Moses has a Mental Block - Numbers 29-32

Numbers 32:6-8 (ESV Strong's)

But Moses said to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here? Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the Lord has given them? Your fathers did this, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.

Moses has a Mental Block

When the tribes of Reuben and Gad came to request from Moses a new place to dwell, Moses immediately went to his memory bank and collected some raw data.    Reuben and Gad were livestock owners and, before crossing over the Jordon River with the rest of the nation of Israel, they thought, “why not just live here!”    They saw the land they were in and they thought they might as well build cities and live there.  It was great land for raising livestock.  But, since Moses had brought them to the edge of the promise land (as he had 40 years prior) and had prepared them for the next step for Joshua to lead them over to the Promise Land.  Moses remembered that in the prior step into the Promise Land the heads of the twelve tribes had allowed their fear to prevent them from entering into the promises land. Moses was afraid they, too, were acting in fear.  But, they were willing to go to war into the promise land with the nation.   Moses had a “cognitive anchor” that was formed that day of the spies rejecting God’s truth.   Reuben and Gad eventually convince Moses that their intent was Godly, but Moses still had the anchor.   We have to be careful that don’t allow actions from people in the past to formulate our minds for today.   We have to make sure that we allow God to work in the lives of new people and not frame them via the cognitive anchors of past people.   

Jesus Calls Us Brothers - Hebrews 1-4

Hebrews 2:10-11 (ESV Strong's)

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

Jesus Calls Us Brothers

Because Jesus “perfected” (completed) the plan of God by coming in human form and suffering (as a human on the cross), we are “sanctified.”   That means the work of Jesus made us “holy.”   We are not holy in ourselves.  We can’t make ourselves holy.  We are sinful people.  We have failed totally before God.  EVERYONE!   Yet, Jesus came in the form of a man to live a holy, perfect, sanctified life for us.  He then suffered for us, paying for our sins, and He made us have His righteousness (sanctified us) and He took our sin.   The result?  Jesus calls us “brothers.”  Think about that!!  When someone asks you who you are, you can say, “I am Jesus’ brother.” Now, that is an identity.   “I am Jesus’ brother!!!”   That should be the center of our personal identity.   Jesus came to complete the plan of God so that He can call us “brothers.”  That means if we are “brothers” of Jesus we are “sons” of God:

Matthew 5:9 (ESV Strong's)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

We are, the “brothers” of Christ and the “sons” of God.   That is WHO we are as believers.  

Making Decisions Based Upon God’s Word - Acts 1-2

Acts 1:21-23 (ESV Strong's)

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.

Making Decisions Based Upon God’s Word

In the above passage we have the disciples “waiting” in Jerusalem, as they were told by Christ.   But, in the “waiting” they decided that since Judas, one of the original twelve disciples, had both betrayed Christ and gone out and committed suicide, they needed to do something.   This “need to do something” came as a result of them looking into God’s Word and reading this passage (the verses quoted just prior to this section):

Acts 1:20 (ESV Strong's)

“For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,

and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

“‘Let another take his office.’

This verse is a combination of Psalms 69 and Psalms 109.  The reason they felt compelled to replace Judas was because they read God’s Word.  Apparently, why they were waiting they were studying God’s word.   Although originally just fishermen and tax collectors, they became great scholars of God’s Word (note how Peter digs into the Psalms 19 in Acts 2).   These men were waiting for Jesus to send the Holy Spirit, which He does in Acts 2.  But, while they were waiting they dug into God’s word and began to make decisions. Their decision were decisions based upon something they read in God’s Word.  They did not simply start making things up.  They began to formulate the norms of the Church that day: Decisions would be based upon fulfilling God’s Word.   That is a great basis of decision making.  

Who’s Kingdom Is It? Obadiah

Obadiah 1:21 (ESV Strong's)

Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion

to rule Mount Esau,

and the kingdom shall be the Lord's.

Who’s Kingdom Is It?

