“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart”. (Hosea 4:11)
Our hearts, as Christians, belong to the Lord. Our attention, and allegiance belong to Him, and we must be careful to guard these precious things, and never allow ourselves to be given over to lusts and wine. Once we have developed a “taste” for wine, and began to “play the whore” against our God, our hearts turn to other things. Anything that removes us from our natural state is evil; it is controlling and wicked, and will eventually destroy us. A helpful anagram is taught to our children, but it is also important to adults:
We need to be alert, and watch for the subtle ruses of Satan; Some things we need to watch or guard:
Words;
Actions;
Thoughts;
Companions;
Hearts.
Guard your heart against the fiery darts of the devil.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Quips from Hosea
“And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope:” (Hosea 2: 15)
The “Valley of Achor” was a place of weeping. The Lord will sometimes give us weeping for hope. There is hope in trials, while mirth and gaiety is folly; the happiness this world offers is a fake happiness, founded on worldly principles, and worthless in the realm of the righteous; it is stubble instead of straw. Yes, our hope lies in the strength of adversity; in the “crying times” we see the Lord work best in our lives. Our prayers are best rendered when we are “hurting” and they seem to gain in intensity as we speak them to the Lord. These are the prayers that stir the heart of God; these are those which move Him, in His great compassion to intercede on our behalf. The earnest prayer of a broken and contrite heart gain the ear of our Mighty God, and things begin to happen—good things, things of truth and honor. So…though it could be a reproach to some, the Valley of Achor becomes a blessing to others, because they call upon the Lord in their distress. Solomon, the “wise one”, also spoke of this in the Ecclesiastes; he knew of the power of sorrow, and the worth of mirth.
The “Valley of Achor” was a place of weeping. The Lord will sometimes give us weeping for hope. There is hope in trials, while mirth and gaiety is folly; the happiness this world offers is a fake happiness, founded on worldly principles, and worthless in the realm of the righteous; it is stubble instead of straw. Yes, our hope lies in the strength of adversity; in the “crying times” we see the Lord work best in our lives. Our prayers are best rendered when we are “hurting” and they seem to gain in intensity as we speak them to the Lord. These are the prayers that stir the heart of God; these are those which move Him, in His great compassion to intercede on our behalf. The earnest prayer of a broken and contrite heart gain the ear of our Mighty God, and things begin to happen—good things, things of truth and honor. So…though it could be a reproach to some, the Valley of Achor becomes a blessing to others, because they call upon the Lord in their distress. Solomon, the “wise one”, also spoke of this in the Ecclesiastes; he knew of the power of sorrow, and the worth of mirth.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Quips From Hosea
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. (Hosea 2:8)
How many of us spent much of our lives in the same state as these? I know I did. I didn’t know that all the blessings around me, and that were given me were from the Lord; I was “my own man” and made things happen MY way, or so I thought. I had given my life to the false gods of this world, lust; materialism; humanism, oh, I had many gods, but like so many others, I did not recognize THE God, the Most High, Almighty God. I thank Him with all my heart that He reached out to me in spite of myself, and saved me. His love reached through the stone wall of resistance that I had built; it scaled the wall of self satisfaction and pride, and chased me with an easy and blessed gait. Thank God that it ran me down until I became weary with running, and succumbed to the greatest thing that man could ever imagine, the grace of God.
One wonders how many others out there in that big old world have the same dilemma? How many don’t know that God is their Provider, their benefactor? We need to let them know how gracious our Lord really is.
How many of us spent much of our lives in the same state as these? I know I did. I didn’t know that all the blessings around me, and that were given me were from the Lord; I was “my own man” and made things happen MY way, or so I thought. I had given my life to the false gods of this world, lust; materialism; humanism, oh, I had many gods, but like so many others, I did not recognize THE God, the Most High, Almighty God. I thank Him with all my heart that He reached out to me in spite of myself, and saved me. His love reached through the stone wall of resistance that I had built; it scaled the wall of self satisfaction and pride, and chased me with an easy and blessed gait. Thank God that it ran me down until I became weary with running, and succumbed to the greatest thing that man could ever imagine, the grace of God.
One wonders how many others out there in that big old world have the same dilemma? How many don’t know that God is their Provider, their benefactor? We need to let them know how gracious our Lord really is.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Wickedness around Us
The Wickedness around Us
Often, as I am dwelling on, and praying about the wickedness of this world, a fit of mild depression comes over me. We hear the daily news; read the newspapers, and it seems that all hope for sanity has been swept away by conniving minds, and workers of iniquity. We are surrounded on every side by humanism, and immorality, and flagrant idolatry and it seems as though we are thrown into the pot with them, and all is coming to a boil, but praise God that he is in control. As I dwell on these things, I am also reminded of my part in them!
Yes, I have a part in the wickedness of the world too, and so do all of us. Let us not be too quick to condemn, lest we fall into our own judgment, and wallow in a wretched pool of filth. You see, I have to be reminded that I am as wicked as they, except that I have put certain restraints on that wickedness, or rather, the Lord has, and now I am guided by His Blessed Spirit.
Yes, we seem to be living in a cesspool of evil, and there is not much that we can do about it on our own, but thank the Lord, he can do something; He can change lives and hearts. Let this be our prayer; that God would stir the hearts of His people to pray, and that He would change the hearts of others and turn them around, and change the entire world by doing so. Though we dwell amidst evil, we need not be companions with it; seek the wonderful life-changing grace of God, and “draw nigh” unto Him.
Often, as I am dwelling on, and praying about the wickedness of this world, a fit of mild depression comes over me. We hear the daily news; read the newspapers, and it seems that all hope for sanity has been swept away by conniving minds, and workers of iniquity. We are surrounded on every side by humanism, and immorality, and flagrant idolatry and it seems as though we are thrown into the pot with them, and all is coming to a boil, but praise God that he is in control. As I dwell on these things, I am also reminded of my part in them!
Yes, I have a part in the wickedness of the world too, and so do all of us. Let us not be too quick to condemn, lest we fall into our own judgment, and wallow in a wretched pool of filth. You see, I have to be reminded that I am as wicked as they, except that I have put certain restraints on that wickedness, or rather, the Lord has, and now I am guided by His Blessed Spirit.
Yes, we seem to be living in a cesspool of evil, and there is not much that we can do about it on our own, but thank the Lord, he can do something; He can change lives and hearts. Let this be our prayer; that God would stir the hearts of His people to pray, and that He would change the hearts of others and turn them around, and change the entire world by doing so. Though we dwell amidst evil, we need not be companions with it; seek the wonderful life-changing grace of God, and “draw nigh” unto Him.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Truth About Christmas
More about Christmas
Christmas is not about Hanukkah;
Christmas is not about quazon (SP?);
It is not about “Xmas“,
It is not about Santa Claus--
Christmas is about Christ!
We are squeezing Christ out of Christmas!
It is not “Happy Holidays”,
But “Merry Christmas” is what it’s all about.
How can Christmas be merry without Christ?
How can “Happy Holidays” be happy without Christ?
