Tag: We Can Trust God’s Word - Luke 15-16

Luke 16:17

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.

Tag:  We Can Trust God’s Word. 

The above verse is taken from Jesus words to His disciples.  He is teaching them about Himself, the Gospel and the power of faithfulness.   The religious leaders of the day (the Pharisees) were standing near by and complaining about certain behaviors of Jesus’ disciples.   In the midst of the teaching, using parables and lessons, Jesus states the above text.  He is doing so to make sure that the disciples remember that when God speaks, He does so with trustworthiness.   To understand the above statement we have to know about Hebrew penmanship.   The writing of Hebrew words was very distinct (the Old Testament was written in Hebrew ... at the time of Jesus’ teaching the New Testament was not yet written).  In other verses of the Bible, the word “dot” is translated, “jot” and “tittle.”  It is the apex of a Hebrew letter.   In the English language we would associate the dot on the letter “i.”    In the Hebrew alphabet it is much more distinct.   The Hebrew word bi’ is different than the Hebrew word bi`.  The shape of the “tittle” matters in the Hebrew language.  The point being made by Jesus is that God is so trustworthy with His Word, that it would be easier for heaven and earth to dissolve on its own, than to have one “dot” to not be fulfilled by God in His faithfulness.  To trust God is to trust what He says.  Others lie.  God CAN NOT lie.   God must fulfill the smallest details of His Word.  We can trust God because He will fulfill His word to the very last dot.  

Tag: God Cleans Us Up!! - Ezekiel 13-18

Ezekiel 16:3-7

and say, Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem: Your origin and your birth are of the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. And as for your birth, on the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you, nor rubbed with salt, nor wrapped in swaddling cloths. No eye pitied you, to do any of these things to you out of compassion for you, but you were cast out on the open field, for you were abhorred, on the day that you were born.

“And when I passed by you and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ I made you flourish like a plant of the field. And you grew up and became tall and arrived at full adornment. Your breasts were formed, and your hair had grown; yet you were naked and bare.

Tag:  Salvation 

The above passage is describing Abraham after God first spotted him.   The nation of Israel are descendants of Abraham.   They have become a great nation and have forsaken their heritage.   God, in the above passage, is reminding them that before He knew them, they were nothing.   The now think they are something special.   They had rejected God, as though they didn’t need Him.  But, this is God telling them He made them.  He took them from wickedness and an abandoned state and made something of them. He clothe them and made them a great nation.   God was the one who saw them alone and neglected.   He gave them life and caused them to live in a way that they became a great nation.   Yet, now, they were forsaking Him.  This is a great picture of what God did for us when He saved us.  Note what Paul writes to the early church:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

God saves us.  He washes the sin away.  He makes us pure and holy in His eye (Justification) and works in our daily lives to enable us to live holy (Sanctification).   We, like Israel, begin to think we are something.  We are not.   God redeemed us when we were the least likely to be saved.   That is God’s amazing Grace. 

Tag: Passion or Proverbs? Proverbs 7

Proverbs 7:24 (NASBStr)

Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,

And pay attention to the words of my mouth.

Tag: Listen to your passions or His proverbs? 

The word "listen" in the above proverb, in the Hebrew, is used over 1,000 times in the Bible.  LIke trees on the road you might simply pass it by without noticing.  Solomon, in chapter seven, is describing for us the perils of an adulterous women (code-speak for the deceptions of folly in our lives).   After describing at length what she looks like and how she approaches the "naive", he is now given us the one proverb solution to avoid her charms, but then her crimes, and eventually her crushing blows.   In the first four verses of this chapter and the next verse (25) Solomon gives us the key to unlock the chains of seductive sin.   HIs solution?  Listen!!  Pay attention!!   The words might cause us to pause and think this is too simple.   Yet, that is his solution.   He is telling us that the way to avoid the sin of folly, especially as it manifests itself in the seductive nature of adultery, is to hear God's Word and pay attention to the wisdom found in it.   But, the listening is not simple grade-school-passive-hearing.   To listen to God's Word is to digest and allow the things it teaches us to impact, motive and direct our lives.   If we get caught "listening" to the seductress; or, paying attention to the flattery of her words, we will be lead astray.  It should be noted that the seducer in this chapter gets the attention of the naive one through his senses and then has him "listen" to her.  The lips stick gets him to "pay attention."  The words lead him to listen and fall.   We listen and obey many things.   But, the solution to avoid sin is to use those senses to listen to truth, rather than deception.  If you want to avoid the pains of death listen to the words of life.

