Psalms 146:5-7
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
Subject: Reasons to Worship God
This Psalm is about praise and worship. It is about lifting one's voice and life in a walk of praise to God. It gives us both the command to worship and the reason(s) to worship. In the above verses in particular we see the writer outline the reason we are blessed to find our help in the God of Jacob. Those who put their hope in the Lord do so because:
1. God is powerful enough to make all the heavens, earth and sea and fill them all abundantly with stars to swordfish to snails.
2. God is abundantly and forever faithful.
3. God is just and makes sure, in the end, justice is always administrated.
4. God makes sure those who are hungry (Physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc) are filled.
5. God makes sure those who are prisoners (physically, emotionally, spiritual, etc) are set free.
We have plenty of reasons to worship, praise a thank God!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Subject: The Cost of Bitterness - Esther 1-5
Esther 5:11-13
And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.”
Subject: The cost of bitterness
Haman had become a bitter man. He was second in command in the royal palace. He had everything any man of his age would want. He was a man of great financial means (he personally was willing to fund the destructions of all the Jews). He was a man of great power and prestige in the kingdom. He had it made ... if it wasn't for that Jew, Mordecai. Mordecai, perhaps remember the example of the three Jewish boys tossed into the fire by King Nebuchadnezzar, also refused to pay homage to Haman. Although Haman had it all, he did not have the respect of one Jew. It is amazing how ego can lead to anger and how anger can lead to bitterness and how bitterness can lead to revenge. Haman will die from his ego, anger, bitterness and revenge. The trap he set for others he will fall into himself:
Proverbs 26:27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
A famous leader once said, "Being angry at someone is like drinking poison and hoping they will die as a result." Haman was drinking poison but it wasn't Mordecai who died. Allowing our ego to produce anger and, eventually, bitterness is a sure way to die from the inside out.
And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.”
Subject: The cost of bitterness
Haman had become a bitter man. He was second in command in the royal palace. He had everything any man of his age would want. He was a man of great financial means (he personally was willing to fund the destructions of all the Jews). He was a man of great power and prestige in the kingdom. He had it made ... if it wasn't for that Jew, Mordecai. Mordecai, perhaps remember the example of the three Jewish boys tossed into the fire by King Nebuchadnezzar, also refused to pay homage to Haman. Although Haman had it all, he did not have the respect of one Jew. It is amazing how ego can lead to anger and how anger can lead to bitterness and how bitterness can lead to revenge. Haman will die from his ego, anger, bitterness and revenge. The trap he set for others he will fall into himself:
Proverbs 26:27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
A famous leader once said, "Being angry at someone is like drinking poison and hoping they will die as a result." Haman was drinking poison but it wasn't Mordecai who died. Allowing our ego to produce anger and, eventually, bitterness is a sure way to die from the inside out.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Subject: Obeying God's Word
Deuteronomy 30:15-16
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
Subject: Obeying God's Word
Throughout Scripture we are given the above formula. We are told over and over that obedience to God's Word produces life and good and disobedience to God's Word produces death and evil. We can't get around it. That doesn't mean all will be good, because God's Word does say that believers will suffer. We are to obey God's Word in that suffering and rejoice (James 1). However, we seldom take this literally. This isn't just our spiritual health, meaning if we obey we will be saved from hell. The very health of our body is also at stake. Moses tells them that disobedience has real practical consequences in the land and in their lives. Obedience to God's Word will bring us in favor with God and our bodies will rejoice in health as we walk in His way. The world around us will be a different place in our minds and thoughts as we see it through God's Word. God's Word, in our lives, changes our lives.
