Matthew 24:9-14 (ESV Strong's)
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
The End Will Be Bad!!!
We have all types of people who are proclaiming, due to climate change, that the world, as we know it, is going to end shortly. They seldom describe what the end looks like. They just want us to know it is going to be bad. It is obvious they want to be right. In the above passage Jesus is asking a question put out by the disciples, earlier in this chapter:
Matthew 24:3 (ESV Strong's)
Signs of the End of the Age
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Jesus is giving them a description of the end times. He does, point to severe changes in the weather patterns. Note:
Matthew 24:7 (ESV Strong's)
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
It is great that our politicians are warning us about the catastrophic end of days. However, like most things, they want to give even the credit for the end to mankind. It is God who will be bringing things to an end. Now, like many times, God does use mankind’s sin and waywardness to accomplish His end. So, wars and climate disruptions, due to mankind’s failure to respect God’s creation, can be a tool God uses to accomplish this end. But, the real issue for the end days is not the deterioration of the physical elements of the earth, but the complete and utter spiritual desolation of the earth. That is what Christ is warning about in the above passage. He wants us to know that believers will be under attack, false teachers will be on the rise, lawlessness will be on the rise, and the love of mankind toward other mankind and the love people have for God will wax cold. That actually sounds like last week in the news. Jesus is doing a better job of accurately portraying the end of the age 2,000 years ago then our current political framework does today. The real accuracy of the last days is the apostasy and rejection of truth. Jesus warns that believes need to “endure” to the end to be saved. He is telling us that even the church will fall away at the end. Again, this is the current news cycle. How many, once strong believing pastors and teachers, are now denouncing their faith. Jesus is telling us that the end is coming. It has little to do with the melting of the polar icecaps and much to do with the melting of the warmth we have for God.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Friday, February 28, 2020
God’s Hand is NOT Short to Save!!! Isaiah 45-50
Isaiah 50:1-3 (ESV Strong's)
Israel's Sin and the Servant's Obedience
1 Thus says the Lord:
“Where is your mother's certificate of divorce,
with which I sent her away?
Or which of my creditors is it
to whom I have sold you?
Behold, for your iniquities you were sold,
and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2 Why, when I came, was there no man;
why, when I called, was there no one to answer?
Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?
Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers a desert;
their fish stink for lack of water
and die of thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness
and make sackcloth their covering.”
God’s Hand is Not Short to Save!!
Israel is being punished for their sins. The book of Isaiah is a prophetic book to tell the nation why they are being punished (disobedience to God); how the punishment will take place (taken captive by a strange nation ... Babylon); and, how a remanent will be saved and, out of that remanent the Messiah will come to save them. To understand the above verses we have to reflect upon the culture of the day. In those days a man could divorce his wife for no reason other than he was bored with her. He could say she overcooked the lamb and she would be gone. A father, in those times, could also sell his children to pay for his debts. If he made a bad business move and had to pay a price for it, he would simply sell little Joesph or Malachi and call it good. The nation of Israel had become a cruel culture and not unlike most of their neighbors. They would have “fit right in” with the other nations of the day. With that in mind, God is saying, “I did not put you into servanthood to another nation because I had a “whim” as your Husband, or, because I had a “debt” as your Father. He is saying to them, “I did not come up short and that is the reason for your punishment.” He is saying, I could have saved you, would have saved you and wanted to save you. But, your discipline is because of your own disobedience.” God goes on, through the voice of Isaiah, to remind them of His power and of His might. He could have done anything they wanted in regard to redemption, but their own transgressions kept Him from saving them. For us, the lesson is easy. God wants to give us power in our lives. His hand is not short to do so. We must believe that power is available to us today and that we are free from sin and unbelief, which choke off God’s power. God’s hand is not short to save.
Israel's Sin and the Servant's Obedience
1 Thus says the Lord:
“Where is your mother's certificate of divorce,
with which I sent her away?
Or which of my creditors is it
to whom I have sold you?
Behold, for your iniquities you were sold,
and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2 Why, when I came, was there no man;
why, when I called, was there no one to answer?
Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?
Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers a desert;
their fish stink for lack of water
and die of thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness
and make sackcloth their covering.”
God’s Hand is Not Short to Save!!
Israel is being punished for their sins. The book of Isaiah is a prophetic book to tell the nation why they are being punished (disobedience to God); how the punishment will take place (taken captive by a strange nation ... Babylon); and, how a remanent will be saved and, out of that remanent the Messiah will come to save them. To understand the above verses we have to reflect upon the culture of the day. In those days a man could divorce his wife for no reason other than he was bored with her. He could say she overcooked the lamb and she would be gone. A father, in those times, could also sell his children to pay for his debts. If he made a bad business move and had to pay a price for it, he would simply sell little Joesph or Malachi and call it good. The nation of Israel had become a cruel culture and not unlike most of their neighbors. They would have “fit right in” with the other nations of the day. With that in mind, God is saying, “I did not put you into servanthood to another nation because I had a “whim” as your Husband, or, because I had a “debt” as your Father. He is saying to them, “I did not come up short and that is the reason for your punishment.” He is saying, I could have saved you, would have saved you and wanted to save you. But, your discipline is because of your own disobedience.” God goes on, through the voice of Isaiah, to remind them of His power and of His might. He could have done anything they wanted in regard to redemption, but their own transgressions kept Him from saving them. For us, the lesson is easy. God wants to give us power in our lives. His hand is not short to do so. We must believe that power is available to us today and that we are free from sin and unbelief, which choke off God’s power. God’s hand is not short to save.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
We All Want Proof - Job 18-19
Job 19:23-24 (ESV Strong's)
23 “Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
We All Want Proof
In the above two verses, Job is responding to one of his friend’s (Bildad) comments. Bildad is quit harsh with Job. His philosophy is that wicked people suffer; Job is suffering; therefore, Job is wicked. Bildad has little variation to this syllogistic reasoning. Job, like us all, wants to vindicate himself. He is NOT disputing Bildad’s words of “wisdom” - that wicked people will suffer. Job is simply disputing that that truth does not apply to himself, because he is NOT wicked. Because we have the beauty of reading the beginning and the ending of this story, we can sympathize, and even find ourselves empathic, to Job’s thought. Job is wishing that someone would record this for history so that, when he gets a chance to pled his cause before God (face-to-face), he can stand on his own merits. That is not unlike most of us. Job is saying he wants a legal document drawn up to plead his cause. He believes that this plight is going to cost him his life. He wishes, in the above verses, that this story of his life would be the proof he needs to get mercy from God. He cares not for the judgement of men. He is getting that through his three worthless friends. Job wants vindication from God. He is inviting God to judge him and show that he is truly a faith based guy. That is why, right after this cry for a documentation of his woes, he says:
Job 19:26-27 (ESV Strong's)
26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
27 whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
He believes, because of his faith, he will be redeemed. We have no idea if Job understood that his entire story would be a documentation of his plight in this Bible book called Job. But, we certainly do have his story “inscribed in a book.” We also, because of the entire story being recorded, know that Job was declared righteous and Bildad was not applying his truth accurately to Job’s situation. This is what we all do with our truth at one time or another. We take perfectly great truth and make the entire wrong application. Job was vindicated, by God. For that we can rejoice with him. The story of our lives may not be the same, or written in God’s Word. But our stories can end the same way if we have the faith of Job and allow God to write the ending. That will be our proof.
23 “Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
We All Want Proof
In the above two verses, Job is responding to one of his friend’s (Bildad) comments. Bildad is quit harsh with Job. His philosophy is that wicked people suffer; Job is suffering; therefore, Job is wicked. Bildad has little variation to this syllogistic reasoning. Job, like us all, wants to vindicate himself. He is NOT disputing Bildad’s words of “wisdom” - that wicked people will suffer. Job is simply disputing that that truth does not apply to himself, because he is NOT wicked. Because we have the beauty of reading the beginning and the ending of this story, we can sympathize, and even find ourselves empathic, to Job’s thought. Job is wishing that someone would record this for history so that, when he gets a chance to pled his cause before God (face-to-face), he can stand on his own merits. That is not unlike most of us. Job is saying he wants a legal document drawn up to plead his cause. He believes that this plight is going to cost him his life. He wishes, in the above verses, that this story of his life would be the proof he needs to get mercy from God. He cares not for the judgement of men. He is getting that through his three worthless friends. Job wants vindication from God. He is inviting God to judge him and show that he is truly a faith based guy. That is why, right after this cry for a documentation of his woes, he says:
Job 19:26-27 (ESV Strong's)
26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
27 whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
He believes, because of his faith, he will be redeemed. We have no idea if Job understood that his entire story would be a documentation of his plight in this Bible book called Job. But, we certainly do have his story “inscribed in a book.” We also, because of the entire story being recorded, know that Job was declared righteous and Bildad was not applying his truth accurately to Job’s situation. This is what we all do with our truth at one time or another. We take perfectly great truth and make the entire wrong application. Job was vindicated, by God. For that we can rejoice with him. The story of our lives may not be the same, or written in God’s Word. But our stories can end the same way if we have the faith of Job and allow God to write the ending. That will be our proof.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Ask God to Judge You!! - Psalms 24-26
Psalms 26:1-3 (ESV Strong's)
1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
Ask God to Judge You!!
We seldom like it when others make a judgement about us. We tend to, unconsciously, make judgment after judgement of other people, however. There is something in the hears and minds of the human spirit that resists judgment, but portrays judgment, at the same time. In the above text, King David is asking God to make a judgment about him. The entire Psalm (26) is about how God is going to make judgment on the wicked and the righteous, and David is compelling God to do so now. The first verse says, “vindicate” me. It is probably better translated “judge me.” David knows of God’s judgement and is not at all fearful to see it coming. Those who have faith in Christ know that we do not fear the judgment of God. Note what Paul will later say about judgment on those who believe in Christ:
Romans 8:1 (ESV Strong's)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Paul looked back on Christ’s work and saw that his judgement was taken on the cross by Christ. Kind David looked forward and saw that his sins would be taken care of by the Messiah. Both men had faith in Christ’s work.
As believers we ought to look for Christ’s work in our lives. Note how David says it in another Psalms:
Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV Strong's)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Our prayer each day, as believers, should be that God takes His word and shines it into our hearts to reveal where we still need the work of the Spirit. The writer of Hebrews said it this way:
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV Strong's)
12 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. 13 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.
God uses His word to examine us. We should ask Him to do that. That is when we find and see His “steadfast love” before our eyes. For even in God’s judgement and seeing exactly who we are, He loves us unconditionally. That is the power of asking for God to Judge us in light of Christ’s work. We see His amazing love and we can walk in HIS faithfulness.
1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
Ask God to Judge You!!
