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.
'Be strong, be strong and be strengthened!'
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.
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.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS; DO NOT WATCH THE WAVES
November 30
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS; DO NOT WATCH THE WAVES
Psalms 42:7-8 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. (8)Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
In the days of Noah, all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened (Gen 7:11). Deep then called unto deep in order to destroy every living substance (Gen 7:4) from the face of the earth, except for the inhabitants of the Ark. All the creatures that lived on the earth were destroyed except for Noah’s family on whom God had commanded His lovingkindness. Noah knew and believed God’s Words, that even if the whole earth were engulfed in water, God’s command of protection was upon him in the daytime and in the nighttime. If he worried, all he had to do was to remember God’s Words.
There are times when life seems to be a constant struggle for survival and staying afloat. There are times when it feels like the one side of hell has called onto the other one to help it drown you in a sea of problems that defer you from the main focus of your life, and it’s all you can do to try to keep up--times when billows of discouragement follow waves of problems, and there is no way to stop the incoming flood.
It is at such times that we need to remember God’s command of goodness towards us. It is at such times that we need to command our soul to remember God’s promises so we leave behind the pit of despair.
It is when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the waves that threatened to overcome him that he started to drown. Today we have the person of Jesus-Christ to look upon, but we have His Words of promise, I will not leave thee nor forsake thee (Joshua 1:5).
Matthew 14:30-31 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (31) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
PLAY THE GLAD GAME
November 29
PLAY THE GLAD GAME
Psalms 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
What is the best way to lift our soul out of the dumpster of discouragement and doubt? What is the best antidote against the devilish lies that cause our spirit to be cast down?
Let’s sit now and play the ‘Glad Game Let’s bring to our mind all the wonderful things that we have. Now let’s imagine them all gone. Now bring them back again. Don’t we feel better already?
How often do we thank God for our gift of sight? I read this story the other day about a group of visitors at a summer resort who watched the sunset from the gallery of the hotel. A fat, unromantic-looking man had lingered until the last glow faded, & had seemed thrilled through & through by the beauty of it all. One guest, more observant than the rest, wondered about this, & so at supper she said to this man, who sat next to her, "You certainly did enjoy that sunset, Mr. B. Are you an artist?" "No, Madam, I'm a plumber," he responded with a slow grin. "But I was blind for five years."
Oh, but to remember the Lord in a spirit of thankfulness is not the natural inclination of man’s complaining and insatiable nature. It takes a conscious effort to command our soul to stop whining, and to rather remember all of His goodness towards us. Every step we take without falling is a miracle of God’s creation. It is even more of a miracle when we take those steps in the right direction: away from your sinful condition.
May we remember His goodness everyday by choosing to thank Him for all that we have-- for every aspect of the conditions of our life. By the same token, may we choose to ignore what we think is denied to us and that makes us grumble and complain. Will not this different frame of mind bring our soul back from the slough of self-pity? A grateful and thankful heart is the key out of the dungeon of despair.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
PLAY THE GLAD GAME
Psalms 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
What is the best way to lift our soul out of the dumpster of discouragement and doubt? What is the best antidote against the devilish lies that cause our spirit to be cast down?
Let’s sit now and play the ‘Glad Game Let’s bring to our mind all the wonderful things that we have. Now let’s imagine them all gone. Now bring them back again. Don’t we feel better already?
How often do we thank God for our gift of sight? I read this story the other day about a group of visitors at a summer resort who watched the sunset from the gallery of the hotel. A fat, unromantic-looking man had lingered until the last glow faded, & had seemed thrilled through & through by the beauty of it all. One guest, more observant than the rest, wondered about this, & so at supper she said to this man, who sat next to her, "You certainly did enjoy that sunset, Mr. B. Are you an artist?" "No, Madam, I'm a plumber," he responded with a slow grin. "But I was blind for five years."