Obadiah is a message sent to the country of Edom (descendants of Esau, Jacobs ... Israel .. older brother).  When Israel was wandering in the wilderness they requested to pass through the land of Edom. Even though they promised to eat nothing, not top or take anything, Edom refused them passage.   God saw this and would punish them for it. Obadiah is that prophecy of punishment.  The “feud” between Edom and Israel was based upon Esau’s bitterness because Jacob stole his birthright.   He just never go over it.  To the day of Obadiah’s prophecy his descendants have not move passed that offense.   God sent this destruction upon them to teach us about how we treat our brothers.   Yet, there is something special in the last verse of this prophecy.  Obadiah states that “saviors” (probably, better, survivors) would return to the land of Israel.  They would once again be there to dwell in the land.  But, note the last line:

“... and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.”  

The capitalization of LORD means that this is the Hebrew name of God: Yahweh.   This is the most holy name of God for the Hebrews.  What Obadiah says, to end his prophecy, is that the kingdom (Israel) is Yahweh’s kingdom.   Edom thought the land was their land.   Just as all nations think the “land” is their land.  But, it is not. It is God’s kingdom.  God is the sovereign ruler of all kingdoms.   We may not recognize it, or affirm it, or even admit it, but God is the sovereign ruler of ALL kingdoms.   They are but pawns in His violent game vs evil and sin.   We can rejoice that God sees when others mistreat us and we can be assured that He will do what needs to be done to promote His kingdom.   

What’s in the Well, Comes Up in the Bucket - Proverbs 26-27

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects a face, So a man’s heart reflects the man.

 This is a word picture proverb. The picture is of a man who stops by a pool of water and bends down, perhaps to get a drink. Has his face draws closer to the pool he begins to see his reflection. No matter how hard he tries he cannot hide the look on his face. The pool, like a mirror, is always accurate. So, too, is do we reflect what is really in our hearts. We can’t hide the real feelings we have in our inner being. Just as the pool of water accurately reflects the expression and character of our face, so too does our life reflect the true character of our hearts. The only way you improve on the reflection of the pool is to change the face. And, the only way to change the life we act out is to change the heart. And, the only way to change the heart is to give it to the Chief Heart Surgeon, Jesus Christ. Only Christ can change a life by changing the heart. Give Him your heart and He can make life changes for you.

Thanksgiving is a Sacrifice to the Lord - Psalms 114-116

Psalms 116:17 (ESV Strong's)

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving

and call on the name of the Lord.

Thanksgiving is a Sacrifice to the Lord

When we sacrifice something, we often think we are giving something up that “we” own and are giving “over” to God.    But, in the above verse we read that “thanksgiving” is a sacrifice.   What we learn is that everything is God’s and our giving it over to Him is a recognition of His ownership.  Remember that the Israelites had to sacrifice the first born of every creature and the first born of their children were dedicated to God.  The sacrifice of the first born of their animals was to be in place of their first born child.   God decreed this because when He brought them out of Egypt He did so by killing the first born of the Egyptians, or anyone that did not put blood over and around their door posts.   God has a claim on us, whether we recognize it or not.  

We should rejoice that we can offer God anything. In this case we are to off Him our thanksgiving and call upon His name.  That is a command.   We ought to walk around thanking God for everything.  He not only deserves it, but everyone is His. Even our thanksgiving.   

Silver as Common as Stone - 2 Chronicles 6-9

2 Chronicles 9:27-28 (ESV Strong's)

And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. And horses were imported for Solomon from Egypt and from all lands.

Silver as Common as Stone

In the beginning of Solomon’s reign as king, God asked they young man what he “wished” from God.   Solomon could have asked for anything.  Instead of riches and honor, Solomon asked for wisdom.  When he did that, here is what God said:

2 Chronicles 1:11-13 (ESV Strong's)

God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.

When the writers of Chronicles state that “silver was as common as stone,” they are telling us that God kept His promise to Solomon.  Solomon simply sought the “fear of the Lord” (that is the beginning of wisdom ... Proverbs 9:10), and God gave him above what he asked for.   God gave him what he didn’t seek.  God does not promise to everyone prosperity in the form of “silver as common as stone,” but He does promise that we can be assured of His continuous love and care as we seek Him.   We ought not to seek Him for riches and honor.  But, we are to seek Him and He will give us blessings in His way, His timing and for His glory.    We are to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.  God will “add” to us what He desires to bring glory to Himself.   