We seldom like it when others make a judgement about us. We tend to, unconsciously, make judgment after judgement of other people, however. There is something in the hears and minds of the human spirit that resists judgment, but portrays judgment, at the same time. In the above text, King David is asking God to make a judgment about him. The entire Psalm (26) is about how God is going to make judgment on the wicked and the righteous, and David is compelling God to do so now. The first verse says, “vindicate” me. It is probably better translated “judge me.” David knows of God’s judgement and is not at all fearful to see it coming. Those who have faith in Christ know that we do not fear the judgment of God. Note what Paul will later say about judgment on those who believe in Christ:
Romans 8:1 (ESV Strong's)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Paul looked back on Christ’s work and saw that his judgement was taken on the cross by Christ. Kind David looked forward and saw that his sins would be taken care of by the Messiah. Both men had faith in Christ’s work.
As believers we ought to look for Christ’s work in our lives. Note how David says it in another Psalms:
Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV Strong's)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Our prayer each day, as believers, should be that God takes His word and shines it into our hearts to reveal where we still need the work of the Spirit. The writer of Hebrews said it this way:
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV Strong's)
12 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. 13 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.
God uses His word to examine us. We should ask Him to do that. That is when we find and see His “steadfast love” before our eyes. For even in God’s judgement and seeing exactly who we are, He loves us unconditionally. That is the power of asking for God to Judge us in light of Christ’s work. We see His amazing love and we can walk in HIS faithfulness.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
God Empowers to Overcome Loss - Joshua 17-21
Joshua 19:47 (ESV Strong's)
47 When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and after capturing it and striking it with the sword they took possession of it and settled in it, calling Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor.
God Empowers to Overcome Loss
We have all lost at one time or another. We have all had days when the power of sin has defeated us and caused us to “lose ground” in our walk with the Savior. Note what Paul says about this in Romans:
Romans 7:15-17 (ESV Strong's)
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Paul understood this three steps forward and two back life that can be the center of the Christian experience. The concept of Christian perseverance is real and alive. It is not a case of will be have set backs. It is the case of will be overcome those set backs when they happen.
In the passage from Joshua we see this is true for the tribe of Dan. They were given land and then lost it. The beauty of this passage is not that they lost land. The beauty of this passage is that they lost land (the promise of God to them) and God was there, in His power, to enable to take the ground back. They not only took it back, they renamed it. They called the land they took back, “Dan.” The Hebrew word for Dan means a straight course, as if you were sailing and you had a compass setting you set to sail. Dan had a lost and then recovered from the loss in the power of the Spirit. The immediate text does not say that the power of the Spirit enabled them, but the theme of Joshua and the theme of taking the Promise Land is all about that. As we read the book we see the power of God, through faith in the coming Christ, under the power of the Holy Spirit. We will have loss in the Christian life. Sin dwells in us. But, the difference in the life of the believer is that we have the power of God to get us over that struggle and loss and allow us to not only conquer, but to rename the loss as part of our new course.
47 When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and after capturing it and striking it with the sword they took possession of it and settled in it, calling Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor.
God Empowers to Overcome Loss
We have all lost at one time or another. We have all had days when the power of sin has defeated us and caused us to “lose ground” in our walk with the Savior. Note what Paul says about this in Romans:
Romans 7:15-17 (ESV Strong's)
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Paul understood this three steps forward and two back life that can be the center of the Christian experience. The concept of Christian perseverance is real and alive. It is not a case of will be have set backs. It is the case of will be overcome those set backs when they happen.
In the passage from Joshua we see this is true for the tribe of Dan. They were given land and then lost it. The beauty of this passage is not that they lost land. The beauty of this passage is that they lost land (the promise of God to them) and God was there, in His power, to enable to take the ground back. They not only took it back, they renamed it. They called the land they took back, “Dan.” The Hebrew word for Dan means a straight course, as if you were sailing and you had a compass setting you set to sail. Dan had a lost and then recovered from the loss in the power of the Spirit. The immediate text does not say that the power of the Spirit enabled them, but the theme of Joshua and the theme of taking the Promise Land is all about that. As we read the book we see the power of God, through faith in the coming Christ, under the power of the Holy Spirit. We will have loss in the Christian life. Sin dwells in us. But, the difference in the life of the believer is that we have the power of God to get us over that struggle and loss and allow us to not only conquer, but to rename the loss as part of our new course.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Be Alone - Encounter God - Genesis 32-35
Genesis 32:22-24 (ESV Strong's)
Jacob Wrestles with God
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
Be Alone - Encounter God
No one likes to be alone. The world spends millions and millions of dollars to make sure we are never alone. We creating watering holes, entertainment venue, community centers and the like, to make sure we can “hangout” with others. But, in the above passage we see that Jacob (soon to be renamed Israel), purposefully put his wives and family in one place and went to be alone. In this solitary place Jacob comes face to face with God. This is why those who organized the ESV Bible entitled this section, “Jacob Wrestles with God.” We have no idea what that really means. Here is one commentator’s words:
(UBC OT) The description of this wrestling match is intentionally enigmatic. The reader never finds out the identity of the wrestler. Furthermore, the ambiguous use of the pronouns in the Hebrew text deliberately conceals the course of the fight so that the reader feels with Jacob the deep mystery of his struggle with an ominous foe. Whose thigh was injured? Who wanted to end the fight? Who asked for the blessing? Although we come to suspect that Jacob was struggling with a heavenly being, possibly the angel of Yahweh, the narrator identifies the opponent simply as “a man” to stress that Jacob was fighting a real opponent.
The point of the “encounter” is that Jacob comes to the point of surrender with God. The meeting is so powerful that the name change for Jacob becomes a symbol of his change of Character. Those who want to have an encounter with God should be prepared to have their lives changed (see Isaiah in Isaiah 6; see Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1-4; see Paul on the Damascus Road in Acts 9; see the disciples on the road of Emmaus in Luke 24). God wants us to have an encounter with Him that will change our lives. That is what can happen when we are alone. Even though we don’t want to be alone, God can use that time to draw us to Himself, change our character and bring us out the other side prepared to deal with the people in the world around us. That is what God did with Jacob. He changed his live and gave him a new way to handle his brother Esau, as well as the world around him. God changes us when we are alone with Him!!
Jacob Wrestles with God
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
Be Alone - Encounter God
No one likes to be alone. The world spends millions and millions of dollars to make sure we are never alone. We creating watering holes, entertainment venue, community centers and the like, to make sure we can “hangout” with others. But, in the above passage we see that Jacob (soon to be renamed Israel), purposefully put his wives and family in one place and went to be alone. In this solitary place Jacob comes face to face with God. This is why those who organized the ESV Bible entitled this section, “Jacob Wrestles with God.” We have no idea what that really means. Here is one commentator’s words:
(UBC OT) The description of this wrestling match is intentionally enigmatic. The reader never finds out the identity of the wrestler. Furthermore, the ambiguous use of the pronouns in the Hebrew text deliberately conceals the course of the fight so that the reader feels with Jacob the deep mystery of his struggle with an ominous foe. Whose thigh was injured? Who wanted to end the fight? Who asked for the blessing? Although we come to suspect that Jacob was struggling with a heavenly being, possibly the angel of Yahweh, the narrator identifies the opponent simply as “a man” to stress that Jacob was fighting a real opponent.
The point of the “encounter” is that Jacob comes to the point of surrender with God. The meeting is so powerful that the name change for Jacob becomes a symbol of his change of Character. Those who want to have an encounter with God should be prepared to have their lives changed (see Isaiah in Isaiah 6; see Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1-4; see Paul on the Damascus Road in Acts 9; see the disciples on the road of Emmaus in Luke 24). God wants us to have an encounter with Him that will change our lives. That is what can happen when we are alone. Even though we don’t want to be alone, God can use that time to draw us to Himself, change our character and bring us out the other side prepared to deal with the people in the world around us. That is what God did with Jacob. He changed his live and gave him a new way to handle his brother Esau, as well as the world around him. God changes us when we are alone with Him!!
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Church Members Should Counsel Each Other - Romans 15:14
Romans 15:14 (ESV Strong's)
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
Church Members Should Counsel Each Other
The Church, as a categorical grouping, has given their responsibility to admonish, train, correct and encourage on another over the field of “counselors.” We are told, by most churches, we “lack” the skills to counsel. So, we have to send out members to special classes that “teach” them the “science,” or “art,” or “theory” of counseling. Yet, in the above passage, Paul talks plainly about the members of the Roman church having both he ability and opportunity to counsel each other. Paul simply gave them all his theology (chapters 1-14) and now states that he is “satisfied” that they are equipped to provide “counseling’ to each other. The word Paul uses of “instruct” one another is the Greek word, noutheteĊ. That word has opened up an entire field of counseling known as Nouthetic Counseling. Although many churches count it as a special ministry for just those who are trained to do so, “instructing” (noutheteo) others is, here, something every member of the Roman church is encouraged to do. Our ability to simply take God’s Word and admonish our brothers and sisters in Christ is foundational to the “community” of believers. Here is what one writer stated about Nouthetic Counseling:
“In that way, the full force of the Biblical concept of counseling may be set forth while avoiding the many contradictory connotations surrounding the English one. The three ideas found in the word nouthesia are confrontation, concern,and change. To put it simply, nouthetic counseling consists of lovingly confronting people out of deep concern in order to help them make those changes that God requires.”
If we look at those three ideas we can see that all members of the Body of Christ are equipped and required to practice them. Paul says he believes this group of believers are:
1. Full of goodness (an fruit of the Spirit ... Galatians 5:20-21)
2. Full of knowledge (again, a ministry of the Holy Spirit ... 1 Corinthians 2:12-14)
3. Able to instruct each other. The word for able is the Greek word: dynamai. It is were we get the English world dynamite. Our ability to accomplish this type of “instruction” (counseling) in the lives of others comes from the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-21).
We need to be engaged in instructing (counseling) the Body of Christ. This is God tool for the church to encourage and keep each other persevering in the Christian faith.
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
Church Members Should Counsel Each Other
The Church, as a categorical grouping, has given their responsibility to admonish, train, correct and encourage on another over the field of “counselors.” We are told, by most churches, we “lack” the skills to counsel. So, we have to send out members to special classes that “teach” them the “science,” or “art,” or “theory” of counseling. Yet, in the above passage, Paul talks plainly about the members of the Roman church having both he ability and opportunity to counsel each other. Paul simply gave them all his theology (chapters 1-14) and now states that he is “satisfied” that they are equipped to provide “counseling’ to each other. The word Paul uses of “instruct” one another is the Greek word, noutheteĊ. That word has opened up an entire field of counseling known as Nouthetic Counseling. Although many churches count it as a special ministry for just those who are trained to do so, “instructing” (noutheteo) others is, here, something every member of the Roman church is encouraged to do. Our ability to simply take God’s Word and admonish our brothers and sisters in Christ is foundational to the “community” of believers. Here is what one writer stated about Nouthetic Counseling:
“In that way, the full force of the Biblical concept of counseling may be set forth while avoiding the many contradictory connotations surrounding the English one. The three ideas found in the word nouthesia are confrontation, concern,and change. To put it simply, nouthetic counseling consists of lovingly confronting people out of deep concern in order to help them make those changes that God requires.”