Let’s give Christmas back to Whom it was for;
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
Christmas is not about Hanukkah;
Christmas is not about quazon (SP?);
It is not about “Xmas“,
It is not about Santa Claus--
Christmas is about Christ!
We are squeezing Christ out of Christmas!
It is not “Happy Holidays”,
But “Merry Christmas” is what it’s all about.
How can Christmas be merry without Christ?
How can “Happy Holidays” be happy without Christ?
Let’s give Christmas back to Whom it was for;
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
What is life?
A cessation in eternity,
Limited by beginning and end;
Compassed of blessings and afflictions,
Of great joy, and multiplied sorrows;
Of sunshine and shadows,
And moments of love;
Of hate, and envy and strife and pride.
Life—the mystery of the universe;
The prize of every mortal;
The laughter of an elated heart;
The tears of a bereaved soul;
It is highs, and lows,
Good and bad;
Health and sickness,
Wealth and poverty;
It’s remorse and gladness,
It’s goodness and evil;
It’s gentleness and harshness,
Anger and temperance.
A mixture of all these,
Wrapped in a shell of flesh;
Bursting into eternity,
Yet subject to time.
Life is boldness and fear,
It’s pride and humility;
It’s piety and extravagance,
Flamboyance and obscurity.
It is love and hate,
Passion and sedateness;
Ah, life—with all its intrinsic little secrets;
Its great hold on our eternal souls.
How does one fit in?
Simply by being all he can for the cause of Christ.
By trusting Him over all fears,
Anxieties, and every obstacle that might cause one to stumble;
And going forward,
Walking, working toward eternity.
Life is height and depth,
It’s soaring and falling;
It’s wickedness and poverty,
And riches and grace;
It’s a commitment to all these—and more;
It’s a rapid rush toward eternity,
And a slow, peaceful gait;
Oh, who can describe this mystery of life?
Who can tell of what it consists?
It is the “breath of God” given to man;
It’s natures’ hope, and animals’ joy.
It’s a mist, a vapor that is seen,
And soon passes;
Gone, dissipated into thin air of eternity;
Oh mortal, cling to life,
For what it’s worth; cherish it.
Life is merely the postponement of death!
Make the most of it with Jesus.
Limited by beginning and end;
Compassed of blessings and afflictions,
Of great joy, and multiplied sorrows;
Of sunshine and shadows,
And moments of love;
Of hate, and envy and strife and pride.
Life—the mystery of the universe;
The prize of every mortal;
The laughter of an elated heart;
The tears of a bereaved soul;
It is highs, and lows,
Good and bad;
Health and sickness,
Wealth and poverty;
It’s remorse and gladness,
It’s goodness and evil;
It’s gentleness and harshness,
Anger and temperance.
A mixture of all these,
Wrapped in a shell of flesh;
Bursting into eternity,
Yet subject to time.
Life is boldness and fear,
It’s pride and humility;
It’s piety and extravagance,
Flamboyance and obscurity.
It is love and hate,
Passion and sedateness;
Ah, life—with all its intrinsic little secrets;
Its great hold on our eternal souls.
How does one fit in?
Simply by being all he can for the cause of Christ.
By trusting Him over all fears,
Anxieties, and every obstacle that might cause one to stumble;
And going forward,
Walking, working toward eternity.
Life is height and depth,
It’s soaring and falling;
It’s wickedness and poverty,
And riches and grace;
It’s a commitment to all these—and more;
It’s a rapid rush toward eternity,
And a slow, peaceful gait;
Oh, who can describe this mystery of life?
Who can tell of what it consists?
It is the “breath of God” given to man;
It’s natures’ hope, and animals’ joy.
It’s a mist, a vapor that is seen,
And soon passes;
Gone, dissipated into thin air of eternity;
Oh mortal, cling to life,
For what it’s worth; cherish it.
Life is merely the postponement of death!
Make the most of it with Jesus.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Principles for Giving:
1. Give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7);
2. Give liberally (Prov. 11:25);
3. Give anonymously (Mt. 6:3);
4. Give to a need (Deut. 15:11);
~Much of our giving is for impression, or for gaining the favor of another.
~Don’t give to the rich in hope of gaining their favor.(Prov. 22:16)
5. Give as if giving alms to the poor.
~many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives in hope of cheering them up. This is not true giving. Though the intent is good, we are not to think we can relieve sorrow with riches.
6. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others; (they may need cheering up, but that comes through the hand and instrumentality of the Lord.)
7. Giving must fit the need;
~True giving fulfills a need for others, and not necessarily for self gratification.
8. Give ungrudgingly (1 Peter 4:9, 10);
9. Give with no hope of return or reward (Exodus 22:25);
This is true giving--from the heart--it is genuine and productive.
10. Never give to oppress another; to make feel they “owe” us something, or are obligated to us.
~Some give to promote themselves over another; to belittle the poor. (Zech 7:10)
2. Give liberally (Prov. 11:25);
3. Give anonymously (Mt. 6:3);
4. Give to a need (Deut. 15:11);
~Much of our giving is for impression, or for gaining the favor of another.
~Don’t give to the rich in hope of gaining their favor.(Prov. 22:16)
5. Give as if giving alms to the poor.
~many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives in hope of cheering them up. This is not true giving. Though the intent is good, we are not to think we can relieve sorrow with riches.
6. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others; (they may need cheering up, but that comes through the hand and instrumentality of the Lord.)
7. Giving must fit the need;
~True giving fulfills a need for others, and not necessarily for self gratification.
8. Give ungrudgingly (1 Peter 4:9, 10);
9. Give with no hope of return or reward (Exodus 22:25);
This is true giving--from the heart--it is genuine and productive.
10. Never give to oppress another; to make feel they “owe” us something, or are obligated to us.
~Some give to promote themselves over another; to belittle the poor. (Zech 7:10)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
12/10 "The Early Bird..."
The Early Bird
I usually get up, and out of bed before the “crack” of dawn. I sit, and wait for that lazy old sun to rise, and for a new day to begin; sometimes it seems as if it will take forever, but then I see it wakening and stretching its arms across the sky. I can almost see that first yawn of brightness, as the sun peeks over the horizon, and I know then that soon he’ll be lighting my day. He will send some heat my way, along with the brightness of his glory. Yes, old sol, that great orb in the sky will shine for another day, and then slowly fizzle out and sink once again into a deep slumber below the western horizon, and the cycle begins anew after awhile. It is a “natural occurrence”; it is ordained to be so every day until the final day when the Lord decides that the time has been fulfilled, and He sets this earth at rest. Until that day, I hope to rise early and spend the early morning hours with Him; I hope to have some quiet time—some “quality time” with my Lord, and to finally rest in His bosom at the last day. I hope to use the daylight hours to glorify my God, and to uplift His glorious name. It’s what happens between sunrise and sunset that matters most though, because that’s when I am available for His service; that is when I function the best. Some mock my patterned life, but let them mock; some miss out on the joy of the morning and the fellowship of their God because they are as lazy as the sun itself, and rise just as slowly; they fizzle out quickly and seek the repose of the slothful, and dread the coming day ahead. Let them rest, and I will glory in the morning, in the presence of my King.
