God was using the Spirit to empower them for specific service. In the NT the Spirit of God comes into our lives and takes up permanent residence for service and holiness. The similarity in each book is that God empowers His servants by the Spirit for His glory. We do NOTHING in our own power. We think we do. We start to see good things happen and we start to take credit for the work the Spirit actually does in our lives. Saul will do this in the next chapters. In reality, it is God working in his life in the power of the Spirit. He will lose that power as he begins to take credit for his accomplishments and efforts. It is the Spirit of God who produces fruit in our lives. That is what it is referred to as the "Fruit OF THE Spirit" (Galatians 5:22).
Monday, March 20, 2017
Tag: Substitutionary Atonement - Genesis. 44-47
Genesis 44:33-34
Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.”
Tag: Substitutionary atonement by "Judah"
These couple of verses depict for us the willingness of Judah, one of the sons of Israel (Jacob) to trade his life for his brother (the youngest son of Israel), Benjamin. Years early these men at sold Joseph (now the second in command to Pharaoh) into slavery. Joseph had set up a test to see if the brothers would desert Benjamin, as well. However, Judah had promised their farther, Israel, that if they didn't bring Benjamin back from the trip to Egypt, for buying food, he would give his life to the boy. Judah is going to keep his promise. And, unlike what they did to Joseph, Judah did not want to do to Benjamin. Judah is willing to lay his life down for Ben. This is a great story of substitutionary atonement: Someone stepping in to "atone" for the other's offense. In this case it was a false offense, as Benjamin really didn't do what he was being accused of. But, Judah didn't know that. Judah only knew that if they went back to their father, Israel, without Benjamin, Israel would die. Judah is willing to give his life for his brother. This was Joseph's test. Would they give Benjamin up, like they did to him years ago, or, would they step up and attempt to save him. Judah (the leader of the tribe that will eventually bring for Jesus, the Messiah) steps up and is willing to give his life for his brother; to take his place. This is what Jesus will eventually do for us. He will take our place. Jesus tells us that no greater love can be displayed than giving your life for your friend (John 15:13). He did for us. He was our substitute to atone for our sins. No great love.
Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.”
Tag: Substitutionary atonement by "Judah"
These couple of verses depict for us the willingness of Judah, one of the sons of Israel (Jacob) to trade his life for his brother (the youngest son of Israel), Benjamin. Years early these men at sold Joseph (now the second in command to Pharaoh) into slavery. Joseph had set up a test to see if the brothers would desert Benjamin, as well. However, Judah had promised their farther, Israel, that if they didn't bring Benjamin back from the trip to Egypt, for buying food, he would give his life to the boy. Judah is going to keep his promise. And, unlike what they did to Joseph, Judah did not want to do to Benjamin. Judah is willing to lay his life down for Ben. This is a great story of substitutionary atonement: Someone stepping in to "atone" for the other's offense. In this case it was a false offense, as Benjamin really didn't do what he was being accused of. But, Judah didn't know that. Judah only knew that if they went back to their father, Israel, without Benjamin, Israel would die. Judah is willing to give his life for his brother. This was Joseph's test. Would they give Benjamin up, like they did to him years ago, or, would they step up and attempt to save him. Judah (the leader of the tribe that will eventually bring for Jesus, the Messiah) steps up and is willing to give his life for his brother; to take his place. This is what Jesus will eventually do for us. He will take our place. Jesus tells us that no greater love can be displayed than giving your life for your friend (John 15:13). He did for us. He was our substitute to atone for our sins. No great love.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Tag: Sin and Discipline - 1 Corinthians 5-6
1 Corinthians 5:1-2
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
Tag: Sin and Christian Discipline
In the town of Corinth you would be hard pressed to find someone who was not impacted by sexual issues. Corinth was a town where sexual worship was paramount. Note the following:
In classical times and earlier, Corinth had a temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, employing some thousand hetairas (temple prostitutes) (see also Temple prostitution in Corinth). The city was renowned for these temple prostitutes, who served the wealthy merchants and the powerful officials who frequented the city.
Corinth was the modern day Vegas where sex was sold and was their main commodity. It is not surprising, therefore, that this attitude and promiscuity would infiltrate the church. In the above text we see that it did, but in a way that even the sexually immoral would not agree. Apparently a young man was having sexual relationship with his father's wife - his step-mother. Paul is quite clear here about calling sin, sin. He is also quite clear here about what the church is supposed to do about it. He is concerned that the impact of this might hurt the church. He tells them to ex-communicate the young man from their midst. This is for the purpose of purifying the church and for showing this young man, assumed to be a believer, that God is not tolerate of sin in the lives of believers or in the church. Later we will read in 2 Corinthians that the man does repent and is brought back into fellowship with the church. The reason he is brought back is not because of ''tolerance" from believers. It is because of the discipline enacted by the believers. We shy from such things today. Today we would preach acceptance and tolerance. But, this lesson is important for us, today. God does not tolerate sin in the Body of Christ. It is our role to discipline, in love. That is the Biblical formula for discipline.
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
Tag: Sin and Christian Discipline
In the town of Corinth you would be hard pressed to find someone who was not impacted by sexual issues. Corinth was a town where sexual worship was paramount. Note the following:
In classical times and earlier, Corinth had a temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, employing some thousand hetairas (temple prostitutes) (see also Temple prostitution in Corinth). The city was renowned for these temple prostitutes, who served the wealthy merchants and the powerful officials who frequented the city.