Oh, but to remember the Lord in a spirit of thankfulness is not the natural inclination of man’s complaining and insatiable nature. It takes a conscious effort to command our soul to stop whining, and to rather remember all of His goodness towards us. Every step we take without falling is a miracle of God’s creation. It is even more of a miracle when we take those steps in the right direction: away from your sinful condition.
May we remember His goodness everyday by choosing to thank Him for all that we have-- for every aspect of the conditions of our life. By the same token, may we choose to ignore what we think is denied to us and that makes us grumble and complain. Will not this different frame of mind bring our soul back from the slough of self-pity? A grateful and thankful heart is the key out of the dungeon of despair.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
CONVERSATION WITH THE SOUL
November 28
CONVERSATION WITH THE SOUL
Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
What happens to a child who never gets the firm coaching and directing of loving concerned parents? What happens to a seedling that grows without a lead? What happens to a soul who never gets wholesome direction from the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
We need to communicate and converse with our soul. At the end of the day, we need to take stock of it, ask it to render account of its feelings. We need at times to question our heart. We need to know if its inner conversations are solidly based on the firm unwavering rock of the Word of God, or if they are on the unpredictable lying sand of emotion. We need to sometimes check our soul and scold it, correct it. We certainly cannot let it run wild to its own devices like a spoiled child.
When we feel down, we need to tell our soul “look up”. When we feel discouraged, we need to remind it of the wonders of God’s provision and protection. When we feel directionless, we need to turn the ears of our heart towards the never stopping flow of the heavenly channel. When our soul has lost hope, we need ignore its feelings of self-pity and bring it to the light and truth in the closet of praising prayer.
Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
CONVERSATION WITH THE SOUL
Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
What happens to a child who never gets the firm coaching and directing of loving concerned parents? What happens to a seedling that grows without a lead? What happens to a soul who never gets wholesome direction from the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
We need to communicate and converse with our soul. At the end of the day, we need to take stock of it, ask it to render account of its feelings. We need at times to question our heart. We need to know if its inner conversations are solidly based on the firm unwavering rock of the Word of God, or if they are on the unpredictable lying sand of emotion. We need to sometimes check our soul and scold it, correct it. We certainly cannot let it run wild to its own devices like a spoiled child.
When we feel down, we need to tell our soul “look up”. When we feel discouraged, we need to remind it of the wonders of God’s provision and protection. When we feel directionless, we need to turn the ears of our heart towards the never stopping flow of the heavenly channel. When our soul has lost hope, we need ignore its feelings of self-pity and bring it to the light and truth in the closet of praising prayer.
Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Monday, November 27, 2006
FROM OBEDIENCE TO HAPPINESS
November 27
Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
David here utters a melancholic cry as he remembers good times of worshipping God in the congregation during religious feasts. There are times in life when God allows our enemies in the form of adversarial circumstances to overcome us and as a result, we lose many of the spiritual blessings God had so freely given us. This usually (but not always) happens as a result of our willful disobedience to Him. One may wonder, “How can we do this; how can we willfully and voluntarily sabotage ourselves out of what seems a wholesome and near perfect situation or life?”
This is the history of mankind. Adam and Eve were not content in the perfect happiness of the Garden of Eden and voluntarily chose out. The same is true of many people today. They, of their own choice, decide to leave wholesome and healthy conditions to adopt a lower lifestyle. They mostly do it because they refuse to have to yield to some ‘rules’. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their happy condition was conditional to their obedience to one rule (Genesis 2:16,17). Jesus illustrated this point by saying, men loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19).
It is one thing to never have experienced wholesome, beautiful healthy living in the Spirit of God, but oh, what a dreadful predicament it is to have freely received it, only to later lose it through sin or personal sabotage.
It has been said that we never appreciate what we have until we lose it.
Lord, help us to be thankful; to count our blessings and realize how good we have it--to know that even our unansered prayers are fopr our benefit and eventual happiness.