Chapter seven is all about the naive young lad who is lead astray by the experienced lady of the night. Her seduction maneuvers are classic and appeal to his base nature.   He is sucked into the vortex of her charms.  She has appealed to his most vulnerable passions.  He has a passion for attention (she tells him she came out on the street to meet "only" him).  He has a passion for pleasure (look how she describes her bed).  He has a passion for safety (see where she promises that her "husband" won't be home until a certain date).   He had all kinds of passion but not the passion for his Maker or his Savior.   As a result his wicked passions will bring him straight to Sheol (to the grave).   His accepting her offerings will produce a life of shame, guilt, and sin.  Instead of “listening” to the Word of God (as Solomon recommends), this young man is listening to his passions, that are being pulled away by Lady Folly.   We will listen to something.  We must make it God’s Word, not our passions.   

Tag: Depression Solution - Psalm 75-77

Psalms 77:7-14

“Will the Lord spurn forever,

and never again be favorable?

Has his steadfast love forever ceased?

Are his promises at an end for all time?

Has God forgotten to be gracious?

Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

Then I said, “I will appeal to this,

to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

I will ponder all your work,

and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

Tag:  What To Do When We Think God is Gone!!

Psalm 77 is a Psalm of the song writer Asaph.  Asaph was assigned to the royal choirs by King David and Solomon.   Asaph, in the above portion of Psalm 77, is, apparently, in a tight spot.  He feels as though that the trouble soured him is all he has and God is, somehow, missing.  Asaph complains that it “feels” like God is gone.  He asks, “Has his steadfast love forever ceased?”   Are His promises at an end for all times?  He is basically in a state of deep depression.   He even asks, “Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”  So, Asaph, like most of us at some point in our lives, is thinking that whatever he has done in his life has stop God from caring, loving or saving and turned God ageist us.   

Yet, note the solution.   He goes on to say, “I will ponder all your work and mediated on your mighty deeds.”   In the midst of the worst trouble of his life, what does this believe in God do?  He changes what he thinks about.  He begins to think about all the great things God has done for him and other peoples of faith.   After all this thinking and meditation on God vs his own situation, he concludes, “You are the God who works wonders.  You make known your might among the peoples.”    Asaph quit looking at his situation and gazed at his God.  The same was true for Job.  Job was obsessed with his situation.  In Job 38-41 Job is asked by God, to consider His mighty deeds:

Job 38:4

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

In the midst of Elijah’s depression, God made Himself known in his greatness (1 Kings 19).  Elijah was depressed, feared for his life and saw no hope.  God, put him in a cave and then showed him His glory. He wanted Elijah’s eyes off his circumstances and gazing only on the greatness of God.   

When Paul had a “thorn” in his side (most suspect he was losing his eye sight), he pleaded with God three times to remove it.  Instead God said, “My strength is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12).   God used his weakness to reveal His power and strength.  Paul quit looking at the loss of his eyes and, through the eyes of faith, saw God’s power. 

In the midst of our hurt, pain and suffering, we are to gaze at the power and work of God.   What happened in Psalm 77 when Asaph did that?  

Psalms 77:19

Your way was through the sea,

your path through the great waters;

yet your footprints were unseen.