I usually get up, and out of bed before the “crack” of dawn. I sit, and wait for that lazy old sun to rise, and for a new day to begin; sometimes it seems as if it will take forever, but then I see it wakening and stretching its arms across the sky. I can almost see that first yawn of brightness, as the sun peeks over the horizon, and I know then that soon he’ll be lighting my day. He will send some heat my way, along with the brightness of his glory. Yes, old sol, that great orb in the sky will shine for another day, and then slowly fizzle out and sink once again into a deep slumber below the western horizon, and the cycle begins anew after awhile. It is a “natural occurrence”; it is ordained to be so every day until the final day when the Lord decides that the time has been fulfilled, and He sets this earth at rest. Until that day, I hope to rise early and spend the early morning hours with Him; I hope to have some quiet time—some “quality time” with my Lord, and to finally rest in His bosom at the last day. I hope to use the daylight hours to glorify my God, and to uplift His glorious name. It’s what happens between sunrise and sunset that matters most though, because that’s when I am available for His service; that is when I function the best. Some mock my patterned life, but let them mock; some miss out on the joy of the morning and the fellowship of their God because they are as lazy as the sun itself, and rise just as slowly; they fizzle out quickly and seek the repose of the slothful, and dread the coming day ahead. Let them rest, and I will glory in the morning, in the presence of my King.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Fellowship
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
When we walk with the Lord, we walk in the light. Psalm 104:2 tells us that the Lord covers Himself with light: ‘Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain’. God is light; He is love; He is all, and in all. When we break fellowship with the Father, we walk in darkness, just as the heathen do; we are no longer in His light! We need to see the atrocious effects of sin in our lives, and realize that when we are not in fellowship with the Father, we are in fellowship with Satan, the prince of darkness.
This chapter deals with “fellowship” and not salvation. Many seem to think that if we die with unconfessed sin in our lives, we will not be forgiven for them! What about Calvary? The blood of Christ is sufficient to cleanse us from all sin, past, present, and future, and the promise is secure to all of us in Christ. (v.9). My friends, if you are “In Christ“, and He in you, your sins are gone! Forever gone! Let us be vigilant, and guard the precious gift of the Light that is bestowed us, and not break fellowship with the Father by walking with the devil, nor by walking in his darkness. Thank God for the Light.
When we walk with the Lord, we walk in the light. Psalm 104:2 tells us that the Lord covers Himself with light: ‘Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain’. God is light; He is love; He is all, and in all. When we break fellowship with the Father, we walk in darkness, just as the heathen do; we are no longer in His light! We need to see the atrocious effects of sin in our lives, and realize that when we are not in fellowship with the Father, we are in fellowship with Satan, the prince of darkness.
This chapter deals with “fellowship” and not salvation. Many seem to think that if we die with unconfessed sin in our lives, we will not be forgiven for them! What about Calvary? The blood of Christ is sufficient to cleanse us from all sin, past, present, and future, and the promise is secure to all of us in Christ. (v.9). My friends, if you are “In Christ“, and He in you, your sins are gone! Forever gone! Let us be vigilant, and guard the precious gift of the Light that is bestowed us, and not break fellowship with the Father by walking with the devil, nor by walking in his darkness. Thank God for the Light.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Clouds of Sin
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Our Lord has promised never to leave us, nor forsake us. This has been a very precious verse in the lives of my wife and me over the years, and we had to often remind ourselves of the truth of it; that being said, it doesn’t mean that we will never withdraw from the Lord. Our text verse tells us that we can fail to “walk in the light” and break fellowship with the Lord as a result of it. Just as the clouds obscure the sunlight, and turn the day into a dark, and dismal day, so can sin obscure the light of God’s presence, and turn our lives into seeming chaos. We all know on a very dark and gloomy day, that the sun is there hiding somewhere behind the clouds; it is still shining, but the clouds have come between us and the brightness of it; and, in the same way, the Son is still there when we have sinned, but the light of His glory has been obscured by sin, and the brightness has been dimmed. When we finally discover that this has happened, we need to get back to the place of fellowship with Him; we need to confess that sin, humbly, and sincerely and the glory of God will shine on us once more. Let’s be sure that we get back to the light, and the fellowship of the Father in Christ, and that we dwell there so that we never stray far away again. Everyone seems to like a bright sunny day much more than the overcast cloudy day; we seem to be in higher spirits when the sun shines brightly.
Our Lord has promised never to leave us, nor forsake us. This has been a very precious verse in the lives of my wife and me over the years, and we had to often remind ourselves of the truth of it; that being said, it doesn’t mean that we will never withdraw from the Lord. Our text verse tells us that we can fail to “walk in the light” and break fellowship with the Lord as a result of it. Just as the clouds obscure the sunlight, and turn the day into a dark, and dismal day, so can sin obscure the light of God’s presence, and turn our lives into seeming chaos. We all know on a very dark and gloomy day, that the sun is there hiding somewhere behind the clouds; it is still shining, but the clouds have come between us and the brightness of it; and, in the same way, the Son is still there when we have sinned, but the light of His glory has been obscured by sin, and the brightness has been dimmed. When we finally discover that this has happened, we need to get back to the place of fellowship with Him; we need to confess that sin, humbly, and sincerely and the glory of God will shine on us once more. Let’s be sure that we get back to the light, and the fellowship of the Father in Christ, and that we dwell there so that we never stray far away again. Everyone seems to like a bright sunny day much more than the overcast cloudy day; we seem to be in higher spirits when the sun shines brightly.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Truth?
Truth is a whimsical thing in that it is defined differently by so many people. Truth is often hard to bear if it convicts us, and yet, what seems to be obviously true to one man may not be so obvious to another. Of course there is scriptural Truth, which is altogether true, and always true, but even that is left to a multitude of interpretations. So, in our search for truth, absolute truth, we still dwell among the confused and shine on the side of selfishness. Oh, we do have some truths that are unshakably true; those that we cannot refute or question and that are backed by sound doctrine, but what about the rest? We live, and practice a form of truth that is conjured up in our ideals, our own set of principles; we become our own truth and act as if there is no other. Oh what pitiful wretches we are. The flesh is so weak in the matter of truth…and yet, we owe it to others to tell them the truth! There is a truth that we can rely on—an “absolute” truth that never changes, and never will. That “truth” is the Lord Jesus Christ, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, and His sacrifice for sin. Truth should change lives, and Calvary does just that! Therein lies the ultimate Truth, that Jesus loves us and died for us so that we too might live a victorious life full of grace and truth.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sin
Mankind shares one common bond, that of sin. We are all of the seed of Adam, and therefore share this bond, which cannot be broken without the grace of God. It is the strongest of bonds among men, and yet the deadliest of all; it degrades us, and defiles us before a moral and just God, and condemns us all to a fiery, burning hell, of which we deserve. Just the nature of sin merits the torments of hell; the mere thought of evil deserves the punishment of hell. In this one thing, we are all united, and all equal, and yet, we can all be made free from its grasp; no one of us is without sin, and none qualified to judge the other because of it. We share the reproaches of sin—every one of us. Let us not, therefore, be too condemning of our fellow man when we see him do that which is natural for him to do, He is only acting out of himself. Sin aligns us with the most vile of sinners, and though the bond is broken by grace, we still have its seed deep within. The bond is broken, but the flesh retains the seed, and it cannot be removed in this life. Though we deplore the atrocious acts of the manifestation of sin, we align ourselves with it ---we cannot help but do so, because we are born into it. Ah, but thank God there is a deliverance; there is hope! This hope comes in the form of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
We will receive a new body some day, though not soon enough, I am afraid, and it will not be of sinful flesh, but of the spirit. It will be the embodiment of the Spirit in us, because Christ is in us, and we in Him, and He is the Holy Spirit. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Rom. 8:11) Yes, we shall be raised up into the newness of life, much “newer” than the new birth we now enjoy; much more pure and Holy, and unto a better hope. Praise the Lord for this unspeakable gift, the gift of “new life” and a new body.
