December 30
IT PAYS TO WAIT ON HIM
Psalms 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
How hard it is to wait. We pray, we plead, we console ourselves and yet, after we stand on the Word of His promises, simple lack of patience sends its fiery arrows as if determined to fall us from keeping His ways. Also, as in the case of Joshua in Jericho (Joshua 6:1-5), God often asks us to go about the vision He gives us in a most unconventional ways that defy every fiber of logic we may claim to have.
Yet, He makes everything dependant on the ability to keep His ways. He makes history with the Joshuas, the Gideons, the Jonathans and the Davids that trusted Him, and with the D.L.Moodys, the Wesleys, the Martin Luthers, the Spurgeons, the David Livingstone, the Adoniram Judsons, the William Careys, and with every missionary and witnesser, small and great, every person who is courageous enough to dares to obey Him standing on faith in His Word alone when he presses in their heart a heavenly vision that will not go away.
The wicked cannot doesn’t trust God. Because of his lack of faith, he leans on his own understanding, and in the end, he is humbled by his own foolishness. Let us not be like him. Let us fully wait on the Lord and go His way. While we watch the wicked left only with regrets to comfort him, God will vindicate us in the land of accomplished visions and received promises,
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
'Be strong, be strong and be strengthened!'
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
LIGHT WINS IN THE END
December 29
LIGHT WINS IN THE END
Psalms 37:32-33 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. (33) The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
So it is in this generation. Year after year, polarization between light and darkness increases (Revelations 22:11). More and more, darkness seeks to envelop light and evil comes in full force in its attempts to engulf the righteous.
The most powerful weapon the enemy of our soul has against the righteous is confusion. He tries to convince people that light is darkness and darkness is light; that good is evil and evil is good; that right is wrong and wrong is right; that God is the ‘bad guy’ while he is the wise one who can save us and the world. He even tried it on Jesus (Matthew 4:9) but in spite of his macchiavelic wisdom, he cannot win for loosing.
Today, this deception marches on conquering territory, mostly in the heart of young people to prepare them for tomorrow’s grandest and greatest of all confusions, what Jesus called: The Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15). It will be the epitome of confusion: a time when the devil-the wicked one-will rule the world as a god-man. His final goal is, and has always been, to rule over the creation of God.
But the Lord will not leave us in his wicked hands. The plan of the wicked will return upon him and the Lord will not allow him to condemn us with his condemnation. Not only are bough and paid for, but we have in this Holy book, the Holy Bible, the very Words that are key to overcoming him that would bring us under his condemnation:
Revelations 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
LIGHT WINS IN THE END
Psalms 37:32-33 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. (33) The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
So it is in this generation. Year after year, polarization between light and darkness increases (Revelations 22:11). More and more, darkness seeks to envelop light and evil comes in full force in its attempts to engulf the righteous.
The most powerful weapon the enemy of our soul has against the righteous is confusion. He tries to convince people that light is darkness and darkness is light; that good is evil and evil is good; that right is wrong and wrong is right; that God is the ‘bad guy’ while he is the wise one who can save us and the world. He even tried it on Jesus (Matthew 4:9) but in spite of his macchiavelic wisdom, he cannot win for loosing.
Today, this deception marches on conquering territory, mostly in the heart of young people to prepare them for tomorrow’s grandest and greatest of all confusions, what Jesus called: The Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15). It will be the epitome of confusion: a time when the devil-the wicked one-will rule the world as a god-man. His final goal is, and has always been, to rule over the creation of God.
But the Lord will not leave us in his wicked hands. The plan of the wicked will return upon him and the Lord will not allow him to condemn us with his condemnation. Not only are bough and paid for, but we have in this Holy book, the Holy Bible, the very Words that are key to overcoming him that would bring us under his condemnation:
Revelations 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
A WHOLESOME TONGUE COMES FROM A WHOLESOME HEART
December 28
A WHOLESOME TONGUE COMES FROM A WHOLESOME HEART
Psalms 37:30-31 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. (31) The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
In many of his proverbs, King Solomon defines the uses and misuses of the tongue. In the New Testament, in the third chapter of his epistle, the Apostle James exposes the dangers of an unruly tongue. He tells us simply that our body will follow the leadings of our tongue (James 3:3-4).
The above reflection from King David declares the key to a safe and wholesome tongue which is not hurtful to others, neither leads astray. He says: The Law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Jesus also teaches us about the tongue; He said, Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12;34); or “our mouth will speak and reveal the content of our hearts”. If most of the time of daily life, what the Bible calls our ‘conversation’ (i.e., reading, music listening, movie watching and fellowship) is filled with foul people, carnal fellowship and worldly input, these are what will fill our heart, and what comes out of your mouth will automatically reflect these elements. If we, on the contrary fill our hearts with what is faith building, wholesome and godly, what will come out of our mouth will also automatically reflect these elements.
We cannot expect a dog to run and scamper in a muddy marsh and come back to us all clean and groomed. Just as much, we cannot allow our heart to wallow in the muck and mire of the carnalities of the world, and expect our tongue to lead us in the wisdom and judgment of the Lord. People’s spiritual depth and standing can easily be assessed by the spirit of what comes out of their mouth. It is also a good indicator of what they really ‘feed’ on in their daily life, regardless of how much time they seem to be spending in prayer, in Church, or in Bible study.
What do people hear when we open your mouth? Do they hear the things of God or the things of the world? What do we feed your heart with on a daily basis, the things of God, or the things of the world?
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
A WHOLESOME TONGUE COMES FROM A WHOLESOME HEART
Psalms 37:30-31 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. (31) The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
In many of his proverbs, King Solomon defines the uses and misuses of the tongue. In the New Testament, in the third chapter of his epistle, the Apostle James exposes the dangers of an unruly tongue. He tells us simply that our body will follow the leadings of our tongue (James 3:3-4).
The above reflection from King David declares the key to a safe and wholesome tongue which is not hurtful to others, neither leads astray. He says: The Law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Jesus also teaches us about the tongue; He said, Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12;34); or “our mouth will speak and reveal the content of our hearts”. If most of the time of daily life, what the Bible calls our ‘conversation’ (i.e., reading, music listening, movie watching and fellowship) is filled with foul people, carnal fellowship and worldly input, these are what will fill our heart, and what comes out of your mouth will automatically reflect these elements. If we, on the contrary fill our hearts with what is faith building, wholesome and godly, what will come out of our mouth will also automatically reflect these elements.
We cannot expect a dog to run and scamper in a muddy marsh and come back to us all clean and groomed. Just as much, we cannot allow our heart to wallow in the muck and mire of the carnalities of the world, and expect our tongue to lead us in the wisdom and judgment of the Lord. People’s spiritual depth and standing can easily be assessed by the spirit of what comes out of their mouth. It is also a good indicator of what they really ‘feed’ on in their daily life, regardless of how much time they seem to be spending in prayer, in Church, or in Bible study.
What do people hear when we open your mouth? Do they hear the things of God or the things of the world? What do we feed your heart with on a daily basis, the things of God, or the things of the world?
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
THE FUTURE IS AS BRIGHT AS THE PROMISES OF GOD
December 27
THE FUTURE IS AS BRIGHT AS THE PROMISES OF GOD
Psalms 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
From the beginning of time illusion of present ease has been the downfall of the would-be followers of God. Oh, the devil knows how to bring out of us the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (Gen 3:6; 1 John 2:16). He so well knows our weakness and temptation for instant gratification. He is always ready to use his weapon of temporal, tangible, present and visible rewards against the holding on to the promises of eternal, spiritual, future rewards seen and obtained in faith alone.
When we are tempted by the glitter and gold of this world, His Word is the vision that you should always keep before us to help us remember that all the world has is corruptible and temporal.
David, in this verse, contrasts the eternal infallible promise of the future incorruptible bliss of those who live by God’s virtue and principles in this life, against the temporal fallible, illusion of present corruptible wealth and ease of those who compromise their souls living by ungodly means. God’s promises are covenanted in the bllod of the Messiah for all those who are baptized in Him.
So, as the beloved psalmist said…
Psalms 37:1-4 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
THE FUTURE IS AS BRIGHT AS THE PROMISES OF GOD
Psalms 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
From the beginning of time illusion of present ease has been the downfall of the would-be followers of God. Oh, the devil knows how to bring out of us the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (Gen 3:6; 1 John 2:16). He so well knows our weakness and temptation for instant gratification. He is always ready to use his weapon of temporal, tangible, present and visible rewards against the holding on to the promises of eternal, spiritual, future rewards seen and obtained in faith alone.
When we are tempted by the glitter and gold of this world, His Word is the vision that you should always keep before us to help us remember that all the world has is corruptible and temporal.
David, in this verse, contrasts the eternal infallible promise of the future incorruptible bliss of those who live by God’s virtue and principles in this life, against the temporal fallible, illusion of present corruptible wealth and ease of those who compromise their souls living by ungodly means. God’s promises are covenanted in the bllod of the Messiah for all those who are baptized in Him.
So, as the beloved psalmist said…
Psalms 37:1-4 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
ENVY NOT
December 26
ENVY NOT
Psalms 37:27-28 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
From the start of this psalm, David exhorts us to not envy the wicked when he seems successful and spreads himself like a green bay tree. He instructs us not
to be intimidated by his wealth; nor to be fearful of his arrows (Psalms 37).
Furthermore in this psalm, David pleads that rather than lust after the comfort, dainties, and seeming security that we, the righteous, seem to be sometimes denied, we commit our ways to the Lord for our supply and protection. He tells us not to compare. He assures that our simple humble means are worth much more in the Lord’s eyes than all the flashy temporal wealth of the ungodly. All the way through, the psalmist continues his lamentation against the sweet deceiving dainties of the wicked, who earns his way through many murderous, mischievous and perverted ways and means.
At times, we do wonder. At times, we are also tempted to compromise spiritual integrity for gain and protection. At time we are tempted to face literal hell and damnation, sell our soul to the devil for the gratification of immediate comfort and financial security.
