Psalms 118:10-13
All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.
Truth: In the Name of Christ we are Protected
We do not always remember the power in the name of Jesus Christ. This Psalm was written before Christ walked on the earth and before He died and rose from the dead. However, this is a Psalm about His power and His protection. Later in the Psalm the writer tells us, "... The right hand of the Lord exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly! (Psalm 118:15). Who sits on the right had of God? Jesus Christ!! So, when we claim the name of Christ, we are claiming the very power of God. When we read the Acts of the Apostles we see numerous times where Peter and the others called upon the name of Jesus to cast out demons, heal the ill, open prison doors and save kings and subjects of the kings. Jesus name is powerful. In the above verses of this Psalm we see that although this writer is pursued, surrounded and swarmed by an enemy, He simply calls upon the name of the Lord and is helped. In the verses just proceeding these verses we read how vain it is to trust in men in the time of need. But, we can trust in God, through Christ, who strengthens us and helps us. We ought not to fear what man can do to us. We ought to simply fear God and live in awe of Him. It is then we have protection and help in our times that the enemy surrounds us.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Truth #275 - Even in old age we are to seek God - 2 Chronicles 11-16
2 Chronicles 16:1-2
Asa's Last Years
In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king's house and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria, who lived in Damascus, saying,
Truth: In old age we are not exempt from following and worship God with our whole heart!
Chapter 16 of this book ought to be for all men and women of retirement age ... especially men. When, after years of service to the Lord and this age group reaches a comfort level with material things (meaning they have material things), why do they forsake God? Over and over again in this book about the Kings of Judah, we see men in their old age, forsake the following of the True King. King Asa is a prime of example of what happens when you get old, comfortable, and complacent. When the King Baasha came against Asa, instead of turning to God he turns to the King of Syria for support. As you read later in the chapter, Syria does bail Asa out and defeats King Baasha. However, note the results of trusting in an outside source rather than God:
2 Chronicles 16:7-9
At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”
God sees us when we rely on our own strength, wisdom and power. We are futile when we attempt to live life in this manner. God wants to care for us and wants to strengthen us. He wants us to come to Him in faith. When we reject Him for the things of this world; for the false power found in empty vessels of this world, we lose out on His blessings and we put ourselves into the place of King Asa. We are to grow more and more dependent upon God; despite our age and our comfort.
Asa's Last Years
In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa took silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king's house and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria, who lived in Damascus, saying,
Truth: In old age we are not exempt from following and worship God with our whole heart!
Chapter 16 of this book ought to be for all men and women of retirement age ... especially men. When, after years of service to the Lord and this age group reaches a comfort level with material things (meaning they have material things), why do they forsake God? Over and over again in this book about the Kings of Judah, we see men in their old age, forsake the following of the True King. King Asa is a prime of example of what happens when you get old, comfortable, and complacent. When the King Baasha came against Asa, instead of turning to God he turns to the King of Syria for support. As you read later in the chapter, Syria does bail Asa out and defeats King Baasha. However, note the results of trusting in an outside source rather than God:
2 Chronicles 16:7-9
At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”
God sees us when we rely on our own strength, wisdom and power. We are futile when we attempt to live life in this manner. God wants to care for us and wants to strengthen us. He wants us to come to Him in faith. When we reject Him for the things of this world; for the false power found in empty vessels of this world, we lose out on His blessings and we put ourselves into the place of King Asa. We are to grow more and more dependent upon God; despite our age and our comfort.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Truth #274 - In worship, we are to seek to please God, not ourselves - Numbers 29-32
Numbers 29:2
and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish;
Truth: Our worship to God is to please Him, not us.
Three times in this chapter of Numbers the writer, Moses, states that the nation of Israel is to come before God with a specific offering for the sole purpose that it would be a "pleasing aroma to the Lord" (see verses 7 and 13). The worship to God was to pleasing to God. He was the one the one that was to be honored in the worship. You would think in all worship of God this would be a normative. But, in reality, it is not. We don't judge our worship by whether it is pleasing to God ... we judge our worship in regard to if it pleases man ... us ... most of the time. We tend to leave formal worship services focusing on whether the music was the right selection and/or the preaching the right inflections. We want to be the judge of the worship "atmosphere," rather than allowing God to be the judge. In our "informal" worship (everything but Sunday morning) we seldom even consider if God is honored and pleased. God is to be honored in all that we do and it is Him who is to be sought pleasure and not, we, ourselves. In Hebrews 11 we are told that the only way we can please God is through the vehicle of faith. Therefore the one way we bring an offering to God and know for sure that we can please Him, is through faith. We are not to seek to please ourselves, we are to seek to please God through faith.
and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish;
Truth: Our worship to God is to please Him, not us.