Corinth was the modern day Vegas where sex was sold and was their main commodity. It is not surprising, therefore, that this attitude and promiscuity would infiltrate the church. In the above text we see that it did, but in a way that even the sexually immoral would not agree. Apparently a young man was having sexual relationship with his father's wife - his step-mother. Paul is quite clear here about calling sin, sin. He is also quite clear here about what the church is supposed to do about it. He is concerned that the impact of this might hurt the church. He tells them to ex-communicate the young man from their midst. This is for the purpose of purifying the church and for showing this young man, assumed to be a believer, that God is not tolerate of sin in the lives of believers or in the church. Later we will read in 2 Corinthians that the man does repent and is brought back into fellowship with the church. The reason he is brought back is not because of ''tolerance" from believers. It is because of the discipline enacted by the believers. We shy from such things today. Today we would preach acceptance and tolerance. But, this lesson is important for us, today. God does not tolerate sin in the Body of Christ. It is our role to discipline, in love. That is the Biblical formula for discipline.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Tag: Temptaion and Suffering - Mark 1-2
Mark 1:11-13
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
Tag: Temptation and Suffering
People who don't know God in a personal way and have had no relationship with Christ often approach suffering (and temptation, to an extent) as something odd to understand in the context of "religion" or "faith." Some believers struggle with this area. The logic goes: If you have God on your side why do you have any issues in life. They might believe, "If God is for you what can be against you?" They might say,, "If you end up suffering and being overly tempted then it must be because God is too weak to help or you are too shallow and sinful and deserve it, or God is so uncaring He won't help." The truth is, as we can see in the above passage, that God was "well pleased" with Christ and STILL was, by the Spirit, taken into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Jesus was on the earth to take our place and represent us. He was there take away our suffering and to live a perfect life, die in our place and be raised in newness of life. This shows that suffering is part of life. Jesus was tempted by Satan to assure that, as 100% man, He would still love and obey His Father. Job was tempted and suffered by Satan to assure he would love and obey and, by faith, love the Father, above all else. Temptation and suffering a tools used by Satan, with God's limits, to separate us from the Love of Christ. If Christ suffered this way, we, too, will suffer.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
Tag: Temptation and Suffering
People who don't know God in a personal way and have had no relationship with Christ often approach suffering (and temptation, to an extent) as something odd to understand in the context of "religion" or "faith." Some believers struggle with this area. The logic goes: If you have God on your side why do you have any issues in life. They might believe, "If God is for you what can be against you?" They might say,, "If you end up suffering and being overly tempted then it must be because God is too weak to help or you are too shallow and sinful and deserve it, or God is so uncaring He won't help." The truth is, as we can see in the above passage, that God was "well pleased" with Christ and STILL was, by the Spirit, taken into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Jesus was on the earth to take our place and represent us. He was there take away our suffering and to live a perfect life, die in our place and be raised in newness of life. This shows that suffering is part of life. Jesus was tempted by Satan to assure that, as 100% man, He would still love and obey His Father. Job was tempted and suffered by Satan to assure he would love and obey and, by faith, love the Father, above all else. Temptation and suffering a tools used by Satan, with God's limits, to separate us from the Love of Christ. If Christ suffered this way, we, too, will suffer.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Tag: Restoration - Isaiah 56-61
Isaiah 56:3-5
Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say,
“The Lord will surely separate me from his people”;
and let not the eunuch say,
“Behold, I am a dry tree.”
For thus says the Lord:
“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose the things that please me
and hold fast my covenant,
I will give in my house and within my walls
a monument and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that shall not be cut off.
Tag: Restoration
God is in the business of restoring those who are broken to heath. God is the ultimate fixer and you and I are the ultimate fixer-upper! God has and will restore us in His grace. In this long prophecy of Isaiah, God reveals in these ending chapters His desire to restore the nation of Israel to glorify Himself. In the above verses He uses the foreigner and the eunuch to emphasize the concept of God's restoration plan. Even though the eunuch might say, "I am a dry tree," meaning he can't give seed for a child, God will make him fruitful. God not only restores, He does the impossible to make that restoration happen. God can take the eunuch and memorialize him. God takes away his pain and gives him pleasure. That is God's restoration plan. But that pleasure is, in turn, used to glorify God. God is restoring us so that we can glorify Him!!
Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say,
“The Lord will surely separate me from his people”;
and let not the eunuch say,
“Behold, I am a dry tree.”
For thus says the Lord:
“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose the things that please me
and hold fast my covenant,
I will give in my house and within my walls
a monument and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that shall not be cut off.
Tag: Restoration
God is in the business of restoring those who are broken to heath. God is the ultimate fixer and you and I are the ultimate fixer-upper! God has and will restore us in His grace. In this long prophecy of Isaiah, God reveals in these ending chapters His desire to restore the nation of Israel to glorify Himself. In the above verses He uses the foreigner and the eunuch to emphasize the concept of God's restoration plan. Even though the eunuch might say, "I am a dry tree," meaning he can't give seed for a child, God will make him fruitful. God not only restores, He does the impossible to make that restoration happen. God can take the eunuch and memorialize him. God takes away his pain and gives him pleasure. That is God's restoration plan. But that pleasure is, in turn, used to glorify God. God is restoring us so that we can glorify Him!!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Tag: Prayer and suffering - Job 22
Job 22:29-30
For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’;
but he saves the lowly.
He delivers even the one who is not innocent,
who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”
Tag: Prayer for the guilty
Eliphaz has, once again, delivered a stinging speech to Job about his "obvious" sin and the results of it. Eliphaz has not held back in his incrimination of Job and continues to remind his "friend" that the reason for his suffering is his guilt. In an ironic ending to the speech, the above couple of verses conclude Eliphaz's sharp words. He is telling Job that when someone humbles himself and seeks repentance a person can, by his intercession, pray for others and deliver them from their uncleanness. His thought is it the one who finds innocence is the one who can pray for others. Eliphaz is right about some things. His statement that an innocent man can pray for someone else and deliver him will come true earlier than he thinks. Note the following:
Job 42:7-8
After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”
God will eventually ask Job to pray for Eliphaz. Job is righteous and will pray for Eliphaz and his friends. James says it this way:
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Eliphaz in his condemning, actually gave us a truth that Job will fulfill. Ironic!!
For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’;
but he saves the lowly.
