"because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord."
This is Ebedmelech the Ethiopian who is promised life and safety, not the children of Israel. Who is this Ethiopian that he should be delivered fromt he enemy? shouldn't God rescure His own people first? But let us look at this man who put God first in his life. Ebedmelech had gone to the king on behalf of Jeremiah to rescue him out of the dungeon and the mire, where Jeremiah probably would have died. From the word of the king he was granted 30 men to go and rescue Jeremiah. Why would he be interested in Jeremiah? Becasue He knew the Word of the Lord came from Jeremiah and that Jeremiah was the man of God. He felt led and moved by God's Spirit to step in and do something and he did it. What was the negative side? Everybody else hated Jeremiah and wanted him to die, and by this act it would make him an enemy to the people. So there is no doubt that Ebedmelech feared the Jews, feared probably the Chaldeans and in the midst of fear God sends him a word. Jeremiah is commanded for himto go an speak to Ebedmelech and give him this sure word, that his life is found precious in the sight of the Lord and he would be delivered from his enemies. Now if a word like that does not bring strength then nothing will. And lest you forget, dear reader, God has given you a word as well. You love the Lord, you serve Him and this same title in this verse is of you, "you trust in the Lord". God has given to those that trust in Him the desires of their heart. He has a made a way for us in this world to lean on Him and He will bring us through. He has taken us and graven us on His hands and He knows us and loves us and stands ready to do mighty things in our midst. But all of this comes from God's goodness and mercy, God is able to do all these things. But He puts a stipulation upon His mercies and goodness, we must put our trust in Him. If I lean on man they will fail; If I trust in the ways of the world they will fail; if I put confidence in myself I will fail; my trust must be in Him Who cannot fail. Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of my faith. This is the story of Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, even though not of the chidlren of Israel, he feared and trusted in the Lord. And the Lord's eyes are on them that will put their trust in Him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mignhty things, which thou knowest not."
Here we come to one of the great promises of the Bible. Many cling to these words and hold its sacredness true to heart. It is has encouraged and brought hope to many a weary solider of the cross and should this day provide for us all that we could possibly want from our Beloved. "Call unto Me. . ." - this is where it begins, in Him. Why should we run to flesh when Almighty God stands and waits for us to call upon Him? There is no balm in gilead apart from the Great Physician. Laced throughout the Scriptures are these words of action, commands, directives, and here we are to be active in calling unto Him. How often do you call upon Him? Is it as often as you call a family member or friend? I know of people who call each other everyday but will leave off the Lord for days at a time. We should count it a sin if we are calling upon man more than we call upon the Master. One of the great sins of the church today is the sin of neglect in calling upon Him. They have called everybody else, but not God. Whole weeks without prayer, corporate or private; Christians who seldom get serious in calling upon Him in prayer; and a nation that only calls upon Him when tragedy occurs, this is not what He desires. Call upon Him without ceasing. "And I will answer thee. . ." No doubt, some fear that they will call or they have called and no answer came. But believe these words here, " I will answer thee". In His times and in His way He will answer. As patient as He has been waiting for us to call upon Him, so we should wait before Him trusting and believing that He will answer. He has been faithful in the past to answer. Some need help in their faith to believe this, it is found in Scripture - He hath said He would answer; it is found in Christian experience - how many testimonies has there been that when the church, when a Christian called, He answered. Believe He will answer and wait patiently upon Him, Who cannot lie. Do a study of that phrase, "I will answer thee" and this is not the only verse that holds it, it is found throughout the entire Scriptures, repeated over and over. "And will shew thee great and mighty things. . ." How great is God? He is great and greatly to be praised, for there is nothing too hard for Him. there is nothing which He cannot do, for He is able to do all things. So how great and mighty will these works be? Beyond our understadning or ability that is for sure. The instruction of the Scirptures tells us of His mighty deeds. The parting of the Red Sea, the flood, the provisions for the chidlren of Israel for 40 years, water out of a rock, food given freely, giants slain, lions mouths held shut, delivered in the fire. Who has heard or can do such great and mighty things as our God? There is none else, but God and He alone that can do these great and mighty things in our midst and for His glory. Oh, that we would believe again in the mighty God is abundatly able to do above all that we ask or think of. What is on your heart today? Can you not trust in Him and believe in Him that He is able? Can you not say these words, "Thou Who art able to do great and mighty things"? Let Him show Himself strong on our behalf in this Word. "Which thou knowest not." Let us be reminded that we do not know everything. Some Christians act as if they do. But we know not what this day or this week holds, but He does. We are committed unto Him for we do not know what may happen for good or bad. Remember our adversary the devil is seeking us, we know not how he will attack and come against us. We know not what sinful tempatations lie before us that will cause us to be tempted and sin against our Lord. We know not what man's works will be toward us. But God knows all things and He moves the events of man and time for His own purpose. He knows our needs; He knows our temptations; He knows what we face and with the first of this verse He is able to work great wonders to provide, to heal, to answer, to shield, to save to do all things for His glory. Can you believe today dear child of God? Then hold fast to this marvellous verse of a promise from God to you and me.
Here we come to one of the great promises of the Bible. Many cling to these words and hold its sacredness true to heart. It is has encouraged and brought hope to many a weary solider of the cross and should this day provide for us all that we could possibly want from our Beloved. "Call unto Me. . ." - this is where it begins, in Him. Why should we run to flesh when Almighty God stands and waits for us to call upon Him? There is no balm in gilead apart from the Great Physician. Laced throughout the Scriptures are these words of action, commands, directives, and here we are to be active in calling unto Him. How often do you call upon Him? Is it as often as you call a family member or friend? I know of people who call each other everyday but will leave off the Lord for days at a time. We should count it a sin if we are calling upon man more than we call upon the Master. One of the great sins of the church today is the sin of neglect in calling upon Him. They have called everybody else, but not God. Whole weeks without prayer, corporate or private; Christians who seldom get serious in calling upon Him in prayer; and a nation that only calls upon Him when tragedy occurs, this is not what He desires. Call upon Him without ceasing. "And I will answer thee. . ." No doubt, some fear that they will call or they have called and no answer came. But believe these words here, " I will answer thee". In His times and in His way He will answer. As patient as He has been waiting for us to call upon Him, so we should wait before Him trusting and believing that He will answer. He has been faithful in the past to answer. Some need help in their faith to believe this, it is found in Scripture - He hath said He would answer; it is found in Christian experience - how many testimonies has there been that when the church, when a Christian called, He answered. Believe He will answer and wait patiently upon Him, Who cannot lie. Do a study of that phrase, "I will answer thee" and this is not the only verse that holds it, it is found throughout the entire Scriptures, repeated over and over. "And will shew thee great and mighty things. . ." How great is God? He is great and greatly to be praised, for there is nothing too hard for Him. there is nothing which He cannot do, for He is able to do all things. So how great and mighty will these works be? Beyond our understadning or ability that is for sure. The instruction of the Scirptures tells us of His mighty deeds. The parting of the Red Sea, the flood, the provisions for the chidlren of Israel for 40 years, water out of a rock, food given freely, giants slain, lions mouths held shut, delivered in the fire. Who has heard or can do such great and mighty things as our God? There is none else, but God and He alone that can do these great and mighty things in our midst and for His glory. Oh, that we would believe again in the mighty God is abundatly able to do above all that we ask or think of. What is on your heart today? Can you not trust in Him and believe in Him that He is able? Can you not say these words, "Thou Who art able to do great and mighty things"? Let Him show Himself strong on our behalf in this Word. "Which thou knowest not." Let us be reminded that we do not know everything. Some Christians act as if they do. But we know not what this day or this week holds, but He does. We are committed unto Him for we do not know what may happen for good or bad. Remember our adversary the devil is seeking us, we know not how he will attack and come against us. We know not what sinful tempatations lie before us that will cause us to be tempted and sin against our Lord. We know not what man's works will be toward us. But God knows all things and He moves the events of man and time for His own purpose. He knows our needs; He knows our temptations; He knows what we face and with the first of this verse He is able to work great wonders to provide, to heal, to answer, to shield, to save to do all things for His glory. Can you believe today dear child of God? Then hold fast to this marvellous verse of a promise from God to you and me.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Jeremiah 29:12
"Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."
Jeremiah had just got done telling the people that 70 years had to elapse before they would be set free. Remember this was the cost of their rebellion and disobedience. They were praying then but God was not hearkening unto them. They was going unto Him but He was not there. In such moments of time when God has withdrawn Himself there can be no solace. But note that this verse is the hope that He shall return and will draw with mercy and restoration. Where do we stand today as the church? Where do you stand as an individual? Are you seeking adn calling upon Him and is He hearkening unto you? I see, hear and observe many that are calling upon Him, they are going and praying. Now this is not a huge amount of people, it is but a small frame of the church today. For the greater amount of people in the church have to confess they are neglectful of prayer. But when God says I will hearken unto you, it is a promise from Him Who is faithful. O Lord, will You hearken unto me? O Lord, You have said You would hearken unto me. It is the Word of the Lord, and He will not be slack concerning His promises to His people. may we rest today that He will do all that He has said here in this verse. May we do our part in the first part of it. Our responsiblities are found that we are to call; we are to go ; we are to pray; three things fall on our shoulders, are you doing all? We carry the responsiblity for intercession; we carry the work of the church to this day and age; we carry the labor of souls of our families. Eternity hangs in the balances of those that we love and know, may we be found faithful. I must mark my steps and see that I do all three, nothing lacking nor missing.
Jeremiah had just got done telling the people that 70 years had to elapse before they would be set free. Remember this was the cost of their rebellion and disobedience. They were praying then but God was not hearkening unto them. They was going unto Him but He was not there. In such moments of time when God has withdrawn Himself there can be no solace. But note that this verse is the hope that He shall return and will draw with mercy and restoration. Where do we stand today as the church? Where do you stand as an individual? Are you seeking adn calling upon Him and is He hearkening unto you? I see, hear and observe many that are calling upon Him, they are going and praying. Now this is not a huge amount of people, it is but a small frame of the church today. For the greater amount of people in the church have to confess they are neglectful of prayer. But when God says I will hearken unto you, it is a promise from Him Who is faithful. O Lord, will You hearken unto me? O Lord, You have said You would hearken unto me. It is the Word of the Lord, and He will not be slack concerning His promises to His people. may we rest today that He will do all that He has said here in this verse. May we do our part in the first part of it. Our responsiblities are found that we are to call; we are to go ; we are to pray; three things fall on our shoulders, are you doing all? We carry the responsiblity for intercession; we carry the work of the church to this day and age; we carry the labor of souls of our families. Eternity hangs in the balances of those that we love and know, may we be found faithful. I must mark my steps and see that I do all three, nothing lacking nor missing.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Jeremiah 25:10
"Moreover I will take from them . . .the light of the candle".
In the book of Jeremiah it is a desolate book of judgment upon the people of God for their continued disobedience. God continued to offer mercy and restoration if only they would have came unto Him. I see much of the same today for the church. Once so powerful and influential with the power of God resting upon and working through it to reach the world and shape it. Now it struggles within its own ranks to hold some semblance of what Christianity really is in Christ. The church today is more of everythings else of the world added to the person of Christ. It must never cease to be not only about but altogether about Jesus Christ. And what shall we do when in a nation, a church, a family or a soul - 'the lights go out'. God uses this judgment verse here against Judah that because of their sin, God would remove any similarity of goodness and joy. But what to do when the light of the candle goes out? What can be done in the dark? we should remember the words of Jesus when He said, " The night cometh when no man can work". For in the darkness of man's ways there is no light. The only light that is bearing vision now is the church. But what if the church loses that? What if our light is extiniquished becasue we have brought dishonor unto Him, Who is worthy. If the light of the church goes out, there is no hope. You say, how can this be? Jesus in Revelations, was walking among the seven golden candelsticks and He says unto the church of Ephesus, 'Beware, repent of your ways, lest I come and remove your candlestick." Then didn't repent and now there is no light of the candle there. No church should view themselve as an island of their own design. The church no matter from who or started by who is from the Lord and unto the Lord. We should do everything to hold the light of Christ faithful and true. Empowered by the Holy Spirit enables the preserving of that Light in Christ. Man's ways limit and remove our ability to shine in this world of darkness. May it be a prayer from us today for His church around the world, "Let us not lose the Light that abides within". Look unto your soul and the life of the church of anything that would quench the light. Is there sin? Is there worldliness? Is there unfaithfulness? Is there unbelief? Let not these things be named among us. Repent today of such things and seek the Lord's face for His mercy which endureth forever. Draw nigh unto Him and He will draw nigh unto you. For what can we do without the Lord? What can we do when the lights go out?
In the book of Jeremiah it is a desolate book of judgment upon the people of God for their continued disobedience. God continued to offer mercy and restoration if only they would have came unto Him. I see much of the same today for the church. Once so powerful and influential with the power of God resting upon and working through it to reach the world and shape it. Now it struggles within its own ranks to hold some semblance of what Christianity really is in Christ. The church today is more of everythings else of the world added to the person of Christ. It must never cease to be not only about but altogether about Jesus Christ. And what shall we do when in a nation, a church, a family or a soul - 'the lights go out'. God uses this judgment verse here against Judah that because of their sin, God would remove any similarity of goodness and joy. But what to do when the light of the candle goes out? What can be done in the dark? we should remember the words of Jesus when He said, " The night cometh when no man can work". For in the darkness of man's ways there is no light. The only light that is bearing vision now is the church. But what if the church loses that? What if our light is extiniquished becasue we have brought dishonor unto Him, Who is worthy. If the light of the church goes out, there is no hope. You say, how can this be? Jesus in Revelations, was walking among the seven golden candelsticks and He says unto the church of Ephesus, 'Beware, repent of your ways, lest I come and remove your candlestick." Then didn't repent and now there is no light of the candle there. No church should view themselve as an island of their own design. The church no matter from who or started by who is from the Lord and unto the Lord. We should do everything to hold the light of Christ faithful and true. Empowered by the Holy Spirit enables the preserving of that Light in Christ. Man's ways limit and remove our ability to shine in this world of darkness. May it be a prayer from us today for His church around the world, "Let us not lose the Light that abides within". Look unto your soul and the life of the church of anything that would quench the light. Is there sin? Is there worldliness? Is there unfaithfulness? Is there unbelief? Let not these things be named among us. Repent today of such things and seek the Lord's face for His mercy which endureth forever. Draw nigh unto Him and He will draw nigh unto you. For what can we do without the Lord? What can we do when the lights go out?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Jeremiah 20:14-18
"Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed. Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad. And let that man be as the cities which the Lord overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide; B ecause he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might ahve been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me. Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?"