God Desires a Pleasing Life - Numbers 25-28

Numbers 28:6 (ESV Strong's)

It is a regular burnt offering, which was ordained at Mount Sinai for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord.

God Desires a Pleasing Life

We should all worry about what we smell like.  One quick search of the internet for how big the antiperspirant and/or deodorant market comes up with a figure between 70-90 BILLION dollars.   That is a lot of focus on how we smell.   We spend a lot of money to cover up our natural stink.  

In the above text we have a passage about how God wants our offering to Him to smell “pleasing” to Him.   We can’t put on some paste, cream, or spray to make our offerings to God smell better.   We have a natural stink about us (sin) and that means we have to have something that changes our smell so that God smells a pleasing aroma to Him.   That phrase, “pleasing aroma,” appears almost 20 times in this book of Numbers.  God is concerned that we offer sacrifices to Him that are pleasing.  What does that look like? Israel failed in this assignment, even thought God told them over and over.  They became very “form” in their approach and not “humble” in their approach.  Note:

Psalms 51:15-17 (ESV Strong's)

O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

God wants us to come to Him in Humility and in the power of the Spirit, based upon the work of Christ.   That is a pleasing sacrifice to Him.  When we come to Him in pride and in our own efforts, to make ourselves feel good, God is not pleased with our “sacrifice.”    

We Give Up Our Rights for Christ - Philemon

Philemon 1:20 (ESV Strong's)

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

We Give Up Our Rights for Christ

To understand the above verse we have to understand the context of the book of Philemon.  Philemon was a slave owner.   His slave (Onesimus) had run away.  And, apparently, in that running away he had either stolen something from Philemon or dishonored him in a special manner.  In those days, the penalty for a slave who runs was either an extreme beating.  But, if you were also a thief it was more than likely death.  In Onesimus’ running he, apparently, ran into Paul.  This may be when Paul was unlawfully imprisoned.   Perhaps they were chained together, as the Romans often did.  Somewhere in this process, Onesimus has now become a believer.   Paul, now is appealing to Philemon to not only forgive Onesimus, but to put anything he has done wrong on Paul’s account (this is a great picture of the substitutionary death of Christ ... our sins are put on His account).   Why does Paul want Philemon to respond this way?

Philemon 1:20 (ESV Strong's)

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Paul’s appeal is that Philemon’s behavior would solicit a benefit for Christ.   Our unusual behavior in these ridiculous circumstances is an act of the grace of God in our lives and producing a behavior that glorifies Christ.  

Death is Intended to Glorify God - John 19-20

John 21:18-19 (ESV Strong's)

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Death is Intended to Glorify God

This passage is at the end of an exchange of words with Jesus and Peter, after the resurrection of Jesus.  Jesus is challenging Peter about his love for he Lord.  We have to remember that Peter, just recently, has denied Jesus three times.  Peter must be feeling pretty low.  Jesus uses a questing technique to solicit Peter’s unconditional commitment to love.  (It is interesting that Peter gets frustrated with Jesus for His line of questioning ... despite his previous denials.).   After Peter makes the three-fold commitment (to balance his three-fold denial), Jesus makes the above statement about the death of Peter.   The key portion in John’s record of this story is John’s editorial, parenthetical, comment:

“... (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) ...”. 

Peter was going to be lead around by the hand in his later years, dressed in a way and lead in a way he does NOT want to go.   Most interpret this as the martyrdom of Peter.    The point to make, however, is not the emphasis on the type of death, but that John says that Peter’s death is to be his final act of “glorifying” Jesus.   Most all men, rightly, fear death, or at least the experience of death.  Believers are not to fear death, because we will be going to be with our Lord.   But, it is doubtful that most believers look at their death as an act of glorification of Christ.   In life we glorify Him, in death, as well, we are glorify Him.   Whether in life or via death, our ultimate aim should be to glorify God.  

Restoration by God’s Grace - Amos 5-9

Amos 9:13-15 (ESV Strong's)

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,

“when the plowman shall overtake the reaper

and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed;

the mountains shall drip sweet wine,

and all the hills shall flow with it.