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
Subject: Obeying God's Word
Throughout Scripture we are given the above formula. We are told over and over that obedience to God's Word produces life and good and disobedience to God's Word produces death and evil. We can't get around it. That doesn't mean all will be good, because God's Word does say that believers will suffer. We are to obey God's Word in that suffering and rejoice (James 1). However, we seldom take this literally. This isn't just our spiritual health, meaning if we obey we will be saved from hell. The very health of our body is also at stake. Moses tells them that disobedience has real practical consequences in the land and in their lives. Obedience to God's Word will bring us in favor with God and our bodies will rejoice in health as we walk in His way. The world around us will be a different place in our minds and thoughts as we see it through God's Word. God's Word, in our lives, changes our lives.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Subject: Walking in Truth in the Context of Hospitality - 2 John
2 John 1:4
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
Subject: Walking in Truth
In the above verse the word "truth" is used for the fifth time already in this little letter to the church. The context of the letter is that some false teachers (non-truth) were entering the church and abusing the natural hospitality of Christian believers and love to preach their false teachings. John is writing to correct this. Hence the emphasis on the "truth" in the opening remarks. He wants this church to act in truth (faithful obedience to the teaching of Christ expressed in love for fellow believers). He actually was pleased that some of them were "walking" in truth. Note what MacArthur says about this term "walking" when referred to in the context of believers:
Walking is a frequent New Testament metaphor for the Christian life. Believers “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4), “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7), “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25), “walk in good works” (Eph. 2:10), “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which [they] have been called” (Eph. 4:1), “walk in love” (Eph. 5:2), “walk as children of Light” (Eph. 5:8), “walk in wisdom” (Eph. 5:15), “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects” (Col. 1:10), “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls [them] into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12), “walk in the same manner as [Jesus] walked” (1 John 2:6), and “walk according to His commandments” (2 John 6).
John doesn't simply want these believers to "believe" in the truth. He wants them to "walk" in it ... practice it at all cost. However, that does not mean assisting those who are anti-truth. The letter is clear: Truth should begat truth. We are not to assist false teachers under the guise of "love and truth." Those who hold to the truth they have in Christ must do everything to promote that truth. That is what walking in the truth is all about. But, we are NOT to assist, promote or be hospitable with those who teach false doctrine; non-truth. Our walk in truth must promote more truth.
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
Subject: Walking in Truth
In the above verse the word "truth" is used for the fifth time already in this little letter to the church. The context of the letter is that some false teachers (non-truth) were entering the church and abusing the natural hospitality of Christian believers and love to preach their false teachings. John is writing to correct this. Hence the emphasis on the "truth" in the opening remarks. He wants this church to act in truth (faithful obedience to the teaching of Christ expressed in love for fellow believers). He actually was pleased that some of them were "walking" in truth. Note what MacArthur says about this term "walking" when referred to in the context of believers:
Walking is a frequent New Testament metaphor for the Christian life. Believers “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4), “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7), “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25), “walk in good works” (Eph. 2:10), “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which [they] have been called” (Eph. 4:1), “walk in love” (Eph. 5:2), “walk as children of Light” (Eph. 5:8), “walk in wisdom” (Eph. 5:15), “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects” (Col. 1:10), “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls [them] into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12), “walk in the same manner as [Jesus] walked” (1 John 2:6), and “walk according to His commandments” (2 John 6).
John doesn't simply want these believers to "believe" in the truth. He wants them to "walk" in it ... practice it at all cost. However, that does not mean assisting those who are anti-truth. The letter is clear: Truth should begat truth. We are not to assist false teachers under the guise of "love and truth." Those who hold to the truth they have in Christ must do everything to promote that truth. That is what walking in the truth is all about. But, we are NOT to assist, promote or be hospitable with those who teach false doctrine; non-truth. Our walk in truth must promote more truth.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Subject: Conscience and the Will of God - Acts 23-24
Acts 24:16
So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Subject: A Good Conscience
In this section Paul is being forced to stand trial before the Jews and the current designated leader under Rome's rule - Felix. The Jewish council has brought charges (that they can't prove) that Paul has been disruptive to their Law and to the Temple worship. Paul must defend himself and, as a Roman citizen, is entitled to such a defense. Paul will use this conflict to get to Rome in hopes to present the Gospel to all in Rome. In his defense he makes the above statement to Felix and the government leaders. He had made the same statement in the last chapter in front of the Jewish Council:
Acts 23:1
And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
Paul was very much concerned that his "conscience" was always clear and in favor with God and man. Note the following verses from the pen of Paul:
1 Timothy 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:19
holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,
In this context it is our conscience that speaks to our heart about our moral excellence in regard to God's Word. The conscience brings us into a state of "knowing" along side something. Our conscience brings us into knowing God's will and our conduct. Paul's commitment is to have a clear conscience between God and man. He wants nothing that hinders that fellowship, as much as he can (Romans 12:18). We are to allow our conscience to speak to our conduct and change our conduct. The lost world has had their conscience served with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:3). Believers should have an active conscience and it should always push to align our conduct with God's Will and Man's needs.