This is very near to the words of Job when he cursed the day wherein he was born. There is much discouragement and a down cast spirit felt within these words. But there have been many a saint that has cried out for their day to be cursed and saw their life as nothing but vanity. They saw their prayers as a waste, for they were left unanswered. Their messages of prophetic word fell on deaf ears. Their tears were left unattended. Life was for nought. Such seasons I would dare say most of God's faithful face and have to go through. So many begged for death, only because it brought a quick out of their distress. God is at work in such moments to hone and fine tune our walk and faith with Him. Seasons are changing around us; life's seasons change in the same manner. seasons of joy and warmth; seasons of despair and fear; seasons of mild complacency. Jeremiah in this 20th chapter wrestled greatly with this fear and despair. He had prophesied and was rebuffed and he made his appeal unto the Lord. (verses 1-10) Then he anchors himself in the Lord and puts away the doubts and fears (verses 11-13) But as we begin verse 14 he is back where he started. It may be the cases of many of us that we put away the fears and doubts when we remember the great works of God and believe that He is able. A promise from the Word we hold onto so tightly that it washes away any depression. But then the devil is ever so persisitent breaks through with thoughts and events in our life that shatter our faith and we fall into obscurity, doubting even our own existence, "wherefore came I forth out of the womb". Understanding the why of such seasons is needful for every Christian. Sicknesses, deaths, trials, tribulations we would all have no part of these, but this is a part of life, how do we face these things? How much can you take before you break? I recently was told the story of a Christian brother imprisoned and persecuted. They hung a cat outside his prison window, crying and screams that they said was his wife. Torture on his body with beatings and emotional with these assaulats constantly. But in the midst of such turmoil, in the mind and soul, he might have begged for death and cursed his day. but he anchored himself in the Lord and prevailed. No carnal Christian could do this. No Sunday morning only Christian could do this. No half hearted Christian need try. this kind of Christian is one who submerges himself in Christ through prayer, the Word and faithfulness. So in such seasons turn your eyes unto the Lord, "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith"; keep close to Him in thoughts and meditations and know that tears may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. Be careful that in such times of despair that you do no speak evil. For many a Christian brother or sister in the midst of pain blamed God wrongly and lost their witness that took them a lifetime to present. One foolish moment cost them because they could not keep their tongue. No doubt, God did not dismiss nor remove these idle words of Jeremiah but ahd a plan and a purpose. Give not place in your situation to such thoughts of evil but trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own understadning. Refresh yourself this day for such season that God does not make mistakes and nor can He forget His children.
This is very near to the words of Job when he cursed the day wherein he was born. There is much discouragement and a down cast spirit felt within these words. But there have been many a saint that has cried out for their day to be cursed and saw their life as nothing but vanity. They saw their prayers as a waste, for they were left unanswered. Their messages of prophetic word fell on deaf ears. Their tears were left unattended. Life was for nought. Such seasons I would dare say most of God's faithful face and have to go through. So many begged for death, only because it brought a quick out of their distress. God is at work in such moments to hone and fine tune our walk and faith with Him. Seasons are changing around us; life's seasons change in the same manner. seasons of joy and warmth; seasons of despair and fear; seasons of mild complacency. Jeremiah in this 20th chapter wrestled greatly with this fear and despair. He had prophesied and was rebuffed and he made his appeal unto the Lord. (verses 1-10) Then he anchors himself in the Lord and puts away the doubts and fears (verses 11-13) But as we begin verse 14 he is back where he started. It may be the cases of many of us that we put away the fears and doubts when we remember the great works of God and believe that He is able. A promise from the Word we hold onto so tightly that it washes away any depression. But then the devil is ever so persisitent breaks through with thoughts and events in our life that shatter our faith and we fall into obscurity, doubting even our own existence, "wherefore came I forth out of the womb". Understanding the why of such seasons is needful for every Christian. Sicknesses, deaths, trials, tribulations we would all have no part of these, but this is a part of life, how do we face these things? How much can you take before you break? I recently was told the story of a Christian brother imprisoned and persecuted. They hung a cat outside his prison window, crying and screams that they said was his wife. Torture on his body with beatings and emotional with these assaulats constantly. But in the midst of such turmoil, in the mind and soul, he might have begged for death and cursed his day. but he anchored himself in the Lord and prevailed. No carnal Christian could do this. No Sunday morning only Christian could do this. No half hearted Christian need try. this kind of Christian is one who submerges himself in Christ through prayer, the Word and faithfulness. So in such seasons turn your eyes unto the Lord, "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith"; keep close to Him in thoughts and meditations and know that tears may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. Be careful that in such times of despair that you do no speak evil. For many a Christian brother or sister in the midst of pain blamed God wrongly and lost their witness that took them a lifetime to present. One foolish moment cost them because they could not keep their tongue. No doubt, God did not dismiss nor remove these idle words of Jeremiah but ahd a plan and a purpose. Give not place in your situation to such thoughts of evil but trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own understadning. Refresh yourself this day for such season that God does not make mistakes and nor can He forget His children.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Jeremiah 8:22
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the duaghter of my people recovered?"
Let us return to this verse again with fuller weight on our hearts and minds. I had commented on it earlier but wish to go deeper with its meaning for us today. We you read Jeremiah there is the fear and horror of a people that has rejected God and must now be met with their punishment. It is horrible to read when God says, "Don't pray anymore for this people"; "They have rejected me, therefore I reject them". It is a final pronouncment upon God's people. There is the same message at the end of II Chronicles, "Until there was no remedy". And even though every year I see things in the church and the world getting worse, there is very little spoken about doing things right. So much so that I have yearned over this in prayers, "Is there no balm in Gilead" Now my faith is strong enough to know that God word is true and He is able to do all things. Does He desire to be glorified? Does He desire for the souls of men to call upon Him for mercy and salvation? He has made a way. There is hope and health in Him. But who can know the mind of God? Who can answer what shall be? Only God. Will He send revival? Will He continue in His mercies? Or will He send judgment to draw His people unto Him? The wise have their eyes open and looking for signs of His purpose to be fulfilled. the prayer movement rising up is hopeful. the state of such sinfulness among men is hopeful; because before any revival the conditions of the church and the nation has always been deplorable. No doubt, things have never been worse than today, inside and out of the church. But this verse is a prayer, 'Is there no balm" is there no help, no hope, no rememdy? In Christ there is help, hope and solution. He is able to undo the evila nd immoral activites of the Satans realm. He is able to reach by His power the unreachable. He is able to speak a word from His throne for favor to be granted to His people and watch His manifold Presence take us to realms long desired. But there must be a realization that apart from God nothing will help. How weary I am with the church continuing to strive by their own hands and works to do what only God can do. Have we not learned that man made methods is what got us into this mess in the church? We brought the sickness and the ailments in when we 'cheapened grace'; did away with repentance and only accepted confession of Christ; when we taught them Christ was Saviro but not Lord; we did this! we brought the ailments upon our cities, families and nation! We taught they could do without prayer; have a one-minute devotion and neglect their Bibles! We cut the Lord's day in half and gave half to Him and the other half to recreation and family time! We brought the disease of sin and rebellion and disobedience and there is no balm apart from Him. Oh, how we need Jesus to come in fullness and restore His house to a house of prayer. To remove the false doctrines and teachings among the masses that God is love and nobody is going to hell. oh, how we have failed Him. "is there no balm?" Yes there is and His Name is Jesus, the only Son of God Who will save His people from their sins.
Let us return to this verse again with fuller weight on our hearts and minds. I had commented on it earlier but wish to go deeper with its meaning for us today. We you read Jeremiah there is the fear and horror of a people that has rejected God and must now be met with their punishment. It is horrible to read when God says, "Don't pray anymore for this people"; "They have rejected me, therefore I reject them". It is a final pronouncment upon God's people. There is the same message at the end of II Chronicles, "Until there was no remedy". And even though every year I see things in the church and the world getting worse, there is very little spoken about doing things right. So much so that I have yearned over this in prayers, "Is there no balm in Gilead" Now my faith is strong enough to know that God word is true and He is able to do all things. Does He desire to be glorified? Does He desire for the souls of men to call upon Him for mercy and salvation? He has made a way. There is hope and health in Him. But who can know the mind of God? Who can answer what shall be? Only God. Will He send revival? Will He continue in His mercies? Or will He send judgment to draw His people unto Him? The wise have their eyes open and looking for signs of His purpose to be fulfilled. the prayer movement rising up is hopeful. the state of such sinfulness among men is hopeful; because before any revival the conditions of the church and the nation has always been deplorable. No doubt, things have never been worse than today, inside and out of the church. But this verse is a prayer, 'Is there no balm" is there no help, no hope, no rememdy? In Christ there is help, hope and solution. He is able to undo the evila nd immoral activites of the Satans realm. He is able to reach by His power the unreachable. He is able to speak a word from His throne for favor to be granted to His people and watch His manifold Presence take us to realms long desired. But there must be a realization that apart from God nothing will help. How weary I am with the church continuing to strive by their own hands and works to do what only God can do. Have we not learned that man made methods is what got us into this mess in the church? We brought the sickness and the ailments in when we 'cheapened grace'; did away with repentance and only accepted confession of Christ; when we taught them Christ was Saviro but not Lord; we did this! we brought the ailments upon our cities, families and nation! We taught they could do without prayer; have a one-minute devotion and neglect their Bibles! We cut the Lord's day in half and gave half to Him and the other half to recreation and family time! We brought the disease of sin and rebellion and disobedience and there is no balm apart from Him. Oh, how we need Jesus to come in fullness and restore His house to a house of prayer. To remove the false doctrines and teachings among the masses that God is love and nobody is going to hell. oh, how we have failed Him. "is there no balm?" Yes there is and His Name is Jesus, the only Son of God Who will save His people from their sins.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jeremiah 3:2,3
". . .And thou has polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness. Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain;"
I come to the book of Jeremiah in daily Bible readings. How often I have considerede a parallel between Judah and the world today, especially the United States. The same sins of Judah have plagued us; the same folly that brought them to nought now threatens us. And of course, I learned that what good is history if men do not learn from the past. So the warning goes out to not let this happen, that happended to Judah. Is there still time? yes, I believe there to be time; but only the Lord knows such things and we should not delay, lest we tempt His patience and longsuffering. But this much we do know, that God will not restrain forever to a nation or a people that will not serve and obey Him. The horrors of lifes incidents could not all be repeated in this short space, of those that through disobedience and rejection of the invitiation from God went out into horrible punishments. You can declare it in four realms of life: the individual, the family, the church and the nation. These verses above tells us that their is punishment from the hand of God over man's decision to disobey and practice wickedness. We must understand that for any person when they make a decision and knowingly chose to do evil their is a penalty to pay for it. Too often today, because God's hand has been merciful and has withheld direct punishment people think that no judgment will fall. But in the verses above we learn that as a direct result from their wickedness God withheld the rain. No rain meant the crops and fruits were hurt and limited, and thus, the people were left with hunger. And in the suffering of hunger God's people will lift their eyes to Him Who provides. But confession must first take place and then the request for God to send the rain. So often in churches during times of drought the first thing they pray is "God, send us rain"; when the first prayer should be, "God, forgive us sinners". We refuse to acknowledge that we have offended God and brought this on our own selves. Now how bad does it get? Well, it begins with individuals. They face harsh tragedies because of their sin; very few pay attention and it is dismissed as a 'chance' or 'just something that happens'. then whole families are faced with the tradegy and still it goes unnoticed. the church feels the pressures of it and sees what is going on but will not committ that anything is really wrong, just some minor bumps. But drought begins with one day without rain, that leads to a week that leads to weeks and months and can go for years. But the first day without rain nobody says anything and there is no fear of drought, "What is one day without rain? We can make it." Always self-preservation guides the optimisstic approach. but after a year without rain then people are alarmed and the effects are felt deeply. We do not see the signs of judgment. The acknowledgment of sin is silent and the sin continues on even as they ask for God to grant them what they want. we offend God with such actions. And when a nation falls it is because they did not give heed to the warnings and the signs that led up to the destruction. Israel and Judah heard for years the warnings but refused to change and repent until they were carried off into captivity. My greatest wonder is why people must suffer before they will look up? why not look up now unto the Lord and stay and stop the judgment before it comes? God is willing to be merciful and show restraint; but the people of God must be willing to change, repent and confess in their actions.
I come to the book of Jeremiah in daily Bible readings. How often I have considerede a parallel between Judah and the world today, especially the United States. The same sins of Judah have plagued us; the same folly that brought them to nought now threatens us. And of course, I learned that what good is history if men do not learn from the past. So the warning goes out to not let this happen, that happended to Judah. Is there still time? yes, I believe there to be time; but only the Lord knows such things and we should not delay, lest we tempt His patience and longsuffering. But this much we do know, that God will not restrain forever to a nation or a people that will not serve and obey Him. The horrors of lifes incidents could not all be repeated in this short space, of those that through disobedience and rejection of the invitiation from God went out into horrible punishments. You can declare it in four realms of life: the individual, the family, the church and the nation. These verses above tells us that their is punishment from the hand of God over man's decision to disobey and practice wickedness. We must understand that for any person when they make a decision and knowingly chose to do evil their is a penalty to pay for it. Too often today, because God's hand has been merciful and has withheld direct punishment people think that no judgment will fall. But in the verses above we learn that as a direct result from their wickedness God withheld the rain. No rain meant the crops and fruits were hurt and limited, and thus, the people were left with hunger. And in the suffering of hunger God's people will lift their eyes to Him Who provides. But confession must first take place and then the request for God to send the rain. So often in churches during times of drought the first thing they pray is "God, send us rain"; when the first prayer should be, "God, forgive us sinners". We refuse to acknowledge that we have offended God and brought this on our own selves. Now how bad does it get? Well, it begins with individuals. They face harsh tragedies because of their sin; very few pay attention and it is dismissed as a 'chance' or 'just something that happens'. then whole families are faced with the tradegy and still it goes unnoticed. the church feels the pressures of it and sees what is going on but will not committ that anything is really wrong, just some minor bumps. But drought begins with one day without rain, that leads to a week that leads to weeks and months and can go for years. But the first day without rain nobody says anything and there is no fear of drought, "What is one day without rain? We can make it." Always self-preservation guides the optimisstic approach. but after a year without rain then people are alarmed and the effects are felt deeply. We do not see the signs of judgment. The acknowledgment of sin is silent and the sin continues on even as they ask for God to grant them what they want. we offend God with such actions. And when a nation falls it is because they did not give heed to the warnings and the signs that led up to the destruction. Israel and Judah heard for years the warnings but refused to change and repent until they were carried off into captivity. My greatest wonder is why people must suffer before they will look up? why not look up now unto the Lord and stay and stop the judgment before it comes? God is willing to be merciful and show restraint; but the people of God must be willing to change, repent and confess in their actions.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Isaiah 53:12
"And made intercession for the transgressors."