We will receive a new body some day, though not soon enough, I am afraid, and it will not be of sinful flesh, but of the spirit. It will be the embodiment of the Spirit in us, because Christ is in us, and we in Him, and He is the Holy Spirit. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Rom. 8:11) Yes, we shall be raised up into the newness of life, much “newer” than the new birth we now enjoy; much more pure and Holy, and unto a better hope. Praise the Lord for this unspeakable gift, the gift of “new life” and a new body.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Will ye contend for God...
“Will ye contend for God...” (Job 13:8)
We too often bring God down to our own level by thinking that we will take up for Him, like a big brother would for his weaker sibling! God needs not our weak defense, and we need not think ourselves to be the protector of Him, or His cause! Who do we make ourselves out to be? Our duty, indeed, our greatest joy, is to serve Him, and allow Him to fight for us! Jude tells us to “contend for the faith”, but one need not contend for God Himself, He is able to do all that needs to be done, and more! We contend, then to keep our faith, and not allow ourselves to falter under the subtleties of unbelief. Besides that, we seldom do the right thing for the situation. Let God be God, and every man a liar and a rogue.
We too often bring God down to our own level by thinking that we will take up for Him, like a big brother would for his weaker sibling! God needs not our weak defense, and we need not think ourselves to be the protector of Him, or His cause! Who do we make ourselves out to be? Our duty, indeed, our greatest joy, is to serve Him, and allow Him to fight for us! Jude tells us to “contend for the faith”, but one need not contend for God Himself, He is able to do all that needs to be done, and more! We contend, then to keep our faith, and not allow ourselves to falter under the subtleties of unbelief. Besides that, we seldom do the right thing for the situation. Let God be God, and every man a liar and a rogue.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Tree of Knowledge
The “tree of knowledge”
of our lives is beautifully adorned and adored by those of us who like to heap knowledge in great storehouses. Knowledge that is not really practical becomes a “trinket” on our shelf of pride, a badge of honor, so we think. Our otherwise humble spirit can gloat on facts of little worth, and gain a fair showing at the table of the “upper echelon” in society circles, gained, or won in the quiet moments of life. Oh that I would use what little God has given me to glorify Him, and His. Let not wisdom rule my spirit in a showy fashion, but that wisdom be “justified of her children”. Remember, it was the desire for knowledge and wisdom that enticed Eve to sin in Eden.
of our lives is beautifully adorned and adored by those of us who like to heap knowledge in great storehouses. Knowledge that is not really practical becomes a “trinket” on our shelf of pride, a badge of honor, so we think. Our otherwise humble spirit can gloat on facts of little worth, and gain a fair showing at the table of the “upper echelon” in society circles, gained, or won in the quiet moments of life. Oh that I would use what little God has given me to glorify Him, and His. Let not wisdom rule my spirit in a showy fashion, but that wisdom be “justified of her children”. Remember, it was the desire for knowledge and wisdom that enticed Eve to sin in Eden.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Fire and Light
Spurgeon once said “There must be light as well as fire. Some preachers are all light, and no fire, and others are all fire and no light; what we want is both fire and light.” We need to light the fires of zeal under God’s children, but we also need to give them something to get excited about! The zeal is fine, but it must be accompanied by wisdom; any sermon that has the fire of God also must have the practicality of man to be effective. I speak in the both senses of this thought, the sermonizer and the hearer. The sermonizer must give practical wisdom with the encouragement of zeal, while the hearer must receive zeal, and use wisdom in applying it. Both are essential to the work of the Lord, there is no true light without fire.
Some have said “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, let not our lives be filled with smoke only, but with the fire of the Lord.
Some have said “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, let not our lives be filled with smoke only, but with the fire of the Lord.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Handfuls On Purpose
Handfuls on Purpose
“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.” (Ruth 2:16)
Our Lord allows His reapers to drop “handfuls on purpose” for us. We glean handfuls of blessings freely because the Lord is gracious. As we walk through the fields of life, we are greatly blessed to hap upon the field of the Lord; He is most gracious in dropping down handfuls of blessings for us every day, and seeing to it that our needs are met. He is rich and has plenty, and gives liberally of His abundance; He loves us because He is the essence of love, and indeed, He is love. We are His next of kin, therefore He feeds us with morsels of love dropped from the hand of the Lord, but we must stay in His field, lest we forfeit this special grace; we must follow after His reapers, and glean the morsels that fall to us, and sift them through the sieve of his grace lest tares enter in to destroy our fruit.
“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.” (Ruth 2:16)
Our Lord allows His reapers to drop “handfuls on purpose” for us. We glean handfuls of blessings freely because the Lord is gracious. As we walk through the fields of life, we are greatly blessed to hap upon the field of the Lord; He is most gracious in dropping down handfuls of blessings for us every day, and seeing to it that our needs are met. He is rich and has plenty, and gives liberally of His abundance; He loves us because He is the essence of love, and indeed, He is love. We are His next of kin, therefore He feeds us with morsels of love dropped from the hand of the Lord, but we must stay in His field, lest we forfeit this special grace; we must follow after His reapers, and glean the morsels that fall to us, and sift them through the sieve of his grace lest tares enter in to destroy our fruit.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
10/29 Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53
We see here a clear presentation of the Gospel, even way back in Isaiah’s time. In this short chapter we see a certain progression that is important in the understanding of the sacrificial death of our Lord. The narrative begins with his life before Calvary; it "peaks" in v. vs. 7-9, and then reigns victoriously toward the close of the chapter. The Gospel is clearly seen in these verses.
We have first: the people whom the Lord is seeking, (v. 1):
The obscurity of the “seeker”, (v. 2): The rejection of His deity by men (v. 3):
The prophetic message of the Messiah, (v. 4):
The message of the sacrificial Lamb for all mankind, (v. 5):
The wretchedness of man and his need for redemption, (v. 6):
The suffering, death and resurrection of Christ on our behalf (vs. 7-9):
The invitation to man (v. 10):
The victory of the Savior and man over sin, (v. 11):
And the will of God completed to His own glory, (v. 12)
What a blessed and prophetic chapter that speaks of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.