He delivers even the one who is not innocent,
who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”
Tag: Prayer for the guilty
Eliphaz has, once again, delivered a stinging speech to Job about his "obvious" sin and the results of it. Eliphaz has not held back in his incrimination of Job and continues to remind his "friend" that the reason for his suffering is his guilt. In an ironic ending to the speech, the above couple of verses conclude Eliphaz's sharp words. He is telling Job that when someone humbles himself and seeks repentance a person can, by his intercession, pray for others and deliver them from their uncleanness. His thought is it the one who finds innocence is the one who can pray for others. Eliphaz is right about some things. His statement that an innocent man can pray for someone else and deliver him will come true earlier than he thinks. Note the following:
Job 42:7-8
After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”
God will eventually ask Job to pray for Eliphaz. Job is righteous and will pray for Eliphaz and his friends. James says it this way:
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Eliphaz in his condemning, actually gave us a truth that Job will fulfill. Ironic!!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Tag: Security in Times of Trouble - Psalm 30-32
Psalms 32:6-7
Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
Tag: Security
We have all been, one time or another, in a "rush of great waters." When the torrent of life is such that it collapses our lives and implodes our false walls of security. We have seen pictures of floods simply wash away entire towns. Structures we thought were a sure foundation are wiped away like a mother wipes the cookies crumbs off the cupboard. We have seen the same things in the lives of people who trust in spouses, jobs and savings. They can all simply crumble under the troubles of life. In the above text we read the solution to the rushing waters: Security in God. When we pray to Him we find a "hiding place" that is secure from ALL storms. He "preserves" us from trouble and "surround" us with "shouts of deliverance." We have shouts of deliverance. The "shouts" are probably, in this context, "songs" of deliverance. But, the translation of "shouts" is an emphatic emphasis of what it is like to be delivered and rescued. We will sing and shout of His great deliverance when we walk in the path of prayer. God delivers us from the storms of life as we come to Him in prayer and acknowledge His rule and power.
Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
Tag: Security
We have all been, one time or another, in a "rush of great waters." When the torrent of life is such that it collapses our lives and implodes our false walls of security. We have seen pictures of floods simply wash away entire towns. Structures we thought were a sure foundation are wiped away like a mother wipes the cookies crumbs off the cupboard. We have seen the same things in the lives of people who trust in spouses, jobs and savings. They can all simply crumble under the troubles of life. In the above text we read the solution to the rushing waters: Security in God. When we pray to Him we find a "hiding place" that is secure from ALL storms. He "preserves" us from trouble and "surround" us with "shouts of deliverance." We have shouts of deliverance. The "shouts" are probably, in this context, "songs" of deliverance. But, the translation of "shouts" is an emphatic emphasis of what it is like to be delivered and rescued. We will sing and shout of His great deliverance when we walk in the path of prayer. God delivers us from the storms of life as we come to Him in prayer and acknowledge His rule and power.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Tag: Evil in the Heart - 1 Samuel 1-5
1 Samuel 1:3-8
Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Tag: Evil in the heart
In the above text we see that Hannah really wanted to have a baby. Yet, she could not conceive. That emotion is gut-wrenching for women. Not only was Hannah's husband insensitive, her sister-wife was cruel. Why does this happen? If anyone should be sensitive it would be another woman!! Yet, in this multiple wife setting they had become rivals. Elkanah, the husband, as not helping by giving Hannah more attention and more gifts. The two of them (Elkanah and Peninnah) were at two extremes to her suffering. One wanted to harass her and the other wanted to spoil her. Neither hit the mark. The reaction of Peninnah gives us great insight into it what happens in the heart of a person. There is evil in the heart (Romans 3:23) and it comes out in the actions of jealous, envy, ego, and injustice. We seem to harbor such animosity to others. Save God's grace we would devour one another. God is a God of grace. This above text shows us that man is not a man of grace. Hannah needed grace from those around her. Not pity. Not harassment. Our response to those suffering should be the same as the response of God: Grace.
Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Tag: Evil in the heart
In the above text we see that Hannah really wanted to have a baby. Yet, she could not conceive. That emotion is gut-wrenching for women. Not only was Hannah's husband insensitive, her sister-wife was cruel. Why does this happen? If anyone should be sensitive it would be another woman!! Yet, in this multiple wife setting they had become rivals. Elkanah, the husband, as not helping by giving Hannah more attention and more gifts. The two of them (Elkanah and Peninnah) were at two extremes to her suffering. One wanted to harass her and the other wanted to spoil her. Neither hit the mark. The reaction of Peninnah gives us great insight into it what happens in the heart of a person. There is evil in the heart (Romans 3:23) and it comes out in the actions of jealous, envy, ego, and injustice. We seem to harbor such animosity to others. Save God's grace we would devour one another. God is a God of grace. This above text shows us that man is not a man of grace. Hannah needed grace from those around her. Not pity. Not harassment. Our response to those suffering should be the same as the response of God: Grace.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Tag: Wisdom of God through the voice of man!! - Genesis 40-43
Genesis 41:33-36
Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.”
Tag: Wisdom of God through the voice of a man!!
Joesph is in prison and the king of the land, Pharaoh, is given a dream by God. The dream is about seven fat cows being eaten by seven skinny cows; and about seven fat stalks of corn consumed by seven blighted stalks of corn. Joseph is called out of the prison system to interpret the dream because he had previously interpret the dreams of two of Pharaoh's servants, now released from prison. Pharaoh did not ask Joseph to do anything more than interpret the dream. He didn't ask for solutions or to solve the problem. But, Joseph gives him the solution, anyhow. This is further wisdom from God to Joseph and God uses His sovereignty to get Joseph into position. Where did Joseph get this wisdom. He didn't have a copy of God's Word while in prison. But, Proverbs 1:9 tells us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Rather than fear man and rather than bemoan his own situation, Joseph prepares himself for all these years by fearing the Lord and by staying in communion with God. During his suffering he was not afraid to fellowship with God and to seek God. He was also not bitter at God. If Joseph had spent his years in bitterness, when Pharaoh called he would not be able to be used by God. God's wisdom is spoken by the voice of a man. But, man has to be in the place to fear the Lord.
Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.”
Tag: Wisdom of God through the voice of a man!!
Joesph is in prison and the king of the land, Pharaoh, is given a dream by God. The dream is about seven fat cows being eaten by seven skinny cows; and about seven fat stalks of corn consumed by seven blighted stalks of corn. Joseph is called out of the prison system to interpret the dream because he had previously interpret the dreams of two of Pharaoh's servants, now released from prison. Pharaoh did not ask Joseph to do anything more than interpret the dream. He didn't ask for solutions or to solve the problem. But, Joseph gives him the solution, anyhow. This is further wisdom from God to Joseph and God uses His sovereignty to get Joseph into position. Where did Joseph get this wisdom. He didn't have a copy of God's Word while in prison. But, Proverbs 1:9 tells us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Rather than fear man and rather than bemoan his own situation, Joseph prepares himself for all these years by fearing the Lord and by staying in communion with God. During his suffering he was not afraid to fellowship with God and to seek God. He was also not bitter at God. If Joseph had spent his years in bitterness, when Pharaoh called he would not be able to be used by God. God's wisdom is spoken by the voice of a man. But, man has to be in the place to fear the Lord.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Tag: Arrogance - 1 Corinthians 3-4
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Tag: Arrogance
Being proud and arrogant ("puffed up" in the above verses) is the sin that Satan appealed to in the Garden of Eden. It is the earliest, if not the first sin. The Corinthian believers were full of arrogance. Note what Paul will say in a few verses:
1 Corinthians 4:16-18
I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
Some of the Corinthian believers were so puffed up they diminished the power of the gospel. God uses humble people. Note:
Abraham - Genesis 18:27
Jacob - Genesis 32:10
Moses - Exodus 3:11
Gideon - Judges 6:15
John the Baptist - Matthew 3:14; John 1:26-27
Peter - Luke 5:8
Paul - Acts 20:19; Ephesians 3:8
Paul is trying to correct the arrogance of the believers in this church. Their arrogance had limited their growth (1 Corinthians 3:1). It had divided the church (1 Corinthians 1:11-13). When we are "puffed up" we hinder God's working in our lives and God's blessing in our lives. We are what we are because God made us such!!! Claiming anything else is arrogance and a cause to lose God's grace in our lives.
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Tag: Arrogance
Being proud and arrogant ("puffed up" in the above verses) is the sin that Satan appealed to in the Garden of Eden. It is the earliest, if not the first sin. The Corinthian believers were full of arrogance. Note what Paul will say in a few verses:
1 Corinthians 4:16-18
I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
Some of the Corinthian believers were so puffed up they diminished the power of the gospel. God uses humble people. Note:
Abraham - Genesis 18:27
Jacob - Genesis 32:10
Moses - Exodus 3:11
Gideon - Judges 6:15
John the Baptist - Matthew 3:14; John 1:26-27
Peter - Luke 5:8
Paul - Acts 20:19; Ephesians 3:8
Paul is trying to correct the arrogance of the believers in this church. Their arrogance had limited their growth (1 Corinthians 3:1). It had divided the church (1 Corinthians 1:11-13). When we are "puffed up" we hinder God's working in our lives and God's blessing in our lives. We are what we are because God made us such!!! Claiming anything else is arrogance and a cause to lose God's grace in our lives.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Tag: Hardest Words to ever Speak - Matthew 26-28
Matthew 26:36-39
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Tag: Hardest Word to Ever Speak
Note the words in the above prayer of Jesus:
"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray ing Matthew 6, he said the following:
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
In the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was praying as he instructed the disciples. "They will be done." What a glorious prayer to pray, but what a difficult prayer to live. We can complete those words in our lives through the power of the Spirit. God enables us to do His will. This is Jesus praying for that strength. He was "sorrowful onto death." If we want to have strength to do "thy will" we will have to spend time on our knees in prayer asking for strength to do so. If Jesus did, we must!!! Look what Christ will say to the disciples about this in the next couple of verses. He comes back where he left them and they are asleep. He wishes they could stay awake. But they can't. Note his words:
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
We are weak. Therefore we must pray!!
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Tag: Hardest Word to Ever Speak
Note the words in the above prayer of Jesus:
"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray ing Matthew 6, he said the following:
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
In the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was praying as he instructed the disciples. "They will be done." What a glorious prayer to pray, but what a difficult prayer to live. We can complete those words in our lives through the power of the Spirit. God enables us to do His will. This is Jesus praying for that strength. He was "sorrowful onto death." If we want to have strength to do "thy will" we will have to spend time on our knees in prayer asking for strength to do so. If Jesus did, we must!!! Look what Christ will say to the disciples about this in the next couple of verses. He comes back where he left them and they are asleep. He wishes they could stay awake. But they can't. Note his words:
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
We are weak. Therefore we must pray!!
Friday, March 10, 2017
Tag: Beautiful Feet - Isaiah 51-55
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Tag: Beautiful Feet
Chapter 52 and 49 in this prophecy are like an oasis in the desert. In the midst of the prophecy about punishment and destruction these two chapters bring hope and grace to the story. God is going to restore Israel, despite their sin and their wandering from Him. God is going to send a savior to them. The emphasis in the above passage, however, is not on the Messiah but the messenger of this good news. The picture is vivid for us. Consider the city of Jerusalem (Zion) besieged by the enemy. Facing certain destruction the inhabitants tremble behind crumbling walls and failing foundations. Yet, across the mountains they see hear the feet of the messenger running to them with great news of peace. They hear the sounds of the words from those who carry the words of peace, "Your God reigns!" Salvation is published from the hills and echos into the hearts of those who previously trembled. This is the context of the words we read here. How "beautiful" are the feet of these messengers. This what Paul picks up in Romans 10:15 as he quotes this passage. Today's believers should have beautiful feet. We bring the Good News of Christ to a dying and thirsty society. We are the messengers coming across the mountain as the men and women we see are trembling behind besieged walls.