If we look at those three ideas we can see that all members of the Body of Christ are equipped and required to practice them. Paul says he believes this group of believers are:
1. Full of goodness (an fruit of the Spirit ... Galatians 5:20-21)
2. Full of knowledge (again, a ministry of the Holy Spirit ... 1 Corinthians 2:12-14)
3. Able to instruct each other. The word for able is the Greek word: dynamai. It is were we get the English world dynamite. Our ability to accomplish this type of “instruction” (counseling) in the lives of others comes from the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-21).
We need to be engaged in instructing (counseling) the Body of Christ. This is God tool for the church to encourage and keep each other persevering in the Christian faith.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Don’t be Influenced by the Faces of the Crowd - Matthew 20-22
Matthew 22:15-16 (ESV Strong's)
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.
Don’t be Influenced by the Faces of the Crowd
The above passage is the beginning of the Pharisee’s attempt to trip up Christ in regard to paying taxes to Caesar. These religious leaders were “sage” like and they thought they knew everything. They thought they could trip up the Son of God ... as though He was a mere man ... to them He was. The interesting note in the above passage is the respect these religious leaders show Jesus. They make a point of saying that we “know” (very “sage” like) that “you do not care anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” There is no doubt that this could have been said sarcastically, with the emphasis on the “you do not care” part. But, it is better to understand they simply did see that Jesus was never swayed by the “appearance” of others. The Greek word for “appearance” used here is, prosĊpon. It is a combination of two word and, in essences, means Jesus was not swayed by the facial expressions of others. When Jesus taught, He did not change His message simply because the crowd in front of Him changed the countenance in disapproval. Notice, in contrast, how the religious leaders acted and responded:
Matthew 21:26 (ESV Strong's)
But if we (the religious leaders) say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
Matthew 21:46 (ESV Strong's)
And although they (the religious leaders) were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
The crowd often feared the Pharisees. But the Pharisees, on many occasions, feared the crowd. The were always worried about the countenance of the people. They would, in the end, turn the crowd against Jesus:
Matthew 27:15-20 (ESV Strong's)
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Jesus was a leader who was not persuaded or influenced by the appearance of man. This might be one of the single most damaging aspects of today’s leaders. As we watch the leaders in our land at the highest level, they are often persuaded by the “crowds.” They look at the appearance of man and change their course, mid-stream. Jesus was the Son of God and based His life on Truth. He was truth (John 14:1-6). As leaders, we can give into the appearance of the crowd, or stand for truth. Jesus was crucified by a riotous crowd, lead by the political religious leaders, because He stood for truth. Real leaders stand for truth and are not swayed away from it by the shaming of a crowd.
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.
Don’t be Influenced by the Faces of the Crowd
The above passage is the beginning of the Pharisee’s attempt to trip up Christ in regard to paying taxes to Caesar. These religious leaders were “sage” like and they thought they knew everything. They thought they could trip up the Son of God ... as though He was a mere man ... to them He was. The interesting note in the above passage is the respect these religious leaders show Jesus. They make a point of saying that we “know” (very “sage” like) that “you do not care anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” There is no doubt that this could have been said sarcastically, with the emphasis on the “you do not care” part. But, it is better to understand they simply did see that Jesus was never swayed by the “appearance” of others. The Greek word for “appearance” used here is, prosĊpon. It is a combination of two word and, in essences, means Jesus was not swayed by the facial expressions of others. When Jesus taught, He did not change His message simply because the crowd in front of Him changed the countenance in disapproval. Notice, in contrast, how the religious leaders acted and responded:
Matthew 21:26 (ESV Strong's)
But if we (the religious leaders) say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
Matthew 21:46 (ESV Strong's)
And although they (the religious leaders) were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
The crowd often feared the Pharisees. But the Pharisees, on many occasions, feared the crowd. The were always worried about the countenance of the people. They would, in the end, turn the crowd against Jesus:
Matthew 27:15-20 (ESV Strong's)
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Jesus was a leader who was not persuaded or influenced by the appearance of man. This might be one of the single most damaging aspects of today’s leaders. As we watch the leaders in our land at the highest level, they are often persuaded by the “crowds.” They look at the appearance of man and change their course, mid-stream. Jesus was the Son of God and based His life on Truth. He was truth (John 14:1-6). As leaders, we can give into the appearance of the crowd, or stand for truth. Jesus was crucified by a riotous crowd, lead by the political religious leaders, because He stood for truth. Real leaders stand for truth and are not swayed away from it by the shaming of a crowd.
Friday, February 21, 2020
He Will POUR Out His Spirit - Isaiah 40-44
Isaiah 44:1-3 (ESV Strong's)
1 “But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen!
2 Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you from the womb and will help you:
Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
He Will Pour out His Spirit
Perhaps, the most unspoken and least preached about aspect of the God’s great work in our lives, is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Almost ignored by most demonization and hijacked by a limited few, the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of the believers can be quite confusing. What we do know is that God, in the above verse, through the prophecy of the Isaiah, tells us that HE WILL pour out His Spirit upon the “offspring” of those Isaiah is speaking to. He is speaking to the nation of Israel. But, he is speaking about the later days when God will usher in His kingdom through the ministry of the Messiah. Jesus came and made that Kingdom possible. He, too, promised a pouring out of the Spirit. Note John the Baptist words:
Matthew 3:11 (ESV Strong's)
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Believers have been blessed with something the unbelieving world has no knowledge about and no part in sharing. We have the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Godhead, dwelling in us. Note Peter’s words:
Acts 2:38 (ESV Strong's)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Believers do NOT do the work of the believer’s life in their own energy and power. We do so, because, by faith, we have the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He has been “poured out” into our lives. Not just sprinkled by, not just touched by, not just blown over by His breath. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit has been POURED out upon us and in us. That is the strength and beauty of work of God in our lives.
1 “But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen!
2 Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you from the womb and will help you:
Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
He Will Pour out His Spirit
Perhaps, the most unspoken and least preached about aspect of the God’s great work in our lives, is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Almost ignored by most demonization and hijacked by a limited few, the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of the believers can be quite confusing. What we do know is that God, in the above verse, through the prophecy of the Isaiah, tells us that HE WILL pour out His Spirit upon the “offspring” of those Isaiah is speaking to. He is speaking to the nation of Israel. But, he is speaking about the later days when God will usher in His kingdom through the ministry of the Messiah. Jesus came and made that Kingdom possible. He, too, promised a pouring out of the Spirit. Note John the Baptist words:
Matthew 3:11 (ESV Strong's)
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Believers have been blessed with something the unbelieving world has no knowledge about and no part in sharing. We have the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Godhead, dwelling in us. Note Peter’s words:
Acts 2:38 (ESV Strong's)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Believers do NOT do the work of the believer’s life in their own energy and power. We do so, because, by faith, we have the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He has been “poured out” into our lives. Not just sprinkled by, not just touched by, not just blown over by His breath. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit has been POURED out upon us and in us. That is the strength and beauty of work of God in our lives.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Death Can Be Depressing - But, it Will be Defeated - Job 15-17
Job 17:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
“My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;
the graveyard is ready for me.
Surely there are mockers about me,
and my eye dwells on their provocation.
Death Can Be Depressing - But Not Defeating
Job, as we know from reading the early parts of his story, is in a really bad place. His family is gone (except a wife who simply tells him to give up and die); his property, wealth and status is destroyed; his health is so bad he is scrapping sores off his body with pieces of pottery. His friends are now condemning him and wanting him to confess and repent to a list of sins he does not own. Now, in the above passage, we see the real darkness of his situations. If all that was not enough, now Job is looking death right in the eye. The result, it is stilling his hope. God did not create death. We are not really sure, when God created heaven and earth, if Adam (and Eve) were created as eternal beings ... meaning “no death.” We read in Romans 3 that death comes about because of sin in the world. It was not until Adam and Eve sinned that we see death in the garden. God killed an animal to make clothes to cover their nakedness. We do know that none of this surprised God. Before creation He designed that His Son would die on the cross for us. So, all that can be very confusing. But, what we do know, is that death is a mean, wretched creature that, before it takes our life, sucks the life out us. When it does come it tries to suck the life out of all those who are surviving. In the above passage we read Job’s words about death as it creeps up on him. Note his despair. When we read about Job we have to remember that his “faith” was not focused on an event in the past (like we do as we look at the cross of Christ). His faith was focused on the future ... toward the cross of Christ. He hoped for it and believed it would happen. We believe it happened and have hope. But, Job’s hope is taking a real hit in this chapter, especially the above verse. We all face death and we all will face the “separation” of what death brings. However, it is through faith’s eyes, that we actually have a way charted through the waters of death. Note what Job said earlier:
Job 13:15 (ESV Strong's)
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face.
Job had faith. That faith did not change his circumstances. It not not remove the hurt we read in the above passage. Job’s faith simply gave him an understanding that death is not the final step ... death is the first step as we reach heaven’s shores. Someone once said that when a believer passes away we see a funeral home on this side. But, on God’s side, He and all of heaven, see a maternity ward as a new child of heaven is transported to God’s home. Our faith does not remove the feelings that death brings. Our faith simply gives us the hope we need to know that God is on the other side waiting to receive us into His believed arms. Like the pain of a child in the birth canal, it quickly goes away as they are held by their Heavenly Father. This was what Jesus said to us:
John 14:1-4 (ESV Strong's)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Note King David’s Words:
Psalms 16:8-11 (ESV Strong's)
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
“My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;
the graveyard is ready for me.
Surely there are mockers about me,
and my eye dwells on their provocation.