What are the questions that Jesus will ask us when we come to Him? Will He ask if we built a vast financial empire? Will He be concerned to know if we were successful in the eyes of man, or if we earned the praise of the world? Will He want to see the vast domains we established for His glory?
No, but rather, He will ask, “Did we starve our soul at the cost of feeding our belly?” “Did we feed our selves while neglecting His sheep?” and all the more He will ask, “What have you done for My children?”
1 Co 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
ENVY NOT
Psalms 37:27-28 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
From the start of this psalm, David exhorts us to not envy the wicked when he seems successful and spreads himself like a green bay tree. He instructs us not
to be intimidated by his wealth; nor to be fearful of his arrows (Psalms 37).
Furthermore in this psalm, David pleads that rather than lust after the comfort, dainties, and seeming security that we, the righteous, seem to be sometimes denied, we commit our ways to the Lord for our supply and protection. He tells us not to compare. He assures that our simple humble means are worth much more in the Lord’s eyes than all the flashy temporal wealth of the ungodly. All the way through, the psalmist continues his lamentation against the sweet deceiving dainties of the wicked, who earns his way through many murderous, mischievous and perverted ways and means.
At times, we do wonder. At times, we are also tempted to compromise spiritual integrity for gain and protection. At time we are tempted to face literal hell and damnation, sell our soul to the devil for the gratification of immediate comfort and financial security.
What are the questions that Jesus will ask us when we come to Him? Will He ask if we built a vast financial empire? Will He be concerned to know if we were successful in the eyes of man, or if we earned the praise of the world? Will He want to see the vast domains we established for His glory?
No, but rather, He will ask, “Did we starve our soul at the cost of feeding our belly?” “Did we feed our selves while neglecting His sheep?” and all the more He will ask, “What have you done for My children?”
1 Co 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
OUR LIFE INSURANCE
December 24
OUR LIFE INSURANCE
Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
A man was compelled one night to cross a wide, frozen river. Not fully trusting the assurances of those who were thoroughly familiar with the region and repeatedly crossed on the solid ice, the traveler feared to undertake the trip, but finally began to crawl his way over. When near the middle of the frozen stream he was startled by a sound in the distance and caught sight of a man driving a heavy team of horses pulling a great load of pig iron; yet there was not the least sign of a crack in the ice.
Here we are trying to ‘help’ God uphold us in His grace; we walk in life as if we could break His grace. Don’t we know that it is by His love and will that we come to His presence, nothing of our own works and fears? He hasn’t asked us to come to Him; He came to us. From the foundation of the world He has planned this journey to us regardless of its price in persecution, mocking and treachery. Yet, we wonder if the grace of His love will hold. We are like the old man who, when he got off his first time in an airplane, was greeted by his son who said, “you see Dad, it wasn’t so bad”; to which the old man said, “oh yes, but I didn’t put all my weight down.”
How many of us walk in eternal insecurity, and in total denial and distrust of the scripture telling us that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:38-39). How sad it must make Jesus feel after all He’s gone through in order to deliver us from this fear of death (Heb 2:15).
What a promise of deliverance we have here in His conception and coming, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1Corinthians 15:55). My friend, as we approach Him and look in His face, we are delivered from the fear of death, from the fear of failure, from the confusion of eternal insecurity. We have the promise here uttered that He will not utterly cast down because He, the King of Kings, Lord of the universe, creator of heaven and earth upholds us in His hands to secure us from being utterly cast down.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
OUR LIFE INSURANCE
Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
A man was compelled one night to cross a wide, frozen river. Not fully trusting the assurances of those who were thoroughly familiar with the region and repeatedly crossed on the solid ice, the traveler feared to undertake the trip, but finally began to crawl his way over. When near the middle of the frozen stream he was startled by a sound in the distance and caught sight of a man driving a heavy team of horses pulling a great load of pig iron; yet there was not the least sign of a crack in the ice.
Here we are trying to ‘help’ God uphold us in His grace; we walk in life as if we could break His grace. Don’t we know that it is by His love and will that we come to His presence, nothing of our own works and fears? He hasn’t asked us to come to Him; He came to us. From the foundation of the world He has planned this journey to us regardless of its price in persecution, mocking and treachery. Yet, we wonder if the grace of His love will hold. We are like the old man who, when he got off his first time in an airplane, was greeted by his son who said, “you see Dad, it wasn’t so bad”; to which the old man said, “oh yes, but I didn’t put all my weight down.”
How many of us walk in eternal insecurity, and in total denial and distrust of the scripture telling us that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:38-39). How sad it must make Jesus feel after all He’s gone through in order to deliver us from this fear of death (Heb 2:15).
What a promise of deliverance we have here in His conception and coming, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1Corinthians 15:55). My friend, as we approach Him and look in His face, we are delivered from the fear of death, from the fear of failure, from the confusion of eternal insecurity. We have the promise here uttered that He will not utterly cast down because He, the King of Kings, Lord of the universe, creator of heaven and earth upholds us in His hands to secure us from being utterly cast down.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
FOLLOW THE CHILD
December 23
FOLLOW THE CHILD
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.
Can a man order his own steps? Can a man, of his own self-efforts to be holy, set his own path into righteousness? Can a man even choose, of his own volition, to go the Lord’s way? Yet, here we are, constantly trying to tell God how to run our lives, and as result of trying to lead our own way, we forget make a mess of things. When we fell lost, why don’t we just go back to the drawing board with Him? He will tell us.
Long before His actual physical birth about 2000 years ago, right from the time of Abel, He hungered fellowship with us so, that He showed people how to approach him through the sacrifice of a death-undeserving lamb. Later, He brought His people to a lonely place in the desert where He could have all their attention and again, so they could approach Him, He taught them all the principles of holiness. At the time of His birth, He showed wise men from Iraq the way to Him through a star. Even today, as we yield our hearts to His soft, meek and gentle leading, He will show us the ways of our lives; help us re-arrange our priorities; reset our values and re-order our steps.
Every time we fall, every time we lose our way, every time we get muddle up in our priorities, every time we feel confused in our principles and values, let us call upon Him who was born in Bethlehem.
He, as a little baby child, came to lead us in the way (Isaiah 11:6).
He, through the guise of poverty, came to give incorruptible wealth (Matthew 8:20).
He, without form or comeliness, came to declare beauty without compare (Isaiah 53:2).
He, in sorrow and bitterness, came to teach us the elements of unconditional happiness (John 16:24).
He, dressed in weakness, came to impart unto us true strength from within. (Philippians 4:13).
Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
FOLLOW THE CHILD
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.
Can a man order his own steps? Can a man, of his own self-efforts to be holy, set his own path into righteousness? Can a man even choose, of his own volition, to go the Lord’s way? Yet, here we are, constantly trying to tell God how to run our lives, and as result of trying to lead our own way, we forget make a mess of things. When we fell lost, why don’t we just go back to the drawing board with Him? He will tell us.
Long before His actual physical birth about 2000 years ago, right from the time of Abel, He hungered fellowship with us so, that He showed people how to approach him through the sacrifice of a death-undeserving lamb. Later, He brought His people to a lonely place in the desert where He could have all their attention and again, so they could approach Him, He taught them all the principles of holiness. At the time of His birth, He showed wise men from Iraq the way to Him through a star. Even today, as we yield our hearts to His soft, meek and gentle leading, He will show us the ways of our lives; help us re-arrange our priorities; reset our values and re-order our steps.
Every time we fall, every time we lose our way, every time we get muddle up in our priorities, every time we feel confused in our principles and values, let us call upon Him who was born in Bethlehem.
He, as a little baby child, came to lead us in the way (Isaiah 11:6).
He, through the guise of poverty, came to give incorruptible wealth (Matthew 8:20).
He, without form or comeliness, came to declare beauty without compare (Isaiah 53:2).
He, in sorrow and bitterness, came to teach us the elements of unconditional happiness (John 16:24).
He, dressed in weakness, came to impart unto us true strength from within. (Philippians 4:13).
Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
Friday, December 22, 2006
DELIVERANCE FROM THE CURSE
December 22
DELIVERANCE FROM THE CURSE
Psalms 37:22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
The Mosaic Law pronounces a curse of death against those who do not ‘confirm’ in their lives all the Words of the Law to do them (Deuteronomy 27:26). The Mosaic also points us to Jesus who is the One who fulfills and satisfies the legalistic requirements of the Mosaic Law through His life, death and resurrection.
Many of us carry the heavy load incurred by our sins. We feel their curse through an unworthiness to approach God. Because of our sins, we live our lives under the fear of death.
And all the more, we seek to inherit the land of peace where we can find meadows of happiness and prairies of abundance. We long for waterfalls of forgiving grace; for the land where we walk with the Lord in the cool of the day sharing heart to heart with Him.
Seek no more, but run to Yeshuah, the Messiah. He is the fount of God’s redeeming grace given for free to all who desire it. The price is the same for everyone rich or poor. It is the price of a pearl, which a man when he found it one day, bought it and was willing to part with all that he had (Matthew 13:45,46).
Dear friend, let us be freed today from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13); let us rather be blessed in receiving on our heart His redeeming blood shed for us. Let us, through this blood, inherit today the Promised Land of abundance of happiness and love where peace passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
DELIVERANCE FROM THE CURSE
Psalms 37:22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
The Mosaic Law pronounces a curse of death against those who do not ‘confirm’ in their lives all the Words of the Law to do them (Deuteronomy 27:26). The Mosaic also points us to Jesus who is the One who fulfills and satisfies the legalistic requirements of the Mosaic Law through His life, death and resurrection.
Many of us carry the heavy load incurred by our sins. We feel their curse through an unworthiness to approach God. Because of our sins, we live our lives under the fear of death.
And all the more, we seek to inherit the land of peace where we can find meadows of happiness and prairies of abundance. We long for waterfalls of forgiving grace; for the land where we walk with the Lord in the cool of the day sharing heart to heart with Him.