This is the chapter that describes Christ penlaty exacted upon Him for our sins. A short 12 verse chapter that should be memorized and held for a reminder of what Christ did for us. He was bruised, he hath borne, smitten of God, afflicted, he was oppressed and on and on it goes of His suffering for the sin of the world. No better description lays in the Word than this of what Christ endured for me and you. You must make it personal; not just some verse used at the communion table, as inpersonal. It should be used at the communion table for "this do in remembrance of me". He was counted as reprobate for us and named among the trangressors. he was innocent yet condemned. He was named among the thiefs which hung on his left and and right and was counted with the unlawful. And in this condemantion He lifted up this cry for us, "Father, forgive them"; a word that any Christian should hold dear and true. And because He was counted with them He was able to pray for them. "As a transgressor, (yet without sin, but accused as a transgressor) I pray for them". the prayer of intercession is the deepest prayer on behalf of others. As in John 17 when He intercedes again for His church, "I pray not for the world but for them which Thou hast given me." The work of intercession for the trangressors is one of most needed among us today. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! This gift offers prayers on behalf of us and the lost, those in transgression. Were we not found in transgression against Him? Yet, while in sin Christ loved us and died for us. While lost and separated by our wicked and rebellious heart God ordained an intercessor for us that we would be saved. Our salvation would not have come without His sufferings and death, and His intercessory prayer for our lost soul. Oh, how precious the intercessor who cries day and night and will not relinquish their place for anything of this world until the request is granted. Christ set the example for us on intercession. and has He has done, so He calls out intercessors for the lost, for His church for the nation. These beloved of the Lord are known before His throne and they are welcomed because of their steadfastness and faithfulness to cry out to Him for His glory to be manifested. Do you know what it is to labor over the lost? Oh, I know people pray for the lost to be saved. That is not what I am talking about, I am talking about when a soul is so vexed that they weep, they agonize, they fast; they are like Paul, who said that he would give up his own salvation if that were possible for the sake of his people Israel to be saved. Intercession is a laboring before God for His purposes. It is has nothing to do with self, there is no "I's, Me's or self included in this prayer. It is You, Father, Son, Holy Spirit and he/ she, they offered up in prayer bringing this person or event berfore the Trinity for His divine will to be done and accomplished so that He may receive glory for His faithful work. Intercession is the labor of prevailing prayer. How weary I am with listening to prayers of hal heartedness and no yearing; no true desire to see it fulfilled. I watch people fill the altars on Sunday morning for their lost loved ones, but on sundy evening the altar is quiet and still. You see it is a half hearted intercessor, for a full intercessor would jump and seize every opportunity bow before His holy feet and cry on behalf. this is why prayers are left unanswered. Selfishness also hinders the work of intercession. It lays us that we pray and intercede on behalf of someone or something and content that we have said our prayers we finish up and move on. An intercessor will not move on but stay, and they are not content until the answer is given. The indepthness of this is missing among us today. But thanks be unto God Who gave us an intercessor for transgressors in Christ Jesus. Learn of Him and follow Him in the direction of intercession.
This is the chapter that describes Christ penlaty exacted upon Him for our sins. A short 12 verse chapter that should be memorized and held for a reminder of what Christ did for us. He was bruised, he hath borne, smitten of God, afflicted, he was oppressed and on and on it goes of His suffering for the sin of the world. No better description lays in the Word than this of what Christ endured for me and you. You must make it personal; not just some verse used at the communion table, as inpersonal. It should be used at the communion table for "this do in remembrance of me". He was counted as reprobate for us and named among the trangressors. he was innocent yet condemned. He was named among the thiefs which hung on his left and and right and was counted with the unlawful. And in this condemantion He lifted up this cry for us, "Father, forgive them"; a word that any Christian should hold dear and true. And because He was counted with them He was able to pray for them. "As a transgressor, (yet without sin, but accused as a transgressor) I pray for them". the prayer of intercession is the deepest prayer on behalf of others. As in John 17 when He intercedes again for His church, "I pray not for the world but for them which Thou hast given me." The work of intercession for the trangressors is one of most needed among us today. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! This gift offers prayers on behalf of us and the lost, those in transgression. Were we not found in transgression against Him? Yet, while in sin Christ loved us and died for us. While lost and separated by our wicked and rebellious heart God ordained an intercessor for us that we would be saved. Our salvation would not have come without His sufferings and death, and His intercessory prayer for our lost soul. Oh, how precious the intercessor who cries day and night and will not relinquish their place for anything of this world until the request is granted. Christ set the example for us on intercession. and has He has done, so He calls out intercessors for the lost, for His church for the nation. These beloved of the Lord are known before His throne and they are welcomed because of their steadfastness and faithfulness to cry out to Him for His glory to be manifested. Do you know what it is to labor over the lost? Oh, I know people pray for the lost to be saved. That is not what I am talking about, I am talking about when a soul is so vexed that they weep, they agonize, they fast; they are like Paul, who said that he would give up his own salvation if that were possible for the sake of his people Israel to be saved. Intercession is a laboring before God for His purposes. It is has nothing to do with self, there is no "I's, Me's or self included in this prayer. It is You, Father, Son, Holy Spirit and he/ she, they offered up in prayer bringing this person or event berfore the Trinity for His divine will to be done and accomplished so that He may receive glory for His faithful work. Intercession is the labor of prevailing prayer. How weary I am with listening to prayers of hal heartedness and no yearing; no true desire to see it fulfilled. I watch people fill the altars on Sunday morning for their lost loved ones, but on sundy evening the altar is quiet and still. You see it is a half hearted intercessor, for a full intercessor would jump and seize every opportunity bow before His holy feet and cry on behalf. this is why prayers are left unanswered. Selfishness also hinders the work of intercession. It lays us that we pray and intercede on behalf of someone or something and content that we have said our prayers we finish up and move on. An intercessor will not move on but stay, and they are not content until the answer is given. The indepthness of this is missing among us today. But thanks be unto God Who gave us an intercessor for transgressors in Christ Jesus. Learn of Him and follow Him in the direction of intercession.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Isaiah 49:16
"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
"Behold" it is always a declaration to consider what is getting ready to be hearalded. Consider it and know that God is speaking and as His servants we must bow and listen to His sweet voice of instruction. In Ecclesiastes we are told that there is a time for everything under the sun. there are times of joy and stout belief in the things of God, and then there are times of doubt and unbelief. And at such times that the child of God should say to themselves, as in the verses that proceeds this one, that God has forsaken us, we should remember the promises of God to overcome such distrust. No doubt, the weakness of our flesh and taunts of Satan work to cause us to doubt and second guess. I once heard Oliver B Green preaching on eternal security and he declared that after he got saved he never doubted his salvation. I rejoiced to hear that, but he isi one of so many that struggle daily with their salvation. Uncertainty taints and hold the church bound because they willnot settle their minds and hearts with the Lord. If God said it, and God cannot lie, then it is absolute truth. Now hear what He says to us, He has graven us upon His own hands. It is the same consideration in John 10, where Jesus declared that a soul saved is placed in the Father's hand and in the Son's hand for safe keeping. Who is stronger than the Lord to remove us? Oh, what a declaration to encourage us and to show us the love of God. He holds us and keeps us and with all the other promises in the Bible is this not enough for you, oh troubled heart. Can you not see that God is in control and guides the thoughts and hearts of His children. He keeps us for protection and deliverance from the enemy. As Spurgeon once wrote, "Fie on thee, silly heart and curse thy unbelief". May we rest in His promises today that we are held in the Lord's hand, graven there for all eternity. Such thankfulness and joy should proceed from us over such a thought to keep us this day. So that no matter what you are facing, what is unfolding in your life, what is attacking you, what you are stuggling with, you are in the Father's hand. Fie on thee unbelief, let it not be named among us again.
"Behold" it is always a declaration to consider what is getting ready to be hearalded. Consider it and know that God is speaking and as His servants we must bow and listen to His sweet voice of instruction. In Ecclesiastes we are told that there is a time for everything under the sun. there are times of joy and stout belief in the things of God, and then there are times of doubt and unbelief. And at such times that the child of God should say to themselves, as in the verses that proceeds this one, that God has forsaken us, we should remember the promises of God to overcome such distrust. No doubt, the weakness of our flesh and taunts of Satan work to cause us to doubt and second guess. I once heard Oliver B Green preaching on eternal security and he declared that after he got saved he never doubted his salvation. I rejoiced to hear that, but he isi one of so many that struggle daily with their salvation. Uncertainty taints and hold the church bound because they willnot settle their minds and hearts with the Lord. If God said it, and God cannot lie, then it is absolute truth. Now hear what He says to us, He has graven us upon His own hands. It is the same consideration in John 10, where Jesus declared that a soul saved is placed in the Father's hand and in the Son's hand for safe keeping. Who is stronger than the Lord to remove us? Oh, what a declaration to encourage us and to show us the love of God. He holds us and keeps us and with all the other promises in the Bible is this not enough for you, oh troubled heart. Can you not see that God is in control and guides the thoughts and hearts of His children. He keeps us for protection and deliverance from the enemy. As Spurgeon once wrote, "Fie on thee, silly heart and curse thy unbelief". May we rest in His promises today that we are held in the Lord's hand, graven there for all eternity. Such thankfulness and joy should proceed from us over such a thought to keep us this day. So that no matter what you are facing, what is unfolding in your life, what is attacking you, what you are stuggling with, you are in the Father's hand. Fie on thee unbelief, let it not be named among us again.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Isaiah 45:18
"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created itnot in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord, and there is none else."
Here is one verse that is very similar to the others over the last several chapters before it and after it. God is speaking and declaring Who He is unto the Israel and unto all the world. It is not to question whether God exists or not. It is to accept what He has said, for He cannot lie. He speaks it repeatedly to the hard hearted and hard headed 'there is none else'. With any doubts put aside and any questions of unbelief put away from us, let us embrace the truth that has been declared before the world was, God is! There is none else but Him and we have need of no other than Him. If we would literally stop and think of His greatness and His vast undertakings for the sons of men, how could we doubt Him. He has created all things, of heaven and earth. He made it by speaking it into existence. It is His power that He has done this, who else can do such a thing? He has made it with purpose, 'to be inhabited'. It was God's plan for man to dwell in His creation and give glory unto Him. But how quickly they turned aside from it and went to serve another. We have no strength apart from Him; we have no life apart from Him, for He is the giver of life; we haven no breath apart from Him, for He gives and holds the breath that we breath; we have no future without Him, for eternity is through Christ alone; we have no place in this world, void of understanding when He does not reign over the heart of man; we have no peace, for He is the giver of peace of heart and mind; we have no love, for God is love; we have nothing, for there is none else besides Him. Do you know Him? Do you worship Him? Have you understood that He is and there is none else? If not, then fly to thy knees and acknowledge the truth that is set before you today. We give praise this day for this absolute truth that "THERE IS NONE ELSE".
Here is one verse that is very similar to the others over the last several chapters before it and after it. God is speaking and declaring Who He is unto the Israel and unto all the world. It is not to question whether God exists or not. It is to accept what He has said, for He cannot lie. He speaks it repeatedly to the hard hearted and hard headed 'there is none else'. With any doubts put aside and any questions of unbelief put away from us, let us embrace the truth that has been declared before the world was, God is! There is none else but Him and we have need of no other than Him. If we would literally stop and think of His greatness and His vast undertakings for the sons of men, how could we doubt Him. He has created all things, of heaven and earth. He made it by speaking it into existence. It is His power that He has done this, who else can do such a thing? He has made it with purpose, 'to be inhabited'. It was God's plan for man to dwell in His creation and give glory unto Him. But how quickly they turned aside from it and went to serve another. We have no strength apart from Him; we have no life apart from Him, for He is the giver of life; we haven no breath apart from Him, for He gives and holds the breath that we breath; we have no future without Him, for eternity is through Christ alone; we have no place in this world, void of understanding when He does not reign over the heart of man; we have no peace, for He is the giver of peace of heart and mind; we have no love, for God is love; we have nothing, for there is none else besides Him. Do you know Him? Do you worship Him? Have you understood that He is and there is none else? If not, then fly to thy knees and acknowledge the truth that is set before you today. We give praise this day for this absolute truth that "THERE IS NONE ELSE".
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Isaiah 32:15
"Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high"
You would think in reading this that it came from the New Testament but here it is found int he middle of Isaiah. This should show us what God intended and was willing to do all along. How needful for us to be there where He wants us. For if God says, "I am going to pour forth my spirit upon you at such and such a place"; is it not wise to be where He chose? Or how about someone that labored for nine days in the upper room and losing patience left only to find out that as soon as they left the Spirit was poured on them. the key word is 'until', not a moment sooner or later but 'until' it happens. Every thing is moving in a direction, life is unfolding then 'until' and everythinig changes at that moment. There is a few things to discuss and share about this verse. First, I believe only God puts the desire within a person for them to recognize and desire for the Spirit to be poured upon them. We read int he Scriptures that their hearts did not desire until God gave them ability. Their eyes were blinded until God opened them. God puts the desire to be filled, this is not a man made decision. It is a holy desire and God's plans are at work and He awakens a person to accomplish such things as is needful. But God knows our hearts and He would not awaken a heart that would reject His Spirit. Now note around you today, how many people pray for the filling of the Spirit? How many lift up a cry for the Spirit to be poured out on the church and the nations? I hear people pray it then see their lives of unfaithfulness and living in open sin. The desire for holiness is a rare thing today. It seems it is bent on emotions or come wild nature of religious gyrating. The weeping, humble, having died to self servant of the Lord is where it is to be found for seeking the pouring out of the Spirit. God says that He dwells with the contrite and humble soul. O Lord, humble Thy servants that we may see as You want us to see. Move within us to the depth of understanding Your eternal work among the sons of men. Secondly, their is a relationship between the God given desire for His Spirit and the life lived by the saint. For many have labored in religous duties to gain the Spirit and be worn out in such man made endeavors. Move us to the place where we understand that their must be a daily purging of the world from thoughts, actions, habits, how we spend our time to cleanse us from the worlds tainted fingers. the question of 'Why? do I live the way I do? " must be answered by the saint. Is it for the glory of God or because that is what we have always done. Are we going deeper or are we stagnate? Thridly, we must understand the urgency of this pouring out His Spirit. 'For without Me you can do nothing"; "Wait for the Spirit, and you will be empowered from on high." "No man can come to the Father without the Spirit drawing him". We have tried it on our own for so long, we still believe it is all about us. This is why we are failures for the kingdom of God. And though that seem a strong statement, when you consider the power of God and the gifts that God is ready to bestow upon His children, the world should have been reached and won in this generation alone. But because we have not waited for the 'until'; because we have not sought for the His Spriit to be poured out, we thrash around in the church with nothing but man made things. This does not glorify Him Who is worthy and He will not give His glory unto anything else but His own Blessed Name. We should seek for this with earnest, importunity and not rest until it falls on us today.
You would think in reading this that it came from the New Testament but here it is found int he middle of Isaiah. This should show us what God intended and was willing to do all along. How needful for us to be there where He wants us. For if God says, "I am going to pour forth my spirit upon you at such and such a place"; is it not wise to be where He chose? Or how about someone that labored for nine days in the upper room and losing patience left only to find out that as soon as they left the Spirit was poured on them. the key word is 'until', not a moment sooner or later but 'until' it happens. Every thing is moving in a direction, life is unfolding then 'until' and everythinig changes at that moment. There is a few things to discuss and share about this verse. First, I believe only God puts the desire within a person for them to recognize and desire for the Spirit to be poured upon them. We read int he Scriptures that their hearts did not desire until God gave them ability. Their eyes were blinded until God opened them. God puts the desire to be filled, this is not a man made decision. It is a holy desire and God's plans are at work and He awakens a person to accomplish such things as is needful. But God knows our hearts and He would not awaken a heart that would reject His Spirit. Now note around you today, how many people pray for the filling of the Spirit? How many lift up a cry for the Spirit to be poured out on the church and the nations? I hear people pray it then see their lives of unfaithfulness and living in open sin. The desire for holiness is a rare thing today. It seems it is bent on emotions or come wild nature of religious gyrating. The weeping, humble, having died to self servant of the Lord is where it is to be found for seeking the pouring out of the Spirit. God says that He dwells with the contrite and humble soul. O Lord, humble Thy servants that we may see as You want us to see. Move within us to the depth of understanding Your eternal work among the sons of men. Secondly, their is a relationship between the God given desire for His Spirit and the life lived by the saint. For many have labored in religous duties to gain the Spirit and be worn out in such man made endeavors. Move us to the place where we understand that their must be a daily purging of the world from thoughts, actions, habits, how we spend our time to cleanse us from the worlds tainted fingers. the question of 'Why? do I live the way I do? " must be answered by the saint. Is it for the glory of God or because that is what we have always done. Are we going deeper or are we stagnate? Thridly, we must understand the urgency of this pouring out His Spirit. 'For without Me you can do nothing"; "Wait for the Spirit, and you will be empowered from on high." "No man can come to the Father without the Spirit drawing him". We have tried it on our own for so long, we still believe it is all about us. This is why we are failures for the kingdom of God. And though that seem a strong statement, when you consider the power of God and the gifts that God is ready to bestow upon His children, the world should have been reached and won in this generation alone. But because we have not waited for the 'until'; because we have not sought for the His Spriit to be poured out, we thrash around in the church with nothing but man made things. This does not glorify Him Who is worthy and He will not give His glory unto anything else but His own Blessed Name. We should seek for this with earnest, importunity and not rest until it falls on us today.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Isaiah 22:12-13
"And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness,a nd to girding with sackcloth: And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die."