Three times in this chapter of Numbers the writer, Moses, states that the nation of Israel is to come before God with a specific offering for the sole purpose that it would be a "pleasing aroma to the Lord" (see verses 7 and 13). The worship to God was to pleasing to God. He was the one the one that was to be honored in the worship. You would think in all worship of God this would be a normative. But, in reality, it is not. We don't judge our worship by whether it is pleasing to God ... we judge our worship in regard to if it pleases man ... us ... most of the time. We tend to leave formal worship services focusing on whether the music was the right selection and/or the preaching the right inflections. We want to be the judge of the worship "atmosphere," rather than allowing God to be the judge. In our "informal" worship (everything but Sunday morning) we seldom even consider if God is honored and pleased. God is to be honored in all that we do and it is Him who is to be sought pleasure and not, we, ourselves. In Hebrews 11 we are told that the only way we can please God is through the vehicle of faith. Therefore the one way we bring an offering to God and know for sure that we can please Him, is through faith. We are not to seek to please ourselves, we are to seek to please God through faith.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Truth #273 - To enter into rest, trust in His Word - Hebrews 1-4
Hebrews 4:11-13
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 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.
Truth: If we wish to enter God's rest we must trust in the validity and power of His spoken and written Word.
The readers of this letter to the Hebrews were tempted to fall back into Judaism, so either supplant or augment their faith in Christ. Either way, the writer of this book wants them to be careful to trust solely in Christ for their salvation and for their walk through life. Yet, the teaching of the day was pushing them to a Christ-Plus Philosophy. In part, like the believers addressed in the book of Colossians, they were tempted to think angels and special worship services would draw them closer to God and purer for God. The writer of this book warns them that just like the unbelief of the Israelites in the Old Testament had failed to enter into the "rest" of the promise land, so, too, they could fail to enter into the rest, now promised in Christ. But, the writer doesn't simply give them the warning to "be careful" and then go on to other issues. The writer tells them that we are to "strive" to enter into "that" rest ... "for" the Word of God is ...! The key to make sure we don't fail to miss this "rest" in the person of Christ is complete and utter faith and trust in the Word of God. Why? Because God's Word is powerful (obviously the Scriptures ... but more than just the Scriptures ... God's Word no matter when and where spoken is meant here). It is God's Word that spoke the world into existence. It is God's Word that sustains the universe (Hebrews 1:1-4). It is God's Word that will judge the dead and the nations. "No creature" is hidden from His sight, and all are "naked and exposed" to His eyes. The very source of the rest (faith in His Words) will become the very tool of His judgement to those who don't rest in His Word.
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 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.
Truth: If we wish to enter God's rest we must trust in the validity and power of His spoken and written Word.
The readers of this letter to the Hebrews were tempted to fall back into Judaism, so either supplant or augment their faith in Christ. Either way, the writer of this book wants them to be careful to trust solely in Christ for their salvation and for their walk through life. Yet, the teaching of the day was pushing them to a Christ-Plus Philosophy. In part, like the believers addressed in the book of Colossians, they were tempted to think angels and special worship services would draw them closer to God and purer for God. The writer of this book warns them that just like the unbelief of the Israelites in the Old Testament had failed to enter into the "rest" of the promise land, so, too, they could fail to enter into the rest, now promised in Christ. But, the writer doesn't simply give them the warning to "be careful" and then go on to other issues. The writer tells them that we are to "strive" to enter into "that" rest ... "for" the Word of God is ...! The key to make sure we don't fail to miss this "rest" in the person of Christ is complete and utter faith and trust in the Word of God. Why? Because God's Word is powerful (obviously the Scriptures ... but more than just the Scriptures ... God's Word no matter when and where spoken is meant here). It is God's Word that spoke the world into existence. It is God's Word that sustains the universe (Hebrews 1:1-4). It is God's Word that will judge the dead and the nations. "No creature" is hidden from His sight, and all are "naked and exposed" to His eyes. The very source of the rest (faith in His Words) will become the very tool of His judgement to those who don't rest in His Word.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Truth #272 - God operates on His plan but uses us to accomplish it. Acts 1-2
Acts 1:7-8
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Truth: God operates on His plan but uses us to accomplish it
After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples wanted to know more about the future. Based upon their previous inquiries, we might be lead to believe they were wondering when the Kingdom would be set up and when "their" reign with THE King would begin. But, Jesus gives them neither details or outlines of times, seasons or events. Instead Jesus simply tells them THEY are the vehicle of those times, seasons and events. Being the conduit for Christ message would be their lot in life. But, they would not be normal conduits. They would not be empty conduits. They would carry power. Not human power. Not the power of knowledge. Not muscle power. Not financial, positional or societal power. The Power the disciples would have was the Spirit of God dwelling in them. God would accomplish His plan via men He would equip with Himself. No other religion even thinks this way. Christ was telling them to not worry about the future, but to trust in Him, working through them, to change the future.