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Tag: Beautiful Feet
Chapter 52 and 49 in this prophecy are like an oasis in the desert. In the midst of the prophecy about punishment and destruction these two chapters bring hope and grace to the story. God is going to restore Israel, despite their sin and their wandering from Him. God is going to send a savior to them. The emphasis in the above passage, however, is not on the Messiah but the messenger of this good news. The picture is vivid for us. Consider the city of Jerusalem (Zion) besieged by the enemy. Facing certain destruction the inhabitants tremble behind crumbling walls and failing foundations. Yet, across the mountains they see hear the feet of the messenger running to them with great news of peace. They hear the sounds of the words from those who carry the words of peace, "Your God reigns!" Salvation is published from the hills and echos into the hearts of those who previously trembled. This is the context of the words we read here. How "beautiful" are the feet of these messengers. This what Paul picks up in Romans 10:15 as he quotes this passage. Today's believers should have beautiful feet. We bring the Good News of Christ to a dying and thirsty society. We are the messengers coming across the mountain as the men and women we see are trembling behind besieged walls.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Tag: Why do the wicked prosper? Job 20-21
Job 21:9-13
Their houses are safe from fear,
and no rod of God is upon them.
Their bull breeds without fail;
their cow calves and does not miscarry.
They send out their little boys like a flock,
and their children dance.
They sing to the tambourine and the lyre
and rejoice to the sound of the pipe.
They spend their days in prosperity,
and in peace they go down to Sheol.
Tag: Why do the wicked prosper?
The prophet Jeremiah asked God the following question:
Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous are you, O Lord,
when I complain to you;
yet I would plead my case before you.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all who are treacherous thrive?
Job is sitting in his ashes, with boils and sores covering his body like bark on a tree. He is being accused by one of his friends, Zophar, as being a wicked man. Zophar believes that those who are suffering are doing so because of their wickedness. Job, on the other hand, speaks what we read in the above passage. Job points out his observations in life and they are in stark contrast to Zophar's optics. Job and Zophar seem to be looking at the same mountain but from two different sides. Compare with Job 20:29. Zophar and Job are looking from different perspectives. Here is the view from Zophar's vantage point. Zophar believes wicked men will get their just due from God:
Job 20:29
This is the wicked man's portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God."
However, Job is talking about those he sees, though wicked and caring nothing for God, rejoice and dance and accumulate (see also Psalm 73). Notice the picture Job paints. This is what his picture was in chapter 1. His children were dancing and singing and a whirlwind came and destroyed them. Job was looking at the here and now, because he is in the here and now. Both men are right. Jeremiah was right. The wicked do prosper. Yet, only for awhile. There days look like Job's point-of-view, but their end looks like Zophar's point-of-view. We can get jealous and envious of their prosperity. Job failed to rejoice in his suffering that it was a gift from God. Zophar failed to point Job in that direction. The righteous suffer, but not in the way the wicked will! One is a gift - the others is a punishment.
Their houses are safe from fear,
and no rod of God is upon them.
Their bull breeds without fail;
their cow calves and does not miscarry.
They send out their little boys like a flock,
and their children dance.
They sing to the tambourine and the lyre
and rejoice to the sound of the pipe.
They spend their days in prosperity,
and in peace they go down to Sheol.
Tag: Why do the wicked prosper?
The prophet Jeremiah asked God the following question:
Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous are you, O Lord,
when I complain to you;
yet I would plead my case before you.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all who are treacherous thrive?
Job is sitting in his ashes, with boils and sores covering his body like bark on a tree. He is being accused by one of his friends, Zophar, as being a wicked man. Zophar believes that those who are suffering are doing so because of their wickedness. Job, on the other hand, speaks what we read in the above passage. Job points out his observations in life and they are in stark contrast to Zophar's optics. Job and Zophar seem to be looking at the same mountain but from two different sides. Compare with Job 20:29. Zophar and Job are looking from different perspectives. Here is the view from Zophar's vantage point. Zophar believes wicked men will get their just due from God:
Job 20:29
This is the wicked man's portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God."
However, Job is talking about those he sees, though wicked and caring nothing for God, rejoice and dance and accumulate (see also Psalm 73). Notice the picture Job paints. This is what his picture was in chapter 1. His children were dancing and singing and a whirlwind came and destroyed them. Job was looking at the here and now, because he is in the here and now. Both men are right. Jeremiah was right. The wicked do prosper. Yet, only for awhile. There days look like Job's point-of-view, but their end looks like Zophar's point-of-view. We can get jealous and envious of their prosperity. Job failed to rejoice in his suffering that it was a gift from God. Zophar failed to point Job in that direction. The righteous suffer, but not in the way the wicked will! One is a gift - the others is a punishment.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Tag: God's Word - Psalm 27-29
Psalms 29:3-4
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
Tag: God's Word
Psalm 29 is about the "voice of the Lord. The word for "voice" is first used in the Bible in the following way:
Genesis 3:8
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
After Adam and Eve sinned the "sound" of God walking in the garden caused fear in their hearts. Because Adam listened to the "voice" of his wife, he was punished (Genesis 3:10), as was all mankind. In one sense you see the voice of God being feared and in the other the voice of Eve being destructive. God's voice is not like man's voice. In the above text we see that God's voice was "over the waters." This is probably a reference to the flood. Note what David says in this chapter a few verses later:
Psalms 29:10
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
God's voice was over the waters. God spoke and the flood poured out on mankind. His voice is powerful and full of majesty. When Isaiah heard the voice of God he fell down to his knees. When Moses heard the voice of God from fiery bush he fell down on his knees. When Paul heard the voice of God from heaven he fell down on his knees. Today we hear the voice of God as we read the Scripture. His Word is powerful. Note how David said it back in an earlier chapter in Psalms:
Psalms 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
God's Word is powerful. It revives the soul!!