In verse 12 God is calling for humbleness and sorrow over sin; and in verse 13 the people are giving themselves to more sin. I do not think that this far from the attitude of most today among us. In a serious time of contemplation and thought almos all know that an eternity is coming after this life. What plans have they made? What details have they given to it? They are unconcerned and not bothered by such things. They hold to the world and all of its temporary indulgences. These sins last for a short period of time and then destruction. And God speaks and has spoken that this is not the acceptable way, but He has made a way for His people. Christ walking this path which was filled with sorrow, suffering and death. The Christian has been told that they must walk the same path. But somewhere along the way, Christian has replaced sorrow with fun, suffering with fellowship and death with live for today. We have reversed what God hath said, just as these two verses declare. What does God do with a humble, contrite heart? He gives peace, joy and fills with His Divine love. Nothing in this world matches that. The pleasures of this life are moment of self-gratification, but these gifts of God are an eternity. It is a fountain that never dries up and we can go back and go back to it again. Where is the church in all this worldly indulgence? Since the church has allowed for wolves to come in in sheeps clothing, the church has been tainted witht he same worldly spirit. holiness has been set away from them as their goal in order to devise a plan to win the masses by having concerts, fellowship meals and entertainment of all sorts. The tactic today is let the church compete with the world for their attention; let them see that we are not fuddy-duddies; let them laugh and be entertained and then they will want to come and join church. And this wins to some degree, but why kind of Christianity is this? It is a deception from hell. For it reverses what God hath said in order to gain popularity and success. The church is not here for either, but to hallow His Name and give and live for His glory. Let us examine our ways and the course that we are walking. Is it by the direction of the Holy Spirit or is it fromt he mass marketing ways of man? Are we producing holiness or happiness? Living to eat, drink and be merry or die to self in order to live to Him? WE need a radical change today and only God can separate the sheep from the goats. Examine your ways, dear child of God, where are you? And who are you living for?
In verse 12 God is calling for humbleness and sorrow over sin; and in verse 13 the people are giving themselves to more sin. I do not think that this far from the attitude of most today among us. In a serious time of contemplation and thought almos all know that an eternity is coming after this life. What plans have they made? What details have they given to it? They are unconcerned and not bothered by such things. They hold to the world and all of its temporary indulgences. These sins last for a short period of time and then destruction. And God speaks and has spoken that this is not the acceptable way, but He has made a way for His people. Christ walking this path which was filled with sorrow, suffering and death. The Christian has been told that they must walk the same path. But somewhere along the way, Christian has replaced sorrow with fun, suffering with fellowship and death with live for today. We have reversed what God hath said, just as these two verses declare. What does God do with a humble, contrite heart? He gives peace, joy and fills with His Divine love. Nothing in this world matches that. The pleasures of this life are moment of self-gratification, but these gifts of God are an eternity. It is a fountain that never dries up and we can go back and go back to it again. Where is the church in all this worldly indulgence? Since the church has allowed for wolves to come in in sheeps clothing, the church has been tainted witht he same worldly spirit. holiness has been set away from them as their goal in order to devise a plan to win the masses by having concerts, fellowship meals and entertainment of all sorts. The tactic today is let the church compete with the world for their attention; let them see that we are not fuddy-duddies; let them laugh and be entertained and then they will want to come and join church. And this wins to some degree, but why kind of Christianity is this? It is a deception from hell. For it reverses what God hath said in order to gain popularity and success. The church is not here for either, but to hallow His Name and give and live for His glory. Let us examine our ways and the course that we are walking. Is it by the direction of the Holy Spirit or is it fromt he mass marketing ways of man? Are we producing holiness or happiness? Living to eat, drink and be merry or die to self in order to live to Him? WE need a radical change today and only God can separate the sheep from the goats. Examine your ways, dear child of God, where are you? And who are you living for?
Isaiah 5:14
"Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."
How quickly we forget. Verses like this to remind what life is really all about. It is not about being good; it is not about having fun; it is not about making money; it is about eternity. And eternity is found in heaven or in hell. The only path ot heaven is the one in which God Himself ordained, and that was through His blessed Son, Jesus Christ. I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father except by Me." But in this society today, everything is reversed. Life is for self; eat, drink and merry. Eternity is a dream and there is no worry because God is love and He would never send anyone to hell. What do people do when they read a verse like this one? I am sure they can easily explain it away or forget about it. But you and I, as laboreres in the church cannot forget about it. Souls are perishing and it is so lopsided in this world of 7 bilion that the vast majority are going to hell. May there be a stirring for the souls of men among us. May we hate and abhor this verse that Satan wins more than we. May we pray for the fulness of the Holy Spirit that would empower us to win the victory. For we know, 'Greater is He that is in us; than He that is in the world'.
How quickly we forget. Verses like this to remind what life is really all about. It is not about being good; it is not about having fun; it is not about making money; it is about eternity. And eternity is found in heaven or in hell. The only path ot heaven is the one in which God Himself ordained, and that was through His blessed Son, Jesus Christ. I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father except by Me." But in this society today, everything is reversed. Life is for self; eat, drink and merry. Eternity is a dream and there is no worry because God is love and He would never send anyone to hell. What do people do when they read a verse like this one? I am sure they can easily explain it away or forget about it. But you and I, as laboreres in the church cannot forget about it. Souls are perishing and it is so lopsided in this world of 7 bilion that the vast majority are going to hell. May there be a stirring for the souls of men among us. May we hate and abhor this verse that Satan wins more than we. May we pray for the fulness of the Holy Spirit that would empower us to win the victory. For we know, 'Greater is He that is in us; than He that is in the world'.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Canticles 7:10
"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me."
I am always amazed at those that 'just don't get Song of Solomon'. And no doubt, at the first reading of this book I though it to be nothing more than a romantic story. But great preachers teaching through devotions and books opened a whole new understanding toward this precious book. Keep in mind that the relationship in this book, for the church today, should not be looked at between a man and a woman but between Christ and us. When you see it this way the promoises and directives are precious indeed. The first part of this verse, who's are you? I am my beloved's; are you? have you came to that point where you lose self in order to gain him? How needful the first step in our relationship with Him to be saved. Accepting of His precious atonement and knowing that salvation is found in no other way than Him. He has made a way for every person that comes to Him openly and honest. We come as sinners, born in sin, practicing sin and filled with unrighteousness. These sins cannot be removed apart from theshed blood of the only acceptable gift to God which is Christs sacrifice. Upon coming to Him for salvation we receive His welcome nail-scarred hand and He calls us His child. "To as many as would receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God." No man can receive Him unless they are willing to make room for Him. As they come to Him they must understand that sin is present and things in their old life must be forsaken and cut off. When they are willing to do this, then room is made for Christ to come in. Unless a person is willing to die to self there can be no salvation. We accept Him in and begins His wonderful work of salvation to cleanse, impart to us His righteousness, fill and sanctify with His Spirit. Old things are past away and all things become new. Now note the second half of this verse, 'His desire is toward me'. Oh, how precious are His ways and thoughts unto His own. How much He wishes to do for us, may we be ready to receive it and give thanks. WE give thanks for His unspeakable gift; we give thanks for His wondrous love(divine love); we give thanks for His outstretched hand to provide and supply for our wants and needs. He is faithful to His bride because Hsi desire is toward us. Consider how much God is able to do and how little the child of God truly understands and receives from Him. He Who is able to do all things casts His holy desires to us for the saving of souls, great wonders and works to be done for His glory and He reveals His provisions for us in eternity. meditate long on His desires toward us and then consider whether it is right for a child of God to be depressed, discouraged, downcast and fearful; it is not possilbe. He is everythings, we are nothing and His desire is toward us. What need presses sore to your heart this day? He is able. What soul is lost that seems hardened and refusing to bow? He is able. What prayer is offered up that seems impossible? He is able. And why? Because His desire is toward me.
I am always amazed at those that 'just don't get Song of Solomon'. And no doubt, at the first reading of this book I though it to be nothing more than a romantic story. But great preachers teaching through devotions and books opened a whole new understanding toward this precious book. Keep in mind that the relationship in this book, for the church today, should not be looked at between a man and a woman but between Christ and us. When you see it this way the promoises and directives are precious indeed. The first part of this verse, who's are you? I am my beloved's; are you? have you came to that point where you lose self in order to gain him? How needful the first step in our relationship with Him to be saved. Accepting of His precious atonement and knowing that salvation is found in no other way than Him. He has made a way for every person that comes to Him openly and honest. We come as sinners, born in sin, practicing sin and filled with unrighteousness. These sins cannot be removed apart from theshed blood of the only acceptable gift to God which is Christs sacrifice. Upon coming to Him for salvation we receive His welcome nail-scarred hand and He calls us His child. "To as many as would receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God." No man can receive Him unless they are willing to make room for Him. As they come to Him they must understand that sin is present and things in their old life must be forsaken and cut off. When they are willing to do this, then room is made for Christ to come in. Unless a person is willing to die to self there can be no salvation. We accept Him in and begins His wonderful work of salvation to cleanse, impart to us His righteousness, fill and sanctify with His Spirit. Old things are past away and all things become new. Now note the second half of this verse, 'His desire is toward me'. Oh, how precious are His ways and thoughts unto His own. How much He wishes to do for us, may we be ready to receive it and give thanks. WE give thanks for His unspeakable gift; we give thanks for His wondrous love(divine love); we give thanks for His outstretched hand to provide and supply for our wants and needs. He is faithful to His bride because Hsi desire is toward us. Consider how much God is able to do and how little the child of God truly understands and receives from Him. He Who is able to do all things casts His holy desires to us for the saving of souls, great wonders and works to be done for His glory and He reveals His provisions for us in eternity. meditate long on His desires toward us and then consider whether it is right for a child of God to be depressed, discouraged, downcast and fearful; it is not possilbe. He is everythings, we are nothing and His desire is toward us. What need presses sore to your heart this day? He is able. What soul is lost that seems hardened and refusing to bow? He is able. What prayer is offered up that seems impossible? He is able. And why? Because His desire is toward me.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Ecclesiastes 3:22
"For who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"
Oh, the despair of Solomon not knowing what shall come after him. He was filled with regret and emptiness of not knowing more. And it is a hard thing in life for those that try to control and direct the events of their life without the power of God or faith. Many a Christian gets discouraged and downcast when they try to fix and handle the situations of life. The future is hopeless to them and they have no trust or very little trust unto the great Maker of heaven and earth. So let us answer this question that Solomon couldn't. Paul, John and other great saints walked so close with the Lord and they saw 'what shall be after them'. The great verses of the New Testament are based on faith in having not seen yet believing. These saints saw the eternal picture of heaven and hell, but even if they had not seen it they would still have believed in it. Does the church believe today? They are wandering around aimlessly in an unknown direction instead of walking toward the Celessital City. How different is this for those that say, "If I saw it then I would believe in it" - the only problem with that is that this is not faith, for faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. George Mueller had a list of lost souls that he prayed for everyday. All but two souls on that list came to know Christ while he was alive. Upon his death the last two souls came to know the Lord. All were saved and brought into the kingdom, George Mueller having never seen his prayer answered did not doubt but held that God was faithful and would accomplish that which He saw best. Can we know what comes afterwards? Yes, by faith believing in what God has already said and revealed about eternity and the works of our faith in Him. Prayers are not in vain and believing that God shall accomplish His Divine will is an absolute must for us as His followers. Lay hold upon that which God has said and has done to know that He will continue in His kingdoms work. Laying the foundation in the those that are committed to us while alive is needful as well. I invest prayer, times and words to my chidlren so that after my death, He will continue that which He started in them. But if no foundation is laid, if no labor is bestowed how then can anyone expect God to hold it up? It is a sin to tempt the Lord in such a manner. Work, labor in prayer, believe in faith that the hours in prayer and the tears shed are for His glory. We shall see after us the fruits of His faithfulness for our labors for Him. Prayers offered up are the building blocks for what shall be. Revivals came at the work of those that labored in prayer, but never saw the revival. Remember the two saints when Jesus was born that were promised that they should behold the Christ child before their death. They died but never saw the fulfillment of the SAviros work on the cross. But they believing knew that God was faithful. Duncan Campbell saw a dream that Canada was on fire with the Spirit and one year later revival fell. He never seeing it, yet decalred it and believed it. Go ahead and doubt and scrutinize events and happenings, the Lord has decalred that which shall be after. Even though, my eyes not beholding I shall believe in His perfect work and plan. May your faith rise to meet His Divine work in this world around us.
Oh, the despair of Solomon not knowing what shall come after him. He was filled with regret and emptiness of not knowing more. And it is a hard thing in life for those that try to control and direct the events of their life without the power of God or faith. Many a Christian gets discouraged and downcast when they try to fix and handle the situations of life. The future is hopeless to them and they have no trust or very little trust unto the great Maker of heaven and earth. So let us answer this question that Solomon couldn't. Paul, John and other great saints walked so close with the Lord and they saw 'what shall be after them'. The great verses of the New Testament are based on faith in having not seen yet believing. These saints saw the eternal picture of heaven and hell, but even if they had not seen it they would still have believed in it. Does the church believe today? They are wandering around aimlessly in an unknown direction instead of walking toward the Celessital City. How different is this for those that say, "If I saw it then I would believe in it" - the only problem with that is that this is not faith, for faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. George Mueller had a list of lost souls that he prayed for everyday. All but two souls on that list came to know Christ while he was alive. Upon his death the last two souls came to know the Lord. All were saved and brought into the kingdom, George Mueller having never seen his prayer answered did not doubt but held that God was faithful and would accomplish that which He saw best. Can we know what comes afterwards? Yes, by faith believing in what God has already said and revealed about eternity and the works of our faith in Him. Prayers are not in vain and believing that God shall accomplish His Divine will is an absolute must for us as His followers. Lay hold upon that which God has said and has done to know that He will continue in His kingdoms work. Laying the foundation in the those that are committed to us while alive is needful as well. I invest prayer, times and words to my chidlren so that after my death, He will continue that which He started in them. But if no foundation is laid, if no labor is bestowed how then can anyone expect God to hold it up? It is a sin to tempt the Lord in such a manner. Work, labor in prayer, believe in faith that the hours in prayer and the tears shed are for His glory. We shall see after us the fruits of His faithfulness for our labors for Him. Prayers offered up are the building blocks for what shall be. Revivals came at the work of those that labored in prayer, but never saw the revival. Remember the two saints when Jesus was born that were promised that they should behold the Christ child before their death. They died but never saw the fulfillment of the SAviros work on the cross. But they believing knew that God was faithful. Duncan Campbell saw a dream that Canada was on fire with the Spirit and one year later revival fell. He never seeing it, yet decalred it and believed it. Go ahead and doubt and scrutinize events and happenings, the Lord has decalred that which shall be after. Even though, my eyes not beholding I shall believe in His perfect work and plan. May your faith rise to meet His Divine work in this world around us.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Proverbs 22:21
"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?"