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
David here utters a melancholic cry as he remembers good times of worshipping God in the congregation during religious feasts. There are times in life when God allows our enemies in the form of adversarial circumstances to overcome us and as a result, we lose many of the spiritual blessings God had so freely given us. This usually (but not always) happens as a result of our willful disobedience to Him. One may wonder, “How can we do this; how can we willfully and voluntarily sabotage ourselves out of what seems a wholesome and near perfect situation or life?”
This is the history of mankind. Adam and Eve were not content in the perfect happiness of the Garden of Eden and voluntarily chose out. The same is true of many people today. They, of their own choice, decide to leave wholesome and healthy conditions to adopt a lower lifestyle. They mostly do it because they refuse to have to yield to some ‘rules’. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their happy condition was conditional to their obedience to one rule (Genesis 2:16,17). Jesus illustrated this point by saying, men loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19).
It is one thing to never have experienced wholesome, beautiful healthy living in the Spirit of God, but oh, what a dreadful predicament it is to have freely received it, only to later lose it through sin or personal sabotage.
It has been said that we never appreciate what we have until we lose it.
Lord, help us to be thankful; to count our blessings and realize how good we have it--to know that even our unansered prayers are fopr our benefit and eventual happiness.
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
HIS OFFENSE, MY PAIN
November 26
HIS OFFENSE, MY PAIN
Psalms 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
We can come to such a place in our life when weeping lamentations supplant the voice of laughter. Sorrow and pain can take its toll on our being and send us in such a state of depression that we do not care anymore to tend to our basic needs such as food, sleep or even safety. Such was the state of the mighty King in this verse. His state of offense was so great, his sorrow so immense, that he could not eat. He fasted and wept in the desolation of his heart.
What was the offense that so disturbed the King? What was the sin, the impertinence that caused him such grief? Was it his family situation? After all, his only daughter was killed by one of his sons, who in turn was murdered by another one of his sons who constantly stood in rebellion against him. He also carried the weight of the repentance of his own sins, which caused the sword to never depart from his house (2 Samuel 12:10).
No! His grief and depression had nothing to do with ungrateful and selfish complaints pertaining to his personal conditions. Even when he was in bad health, he continually praised the Lord for His goodness, protection, provision, grace and mercies. His deep grievance was the blasphemous insults of the unbelievers against his God.
Beloved, if we are to complain and be vexed about anything, let it not be about His goodness towards us. Rather, let us be offended at the insults that are hurled at Him by the insolent incredulous world. Each unbelief, each doubt, each denial of His presence is an insult and an offense to His Name. As proud children, let us defend the honor of our Father even when don’t understand Him. As a proud ‘bride, let us stand with love , trust and honor at the sides of our ‘Husband’ knowing that whatever others may say to belie Him, He is true.
1Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
HIS OFFENSE, MY PAIN
Psalms 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
We can come to such a place in our life when weeping lamentations supplant the voice of laughter. Sorrow and pain can take its toll on our being and send us in such a state of depression that we do not care anymore to tend to our basic needs such as food, sleep or even safety. Such was the state of the mighty King in this verse. His state of offense was so great, his sorrow so immense, that he could not eat. He fasted and wept in the desolation of his heart.
What was the offense that so disturbed the King? What was the sin, the impertinence that caused him such grief? Was it his family situation? After all, his only daughter was killed by one of his sons, who in turn was murdered by another one of his sons who constantly stood in rebellion against him. He also carried the weight of the repentance of his own sins, which caused the sword to never depart from his house (2 Samuel 12:10).
No! His grief and depression had nothing to do with ungrateful and selfish complaints pertaining to his personal conditions. Even when he was in bad health, he continually praised the Lord for His goodness, protection, provision, grace and mercies. His deep grievance was the blasphemous insults of the unbelievers against his God.
Beloved, if we are to complain and be vexed about anything, let it not be about His goodness towards us. Rather, let us be offended at the insults that are hurled at Him by the insolent incredulous world. Each unbelief, each doubt, each denial of His presence is an insult and an offense to His Name. As proud children, let us defend the honor of our Father even when don’t understand Him. As a proud ‘bride, let us stand with love , trust and honor at the sides of our ‘Husband’ knowing that whatever others may say to belie Him, He is true.
1Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
FROM PARCHED DRYNESS OF TRADITIONS TO LIFE GIVING QUENCHING LIVING WATERS
November 25
FROM PARCHED DRYNESS OF TRADITIONS, TO LIFE GIVING QUENCHING LIVING WATERS
Psalms 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
David had the commandments and the ordinances. David had the Ark. David had the sacrifices. David had the prophets Nathan and Samuel at his service to give him God’s Word. David even had within himself a gift of prophecy that uncontrollably flowed out of him and yet he confessed that his soul thirsteth for the living God.
David spoke of God’s protection with faith, of God’s provision with anticipation, of God’s redemption with assurance, but yet he said my soul thirsteth for the living God.
Many of us can be satisfied with less than the best. Many of us claim to worship a God that is the creator and King of the universe and yet, act as if He was an impotent, deaf, dumb, irrational and indifferent deity that lives so far away from them that He has no clues about their needs and heart cries.
David believed in a God that was alive, free, attentive to his needs--big or small. He believed in a God that is close to us, relevant, dedicated to our welfare. Believing in such a God as this, he could not be satisfied with the mediocrity of religious rituals, with shadow-pictures, with the rehearsals pertaining to future bounty and salvation, nor with anything that put God in a box that made Him less than the All-in-All. David’s soul required more for its satisfaction than the offices of religious duties, dead rituals and traditions couldn’t quench his spiritual thirst.
In our discovery of God, may we not stop at the mediocre, at the mere emulations of life and truth projected by earthly elements. The emptiness, the hunger, the dissatisfaction that is within us cannot, will not be filled with anything pertaining to this earth, nor with any type of religious function. The only thing that will ever fill us to the fullest is the Living God himself, the great I Am that I Am (exodus 3:14). So let us appear before Him daily in prayer. He waits for us, not just to hear the sound of our voice, but also to speak to us, to fill our heart with the fullness of His everlasting Water of Life.
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
FROM PARCHED DRYNESS OF TRADITIONS, TO LIFE GIVING QUENCHING LIVING WATERS
Psalms 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
David had the commandments and the ordinances. David had the Ark. David had the sacrifices. David had the prophets Nathan and Samuel at his service to give him God’s Word. David even had within himself a gift of prophecy that uncontrollably flowed out of him and yet he confessed that his soul thirsteth for the living God.
David spoke of God’s protection with faith, of God’s provision with anticipation, of God’s redemption with assurance, but yet he said my soul thirsteth for the living God.
Many of us can be satisfied with less than the best. Many of us claim to worship a God that is the creator and King of the universe and yet, act as if He was an impotent, deaf, dumb, irrational and indifferent deity that lives so far away from them that He has no clues about their needs and heart cries.
David believed in a God that was alive, free, attentive to his needs--big or small. He believed in a God that is close to us, relevant, dedicated to our welfare. Believing in such a God as this, he could not be satisfied with the mediocrity of religious rituals, with shadow-pictures, with the rehearsals pertaining to future bounty and salvation, nor with anything that put God in a box that made Him less than the All-in-All. David’s soul required more for its satisfaction than the offices of religious duties, dead rituals and traditions couldn’t quench his spiritual thirst.
In our discovery of God, may we not stop at the mediocre, at the mere emulations of life and truth projected by earthly elements. The emptiness, the hunger, the dissatisfaction that is within us cannot, will not be filled with anything pertaining to this earth, nor with any type of religious function. The only thing that will ever fill us to the fullest is the Living God himself, the great I Am that I Am (exodus 3:14). So let us appear before Him daily in prayer. He waits for us, not just to hear the sound of our voice, but also to speak to us, to fill our heart with the fullness of His everlasting Water of Life.