Death Can Be Depressing - But Not Defeating
Job, as we know from reading the early parts of his story, is in a really bad place. His family is gone (except a wife who simply tells him to give up and die); his property, wealth and status is destroyed; his health is so bad he is scrapping sores off his body with pieces of pottery. His friends are now condemning him and wanting him to confess and repent to a list of sins he does not own. Now, in the above passage, we see the real darkness of his situations. If all that was not enough, now Job is looking death right in the eye. The result, it is stilling his hope. God did not create death. We are not really sure, when God created heaven and earth, if Adam (and Eve) were created as eternal beings ... meaning “no death.” We read in Romans 3 that death comes about because of sin in the world. It was not until Adam and Eve sinned that we see death in the garden. God killed an animal to make clothes to cover their nakedness. We do know that none of this surprised God. Before creation He designed that His Son would die on the cross for us. So, all that can be very confusing. But, what we do know, is that death is a mean, wretched creature that, before it takes our life, sucks the life out us. When it does come it tries to suck the life out of all those who are surviving. In the above passage we read Job’s words about death as it creeps up on him. Note his despair. When we read about Job we have to remember that his “faith” was not focused on an event in the past (like we do as we look at the cross of Christ). His faith was focused on the future ... toward the cross of Christ. He hoped for it and believed it would happen. We believe it happened and have hope. But, Job’s hope is taking a real hit in this chapter, especially the above verse. We all face death and we all will face the “separation” of what death brings. However, it is through faith’s eyes, that we actually have a way charted through the waters of death. Note what Job said earlier:
Job 13:15 (ESV Strong's)
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face.
Job had faith. That faith did not change his circumstances. It not not remove the hurt we read in the above passage. Job’s faith simply gave him an understanding that death is not the final step ... death is the first step as we reach heaven’s shores. Someone once said that when a believer passes away we see a funeral home on this side. But, on God’s side, He and all of heaven, see a maternity ward as a new child of heaven is transported to God’s home. Our faith does not remove the feelings that death brings. Our faith simply gives us the hope we need to know that God is on the other side waiting to receive us into His believed arms. Like the pain of a child in the birth canal, it quickly goes away as they are held by their Heavenly Father. This was what Jesus said to us:
John 14:1-4 (ESV Strong's)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Note King David’s Words:
Psalms 16:8-11 (ESV Strong's)
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
What Moves You? Psalms 21-23
Psalms 21:7 (ESV Strong's)
For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
What Moves You?
It does not take much to move most people. Most people are moved emotionally or spiritually through the least bit of adversity. There are some, however, who claim they can’t be moved. They are so sure of themselves and so confident in the ability, power, positions and possessions, that they feel unshakable.
God states that the wicked have this mindset in Psalms 10:6
“He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
God will later, in that Psalms, show the wicked that they will be moved.
But, it is really only the right who can say with confidence they can’t be shaken:
The Righteous says in Psalms 16:8
“I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Imagine a life where you have the ability to NOT BE SHAKEN. That is what it is like to have a faith and belief in the prefect love of God. Note again our verse:
Psalms 21:7 (ESV Strong's)
For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
Because of the trust in the Lord ... in His steadfast love ... the king will NOT be moved. This does not mean the king won’t have hardships. This Psalm was written by King David and he had plenty of hardships. He also committed adultery and was the head of a conspiracy for murder. Yet, he believe in God’s steadfast love over everything else. This belief gave him confidence and he was NOT moved or shaken. The passage from Psalms 16 comes on the heals of the writer say, “I have set the Lord, always before me ...”. That is why the writer (again, David) is not “shaken.” In Psalms 23 we read that David is not afraid of the “shadow of death.” Why? Because the Lord is his shepherd. We should see the pattern. When we put our trust for security in God’s steadfast (that means unmovable and unshakable) love, we have nothing in this world that can move us or shake us. We are only moved and shaken by the things in this world when we have our sights and heart set on those things. But, God’s unmovable love is always present. We are not moved, shaken, spun or stumbled when we have God’s Love in our sights of faith. Even IF something bad happens to us we know it is out of His purest of love and He will guide and empower us through it. We are unshaken because of the steadfast love of the Lord!!!
For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
What Moves You?
It does not take much to move most people. Most people are moved emotionally or spiritually through the least bit of adversity. There are some, however, who claim they can’t be moved. They are so sure of themselves and so confident in the ability, power, positions and possessions, that they feel unshakable.
God states that the wicked have this mindset in Psalms 10:6
“He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
God will later, in that Psalms, show the wicked that they will be moved.
But, it is really only the right who can say with confidence they can’t be shaken:
The Righteous says in Psalms 16:8
“I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Imagine a life where you have the ability to NOT BE SHAKEN. That is what it is like to have a faith and belief in the prefect love of God. Note again our verse:
Psalms 21:7 (ESV Strong's)
For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
Because of the trust in the Lord ... in His steadfast love ... the king will NOT be moved. This does not mean the king won’t have hardships. This Psalm was written by King David and he had plenty of hardships. He also committed adultery and was the head of a conspiracy for murder. Yet, he believe in God’s steadfast love over everything else. This belief gave him confidence and he was NOT moved or shaken. The passage from Psalms 16 comes on the heals of the writer say, “I have set the Lord, always before me ...”. That is why the writer (again, David) is not “shaken.” In Psalms 23 we read that David is not afraid of the “shadow of death.” Why? Because the Lord is his shepherd. We should see the pattern. When we put our trust for security in God’s steadfast (that means unmovable and unshakable) love, we have nothing in this world that can move us or shake us. We are only moved and shaken by the things in this world when we have our sights and heart set on those things. But, God’s unmovable love is always present. We are not moved, shaken, spun or stumbled when we have God’s Love in our sights of faith. Even IF something bad happens to us we know it is out of His purest of love and He will guide and empower us through it. We are unshaken because of the steadfast love of the Lord!!!
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Jesus is Wonderful - Judges 12-16
Judges 13:17-18 (ESV Strong's)
And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?” And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”
Jesus is Wonderful!!
The above verse is pulled right out of the story of Manoah and his wife as God promises them a baby boy, who will eventually be named, “Samson.” Manoah’s wife has been approached by this “angel” and the “angel” promises that in her old age she will give birth to a son that will deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. The story of Samson has been told many times, but the above verses might get lost in the escapades of Samson. Before his birth, his parents had an encounter with an “angel” who said his name was “wonderful.” The prophecy Isaiah gives us a clue as to who this might be. In speaking about the coming Messiah, we read the following in Isaiah:
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV Strong's)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The prophet is speaking about the virgin birth of Christ. One of His names, we seldom use, is Wonderful. What Manoah and his wife saw that day was a “Theophany” of Christ ... an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. Manoah realized, later, that they had actually been face to face with God. Note his response:
Judges 13:21-22 (ESV Strong's)
The angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the Lord. And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, for we have seen God.”
They key in this passage is to realize that Jesus is “wonderful.” The word means, “exceptional.” When we say something is “wonderful” we are showing it has a distinction of being special. But, it also caries the meaning of being beneficial, useful, or gratifying. Jesus is all of this. God is blessing Manoah and his wife with a child in their old age and nothing short of Jesus, the Wonderful Savior, announces it. Now that is an amazing “reveal party.” Jesus is WONDERFUL. He brings us Good News of redemption. He IS our inheritance. Jesus is the Wonderful thing we all desire in our hearts. He is satisfying to us. Jesus name is Wonderful!!!
And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?” And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”
Jesus is Wonderful!!
The above verse is pulled right out of the story of Manoah and his wife as God promises them a baby boy, who will eventually be named, “Samson.” Manoah’s wife has been approached by this “angel” and the “angel” promises that in her old age she will give birth to a son that will deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. The story of Samson has been told many times, but the above verses might get lost in the escapades of Samson. Before his birth, his parents had an encounter with an “angel” who said his name was “wonderful.” The prophecy Isaiah gives us a clue as to who this might be. In speaking about the coming Messiah, we read the following in Isaiah:
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV Strong's)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The prophet is speaking about the virgin birth of Christ. One of His names, we seldom use, is Wonderful. What Manoah and his wife saw that day was a “Theophany” of Christ ... an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. Manoah realized, later, that they had actually been face to face with God. Note his response:
Judges 13:21-22 (ESV Strong's)
The angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the Lord. And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, for we have seen God.”
They key in this passage is to realize that Jesus is “wonderful.” The word means, “exceptional.” When we say something is “wonderful” we are showing it has a distinction of being special. But, it also caries the meaning of being beneficial, useful, or gratifying. Jesus is all of this. God is blessing Manoah and his wife with a child in their old age and nothing short of Jesus, the Wonderful Savior, announces it. Now that is an amazing “reveal party.” Jesus is WONDERFUL. He brings us Good News of redemption. He IS our inheritance. Jesus is the Wonderful thing we all desire in our hearts. He is satisfying to us. Jesus name is Wonderful!!!
Monday, February 17, 2020
God Watches Over Us In Our Work - Genesis 28-31
Genesis 31:41-42 (ESV Strong's)
These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.”
God Watches Over Us In Our Work
Jacob has served Laban 20 years. In return he received two wives and a whole lot of flocks. Laban was not a good man, however, Laban had changed Jacob’s wages ten times. Imagine in our work place today, if that would happen. We would file an EEOC violation claim and have a lawsuit against the employer. Yet, Jacob had no recourse. Except, Jacob knew that God is the avenger of all such things. God is always watching and caring for His people. Notice what Jacob stated earlier in this section when explaining to his wives (Laban’s daughters) why they had to leave Laban:
Genesis 31:4-9 (ESV Strong's)
So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was and said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me. You know that I have served your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me. If he said, ‘The spotted shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore spotted; and if he said, ‘The striped shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore striped. Thus God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me.
Jacob, still not a strong believer, was able to recognize God’s sovereign power and watch over his life. Knowing this truth allows us to go through our days, no matter our working conditions. God is always watching and always caring for us. That is His care for those who believe in Him!!
These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.”
God Watches Over Us In Our Work
Jacob has served Laban 20 years. In return he received two wives and a whole lot of flocks. Laban was not a good man, however, Laban had changed Jacob’s wages ten times. Imagine in our work place today, if that would happen. We would file an EEOC violation claim and have a lawsuit against the employer. Yet, Jacob had no recourse. Except, Jacob knew that God is the avenger of all such things. God is always watching and caring for His people. Notice what Jacob stated earlier in this section when explaining to his wives (Laban’s daughters) why they had to leave Laban:
Genesis 31:4-9 (ESV Strong's)
So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was and said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me. You know that I have served your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me. If he said, ‘The spotted shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore spotted; and if he said, ‘The striped shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore striped. Thus God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me.
Jacob, still not a strong believer, was able to recognize God’s sovereign power and watch over his life. Knowing this truth allows us to go through our days, no matter our working conditions. God is always watching and always caring for us. That is His care for those who believe in Him!!
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Love is Fulfilling - Romans 13-14
Romans 13:9-10 (ESV Strong's)
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Love is Fulfilling
Before we look at this passage we ought to also look a similar verse by Paul that was written to the Galatian believers:
Galatians 5:6 (ESV Strong's)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Our faith is not merely an intellectual ascent. Our faith is an active and moving action of sacrifice to those around us. The above passages are written in the context of the church. This does not mean, of course, we should not love those who are unbelievers. Jesus demonstrated His love for the world by giving Himself as a sacrificial lamb for the entire word (John 3:16). Most reject that love and want to save themselves, but Jesus still demonstrated a willingness to demonstrate love, in action, toward them.