How needful is the understanding of Truth. Truth is declared of Jesus, "I am the way, the truth and the life" - He is truth. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God" The Word is Truth. That which has been manifested to us in the Bible is truth, for it is the sure Word of God. A child of God would know these words of truth. For they are the instruction for our daily life as well as our desire to know Him more. A bedrock that helps us is that God cannot lie, so we are not dealing with any cautious motive that what words we are about to hear are deceptive or lies. When God speaks and His Spirit leads they are in truth of His Word. One of the consistencies is that the Bible is not contrary to God's ways but working hand in hand with it. Events and circumstances in life that require words of truth for us is to be found in the Scriptures. There is the answers to those that are sent unto us. Study to shew thyself approved unto God is a sin of neglect among Christians today. I encourage Bible reading constantly but I am fully aware that simply reading the Bible does nothing without the studying of it. Truth is not usually poured out over us, it is mentally contemplated and a decision is reached within the soul that leads us to declare, 'This is truth'. The convictions that we hold over this truth compel us to tell others. They may not receive our truth, as the world does not receive the Bible as truth or Christ as the Truth. Their convictions are not what ours are; they have not reached a conclusion on what truth is. I believe that most are seeking truth and are found with Pilate, "What is truth?" But until they reach a conclusion of decsion to accept Christ as the all an Absolute Truth they cannot proceed. We are sent of God to go to others and decalre this truth of Christ. But we are also given the blessing when God sends people our way declaring the truth that has been given to them. When the mind and heart is open to receive from others God's revealed truth there is ground gained in a walk of faith. Again, this is not any truth beyond what the Scriptures have already decalred. For example, Paul said he knew a man caught up into the third heaven and heard and saw things too wonderful. This was a truth that most can not receive because they are not ready to receive such truth. This truth is only assisted by the hand of the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit is sent to us to reveal truth of God's work and lvoe. "i will send Him unto you and He shall teach you". He has been sent to teach us in these things. "For know man knoweth the things of God except the Spirit of God reveal it." Then there are other saints that have travelled the path we are on, and they have gaiined great grounds of faith in His truth. the wise will glean from them, the fool will repel it andmiss the opportuntiy. But God sends people our way in life that aids and assists us. For God desires for us to be in truth, in Him.
How needful is the understanding of Truth. Truth is declared of Jesus, "I am the way, the truth and the life" - He is truth. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God" The Word is Truth. That which has been manifested to us in the Bible is truth, for it is the sure Word of God. A child of God would know these words of truth. For they are the instruction for our daily life as well as our desire to know Him more. A bedrock that helps us is that God cannot lie, so we are not dealing with any cautious motive that what words we are about to hear are deceptive or lies. When God speaks and His Spirit leads they are in truth of His Word. One of the consistencies is that the Bible is not contrary to God's ways but working hand in hand with it. Events and circumstances in life that require words of truth for us is to be found in the Scriptures. There is the answers to those that are sent unto us. Study to shew thyself approved unto God is a sin of neglect among Christians today. I encourage Bible reading constantly but I am fully aware that simply reading the Bible does nothing without the studying of it. Truth is not usually poured out over us, it is mentally contemplated and a decision is reached within the soul that leads us to declare, 'This is truth'. The convictions that we hold over this truth compel us to tell others. They may not receive our truth, as the world does not receive the Bible as truth or Christ as the Truth. Their convictions are not what ours are; they have not reached a conclusion on what truth is. I believe that most are seeking truth and are found with Pilate, "What is truth?" But until they reach a conclusion of decsion to accept Christ as the all an Absolute Truth they cannot proceed. We are sent of God to go to others and decalre this truth of Christ. But we are also given the blessing when God sends people our way declaring the truth that has been given to them. When the mind and heart is open to receive from others God's revealed truth there is ground gained in a walk of faith. Again, this is not any truth beyond what the Scriptures have already decalred. For example, Paul said he knew a man caught up into the third heaven and heard and saw things too wonderful. This was a truth that most can not receive because they are not ready to receive such truth. This truth is only assisted by the hand of the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit is sent to us to reveal truth of God's work and lvoe. "i will send Him unto you and He shall teach you". He has been sent to teach us in these things. "For know man knoweth the things of God except the Spirit of God reveal it." Then there are other saints that have travelled the path we are on, and they have gaiined great grounds of faith in His truth. the wise will glean from them, the fool will repel it andmiss the opportuntiy. But God sends people our way in life that aids and assists us. For God desires for us to be in truth, in Him.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Proverbs 5:21
"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings."
Remembering Who God is important in our daily walk. Far too many Chrisitans think they are getting away from Him. They think God does not see them. A false image of God is painted in the minds and hearts of His own people. It is needful to restore that right concept of God in our midst. He knows us; He sees us; He hears us; He loves us and He waits for us. God's eternity in existence - He is infinite- is beyond our comprehension. He in infinte we are finite; and how can finite understand and know infinite we cannot. God has always been and will always be. We will always be but we have not always been. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And all that is in between this God has seen adn known. So do not give place to the worlds theology that God is limited in anyway, He sees all. And He sees better than you do. We do not always see things rightly, our eyes are glossed over. God has set a course for our lives and we need to live in His path. The path that God would have us, it is a straight and narrow path. The world calls us to their path, it is an easy path, broad and wide and many are on it. but God has saved us for a reason and desires to send us to accomplish His kingdoms work. ARe you on the path He has set? Are you on your own path? What are you doing with your life for His glory? He see and ponders all this. For the ways of man are before Him and God's glory needs to fill the earth through the praises and labors of man for Him. The church is the chosen vessel whereby God has ordained for the work to be done. The church is what God is coming back for when He returns. He sees what we are doing and what we are not doing as His body. WE should strive to labor before me for the accomplishment of the task He has given. So that all the world might know that the Lord is God in heaven and earth.
Remembering Who God is important in our daily walk. Far too many Chrisitans think they are getting away from Him. They think God does not see them. A false image of God is painted in the minds and hearts of His own people. It is needful to restore that right concept of God in our midst. He knows us; He sees us; He hears us; He loves us and He waits for us. God's eternity in existence - He is infinite- is beyond our comprehension. He in infinte we are finite; and how can finite understand and know infinite we cannot. God has always been and will always be. We will always be but we have not always been. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And all that is in between this God has seen adn known. So do not give place to the worlds theology that God is limited in anyway, He sees all. And He sees better than you do. We do not always see things rightly, our eyes are glossed over. God has set a course for our lives and we need to live in His path. The path that God would have us, it is a straight and narrow path. The world calls us to their path, it is an easy path, broad and wide and many are on it. but God has saved us for a reason and desires to send us to accomplish His kingdoms work. ARe you on the path He has set? Are you on your own path? What are you doing with your life for His glory? He see and ponders all this. For the ways of man are before Him and God's glory needs to fill the earth through the praises and labors of man for Him. The church is the chosen vessel whereby God has ordained for the work to be done. The church is what God is coming back for when He returns. He sees what we are doing and what we are not doing as His body. WE should strive to labor before me for the accomplishment of the task He has given. So that all the world might know that the Lord is God in heaven and earth.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Psalm 139:17
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"
Consider this great prayer; this is beyond anything that I can comment or write on. For this is about the thoughts of God toward His people, His beloved. You may know of them round about you in life, that they do not think so much of you. Family, friends, neighbors, etc. they think so little about who you are and what is important to you. And truth be told, we are the same. Very rare is it that one will stop and consider how their mind processes and thinks. What are your thoughts? Why do you think as you do? Now, less you consider this a psychiatry class, it is not; but it is needful to weigh your thoughts whether they pure or worldly; holy or sinful. Our thought pattern is shaped and formed by so much of what we experience. It is a gift of God and to be nutured by His holy plan for us. But we may think about things alot, about other people and imagine, but what is this compared to the Lord's perfect, holy, righteou thoughts. And know that His thoughts about us are very personal. He has known us from the beginning, His thoughts were unto us. He has seen us every day of our life and known our choices and decisions. the times of our sinfulness, He was ready with forgiveness and mercy; the times of our thoughts of praise unto Him, He was ready to magnify His Spirit in us. You must answer the weight of this theme, 'how precious are Thy thoughts of me'. He has thought things beyond us for blessing, "Call upon me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." He ahs thought things for us, "While you was still in the womb, I knew thee"; He has made a way of redemption for us, "I have made a way for your salvation"; Consider His thoughts toward you and rejoice that Almighty God has known us, loved us and desires for us to draw near to Him so that He might reveal more of Him unto us. "His desire is toward me"; how blessed is the saint that holds to this. There is no room for depression, discouragement, fear, self pity or any other unrighteous thought pattern when you consider this great verse. If you would say, 'I don't know what He thinks of me'. Then go to Him and sit before Him and wait upon Him and ask, "Lord, what is Thy thoughts of me?" He will reveal His thoughts, and truly He already has in Scripture. Just knowing what is revealed in Scripture is enough. "I would have none to perish" - His thought is for our salvation; "I would be merciful" - His thoughts are to lift us up and not destroy or condemn us; "I have loved you with an everlasting love" - this is divine love from His holy throne, imparted by His Precious Unspeakable gift in Christ Jesus our beloved Savior and Redeemer. Do you now see of His thoughts of you and me? Can you not focus on these instead of your present circumstances? Does joy not fill you from top to bottom at His Presence? He has though of you and how precious are those thoughts of us, how great is the sum of them. I cannot count that high, nor can I know the depths of His thoughts toward me, they are infinite and I am finite. But I know they are present with me.
Consider this great prayer; this is beyond anything that I can comment or write on. For this is about the thoughts of God toward His people, His beloved. You may know of them round about you in life, that they do not think so much of you. Family, friends, neighbors, etc. they think so little about who you are and what is important to you. And truth be told, we are the same. Very rare is it that one will stop and consider how their mind processes and thinks. What are your thoughts? Why do you think as you do? Now, less you consider this a psychiatry class, it is not; but it is needful to weigh your thoughts whether they pure or worldly; holy or sinful. Our thought pattern is shaped and formed by so much of what we experience. It is a gift of God and to be nutured by His holy plan for us. But we may think about things alot, about other people and imagine, but what is this compared to the Lord's perfect, holy, righteou thoughts. And know that His thoughts about us are very personal. He has known us from the beginning, His thoughts were unto us. He has seen us every day of our life and known our choices and decisions. the times of our sinfulness, He was ready with forgiveness and mercy; the times of our thoughts of praise unto Him, He was ready to magnify His Spirit in us. You must answer the weight of this theme, 'how precious are Thy thoughts of me'. He has thought things beyond us for blessing, "Call upon me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." He ahs thought things for us, "While you was still in the womb, I knew thee"; He has made a way of redemption for us, "I have made a way for your salvation"; Consider His thoughts toward you and rejoice that Almighty God has known us, loved us and desires for us to draw near to Him so that He might reveal more of Him unto us. "His desire is toward me"; how blessed is the saint that holds to this. There is no room for depression, discouragement, fear, self pity or any other unrighteous thought pattern when you consider this great verse. If you would say, 'I don't know what He thinks of me'. Then go to Him and sit before Him and wait upon Him and ask, "Lord, what is Thy thoughts of me?" He will reveal His thoughts, and truly He already has in Scripture. Just knowing what is revealed in Scripture is enough. "I would have none to perish" - His thought is for our salvation; "I would be merciful" - His thoughts are to lift us up and not destroy or condemn us; "I have loved you with an everlasting love" - this is divine love from His holy throne, imparted by His Precious Unspeakable gift in Christ Jesus our beloved Savior and Redeemer. Do you now see of His thoughts of you and me? Can you not focus on these instead of your present circumstances? Does joy not fill you from top to bottom at His Presence? He has though of you and how precious are those thoughts of us, how great is the sum of them. I cannot count that high, nor can I know the depths of His thoughts toward me, they are infinite and I am finite. But I know they are present with me.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Psalm 109:4
"But I give myself unto prayer."
what shall I say unto such a statement? This is what I will say, "Let it be my life". David Brainerd said, "Blessed be God, that I may pray". he, as well as the other praying saints realized where the priority really was, it was in praying unto the Lord. Oh, how few go to their prayer chambers each day and how even fewer go in depth with prayer. Know this much, that there is not a witness today that can reveal the depths of prayer. (or at least I know not such a one) There is much testimony and answered prayers, but this usually comes from little praying, there is a realm of intercessors that do much praying; but only the Lord knows the one or few that 'pray without ceasing' and seeing great praying experiences. What of you today and your prayer life? Is it all that the Lord wants? Is it all that you want it to be? How long must the argument go on from so many today, that they pray while on their way to work or school or jutting around here and there. They might be saying prayers but they are not praying. Praying requires 'being still before Him'. I don't read in the Scriptures where the 4 beasts and 24 elders are busy with their duties and saying prayers on the side. Your thoughts might be on Him but the Scripture tells us they bow down before Him and worship Him. Following worship of Him Who is worthy, then the petitions and confessions can start. Read again the words of this verse, 'he gives himself to pray'. It is an act of obedience to give oneself to something. Here it is found not in ourselves but a wonderful gift of God that He breathes inside of His children. "Seek my face", and they answer in obedience, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek". God breathes a desire for us to come to Him, not just in salvation - to be saved, but to know Him and stay before Him. Are you doing this? Or is this grand opportunity passing you by? The church, as a whole, is not seek ing Him and the opportunity of invitation to be before Him is passing them by. Now there is a quickening happening today, drawing the church back before Him. This is because people are saying, "I will give myself to pray". It is an intentional act, one that takes work and discipline. It carries a high responsiblity to intercede for others, and the work is streneous. But they have decalred, "I will give myself to pray". How much more would be done and could be done to those that will commit themselves unto prayer? One of the problems with so few taking joy and refuge in giving themselves to pray is that there is a limited opportunity for people to learn from them. I have found that their is a desire to pray but little demonstration of praying rightly is set before people. And how little is the deeper prayer life given as an example. And by 'deeper prayer life' I mean those that prevail in prayer. Give yourself unto prayer and let the Holy Spirit be the One to guide you and lead you to go deeper with Him. Set yourself before Him daily in stillness and wait upon Him and learn of Him, for He does all things well. Make it your prayer as the disciples did, "Lord teach us to pray".
what shall I say unto such a statement? This is what I will say, "Let it be my life". David Brainerd said, "Blessed be God, that I may pray". he, as well as the other praying saints realized where the priority really was, it was in praying unto the Lord. Oh, how few go to their prayer chambers each day and how even fewer go in depth with prayer. Know this much, that there is not a witness today that can reveal the depths of prayer. (or at least I know not such a one) There is much testimony and answered prayers, but this usually comes from little praying, there is a realm of intercessors that do much praying; but only the Lord knows the one or few that 'pray without ceasing' and seeing great praying experiences. What of you today and your prayer life? Is it all that the Lord wants? Is it all that you want it to be? How long must the argument go on from so many today, that they pray while on their way to work or school or jutting around here and there. They might be saying prayers but they are not praying. Praying requires 'being still before Him'. I don't read in the Scriptures where the 4 beasts and 24 elders are busy with their duties and saying prayers on the side. Your thoughts might be on Him but the Scripture tells us they bow down before Him and worship Him. Following worship of Him Who is worthy, then the petitions and confessions can start. Read again the words of this verse, 'he gives himself to pray'. It is an act of obedience to give oneself to something. Here it is found not in ourselves but a wonderful gift of God that He breathes inside of His children. "Seek my face", and they answer in obedience, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek". God breathes a desire for us to come to Him, not just in salvation - to be saved, but to know Him and stay before Him. Are you doing this? Or is this grand opportunity passing you by? The church, as a whole, is not seek ing Him and the opportunity of invitation to be before Him is passing them by. Now there is a quickening happening today, drawing the church back before Him. This is because people are saying, "I will give myself to pray". It is an intentional act, one that takes work and discipline. It carries a high responsiblity to intercede for others, and the work is streneous. But they have decalred, "I will give myself to pray". How much more would be done and could be done to those that will commit themselves unto prayer? One of the problems with so few taking joy and refuge in giving themselves to pray is that there is a limited opportunity for people to learn from them. I have found that their is a desire to pray but little demonstration of praying rightly is set before people. And how little is the deeper prayer life given as an example. And by 'deeper prayer life' I mean those that prevail in prayer. Give yourself unto prayer and let the Holy Spirit be the One to guide you and lead you to go deeper with Him. Set yourself before Him daily in stillness and wait upon Him and learn of Him, for He does all things well. Make it your prayer as the disciples did, "Lord teach us to pray".