Seek no more, but run to Yeshuah, the Messiah. He is the fount of God’s redeeming grace given for free to all who desire it. The price is the same for everyone rich or poor. It is the price of a pearl, which a man when he found it one day, bought it and was willing to part with all that he had (Matthew 13:45,46).
Dear friend, let us be freed today from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13); let us rather be blessed in receiving on our heart His redeeming blood shed for us. Let us, through this blood, inherit today the Promised Land of abundance of happiness and love where peace passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
BE CONTENT
December 21
BE CONTENT
Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Because of his senseles and uncontrolled spirit of covetousness, the wicked never has enough. No matter how much he has, he wants more and ends up at the usurer’s door, borrowing to pay the debts incurred in his never ending lust. How much more can he want? Is his belly bottomless that he can eat without ever feeling satisfied? Are his pockets full of holes that they never fill? Oh, indeed they are (Haggai 1:6), and there is never an end to the lust of the eye of the wicked. In the end his lust brings him right into the snare of the fowler, the usurer, who is ready to swallow him alive in the day when he payeth not again, and bankruptcy is the only answer. As wise king Solomon said, The borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).
The righteous, oh the heart of the righteous. He is not a borrower; he gives what he has freely received from God. The righteous lives within his means because he is content in whatsoever state he is (Philippians 4:11). The righteous does not complain; he doesn’t yield his life to the lender in order to fulfill his greed. No matter how little he has, he has always enough to give some because he trusts in his God from whom come all things. The righteous lives within the bountiful grace of God.
Oh, the beautiful dynamics of living in God’s spirit. The ability to give has very little to do with personal wealth; it only has to do with the spirit of Godly righteousness and faith.
Phi 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
BE CONTENT
Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Because of his senseles and uncontrolled spirit of covetousness, the wicked never has enough. No matter how much he has, he wants more and ends up at the usurer’s door, borrowing to pay the debts incurred in his never ending lust. How much more can he want? Is his belly bottomless that he can eat without ever feeling satisfied? Are his pockets full of holes that they never fill? Oh, indeed they are (Haggai 1:6), and there is never an end to the lust of the eye of the wicked. In the end his lust brings him right into the snare of the fowler, the usurer, who is ready to swallow him alive in the day when he payeth not again, and bankruptcy is the only answer. As wise king Solomon said, The borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).
The righteous, oh the heart of the righteous. He is not a borrower; he gives what he has freely received from God. The righteous lives within his means because he is content in whatsoever state he is (Philippians 4:11). The righteous does not complain; he doesn’t yield his life to the lender in order to fulfill his greed. No matter how little he has, he has always enough to give some because he trusts in his God from whom come all things. The righteous lives within the bountiful grace of God.
Oh, the beautiful dynamics of living in God’s spirit. The ability to give has very little to do with personal wealth; it only has to do with the spirit of Godly righteousness and faith.
Phi 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
THE END OF MAMMON'S PARADE
December 20
THE END OF MAMMON’S PARADE
Psalms 37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
See how the wicked parades himself in the sight of those who are spiritually confused. See how he waves his hands and projects his shiny strands of illusions to catch the simple, those who are void of understanding in his web (Proverbs 7:7).
Ye Prince of the power of the air, spirit who works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2), flaunt your wealth, your silver, your gold, your weapons of destruction. Ye Mammon, materialize in your shiny apparels of silk, decked in your jewels, served with exquisite food. Appear in the flower of your strength; bare your arms and show the power of your strength. Come and show your wonders to all that will see; the magnificent draperies, the oils with which you have dressed your bed to party. Let it be shown, let it be seen by all, let it be a witness in the day to come when all that went after thee see the end of your illusion.
Shall stubble contend with fire? Shall the chaff come close to the flame? Shall darkness compete with light? Shall the wicked contend with God? Sleep, dream and party, but know that your reign on this earth is but temporary. Know that the wealth you so benevolently supply to your devotees is ultimately laid up to benefit the just (Proverbs 13:22). As fire devoureth stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so the root of their flower shall become rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, they have despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 5:24) and turned to follow after you. Their fat shall be poured out and be utterly consumed as the fat of rams on the altar of sacrifice of God’s judgment.
It is the meek that shall inherit the earth, the merciful that shall obtain mercy, and the one who humbles himself to seek his God that shall find Him (Matthew 5:2,7,8).
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
THE END OF MAMMON’S PARADE
Psalms 37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
See how the wicked parades himself in the sight of those who are spiritually confused. See how he waves his hands and projects his shiny strands of illusions to catch the simple, those who are void of understanding in his web (Proverbs 7:7).
Ye Prince of the power of the air, spirit who works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2), flaunt your wealth, your silver, your gold, your weapons of destruction. Ye Mammon, materialize in your shiny apparels of silk, decked in your jewels, served with exquisite food. Appear in the flower of your strength; bare your arms and show the power of your strength. Come and show your wonders to all that will see; the magnificent draperies, the oils with which you have dressed your bed to party. Let it be shown, let it be seen by all, let it be a witness in the day to come when all that went after thee see the end of your illusion.
Shall stubble contend with fire? Shall the chaff come close to the flame? Shall darkness compete with light? Shall the wicked contend with God? Sleep, dream and party, but know that your reign on this earth is but temporary. Know that the wealth you so benevolently supply to your devotees is ultimately laid up to benefit the just (Proverbs 13:22). As fire devoureth stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so the root of their flower shall become rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, they have despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 5:24) and turned to follow after you. Their fat shall be poured out and be utterly consumed as the fat of rams on the altar of sacrifice of God’s judgment.
It is the meek that shall inherit the earth, the merciful that shall obtain mercy, and the one who humbles himself to seek his God that shall find Him (Matthew 5:2,7,8).
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
THE LITMUS TEST FOR FAITH
December 19
THE LITMUS TEST FOR FAITH
Psalms 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
The litmus test for claims of faith is controversy and adversity. In the day when Egypt falls, when we cannot depend anymore on the world and its crutches of supply us, we will know whose trust for sustenance was in the Lord or in ‘Egypt’.
In the days of old, when Pharaoh trusted in the divine Word given through Joseph, God saved Egypt from famine. Later, when it defied God, it reaped the wages of its defiance. During the time when God afflicted Egypt with ten plagues that broke its spirit and economy, But even during that time, God protected the sustenance of His people that were in Egypt (Gen 41 and Exodus).
Evil time is the great tester. God is able to provide for us in evil time with as much ease as in the prosperous time. God’s economy knows no inflation, no recession, and no ‘Great Depression’. It doesn’t make any difference if you live in an affluent or a developing country. If we in His will, if we put ourselves in His care, His promises of supply for His children (Philippians 4:19) remain the same wherever we are, whatever our personal conditions are.
Therefore, the difference in not being ashamed in the evil time depends on where our faith lies. Is Egypt, or the world, our crutch? Or do we lean on our own efforts and thereby forget God from whom all good graces come? Does our faith rely on the uncertainty of a man-made economy? Or does it lean on God and God only, through the promises given in His Word?
The day of evil time will reveal it.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
THE LITMUS TEST FOR FAITH
Psalms 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
The litmus test for claims of faith is controversy and adversity. In the day when Egypt falls, when we cannot depend anymore on the world and its crutches of supply us, we will know whose trust for sustenance was in the Lord or in ‘Egypt’.
In the days of old, when Pharaoh trusted in the divine Word given through Joseph, God saved Egypt from famine. Later, when it defied God, it reaped the wages of its defiance. During the time when God afflicted Egypt with ten plagues that broke its spirit and economy, But even during that time, God protected the sustenance of His people that were in Egypt (Gen 41 and Exodus).
Evil time is the great tester. God is able to provide for us in evil time with as much ease as in the prosperous time. God’s economy knows no inflation, no recession, and no ‘Great Depression’. It doesn’t make any difference if you live in an affluent or a developing country. If we in His will, if we put ourselves in His care, His promises of supply for His children (Philippians 4:19) remain the same wherever we are, whatever our personal conditions are.
Therefore, the difference in not being ashamed in the evil time depends on where our faith lies. Is Egypt, or the world, our crutch? Or do we lean on our own efforts and thereby forget God from whom all good graces come? Does our faith rely on the uncertainty of a man-made economy? Or does it lean on God and God only, through the promises given in His Word?
The day of evil time will reveal it.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Monday, December 18, 2006
HONOR FROM THE KING; NOT FROM MAN
December 18
HONOR FROM THE KING, NOT FROM MAN
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Sometimes we give our all to the cause of Christ, to the cause of sharing Him with others, to the cause of being an accurate presentation of Him to our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends. Such dedication often ends in troubles, hardships, deprivations, self-denials, misunderstandings, persecution, harassment, and humiliations. No one; no, no one on earth will ever be able to truly appreciate and evaluate the price that some of us pay for the cause of Christ when He so chooses that His Words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” be fulfilled in us (Matthew 6:10).
Hasn’t he said that the Father, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly (Mat 6:6)? So let us take courage my friend. The Lord sees it all and in the days when the books are opened, the light of our love for Him will shine for all to see. Let us not be discouraged at the indifference of man, for we will then be honored and rewarded accordingly.
We will not seek not to be acknowledged and honored here on earth by men whose values of worth, justice and righteousness are vile and corrupt. We will rather seek for the vindication that only God can, and will give us in front of all His holy angels and saints created from the foundation of the world, and that my friend is our incorruptible and eternal inheritance; no-one can take it from us.
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
HONOR FROM THE KING, NOT FROM MAN
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Sometimes we give our all to the cause of Christ, to the cause of sharing Him with others, to the cause of being an accurate presentation of Him to our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends. Such dedication often ends in troubles, hardships, deprivations, self-denials, misunderstandings, persecution, harassment, and humiliations. No one; no, no one on earth will ever be able to truly appreciate and evaluate the price that some of us pay for the cause of Christ when He so chooses that His Words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” be fulfilled in us (Matthew 6:10).