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
COME TO THE OASIS
November 23
COME TO THE OASIS
Psalms 42:1-2 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (2) My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
O brother, O sister; do you hear the longing of your soul towards its Creator and God? Do you hear it crying day and night to you for mercy? We fill our lives with so much care that our soul is parched for lack of His Spirit. We content ourselves with so much duty that our soul starves for the milk of His Word. We try to satisfy ourselves with so many religious duties and rituals that we ignore the good part of sitting at His feet, and feeding from Him (Luke 10:42). The soul of our spirit cries and groans for mercy under the slavery of our self-induced works.
How long, O how long, will we continue to vex your soul in this manner? Does not the Lord see it? Does not the Lord acknowledge it? Will not the Lord take account of it in the day when the rewards are handed out (Matthew 25:21)?
Let’s stop for just a moment; let’s stop our feverish activities. Let’s stop and listen to the cry of our soul longing, panting, dying for daily communion with the God that created it. Let our heart be touched by its desperate cry; bring it to the oasis and see it revive. Let’s repent; change your ways, and like the flowers in our garden, let’s not forget the daily feeding and watering of our soul.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
COME TO THE OASIS
Psalms 42:1-2 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (2) My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
O brother, O sister; do you hear the longing of your soul towards its Creator and God? Do you hear it crying day and night to you for mercy? We fill our lives with so much care that our soul is parched for lack of His Spirit. We content ourselves with so much duty that our soul starves for the milk of His Word. We try to satisfy ourselves with so many religious duties and rituals that we ignore the good part of sitting at His feet, and feeding from Him (Luke 10:42). The soul of our spirit cries and groans for mercy under the slavery of our self-induced works.
How long, O how long, will we continue to vex your soul in this manner? Does not the Lord see it? Does not the Lord acknowledge it? Will not the Lord take account of it in the day when the rewards are handed out (Matthew 25:21)?
Let’s stop for just a moment; let’s stop our feverish activities. Let’s stop and listen to the cry of our soul longing, panting, dying for daily communion with the God that created it. Let our heart be touched by its desperate cry; bring it to the oasis and see it revive. Let’s repent; change your ways, and like the flowers in our garden, let’s not forget the daily feeding and watering of our soul.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
HE WHO REDEEMS
November 23
HE WHO REDEEMS
Psalms 34:22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Our human choices have brought us from an edenic eternal paradise to this temporal corruptible dimension of earth. The decisions we made placed us in a position of submission to our environment, and to the internal and external constitution of its elements. We were made to rule the planet, but over the millennia, the indulgent nature of our humanity has led us rather to use the planet to answer to the slavery of our personal desires. Unbeknownst to our illusions of freedom, we have forged with our own hands the chains of conformity that bind us.
Have we heard the good news yet? Have we heard the Good News of redemption; of the deliverance by the Son of God from this cruel slavery to the gods of this world and of our own poor attempts to happiness? As in the days of Moses, there is a lamb Egypt whose blood speaks for the redemption of our hearts.
There is a wealthy British legislator who uses her personal wealth to “buy” persecuted Sudanese Christian who have been captured and enslaved because of their religion. She buys them, only in order to set them free. The slave traders bring the slaves to her because she offers a good price. When she arrives she sometimes can only buy half the slaves brought to her. There was also a German businessman who touched by the plight of the German Jews during WW 2 “bought” with his own money the Jewish workers of his factory so they wouldn’t be sent to death camps. When he had spent all he had redeeming as many as he could, he cried with regret for his past foolish expenditures, money which he saw now, could have been much better spent.
Jesus on the contrary has infinite wealth. He has enough to buy us all from the slavery created by our foolish decisions. Jesus offers a good price to the devil, the slave trader of this world: the price of His own blood. Jesus can and will spare us from the enslaving of our own desires. There is neither limit nor end to the flow of His bleeding grace shed with tears, love and sincere empathy. He redeems all those of us who come to Him, paying with the full price of His blood as if we were the only one. We may only see it by faith now, but in the end, the whole world will know whose we are (1 Corinthians 13:12).