Tag: God Displays His Glory Through Evil Men - 1 Kings 18-22

1 Kings 20:28

And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’”

Tag: God Displays His Glory - Even Through Evil Men

Ahab was not a godly king.  He was an evil man, married to an evil woman (Jezebel).  God would, soon, condemn Ahab for the wicked leadership he brought to Israel.   Yet, when attacked by the King of Syria, Ben-hadad, God was willing to show His glory through the army of Ahab.   When Ben-had attack Israel earlier, he lost the fight.   His excuse for losing the fight was that he was not prepared to fight in the mountain ranges.  He was more of a “plain” guy.   He boasted that he and his army could beat Israel when fighting on the “plain.”   This is where the above verse comes in.  God will not have His glory mocked.  God will even show His glory through the a sinful and wicked king like Ahab.   Because of Ahab’s wickedness, God had sent a drought on the land and had Elijah come to send rain. God knew the wickedness of Ahab. He knows my wickedness.  He knows, yet He chooses to show His glory through wicked men.  God can use any means to show His glory.   

Tag; God Takes Service Seriously - Leviticus 7-9

Leviticus 8:34-36

As has been done today, the Lord has commanded to be done to make atonement for you. At the entrance of the tent of meeting you shall remain day and night for seven days, performing what the Lord has charged, so that you do not die, for so I have been commanded.” And Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord commanded by Moses.

Tag:  God Takes Service Seriously

The above passage is taken from the ordination of Aaron and his sons.  They are instructed to stay at the entrance of the tent (the Tabernacle) for seven days. That was the days of their purification.   But, what if they would have disobeyed?  They would die.   God did not mess around with service for Him. His servants are supposed to obey the very letter of the law.   God wanted them to observe the law and find a way to lead the people into obedience to the law ... the very letter of it.   That is the problem, of course.  No one can obey the law to the exact letter.  And, disobedience leads to condemnation.   Service to God should not be taken lightly.  God is holy and this process He had for Aaron and his sons was to be holy, as well.   Aaron is a picture of the believer.  We are to be holy.   Christ died to make us holy.  We don’t need to follow the Law, but we do need to pursue holiness:

1 Peter 1:15-16

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Tag: Grace on the Lips - Ephesians 4-6

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Tag:  Grace on the Lips

There is nothing worse than someone who is right on point and poor on presentation.   There is an obligation as a believer to make sure that we deliver truth.  Paul has just said this, twice, in two previous verses:

Ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Ephesians 4:25

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

So, speaking truth, is the first step.  We are not to “couch” the truth; we are not to “water down” the truth.  We are to “speak” the truth.  But, we are to speak truth to make sure that our deliver is not filled with “corruptions.”   Corruption in our speech distorts the truth we are conveying.  There is one thing to be right and another to not be heard about the right because of the way we are saying it.   Those right on point and wrong on presentation are often turned off in the minds of the hearers.   We have an obligation, as believers, to deliver the message in a way worthy of the message. If the message is truth we have an obligation to deliver the truth so that the listener can have the best chance to hear the truth.  When we used corrupt communication (speaking with anger, motivated by an agenda, seeking to manipulate).   We are to hear as we speak.  The object is to “building up for good.”  

Tag: Commitment and Perserverance - Luke 13-14

Luke 14:34-35

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Tag:  Perseverance and Commitment Matter

The context of the above passage comes at the end of Jesus talking about commitment.  Note Jesus words:

Luke 14:26-27

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

And:

Luke 14:33

So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Verse 33 should be part of 34-35.   There should not be a break, although most Bibles indicate some break in the chapter.   The thought shows that Christ demands that our commitment to Him is one that preserves.  We should be committed just as salt is salty.  The mindset is that IF salt were to lose its saltiness, what can you do?  It is good for nothing.  If something else loses its taste you can use salt to revive it.  But, what revives salt? If we have been drawn to Christ and we walk away, stop believing, tire of the walk, what can help us?  We are good for nothing; only worthy to be tossed out.   God demands a commitment that we follow through with what we say we are going to do.   We can’t follow through without the power of the Spirit in our lives.  But, but faith we can trust that God will enable us to keep our commitments to Christ.  

Tag: God’s Servants Serve in Odd Ways - Ezekiel 7-12

Ezekiel 12:7

And I did as I was commanded. I brought out my baggage by day, as baggage for exile, and in the evening I dug through the wall with my own hands. I brought out my baggage at dusk, carrying it on my shoulder in their sight.