Hasn’t he said that the Father, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly (Mat 6:6)? So let us take courage my friend. The Lord sees it all and in the days when the books are opened, the light of our love for Him will shine for all to see. Let us not be discouraged at the indifference of man, for we will then be honored and rewarded accordingly.
We will not seek not to be acknowledged and honored here on earth by men whose values of worth, justice and righteousness are vile and corrupt. We will rather seek for the vindication that only God can, and will give us in front of all His holy angels and saints created from the foundation of the world, and that my friend is our incorruptible and eternal inheritance; no-one can take it from us.
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
HONOR FROM THE KING; NOT FROM MAN
December 18
HONOR FROM THE KING, NOT FROM MAN
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Sometimes we give our all to the cause of Christ, to the cause of sharing Him with others, to the cause of being an accurate presentation of Him to our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends. Such dedication often ends in troubles, hardships, deprivations, self-denials, misunderstandings, persecution, harassment, and humiliations. No one; no, no one on earth will ever be able to truly appreciate and evaluate the price that some of us pay for the cause of Christ when He so chooses that His Words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” be fulfilled in us (Matthew 6:10).
Hasn’t he said that the Father, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly (Mat 6:6)? So let us take courage my friend. The Lord sees it all and in the days when the books are opened, the light of our love for Him will shine for all to see. Let us not be discouraged at the indifference of man, for we will then be honored and rewarded accordingly.
We will not seek not to be acknowledged and honored here on earth by men whose values of worth, justice and righteousness are vile and corrupt. We will rather seek for the vindication that only God can, and will give us in front of all His holy angels and saints created from the foundation of the world, and that my friend is our incorruptible and eternal inheritance; no-one can take it from us.
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
HONOR FROM THE KING, NOT FROM MAN
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Sometimes we give our all to the cause of Christ, to the cause of sharing Him with others, to the cause of being an accurate presentation of Him to our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends. Such dedication often ends in troubles, hardships, deprivations, self-denials, misunderstandings, persecution, harassment, and humiliations. No one; no, no one on earth will ever be able to truly appreciate and evaluate the price that some of us pay for the cause of Christ when He so chooses that His Words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” be fulfilled in us (Matthew 6:10).
Hasn’t he said that the Father, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly (Mat 6:6)? So let us take courage my friend. The Lord sees it all and in the days when the books are opened, the light of our love for Him will shine for all to see. Let us not be discouraged at the indifference of man, for we will then be honored and rewarded accordingly.
We will not seek not to be acknowledged and honored here on earth by men whose values of worth, justice and righteousness are vile and corrupt. We will rather seek for the vindication that only God can, and will give us in front of all His holy angels and saints created from the foundation of the world, and that my friend is our incorruptible and eternal inheritance; no-one can take it from us.
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
HONOR FROM THE KING; NOT FROM MAN
December 18
HONOR FROM THE KING, NOT FROM MAN
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Sometimes we give our all to the cause of Christ, to the cause of sharing Him with others, to the cause of being an accurate presentation of Him to our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends. Such dedication often ends in troubles, hardships, deprivations, self-denials, misunderstandings, persecution, harassment, and humiliations. No one; no, no one on earth will ever be able to truly appreciate and evaluate the price that some of us pay for the cause of Christ when He so chooses that His Words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” be fulfilled in us (Matthew 6:10).
Hasn’t he said that the Father, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly (Mat 6:6)? So let us take courage my friend. The Lord sees it all and in the days when the books are opened, the light of our love for Him will shine for all to see. Let us not be discouraged at the indifference of man, for we will then be honored and rewarded accordingly.
We will not seek not to be acknowledged and honored here on earth by men whose values of worth, justice and righteousness are vile and corrupt. We will rather seek for the vindication that only God can, and will give us in front of all His holy angels and saints created from the foundation of the world, and that my friend is our incorruptible and eternal inheritance; no-one can take it from us.
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
HONOR FROM THE KING, NOT FROM MAN
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Sometimes we give our all to the cause of Christ, to the cause of sharing Him with others, to the cause of being an accurate presentation of Him to our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends. Such dedication often ends in troubles, hardships, deprivations, self-denials, misunderstandings, persecution, harassment, and humiliations. No one; no, no one on earth will ever be able to truly appreciate and evaluate the price that some of us pay for the cause of Christ when He so chooses that His Words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” be fulfilled in us (Matthew 6:10).
Hasn’t he said that the Father, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly (Mat 6:6)? So let us take courage my friend. The Lord sees it all and in the days when the books are opened, the light of our love for Him will shine for all to see. Let us not be discouraged at the indifference of man, for we will then be honored and rewarded accordingly.
We will not seek not to be acknowledged and honored here on earth by men whose values of worth, justice and righteousness are vile and corrupt. We will rather seek for the vindication that only God can, and will give us in front of all His holy angels and saints created from the foundation of the world, and that my friend is our incorruptible and eternal inheritance; no-one can take it from us.
Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Revelations 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
THE EVERLASTING ARMS UPHOLDING US
December 17
THE EVERLASTING ARMS UPHOLDING US
Psalms 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
When Pharaoh followed Moses towards the Red Sea, his economic arm had already been broken by a series of divinely inflicted plagues on his country. As he continued in his defiance to God, his second arm--the military arm—broke as his army drowned in the receding sea of God’s judgment. Moses “stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided Exodus 14:21. As he retrieved his hand from the sea, it receded and drowned the Egyptian army.
When the Hebrew army fought against Amalek, it was noticed that when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Moses’ hands grew so weary, Aaron and Hur found a stone and put it under him and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. They held up Moses’ heavy hands and the battle was won (Exodus 17:11-13).
How beautifully does the Lord uphold the hands of the righteous. Even when he comes to his own end, even when his lifted hands of praise and spiritual victory grow weary, he can sit on the ‘Rock’ and rest while the victory is won with the help of brothers, family and friends. Why should we think that we must stand on our own? He, the Lord of our victory does uphold us, even indirectly through mediation.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
THE EVERLASTING ARMS UPHOLDING US
Psalms 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
When Pharaoh followed Moses towards the Red Sea, his economic arm had already been broken by a series of divinely inflicted plagues on his country. As he continued in his defiance to God, his second arm--the military arm—broke as his army drowned in the receding sea of God’s judgment. Moses “stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided Exodus 14:21. As he retrieved his hand from the sea, it receded and drowned the Egyptian army.
When the Hebrew army fought against Amalek, it was noticed that when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Moses’ hands grew so weary, Aaron and Hur found a stone and put it under him and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. They held up Moses’ heavy hands and the battle was won (Exodus 17:11-13).
How beautifully does the Lord uphold the hands of the righteous. Even when he comes to his own end, even when his lifted hands of praise and spiritual victory grow weary, he can sit on the ‘Rock’ and rest while the victory is won with the help of brothers, family and friends. Why should we think that we must stand on our own? He, the Lord of our victory does uphold us, even indirectly through mediation.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
THE LITTLE THAT REMAINS FOREVER
December 16
THE LITTLE THAT REMAINS FOREVER
Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Look my friend. Look at the wealth of the wicked; look carefully at all he owns. As the grass of the field, as the life of the flesh that is oh, so easily snuffed out, it is here today and gone tomorrow. So the question is: was it really there in the first place? Can temporal and corruptible goods be considered reliable wealth, power and strength? Can it even be considered tangible? Can we lean on them for support? Can we burn them and they will come out without even the smell of smoke? Can we crucify them and they will resurrect in greater glory?
We need to look for that true wealth that never goes away. We need to set our eyes on the meat which never perishes; fix our hearts on the eternal and incorruptible values of heaven. We can lean on them and they support us. We can burn them and they come out without even the smell of smoke. We can crucify them and they resurrect in even greater glory and strength.
Let us not grieve the heart of the Most High. Why should we over-rate carnal corruptible wealth and despise spiritual eternal riches. When the temporal visible blessings seem scarce, let us not be discouraged. God sees not as we see. The wealth of a man in His sight is not measured of how much he owns, but in how much he gives away.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
THE LITTLE THAT REMAINS FOREVER
Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Look my friend. Look at the wealth of the wicked; look carefully at all he owns. As the grass of the field, as the life of the flesh that is oh, so easily snuffed out, it is here today and gone tomorrow. So the question is: was it really there in the first place? Can temporal and corruptible goods be considered reliable wealth, power and strength? Can it even be considered tangible? Can we lean on them for support? Can we burn them and they will come out without even the smell of smoke? Can we crucify them and they will resurrect in greater glory?
We need to look for that true wealth that never goes away. We need to set our eyes on the meat which never perishes; fix our hearts on the eternal and incorruptible values of heaven. We can lean on them and they support us. We can burn them and they come out without even the smell of smoke. We can crucify them and they resurrect in even greater glory and strength.
Let us not grieve the heart of the Most High. Why should we over-rate carnal corruptible wealth and despise spiritual eternal riches. When the temporal visible blessings seem scarce, let us not be discouraged. God sees not as we see. The wealth of a man in His sight is not measured of how much he owns, but in how much he gives away.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Friday, December 15, 2006
SATAN; HIS OWN ENEMY
December 15
SATAN; HIS OWN ENNEMY
Psalms 37:14-15 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Satan did not want Jesus to die on the cross. From the early beginnings of Jesus ministry, Satan tried to discourage Jesus from accepting this cruel death. In the desert, Satan even offered Jesus the kingship of mankind if He’d only worship him. If Jesus would have just done that, He would have obtained the ruling crown, without the agonizing cross. In Gethsemane, Satan again tried to discourage Jesus from going through with it all, he knew that would defeat him forever. In provoking Jesus’ crucifixion, Satan not only was executing his own death sentence and the defeat of his own kingdom, but he also was the instrument of God’s purpose.
So are the enemies of the righteous. The righteous may not see his God in the heavens keeping the enemy at bay and under His control. The righteous does not see Satan trembling at God’s rebuke. How ridiculous it is for the enemy of those who trust in God to even think that they could ever succeed in thwarting God’s plan; against the Creator. How amusing.