So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Subject: A Good Conscience
In this section Paul is being forced to stand trial before the Jews and the current designated leader under Rome's rule - Felix. The Jewish council has brought charges (that they can't prove) that Paul has been disruptive to their Law and to the Temple worship. Paul must defend himself and, as a Roman citizen, is entitled to such a defense. Paul will use this conflict to get to Rome in hopes to present the Gospel to all in Rome. In his defense he makes the above statement to Felix and the government leaders. He had made the same statement in the last chapter in front of the Jewish Council:
Acts 23:1
And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
Paul was very much concerned that his "conscience" was always clear and in favor with God and man. Note the following verses from the pen of Paul:
1 Timothy 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:19
holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,
In this context it is our conscience that speaks to our heart about our moral excellence in regard to God's Word. The conscience brings us into a state of "knowing" along side something. Our conscience brings us into knowing God's will and our conduct. Paul's commitment is to have a clear conscience between God and man. He wants nothing that hinders that fellowship, as much as he can (Romans 12:18). We are to allow our conscience to speak to our conduct and change our conduct. The lost world has had their conscience served with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:3). Believers should have an active conscience and it should always push to align our conduct with God's Will and Man's needs.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Subject: God's Wrath - Revelation 7-11
Revelation 6:15-17
Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Subject: God's Wrath
In this passage we are seeing what happens when man rejects God's grace - they, instead, experience God's wrath. Man, in pride, wants to live their life separate from God. Yet, when they want something they call out to God. At the end, God will bring His wrath on mankind, as seen above. Note that in these verses man wants to have the rocks crush him, instead of submitting to God. God's wrath is going to be so intense and man's pride so hard, that they would prefer to have rocks crush them than to submit to God's rule. The irony is that upon their death they will meet God face to face. So, in life they will experience His wrath and in death His wrath. When man rejects God's grace there is nothing left for God to provide except His wrath.
Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Subject: God's Wrath
In this passage we are seeing what happens when man rejects God's grace - they, instead, experience God's wrath. Man, in pride, wants to live their life separate from God. Yet, when they want something they call out to God. At the end, God will bring His wrath on mankind, as seen above. Note that in these verses man wants to have the rocks crush him, instead of submitting to God. God's wrath is going to be so intense and man's pride so hard, that they would prefer to have rocks crush them than to submit to God's rule. The irony is that upon their death they will meet God face to face. So, in life they will experience His wrath and in death His wrath. When man rejects God's grace there is nothing left for God to provide except His wrath.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Subject: Love vs. Sex - Song of Songs 3-4
Song of Songs 3:4-5
Scarcely had I passed them
when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go
until I had brought him into my mother's house,
and into the chamber of her who conceived me.
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
by the gazelles or the does of the field,
that you not stir up or awaken love
until it pleases.'
Subject: Love and Sex
In the above passage the woman in the story of love has been out looking for her lover. She finally finds him and is drawn to him. Although are not yet married, they have a lover for each other and in the previous verses they embrace. This embracing stirs the above response. The woman, in her mind, is ready to take her man to her bed to enjoy the physical side of their love. As she thinks through those thoughts, she stops to think again. She realizes that this physical intimacy she is thinking about is good and proper, but only in its time. As a result she stops her thought and makes sure the other women in the city realize that the power of intimacy is super strong and it should not be "awaken" until the proper time. Sexual desire is not wrong, but the timing of when to fulfill it, can be.
Scarcely had I passed them
when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go
until I had brought him into my mother's house,
and into the chamber of her who conceived me.
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
by the gazelles or the does of the field,
that you not stir up or awaken love
until it pleases.'
Subject: Love and Sex
In the above passage the woman in the story of love has been out looking for her lover. She finally finds him and is drawn to him. Although are not yet married, they have a lover for each other and in the previous verses they embrace. This embracing stirs the above response. The woman, in her mind, is ready to take her man to her bed to enjoy the physical side of their love. As she thinks through those thoughts, she stops to think again. She realizes that this physical intimacy she is thinking about is good and proper, but only in its time. As a result she stops her thought and makes sure the other women in the city realize that the power of intimacy is super strong and it should not be "awaken" until the proper time. Sexual desire is not wrong, but the timing of when to fulfill it, can be.
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