We see here a clear presentation of the Gospel, even way back in Isaiah’s time. In this short chapter we see a certain progression that is important in the understanding of the sacrificial death of our Lord. The narrative begins with his life before Calvary; it "peaks" in v. vs. 7-9, and then reigns victoriously toward the close of the chapter. The Gospel is clearly seen in these verses.
We have first: the people whom the Lord is seeking, (v. 1):
The obscurity of the “seeker”, (v. 2): The rejection of His deity by men (v. 3):
The prophetic message of the Messiah, (v. 4):
The message of the sacrificial Lamb for all mankind, (v. 5):
The wretchedness of man and his need for redemption, (v. 6):
The suffering, death and resurrection of Christ on our behalf (vs. 7-9):
The invitation to man (v. 10):
The victory of the Savior and man over sin, (v. 11):
And the will of God completed to His own glory, (v. 12)
What a blessed and prophetic chapter that speaks of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Let My People Go!
And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. (Ex. 5:1)
This command still rings off the portals of time; Satan is commanded by God today, to let His people go. It seems that the devil has a death grip on mankind—one that can only be loosed by the Lord Himself, at Calvary. Though Jesus broke the “spell” that Satan has on men, many will not heed the call to go, and commune with the Lord, and sup with Him. Pharaoh did let God’s people go, after much persuading, and today we are free to worship the Lord according to His Word. There is, however, another application for us in this passage—Satan has the church bound up in his trap, and will not let her go.
Collectively, and individually, Satan has the church in his grip again. He has a foothold on us, and we are desperate to be free from his grasp; but there is no freedom from the bondage of sin, aside from the Lord Jesus Christ. Though the devil does not own the souls of men when they accept Christ as Savior, he still has a hold on our lives. Why? Because we are but flesh. Our flesh appeals to him, and he appeals to our flesh. The only solution is to mortify the deeds of the flesh through the Spirit of God; and we cannot do this until Christ gives the command “Let my people go!” He does give that command the instant we accept Him as our Savior, but then we, like many of the children of Israel, long for the memory of “Egypt” and return to our old sinful ways. Yes, the flesh can be our enemy; it seeks to return into bondage, and enjoy the leeks of Egypt once again. Oh that we might mortify the body, and drink from the well of Living waters, and eat from the Manna that came down from heaven, that Manna being the Lord Himself. He is the “Bread of life” to all who hunger and the Waters of life to all that thirst. We must eat from His harvest daily, and bask in the solitude of His grace; only then can we find peace and rest in the walk of life, and only then can we be set free in the flesh. Galations 5:16 says “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Friends, we owe it to our Lord to walk in the Spirit, after all, it was He that set us free in the first place, and we owe Him our lives.
This command still rings off the portals of time; Satan is commanded by God today, to let His people go. It seems that the devil has a death grip on mankind—one that can only be loosed by the Lord Himself, at Calvary. Though Jesus broke the “spell” that Satan has on men, many will not heed the call to go, and commune with the Lord, and sup with Him. Pharaoh did let God’s people go, after much persuading, and today we are free to worship the Lord according to His Word. There is, however, another application for us in this passage—Satan has the church bound up in his trap, and will not let her go.
Collectively, and individually, Satan has the church in his grip again. He has a foothold on us, and we are desperate to be free from his grasp; but there is no freedom from the bondage of sin, aside from the Lord Jesus Christ. Though the devil does not own the souls of men when they accept Christ as Savior, he still has a hold on our lives. Why? Because we are but flesh. Our flesh appeals to him, and he appeals to our flesh. The only solution is to mortify the deeds of the flesh through the Spirit of God; and we cannot do this until Christ gives the command “Let my people go!” He does give that command the instant we accept Him as our Savior, but then we, like many of the children of Israel, long for the memory of “Egypt” and return to our old sinful ways. Yes, the flesh can be our enemy; it seeks to return into bondage, and enjoy the leeks of Egypt once again. Oh that we might mortify the body, and drink from the well of Living waters, and eat from the Manna that came down from heaven, that Manna being the Lord Himself. He is the “Bread of life” to all who hunger and the Waters of life to all that thirst. We must eat from His harvest daily, and bask in the solitude of His grace; only then can we find peace and rest in the walk of life, and only then can we be set free in the flesh. Galations 5:16 says “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Friends, we owe it to our Lord to walk in the Spirit, after all, it was He that set us free in the first place, and we owe Him our lives.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Wavering Faith
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6)
There is a general faith, i. e. the faith that allows us entrance into Calvary and the eternal realm, then there is a daily faith that we must choose to exercise. Though the immediate text refers to asking God for wisdom, the latter part of the text is true in all applications. We must chose faith in our daily walk with the Lord; we must take Him at His Word. Why would the Lord give us so many promises if He did not expect us to employ them? And yet, every promise has a condition—the condition of faith. Why are we so doubtful about the blessings and watch-care of God when He promises us many times that He will provide? Anything that we ask of Him ought to be done in faith, and not wavering; we need to determine to believe, and cast out doubt when it comes upon us. Do we truly believe that the Lord will provide all our needs? (Phil. 4: 19); Do we really believe that He will answer our prayers as He has promised to do? (1 Jn. 5:14,15 and many others). Isn’t it about time that we became a people of faith, and learned to trust God in our daily walk? Remember the scriptures, “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17)
There is a general faith, i. e. the faith that allows us entrance into Calvary and the eternal realm, then there is a daily faith that we must choose to exercise. Though the immediate text refers to asking God for wisdom, the latter part of the text is true in all applications. We must chose faith in our daily walk with the Lord; we must take Him at His Word. Why would the Lord give us so many promises if He did not expect us to employ them? And yet, every promise has a condition—the condition of faith. Why are we so doubtful about the blessings and watch-care of God when He promises us many times that He will provide? Anything that we ask of Him ought to be done in faith, and not wavering; we need to determine to believe, and cast out doubt when it comes upon us. Do we truly believe that the Lord will provide all our needs? (Phil. 4: 19); Do we really believe that He will answer our prayers as He has promised to do? (1 Jn. 5:14,15 and many others). Isn’t it about time that we became a people of faith, and learned to trust God in our daily walk? Remember the scriptures, “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Jealousy
Jealousy
Is it really wrong to be jealous? Didn’t God Himself say that He was a jealous God? I believe that it is all right to be jealous, but not to an extreme. In fact, I’ll go a little further and say that we should be at least a little jealous—it shows that we care! Man is naturally possessive; we are possessive of our wife, our children, our pets, everything we consider dear to us, we are possessive of, and jealous for. Though society has been critical of a jealous relationship, we must realize that we are not conformed to societies’ standards, neither their “philosophies”. Since when did society dictate our actions and standings with the Lord? We ought to be jealous of our loved ones; if we are not, perhaps we do not love them enough, or in the proper way! Ten times in scripture, the Lord claims that He is a jealous God, or is referred to as jealous by others. Are we better than Him? I know that we are not. We can be jealous of our wives, and we can be jealous for our Lord. That is not to say that we do not trust them, but that we do not want others to abuse them, or desire to morally or ethically harm them; jealousy has nothing to do with trusting their fidelity.