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Psalm 102:2
"Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily."
Is there not such days as these? Days filled with trouble and difficulties. These days usually stand out in our memories greater than the joyful days. And when such days happen and come who do you run to? The pslamist was quick to go to God and beseech Him for His mercy. Silence, uncertainites, discouragement, a void are the marks of these times. The rule for most is to go along as usually and it will work itself out. But the Lord allows these times so that we might find Him in a deeper way than we have ever know. And this is a great theme for prayer time to keep, 'when i call answer me'. This promise is found throughout the Bible from Old Testament to New Testament. God is faithful even though, we are not. What would keep Him from hearing me? "If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me". the sinfulness of the church today is enough to cast a dark day over our prayers. It is enough to shut down the access of prayer so that all the calling is happening but there is no answer. Christians today, 'say prayer' because it is the right thing to do, but they have not confessed nor repented and they are calling but there is no answer. This is not God's fault it is ours. We cast the blame upon Him but He reminds us of what He has already said and declared. Be faithful to go to Him whether good day or troublsome day. Remove all iniquities from thy presence so that you may be able to enter into His presence. And wait before Him, if we do not feel something or hear something then we consider that He is withdrawn from us and perhaps, He is waiting and trying to teach us to wait before Him. Go to Him, call upon Him and He will answer.
Is there not such days as these? Days filled with trouble and difficulties. These days usually stand out in our memories greater than the joyful days. And when such days happen and come who do you run to? The pslamist was quick to go to God and beseech Him for His mercy. Silence, uncertainites, discouragement, a void are the marks of these times. The rule for most is to go along as usually and it will work itself out. But the Lord allows these times so that we might find Him in a deeper way than we have ever know. And this is a great theme for prayer time to keep, 'when i call answer me'. This promise is found throughout the Bible from Old Testament to New Testament. God is faithful even though, we are not. What would keep Him from hearing me? "If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me". the sinfulness of the church today is enough to cast a dark day over our prayers. It is enough to shut down the access of prayer so that all the calling is happening but there is no answer. Christians today, 'say prayer' because it is the right thing to do, but they have not confessed nor repented and they are calling but there is no answer. This is not God's fault it is ours. We cast the blame upon Him but He reminds us of what He has already said and declared. Be faithful to go to Him whether good day or troublsome day. Remove all iniquities from thy presence so that you may be able to enter into His presence. And wait before Him, if we do not feel something or hear something then we consider that He is withdrawn from us and perhaps, He is waiting and trying to teach us to wait before Him. Go to Him, call upon Him and He will answer.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Psalm 89:47
"Remember how short my time is. . ."
This is not the thought of most. Satan has brought a lie, a strong delusion among the sons of men and that is, that they have all the time in the world. This is a wonderful worship and prayer pslam. It is filled with descriptions and phrases of worshipping God for Who is really is. I do not believe that we can enter into His Presence to pray and worship Him and not be aware of how frail and finite we are. The descriptions of God in His infiniteness reveals to us that He is infinite and we are finite. The concept is beyond the human to grasp; only by the help of the Holy Spirit are things too wonderful able to be understood and appreciated. The wonders of God are before us daily and we must consider life as one of these wonders. A life is not a taken for granted gift, even though most do, but it is a precious honor from the Lord. Consider, you have no life, no remembrance, no existence, this is hard to do unless you put yourself on the outside of your senses and reason. But when you consider one less life, it may mean nothing to the 7 billion on the earth but to us it is everything. It is a great gift and opportunity bestowed that He made us. Many a child has died, many have been aborted and the opportunity has been extinquished by the abomination of the lost (let not this gross sin be named among the church) The sin of abortion is not much different than the cruel times we read in the Old Testament where it says, 'they offered their chidlren to Molech, by casting their chidlren through the fire'. Life is gone before it has a chance to appreciation and savor life in this world. Then if they are born and growing life is filled with the horrors of tragedies and accidents and harm. It is a battle to survive and apart from the providence of God and His protection there is no reason to believe that any of us could make through. But God watches over man, both lost and saved, for His will is to be done. Life is an opportunity to hear and know about the Creator Who gave them life and Who holds it in His hand. And even though, life may seem long in comparison to years and decades, what is it compared to eternity? It is a micro-second; it is a blink of an eye. the writer here acknowledges this truth, 'life is short'. But the direct response of this phrase in verse 47 is about using this time to serve and honor the Lord. He is saying to the Lord, "Remember that I do not have an eternity on this earth to do Your works and give praise, my time is brief. Therefore, let me make the most of it for Your glory." this is the main theme, are you making the most of your life for Him Who gave you life? Sins of vanity, sloth, indulences of earthly and fleshly pleasures rob us of precious seconds that could be serving and glorifying Him. Consider a day, we spend 1/3 in sleep; another portion in work, duties and responsbilities of life, what do we do with the remaining portion? It is the confession of the body that they do not use it for Him but for self. Self is so dominant in this life and it is the masses that are blind that time is slipping away. People ask God for long life, but I wonder if God says, 'you have not been a good steward with the time that I have already given you.' Is this not enough for Him to shorten our life? Do you have tomorrow? None of us know; we only have today. Make the most of each day with Him and it will be honoring unto our blessed Lord. Many have the sin of waste, they have wasted their life on themselves and in old age they are not able to do what they once was, and the time has wasted away fromthem. Health and mind has eroded away and they are unable to do what they could have done 30 or 40 years ago for His service. I know that this has something to do with, when God calls young people into service as pastors and missionaries. God is giving them the full life in front of them to serve Him all their days. Those that are saved late in life, praise God that they are but they have wasted time, talent and opportunity for Him. You and I should examine our life and the daily activities and see if we are squandering or honoring Him. am I making the most of my short time here? How can I serve Him more and deeper? Will your life be remembered for the glory of God or selfish endeavors? Let our life, which is precious in His sight, be for His glory all our days no matter how long our time is upon this earth.
This is not the thought of most. Satan has brought a lie, a strong delusion among the sons of men and that is, that they have all the time in the world. This is a wonderful worship and prayer pslam. It is filled with descriptions and phrases of worshipping God for Who is really is. I do not believe that we can enter into His Presence to pray and worship Him and not be aware of how frail and finite we are. The descriptions of God in His infiniteness reveals to us that He is infinite and we are finite. The concept is beyond the human to grasp; only by the help of the Holy Spirit are things too wonderful able to be understood and appreciated. The wonders of God are before us daily and we must consider life as one of these wonders. A life is not a taken for granted gift, even though most do, but it is a precious honor from the Lord. Consider, you have no life, no remembrance, no existence, this is hard to do unless you put yourself on the outside of your senses and reason. But when you consider one less life, it may mean nothing to the 7 billion on the earth but to us it is everything. It is a great gift and opportunity bestowed that He made us. Many a child has died, many have been aborted and the opportunity has been extinquished by the abomination of the lost (let not this gross sin be named among the church) The sin of abortion is not much different than the cruel times we read in the Old Testament where it says, 'they offered their chidlren to Molech, by casting their chidlren through the fire'. Life is gone before it has a chance to appreciation and savor life in this world. Then if they are born and growing life is filled with the horrors of tragedies and accidents and harm. It is a battle to survive and apart from the providence of God and His protection there is no reason to believe that any of us could make through. But God watches over man, both lost and saved, for His will is to be done. Life is an opportunity to hear and know about the Creator Who gave them life and Who holds it in His hand. And even though, life may seem long in comparison to years and decades, what is it compared to eternity? It is a micro-second; it is a blink of an eye. the writer here acknowledges this truth, 'life is short'. But the direct response of this phrase in verse 47 is about using this time to serve and honor the Lord. He is saying to the Lord, "Remember that I do not have an eternity on this earth to do Your works and give praise, my time is brief. Therefore, let me make the most of it for Your glory." this is the main theme, are you making the most of your life for Him Who gave you life? Sins of vanity, sloth, indulences of earthly and fleshly pleasures rob us of precious seconds that could be serving and glorifying Him. Consider a day, we spend 1/3 in sleep; another portion in work, duties and responsbilities of life, what do we do with the remaining portion? It is the confession of the body that they do not use it for Him but for self. Self is so dominant in this life and it is the masses that are blind that time is slipping away. People ask God for long life, but I wonder if God says, 'you have not been a good steward with the time that I have already given you.' Is this not enough for Him to shorten our life? Do you have tomorrow? None of us know; we only have today. Make the most of each day with Him and it will be honoring unto our blessed Lord. Many have the sin of waste, they have wasted their life on themselves and in old age they are not able to do what they once was, and the time has wasted away fromthem. Health and mind has eroded away and they are unable to do what they could have done 30 or 40 years ago for His service. I know that this has something to do with, when God calls young people into service as pastors and missionaries. God is giving them the full life in front of them to serve Him all their days. Those that are saved late in life, praise God that they are but they have wasted time, talent and opportunity for Him. You and I should examine our life and the daily activities and see if we are squandering or honoring Him. am I making the most of my short time here? How can I serve Him more and deeper? Will your life be remembered for the glory of God or selfish endeavors? Let our life, which is precious in His sight, be for His glory all our days no matter how long our time is upon this earth.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Psalm 77:10-11
"And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
Three times it is mentioned here and other references of recalling past events and things of life. How quickly people forget the things of old. Perhaps they just do not wish to remember. Many struggle with remembering who and what they are, may we never forget. I am not making reference to just any old thing of life, I am referring to the things of our walk with the Lord. We should remember some things constantly and refresh our memories lest we forget. It seems for most that they remember more negative things than positive. If you ask a memory from them, they rehearse some dark thing of their past. Note the Scripture tells to remember the good things of God. First and foremost, you should remember the day of your salvation. This is your testimony and needed to be remembered for the glory that it brings to God. A constant thing in the church is to remember and testify of this. Having people share their testimony is encouragement and edification for the body. You should rehearse the works of God. This is three fold: past, present, and future. Name them in your worship time. Moses wrote in Deut. that he was praising God for God had jsut begun to show his servant His mighty hand. The things which he had seen. We get up and going and we need to see God's mighty hand today. And I know from Scripture what He has promised to do for His chidlren and church. How little this is considered and thought on for joy. I wonder if this is why depression, discouragement and resentment settle in to a christian's life? I have said quite often that if all His mighty wondrous works were to cease right now and I had to live off what my past has experienced and what I know, that would be enough for me to glory in Him for all eternity. His blessings are rich and full and we should know them and testify of them for His glory. We sing the old hymn, "Count your many blessings", but how few really do such a thing? It is needful to do such things, lest the cares of this world overflow within you. I consider the beatuy of His nature and creation. It is enough for me to behold the sky at early morning, sunset and stars at night to appreciate His great creation. I count His faithfulness to me despite my unfaithfulness to Him. This is not a once in a while thing for a child of God, this has been our whole life. I should remember answered prayers and how they came about and declare how God worked wonderously in those things. I should behold His church and see and know from history what God has done throughout to keep His bride. I will remember what lies before me in eternity. Practice the work of remembering lest you forget how great a God you do serve. encourage and enrich your faith that He that was faithful long ago is faithful today and will be for tomorrow. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, our Father. . .
Three times it is mentioned here and other references of recalling past events and things of life. How quickly people forget the things of old. Perhaps they just do not wish to remember. Many struggle with remembering who and what they are, may we never forget. I am not making reference to just any old thing of life, I am referring to the things of our walk with the Lord. We should remember some things constantly and refresh our memories lest we forget. It seems for most that they remember more negative things than positive. If you ask a memory from them, they rehearse some dark thing of their past. Note the Scripture tells to remember the good things of God. First and foremost, you should remember the day of your salvation. This is your testimony and needed to be remembered for the glory that it brings to God. A constant thing in the church is to remember and testify of this. Having people share their testimony is encouragement and edification for the body. You should rehearse the works of God. This is three fold: past, present, and future. Name them in your worship time. Moses wrote in Deut. that he was praising God for God had jsut begun to show his servant His mighty hand. The things which he had seen. We get up and going and we need to see God's mighty hand today. And I know from Scripture what He has promised to do for His chidlren and church. How little this is considered and thought on for joy. I wonder if this is why depression, discouragement and resentment settle in to a christian's life? I have said quite often that if all His mighty wondrous works were to cease right now and I had to live off what my past has experienced and what I know, that would be enough for me to glory in Him for all eternity. His blessings are rich and full and we should know them and testify of them for His glory. We sing the old hymn, "Count your many blessings", but how few really do such a thing? It is needful to do such things, lest the cares of this world overflow within you. I consider the beatuy of His nature and creation. It is enough for me to behold the sky at early morning, sunset and stars at night to appreciate His great creation. I count His faithfulness to me despite my unfaithfulness to Him. This is not a once in a while thing for a child of God, this has been our whole life. I should remember answered prayers and how they came about and declare how God worked wonderously in those things. I should behold His church and see and know from history what God has done throughout to keep His bride. I will remember what lies before me in eternity. Practice the work of remembering lest you forget how great a God you do serve. encourage and enrich your faith that He that was faithful long ago is faithful today and will be for tomorrow. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, our Father. . .