Friend, let us not fear the foe, the fiend that vexes our life. God laughed in the Heavens while He watched Haman on the gallows he had prepared for God’s servant Mordecai (Ester 7:9), and while Judas received in himself the death he bought in betraying his Lord. (Matthew 27:4-5). Yea surely, the day of the enemy’s demise is coming!
Psalms 40:13-15 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
SATAN; HIS OWN ENNEMY
Psalms 37:14-15 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Satan did not want Jesus to die on the cross. From the early beginnings of Jesus ministry, Satan tried to discourage Jesus from accepting this cruel death. In the desert, Satan even offered Jesus the kingship of mankind if He’d only worship him. If Jesus would have just done that, He would have obtained the ruling crown, without the agonizing cross. In Gethsemane, Satan again tried to discourage Jesus from going through with it all, he knew that would defeat him forever. In provoking Jesus’ crucifixion, Satan not only was executing his own death sentence and the defeat of his own kingdom, but he also was the instrument of God’s purpose.
So are the enemies of the righteous. The righteous may not see his God in the heavens keeping the enemy at bay and under His control. The righteous does not see Satan trembling at God’s rebuke. How ridiculous it is for the enemy of those who trust in God to even think that they could ever succeed in thwarting God’s plan; against the Creator. How amusing.
Friend, let us not fear the foe, the fiend that vexes our life. God laughed in the Heavens while He watched Haman on the gallows he had prepared for God’s servant Mordecai (Ester 7:9), and while Judas received in himself the death he bought in betraying his Lord. (Matthew 27:4-5). Yea surely, the day of the enemy’s demise is coming!
Psalms 40:13-15 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
THE LIGHT THAT EXPOSES
December 14
THE LIGHT THAT EXPOSES
Psalms 37:12-13 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. (13) The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
What proof, what vindication of righteousness is given to the just when the wicked plots against him.
Why can’t the wicked leave the just alone? Why can’t the evil one leave the righteous go his way without bothering him? Because the just has the light that exposes his wickedness; the righteous is the salt that brings out and exposes the wicked’s hell-oriented flavor. The righteous doesn’t even have to speak or do anything. He is like the moon reflecting the light of the sun, and the light from his countenance searches the motives and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). This light reproves the works of the wicked and provokes him to anger, so he has to put it down because he is afraid. He is afraid because his deeds are evil (John 3:20).
Wise Gamaliel advised the religious leaders who persecuted the disciples of Christ to leave them alone. He even told them about other people who had started this or that movement and how, because they were not sent of God, their movement petered out (Acts 5:34-39). But with the disciples of Jesus, the Pharisees couldn’t take such a chance. The disciples were part of a force sent from God to conquer the world. As we also do today, they represented every limb of the rider and horse of He that is called Faithful and True, and who in righteousness doth judge and make war. (Rev 19:11)
Now we need to ask ourselves; do we today represent that rider? Does his Light easily emanate from us? Is its influence naturally felt around us? Can we be qualified as the light of the world, the salt of the earth? Does our very presence test and reproves those with ill motives? Does it threaten the wicked? Does it make him feel that he has to fight you? Or do we oh, so easily blend with the big crowd of society without creating ‘ripples’ of uneasiness?
Let’s remember…
2Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
THE LIGHT THAT EXPOSES
Psalms 37:12-13 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. (13) The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
What proof, what vindication of righteousness is given to the just when the wicked plots against him.
Why can’t the wicked leave the just alone? Why can’t the evil one leave the righteous go his way without bothering him? Because the just has the light that exposes his wickedness; the righteous is the salt that brings out and exposes the wicked’s hell-oriented flavor. The righteous doesn’t even have to speak or do anything. He is like the moon reflecting the light of the sun, and the light from his countenance searches the motives and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). This light reproves the works of the wicked and provokes him to anger, so he has to put it down because he is afraid. He is afraid because his deeds are evil (John 3:20).
Wise Gamaliel advised the religious leaders who persecuted the disciples of Christ to leave them alone. He even told them about other people who had started this or that movement and how, because they were not sent of God, their movement petered out (Acts 5:34-39). But with the disciples of Jesus, the Pharisees couldn’t take such a chance. The disciples were part of a force sent from God to conquer the world. As we also do today, they represented every limb of the rider and horse of He that is called Faithful and True, and who in righteousness doth judge and make war. (Rev 19:11)
Now we need to ask ourselves; do we today represent that rider? Does his Light easily emanate from us? Is its influence naturally felt around us? Can we be qualified as the light of the world, the salt of the earth? Does our very presence test and reproves those with ill motives? Does it threaten the wicked? Does it make him feel that he has to fight you? Or do we oh, so easily blend with the big crowd of society without creating ‘ripples’ of uneasiness?
Let’s remember…
2Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
REST IN HIS ARMS
December 13
REST IN HIS ARMS
Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Peace is so elusive these days. In our constant search and desire for peace, much of what we do is geared toward controlling our environment. Peace, true lasting peace of heart, mind and spirit is the impossible dream, the unreachable star and yet, we want, desire and need it more that anything else. Just as a country cannot grow and prosper without peace, our spirit cannot grow, mature, bloom and flourish without that place of perfect peace; that place of total and unobstructed communication with our Lord..
The meek…shall delight themselves in an abundance of peace. This Promise passes all understanding. It is the pronouncement of the Promised Land of the heart; of the Jerusalem without walls, where the heart lays at peace.
The gurus of our modern society show their plastic faces on the covers of glossy magazines telling us how they hold an edge on “peace”. They tell us that an abundance of peace is dependant comes through a certain thought pattern, a food, a new diet, an environment, or a pill. They come out with manual after manual on new medical, emotional, mental or spiritual techniques, to help us create our own peace of mind by our own works.
The psalmist, an ardent warrior himself also tells us about peace. He tells us that peace comes through a spirit of meekness. It settles of its own volition on the heart of those who cease struggling in their own efforts to obtain it.
Oh one day, we will realize how long our Lord waited for us to cease from our own struggling, crying, and fussing in your own efforts to create for ourselves what He had already promised to give us freely. Right now, let’s stop waving our arms and kicking our feet. He has heard our cry; let’s now just rest and go to sleep in His arms. Here we go; isn’t it nice?
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
REST IN HIS ARMS
Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Peace is so elusive these days. In our constant search and desire for peace, much of what we do is geared toward controlling our environment. Peace, true lasting peace of heart, mind and spirit is the impossible dream, the unreachable star and yet, we want, desire and need it more that anything else. Just as a country cannot grow and prosper without peace, our spirit cannot grow, mature, bloom and flourish without that place of perfect peace; that place of total and unobstructed communication with our Lord..
The meek…shall delight themselves in an abundance of peace. This Promise passes all understanding. It is the pronouncement of the Promised Land of the heart; of the Jerusalem without walls, where the heart lays at peace.
The gurus of our modern society show their plastic faces on the covers of glossy magazines telling us how they hold an edge on “peace”. They tell us that an abundance of peace is dependant comes through a certain thought pattern, a food, a new diet, an environment, or a pill. They come out with manual after manual on new medical, emotional, mental or spiritual techniques, to help us create our own peace of mind by our own works.
The psalmist, an ardent warrior himself also tells us about peace. He tells us that peace comes through a spirit of meekness. It settles of its own volition on the heart of those who cease struggling in their own efforts to obtain it.
Oh one day, we will realize how long our Lord waited for us to cease from our own struggling, crying, and fussing in your own efforts to create for ourselves what He had already promised to give us freely. Right now, let’s stop waving our arms and kicking our feet. He has heard our cry; let’s now just rest and go to sleep in His arms. Here we go; isn’t it nice?
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
WHAT REMAINS
December 12
WHAT REMAINS
Psalms 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
Oh, that we could only see; that we could realize that the greatness evil men take pride in is only a temporal notion of happiness and wealth. It appears real to the naked eye, but when proved by the spirit, it is found to be but an illusion that will burn and vanish away when the works of all mankind will be tried by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Their palaces, their temples, their fancy clothing, the loud and gaudy noises will all disappear.
In the great day when God looks at every heart, only what is done for Christ remains. Only what is done for the Son of God holds the value of the currency of Heaven. The rest will perish in the great day when the first heaven and the first earth are passed away (Revelations 21:1)
Beloved let us envy not the wealth of the wicked. What little we own today, because of our faith, will remain forever. We should not labor not for meat that perisheth (John 6:27). It will not fill our heart; it will not satisfy our soul; it will not buy us a better place in His Kingdom. We ought to heed Jesus admonition and spend our life working for the true foundational currency of the Kingdom of Heaven. His Kingdom is not made of dead stones, monuments and things, it is made of living stones: people (Matthew 6:33).
The only thing we can take to heaven with us when we leave this earth is the people we have won for His Kingdom; the souls we have brought into His holy path, the deeds that promoted the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
WHAT REMAINS
Psalms 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
Oh, that we could only see; that we could realize that the greatness evil men take pride in is only a temporal notion of happiness and wealth. It appears real to the naked eye, but when proved by the spirit, it is found to be but an illusion that will burn and vanish away when the works of all mankind will be tried by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Their palaces, their temples, their fancy clothing, the loud and gaudy noises will all disappear.
In the great day when God looks at every heart, only what is done for Christ remains. Only what is done for the Son of God holds the value of the currency of Heaven. The rest will perish in the great day when the first heaven and the first earth are passed away (Revelations 21:1)
Beloved let us envy not the wealth of the wicked. What little we own today, because of our faith, will remain forever. We should not labor not for meat that perisheth (John 6:27). It will not fill our heart; it will not satisfy our soul; it will not buy us a better place in His Kingdom. We ought to heed Jesus admonition and spend our life working for the true foundational currency of the Kingdom of Heaven. His Kingdom is not made of dead stones, monuments and things, it is made of living stones: people (Matthew 6:33).