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
Tag: God's Word
Psalm 29 is about the "voice of the Lord. The word for "voice" is first used in the Bible in the following way:
Genesis 3:8
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
After Adam and Eve sinned the "sound" of God walking in the garden caused fear in their hearts. Because Adam listened to the "voice" of his wife, he was punished (Genesis 3:10), as was all mankind. In one sense you see the voice of God being feared and in the other the voice of Eve being destructive. God's voice is not like man's voice. In the above text we see that God's voice was "over the waters." This is probably a reference to the flood. Note what David says in this chapter a few verses later:
Psalms 29:10
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
God's voice was over the waters. God spoke and the flood poured out on mankind. His voice is powerful and full of majesty. When Isaiah heard the voice of God he fell down to his knees. When Moses heard the voice of God from fiery bush he fell down on his knees. When Paul heard the voice of God from heaven he fell down on his knees. Today we hear the voice of God as we read the Scripture. His Word is powerful. Note how David said it back in an earlier chapter in Psalms:
Psalms 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
God's Word is powerful. It revives the soul!!
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Tag: Suffering and God - Ruth
Ruth 1:19-21
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Tag: Suffering and God
Here is a picture of real suffering. Naomi had left her land with her husband and her two sons. However, she returned to Bethlehem, having all three died. Ruth, her daughter-in-law returned with her. But, she was a broken woman. She wanted to be called "Mara," which means "bitter" in Hebrew. The name "Naomi" in Hebrew means "pleasant." There is the picture of suffering: Pleasent turns into bitter. How did this happen? To whom does Naomi attribute this suffering? She states clearly, "... for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I wen away full, and the Lord has brought be back empty." She actually states, "... the Almighty has brought calamity upon me!" We might, in haste, think, no, "God did not bring calamity on you, Naomi, life did." We might let her know that Satan probably did this, like in the case of Job. Or, we might counsel her that, no, Satan did this. Yet, notes what the prophet Isaiah tells us about God and how He works in this world:
Isaiah 45:7
I form light and create darkness,
I make well-being and create calamity,
I am the Lord, who does all these things.
God brings "calamity" into our lives to bring glory to Him!!! We might think that all "calamity" is a result of evil in this world ... and we would be right ... in regard to the source of calamity. But, God uses calamity by removing His grace to accomplish His plans. Instead of being bitter, Naomi needed to come in faith to recognize God created this calamity to accomplish something greater for Himself. In the end of this book. Notice the ending. This is what God is doing with all the calamity He creates:
Ruth 4:14-17
Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Tag: Suffering and God
Here is a picture of real suffering. Naomi had left her land with her husband and her two sons. However, she returned to Bethlehem, having all three died. Ruth, her daughter-in-law returned with her. But, she was a broken woman. She wanted to be called "Mara," which means "bitter" in Hebrew. The name "Naomi" in Hebrew means "pleasant." There is the picture of suffering: Pleasent turns into bitter. How did this happen? To whom does Naomi attribute this suffering? She states clearly, "... for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I wen away full, and the Lord has brought be back empty." She actually states, "... the Almighty has brought calamity upon me!" We might, in haste, think, no, "God did not bring calamity on you, Naomi, life did." We might let her know that Satan probably did this, like in the case of Job. Or, we might counsel her that, no, Satan did this. Yet, notes what the prophet Isaiah tells us about God and how He works in this world:
Isaiah 45:7
I form light and create darkness,
I make well-being and create calamity,
I am the Lord, who does all these things.
God brings "calamity" into our lives to bring glory to Him!!! We might think that all "calamity" is a result of evil in this world ... and we would be right ... in regard to the source of calamity. But, God uses calamity by removing His grace to accomplish His plans. Instead of being bitter, Naomi needed to come in faith to recognize God created this calamity to accomplish something greater for Himself. In the end of this book. Notice the ending. This is what God is doing with all the calamity He creates:
Ruth 4:14-17
Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Tag: God punishes evil - Genesis 36-39
Genesis 38:7-10
But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also.
Tag: God punishes Evil
We live in a world where people believe God is either impotent (unable to correct sin in the world) or oblivious (uncaring about sin in the world). The above passage shows God's outrage for sin. Most people would classify the above passage as a classic "Old Testament" story. This is what the "angry God" of the OT does. Yet, we see God, in Acts 5, strike down two people for lying about the gift they gave tot he church. Ananias and Sapphira told the church and Peter that they sold some land for "x" amount of money, but it was a lie. God struck them dead, during a church service. God punishes Evil. We might not always see the punishment (like in the above passage), but God does punish evil. Judah's two sons did something, so evil, that God intervened and killed them. God and evil cannot co-exist. This story may be in the God's Word simply to contrast the story of Joseph that surrounds this chapter. Joseph was in dire straights and God blessed him. Judah was responsible for selling Joseph to the Midianite traders and God caused this hardship to come upon him. He gave his father grief by selling Joseph into slaver. God gave him grief by killing two of his sons. God hates evil and WILL punish it. Old or New Testament.
But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also.