I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,

and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;

they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,

and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

I will plant them on their land,

and they shall never again be uprooted

out of the land that I have given them,”

says the Lord your God.

Restoration by God’s Grace

God is a gracious God.  Amos has just spent the entire book telling the nation of Israel that God knows their sins and is going to punish their sins.  Here is one passage in this section:

Amos 5:3 (ESV Strong's)

For thus says the Lord God:

“The city that went out a thousand

shall have a hundred left,

and that which went out a hundred

shall have ten left

to the house of Israel.”

God is going to destroy them for their sin.  Yet, there will be a remnant that seeks God and God will, in His Divine Grace, give them the land and restore their name for His name sake.   This is the gracious God we worship.    Through the death and resurrection of Christ, God will restore them.   He will provide grace through faith in Christ’s work.  God is a gracious God. He is a just God and will punish sin.  But, He is gracious and provides a way for us to receive forgiveness of sins.   

Search Things Out - Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25:2

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; To search out a matter is the glory of kings. 

This proverb gives us insight on how important it is for someone in charge (a leader; parent; teacher) to search out what is going on before making decisions. Leadership has, as one of its goals, the need to solve problems. The person who knows the problem exists isn’t necessarily a leader. The person who knows it exists, knows the solution and knows the resources needed to make the solution happen is the better leader. This proverb gives us insight into that process. It is a contrasting proverb: Meaning the second line contrasts the first. God can “hide” things and doesn't need the counsel of others, because He is God. But, it is the humble leader that will go to others to get wisdom and counsel over problems. Poor leaders think they know it all and therefore don’t have to “seek” out more truth. Only God has that privilege. Good parents, business leaders and community leaders seek out truth through others.  When Nehemiah left captivity to return to Jerusalem, it was his desire to rebuild the walls of this great, favored city.   When he arrived, after everyone else was asleep, he searched out the situation and became familiar with each breach in the wall.  Note the following:

Nehemiah 2:11-12

So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding.

This story is as good as it gets to exemplify the above proverb.   Nehemiah was a ruler who had something in his heart.  He loved Jerusalem.  He saw it devastated and nothing like it was in in his memory.  He envisioned something different.   He searched out, in private, how to do create it.   It is the glory of a king to search out a matter.   Wisdom is to be searched out.   Search out what you need to know.  He had to prioritize his work, abandon some and focus on others.   This proverb tells us that just as it is to God’s glory to “conceal” it is a leader’s glory to “search out.”

Wisdom is to be Practice! Psalms 111-113

Psalms 111:10 (ESV Strong's)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

all those who practice it have a good understanding.

His praise endures forever!

Wisdom is to be Practiced!

In Psalms 111 we read the greatness of God and the greatness of His “works.”   There are five times that our English word “work” appears in the passage.  Three of those times it is the Hebrew word, “ma‘ăśeh.”  It is used over 200 times in the O.T.   It simply means what we think, to do “work.”  God has done great “works” and we are to praise Him for those works.  Those works have been done in “wisdom” (Proverbs 8-9).   Therefore, the “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of “wisdom.”   Wisdom is God’s truth in action in a created world.    So, if we want to be like God and do the “work” God has for us, we need to “fear the Lord” and practice the “wisdom” (the truth He gives us) in our created world.   Practicing the “fear of the Lord” means to be in awe of God and to have a profound respect and reverence for God and His work.  When we practice the fear of the Lord we will get “understanding” and “wisdom” (synonyms in God’s Word).   We are to praise Him for the work He has done and as we praise Him for that work we will be in awe of Him.  As we are in awe of Him we will garner wisdom and understanding from Him about the world He has created by His work.   Our awe and reverence for God as the benefit of us knowing deeper the work He does on our behalf.   We are to practice the fear of the Lord and in turn we will practice more and more wisdom and understanding in our lives.  

Do It the Right Way - 2 Chronicles 1-5

2 Chronicles 5:2-5 (ESV Strong's)

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast that is in the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the Levitical priests brought them up.