The only thing we can take to heaven with us when we leave this earth is the people we have won for His Kingdom; the souls we have brought into His holy path, the deeds that promoted the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Monday, December 11, 2006
GOD'S WAITERS
December 11
GOD’S WAITERS
Psalms 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
This statement polarizes two types of people; the evildoers, and those that wait upon the Lord. One is cut off from the earth, while the other inherits it.
The earth is the Promised Land of God’s perfect will. It is the place of God’s presence in our heart, life and soul. We inherit the Promised Land of His promises when we arrive at the place of peace of mind and heart reign in our life. It is the Land where God blesses us; the Land where He lives and where we live with Him.
Sometimes we feel cut off. Sometimes we feel far from the presence of our God. Sometimes we feel separated from His promises.? Are we waiting on Him to bring us there opening the sea of obstacles by His will and power? Or are we trying to get there by our own works and doings? Are the sins of doubt and pride present in your heart keeping us from the vital trust that will lead our way through the wilderness? Do we truly know that He is able to fulfill His word in our life, and that He can do it better without our help, without us trying to tell Him what to do? Can we let go of the steering wheel, and let Him drive? Do we know how towait on Him?
The word wait in the text projects the picture of a servant ‘waiting’ on his Lord and Master. The ‘waiter’ is ready to serve and fulfill the Master’s slightest demands at all hours of the day. The waiter knows that if he serves well, his life be will secure and provided for. He trusts the love of his master and knows Him to be in control of everything; all he has to do is obey.
We can too enter this Promised Land of sabbatical rest with Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. All we have to do is give Him the controls of our life. Let us not be as the evildoers who are cut off from this blessedness just because they cannot trust Him. Today, let us put our total trust in the King of kings and walk with our Lord in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8).
Psalms 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
GOD’S WAITERS
Psalms 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
This statement polarizes two types of people; the evildoers, and those that wait upon the Lord. One is cut off from the earth, while the other inherits it.
The earth is the Promised Land of God’s perfect will. It is the place of God’s presence in our heart, life and soul. We inherit the Promised Land of His promises when we arrive at the place of peace of mind and heart reign in our life. It is the Land where God blesses us; the Land where He lives and where we live with Him.
Sometimes we feel cut off. Sometimes we feel far from the presence of our God. Sometimes we feel separated from His promises.? Are we waiting on Him to bring us there opening the sea of obstacles by His will and power? Or are we trying to get there by our own works and doings? Are the sins of doubt and pride present in your heart keeping us from the vital trust that will lead our way through the wilderness? Do we truly know that He is able to fulfill His word in our life, and that He can do it better without our help, without us trying to tell Him what to do? Can we let go of the steering wheel, and let Him drive? Do we know how towait on Him?
The word wait in the text projects the picture of a servant ‘waiting’ on his Lord and Master. The ‘waiter’ is ready to serve and fulfill the Master’s slightest demands at all hours of the day. The waiter knows that if he serves well, his life be will secure and provided for. He trusts the love of his master and knows Him to be in control of everything; all he has to do is obey.
We can too enter this Promised Land of sabbatical rest with Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. All we have to do is give Him the controls of our life. Let us not be as the evildoers who are cut off from this blessedness just because they cannot trust Him. Today, let us put our total trust in the King of kings and walk with our Lord in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8).
Psalms 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
THE MIGHTY SWORD OF HIS WORDS
December 10
THE MIGHTY SWORD OF HIS WORDS
Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
O, the anger; the wrath we inflict upon others as well as on ourselves just because we fret. O, the ill; the evil that we commit around us because we are unable to trust. This seems to be one of the greatest lessons that the Lord is trying to teach us.
In the face of growing evil and injustice, we want to take up the banner and slay the infidels, the fornicators and the liars. We want to punish those who have become a reproach to the cause of Christ. We want to actively and aggressively fight for the justice and the righteousness of the kingdom of God.
It makes us feel good; maybe it puffs some sense of worth into our poor deflated ego; but does it really solve the problem? Does it really change the situation? Even Jesus did not do it that way. The crux of His earthly strategy, the element of victory was for Him to give His life for us. His sacrifice on the cross, untitled us to receive the abundant help of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus came to show a better example: By His sacrifice, He showed us a better way to fight evil. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood (John 6:53), we now better understand how God wanted us to live; and the commandment Jesus gave us in order to counter act evil is: Feed My sheep. If instead of giving way to our self-righteous anger we feed the world the Words of our Lord, people will also understand how God wants them to live.
Let’s exchange our self-righteous and indignant anger for a missionary evangelistic heart. With the Words of the Gospel of grace, let’s rid the heart of man of his wickedness.
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
THE MIGHTY SWORD OF HIS WORDS
Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
O, the anger; the wrath we inflict upon others as well as on ourselves just because we fret. O, the ill; the evil that we commit around us because we are unable to trust. This seems to be one of the greatest lessons that the Lord is trying to teach us.
In the face of growing evil and injustice, we want to take up the banner and slay the infidels, the fornicators and the liars. We want to punish those who have become a reproach to the cause of Christ. We want to actively and aggressively fight for the justice and the righteousness of the kingdom of God.
It makes us feel good; maybe it puffs some sense of worth into our poor deflated ego; but does it really solve the problem? Does it really change the situation? Even Jesus did not do it that way. The crux of His earthly strategy, the element of victory was for Him to give His life for us. His sacrifice on the cross, untitled us to receive the abundant help of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus came to show a better example: By His sacrifice, He showed us a better way to fight evil. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood (John 6:53), we now better understand how God wanted us to live; and the commandment Jesus gave us in order to counter act evil is: Feed My sheep. If instead of giving way to our self-righteous anger we feed the world the Words of our Lord, people will also understand how God wants them to live.
Let’s exchange our self-righteous and indignant anger for a missionary evangelistic heart. With the Words of the Gospel of grace, let’s rid the heart of man of his wickedness.
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
GO TO SLEEP; LET HIM DRIVE
December 9
GO TO SLEEP; LET HIM DRIVE
Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Sometimes it is so hard to let the Lord have His way in our lives. We most of the time want to be right there at the controls. Imbedded in us is the wicked notion that if we are not in charge, everything will fall.
How many marriages are broken because one of the partners can’t let go of the controls, and let God have them? How many lives have become useless because people are reluctant to let God in the driver seat? Even when they let Him drive, they become obnoxious controlling back-seat drivers. The truth really, is that it is unless we give up the controls to God that everything will fall. Absolute miracles happen when we take our hands off the steering wheel, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. That controlling attitude, which is born of a lack of faith, is our spiritual enemy number one--the one that keeps us from being used of the Lord. Unless we let go and give Him control of our lives, He cannot use us.
If we only knew, if we could only imagine, if we could only see the Lord patiently waiting for us to give Him a turn to play in the game of our lives! We fret over the wicked ones who seem to prosper in their ways; we try all our keys at the lock; we try to impress Him by our works and our human efforts, when really, our strength should be actively and aggressively spent in prayer, asking God to give us the faith to let Him take the lead.
Sweet Lord Jesus; help us; help us to give you the reins of our lives. Help us to just go to sleep in the wagon in full trust and knowledge that you do all things well. In Jesus Name.
Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
GO TO SLEEP; LET HIM DRIVE
Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Sometimes it is so hard to let the Lord have His way in our lives. We most of the time want to be right there at the controls. Imbedded in us is the wicked notion that if we are not in charge, everything will fall.
How many marriages are broken because one of the partners can’t let go of the controls, and let God have them? How many lives have become useless because people are reluctant to let God in the driver seat? Even when they let Him drive, they become obnoxious controlling back-seat drivers. The truth really, is that it is unless we give up the controls to God that everything will fall. Absolute miracles happen when we take our hands off the steering wheel, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. That controlling attitude, which is born of a lack of faith, is our spiritual enemy number one--the one that keeps us from being used of the Lord. Unless we let go and give Him control of our lives, He cannot use us.
If we only knew, if we could only imagine, if we could only see the Lord patiently waiting for us to give Him a turn to play in the game of our lives! We fret over the wicked ones who seem to prosper in their ways; we try all our keys at the lock; we try to impress Him by our works and our human efforts, when really, our strength should be actively and aggressively spent in prayer, asking God to give us the faith to let Him take the lead.
Sweet Lord Jesus; help us; help us to give you the reins of our lives. Help us to just go to sleep in the wagon in full trust and knowledge that you do all things well. In Jesus Name.
Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Friday, December 08, 2006
THE VINDICATOR
December 8
THE VINDICATOR
Psalms 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
A young man asked our Lord Jesus-Christ to provide a proof of His Messiahship through a miraculous sign Jesus had already done many miracles so He replied that the only sign that His generation would receive is the sign of the resurrection (Matthew 12:39).
As human beings, we have an innate perverted need to process with our own carnal senses and to understanding with our own mind before we allow ourselves to be convinced. In our carnality, we want physical and tangible evidence of God’s works in our life. Oh, silly men that we are; how could the elements of carnal understanding provide full evidence of the works of the Spirit in our life.
Jesus’ only vindication of His ministry to this young man was His resurrection by the Father. Jesus could then show that what he was doing wasn’t His work, but that the Father was with Him and He with the father.
Sometimes we doubt ourselves; sometimes others doubt us. Like with Jesus, the seeming death, and resurrection by the Lord, of our goals and ideals may be the only vindication that others and we will get as proof of God’s authorship of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). All will see then, and God will get the glory, because it will be obvious that we had nothing to do with it. .
We need to allow the Lord to vindicate us. We need to let Him bring forth our righteousness as the light and let Him be our judge in the heart of man. Fear is absent when we focus our hearts on our Lord and Master who did not answer up to the game of cynical scoffers (Luke 28:3,9), nor felt that He had to use His own powers to prove himself (Matthew 26:53).
The vindication of our righteousness is in the Lord only. We have no other. No wise argument of our own, no fancy works or accomplishments, no third party testimony can ever truly vindicate our soul to ourselves, nor to others.
As we truly trust Him, we cease to fear the judgments of carnal man. As the sun stands at noon at its highest in the sky, so will the Lord bring our judgment to be seen by all.