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Truth: God operates on His plan but uses us to accomplish it
After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples wanted to know more about the future. Based upon their previous inquiries, we might be lead to believe they were wondering when the Kingdom would be set up and when "their" reign with THE King would begin. But, Jesus gives them neither details or outlines of times, seasons or events. Instead Jesus simply tells them THEY are the vehicle of those times, seasons and events. Being the conduit for Christ message would be their lot in life. But, they would not be normal conduits. They would not be empty conduits. They would carry power. Not human power. Not the power of knowledge. Not muscle power. Not financial, positional or societal power. The Power the disciples would have was the Spirit of God dwelling in them. God would accomplish His plan via men He would equip with Himself. No other religion even thinks this way. Christ was telling them to not worry about the future, but to trust in Him, working through them, to change the future.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Truth #271 - God hates pride - Obadiah
Obadiah 1:3-4
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rock,
in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart,
“Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
though your nest is set among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,
declares the Lord.
Truth: God HATES pride
When we read Scripture, it is no doubt that we can see that God HATES pride. Notice what King Solomon said about pride:
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
Notice what another prophet will say about pride:
Amos 6:8
The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord, the God of hosts:
“I abhor the pride of Jacob
and hate his strongholds,
and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.”
We don't often think of God as hating. But, God does hate and as these verses indicate, He hates pride. Pride was the reason for the sin in the garden. Eve was tempted by Satan to eat the fruit in order to "become like God." Satan was kicked out of heaven because he attempted to promote himself over God. So, the issue with pride is that it is everything against God. Pride is the thing that keeps God's grace away from us:
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
In the prophet Obadiah's words we see that God is condemning Edom for their pride and their arrogant way. During the time in which the Babylonians were conquering Jersusalem, the Edomites helped capture Israelites who were trying to escape. They became the allies of Babylon and this angered God. They also, in the earlier days of Israel's history, did not help Israel ... even though they are, Israel's brother. God was angered by their pride of their heart and send Obadiah to tell them about their certain doom and destruction. God hates the pride that enters are hearts and when we fail to recognize Him and His glory and truth. Edom exalted himself against God and that was the reason for their destruction. We can't exalt ourselves and live in pride and not think that we are sinning against God.
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rock,
in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart,
“Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
though your nest is set among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,
declares the Lord.
Truth: God HATES pride
When we read Scripture, it is no doubt that we can see that God HATES pride. Notice what King Solomon said about pride:
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
Notice what another prophet will say about pride:
Amos 6:8
The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord, the God of hosts:
“I abhor the pride of Jacob
and hate his strongholds,
and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.”
We don't often think of God as hating. But, God does hate and as these verses indicate, He hates pride. Pride was the reason for the sin in the garden. Eve was tempted by Satan to eat the fruit in order to "become like God." Satan was kicked out of heaven because he attempted to promote himself over God. So, the issue with pride is that it is everything against God. Pride is the thing that keeps God's grace away from us:
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
In the prophet Obadiah's words we see that God is condemning Edom for their pride and their arrogant way. During the time in which the Babylonians were conquering Jersusalem, the Edomites helped capture Israelites who were trying to escape. They became the allies of Babylon and this angered God. They also, in the earlier days of Israel's history, did not help Israel ... even though they are, Israel's brother. God was angered by their pride of their heart and send Obadiah to tell them about their certain doom and destruction. God hates the pride that enters are hearts and when we fail to recognize Him and His glory and truth. Edom exalted himself against God and that was the reason for their destruction. We can't exalt ourselves and live in pride and not think that we are sinning against God.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Truth #270 - Hatered will eventually be exposed - Proverbs 26
Proverbs 26:24-26 (NIV1984)
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Truth: Hatered will eventually be exposed to everyone
The warning in the above proverbs is a warning to the reader. We are being warned to beware of men and women who carry hatred in their heart (maliciousness). The person who has this hatred in their heart will always try to cover it. Solomon tells us they hide their hatred and deceit with charming speech. He uses deception to cover his malice. When the proverb says there are "seven abominations in his heart," he is telling us that his heart is "completely" full of hatred. We are to be warned about this deceit and malice. We don't have to worry about the results of it, however. According to Solomon the deceit will be exposed to everyone someday. We are not told when they will be exposed. Even though his speech is "charming" we are not to believe him. The mouth is camouflage for the heart. We are not to be deceived by their lips. Be careful when you find yourself with someone with sweet speech. They just might of a dark heart.
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Truth: Hatered will eventually be exposed to everyone
The warning in the above proverbs is a warning to the reader. We are being warned to beware of men and women who carry hatred in their heart (maliciousness). The person who has this hatred in their heart will always try to cover it. Solomon tells us they hide their hatred and deceit with charming speech. He uses deception to cover his malice. When the proverb says there are "seven abominations in his heart," he is telling us that his heart is "completely" full of hatred. We are to be warned about this deceit and malice. We don't have to worry about the results of it, however. According to Solomon the deceit will be exposed to everyone someday. We are not told when they will be exposed. Even though his speech is "charming" we are not to believe him. The mouth is camouflage for the heart. We are not to be deceived by their lips. Be careful when you find yourself with someone with sweet speech. They just might of a dark heart.
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