Tag:  God Uses His Servants in Odd Ways

In our mind we have an image of what the servant of God should look like.   When that picture breaks our norms we struggle.   John the Baptist broke the norms.  He was dressed different, eat different, and, more importantly, had a different message:

Luke 7:24-26

When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Luke 7:33

For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’

In the example of Ezekiel we see another example of someone who was used by God in a unique manner.  God told him to take his suitcases, dig a hole in the wall and pretend to be leaving the city.  He was to do this in the dusk of the evening.  He was to even blindfold himself, to indicate he did not know where he was going. 

Ezekiel 12:6

In their sight you shall lift the baggage upon your shoulder and carry it out at dusk. You shall cover your face that you may not see the land, for I have made you a sign for the house of Israel.”

The picture was a picture of going into exile.   The nation, especially the leaders, did not believe God was gong to punish them, much less send them into exile.   Ezekiel was used as a real life example of God’s wrath.  God uses His servants in odd ways.  We are not to question HOW He uses, only obey WHAT He wants us to do.   He may choose to used you to carry bags as an example to others.  He may call you to the wilderness to eat locust.   God calls us where He wants to use us the way He wants, when He wants.  

Tag: Fail to Ponder - Prepare to Wander - Proverbs 5-6

Proverbs 5:6

She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

The key thought in this proverbs is: Fail to ponder, fail to know, fail to grow. In the book of proverbs a women is often used to personify both wisdom and folly (wisdom chapter eight and folly chapter seven). Wisdom is personified as a women on the street who has laid out God's way for us. Folly is a women who is seen as an adulterous. She is in the night calling out to all the naive to attract him into mischief. In his verse we see folly, and adulterous, is failing to "ponder" her path. As a result she is both "unstable" and "ignorant." In our lives when we fail to ponder our path we will eventually be in the dark and in unstable ways. The Psalmist taught us to "number our days" (90:12). We are to measure what we have left in our life and to act accordingly. Folly puts us in the place to pay no attention to the path where we are walking. And, when we don't pay attention we have a habit of walking right off a cliff.  If we fail to ponder we will wander.   God wants us to consider our path.  He does:

Proverbs 5:21

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord,

and he ponders all his paths.

Solomon told us the same thing in the last chapter:

Proverbs 4:26

Ponder the path of your feet;

then all your ways will be sure.

We can fail to ponder our path, but if we do, we will also fail to have positive spiritual growth.   

Tag: Man Can’t Replace God - Psalm 72-74

Psalms 74:9

We do not see our signs;

there is no longer any prophet,

and there is none among us who knows how long.

Psalms 74:4

Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place;

they set up their own signs for signs.

Tag:  Man Can’t Replace God, But He Tries

Psalm 74 for a prayer to God.  Asaph, the writer, is asking God to not forget all that the “Foes” of God (and, by extension, Israel) have done to the Temple and the Jerusalem, the royal city.   They have ruined the city (vs 3) and and scattered the sheep (vs 1).   Asaph points out to God that there is no prophet or priest left to show them the meaning of all these things. (not as thought God didn’t notice, but to acknowledge that Asaph did and needs God’s help to understand it all).   Instead of God’s “signs” being seen and understood, the enemies of God have created their own signs.   The term “signs” was first used in God’s word to speak of the sun and moon.  They were to be “signs” for the seasons.   Later we see the word used for the staff of Moses and Morse hand being turned to leprosy before Pharaoh and the nation of Israel to demonstrate Moses’ authority.  They were powerful signs.   God uses “signs” to show His power.  Man attempts to replace God’s signs with their own philosophies and psychological wondering.   Paul tells us that the Jews always seek for signs:

 1 Corinthians 1:22

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,

He then goes on to tell the Corinthians that the only sign they need is the sign of the cross.   The cross was a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. However, that was the ultimate sign.  The world tries to change the signs, but the truth is, God shows us His sign:  The sign of the cross.   We are to rejoice in that sign and reject the signs of the world.  In Psalm 74 the world’s sign was their power and strength to destroy.  In the cross God’s sign is the power of redemption and the His strength to restore.  