Is it really wrong to be jealous? Didn’t God Himself say that He was a jealous God? I believe that it is all right to be jealous, but not to an extreme. In fact, I’ll go a little further and say that we should be at least a little jealous—it shows that we care! Man is naturally possessive; we are possessive of our wife, our children, our pets, everything we consider dear to us, we are possessive of, and jealous for. Though society has been critical of a jealous relationship, we must realize that we are not conformed to societies’ standards, neither their “philosophies”. Since when did society dictate our actions and standings with the Lord? We ought to be jealous of our loved ones; if we are not, perhaps we do not love them enough, or in the proper way! Ten times in scripture, the Lord claims that He is a jealous God, or is referred to as jealous by others. Are we better than Him? I know that we are not. We can be jealous of our wives, and we can be jealous for our Lord. That is not to say that we do not trust them, but that we do not want others to abuse them, or desire to morally or ethically harm them; jealousy has nothing to do with trusting their fidelity.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Psalms 1:1,2
Not only is this man "blessed" but he is wise, his wisdom leads to his blessing. He walks not; stands not; and sits not in the evil way.
Note the progression, walking, then standing, then sitting. Sin always leads in a downward path, and it will bring us to a standstill in our lives. We quit growing when we indulge in sin, and, if not lose ground, we don't gain anything toward God or growth in Him. Our life becomes stagnant. Anything that becomes stagnant is subject to corruption; it is the life, and growth that keeps us going. An illustration would be stagnant water, it turns green and begins to smell very rank after a time. It is not good for much of anything, definitely not for the purpose which it was given.
Especially in counsel we need to be wise. Too many seek counsel in the wrong places. Bad counsel will cause us to stand in the way of sinners, and sit in the seat of the scornful. Seek only Godly counsel, for what have we to do with the ungodly? Experience is not always the wisest counselor, many men have experienced much, and can give great swelling words of testimony, but their counsel is ungodly, and therefore unprofitable.
"But his delight" ought to be in nothing but the "law of the Lord." It takes time to "delight" in the Word of God, but diligence will lead us to delight. The way to diligence is to "meditate" in it "day and night." You cannot help but grow fond of something that is on your mind constantly, and is a matter of prayer, especially when you know it is good. There is a special blessing to all who do so. Keeping our minds on Christ is a command in the scripture, and a great benefit to us. (See Col. 3:1)
There is an old saying that "familiarity breeds contempt" but not so with the Word of God! Familiarity breeds love, the exact opposite of contempt! The more we become familiar with the Word of God, the better it seems to get. The better we get.
Note the progression, walking, then standing, then sitting. Sin always leads in a downward path, and it will bring us to a standstill in our lives. We quit growing when we indulge in sin, and, if not lose ground, we don't gain anything toward God or growth in Him. Our life becomes stagnant. Anything that becomes stagnant is subject to corruption; it is the life, and growth that keeps us going. An illustration would be stagnant water, it turns green and begins to smell very rank after a time. It is not good for much of anything, definitely not for the purpose which it was given.
Especially in counsel we need to be wise. Too many seek counsel in the wrong places. Bad counsel will cause us to stand in the way of sinners, and sit in the seat of the scornful. Seek only Godly counsel, for what have we to do with the ungodly? Experience is not always the wisest counselor, many men have experienced much, and can give great swelling words of testimony, but their counsel is ungodly, and therefore unprofitable.
"But his delight" ought to be in nothing but the "law of the Lord." It takes time to "delight" in the Word of God, but diligence will lead us to delight. The way to diligence is to "meditate" in it "day and night." You cannot help but grow fond of something that is on your mind constantly, and is a matter of prayer, especially when you know it is good. There is a special blessing to all who do so. Keeping our minds on Christ is a command in the scripture, and a great benefit to us. (See Col. 3:1)
There is an old saying that "familiarity breeds contempt" but not so with the Word of God! Familiarity breeds love, the exact opposite of contempt! The more we become familiar with the Word of God, the better it seems to get. The better we get.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Bible Paradoxes
The Bible is full of paradoxes. There are many such paradox in the New Testament, as well as the Old, and almost too many to quote in this short expose of the Word of God. Even the age-old argument of the sovereignty of God vs the free will of man is a paradox that can be reconciled only when seen from each viewpoint on its own merit.
A paradox is a sentence which consists of two separate statements, each of which is true considered in itself, but which appear contradictory when laid side by side; they are combined and harmonized by some deeper truth that is often seen inside of each. One well known example of a paradox is seen in Mt. 16:25: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” So, you see that there are many others that are too numerous to mention. With that said, let us consider the sovereignty of God and the free will of man—both sides being true, we cannot reconcile the two in our minds when laid side by side, and compared with one another. Taking them “line upon line, and precept upon precept” however, we see the entire picture and the amazing truth of both sides of the question. We are saved totally by grace, and none of ourselves, and yet, we must act upon the faith that is given unto us, and aim it in the right direction. It doesn’t make sense that both seemingly conflicting truths can be true, but they are; we have not yet figured God out completely, and never will, by the way.
A paradox is a sentence which consists of two separate statements, each of which is true considered in itself, but which appear contradictory when laid side by side; they are combined and harmonized by some deeper truth that is often seen inside of each. One well known example of a paradox is seen in Mt. 16:25: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” So, you see that there are many others that are too numerous to mention. With that said, let us consider the sovereignty of God and the free will of man—both sides being true, we cannot reconcile the two in our minds when laid side by side, and compared with one another. Taking them “line upon line, and precept upon precept” however, we see the entire picture and the amazing truth of both sides of the question. We are saved totally by grace, and none of ourselves, and yet, we must act upon the faith that is given unto us, and aim it in the right direction. It doesn’t make sense that both seemingly conflicting truths can be true, but they are; we have not yet figured God out completely, and never will, by the way.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Fire and Light
Spurgeon once said “There must be light as well as fire. Some preachers are all light, and no fire, and others are all fire and no light; what we want is both fire and light.” We need to light the fires of zeal under God’s children, but we also need to give them something to get excited about! The zeal is fine, but it must be accompanied by wisdom; any sermon that has the fire of God also must have the practicality of man to be effective. I speak in the both senses of this thought, the sermonizer and the hearer. The sermonizer must give practical wisdom with the encouragement of zeal, while the hearer must receive zeal, and use wisdom in applying it. Both are essential to the work of the Lord, there is no true light without fire. Let us be an eternal flame for our Lord.
Some have said “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, let not our lives be filled with smoke only, but with the fire of the Lord.
Some have said “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, let not our lives be filled with smoke only, but with the fire of the Lord.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
EMOTIONALISM?
We all know that there is much more to love than simply emotion, but I think we often forget that it is more than an outward act of pity too! This “outward act” toward the “down and out” can be a cloak for our pride and superiority. Our outlook toward the “poor” or otherwise “miserable wretches” can motivate our false desire to “help” them, thereby causing them to be “beholding” to us! I think that this, in many ways, is a problem in our churches today, (of course, everyone thinks he has the answer for the problems of the church today, but none seem to be making any impact, or effort, to change them!) I’ve said it before, and will, no doubt, say it again, “we need to have heart.” We need to compassionately, sincerely and truthfully learn to love others.