He is our vindication.
Psalms 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
THE VINDICATOR
Psalms 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
A young man asked our Lord Jesus-Christ to provide a proof of His Messiahship through a miraculous sign Jesus had already done many miracles so He replied that the only sign that His generation would receive is the sign of the resurrection (Matthew 12:39).
As human beings, we have an innate perverted need to process with our own carnal senses and to understanding with our own mind before we allow ourselves to be convinced. In our carnality, we want physical and tangible evidence of God’s works in our life. Oh, silly men that we are; how could the elements of carnal understanding provide full evidence of the works of the Spirit in our life.
Jesus’ only vindication of His ministry to this young man was His resurrection by the Father. Jesus could then show that what he was doing wasn’t His work, but that the Father was with Him and He with the father.
Sometimes we doubt ourselves; sometimes others doubt us. Like with Jesus, the seeming death, and resurrection by the Lord, of our goals and ideals may be the only vindication that others and we will get as proof of God’s authorship of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). All will see then, and God will get the glory, because it will be obvious that we had nothing to do with it. .
We need to allow the Lord to vindicate us. We need to let Him bring forth our righteousness as the light and let Him be our judge in the heart of man. Fear is absent when we focus our hearts on our Lord and Master who did not answer up to the game of cynical scoffers (Luke 28:3,9), nor felt that He had to use His own powers to prove himself (Matthew 26:53).
The vindication of our righteousness is in the Lord only. We have no other. No wise argument of our own, no fancy works or accomplishments, no third party testimony can ever truly vindicate our soul to ourselves, nor to others.
As we truly trust Him, we cease to fear the judgments of carnal man. As the sun stands at noon at its highest in the sky, so will the Lord bring our judgment to be seen by all.
He is our vindication.
Psalms 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
SUBMIT YOUR PLANS TO THE MASTER ARCHITECT
December 7
SUBMIT YOUR PLANS TO THE MASTER ARCHITECT
Psalms 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
We can easily remember the last time that a child or a teenager justified not asking permission before doing a certain thing by saying, “I was afraid you’d say no”. Such a behavior denotes of someone who has not yet fully grown into the fear of the lord, and we can understand a young person acting in such a manner, but what about us adults?
How many of us, while ordained by God to be examples to our children, do things without asking the Heavenly Father for His opinion--asking Him not only about what we are doing, but also about how we should be doing it? A wise friend of mine used to tell me when ever I’d tried to bounce off of him another one of my wild ideas, “Have you asked the Lord about it?” or “Let’s ask the Lord”. I remember cringing then, because I cherished my new pet idea, and feeling that I could maybe talk human soul into validating it for me, I didn’t want to go to God in the prayer closet in earshot of a possible “no”.
Do we have stubbornly deferred plans in the workshop of your life? Do we have a ship that constantly seems to stay ashore, forever waiting for a favoring tide? Have we ’committed’ these unto the Lord, or are we afraid He’d say “no”, so we don’t?
How foolish! The submitting of our plans to God is the only way to follow if we want them to come to pass. We also need to check every step with Him. So let’s commit our plans unto Him; if they are of Him, He will certainly put His stamp of approval on them, and they will come to pass, for nothing can stand in the way of the will of God. But if they are not of Him, be thankful they don’t come to pass, my friend, be thankful they don’t, and “thank God for unanswered prayers”.
Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
SUBMIT YOUR PLANS TO THE MASTER ARCHITECT
Psalms 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
We can easily remember the last time that a child or a teenager justified not asking permission before doing a certain thing by saying, “I was afraid you’d say no”. Such a behavior denotes of someone who has not yet fully grown into the fear of the lord, and we can understand a young person acting in such a manner, but what about us adults?
How many of us, while ordained by God to be examples to our children, do things without asking the Heavenly Father for His opinion--asking Him not only about what we are doing, but also about how we should be doing it? A wise friend of mine used to tell me when ever I’d tried to bounce off of him another one of my wild ideas, “Have you asked the Lord about it?” or “Let’s ask the Lord”. I remember cringing then, because I cherished my new pet idea, and feeling that I could maybe talk human soul into validating it for me, I didn’t want to go to God in the prayer closet in earshot of a possible “no”.
Do we have stubbornly deferred plans in the workshop of your life? Do we have a ship that constantly seems to stay ashore, forever waiting for a favoring tide? Have we ’committed’ these unto the Lord, or are we afraid He’d say “no”, so we don’t?
How foolish! The submitting of our plans to God is the only way to follow if we want them to come to pass. We also need to check every step with Him. So let’s commit our plans unto Him; if they are of Him, He will certainly put His stamp of approval on them, and they will come to pass, for nothing can stand in the way of the will of God. But if they are not of Him, be thankful they don’t come to pass, my friend, be thankful they don’t, and “thank God for unanswered prayers”.
Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
DESIRES FROM HIS DELIGHTS
December 6
DESIRES FROM HIS DELIGHTS
Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Let’s use this scripture as a touchstone to our spirit. Do we really believe from the bottom of our heart that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us what we want? Can we say that we actually have experienced that we can count on God to honor the desires of our heart? Or do we rather feel that perhaps, God is hard-hearted, insensitive, and deaf; that it is difficult to get the things from Him that we desire? Do we feel that most of the time He, out of spite or narrow-mindedness, refuses to give us the things that we want, even the things that we need, even when we earnestly and sincerely pray for them?
There is no problem with God not holding to His Word of promise to care for us and supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 7:7); Jesus promised us ‘abundant’ life.(John 10:10). The problem must therefore originate from the things we “delight” in.
The promise to be given the desires of your heart is conditional to delighting ourselves in the Lord. If you feel that God is not honoring your desires, could it be that maybe these desires are not in line with delighting ourselves in the Lord?
Or maybe He is giving us the desires of our heart that are even unknown to us, as is beautifully expressed in this poem:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing that I asked for--but everything I had hoped for,
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
Author unknown
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
DESIRES FROM HIS DELIGHTS
Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Let’s use this scripture as a touchstone to our spirit. Do we really believe from the bottom of our heart that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us what we want? Can we say that we actually have experienced that we can count on God to honor the desires of our heart? Or do we rather feel that perhaps, God is hard-hearted, insensitive, and deaf; that it is difficult to get the things from Him that we desire? Do we feel that most of the time He, out of spite or narrow-mindedness, refuses to give us the things that we want, even the things that we need, even when we earnestly and sincerely pray for them?
There is no problem with God not holding to His Word of promise to care for us and supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 7:7); Jesus promised us ‘abundant’ life.(John 10:10). The problem must therefore originate from the things we “delight” in.
The promise to be given the desires of your heart is conditional to delighting ourselves in the Lord. If you feel that God is not honoring your desires, could it be that maybe these desires are not in line with delighting ourselves in the Lord?
Or maybe He is giving us the desires of our heart that are even unknown to us, as is beautifully expressed in this poem:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing that I asked for--but everything I had hoped for,
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
Author unknown
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
OUR LIFE THROUGH THE MIND OF GOD
December 5
OUR LIFE THROUGH THE MIND OF GOD
Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Here is the key to abundant life, abundant provision, Trust in the Lord and do good, but do we see it? Do we understand it?
Our physical senses see things in a distorted way; but our spiritual senses see things in their full reality, as they really are. Our physical eyes observe the God-despising wicked enjoy laughter, peace and plenty, while the righteous seems to be forsaken. This is what the physical eye, analyzing with the carnal mind sees; but the eyes of the Spirit, which understand with the mind of God, see things differently.
Oh, let us see and watch how the eyes of the spirit of God see all things, how they try the heart of mankind. When the wicked sits in the indulgence of the life of the earth, the eyes of the Spirit see him exchange an incorruptible inheritance for a mess of potage (Genesis 25:34); he despises a solid future inheritance for a flighty feeling of present wealth and comfort. The eyes of the Spirit see the wicked choosing to reign a little now and suffer forever, while the righteous suffers a little now but will reign with Him forever (2 timothy 2:12).
O, let us not look with the lying eyes of the flesh, understanding with our carnal mind. Let us look with the eyes of the Spirit and understand with the mind of God. We must let go of our own works and efforts that we hope will bring us safety and plenty. Let us just trust the Lord and obey His good commandments.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
OUR LIFE THROUGH THE MIND OF GOD
Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Here is the key to abundant life, abundant provision, Trust in the Lord and do good, but do we see it? Do we understand it?
Our physical senses see things in a distorted way; but our spiritual senses see things in their full reality, as they really are. Our physical eyes observe the God-despising wicked enjoy laughter, peace and plenty, while the righteous seems to be forsaken. This is what the physical eye, analyzing with the carnal mind sees; but the eyes of the Spirit, which understand with the mind of God, see things differently.
Oh, let us see and watch how the eyes of the spirit of God see all things, how they try the heart of mankind. When the wicked sits in the indulgence of the life of the earth, the eyes of the Spirit see him exchange an incorruptible inheritance for a mess of potage (Genesis 25:34); he despises a solid future inheritance for a flighty feeling of present wealth and comfort. The eyes of the Spirit see the wicked choosing to reign a little now and suffer forever, while the righteous suffers a little now but will reign with Him forever (2 timothy 2:12).
O, let us not look with the lying eyes of the flesh, understanding with our carnal mind. Let us look with the eyes of the Spirit and understand with the mind of God. We must let go of our own works and efforts that we hope will bring us safety and plenty. Let us just trust the Lord and obey His good commandments.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE YEARN FOR
December 4
OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE YEARN FOR
Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
We who have Jesus, own the living and incorruptible seed of the Word of God. We have, imbedded within yourself the fruit of the tree of life, which not only lives and abides forever, but gives us eternal life. Why should we envy after material corruptible flesh? Why should we glory in it? It is but grass, here today and gone tomorrow.
When our eyes are turn towards the temporary earthly elements of this world, yes, we are tempted to envy; we are jealous of all that the wicked has. But if our eyes are turned towards the eternal and spiritual values of heaven, envying the fate of the wicked seems like the centennial turtle being jealous of the life span of the ephemera which in the same day is born, and dies.