Tag: God Answers Prayers or Weak Faith - 1 Kings 14-17

1 Kings 17:22-23

And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.”

Tag:  God Answers Prayer

In the above passage we read the end of the story of the widow who God provided to Elijah to help him.   While engaged with that service the widow’s son died ... or, so she thought.   But, God gave Elijah a chance for all of them to trust and express faith in prayer.   

Elijah was a man like us.  He had similar passions and similar fears.   Just before the above verses we read:

1 Kings 17:20

And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?”

Elijah was on the run, and throughout the story of Elijah we will read about his fear, lack of faith and even depression.   Yet, Elijah prayed and the young man, the widow’s son, came back to life.  We have in this story the prayer of a man who demonstrates fear, weak faith and depression in his life.  But, God had chosen him and made him righteous.   God sent Elijah to the King of Israel, Ahab, and told him the tell Ahab there would be a drought in the land (because of Ahab’s wickedness).   Ahab was an evil man and did wicked things to people.  Yet, Elijah, in obedience did what God said.  Here we have the story of fearful, shaking faith and even depressed man, at times, being used by God.  Look what God will later say about Elijah to the New Testament church:

James 5:17-18

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

James uses Elijah of the example of a righteous man who has great prayers!!  Why?  Why use a man who actually showed weak faith (at times); showed great fear (at times); and was depressed (at times)?  Notice what James says:

“Elijah was a man with a nurture like ours ...!”   God is not expecting us to be perfect as we live and pray to Him.  God is asking us to be obedient and trust Him in faith .... even weak, depressed and fearful faith.   

Tag: The Holy and the Profane - Leviticus 4-6

Leviticus 6:24-30

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering. In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the Lord; it is most holy. The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. In a holy place it shall be eaten, in the court of the tent of meeting. Whatever touches its flesh shall be holy, and when any of its blood is splashed on a garment, you shall wash that on which it was splashed in a holy place. And the earthenware vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken. But if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, that shall be scoured and rinsed in water. Every male among the priests may eat of it; it is most holy. But no sin offering shall be eaten from which any blood is brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it shall be burned up with fire.

Tag:  The Holy and Profane are to Not Mix

Throughout Leviticus we are told that Aaron and the Priest and the sacrifices were to be holy.  We are repeatedly told that the holy and the unholy were never to mix.  In the above passage we are told that if anything touches the holy, must also be holy.   In the issue of the “earthen vessels” (above), Moses is talking about clay pots.  If they use a clay pot to boil a sacrifice the pot, because it is clay and absorbs the sacrifice, is to be smashed on the ground and not used again.  If they use an bronze vessel, less pores, they are to scourge and rinse it with boiling water.   In the above text no “blood” is to be brought in; the blood is to be burned with fire.   The entire concept of the sacrifice is to keep the holy and the profane separate.  In today’s Christianity we have no different admonition.  We are to be holy.  We are not to mix with the profane.   The NT is full of admonition to keep the holy and the unholy separate.   The difference between the OT and the NT is NOT the requirement for holiness.   The difference is the type of sacrifice.  In the OT they offered in faith sacrifices of bulls, goats, birds and grain. In the NT Christ was offered and we believe by faith.   But, in both cases holiness is the goal.   

Tag: The Purpose of the Church (Not the Building) - Ephesians 1-3

Ephesians 3:7-13

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Tag; Purpose of the Church (not the building)

This is part of what John MacArthur’s commentary says about the above passage:

“The church does not exist simply for the purpose of saving souls, though that is a marvelous and important work. The supreme purpose of the church, as Paul makes explicit here, is to glorify God by manifesting His wisdom before the angels, who can then offer greater praise to God. The purpose of the universe is to give glory to God, and that will be its ultimate reality after all evil is conquered and destroyed. Even now, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Ps. 19:1). The church is not an end in itself but a means to an end, the end of glorifying God. The real drama of redemption can only be understood when we realize that the glory of God is the supreme goal of creation. Holy angels are especially made and confirmed in purity and praise as creatures who will forever give God glory (Ps. 148:2; Heb. 1:6), and the redemption of fallen men enriches their praise. Redeemed people, then, are to enhance angelic praise and some day in heaven to join in it (Rev. 4:8-11; 5:8-14; 7:9-12; 14:1-3; 19:1-8).”