Do It the Right Way

In the above passage, Solomon has completed building the Temple for the Lord.  He is now furnishing it with all the items that the priest will need to make the daily sacrifices.  The main item, of course, is the Ark of the Covenant.   It is not a light thing to notice in the above passage that the “Levitical” priest are the ones who bring the Ark into the Temple.   What is this significant?  Solomon has remembered a lesson his father David learned years ago.  Note what happen to David and his men when he carelessly allowed men to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem on a cart, instead of being carried by the priest on polls:

2 Samuel 6:5-7 (ESV Strong's)

And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.

God is a God of detail and of perfection.  When God says to do something, we would be best to follow His exact instructions.   Remember Moses? 

Numbers 20:11-12 (ESV Strong's)

And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Moses was told by God to “speak” to the rock.  But, previously he struck the rock.   His disobedience cost him entry into the promise land.   

God expects us to follow His Word in spirit and in letter.   He expects us to do what He says.   Disobedience can take on many forms.  Solomon followed God’s will and ways and there was a great celebration as a result.   

God Knows Our Hearts! Numbers 21-24

Numbers 22:31-32 (ESV Strong's)

Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.

God Knows Our Hearts!

The above verses are taken right out of the middle of the story of Balak, the King of Moab, who set out to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel.   Balaam, listening to God, had originally told him no.   God told Balaam no, so Balaam told Balak no.   However, Balak came a second time, with more money and more honor on the line for Balaam.   God gives Balaam permission to go with Balak, but ONLY if he spoke what God wanted him to speak.   This is where Balaam gets dreams of riches and honor.  He mounts his donkey and heads out, thinking there was a big payout at the end of the journey.   But, God knew his heart.  God knew he was in it for the riches and not for obedience to God.  Note how Peter uses Balaam as an example of those who evil hearts, when he writes to the early church:

2 Peter 2:15

Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

Peter states the Balaam was full of “madness” in his going to Balak.   God knew his heart and stopped him from cursing Israel for money.   Balaam would eventually give Balak the advice he needed to defeat Israel, however.  He would follow the evil, madness of his heart and get his earthly reward.  But, Balaam is forever known as the prophet who forsook God for money and personal gain.   God stopped him once, because God knew his heart.   But, the evilness in his heart eventually won out.  God knows our hearts and gives us the Spirit of God to empower us to follow Him.  But, He does not force us to follow Him.  Balaam loved gain more than God.   It was deep in his heart. 

It is NOT All About Accepting Everyone - Titus

Titus 3:9-11 (ESV Strong's)

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

It is NOT All About Accepting Everyone

Our politically correct society is on a path of pressuring everyone to accept everyone no matter what everyone does or does not do.   Whereas we are to be sure that we express love to all mankind, Paul, in the above text instructs “preacher” Titus to NOT have relationships with those who continually reject the truth of God’s Word and God’s message.  In fact, Paul gives us at least three approaches to those who “continue” to reject God’s truth and, in fact, instead, preach another gospel.  

#1 - we are to “avoid” these foolish teachings.  We are to accept all teaching as “truth.”   We are not to engage in conversations with them that, Paul states, will be “unprofitable” and “worthless.”  

#2 - we are to “warn” those who stir up division. Not once, but, at least twice.   We have an obligation to warn those who are not walking in step with God’s truth.  

#3 - we are to “have nothing” to do with people who continue to reject truth.   

Paul’s reason for these three approaches is that these people are “warped, sinful; he is self-condemned.”  We so much want to fit into the world that we will violate what Paul is saying and try to be pleasing and accepting of those around us, even when they spew out vile words contrary to the glorious Gospel of Christ and the character and truth of God.   Paul warns Titus to now allow his ministry to fall into that trap.  We should be as equally vigilant for the truth and follow these three truths.   