But, the above verses are specifically addressing believers and their interaction with other believers. God has given us the Spirit to produce in our love. The first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is “love.” That love is the fullest expression of any law God ever gave. Laws are binding. When I do something out of love, that is not binding. The contrast that Paul is drawing for us is between the LAW and the walking in the SPIRIT. The LAW says not to kill. The SPIRIT says to love. Love fulfills the LAW as Love is the ultimate expression of God’s character. God is LOVE. That does not mean God is not a God of JUSTICE, as well. God has the prefect balance of Love and Wrath. We do not. We tend to judge quickly and love slowly. As we become more and more conformed to the image of God we will learn love as the Spirit intended. Love is the fulfilling of the LAW. Love is fulfilling.
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Love is Fulfilling
Before we look at this passage we ought to also look a similar verse by Paul that was written to the Galatian believers:
Galatians 5:6 (ESV Strong's)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Our faith is not merely an intellectual ascent. Our faith is an active and moving action of sacrifice to those around us. The above passages are written in the context of the church. This does not mean, of course, we should not love those who are unbelievers. Jesus demonstrated His love for the world by giving Himself as a sacrificial lamb for the entire word (John 3:16). Most reject that love and want to save themselves, but Jesus still demonstrated a willingness to demonstrate love, in action, toward them.
But, the above verses are specifically addressing believers and their interaction with other believers. God has given us the Spirit to produce in our love. The first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is “love.” That love is the fullest expression of any law God ever gave. Laws are binding. When I do something out of love, that is not binding. The contrast that Paul is drawing for us is between the LAW and the walking in the SPIRIT. The LAW says not to kill. The SPIRIT says to love. Love fulfills the LAW as Love is the ultimate expression of God’s character. God is LOVE. That does not mean God is not a God of JUSTICE, as well. God has the prefect balance of Love and Wrath. We do not. We tend to judge quickly and love slowly. As we become more and more conformed to the image of God we will learn love as the Spirit intended. Love is the fulfilling of the LAW. Love is fulfilling.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Faith Comes ONLY with Obedience - Luke 17-19
Matthew 19:29 (ESV Strong's)
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
Faith comes ONLY with Obedience
It is important not to take the above verse out of context. Jesus is, at this point, teaching his disciplines and answering a question they asked. The scene previous to this verse is about the “Rich Young Ruler” who had many possessions. He, apparently, was a good man and wanted to know from Jesus how much should he “do” to have eternal life. Jesus recognized that he had been “good” and simply told him to do one more thing: Sell all that he has and give it to poor people. This destroyed the young man’s spirit. Why? Because he was rich and had a lot of stuff. As he walked away Jesus spoke the famous quote:
“It is easier for a came to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 19:24)
That caused the disciples to ask, “who then can be saved?”
This brought about our above verse. Jesus is making the point that faith is not simply intellectual ascent. Faith is an act of obedience whereby we make EVERYTHING else second to Christ. This is not the “God First, Family Second” mentality. Jesus use the word, “left” houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, in the above verse. That is the Greek word, aphiÄmi. It is an emphatic term to “forsake” something. When we put other things in front of our faith, precious things to us, we lose out on the blessings God’s promises. Faith is an act of obedience to forsake all and follow Christ. We still have responsibilities to all those things. Jesus is not telling us to literally walk away from family. Jesus is always talking about heart issues. When we put the needs of others and our relationship with them before our walk with Jesus, those are the things that make it like threading a needle with camel. When we have other people and other things on the throne of our lives, we can not say we have faith in Christ. Christ is telling us that we are to have Him ONLY on the throne of our lives. Many people walk around with an intellectual ascent that Jesus is God and He died for their sins. But, Jesus real disciples understand that faith is a practice of having Jesus first in their lives and controlling their throne. Note James’ words:
James 2:14-17 (ESV Strong's)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Notice how that verse impacts the story of the Rich Young Ruler. He had possessions but would not give them to the poor. Faith, without obedience, is dead.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
Faith comes ONLY with Obedience
It is important not to take the above verse out of context. Jesus is, at this point, teaching his disciplines and answering a question they asked. The scene previous to this verse is about the “Rich Young Ruler” who had many possessions. He, apparently, was a good man and wanted to know from Jesus how much should he “do” to have eternal life. Jesus recognized that he had been “good” and simply told him to do one more thing: Sell all that he has and give it to poor people. This destroyed the young man’s spirit. Why? Because he was rich and had a lot of stuff. As he walked away Jesus spoke the famous quote:
“It is easier for a came to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 19:24)
That caused the disciples to ask, “who then can be saved?”
This brought about our above verse. Jesus is making the point that faith is not simply intellectual ascent. Faith is an act of obedience whereby we make EVERYTHING else second to Christ. This is not the “God First, Family Second” mentality. Jesus use the word, “left” houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, in the above verse. That is the Greek word, aphiÄmi. It is an emphatic term to “forsake” something. When we put other things in front of our faith, precious things to us, we lose out on the blessings God’s promises. Faith is an act of obedience to forsake all and follow Christ. We still have responsibilities to all those things. Jesus is not telling us to literally walk away from family. Jesus is always talking about heart issues. When we put the needs of others and our relationship with them before our walk with Jesus, those are the things that make it like threading a needle with camel. When we have other people and other things on the throne of our lives, we can not say we have faith in Christ. Christ is telling us that we are to have Him ONLY on the throne of our lives. Many people walk around with an intellectual ascent that Jesus is God and He died for their sins. But, Jesus real disciples understand that faith is a practice of having Jesus first in their lives and controlling their throne. Note James’ words:
James 2:14-17 (ESV Strong's)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Notice how that verse impacts the story of the Rich Young Ruler. He had possessions but would not give them to the poor. Faith, without obedience, is dead.
Friday, February 14, 2020
Wise Words for Today’s Governmental Leaders - Isaiah 34-39
Isaiah 37:26-29 (ESV Strong's)
“‘Have you not heard
that I determined it long ago?
I planned from days of old
what now I bring to pass,
that you should make fortified cities
crash into heaps of ruins,
while their inhabitants, shorn of strength,
are dismayed and confounded,
and have become like plants of the field
and like tender grass,
like grass on the housetops,
blighted before it is grown.
“‘I know your sitting down
and your going out and coming in,
and your raging against me.
Because you have raged against me
and your complacency has come to my ears,
I will put my hook in your nose
and my bit in your mouth,
and I will turn you back on the way
by which you came.’
Wise Words for Today’s Governmental Leaders
The above words were spoken by God, through Isaiah the prophet, about and to the King of Assyria and his surrogates. The commandeer of the Assyrian army had come before King Hezekiah, the king of Judah, and had boasted about the fact that “no god” and/or “no power” has been able to resist the power and attacks of the Assyrians. That boasting lead to the above prophecy. What we take from God’s word to these foreign leaders is that God has actually planned for their desire for power and holds their power in His hands. God has planned from “long ago” what would happen with these foreign leaders. Today’s governments around the world should stand up and take notice of what this history and this passage teaches us. It would not be long before the commander of the Assyrian army and the king would have their lives taken and there would be violent change of leadership ... from their own family. God is in control. We ought not to worry about what our leaders do because God has planned “long ago” the times and the seasons for each of them.
“‘Have you not heard
that I determined it long ago?
I planned from days of old
what now I bring to pass,
that you should make fortified cities
crash into heaps of ruins,
while their inhabitants, shorn of strength,
are dismayed and confounded,
and have become like plants of the field
and like tender grass,
like grass on the housetops,
blighted before it is grown.
“‘I know your sitting down
and your going out and coming in,
and your raging against me.
Because you have raged against me
and your complacency has come to my ears,
I will put my hook in your nose
and my bit in your mouth,
and I will turn you back on the way
by which you came.’
Wise Words for Today’s Governmental Leaders
The above words were spoken by God, through Isaiah the prophet, about and to the King of Assyria and his surrogates. The commandeer of the Assyrian army had come before King Hezekiah, the king of Judah, and had boasted about the fact that “no god” and/or “no power” has been able to resist the power and attacks of the Assyrians. That boasting lead to the above prophecy. What we take from God’s word to these foreign leaders is that God has actually planned for their desire for power and holds their power in His hands. God has planned from “long ago” what would happen with these foreign leaders. Today’s governments around the world should stand up and take notice of what this history and this passage teaches us. It would not be long before the commander of the Assyrian army and the king would have their lives taken and there would be violent change of leadership ... from their own family. God is in control. We ought not to worry about what our leaders do because God has planned “long ago” the times and the seasons for each of them.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Man’s Hope is Doomed - Job 14
Job 14:18-19 (ESV Strong's)
“But the mountain falls and crumbles away,
and the rock is removed from its place;
the waters wear away the stones;
the torrents wash away the soil of the earth;
so you destroy the hope of man.
Man’s Hope is Doomed
Job, in these early chapters of the “talk” between him and his three “friends,” is in a state of depression. His three friends are in a state of judging Job. It is hard to find truth in the midst of the babel going on between them (such it is in many counseling interactions). In this immediate section we see that Job has concluded his “hope” is destroyed ... and, destroyed by God. The word pictures he uses is that of a mountain being slowly crumbling away by the elements of the rain, wind and storm; and, the torrents that can rush through a land and wash away the soil of the earth, right under our feet. The pictures give us some understanding of Job’s state of mind, but also of how calamity can take down even the strongest of faith and flesh. A mountain does not just crumble. A mountain might have pieces fall of from the washing of the elements, but the mountain doesn’t just one day fall over. The word picture here is probably showing the wear and tear over time that Job’s suffering (and ours) can have on a soul. Even the strongest of faith (a mountain of it), in the midst of constant calamity) can destroy our “hope;” the strength we hold on to in times of trouble. For some that strength might be wealth, or relationships, or possessions, or fame, or power, etc. The second world picture is showing us quickly a calamity can come rushing into our lives and immediately remove the soil under feet. This is what happened to Job in chapter one of this book. Immediately his children, possessions and status were removed by the rush of Satan’s power. Job was sinking. This is what he means when he says that God destroys man’s hope. If our hope is in the things that can crumble and be taken away, we have no hope. But, if our hope is in Christ, who can not be taken away, we have a firm foundation. God is the God of a firm foundation. He allows these things to happen in our lives, not out of hate or lack of care. He allows these things to remove the props we have in our lives that are designed to replace our leaning completing on Him. God destroys our hope ... the false hope we have in the various “foundations” we have set for ourselves. This is what Job has discovered in his own life. He has found that God allowed his prosperity, his family and his status in the community to be completely removed. The only thing he has left is God. That is the point of the story. We come to God thinking about all the “blessings” we receive or will receive. We falsely think those blessings are other than Christ. Note how David said it in the Psalms:
Psalms 16:8-11 (ESV Strong's)
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
David put God “before” himself and, in return, God put “Himself” before David’s eyes. Note the last lines of this Psalm:
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore and AT YOUR RIGHT HAND ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE. We may not remember, but the Bible says that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God. So, the blessings that God promises are that of our Savior. All the other props, God is destroying.