Paul is not referring, here, to a physical building of the church.  He is referring to the “mystery” of Gentiles and Jews being brought together “in Christ” - thus forming the “church” - called out ones.   The reason we have been redeemed is to bring glory to God and the church is that agency God created and is using to proclaim to the universe that God is majestic!!   We are not part of an institution, we are part of a living organism designed to shine forth the glory and wonder of the God of the universe.  Going to “church” is a reflection of our coming together to the praise of His glorious grace!!

Tag: True Blessedness - Luke 11-12

Luke 11:27-28

As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Tag:  True Blessedness

When we think of being blessed, our modern society would probably focus on health of kids, depth of relationships with family, wealth of portfolio, length of life and strength of one’s work position.   That is what not, however, what Christ would considered blessed.   The above two verses are recorded at the end of a miracle of Jesus.  He has just cast a demon out of a man. The “religious establishment” is accusing Him of having power to do this work, because He, too, is of Satan (Beelzebub).   Christ quiets their criticism with simply logic, stating that if Satan casts out Satan, his evil kingdom would never be able to stand.  The implication is that if you, religious leaders, keep fighting with me, Christ, the kingdom of God is divided.  This woman in the crowd recognizes the power of Jesus words and the way He was able to stand up to the powerful leaders.  She believes, Mary, Jesus mother, should receive blessing because she gave birth to such a wise son.   Mary, indeed, is blessed.  But, she is blessed because, as a mother, she obey the Word of God when the angel came to her an told her she was going to give birth to the Messiah, having never had relationships with a man.  She did not mock, or cringe, she obeyed.   A single mother to be, alone in the world, ready to simply obey.   That is where Jesus takes the conversation.   Jesus raised the bar, without disagreeing with the woman.  Mary’s secret was obedience in faith despite the lack of common sense of the Word of God.  It made no sense to believe in a virgin birth.  But, Mary did.  She obeyed God’s Word by faith despite the ridiculousness of her circumstances.   This is why Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Obeying God’s Word Despite and through your situation is to be blessed above health, wealth, depth, strength and length of life.  

Tag: God’s Word is Sweet - Ezekiel 1-4

Ezekiel 3:1-3

And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.

Tag:  God’s Word is Sweet

Ezekiel was sent to speak to the nation of Israel right at the time of the exile.  He prophesied to those in Judah and those taken to Babylon in captivity.   The nation was rebellious.   Even as they were taken into captivity.   God had given them prophet after prophet to speak truth to them and they rejected them all.  They would also reject Ezekiel:

Ezekiel 2:4-6

The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.

Yet, the message for Ezekiel, the. Word of God, although rejected by the nation is sweet to the taste of Ezekiel.   When Ezekiel is instructed to “eat” the scroll, he tells us it was “in my mouth as sweet as honey.”    To those who approach God’s Word by faith, it is not a burden.  It is a blessings.   Notice what King David said when he wrote about God’s Word:

Psalms 19:10

More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey

and drippings of the honeycomb.