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Psalm 52:7
"Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength"
Now it is easy to say this of the lost and that makes perfect sense. But upon this verse is it not named among the church today? No doubt, this verse is talking about the proud of heart, the worldly minded one, the faithless one and no need or fear of God. But what has happened among us that there is only a slight difference between this lost man and the supposedly saved ones among us? Have have we fallen away from Him Who is our strength? Why do Christians walk and live in weakness? We have great promises from God: "Ask and it shall be given"; "I have not given you the spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind"; "Watch and see the salvation of the Lord"; and on they go given hope and promise to the weak at heart. Then after all that God has done for us and is doing for us why should we not lean upon HIm? I believe one such reason is that most Christians are out of the Word daily and they have no knowledge of the promises and hopes given in His Word. Read the Word an digest it for it is our stay. So that when difficulties come upon us we are not washed away with fear and discouragement. Most do not know how to hold themselves up in His Presence that takes us above the circumstances of this world. No sickness is too great; no debt is too deep; no sin too gross; no problem to hindering for all these things are a way for Him to work marvellously. How little we have gained in our walk with the Lord if our circumstances dictate to us instead of us dictating to our circumstances. This is needful to walk in faith and assurance of Him Who is worthy. but when our eyes are upon the issue at hand then they are not 'Looking unto Jesus" and know we will quickly lose our steps and way. God is the children of faiths strength and their is no other that we need or can have. We should recognize our own weakness and little strength and no doubt that He Who holds our breath is able to do all things. Is He not able? Yes; He is able. For He is strength and we cannot live in this life without Him. No child of God wants to live without Him; but how many are struggling because they are not with Him. They do not seek Him early or daily. they falter and fail in sins because they trust something other than He Who is able. Search your life and soul today, who is your strength? Where do you go for lifting up and encouragement among the discouraging events of life? Flee to the throne of God and know Him. When Daniel was visited and his strength went from him that he was not able to get up, the angel came and touched him and gave him stregnth. Have you asked for stregnth? And have you waited for Him to give and grant it? Then go now and be before Him and rehearse what God hath said. The church is in the same pattern today of weakness becasue they are trying to use the world's source of strength in entertainment and moderinization instead of the strength of the Lord. Let it not be said among us, 'they made not God their strength'. For the ways of the Lord in the church is by Him and Him alone. If man has done it, it will not last.
Now it is easy to say this of the lost and that makes perfect sense. But upon this verse is it not named among the church today? No doubt, this verse is talking about the proud of heart, the worldly minded one, the faithless one and no need or fear of God. But what has happened among us that there is only a slight difference between this lost man and the supposedly saved ones among us? Have have we fallen away from Him Who is our strength? Why do Christians walk and live in weakness? We have great promises from God: "Ask and it shall be given"; "I have not given you the spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind"; "Watch and see the salvation of the Lord"; and on they go given hope and promise to the weak at heart. Then after all that God has done for us and is doing for us why should we not lean upon HIm? I believe one such reason is that most Christians are out of the Word daily and they have no knowledge of the promises and hopes given in His Word. Read the Word an digest it for it is our stay. So that when difficulties come upon us we are not washed away with fear and discouragement. Most do not know how to hold themselves up in His Presence that takes us above the circumstances of this world. No sickness is too great; no debt is too deep; no sin too gross; no problem to hindering for all these things are a way for Him to work marvellously. How little we have gained in our walk with the Lord if our circumstances dictate to us instead of us dictating to our circumstances. This is needful to walk in faith and assurance of Him Who is worthy. but when our eyes are upon the issue at hand then they are not 'Looking unto Jesus" and know we will quickly lose our steps and way. God is the children of faiths strength and their is no other that we need or can have. We should recognize our own weakness and little strength and no doubt that He Who holds our breath is able to do all things. Is He not able? Yes; He is able. For He is strength and we cannot live in this life without Him. No child of God wants to live without Him; but how many are struggling because they are not with Him. They do not seek Him early or daily. they falter and fail in sins because they trust something other than He Who is able. Search your life and soul today, who is your strength? Where do you go for lifting up and encouragement among the discouraging events of life? Flee to the throne of God and know Him. When Daniel was visited and his strength went from him that he was not able to get up, the angel came and touched him and gave him stregnth. Have you asked for stregnth? And have you waited for Him to give and grant it? Then go now and be before Him and rehearse what God hath said. The church is in the same pattern today of weakness becasue they are trying to use the world's source of strength in entertainment and moderinization instead of the strength of the Lord. Let it not be said among us, 'they made not God their strength'. For the ways of the Lord in the church is by Him and Him alone. If man has done it, it will not last.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Psalm 27:8
"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek."
A psalm of David, the man after God's own heart. His heart said unto himself and then he turns and says unto the Lord, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Isn't the truth of Christianity found within the heart? "You shall seek me with all your heart, then shall you find me"; "With the heart man believeth unto salvation"; "Believe with your heart"; here is the root of what we believe and why we fail, it is within our hearts. It is a rampant thing today for people to go to heart specialists, called cariologists. We, the church, ought to be cariologist, and examine and know the hearts of ourselves and our brethern. Why do we do what we do? Whatever it is, it comes from the hearts. If the heart be wicked and dark, then from sin; if the heart be rigtheous and holy, then glory unto the Father. This call from the Father unto man is not just for a few special people. Many Christians believe today that you have to be a chosen vessel and receive a special calling to do great things for the Lord. But this is not so, God calls all mankind unto Him. "For the gospel hath appeared unto all men": Now know that God ordains some men and some people for special purposes as Jeremiah, JOhn the Baptist and so on, but God knew their hearts before they formed that they would obey and follow Him. God issues the call to all mankind, "Seek my face". The response though, is not the same as what we read. Some say they don't have time; other that they will think about it; others aren't interested and the excuses pile up. Thsi is not man inviting to a party or a dinner, this is Almighty God that has issued a command, 'Seek my face'. What evil is this that the creation should say to the Creator, 'I am my own'? But this is the way of man; know, the plight of lost man today. They have rejected the call of God to 'Seek Him'. And what of you, dear reader? Have you heard this call? Has it come to you to show the way you should go and the way you should live? You knwo it has. How have you responded to it? Oh, that every one of us would be able to say what David wrote. Some have said it; others would like to say it but we are all not in the same place. It is a command from God Almighty to seek Him and the servant is obedient. Other issues and lifes events do not get in the way of obeying God. But how often it is said and confessed by the church that they are too busy, too much going on; they don't have time to seek him. In this excuse given so much today, hear and see what is really at the heart, they have another god set up first in their life. A child of God that does not obey God is seriously in trouble. For if they be saved they should know that they need to respond as David. But how few are there really seeking His face and obeying. It is one of the brightest moments in a day to come across a servant of the Lord who obeys. You can see it and hear it that their heart is okay. But the disobedience rampant within the church today is hard pressed to get us to where we need to go. It is the testimony of real revivals that have fallen on the church that produces an example of this verse. God's people are in prayer for revival; God in His merciful way responds with favor and grants it; God's people are humbled and broken before Him; confession and worhsip is offered up; and not one person is missed with the impact of it. How many accounts from Brainard; Wesley; Edwards and others decalre that all were impacted witht the falling of the Spirit. Their witness, "As a wave sweeping from one side to another, they were all brought down". In such a case of revival to fall today, there would be a huge jump in percentage of thsoe that would respond as David. For all would be willing and wanting to 'Seek His face." Their hearts would be changed and their desires would be toward Him Who loves them and calls them. Oh, the need of a vast cry for revival that would sweep the highways and the byways fo God's people and the lost to brought into the light. But it begins with your heart and mine. Cleanse your hands, purify your heart, confess with your lips, declare His greatness, adore Him Who is worthy. obey in all things when He calls for His ways are right. And if your heart does not desire or your will is not obedient then know your heart is not right. Pray for a changed heart to be given. Your heavenly Father can do all things, even change the heart, "For I will put a new heart in them and they shall seek Me".
A psalm of David, the man after God's own heart. His heart said unto himself and then he turns and says unto the Lord, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Isn't the truth of Christianity found within the heart? "You shall seek me with all your heart, then shall you find me"; "With the heart man believeth unto salvation"; "Believe with your heart"; here is the root of what we believe and why we fail, it is within our hearts. It is a rampant thing today for people to go to heart specialists, called cariologists. We, the church, ought to be cariologist, and examine and know the hearts of ourselves and our brethern. Why do we do what we do? Whatever it is, it comes from the hearts. If the heart be wicked and dark, then from sin; if the heart be rigtheous and holy, then glory unto the Father. This call from the Father unto man is not just for a few special people. Many Christians believe today that you have to be a chosen vessel and receive a special calling to do great things for the Lord. But this is not so, God calls all mankind unto Him. "For the gospel hath appeared unto all men": Now know that God ordains some men and some people for special purposes as Jeremiah, JOhn the Baptist and so on, but God knew their hearts before they formed that they would obey and follow Him. God issues the call to all mankind, "Seek my face". The response though, is not the same as what we read. Some say they don't have time; other that they will think about it; others aren't interested and the excuses pile up. Thsi is not man inviting to a party or a dinner, this is Almighty God that has issued a command, 'Seek my face'. What evil is this that the creation should say to the Creator, 'I am my own'? But this is the way of man; know, the plight of lost man today. They have rejected the call of God to 'Seek Him'. And what of you, dear reader? Have you heard this call? Has it come to you to show the way you should go and the way you should live? You knwo it has. How have you responded to it? Oh, that every one of us would be able to say what David wrote. Some have said it; others would like to say it but we are all not in the same place. It is a command from God Almighty to seek Him and the servant is obedient. Other issues and lifes events do not get in the way of obeying God. But how often it is said and confessed by the church that they are too busy, too much going on; they don't have time to seek him. In this excuse given so much today, hear and see what is really at the heart, they have another god set up first in their life. A child of God that does not obey God is seriously in trouble. For if they be saved they should know that they need to respond as David. But how few are there really seeking His face and obeying. It is one of the brightest moments in a day to come across a servant of the Lord who obeys. You can see it and hear it that their heart is okay. But the disobedience rampant within the church today is hard pressed to get us to where we need to go. It is the testimony of real revivals that have fallen on the church that produces an example of this verse. God's people are in prayer for revival; God in His merciful way responds with favor and grants it; God's people are humbled and broken before Him; confession and worhsip is offered up; and not one person is missed with the impact of it. How many accounts from Brainard; Wesley; Edwards and others decalre that all were impacted witht the falling of the Spirit. Their witness, "As a wave sweeping from one side to another, they were all brought down". In such a case of revival to fall today, there would be a huge jump in percentage of thsoe that would respond as David. For all would be willing and wanting to 'Seek His face." Their hearts would be changed and their desires would be toward Him Who loves them and calls them. Oh, the need of a vast cry for revival that would sweep the highways and the byways fo God's people and the lost to brought into the light. But it begins with your heart and mine. Cleanse your hands, purify your heart, confess with your lips, declare His greatness, adore Him Who is worthy. obey in all things when He calls for His ways are right. And if your heart does not desire or your will is not obedient then know your heart is not right. Pray for a changed heart to be given. Your heavenly Father can do all things, even change the heart, "For I will put a new heart in them and they shall seek Me".
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Job 42:10
"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before."
What captivity? He had become the prisoner of Satan early in this book and after all the afflictions and persecutions from the devil, the Lord relased him. For only the Lord has power enough to set any one free from satan's hold. It would do well for us to understand this and pray this more often. How often we say, "They are so hard hearted and hard headed against the Gospel, there is little hope for their salvation." These are the words of unbelievers who have forgotten that God is above all and able to do all. Pray the prayer, He is able to turn their captivity from Satan. If there be salvation in your soul tday it is because God turned your captivity. It is His desire to seek and save that which is lost. But how many today are ensnared and confounded in their purusit of life. Sin has them bound, they are captive by the lures and attractions of this present world. We must pray, for there is little hope in any other way to be delivered and turned. Our nation, families, churches are held captive and we msut approach unto Him Who is able to turn their captivity. Do you believe this? He speaks and it is done. He commands and it is accomplished. What would we do today to gain His favor over our nation, churches and families? What would we do to see His right hand extended and hear from Him, "Turn their captivity". How rich and unmeasurable are His ways of mercy, divine love and grace. Oh, that He would impart His favor to us today. No sin is too binding in its captive hold; no lostness to deep beyond His hand for He knows all and is able to do all for His glory.
And note this, when did Job's captivity get turned? 'when he prayed for his friends'. The work of intercession is drying up in the church today. Most prayers that I hear today are all about their three favorite people - me, myself and I. You see self has not died in such prayers, therefore their captivity remains and their loved ones remain captive in sin. Does this mean we are not allowed to pray for personal things? of course not, we are told to pray and ask petitions, jsut don't ask amiss. I am talking about people who pray and when listening to them their main pronouns are me and mine and I. It isn't about intercession or setting the captive free, it is all about self. And this kind of prayer does not bring glory to God. I would imagine that this is one type of prayer that the Lord does not even hear, therefore the captivity remains. Note that Job's friends (I don't think that i really want friends like this) could not pray for themselves, God commanded Job to pray for them. Job had been emerged throughout this book about himself and why this had befallen him. This is a natural though pattern, but God says, "Enough about you, now pray for your friends." Put it to the test and check your prayer life, is it for others and for the glory of God? or do you find me, myself and I dominating the vocabulary of prayer? If you do, then it is not intercession, for intercession is about others and the work of God. Note the next development, that upon praying in intercession for others, he is set free (his captivity is turned) and then God blesses him. Oh, how the 'name it, claim it' preachers love the last part of this verse. For their only focus is on getting a blessing from God. But you see a work of intercession is about others, it is about the marvelous hand of God at work. Job had a humble spirit because this ordeal had broke him. Twice in his conversation before God, he says, "I am vile' ' I abhor myself'. Are you there in recognizes a truly humble spirit before God that He is everything and we are nothing? Get there then, confess, see your sin and your worthlessness before Him Who is all things. And again God is God and He decides who gets what and when. God saw fit to bless Job and if God says, "Let him be blest", who can change the order of God? No one, not SAtan and not us. It is not the motive to do the first two things here to get the third one. Don't intercede for others and humble yourself with the motive of getting the blessing from God, for that is still the sin of self and God knows our hearts and true motives. I know this, God is able to set the captives free and that it comes through intercesssion for others.
What captivity? He had become the prisoner of Satan early in this book and after all the afflictions and persecutions from the devil, the Lord relased him. For only the Lord has power enough to set any one free from satan's hold. It would do well for us to understand this and pray this more often. How often we say, "They are so hard hearted and hard headed against the Gospel, there is little hope for their salvation." These are the words of unbelievers who have forgotten that God is above all and able to do all. Pray the prayer, He is able to turn their captivity from Satan. If there be salvation in your soul tday it is because God turned your captivity. It is His desire to seek and save that which is lost. But how many today are ensnared and confounded in their purusit of life. Sin has them bound, they are captive by the lures and attractions of this present world. We must pray, for there is little hope in any other way to be delivered and turned. Our nation, families, churches are held captive and we msut approach unto Him Who is able to turn their captivity. Do you believe this? He speaks and it is done. He commands and it is accomplished. What would we do today to gain His favor over our nation, churches and families? What would we do to see His right hand extended and hear from Him, "Turn their captivity". How rich and unmeasurable are His ways of mercy, divine love and grace. Oh, that He would impart His favor to us today. No sin is too binding in its captive hold; no lostness to deep beyond His hand for He knows all and is able to do all for His glory.