“But the mountain falls and crumbles away,
and the rock is removed from its place;
the waters wear away the stones;
the torrents wash away the soil of the earth;
so you destroy the hope of man.
Man’s Hope is Doomed
Job, in these early chapters of the “talk” between him and his three “friends,” is in a state of depression. His three friends are in a state of judging Job. It is hard to find truth in the midst of the babel going on between them (such it is in many counseling interactions). In this immediate section we see that Job has concluded his “hope” is destroyed ... and, destroyed by God. The word pictures he uses is that of a mountain being slowly crumbling away by the elements of the rain, wind and storm; and, the torrents that can rush through a land and wash away the soil of the earth, right under our feet. The pictures give us some understanding of Job’s state of mind, but also of how calamity can take down even the strongest of faith and flesh. A mountain does not just crumble. A mountain might have pieces fall of from the washing of the elements, but the mountain doesn’t just one day fall over. The word picture here is probably showing the wear and tear over time that Job’s suffering (and ours) can have on a soul. Even the strongest of faith (a mountain of it), in the midst of constant calamity) can destroy our “hope;” the strength we hold on to in times of trouble. For some that strength might be wealth, or relationships, or possessions, or fame, or power, etc. The second world picture is showing us quickly a calamity can come rushing into our lives and immediately remove the soil under feet. This is what happened to Job in chapter one of this book. Immediately his children, possessions and status were removed by the rush of Satan’s power. Job was sinking. This is what he means when he says that God destroys man’s hope. If our hope is in the things that can crumble and be taken away, we have no hope. But, if our hope is in Christ, who can not be taken away, we have a firm foundation. God is the God of a firm foundation. He allows these things to happen in our lives, not out of hate or lack of care. He allows these things to remove the props we have in our lives that are designed to replace our leaning completing on Him. God destroys our hope ... the false hope we have in the various “foundations” we have set for ourselves. This is what Job has discovered in his own life. He has found that God allowed his prosperity, his family and his status in the community to be completely removed. The only thing he has left is God. That is the point of the story. We come to God thinking about all the “blessings” we receive or will receive. We falsely think those blessings are other than Christ. Note how David said it in the Psalms:
Psalms 16:8-11 (ESV Strong's)
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
David put God “before” himself and, in return, God put “Himself” before David’s eyes. Note the last lines of this Psalm:
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore and AT YOUR RIGHT HAND ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE. We may not remember, but the Bible says that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God. So, the blessings that God promises are that of our Savior. All the other props, God is destroying.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
God Sets Up Leaders with Power - Psalms 18-20
Psalms 18:43-45 (ESV Strong's)
You delivered me from strife with the people;
you made me the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;
foreigners came cringing to me.
Foreigners lost heart
and came trembling out of their fortresses.
God Sets Up Leaders
As we read this song of King David, it might be wise to remember this passage from the songwriter Asaph:
Psalms 75:7 (ESV Strong's)
but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
Or, words from Daniel:
Daniel 2:21 (ESV Strong's)
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
We have to remember that it not only God who puts kings and leaders in place, it is God who gives them power. As a leader, you don’t need power to serve people and do what is right for people. In our world, power is a god. In the above verses from Psalms 18, we read that God put David into a position and gave him power over his enemies and followers. God made sure they would follow him. This is the greatest lesson every leader has to learn. Power is a drug that titillates the mind and heart but ensnares the soul. God gave David a following ... only God can create a following. That is the point of these references. Leaders are appointed by God:
Romans 13:1 (ESV Strong's)
Submission to the Authorities
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
You delivered me from strife with the people;
you made me the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;
foreigners came cringing to me.
Foreigners lost heart
and came trembling out of their fortresses.
God Sets Up Leaders
As we read this song of King David, it might be wise to remember this passage from the songwriter Asaph:
Psalms 75:7 (ESV Strong's)
but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
Or, words from Daniel:
Daniel 2:21 (ESV Strong's)
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
We have to remember that it not only God who puts kings and leaders in place, it is God who gives them power. As a leader, you don’t need power to serve people and do what is right for people. In our world, power is a god. In the above verses from Psalms 18, we read that God put David into a position and gave him power over his enemies and followers. God made sure they would follow him. This is the greatest lesson every leader has to learn. Power is a drug that titillates the mind and heart but ensnares the soul. God gave David a following ... only God can create a following. That is the point of these references. Leaders are appointed by God:
Romans 13:1 (ESV Strong's)
Submission to the Authorities
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Strange Weapons in the Hands of God - Judges 6-11
Judges 7:15-18 (ESV Strong's)
As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”
Strange Weapons in the Hands of God
Gideon is about to take on the army of the Midianites. He started with over 30,000 and God had whittled it down to 300. God did not want Israel claiming victory because of their talent, their might or their combined teamwork. But, not only did they only have 300 men, they also had no weapons. So, Gideon’s plan was to use trumpets, jars and lights. Apparently a light show was all that was need .. in the hands of God. Gideon overcomes the Midianites by conquering them via the 300 jars and lights. There is no way Gideon or the nation of Israel can claim their strong might saved them. This is how it is with God. He uses the weak and uses them in the weakest manner. Man has to go away being in awe of God. We are not to try to use our strength and out great power to accomplish anything thing. Especially when we are fighting the battles God lays out before us. The Armor of God in Ephesians 6 are in this same manner. We are in a fight with Satan and we need to clothe ourselves with the armor God provides. We do this by faith and that enables God to claim the victory ... it is His work. We only carry the armor He gives us.
As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”
Strange Weapons in the Hands of God
Gideon is about to take on the army of the Midianites. He started with over 30,000 and God had whittled it down to 300. God did not want Israel claiming victory because of their talent, their might or their combined teamwork. But, not only did they only have 300 men, they also had no weapons. So, Gideon’s plan was to use trumpets, jars and lights. Apparently a light show was all that was need .. in the hands of God. Gideon overcomes the Midianites by conquering them via the 300 jars and lights. There is no way Gideon or the nation of Israel can claim their strong might saved them. This is how it is with God. He uses the weak and uses them in the weakest manner. Man has to go away being in awe of God. We are not to try to use our strength and out great power to accomplish anything thing. Especially when we are fighting the battles God lays out before us. The Armor of God in Ephesians 6 are in this same manner. We are in a fight with Satan and we need to clothe ourselves with the armor God provides. We do this by faith and that enables God to claim the victory ... it is His work. We only carry the armor He gives us.
Monday, February 10, 2020
Anticipate God Answering Prayer - Genesis 24-27
Genesis 24:15 (ESV Strong's)
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder.
Genesis 24:21 (ESV Strong's)
The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the Lord had prospered his journey or not.
Anticipate God Answering Prayer
The above passages needs context. In chapter 24 of Genesis, Abraham has sent his servant away to his old country to find a wife for his son, Issac. The servant has traveled to this far country and has just prayed the following prayer:
Genesis 24:12-14 (ESV Strong's)
And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
This is where the top verses come in to play. The servant has asked God for a very specific sign that God has blessed his travels and mission. Then, “before he had finished speaking,” a servant girl responds, EXACTLY like he asked. This is the amazing part of the story. Instead of instantly praising God for the answer to prayer, the servant, instead, stands in silence “to learn whether the lord had prospered his journey or not.” Really? This is how we are often in prayer. We pray to God and ask for something and then we stand in wonder as to if or if not He will reasons. We have to realize that God comes to us and asks us to ask Him for grace in our lives. We ought not be surprised when He does answer our prayers. The servant should have started rejoicing. This reminds us of the passage in James, where he is writing to us about asking God for wisdom. Note:
James 1:5-8 (ESV Strong's)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
God wants us to ask in faith and expect the results we ask for. When we ask anything according to God’s will we can see the results according to God’s will.
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder.
Genesis 24:21 (ESV Strong's)
The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the Lord had prospered his journey or not.
Anticipate God Answering Prayer
The above passages needs context. In chapter 24 of Genesis, Abraham has sent his servant away to his old country to find a wife for his son, Issac. The servant has traveled to this far country and has just prayed the following prayer:
Genesis 24:12-14 (ESV Strong's)
And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
This is where the top verses come in to play. The servant has asked God for a very specific sign that God has blessed his travels and mission. Then, “before he had finished speaking,” a servant girl responds, EXACTLY like he asked. This is the amazing part of the story. Instead of instantly praising God for the answer to prayer, the servant, instead, stands in silence “to learn whether the lord had prospered his journey or not.” Really? This is how we are often in prayer. We pray to God and ask for something and then we stand in wonder as to if or if not He will reasons. We have to realize that God comes to us and asks us to ask Him for grace in our lives. We ought not be surprised when He does answer our prayers. The servant should have started rejoicing. This reminds us of the passage in James, where he is writing to us about asking God for wisdom. Note:
James 1:5-8 (ESV Strong's)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
God wants us to ask in faith and expect the results we ask for. When we ask anything according to God’s will we can see the results according to God’s will.
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Be Fervent in God’s Business - Romans 12
Romans 12:11 (ESV Strong's)
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Be Fervent in God’s Business
This verse comes right in the middle of this chapter, by Paul, on the believers responsibility to be living out a life, acceptable to God and seeking God’s acceptable will in their life (verses 1 & 2). God wants us to engage in the work we do in an acceptable manner to Him. But, the exact nature of the work, in Romans 12, is to use our spiritual gifts to serve others to the glory of God, despite any suffering brought on to us by injustice. The above phrase, “do not be slothful in zeal,” does have an alternative interpretation in other versions of the Bible. This is from the late, commentator. RC Sproul:
“My translation for the next phrase reads not lagging in diligence (v. 11a). An older translation reads “not slothful in business” (kjv). We are not to be lazy in business; however, Paul is not talking about commercial enterprise. The word business comes from the term busy-ness, which means we should be busy people, busy with the things of God. Jonathan Edwards gave a sermon about pressing into the kingdom of God. “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). Edwards said that those who have come to Christ have been born again and given a spirit of zeal to pursue the things of God with a sense of urgency and with hunger and passion. Therefore, it is the duty of every Christian to press into the kingdom of God, making that the main business of life. The kingdom of God cannot be a secondary interest for a true Christian. We are to be diligent and active in the things of God.”