Tag: God punishes Evil
We live in a world where people believe God is either impotent (unable to correct sin in the world) or oblivious (uncaring about sin in the world). The above passage shows God's outrage for sin. Most people would classify the above passage as a classic "Old Testament" story. This is what the "angry God" of the OT does. Yet, we see God, in Acts 5, strike down two people for lying about the gift they gave tot he church. Ananias and Sapphira told the church and Peter that they sold some land for "x" amount of money, but it was a lie. God struck them dead, during a church service. God punishes Evil. We might not always see the punishment (like in the above passage), but God does punish evil. Judah's two sons did something, so evil, that God intervened and killed them. God and evil cannot co-exist. This story may be in the God's Word simply to contrast the story of Joseph that surrounds this chapter. Joseph was in dire straights and God blessed him. Judah was responsible for selling Joseph to the Midianite traders and God caused this hardship to come upon him. He gave his father grief by selling Joseph into slaver. God gave him grief by killing two of his sons. God hates evil and WILL punish it. Old or New Testament.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Tag: Wisdom of God vs Wisdom of Man - 1 Corinthians 1-2
1 Corinthians 1:21
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
Tag: Wisdom of God vs Wisdom of Man
The Corinthian church was set in the context of Greek wisdom and philosophy. The Greeks loved their wisdom (the word philosophy is two Greek words, Love and Wisdom). In Paul's day there were 40-50 different bents of wisdom. People followed they one they "thought" right. This is what the believers at Corinth brought into the church. They began to follow Paul, Peter, Apollos, etc. They wanted to follow the one who they "thought" best. But, in the above verse, what we see is God never intended man's wisdom to be able to bring someone to Christ. Man can't be saved by human wisdom. Using man's wisdom to lead them to Christ simply will not work. Note how John MacArthur describes this thought:
"Although it is true that men have recognized much that is true about life, a Christian has no need of human philosophy. It is unnecessary and, more often than not, misleading. Where it happens to be right it will agree with Scripture, and is therefore unnecessary. Where it is wrong it will disagree with Scripture, and is therefore misleading. It has nothing necessary or reliable to offer. By nature it is speculation, based on man’s limited and fallible insights and understanding. It is always unreliable and always divisive. “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Col. 2:8)." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Set (33 Vols.)
If we want to lead others to find meaning, truth and value in life it will NOT be through any human wisdom. God did not design man to be lead to Christ via that method. It WILL BE through the simply truths of the Gospel message. As man attempts to elevate his wisdom about life it will only take him farther from Christ and the true meaning of life. We only need Christ.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
Tag: Wisdom of God vs Wisdom of Man
The Corinthian church was set in the context of Greek wisdom and philosophy. The Greeks loved their wisdom (the word philosophy is two Greek words, Love and Wisdom). In Paul's day there were 40-50 different bents of wisdom. People followed they one they "thought" right. This is what the believers at Corinth brought into the church. They began to follow Paul, Peter, Apollos, etc. They wanted to follow the one who they "thought" best. But, in the above verse, what we see is God never intended man's wisdom to be able to bring someone to Christ. Man can't be saved by human wisdom. Using man's wisdom to lead them to Christ simply will not work. Note how John MacArthur describes this thought:
"Although it is true that men have recognized much that is true about life, a Christian has no need of human philosophy. It is unnecessary and, more often than not, misleading. Where it happens to be right it will agree with Scripture, and is therefore unnecessary. Where it is wrong it will disagree with Scripture, and is therefore misleading. It has nothing necessary or reliable to offer. By nature it is speculation, based on man’s limited and fallible insights and understanding. It is always unreliable and always divisive. “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Col. 2:8)." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Set (33 Vols.)
If we want to lead others to find meaning, truth and value in life it will NOT be through any human wisdom. God did not design man to be lead to Christ via that method. It WILL BE through the simply truths of the Gospel message. As man attempts to elevate his wisdom about life it will only take him farther from Christ and the true meaning of life. We only need Christ.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Tag: Pride - Matthew 23-25
Matthew 23:10-12
Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Tag: Pride
Jesus, in this section of Matthew's gospel, is providing teaching to His disciples and the crowd around Him. In the crowd, no doubt, were Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus begins to excoriate these religious zealots for their hypocrisy and the way they were deceiving the nation of Israel. In this teaching Jesus is blunt and to the point. He calls the religious leaders "white washed tombs" who are white on the outside but full of death inside. However, to start the speech out, Jesus outlines the above principle: Pride is destructive; humility is exalting. The issue with religious leaders was their pride. Their teaching is actually right (Matthew 23:2), but the pride of their life doesn't allow them to obey their own teaching. That is the point of this passage. They (Pharisees) had the Word. But, they didn't internalize the Word. Their ego prevented them from placing themselves in the proper attitude. Their role was to be "instructors" UNDER the Master instructor ... Their Father in Heaven ... The Master Teacher. They were to be "servants." When leadership allows their pride to consume them they will, inevitably, attempt to consume others.
Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Tag: Pride
Jesus, in this section of Matthew's gospel, is providing teaching to His disciples and the crowd around Him. In the crowd, no doubt, were Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus begins to excoriate these religious zealots for their hypocrisy and the way they were deceiving the nation of Israel. In this teaching Jesus is blunt and to the point. He calls the religious leaders "white washed tombs" who are white on the outside but full of death inside. However, to start the speech out, Jesus outlines the above principle: Pride is destructive; humility is exalting. The issue with religious leaders was their pride. Their teaching is actually right (Matthew 23:2), but the pride of their life doesn't allow them to obey their own teaching. That is the point of this passage. They (Pharisees) had the Word. But, they didn't internalize the Word. Their ego prevented them from placing themselves in the proper attitude. Their role was to be "instructors" UNDER the Master instructor ... Their Father in Heaven ... The Master Teacher. They were to be "servants." When leadership allows their pride to consume them they will, inevitably, attempt to consume others.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Tag: God's faithfulness to His People - Isaiah 45-50
Isaiah 49:22-23
Thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations,
and raise my signal to the peoples;
and they shall bring your sons in their arms,
and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
Kings shall be your foster fathers,
and their queens your nursing mothers.
With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,
and lick the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.”