Joy vs Happiness - John 16-18

John 16:20-22 (ESV Strong's)

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 

Joy vs Happiness

The world often confuses joy and happiness.  They are not the same.   They want joy but settle for happiness.   There is now a movement across the country to distinguish the difference and to conjure up joy in one’s life.   The problem with that thought is that God’s Word states that “joy” is the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-24).   Therefore the world cannot create joy for themselves.   Joy is God produced.  Notice what Jesus says in the above passage.   Here are som lessons from His words;

1. The world can have joy and rejoice, but it is based upon circumstances and only temporary. 

2. Believers can have sorrow and will experience sorrow when they see the events of time through their own eyes. 

3. Believers can have joy, even though there is no change of circumstances. In fact the same event that caused the sorrow (the death on the cross) would produce the joy (the death on the cross that led to the resurrection) 

4. The joy they would receive would be permanent (Acts 2; Galatians 5:22)

We need to know that as believers we have something special from God, even in the midst of hardships.    God wants to produce joy in our hearts via our faith and trust in Him.  The minute we attempt to pursue joy in our own strength we end up with only temporary happiness based upon circumstances.   

Prepare to Meet God - Amos 1-4

Amos 4:12 (ESV Strong's)

“Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel;

because I will do this to you,

prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”

Prepare to Meet God

It is no secret that all men will die.   That is what all men both dread and do everything to avoid.   The majority in life are not ready for death.  Yet, it is the single event that all mankind faces equally. There is no discrimination in death.  Death knocks at the door of the rich and those who have have no door. Death seeks out all colors, shapes, sizes, ages, nations and tongues.   But, it is not death that should be feared.   Death is only the doorway to meeting God.  To meet God face-to-face we must walk through the entryway of death’s door.   But, immediately on the other side of the door is the face and the fury or the fanfare of God Almighty.   The nation of Israel thought their lives were plush and free from pain.  But, God is about to bring judgment on them.   He warns them in the above verse to “prepare to meet your God.”   We do much to prepare for death.   But, most do little to prepare to meet the first face they will see after death.   We might not be ready for death, but we can be prepared to meet God.  When we put our faith in His Son, Jesus, and we walk with Him each day in prayer and in fellowship we can say the following with Paul, the Apostle:

Philippians 1:23-24 (ESV Strong's)

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

To stay and tell others of God’s character and love and truth is powerful.  But, it is far better to be with Christ.   We might fear death, but we have no reason to fear meeting God.  One we can’t prepare for; the other we can be well prepared.  

Do Not Consider Wealth - Proverbs 23-24

Proverbs 23:4 (NASV)

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it.

Proverbs 23:4-5 (ESV)

Do not toil to acquire wealth;

be discerning enough to desist.

When your eyes light on it, it is gone,

for suddenly it sprouts wings,

flying like an eagle toward heaven.

In our modern society we have become self absorb with finances, savings, retirement and accumulation of wealth. Even Christians have become predesposed to focus on "fiscal responsibility" and "financial freedom." We have many talking heads who tell us how to save and how to earn and how to spend and how to invest. And, if you are incline to "lay up treasures on the earth where moth and rust doth corrupt," these talking heads advice is very convincing. However, I have never heard one of them talk about Solomon's words in 23:4. The proverbs is so simply it confuses you with your profoundness. The word translated "consideration" is actually better stated as "understanding." Solomon seems to be saying we are not to focus on gaining wealth and we are not "cease" (pretty clear word use) from trying to understand it. Yet, we do. We study it; we analyze it; we put each penny under a microscope to grasp it. If you are in that camp that holds to this philosophy please tell me how we focus so heavily on money and "cease from our consideration of it."

There are a lot of people in the media today who make a lot of money telling us what to do with our money. They are the money talking heads. People listen to them. They invest where they tell them to invest and do what they tell them to do. However, I doubt if any call in money show would ever quote Solomon's words in 23:4,5. You can't help but read Solomon's words and sense that Solomon (perhaps the richest man who ever lived ... certainly in his day) had no use for money and saw how meaningless it was. Read his words on money in the book of Ecclesiates. He tells them to forget about the money and don't even consider it. We are to let it go. It will fly away anyhow. Like an eagle in the sky. People obese about their money. God tells us here to let it go and don't even consider it. Good advice ... we won’t hear this kind of advice in the media.

We are not to work for the purpose of gaining wealth. This cuts across most of our thoughts on work.  Working to accumulate will leave us wanting at both our bank accounts and our jobs.  Solomon tells us when we do set our purpose for work as money that money will "suddenly" be gone.  The accumulation of wealth is NOT our aim.  The glory of God in work is to be our purpose.  That is when we find satisfaction in our work.  When we make it about money we will find our jobs bankrupt.