Our business in life is to be “engaged in business” (of the Kingdom). Note the parable Jesus gave His disciples:
Luke 19:11-13 (ESV Strong's)
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
The disciples thought Jesus was going to usher in the Kingdom of God. But, Jesus first had to die and rise again. He also had to build the church. While we are waiting for the kingdom we are to be “engage” fervently in the business of God and make ourselves “busy” for Him. That is the way to make sure we please Him and are prepared for the final Kingdom.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Be Fervent in God’s Business
This verse comes right in the middle of this chapter, by Paul, on the believers responsibility to be living out a life, acceptable to God and seeking God’s acceptable will in their life (verses 1 & 2). God wants us to engage in the work we do in an acceptable manner to Him. But, the exact nature of the work, in Romans 12, is to use our spiritual gifts to serve others to the glory of God, despite any suffering brought on to us by injustice. The above phrase, “do not be slothful in zeal,” does have an alternative interpretation in other versions of the Bible. This is from the late, commentator. RC Sproul:
“My translation for the next phrase reads not lagging in diligence (v. 11a). An older translation reads “not slothful in business” (kjv). We are not to be lazy in business; however, Paul is not talking about commercial enterprise. The word business comes from the term busy-ness, which means we should be busy people, busy with the things of God. Jonathan Edwards gave a sermon about pressing into the kingdom of God. “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). Edwards said that those who have come to Christ have been born again and given a spirit of zeal to pursue the things of God with a sense of urgency and with hunger and passion. Therefore, it is the duty of every Christian to press into the kingdom of God, making that the main business of life. The kingdom of God cannot be a secondary interest for a true Christian. We are to be diligent and active in the things of God.”
Our business in life is to be “engaged in business” (of the Kingdom). Note the parable Jesus gave His disciples:
Luke 19:11-13 (ESV Strong's)
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
The disciples thought Jesus was going to usher in the Kingdom of God. But, Jesus first had to die and rise again. He also had to build the church. While we are waiting for the kingdom we are to be “engage” fervently in the business of God and make ourselves “busy” for Him. That is the way to make sure we please Him and are prepared for the final Kingdom.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Just the Fringe of His Garment - Matthew 13-15
Matthew 14:34-36 (ESV Strong's)
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Just the Fringe of His Garment
An important theme in this section centers around those who came to Jesus for a need, but only had limited knowledge, access and faith in Him. In the above passage we read about Him returning to the land of Gennesaret. He had been their previously and had healed a wild man, full of demons. That caused Jesus’ fame to spread. When He arrived this second time they found many who simply wanted to touch his garment. That was enough to heal them. Note what happens later in this same section. A Canaanite woman comes to him for healing and Jesus tells her that He was sent to the nation of Israel. Note what she says:
Matthew 15:27 (ESV Strong's)
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.”
She was willing to take the crumbs of God’s grace. She knew that just a small portion of God’s grace can bring healing to anyone.
Peter had just enough faith to step out of the boat but not enough to walk miles. God is not demanding all the faith in the world to follow Him. He is just wanting us to believe to the extent we can touch His grace. A fringe, a crumb, a look across the water in the midst of the storm. God is extending portions of His grace for us to believe in Him. When He does, we only need to believe to the extent of the grace He offers. As we believe in the fringe, He will soon off the full garment of His grace. As we believe in the crumbs, He will give us the full loaf of His grace. We are only to believe in the grace He offers.
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Just the Fringe of His Garment
An important theme in this section centers around those who came to Jesus for a need, but only had limited knowledge, access and faith in Him. In the above passage we read about Him returning to the land of Gennesaret. He had been their previously and had healed a wild man, full of demons. That caused Jesus’ fame to spread. When He arrived this second time they found many who simply wanted to touch his garment. That was enough to heal them. Note what happens later in this same section. A Canaanite woman comes to him for healing and Jesus tells her that He was sent to the nation of Israel. Note what she says:
Matthew 15:27 (ESV Strong's)
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.”
She was willing to take the crumbs of God’s grace. She knew that just a small portion of God’s grace can bring healing to anyone.
Peter had just enough faith to step out of the boat but not enough to walk miles. God is not demanding all the faith in the world to follow Him. He is just wanting us to believe to the extent we can touch His grace. A fringe, a crumb, a look across the water in the midst of the storm. God is extending portions of His grace for us to believe in Him. When He does, we only need to believe to the extent of the grace He offers. As we believe in the fringe, He will soon off the full garment of His grace. As we believe in the crumbs, He will give us the full loaf of His grace. We are only to believe in the grace He offers.
Friday, February 7, 2020
You Will Hear the Word - Isaiah 29-33
Isaiah 30:19-21 (ESV Strong's)
For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
You Will Hear the Word
In this section of his prophecy, Isaiah is speaking about Jerusalem. They have, for quite some time, rejected God’s word. They have walked in the way they wanted to walk and not even consulted with God. In fact, in this section, God warns them to NOT go down to Egypt to find support and strength ... especially since they didn’t even consult with God about it:
Isaiah 31:1 (ESV Strong's)
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
and rely on horses,
who trust in chariots because they are many
and in horsemen because they are very strong,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel
or consult the Lord!
But, in the verses above, we see that God IS going to bring them to a place where they will hear His voice. In fact, God tells them that they will “hear the word behind you.” Is that not a great picture of God speaking to us as we travel this world. Imagine a father helping a child as they learn how to ride a bike. The chid thinks they are peddling, but it is really God pushing, holding, guiding, supporting and balancing. That is the Christian walk. Even the peddling we do is done through the power of God. We can rejoice that God is behind us, telling us when to turn right and left and when to go straight or stop. That is our walk with God when we allow the Spirit of God to control us and to work in us for God’s glory.
For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
You Will Hear the Word
In this section of his prophecy, Isaiah is speaking about Jerusalem. They have, for quite some time, rejected God’s word. They have walked in the way they wanted to walk and not even consulted with God. In fact, in this section, God warns them to NOT go down to Egypt to find support and strength ... especially since they didn’t even consult with God about it:
Isaiah 31:1 (ESV Strong's)
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
and rely on horses,
who trust in chariots because they are many
and in horsemen because they are very strong,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel
or consult the Lord!
But, in the verses above, we see that God IS going to bring them to a place where they will hear His voice. In fact, God tells them that they will “hear the word behind you.” Is that not a great picture of God speaking to us as we travel this world. Imagine a father helping a child as they learn how to ride a bike. The chid thinks they are peddling, but it is really God pushing, holding, guiding, supporting and balancing. That is the Christian walk. Even the peddling we do is done through the power of God. We can rejoice that God is behind us, telling us when to turn right and left and when to go straight or stop. That is our walk with God when we allow the Spirit of God to control us and to work in us for God’s glory.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
LIfe In HIs Hands - Job 12-13
Job 12:10-12 (ESV Strong's)
In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
Life In His Hands
Job is defending himself to his “friends.” In his pain, his friends have attacked him by telling him that his pain and suffering are a result of his sin. Job is about to go on the attack and complain before them and to God that he is NOT suffering because of his sin. He believes he is a righteous man. Indeed, the first chapters of the book tell us that was exactly God’s assessment of Job. Yet, in the above passage, Job first declares a truth we all should acknowledge. In God’s hands is everyone’s life. God is the one who gives us breath.
Job goes on to tell his friends that just like the ear tests the words it hears and the tongue tastes the food that enters the mouth, he will test the counsel of his friends and see it it satisfies. According to Job, it does not. He is letting them know that the “aged” those who have “length of days” will test their words (counsel to him) and they, too, will reject them.
Job is making the point that he believes their counsel is off base and misrepresents what God is doing ini his life. He is right, of course, but it will take more arguments and more chapters to reveal God’s plan to both them and Job. The point we might take from this passage is that it is God who gives life and it is God who gives truth. We ought not try to put ourselves as judge and jury as to what is happening in the lives of others. We ought to just be ready to share with them the truth of God’s word and let God be the judge and jury. God gives life and truth ... not us.
In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
Life In His Hands
Job is defending himself to his “friends.” In his pain, his friends have attacked him by telling him that his pain and suffering are a result of his sin. Job is about to go on the attack and complain before them and to God that he is NOT suffering because of his sin. He believes he is a righteous man. Indeed, the first chapters of the book tell us that was exactly God’s assessment of Job. Yet, in the above passage, Job first declares a truth we all should acknowledge. In God’s hands is everyone’s life. God is the one who gives us breath.
Job goes on to tell his friends that just like the ear tests the words it hears and the tongue tastes the food that enters the mouth, he will test the counsel of his friends and see it it satisfies. According to Job, it does not. He is letting them know that the “aged” those who have “length of days” will test their words (counsel to him) and they, too, will reject them.
Job is making the point that he believes their counsel is off base and misrepresents what God is doing ini his life. He is right, of course, but it will take more arguments and more chapters to reveal God’s plan to both them and Job. The point we might take from this passage is that it is God who gives life and it is God who gives truth. We ought not try to put ourselves as judge and jury as to what is happening in the lives of others. We ought to just be ready to share with them the truth of God’s word and let God be the judge and jury. God gives life and truth ... not us.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
God IS Our Refuge (Psalms 15-17)
Psalms 16:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
God IS Our Refuge
Anyone ever caught in a storm knows the the value of a “refuge.” When the storm is battering down on you, it is reassuring to know you are not in the storm but protected from it. This is the truth of the above line of David’s “miktam.” A Hebrew “miktam” is a poem, probably set to music. David is composing for us his truths about having God as a “refuge.” David does not just have “a” refuge. David has the “Lord” as his refuge. That is the difference between the believer and the world around us. The world around us has wealth as a shelter. The world has family as a shelter. The world has religion as a shelter. Believers have a Person (the Person of Christ) as a shelter. That is the peace we see expressed in David’s poem. David knows that all other shelters are temporary. He says of God, his shelter, “I have no good apart from you.” That is refreshing and that is something that can cause us to be at ease in the midst of the storm. That is something we ONLY attain to through the eyes of faith. Money you can count ... but it can vanish in a heart beat. Family you can see ... but they can desert you in a heart beat. Religion can sooth, but it has not long lasting impacts spiritually. Only the Person of Christ can be the answer to, “I have no good apart from you.” We lean into that truth in faith.