Psalms 119:103

How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

It is only in rebellion that we find God’s Word bitter to our taste.  There is an exception to that statement, however:

Revelation 10:8-9

Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”

John was similarity told to eat the scroll.  And, although it was sweet to the mouth, it was bitter to the stomach.  The reason for this is the judgements of God are not always sweet.  The application of God’s Word in our lives is not always pleasant.   We should receive it in the sweetness of faith for what it is meant to do, but God’s Word cuts and discerns and corrects the evil in our hearts.   That is bitter:

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Tag: God’s Word Heals - Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:20-22

My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

Tag:  God’s Word Heals 

Here are some other proverbs that speak in the same theme as the above proverbs:

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 12:18

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 13:17

A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Proverbs 14:30

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,

but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 29:1

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,

will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

The conclusion we would draw from the above verses is that “words’ have an impact on our health.   What people say to us and what we say to them, matters.   This proverbs should be added to the mix:

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

In the Proverbs 4 passage (above) Solomon tells us that God’s Word is “healing” to all flesh.  We know that God’s Word has a spiritual dimension, but, according to these verses, it has a physical aspect as well.   Notice what James tells us:

James 3:6-10

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

People need to be careful how they use “words.”  But, more importantly we need to remember that God’s Word has a physical “healing” aspect.  Speaking truth into the lives of those who believe truth can not only change their spiritual well being, but God’s Word makes it clear speaking God’s truth into people can also change their physical, mental, emotional and psychological states.   Speak God’s Truth!!!

Tag: Old Age - Psalm 69-71

Psalms 71:9

Do not cast me off in the time of old age;

forsake me not when my strength is spent.

Tag:  Old Age 

The writer of this Psalm is drawing to the close of life.  He, apparently, is under attack and has accusers (vs. 13); enemies (vs. 10); is facing the wicked (vs 4) and many bad circumstances and calamities (vs. 20).   In his old age he is calling to remembrance the “mighty deeds” of God (vs 16) and all the “wondrous deeds” (vs 17) of God.   His enemies are saying:

“God has forsaken Him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him.” (11). 

Where does a man turn to, who has trusted in God and seen might and wondrous deeds all his youth?  Better, who does he turn to?   This is the context of the above verse.   The writer is asking God to continue His faithfulness to him.  He has seen God’s faithfulness and experienced it over and over.   He wants to proclaim it to the next generation (v. 18).  He cries out and asks God to not forsake him (“cast” him off) in his old age.   The Hebrew word for the phrase “cast me off” is first used in Genesis.  Hager was told to leave Abraham and take her son, Ismael, into the desert.  When she finishes the last of the drink they have she takes young Ismael and “puts him under” a bush to die.  This is the same Hebrew word.  The writer of this Psalms does not want to be put under a bush to die.  In his old age he still believes he is profitable.   He still believes he has something to offer the next generation.    He wants everyone to know of God’s greatness and they are past his knowledge:  

Psalms 71:15

My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,

of your deeds of salvation all the day,

for their number is past my knowledge.

His old age is not to be spent in “retirement” - it is to be spent in teaching and showing the greatness of God and God’s character.  This is why he is saying/asking: Do not cast me off in the time of old age!  He still has work to do.  

Tag: Idols Come in All Sizes - 1 Kings 10–13

1 Kings 11:1-3

Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart.

Tag:  Idols come in all Sizes

It has always perplexed me as to why Solomon did what is reported in the above passage.  The chapter just before this tells us that Solomon’s wisdom was so great that people came from all over the world to hear him speak.   Solomon was noted for his wisdom - but why would he make such choices.   He wrote thousands of proverbs - many are about the temptation of sin through woman.  In the book of Proverbs he used the “adulterous” woman as a the ultimate metaphor for folly and sin.   However, the above passage shows us that his writings were probably, often, through his own failures and experiences.   Having wisdom from God does not exempt us from falling into sin and making unwise choices.   Temptation happens to all and all can fall into a pattern of sin.  Solomon allowed the hunger for women in his life to corrupt him.  He introduced false gods to the nation of Israel and these false gods would, eventually, cause the nation to fall into captivity.   The King who is known for wisdom and integrity succumbed to his own fleshly hungers and caused many to sin.   Wisdom is not a guarantee of not sinning.  It is only a guarantee that God is in you life and giving you the ability to know what is right and wrong.   It will NOT keep you from never sining.   It will help you make better choices after you sin, however.   Solomon’s sin does not discredit his message in God’s Word.   It does show us, however, that we have to apply his words if we want to prevent his life style.  