Tag: God's Faithfulness to His People
The book of Isaiah, especially these chapters (45-50) are the prophecy about God using a wicked nation (Babylon) to punish God's people (Israel). Israel had disobeyed God, turned to the idols of the world and, now, had to pay for this behavior. They had rejected the Lord, their God. However, as throughout the entire book and most of prophecy, Isaiah gives hope to the remnant of people who keep faith in God. In the above passage we see the hope for those who still obey and, by faith, walk with God. God must have a remnant, as the Messiah will eventually come form this nation. The take-away from the above verses is found in the last lines: "... those who wait for me shall not be put to shame." This calls for an immense amount of hope and faith. God will supply that. As we read His promises and trust in His character, we know that we can "wait" on Him. It may not look like we envisioned it, at the end, but it will be what God wants and bring glory to Him in the end. Those who "wait" will be able to glorify Him!!
Thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations,
and raise my signal to the peoples;
and they shall bring your sons in their arms,
and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
Kings shall be your foster fathers,
and their queens your nursing mothers.
With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,
and lick the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.”
Tag: God's Faithfulness to His People
The book of Isaiah, especially these chapters (45-50) are the prophecy about God using a wicked nation (Babylon) to punish God's people (Israel). Israel had disobeyed God, turned to the idols of the world and, now, had to pay for this behavior. They had rejected the Lord, their God. However, as throughout the entire book and most of prophecy, Isaiah gives hope to the remnant of people who keep faith in God. In the above passage we see the hope for those who still obey and, by faith, walk with God. God must have a remnant, as the Messiah will eventually come form this nation. The take-away from the above verses is found in the last lines: "... those who wait for me shall not be put to shame." This calls for an immense amount of hope and faith. God will supply that. As we read His promises and trust in His character, we know that we can "wait" on Him. It may not look like we envisioned it, at the end, but it will be what God wants and bring glory to Him in the end. Those who "wait" will be able to glorify Him!!
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Tag: Comforting the hurting - Job 18-19
Job 19:21-22
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends,
for the hand of God has touched me!
Why do you, like God, pursue me?
Why are you not satisfied with my flesh?
Tag: Comforting the weary
At this point in the book of Job, his three friends and Job himself are tangled in a web of argumentation and debate. Job believes the bad that has come upon him is God, but he can't see why. His three friends believe the evil that has come upon him is directly due to his sin. In the above chapter he is directly responding to Bildad, a friend who goes as far as stating that Job is among those who don't even "know God:"
Job 18:21
Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous,
such is the place of him who knows not God.”
Job simply pleads for mercy. He wishes they would be satisfied with seeing his flesh destroyed and not wish to destroy, further, his spirit. Job simply wants mercy. He wants them to have compassion on him, not judge him. He did not invite them to come to him. They decided to come to him to bring him comfort:
Job 2:11
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
However, that did not happen. Instead of the comfort they wanted to give and instead of the mercy he was hoping to receive, judgement came. Imagine the hope in his eyes when his friends showed up, coming a far way to see him. Yet, the kindness in their intent was smothered by the judgement in their hearts. Job only wanted mercy. Mercy is what those who are hurting want.
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends,
for the hand of God has touched me!
Why do you, like God, pursue me?
Why are you not satisfied with my flesh?
Tag: Comforting the weary
At this point in the book of Job, his three friends and Job himself are tangled in a web of argumentation and debate. Job believes the bad that has come upon him is God, but he can't see why. His three friends believe the evil that has come upon him is directly due to his sin. In the above chapter he is directly responding to Bildad, a friend who goes as far as stating that Job is among those who don't even "know God:"
Job 18:21
Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous,
such is the place of him who knows not God.”
Job simply pleads for mercy. He wishes they would be satisfied with seeing his flesh destroyed and not wish to destroy, further, his spirit. Job simply wants mercy. He wants them to have compassion on him, not judge him. He did not invite them to come to him. They decided to come to him to bring him comfort:
Job 2:11
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
However, that did not happen. Instead of the comfort they wanted to give and instead of the mercy he was hoping to receive, judgement came. Imagine the hope in his eyes when his friends showed up, coming a far way to see him. Yet, the kindness in their intent was smothered by the judgement in their hearts. Job only wanted mercy. Mercy is what those who are hurting want.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Tag: Friendship with God - Psalm 24-26
Psalms 25:14-15
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Tag: Friendship (intimacy) with God
The term "friendship" in the above passage comes from the Hebrew word, "Sod." It means to share intimate counsel with someone. In the context of this verse (using Hebrew parallelism ... one line compliments, contrasts, or expands the other line) "friendship" correlates with the words "he makes known" in the next line. The point of the first is to illuminate to us that God's covenant was not just a document to be obeyed, but it is a relationship to be lived. God brings those, who come to Him by faith, into an intimate relationship with Him via the Covenant. As a result of that relationship with can claim the promise found in the second verse in the above passage: He will pluck my feet out of the net. The covenant was not just to be obeyed, but enjoyed in a relationship with God. The above passage states that God "makes known" to the faithful believer "His covenant." God is active in revealing His nature and His divine plans via the covenant. Obedience to the covenant is a normal response to what God has done for us. Intimacy with God is a natural result of faithful obedience to the covenant. God wants a relationship with us, not just compliance.
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Tag: Friendship (intimacy) with God
The term "friendship" in the above passage comes from the Hebrew word, "Sod." It means to share intimate counsel with someone. In the context of this verse (using Hebrew parallelism ... one line compliments, contrasts, or expands the other line) "friendship" correlates with the words "he makes known" in the next line. The point of the first is to illuminate to us that God's covenant was not just a document to be obeyed, but it is a relationship to be lived. God brings those, who come to Him by faith, into an intimate relationship with Him via the Covenant. As a result of that relationship with can claim the promise found in the second verse in the above passage: He will pluck my feet out of the net. The covenant was not just to be obeyed, but enjoyed in a relationship with God. The above passage states that God "makes known" to the faithful believer "His covenant." God is active in revealing His nature and His divine plans via the covenant. Obedience to the covenant is a normal response to what God has done for us. Intimacy with God is a natural result of faithful obedience to the covenant. God wants a relationship with us, not just compliance.
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