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
God IS Our Refuge
Anyone ever caught in a storm knows the the value of a “refuge.” When the storm is battering down on you, it is reassuring to know you are not in the storm but protected from it. This is the truth of the above line of David’s “miktam.” A Hebrew “miktam” is a poem, probably set to music. David is composing for us his truths about having God as a “refuge.” David does not just have “a” refuge. David has the “Lord” as his refuge. That is the difference between the believer and the world around us. The world around us has wealth as a shelter. The world has family as a shelter. The world has religion as a shelter. Believers have a Person (the Person of Christ) as a shelter. That is the peace we see expressed in David’s poem. David knows that all other shelters are temporary. He says of God, his shelter, “I have no good apart from you.” That is refreshing and that is something that can cause us to be at ease in the midst of the storm. That is something we ONLY attain to through the eyes of faith. Money you can count ... but it can vanish in a heart beat. Family you can see ... but they can desert you in a heart beat. Religion can sooth, but it has not long lasting impacts spiritually. Only the Person of Christ can be the answer to, “I have no good apart from you.” We lean into that truth in faith.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Disobedience to God Invites Unwanted Conflict - Judges 1-5
Judges 2:11-15 (ESV Strong's)
And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as the Lord had warned, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were in terrible distress.
Disobedience to God Invites Unwanted Conflict
Since most have a view of God that He is full of love and kindness, the above passage might come to them like edges of a sword. But, God’s Word can do that sometimes to us:
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV Strong's)
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.
Sometimes we need to be cut by God’s Word to remove the fat of our lives. In the above passage we read that the nation of Israel, despite all of God’s blessing in their lives, disobeyed God. That disobedience brought in God’s anger and discipline. That discipline was manifested by God allowing unwanted wars and conflicts in their lives. God can not sin and God can not make sin happen. But, God CAN and often DOES pull back a measure of His grace, which allows sin to run rampant. This is what happen in Job’s case. God told Satan he could touch Job’s family, income, resources and, eventually, his body, but not his life. God’s grace pulled back to allow Satan to do what he wanted. When we walk in disobedience, God can pull back His divine favor toward us and allow conflict to come into our lives. That does not mea all conflict is from our disobedience (Paul was very obedient and had much conflict in his life). But, it does mean this a tool God uses to correct our walk with Him. In the book of Judges, God would allow these wars to come upon Israel. The wars would force Israel to their knees. That would touch God’s grace and He would send them a “judge” to deliver them. That is the story of the book of Judges. God allowed the wars and conflict to correct them and to drive them to repentance. That is the story of Judges. When we fall away from God (and we will) we can experiment the conflict that comes from that disobedience. That is real. But, we can also repent and return to God and God will send deliverance. That is also real.
And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as the Lord had warned, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were in terrible distress.
Disobedience to God Invites Unwanted Conflict
Since most have a view of God that He is full of love and kindness, the above passage might come to them like edges of a sword. But, God’s Word can do that sometimes to us:
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV Strong's)
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.
Sometimes we need to be cut by God’s Word to remove the fat of our lives. In the above passage we read that the nation of Israel, despite all of God’s blessing in their lives, disobeyed God. That disobedience brought in God’s anger and discipline. That discipline was manifested by God allowing unwanted wars and conflicts in their lives. God can not sin and God can not make sin happen. But, God CAN and often DOES pull back a measure of His grace, which allows sin to run rampant. This is what happen in Job’s case. God told Satan he could touch Job’s family, income, resources and, eventually, his body, but not his life. God’s grace pulled back to allow Satan to do what he wanted. When we walk in disobedience, God can pull back His divine favor toward us and allow conflict to come into our lives. That does not mea all conflict is from our disobedience (Paul was very obedient and had much conflict in his life). But, it does mean this a tool God uses to correct our walk with Him. In the book of Judges, God would allow these wars to come upon Israel. The wars would force Israel to their knees. That would touch God’s grace and He would send them a “judge” to deliver them. That is the story of the book of Judges. God allowed the wars and conflict to correct them and to drive them to repentance. That is the story of Judges. When we fall away from God (and we will) we can experiment the conflict that comes from that disobedience. That is real. But, we can also repent and return to God and God will send deliverance. That is also real.
Monday, February 3, 2020
God Open Our Eyes - Genesis 20-23
Genesis 21:17-19 (ESV Strong's)
And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
God Opens Our Eyes
In the above passage we have a portion of the story about Sarah’s handmade, Hagar, and her son (fathered by Abraham), Ishmael. Once Sarah had her own son, Issac (the promised son for Abraham, from God), Sarah wanted Hagar and Ishmael gone. Reluctantly, but by God’s command, Abraham sends Hager out with some water, which eventually runs out. The above passage is what happens next.
Hagar put Ismael under a tree to die and was preparing herself for that event. This is where God intervenes. God sees her and steps into history to change her focus. We are not sure, from this point, exactly what happened. Did God actually create a place that had water? Or, was Hagar so distraught and in pain she simply did not see the water God points her to? We do not know the answer, but we do know it took God intervening in her life for her to see the need she had was provided to her. We can, in life, become so distraught with our pain and the pain of our children and loved ones that we don’t see the solution right in front of us. It is hard to read this passage and not think about Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well in John 4. She cam to get water at the well, but Jesus tells her His is the “water of life” and if she drinks of Him she will “never thirst.” Jesus, of course, was talking spiritually. But the woman was so distracted by her thirst and the labor of drawing water from a well everyday, she missed the point entirely. We have so much struggle in this life and Jesus says, “I am right here.” But we miss it because we are focused on the temporary and temporal and not the eternal. God wants to open our eyes to His provision in the mist of our struggle. Look!! There is water right there!!! His name is Jesus!!
And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
God Opens Our Eyes
In the above passage we have a portion of the story about Sarah’s handmade, Hagar, and her son (fathered by Abraham), Ishmael. Once Sarah had her own son, Issac (the promised son for Abraham, from God), Sarah wanted Hagar and Ishmael gone. Reluctantly, but by God’s command, Abraham sends Hager out with some water, which eventually runs out. The above passage is what happens next.
Hagar put Ismael under a tree to die and was preparing herself for that event. This is where God intervenes. God sees her and steps into history to change her focus. We are not sure, from this point, exactly what happened. Did God actually create a place that had water? Or, was Hagar so distraught and in pain she simply did not see the water God points her to? We do not know the answer, but we do know it took God intervening in her life for her to see the need she had was provided to her. We can, in life, become so distraught with our pain and the pain of our children and loved ones that we don’t see the solution right in front of us. It is hard to read this passage and not think about Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well in John 4. She cam to get water at the well, but Jesus tells her His is the “water of life” and if she drinks of Him she will “never thirst.” Jesus, of course, was talking spiritually. But the woman was so distracted by her thirst and the labor of drawing water from a well everyday, she missed the point entirely. We have so much struggle in this life and Jesus says, “I am right here.” But we miss it because we are focused on the temporary and temporal and not the eternal. God wants to open our eyes to His provision in the mist of our struggle. Look!! There is water right there!!! His name is Jesus!!
Sunday, February 2, 2020
God Has Many - Romans 9-11
Romans 11:2-4 (ESV Strong's)
God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
God Has Many
In Matthew 7:13-14 we read the following:
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV Strong's)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
In that passage, Jesus is coming to an end of the Sermon on the Mount. He tells the listeners that there is a broad way that many travel that will, in the end, end in destruction. In Romans, Paul tells the church at Rome that not all of those who claim to be from the nation of Israel are actually God’s chosen people. He is making a point that God knows those who are His. Elijah thought it was alone, but there were many others Elijah did not know. We should not get hung up and the “how” many, but on that God “knows” those who are His. He has chosen those He wants for Himself. We can rejoice that God has many, albeit many more will reject Him. Too many want to follow their own systems and their own ways of doing things.
God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
God Has Many
In Matthew 7:13-14 we read the following:
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV Strong's)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
In that passage, Jesus is coming to an end of the Sermon on the Mount. He tells the listeners that there is a broad way that many travel that will, in the end, end in destruction. In Romans, Paul tells the church at Rome that not all of those who claim to be from the nation of Israel are actually God’s chosen people. He is making a point that God knows those who are His. Elijah thought it was alone, but there were many others Elijah did not know. We should not get hung up and the “how” many, but on that God “knows” those who are His. He has chosen those He wants for Himself. We can rejoice that God has many, albeit many more will reject Him. Too many want to follow their own systems and their own ways of doing things.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Many Reject Christ - Matthews 11-13
Matthew 11:20-24 (ESV Strong's)
Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
Many Reject Christ
We live in a performance based society. If you perform you make more money. That is just a simple observation. People who don’t perform are marginalized and are often seen lacking leadership, skill, or motivation. Imagine a preacher who went to into a city to start a church and no one listened. Supposed the preacher left that city and went to another city and the same thing happened. Most would say he must not be a good preacher. They might think his doctrine was askew. They might even think the man was in the wrong line of work. Yet, in the above passage we have the words of Jesus in regard to city after city He went to that did not repent and turn to their Messiah. In today’s economy and philosophy, Jesus would have probably looked like a failed prophet or preacher. These cities rejected His message. Even with perfect doctrine, spoken by the Son of God, men rejected truth. Jesus had twelve disciples. Not only did one of them actual betray Him, the others ran away from Him at His crucifixion. Jesus was rejected. Not because He failed to speak truth; Not because He neglected to preach truth. Not because He failed to live the truth out as an example. Jesus was rejected because the truth presented in a perfect manner with exemplary actions failed to mix with faith. The prayer we have to have as we present truth is that those who hear it will mix it with faith and believe the truth we present. As flawed “ministers” for Christ we will have those around us reject the truth. But, our role is to present it in a way that they understand. It is God’s role to provide the faith. Present the truth. Then pray they have faith.
Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
Many Reject Christ
We live in a performance based society. If you perform you make more money. That is just a simple observation. People who don’t perform are marginalized and are often seen lacking leadership, skill, or motivation. Imagine a preacher who went to into a city to start a church and no one listened. Supposed the preacher left that city and went to another city and the same thing happened. Most would say he must not be a good preacher. They might think his doctrine was askew. They might even think the man was in the wrong line of work. Yet, in the above passage we have the words of Jesus in regard to city after city He went to that did not repent and turn to their Messiah. In today’s economy and philosophy, Jesus would have probably looked like a failed prophet or preacher. These cities rejected His message. Even with perfect doctrine, spoken by the Son of God, men rejected truth. Jesus had twelve disciples. Not only did one of them actual betray Him, the others ran away from Him at His crucifixion. Jesus was rejected. Not because He failed to speak truth; Not because He neglected to preach truth. Not because He failed to live the truth out as an example. Jesus was rejected because the truth presented in a perfect manner with exemplary actions failed to mix with faith. The prayer we have to have as we present truth is that those who hear it will mix it with faith and believe the truth we present. As flawed “ministers” for Christ we will have those around us reject the truth. But, our role is to present it in a way that they understand. It is God’s role to provide the faith. Present the truth. Then pray they have faith.
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