Tag: How Do We Smell - Leviticus 1-3

Leviticus 3:5

Then Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering, which is on the wood on the fire; it is a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Tag: What Does Our Life Smell Like to God. 

In the above passage Moses is telling the nation of Israel how their sacrifices should be toward God.  If the sacrifice was done right and their hearts were right, the sacrifice would be “a plaguing aroma to the Lord.”    In the OT economy we are told about the way animist, bird, grain and other sacrifices were to be made.  The nation of Israel would eventually get away from the “heart” of their worship and soon slip into “form” worship.  When they offered sacrifices they were to put their hands on the head of the sacrifice to signify that the sacrifice was a representative of them.   So, the concept was not about the form, but the function.  Notice what Paul said about our own personal sacrifice in the NT:

2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

Others should smell Christ on us.  We should be reflecting the character and image of Christ.   Our sacrificial living ought to be pleasing to Christ.   That is what true “worship” is to be about.   It is not about our form, but our heart.   Making sure we worship in “spirit and truth” is what Christ wants from us:

John 4:24

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

God does not want form from us.  He wants a heart worship that produces an aroma pleasing to Him and a fragrance where others can smell Christ on our lives.  

Tag: Walk in the Spirit - Galatians 4-6

Galatians 5:16-18

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Tag:  Walk in the Spirit

Before you read the above set of verses it is important to state we are justified by grace through faith AND we are sanctified by grace through faith.   It is a key to remember that.  With both the bent man has to perform, the terms used by the writers of the Scriptures (walk is an action, you do, verb), and the false teaching that is not based upon grace through faith, it is easy to think that our justification might be by faith, but to “keep” ourselves saved, we must do something.   Once we are saved (justification) we begin being made holy in our daily lives (sanctification) by the Spirit.  God is in the process of making us holy.  But, He uses terms that include our involvement, even though the “power” behind it is ALL the Holy Spirit.   There are three things to learn from the above set of verses:

1. We are “Walk” in the Spirit.  That implies progress and steps toward something.   The fact that he uses the term “walk” should not imply “work”, but rather movement, direction and progress.  It is “in the Spirit” - remember that Paul is writing AGAINST the legalism of the day.   There were those in the church that wanted the believers to “fulfill” the requirements of the Law.  Since Paul is writing “against” man’s efforts to make himself holy it would be wise to avoid turning his argument against that mindset into support for our own efforts.   Later Paul will tell us how that it is the SPIRIT that produces fruit in our lives.   We don’t produce it.  The term “walk” mean that those who live by faith and submit to the Spirit’s leading will produce fruit and be “walking in the Spirit.” 

2. It is a “War” when we are in the Spirit.   Notice that it says that the Spirit and the Flesh (our natural desires) are “opposed” to one another.  That means they have different agendas and different hungers.   We have to understand we are in a war.  Our “weapons” are not, however, flesh weapon. You DON’T fight a spiritual war with flesh weapons.  Notice what Paul said to the Corinthian believers:

2 Corinthians 10:4

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

And to the Ephesians:

Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We are in a war and we better not try to fight it with flesh oriented behaviors.  That is what gets us into the war as losers.  

3. It is a “Way” of life when we walk in the Spirit.   Notice what John MacArthur says about this portion of Paul’s teaching:

“The fact that peripateō (walk) is used here in the present tense indicates that Paul is speaking of continuous, regular action, in other words, a habitual way of life. And the fact that the verb is also in the imperative mood indicates he is not giving believers an option but a command.”   

The tense of the verb “walk” indicates that what Paul is looking for is a way of life.  We have to take a look at our lives.   If our “way” of life reflects the “fleshly’ impulses of the past, we might want to check our true belief in Christ.    Those who truly “walk” in the Spirit, should be able to look at their past and see a path.  A path indicates a way of life.  This is to be a “way” of life for us.   

Paul is telling us that a Justified life WILL BE a Sanctified life.   That happens when we yield to the Spirit’s leading and walk by His power and submit to His teaching in our lives.