Every man thinks that “no problem is as big as my own” and “no one cares about my problems like I do,” and, unfortunately, they are right! (with the exception of Christ, of course.) No advice is as good as God’s advice, and none can be of any more help than Him. I am so sick of people telling me, off the cuff, the solution to my problems, or what I need to do. These same people soon go about their business, and leave me and my problem to “fend for ourselves.” So soon do we forget the hurt of others. Oh that our advice would be thought out, and followed through, and borne out of compassion and true concern as Christ’s was. Lord help ME to apply this to my life, and the needs of others, if and when I give advice!
Though many problems seem so silly and insignificant to us, what are they to those who are under the burden of them? Let us not take too lightly those things that hinder others, those stumbling blocks, if you will. A lawyer will only care as long as you pay him to; most friends will only care as long as we are on good terms with them, but Jesus always cares. The lawyer will not put his heart into the problem with the earnestness of a friend, and a friend will not be as diligent, no not even close, to the diligence that the Lord will give it. So it is sometimes with preachers! Only the Spirit-filled man of God can help, by God’s grace, and not by his own wisdom or diligence.
Every man thinks that “no problem is as big as my own” and “no one cares about my problems like I do,” and, unfortunately, they are right! (with the exception of Christ, of course.) No advice is as good as God’s advice, and none can be of any more help than Him. I am so sick of people telling me, off the cuff, the solution to my problems, or what I need to do. These same people soon go about their business, and leave me and my problem to “fend for ourselves.” So soon do we forget the hurt of others. Oh that our advice would be thought out, and followed through, and borne out of compassion and true concern as Christ’s was. Lord help ME to apply this to my life, and the needs of others, if and when I give advice!
Though many problems seem so silly and insignificant to us, what are they to those who are under the burden of them? Let us not take too lightly those things that hinder others, those stumbling blocks, if you will. A lawyer will only care as long as you pay him to; most friends will only care as long as we are on good terms with them, but Jesus always cares. The lawyer will not put his heart into the problem with the earnestness of a friend, and a friend will not be as diligent, no not even close, to the diligence that the Lord will give it. So it is sometimes with preachers! Only the Spirit-filled man of God can help, by God’s grace, and not by his own wisdom or diligence.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Heaven!
We are all a little closer to heaven than we were yesterday and a step closer to Glory! Imagine a place where there is never a harsh word spoken; where sin is no more, and joy lines the golden street; where the leaves of trees are for the healing of the nations, and there is no more sorrow or pain. These are some biblical descriptions of what Heaven is like. We know that there will be many children there, and that God Himself will be present wherever we go; yes, heaven is a real place. It’s a place where there is no night because the Lord is the light of it; where there is a city foursquare, adorned as a bride for her husband, with her great beauty she awaits him; with the foundation thereof made of all sorts of precious stones casting many colors in every direction as a multi-colored prism of light, and the street is paved with pure gold, as clear as crystal. It’s a place of peace and rest, and an honorable place for all the redeemed of the Lord. This wonderful place called Heaven has twelve gates standing majestically along a golden wall, and the gates are as pearls of great price. There is also a pure river of life coming out of the great throne in the midst of the city, and a rainbow encircles the throne of grace.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Principles forTrue Giving
Principles of Giving
Cheerfully;
Liberally;
Anonymously:
Give to a need.
Not to those who we wish to impress;
Neither to those who have much, in hopes of gaining their favor.
Give as alms to the poor.
Many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives. Though the intent is to “cheer them up” this is not true giving. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others. (They need cheering, but that comes from the comforting Hands of the Lord) The giving needs to fit the need.
True giving fulfills a need for others, and not for self.
Give our all to the Lord.
Give ungrudgingly.
Give with no hope of return or reward.
True giving is from the heart; it is genuine and productive.
Cheerfully;
Liberally;
Anonymously:
Give to a need.
Not to those who we wish to impress;
Neither to those who have much, in hopes of gaining their favor.
Give as alms to the poor.
Many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives. Though the intent is to “cheer them up” this is not true giving. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others. (They need cheering, but that comes from the comforting Hands of the Lord) The giving needs to fit the need.
True giving fulfills a need for others, and not for self.
Give our all to the Lord.
Give ungrudgingly.
Give with no hope of return or reward.
True giving is from the heart; it is genuine and productive.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
God’s Gifts
Simply put, THE greatest gift of God is “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23); there are, however, many gifts, very many, given to us by the Mercy and grace of God. I speak of more than the “sign gifts” that we are all familiar with—yes, even beyond the promise of God, and into the realm of grace. The Lord is so good that it is beyond our comprehension how He could love “such a wretch as I”. Think a moment; aside from the promises of God (which cover all our needs, and beyond, themselves!), we are given (by grace) the treasures of the Lord, according to His Word. We are given a portion of His wisdom, the same wisdom that was with Him before the foundations of the world; the same wisdom that was there when He laid the foundations of the world, by His spoken Word. The Book of Proverbs has much to say about this wisdom, especially the eighth chapter. Along with this wisdom comes the treasure of the Lord. Better than rubies; finer than fine gold; more precious than anything we can imagine, or want “all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it” (Prov. 8: 11); friends, there is nothing greater than the wisdom of God, and the rewards she affords us. “Riches and honor” are with her, “Durable riches, and righteousness” (Prov. 8: 18) so that our barns are filled with good things, and our prosperity will be seen and known (Prov. 3: 10). These are just a few, but there are many more promises given for prosperity and satisfaction, and beyond, that we need to take hold of.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Abel’s Death
Abel’s Death
The question is asked, “If God had a plan from the beginning for the redemption of man, why allow Abel to die, and have to replace the lineage through Seth?” This is to clarify, mostly, only one point, that the grace of God is given freely, and is not “owed” to any of us. God does not have to grant us His grace, but distributes it according to His will. We ought not to expect grace from a demanding viewpoint, and “obligate” our Lord to give it, but we should beg for it, and earnestly seek it from a loving and merciful God. God has a plan; He will accomplish His plan by some means, as well as bless His children also. He is a God of multi-purpose. It is up to Him to execute His plan according to His design, and we are not to question or dispute it. I do not know the reasoning behind Cain and Abel, except that God almost always chose the younger instead of the elder to do His bidding and to accomplish His will.
Perhaps there was something that God did not tell us about Abel, after all, there is no reason to tell us his faults; our Lord need not explain or answer to us anyway, He does what He wills, and we are to accept it. “Blind Faith” you say? Exactly, but faith in a most trustworthy God who is able to do above all that we could ask or think. Abel was a sinner like the rest of us, but God had chosen Seth instead of Abel to usher in the holy seed, and to give Christ a heritage in the human sense. It really matters not why.