And note this, when did Job's captivity get turned? 'when he prayed for his friends'. The work of intercession is drying up in the church today. Most prayers that I hear today are all about their three favorite people - me, myself and I. You see self has not died in such prayers, therefore their captivity remains and their loved ones remain captive in sin. Does this mean we are not allowed to pray for personal things? of course not, we are told to pray and ask petitions, jsut don't ask amiss. I am talking about people who pray and when listening to them their main pronouns are me and mine and I. It isn't about intercession or setting the captive free, it is all about self. And this kind of prayer does not bring glory to God. I would imagine that this is one type of prayer that the Lord does not even hear, therefore the captivity remains. Note that Job's friends (I don't think that i really want friends like this) could not pray for themselves, God commanded Job to pray for them. Job had been emerged throughout this book about himself and why this had befallen him. This is a natural though pattern, but God says, "Enough about you, now pray for your friends." Put it to the test and check your prayer life, is it for others and for the glory of God? or do you find me, myself and I dominating the vocabulary of prayer? If you do, then it is not intercession, for intercession is about others and the work of God. Note the next development, that upon praying in intercession for others, he is set free (his captivity is turned) and then God blesses him. Oh, how the 'name it, claim it' preachers love the last part of this verse. For their only focus is on getting a blessing from God. But you see a work of intercession is about others, it is about the marvelous hand of God at work. Job had a humble spirit because this ordeal had broke him. Twice in his conversation before God, he says, "I am vile' ' I abhor myself'. Are you there in recognizes a truly humble spirit before God that He is everything and we are nothing? Get there then, confess, see your sin and your worthlessness before Him Who is all things. And again God is God and He decides who gets what and when. God saw fit to bless Job and if God says, "Let him be blest", who can change the order of God? No one, not SAtan and not us. It is not the motive to do the first two things here to get the third one. Don't intercede for others and humble yourself with the motive of getting the blessing from God, for that is still the sin of self and God knows our hearts and true motives. I know this, God is able to set the captives free and that it comes through intercesssion for others.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Job 23:3, 4
"Oh that I knew where I might find him: that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cuase before him, and fill my mouth with arguments."
There has been many a Christian pilgrim that has said these same words. There has been many a time that Christians thought God had departed from them and was gone. There is the mystery of where heaven is. I love the story told about the first spacemen. The russian astronauts went to space and said, "There is no God here"; the American astronauts went to space and said, "Only God could create this". Two people in the same place but with two totally different perspectives. And the age old question of, "where is heaven?", has plagued us for a long time. But we know that at this time we cannot go there until we die. Now the exception to the rule has been a few saints that have been granted special privilege to the realms of heaven, like John and Paul. But for the most of us we cannot go up until the time to meet Him face to face and this life shall be put away forever. So in the mean time, do you know where to find Him? Job refers that he could not find Him, He was gone. Job did not have what we have in the Scriptures. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Do you believe this? Then you cannot say, "God has left me"; He might be silent, He might be angry with your sin, but He does not leave His children. And the fact is that even though we are not able to proceed to His throne in this physical body, 'for no flesh shall enter into the kingdom of heaven'. We are able to proceed unto His seat and we do know where He is -- 'He is high and lifted up on His holy throne'. The role of the Christian should be to daily remind ourselves of Who He is and where He is. I use a process of envisioning the throne room of God described to us in the Scriptures. It gives to us the reminder that God is not absent but very present. And Scriptures confirm this to us. Then why do Christians doubt God's presence, why do they say things like, 'God left me'. The worst is the times of troubles and difficulties and someone quotes what Jesus said from the cross and also found in Psalm 22, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" I do not believe that any Christian has the right to say this, this was for Christ alone and what He had to endure. But many Christians have said it and felt assurance in it that they was justified in using Scripture. But to say this and believe it, shows how little their faith and how unbelieving they are. We are not Job and every generation should learn from the last and build thereon. We have access to come boldly, we are able by the blood of Christ to proceed unto the Father. We are able to communicate with Him and decalre the wants and desires of our heart. May we not forget that when we come before Him not only to speak but to listen. How little is done of that today. We want to come in and say everything on our heart and mind and rehearse life before Him as if God doesn't know what we are experiencing. How little we believe in what has been declared to us. In times of sorrow, trials and afflictions it might seem as if God was absent and you are led to cry out Job's prayer here, but remember what He hath said. In general, there is nonthing wrong with stating your cause before Him. "Lord, I do not understnad this, nor do I understand why this is happening" there is nothing wrong with that so long as you complete it, "Lord, You know all things, Your ways are right and perfect; You do not make mistakes as I do; Help me to understand" And you will find He is there and ready to help you; "I will help you, saith the Lord". "I have heard your prayers and seen your tears"; "I have prayed for you". The assurance in circumstances is not found in your own thoughts and ways or that of someone else, it is found in Him alone. Do you know where to find Him? He is on His throne and He dwells within His children.
There has been many a Christian pilgrim that has said these same words. There has been many a time that Christians thought God had departed from them and was gone. There is the mystery of where heaven is. I love the story told about the first spacemen. The russian astronauts went to space and said, "There is no God here"; the American astronauts went to space and said, "Only God could create this". Two people in the same place but with two totally different perspectives. And the age old question of, "where is heaven?", has plagued us for a long time. But we know that at this time we cannot go there until we die. Now the exception to the rule has been a few saints that have been granted special privilege to the realms of heaven, like John and Paul. But for the most of us we cannot go up until the time to meet Him face to face and this life shall be put away forever. So in the mean time, do you know where to find Him? Job refers that he could not find Him, He was gone. Job did not have what we have in the Scriptures. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Do you believe this? Then you cannot say, "God has left me"; He might be silent, He might be angry with your sin, but He does not leave His children. And the fact is that even though we are not able to proceed to His throne in this physical body, 'for no flesh shall enter into the kingdom of heaven'. We are able to proceed unto His seat and we do know where He is -- 'He is high and lifted up on His holy throne'. The role of the Christian should be to daily remind ourselves of Who He is and where He is. I use a process of envisioning the throne room of God described to us in the Scriptures. It gives to us the reminder that God is not absent but very present. And Scriptures confirm this to us. Then why do Christians doubt God's presence, why do they say things like, 'God left me'. The worst is the times of troubles and difficulties and someone quotes what Jesus said from the cross and also found in Psalm 22, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" I do not believe that any Christian has the right to say this, this was for Christ alone and what He had to endure. But many Christians have said it and felt assurance in it that they was justified in using Scripture. But to say this and believe it, shows how little their faith and how unbelieving they are. We are not Job and every generation should learn from the last and build thereon. We have access to come boldly, we are able by the blood of Christ to proceed unto the Father. We are able to communicate with Him and decalre the wants and desires of our heart. May we not forget that when we come before Him not only to speak but to listen. How little is done of that today. We want to come in and say everything on our heart and mind and rehearse life before Him as if God doesn't know what we are experiencing. How little we believe in what has been declared to us. In times of sorrow, trials and afflictions it might seem as if God was absent and you are led to cry out Job's prayer here, but remember what He hath said. In general, there is nonthing wrong with stating your cause before Him. "Lord, I do not understnad this, nor do I understand why this is happening" there is nothing wrong with that so long as you complete it, "Lord, You know all things, Your ways are right and perfect; You do not make mistakes as I do; Help me to understand" And you will find He is there and ready to help you; "I will help you, saith the Lord". "I have heard your prayers and seen your tears"; "I have prayed for you". The assurance in circumstances is not found in your own thoughts and ways or that of someone else, it is found in Him alone. Do you know where to find Him? He is on His throne and He dwells within His children.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Job 13:15
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him."
What a statement of the servant of the Lord! Too many Christians at the first sign of trouble are ready to return to the world. They are like good Christian's friend in Buyan 's Pilgrim Progress who at the moment of difficulty at the slough of despond he quickly returned home. A faith is needed among belivers today that is sorely lacking to believe inWho God Is and what He is able to do. They blame God for everything that goes wrong; they defy Him on all aspects of their life; and they question and do not confirm in the fact that He is Almighty God. Question all you like about the ways of God, but if it was not for His mercy and grace, no God would allow such disrepect as He has. He has held in check the rudeness of His creation. The Scripture declares, can the creation dictate to the Creator. Meaning that it cannot be this way, but this generation has made sure to question everything instead of submitting unto Him Who is worthy. Job had faced the toughest battle of affliction and in all this peril he declares his allegiance unto Him. How is your loyalty unto Him who you declared to be your Savior and Lord? Are you able to lay aside the doubts, fears and uncertainties to claim a pure faith? Or will you follow the ways of this world and take God when desperate but flee from Him at safe times? Choose you this day Who you will serve. There have been other saints with parallel remarks of consecration and yieldedness throughout the church's history. We need today for that to be restored in a faith that holds to God no matter what is befalling us. Wesley declared that whatever the Lord did, raise him up or bring him down, give life or take life all was for His glory. this is the attitude needed in the church, that God's ways are right and we need to make sure we are there where God wants us. Follow after Him and stay on the straight and narrow course, lest a worst thing come upon you.
What a statement of the servant of the Lord! Too many Christians at the first sign of trouble are ready to return to the world. They are like good Christian's friend in Buyan 's Pilgrim Progress who at the moment of difficulty at the slough of despond he quickly returned home. A faith is needed among belivers today that is sorely lacking to believe inWho God Is and what He is able to do. They blame God for everything that goes wrong; they defy Him on all aspects of their life; and they question and do not confirm in the fact that He is Almighty God. Question all you like about the ways of God, but if it was not for His mercy and grace, no God would allow such disrepect as He has. He has held in check the rudeness of His creation. The Scripture declares, can the creation dictate to the Creator. Meaning that it cannot be this way, but this generation has made sure to question everything instead of submitting unto Him Who is worthy. Job had faced the toughest battle of affliction and in all this peril he declares his allegiance unto Him. How is your loyalty unto Him who you declared to be your Savior and Lord? Are you able to lay aside the doubts, fears and uncertainties to claim a pure faith? Or will you follow the ways of this world and take God when desperate but flee from Him at safe times? Choose you this day Who you will serve. There have been other saints with parallel remarks of consecration and yieldedness throughout the church's history. We need today for that to be restored in a faith that holds to God no matter what is befalling us. Wesley declared that whatever the Lord did, raise him up or bring him down, give life or take life all was for His glory. this is the attitude needed in the church, that God's ways are right and we need to make sure we are there where God wants us. Follow after Him and stay on the straight and narrow course, lest a worst thing come upon you.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Job 4:7-9
"Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocednt? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed."
This friend of Job's, Eliphaz, makes an assumption upon life experiences. He has a right to do so, as we all do. But we must make sure that false assertions are not added to or taken away from the Word of God. It is declared throughout Scripture that the wicked sow and reap destruction here on this earth and in this life before they go to eternal punishment in hell. Even Christians, reap the product of their sinful ways that hinders, disables and limits them in service to the King because of their gross sins. Are they forgiven? Absolutely, but God does not always remove the penalty of sin. A Christian can smoke, even though, they be under conviction, they refuse to surrender the sin and after 30 years, the doctor tells them have lung cancer. Now a Christian prays for forgiveness and asks to be healed. Now God can do all things, but more than likely God will not heal them, they must reap what they have sown. A life cannot undo the measures of sins that they have accumlated. Are they saved? Yes; are they cleansed? the blood is able to cleanse from all unrighteousness; but the damage is done. But the overall theme throughout the Bible is that sin carries consequences for sinful actions. It is assumed that God does all this. Job's friend here says that God is meeting out Job's sinfulness. But we know, as they did not know, that the devil was the one that unleashed this barrage on Job. God allowed it, but it was not for the sins of the children or the sins of the servants or the sin of Job. the devil sought a way to cripple and destroy a servant of the Lord, God saw the path for His glory to be manifested. The story of Job is not about man's ability to overcome, but about God's glory. And it is assumed that every horrible act done in life is a 'blast from God'. this is false teaching. God allows the events of life to unfold by our choices and by our decisions. The blast did not come from God but from the devil. Even in natural disasters the insurance companies have a clause, 'an act of God'. Now I realize that God must allow and knows of all things and you can make the relation to that point that God caused it, but the danger is to accuse God falsely and you are one step away from saying God nature is acting contrary to Who He really is. It is a dangerous ground to be on when accusing and blaming when it is beyond our knowledge. It is not our place to say 'God did this' or 'God caused this'. We don't know such things and should not speak foolishly on such things as Job's friends did. God gets the blame of many of the devils own acts. God gets the blame of man's own acts. And at the end God will clear His Name. For He is just, light, holy, perfect (unable to make a mistake), righteous (doing right and being right) - meaning there is no wrong in the ways of God. We would draw near to this and remind ourselves of Who He is and what He is doing in us and through us. Guard against adding to or taking away as Eliphaz and the others did and were found guilty by God at the end of speaking wrongly of God. Declare and believe the things tha tGod has revealed about Himself to us in the Scriptures and hold to the ways of life that God is controlling and whether He command it or He allows Satan to buffet us, it is for His glory. Our ways should be committed and surrendered unto Him so that He receives the glory, whether they be good things or bad things. Recognizing these things are beyond us is key to understanding the developments of life.
This friend of Job's, Eliphaz, makes an assumption upon life experiences. He has a right to do so, as we all do. But we must make sure that false assertions are not added to or taken away from the Word of God. It is declared throughout Scripture that the wicked sow and reap destruction here on this earth and in this life before they go to eternal punishment in hell. Even Christians, reap the product of their sinful ways that hinders, disables and limits them in service to the King because of their gross sins. Are they forgiven? Absolutely, but God does not always remove the penalty of sin. A Christian can smoke, even though, they be under conviction, they refuse to surrender the sin and after 30 years, the doctor tells them have lung cancer. Now a Christian prays for forgiveness and asks to be healed. Now God can do all things, but more than likely God will not heal them, they must reap what they have sown. A life cannot undo the measures of sins that they have accumlated. Are they saved? Yes; are they cleansed? the blood is able to cleanse from all unrighteousness; but the damage is done. But the overall theme throughout the Bible is that sin carries consequences for sinful actions. It is assumed that God does all this. Job's friend here says that God is meeting out Job's sinfulness. But we know, as they did not know, that the devil was the one that unleashed this barrage on Job. God allowed it, but it was not for the sins of the children or the sins of the servants or the sin of Job. the devil sought a way to cripple and destroy a servant of the Lord, God saw the path for His glory to be manifested. The story of Job is not about man's ability to overcome, but about God's glory. And it is assumed that every horrible act done in life is a 'blast from God'. this is false teaching. God allows the events of life to unfold by our choices and by our decisions. The blast did not come from God but from the devil. Even in natural disasters the insurance companies have a clause, 'an act of God'. Now I realize that God must allow and knows of all things and you can make the relation to that point that God caused it, but the danger is to accuse God falsely and you are one step away from saying God nature is acting contrary to Who He really is. It is a dangerous ground to be on when accusing and blaming when it is beyond our knowledge. It is not our place to say 'God did this' or 'God caused this'. We don't know such things and should not speak foolishly on such things as Job's friends did. God gets the blame of many of the devils own acts. God gets the blame of man's own acts. And at the end God will clear His Name. For He is just, light, holy, perfect (unable to make a mistake), righteous (doing right and being right) - meaning there is no wrong in the ways of God. We would draw near to this and remind ourselves of Who He is and what He is doing in us and through us. Guard against adding to or taking away as Eliphaz and the others did and were found guilty by God at the end of speaking wrongly of God. Declare and believe the things tha tGod has revealed about Himself to us in the Scriptures and hold to the ways of life that God is controlling and whether He command it or He allows Satan to buffet us, it is for His glory. Our ways should be committed and surrendered unto Him so that He receives the glory, whether they be good things or bad things. Recognizing these things are beyond us is key to understanding the developments of life.
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