What are our eyes fixed on? What are the desires of our heart? Do we yearn for the world’s dainties; for its corruptible physical and temporal values? Or do we long and desire the incorruptible spiritual and eternal wealth of the spirit?
Our dear Lord and Master advised us in these words:
Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE YEARN FOR
Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
We who have Jesus, own the living and incorruptible seed of the Word of God. We have, imbedded within yourself the fruit of the tree of life, which not only lives and abides forever, but gives us eternal life. Why should we envy after material corruptible flesh? Why should we glory in it? It is but grass, here today and gone tomorrow.
When our eyes are turn towards the temporary earthly elements of this world, yes, we are tempted to envy; we are jealous of all that the wicked has. But if our eyes are turned towards the eternal and spiritual values of heaven, envying the fate of the wicked seems like the centennial turtle being jealous of the life span of the ephemera which in the same day is born, and dies.
What are our eyes fixed on? What are the desires of our heart? Do we yearn for the world’s dainties; for its corruptible physical and temporal values? Or do we long and desire the incorruptible spiritual and eternal wealth of the spirit?
Our dear Lord and Master advised us in these words:
Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
GOD'S PERSPECTIVE
December 3
GOD’S PERSPECTIVE
Psalms 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
How difficult for us, when in the midst of affliction or penury, to not be tempted to process our troubles by making negative comparison. We say, how is it that the complacent and indifferent ride through their lives in carriages pulled by strong and healthy beasts, while the faithful Child of the Kingdom trudges along in deep mud? How is it that the wicked and cruel eat their food without counting in a mocking manner at a large table, while the diligent servant seems to be relying on bare necessities?
Does not this reasoning negatively judge our Lord who does all things well and who sees all the doings of the children of man on the earth? Will we not be ashamed of this thinking when we appear before Him in the chosen and appointed day? When we think that way, do we not weight our future rewards for virtue you gained as a faithful servant in the midst of difficulty, with the delicacy of the present ease? The bread of the indulgent was stolen from the mouth of the Children of the King. His theft will not go unpunished; it will work as an instrument of judgment against his own soul as it chokes him.
In the day when the thrones are cast down and judgment is rendered, those who have carelessly eaten the flesh of the poor and of the righteous will meet the righteous Lord, King, Protector and Father of the poor. They will reap the reward of their wicked actions, while you and me, will go on to enjoy the abundant beauty, joy and plenteousness that he has prepared for us from the foundation of the earth.
2Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
GOD’S PERSPECTIVE
Psalms 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
How difficult for us, when in the midst of affliction or penury, to not be tempted to process our troubles by making negative comparison. We say, how is it that the complacent and indifferent ride through their lives in carriages pulled by strong and healthy beasts, while the faithful Child of the Kingdom trudges along in deep mud? How is it that the wicked and cruel eat their food without counting in a mocking manner at a large table, while the diligent servant seems to be relying on bare necessities?
Does not this reasoning negatively judge our Lord who does all things well and who sees all the doings of the children of man on the earth? Will we not be ashamed of this thinking when we appear before Him in the chosen and appointed day? When we think that way, do we not weight our future rewards for virtue you gained as a faithful servant in the midst of difficulty, with the delicacy of the present ease? The bread of the indulgent was stolen from the mouth of the Children of the King. His theft will not go unpunished; it will work as an instrument of judgment against his own soul as it chokes him.
In the day when the thrones are cast down and judgment is rendered, those who have carelessly eaten the flesh of the poor and of the righteous will meet the righteous Lord, King, Protector and Father of the poor. They will reap the reward of their wicked actions, while you and me, will go on to enjoy the abundant beauty, joy and plenteousness that he has prepared for us from the foundation of the earth.
2Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
USE GOD'S MAKE UP
December 2
USE GOD’S MAKE-UP
Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Just as the look of our countenance reflects the state of our physical health, so it does with our spiritual health. There is no facial make-up in this world that can bring freshness and youth that a God-abiding heart will. No amount of foundation will cover the wrinkles of passing years, no blush will bring the colors of vigor, no lipstick will provoke attraction, and no eye-shadow, mascara or eye-liner will give the eyes the vitality and truth that is brought on our face by the Spirit of God.
In His days, Jesus told the Pharisees, ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness (Matthew 23:27). I reminds me of the Middle Ages when nobles used to cover their faces with white powder in order to hide the dirt and ‘look’ clean because washing was complicated process,.
Do we sometimes do the same? Do we cover our ‘face’ with ‘white powder’ so to hide the dirt? Do we color it to hide the sickly look that could be the result of unhealthy living and appetites? Do we dress our eyes with colors to bring into them the light of God that we feel they are missing?
Let us rather dress ourselves with the Lord. Through what we see, hear, think and meditate on, let us fill ourselves with His Spirit. He will then be health, vitality and beauty in us that will surpass all our puny carnal attempts to beauty.
Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
USE GOD’S MAKE-UP
Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Just as the look of our countenance reflects the state of our physical health, so it does with our spiritual health. There is no facial make-up in this world that can bring freshness and youth that a God-abiding heart will. No amount of foundation will cover the wrinkles of passing years, no blush will bring the colors of vigor, no lipstick will provoke attraction, and no eye-shadow, mascara or eye-liner will give the eyes the vitality and truth that is brought on our face by the Spirit of God.
In His days, Jesus told the Pharisees, ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness (Matthew 23:27). I reminds me of the Middle Ages when nobles used to cover their faces with white powder in order to hide the dirt and ‘look’ clean because washing was complicated process,.
Do we sometimes do the same? Do we cover our ‘face’ with ‘white powder’ so to hide the dirt? Do we color it to hide the sickly look that could be the result of unhealthy living and appetites? Do we dress our eyes with colors to bring into them the light of God that we feel they are missing?
Let us rather dress ourselves with the Lord. Through what we see, hear, think and meditate on, let us fill ourselves with His Spirit. He will then be health, vitality and beauty in us that will surpass all our puny carnal attempts to beauty.
Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Friday, December 01, 2006
GOD'S GOOD TIMING
December 1
Psalms 42:9-10 I will say unto God my rock, “Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, “Where is thy God?
There are times in our lives when we feel that God is absent. We know He looks at us, that He sees our desperate plight, but it seems to us that He does not answer. We at times feel like Abraham. We hold the Word of the blessed promise, while we see the years go by and the feel the decaying of our bodies. It may even be that after God grants us the long expected prize, in what seems total disregard for our wasted and confused feelings, He asks for it back. On top of it all, enemies, and even ‘bad blood’ jealous relatives who wish our downfall, exacerbate the situation by questioning the avail of our hopes. When God seems to be so slow at vindicating Himself, we take the brunt of the derision of the shortsighted carnal-minded earthlings.
During such times, the foolish and puny words of unbelieving humans seem as swords in our soul. We dare not take away God’s punch line reserved for the end of the story by trying in our own works to project His vindication; by justifying Him before others, as if He needed our help to defend His ways and prove His Wisdom to anyone.
When Jesus was asked to go to the bedside of His bosom friend Lazarus, though He knew His friend was dying, He purposely waited two days before arriving (John 11:6,7). When He arrived, Lazarus’ sister couldn’t help but remarked to Jesus that if He had been present, maybe her brother would still be alive. Jesus did so because even though people didn’t know it, a certain day was decreed for Him to perform the miracle of resurrecting Lazarus (John 11:43,44).
God waited for Abraham and Sarah’s body to be decayed to fulfill Hos promise to them of a son; so Jesus waited for Lazarus to be dead to raise him up again. God comes at the last minute, even after all of man’s attempts to save Himself have shown themselves of no avail. He does so, in order to do a miracle in the sight of us all and teach us to put our trust in Him.
In the very thing that we wait for; the start of a long awaited project, the salvation of a friend, a desperate change in a n excruciating situation; let us not fret. God will not be a second too late; He will work; He will fulfill His promises to us in a way, in the only way that man will look at it and render Him praises mixed with shame for their unbelief.
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalms 42:9-10 I will say unto God my rock, “Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, “Where is thy God?
There are times in our lives when we feel that God is absent. We know He looks at us, that He sees our desperate plight, but it seems to us that He does not answer. We at times feel like Abraham. We hold the Word of the blessed promise, while we see the years go by and the feel the decaying of our bodies. It may even be that after God grants us the long expected prize, in what seems total disregard for our wasted and confused feelings, He asks for it back. On top of it all, enemies, and even ‘bad blood’ jealous relatives who wish our downfall, exacerbate the situation by questioning the avail of our hopes. When God seems to be so slow at vindicating Himself, we take the brunt of the derision of the shortsighted carnal-minded earthlings.
During such times, the foolish and puny words of unbelieving humans seem as swords in our soul. We dare not take away God’s punch line reserved for the end of the story by trying in our own works to project His vindication; by justifying Him before others, as if He needed our help to defend His ways and prove His Wisdom to anyone.
When Jesus was asked to go to the bedside of His bosom friend Lazarus, though He knew His friend was dying, He purposely waited two days before arriving (John 11:6,7). When He arrived, Lazarus’ sister couldn’t help but remarked to Jesus that if He had been present, maybe her brother would still be alive. Jesus did so because even though people didn’t know it, a certain day was decreed for Him to perform the miracle of resurrecting Lazarus (John 11:43,44).
God waited for Abraham and Sarah’s body to be decayed to fulfill Hos promise to them of a son; so Jesus waited for Lazarus to be dead to raise him up again. God comes at the last minute, even after all of man’s attempts to save Himself have shown themselves of no avail. He does so, in order to do a miracle in the sight of us all and teach us to put our trust in Him.
In the very thing that we wait for; the start of a long awaited project, the salvation of a friend, a desperate change in a n excruciating situation; let us not fret. God will not be a second too late; He will work; He will fulfill His promises to us in a way, in the only way that man will look at it and render Him praises mixed with shame for their unbelief.
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
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