The question is asked, “If God had a plan from the beginning for the redemption of man, why allow Abel to die, and have to replace the lineage through Seth?” This is to clarify, mostly, only one point, that the grace of God is given freely, and is not “owed” to any of us. God does not have to grant us His grace, but distributes it according to His will. We ought not to expect grace from a demanding viewpoint, and “obligate” our Lord to give it, but we should beg for it, and earnestly seek it from a loving and merciful God. God has a plan; He will accomplish His plan by some means, as well as bless His children also. He is a God of multi-purpose. It is up to Him to execute His plan according to His design, and we are not to question or dispute it. I do not know the reasoning behind Cain and Abel, except that God almost always chose the younger instead of the elder to do His bidding and to accomplish His will.
Perhaps there was something that God did not tell us about Abel, after all, there is no reason to tell us his faults; our Lord need not explain or answer to us anyway, He does what He wills, and we are to accept it. “Blind Faith” you say? Exactly, but faith in a most trustworthy God who is able to do above all that we could ask or think. Abel was a sinner like the rest of us, but God had chosen Seth instead of Abel to usher in the holy seed, and to give Christ a heritage in the human sense. It really matters not why.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
9/22 Principles in Giving
Principles of Giving
Cheerfully;
Liberally;
Anonymously:
Give to a need.
Not to those who we wish to impress;
Neither to those who have much, in hopes of gaining their favor.
Give as alms to the poor.
Many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives. Though the intent is to “cheer them up” this is not true giving. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others. (They need cheering, but that comes from the comforting Hands of the Lord) The giving needs to fit the need.
True giving fulfills a need for others, and not for self.
Give our all to the Lord.
Cheerfully;
Liberally;
Anonymously:
Give to a need.
Not to those who we wish to impress;
Neither to those who have much, in hopes of gaining their favor.
Give as alms to the poor.
Many times we give to those having a hard time in another area of their lives. Though the intent is to “cheer them up” this is not true giving. Giving must fulfill a definite need in the lives of others. (They need cheering, but that comes from the comforting Hands of the Lord) The giving needs to fit the need.
True giving fulfills a need for others, and not for self.
Give our all to the Lord.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Joy of The Lord
Nehemiah 8:10
“for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The “joy of the Lord” gives us a “key” to many other truths in God’s Word, and therefore it remains “our strength”. This joy will cause us to have compassion on others who have no such joy; it will add to our personal peace and favor with God; it will build our faith. One finds that when joy is ebbed, at a low, he loses, at least a portion of the desire to serve God whole-heartedly. I see, then, the truth of this passage, that the Joy of the Lord is indeed my strength. Oh that He would always, and forever, restore unto me the joy of my salvation!
Talking with God is prayer; His talking with us is a blessing.
“for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The “joy of the Lord” gives us a “key” to many other truths in God’s Word, and therefore it remains “our strength”. This joy will cause us to have compassion on others who have no such joy; it will add to our personal peace and favor with God; it will build our faith. One finds that when joy is ebbed, at a low, he loses, at least a portion of the desire to serve God whole-heartedly. I see, then, the truth of this passage, that the Joy of the Lord is indeed my strength. Oh that He would always, and forever, restore unto me the joy of my salvation!
Talking with God is prayer; His talking with us is a blessing.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Afflictions
1 PETER 2:19,20
There is a certain glory in suffering wrongfully and taking it patiently. Christ entered into His glory at the point of suffering wrongfully (Lk. 24:26), and when we enter into His suffering, or suffer with Him, it is only at this point that we do so. When we are “buffeted” for our faults, this is justice; but if we are buffeted “innocently”, this is glory for us Look at 1 Peter 4:14: “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” Consider also the three Hebrew children of Daniel 3: Until they entered the fire, they did not see Jesus, but as soon as they were in the fiery furnace of affliction, Jesus came to visit! Jesus is there for us, whenever we need Him, and even when we think we don’t! So we see the value of patience.
There is a certain glory in suffering wrongfully and taking it patiently. Christ entered into His glory at the point of suffering wrongfully (Lk. 24:26), and when we enter into His suffering, or suffer with Him, it is only at this point that we do so. When we are “buffeted” for our faults, this is justice; but if we are buffeted “innocently”, this is glory for us Look at 1 Peter 4:14: “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” Consider also the three Hebrew children of Daniel 3: Until they entered the fire, they did not see Jesus, but as soon as they were in the fiery furnace of affliction, Jesus came to visit! Jesus is there for us, whenever we need Him, and even when we think we don’t! So we see the value of patience.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord
Bless His Holy name; “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name”. He has lifted me from the pit of despair, and rooted me from the depths of despond; He has quickened me again in His Word, and has filled me again with His Spirit. He has taken me from the abyss of doldrums to the clouds, and still set my feet upon solid ground. Bless His Holy name.
I set out to search His Word, with a tragic heart and in a fit of depression, and He lifted me up. He gently lifted me through His beloved Word, and graciously set me down on solid ground again. So gentle, and yet so firm, His hand, and such compassion I have never known from another. How could I but turn to Him and love Him for all the grace He has bestowed upon me? “Oh see that the Lord is good, His mercy endureth forever.” I will praise Him from the deepest depths of my heart, and from the rooftops I shout to the glory of God; Oh that I might know Him better, and intimately, as one should, and can. He has afforded me to draw close to Him, and my joy is overwhelming. Let me see thy presence oh Lord, and bask in the glory of thy brightness; let me learn to love thee entirely, and in truth, and with my entire being. “Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me”: bless His Holy name forever, and ever more.
Bless His Holy name; “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name”. He has lifted me from the pit of despair, and rooted me from the depths of despond; He has quickened me again in His Word, and has filled me again with His Spirit. He has taken me from the abyss of doldrums to the clouds, and still set my feet upon solid ground. Bless His Holy name.
I set out to search His Word, with a tragic heart and in a fit of depression, and He lifted me up. He gently lifted me through His beloved Word, and graciously set me down on solid ground again. So gentle, and yet so firm, His hand, and such compassion I have never known from another. How could I but turn to Him and love Him for all the grace He has bestowed upon me? “Oh see that the Lord is good, His mercy endureth forever.” I will praise Him from the deepest depths of my heart, and from the rooftops I shout to the glory of God; Oh that I might know Him better, and intimately, as one should, and can. He has afforded me to draw close to Him, and my joy is overwhelming. Let me see thy presence oh Lord, and bask in the glory of thy brightness; let me learn to love thee entirely, and in truth, and with my entire being. “Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me”: bless His Holy name forever, and ever more.
The Greatest Gift?
The greatest gift that the Lord has given us may not be His Son at Calvary, as precious as He is, but it is the gift of love that promoted the giving of His Son. Yes, the gift of love is perhaps the greatest of all gifts given unto man. It was love that brought Jesus down from eternity, and wrapped Him in flesh to suffer and die at the hands of His own creation. God gives us the ability to love, and we point it in the direction we want it to go; we decide who to apply it to. The free will of man is seen in this great truth, and we can love Him freely because of it. This is why God commands us to love our enemies, because, normally, we would not “aim” our love in that direction, but the Lord helps us out there, and we find that we can do that which He commands.
He tells husbands to love their wives, and to point our God-given love in their direction, and because He tells us to do it, we can do it. The greatest gift is the gift of love.
He tells husbands to love their wives, and to point our God-given love in their direction, and because He tells us to do it, we can do it. The greatest gift is the gift of love.
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