Psalms 108-110 - God’s Got This!

Psalms 110:5-7 (ESV Strong's)

The Lord is at your right hand;

he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.

He will execute judgment among the nations,

filling them with corpses;

he will shatter chiefs

over the wide earth.

He will drink from the brook by the way;

therefore he will lift up his head.

God’s Got This

With the 2020 elections right around the corner, it is refreshing to read the above lines.  All the talking heads would have a field day with these verses.  Since most of the news media talks as though they reject God, it is awesome to know that God will “shatter kings on the day of his wrath” and “he will shatter chiefs.”   The leaders of the world today talk and walk as though they have power.   They push and bully as though they are entitled to some type of ultimate authority.  But, the God of this world has the power and the authority.  Note what is said about Jesus:

Luke 4:36 (ESV Strong's)

And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

Ephesians 1:21 (ESV Strong's)

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Revelation 12:10 (ESV Strong's)

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

Jesus has the authority and the power.   He grants to some for but a moment.  Their power and authority is but a vapor.  He will soon shatter the leaders and kings of this earth.   

The Perfect Transition Plan: 1 Chronicles 25-29

1 Chronicles 29:1-2 (ESV Strong's)

And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God. So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble.

The Perfect Transition Plan

David is dying.   He does not hav much time left on the earth for himself, yet, he has great plans for a Temple for God.  But, God has told him, “No!”   In regard to the building of the temple God has stopped his personal work.  But, that has not stop the idea of the work, or the transition plan to make sure the work will be done.  David has invested his own resources and the resources of the kingdom to make sure the Temple is built for God.   He has shown the master plan to Solomon (chapter 28).   He has gathered all the resources (chapter 27 & 29).   David has done everything he can do to make sure the plan is carried out.  He has solicited the rest of the nation to support young Solomon (chapter 29).    Just because God says “no,” or moves us onto something else does not mean we shouldn’t put together a plan to make sure His work continues.    But, that means personal sacrifice.   Notice what David goes on to say in this chapter:

1 Chronicles 29:3-5 (ESV Strong's)

Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house, and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?”

A great transition program has a personal commitment.    When God says no, that does not mean we can’t give what we can still give.  David made sure the next person (in this case, his son, Solomon) had everything he needed to complete the dream.   That is what Jesus did with the disciples.  They didn’t look much, but with the Spirit of God in their lives they became the pillars of the church.   Jesus spent three years preparing them for the “transition” plan.   Good leadership has a transition plan.   

God Takes Us When He Pleases - Numbers 18-20

Numbers 20:22-24 (ESV Strong's)

And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the people of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor, on the border of the land of Edom, “Let Aaron be gathered to his people, for he shall not enter the land that I have given to the people of Israel, because you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah.

God Takes Us When He Pleases

The above passage brings sadness to the entire nation of Israel:

Numbers 20:29 (ESV Strong's)

And when all the congregation saw that Aaron had perished, all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days.

Death, no matter when and how and who is difficult to process.   Today we see the images of death multiple times in Hollywood productions, real-time news coverage and our own community connections.   We are being conditioned to simply accept death, without the mourning.    When the nation of Israel saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned thirty days.   Because of Aaron’s (and Moses) disobedience at the waters of Meribah (the hit the rock instead of speaking to the rock), Aaron died before he could enter the promise land.   The same fate will happen to Moses.   God made the decision to take Aaron before Moses.   God makes the decisions about death.  He has power over life and death.   

John 5:24 (ESV Strong's)

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Acts 17:24-25 (ESV Strong's)

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

Our lives belong to God (believer and non-believer alike).   God determines the number of our days.   We are in His sovereign will and plan.  We can rejoice in the days of lives because God has granted us life and we can rest in our death because it is His perfect timing that He makes that choice.   

Truth - The Key to Growth - 2 Timothy 3-4

2 Timothy 3:7-9 (ESV Strong's)

always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

Truth - The Key To Growth

Paul is writing to Timothy so that he will grow in the faith.  He had earlier, in this little letter, told him:

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV Strong's)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

God’s Word is truth and we are to rightly “handle” the truth.  Paul warns Timothy that many will not “handle” the truth correctly, especially in the “last days”. Paul even talks of two (Jeanne’s and Jambres) who did not handle the truth right.  Paul uses this word “truth” a number of times in this letter to Timothy.  Here is what we learn:

1. We are to “handle” the truth right, as a worker who is not ashamed. 

2. There are some who have “swerved” from the truth.  (2Timothy 2:17-18 (ESV Strong's)

and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.)

3.  There are to correct those who wander, for they might come to the knowledge of truth (2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV Strong's) “... correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ...”.)

4. As above, some never arrive at truth. 

5.  Some will turn away from even listening to the truth.  (2 Timothy 4:4 (ESV Strong's)

and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.)

Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life ...”.  God’s Word and His Son is Truth.  We are to listen to it and not resist it.   Those that do are in line for certain shipwreck.   Follow and obey God’s truth.  

Chosen to Bear Fruit that Loves Others - John 13-15

John 15:16-17 (ESV Strong's)

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Chosen to Bear Fruit that Loves Others

In John 15 we have the teaching of Jesus about the “vine’ and the “branches.” Jesus is the “vine” and believers in Him are the “branches.”   It is impossible to be a branch, fully grafted into the vine, and NOT bear fruit.  It would be both natural and expected for a branch, coming off the vine to bear fruit.  If it did not, something would be wrong with the branch; not the vine.  This is the point of Jesus’ teaching.   He is the true vine that supplies the energy for the branch to bear fruit.  The branch does not bear fruit on its own.   In the above verse we read that we don’t even choose to be part of the vine.  Jesus chose us, not the other way around.  Since He chose us, He grafted us into Himself and that begins to produce fruit that is abides ... meaning it is not a one and done type of fruit.    In a true, vine-to-branch relationship with Jesus, there will be “long-lasting” fruit.   What does the fruit look like? Or, what is the character of the fruit?  It is something born of love.   It is the acting of loving other believers.   This is all done because we put our faith in Jesus.  This passage may be one of the strongest text to study in regard to faith-based-sanctification.   When Jesus chose us, He gives us faith to believe in Him.  When we follow Him, in that same faith, He produces fruit in us.  He empowers us to love our fellow believers, the way He loves them.   As a result we have an intimate relationship with Him and can come to Him with any of our needs and He promises to meet them.  But, there is a fruit of love that should be flowing from us as branches that He grafts into Himself.   

God Owns It All - Joel

Joel 1:5-7 (ESV Strong's)

Awake, you drunkards, and weep,

and wail, all you drinkers of wine,

because of the sweet wine,

for it is cut off from your mouth.

For a nation has come up against my land,

powerful and beyond number;

its teeth are lions' teeth,

and it has the fangs of a lioness.

It has laid waste my vine

and splintered my fig tree;

it has stripped off their bark and thrown it down;

their branches are made white.

God Owns It All

The key word in the above passage is “my.”   God is about to tell Israel, through Joel, that the “day of the Lord” is at hand and it is devastating.    Because of their disobedience, God is bringing upon them judgment.  The judgement will be in the form of another nation (Babylonians and the Assyrians).   However, when He describes this nation coming they are coming upon, “my land,” God says.  He says they are coming to, “waste my vine.”   They will “splinter my fig tree.”    God is concerned that the disobedience of His people will be seen as something separate from Him.  But, He is quick to remind them that He is invested in this.  These are His people and His heritage.   God owns it all.   God does not want them to think they are the center of attention.  When God allows the nations to punish Israel for their disobedience, God is allowing them to attack what He owns.  Note later in the book what Joel says to the priest of Israel:

Joel 2:17 (ESV Strong's)

Between the vestibule and the altar

let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep

and say, “Spare your people, O Lord,

and make not your heritage a reproach,

a byword among the nations.

Why should they say among the peoples,

‘Where is their God?’”

Israel is a nation who’s God is the God of the universe.   God will care for them, but He is using a nation to bring judgment on “His” people.   We need to remember at all times that we are His people.  We are the clay in His hands.  He can do with our what He wants.  When we disobey Him we need to know that He will correct us ... we are His to correct.