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
HE WHO REDEEMS
Psalms 34:22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Our human choices have brought us from an edenic eternal paradise to this temporal corruptible dimension of earth. The decisions we made placed us in a position of submission to our environment, and to the internal and external constitution of its elements. We were made to rule the planet, but over the millennia, the indulgent nature of our humanity has led us rather to use the planet to answer to the slavery of our personal desires. Unbeknownst to our illusions of freedom, we have forged with our own hands the chains of conformity that bind us.
Have we heard the good news yet? Have we heard the Good News of redemption; of the deliverance by the Son of God from this cruel slavery to the gods of this world and of our own poor attempts to happiness? As in the days of Moses, there is a lamb Egypt whose blood speaks for the redemption of our hearts.
There is a wealthy British legislator who uses her personal wealth to “buy” persecuted Sudanese Christian who have been captured and enslaved because of their religion. She buys them, only in order to set them free. The slave traders bring the slaves to her because she offers a good price. When she arrives she sometimes can only buy half the slaves brought to her. There was also a German businessman who touched by the plight of the German Jews during WW 2 “bought” with his own money the Jewish workers of his factory so they wouldn’t be sent to death camps. When he had spent all he had redeeming as many as he could, he cried with regret for his past foolish expenditures, money which he saw now, could have been much better spent.
Jesus on the contrary has infinite wealth. He has enough to buy us all from the slavery created by our foolish decisions. Jesus offers a good price to the devil, the slave trader of this world: the price of His own blood. Jesus can and will spare us from the enslaving of our own desires. There is neither limit nor end to the flow of His bleeding grace shed with tears, love and sincere empathy. He redeems all those of us who come to Him, paying with the full price of His blood as if we were the only one. We may only see it by faith now, but in the end, the whole world will know whose we are (1 Corinthians 13:12).
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
TRUE VINDICATION
November 21
TRUE VINDICATION
Psalms 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Our natural world has its unbreakable laws of physics. These can be cruel sometimes in their merciless indifference to our feelings and desires. If a child defies the laws of gravity in bending over a balcony, gravity will not reason that it would break its parent’s hearts if the child died, or that it will ruin his life if the injuries incurred by the fall would cripple him for the rest of his life. These laws will resiliently allow mankind to reap the results of its own careless foolishness with no questions asked for love, justice or mercy.
God has also established spiritual principles, which are equally immutable. From the beginning of times in the Garden of Eden as well as with the first set of children ever born on this earth, the evil one has hated the righteous and has tried to kill him. Things have not changed very much indeed. The devil still hates those who follow God and tries to lure them away from their loyalties by using every trick in the book, and sad to say, if it were not for the eventual supernatural intervention of the Lord (Revelations 19:11), he would be succeeding. But we know the devil’s end--that he will be desolate. That his own evil will repay him and the same goes for all those who follow him in his wicked deeds against God’s people.
Let us not worry about fighting against the forces of evil. They are doomed to self-defeat. Let that be an encouragement for us; let it cheer us up. The enemy of our soul has already been defeated a long time ago by the blood of Jesus. We will surely watch him receive the full measure of his rewards hanging on the gallows of his own evil purposes (Esther 9:25).
Let us therefore just cling to Jesus. Let us obey His Words and be faithful to Him. Let us call upon His name and upon His blood of redemption shed for us, and in the end my brother, my sister, we will see total vindication.
Psalms 37:39-40 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. (40) And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
TRUE VINDICATION
Psalms 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Our natural world has its unbreakable laws of physics. These can be cruel sometimes in their merciless indifference to our feelings and desires. If a child defies the laws of gravity in bending over a balcony, gravity will not reason that it would break its parent’s hearts if the child died, or that it will ruin his life if the injuries incurred by the fall would cripple him for the rest of his life. These laws will resiliently allow mankind to reap the results of its own careless foolishness with no questions asked for love, justice or mercy.
God has also established spiritual principles, which are equally immutable. From the beginning of times in the Garden of Eden as well as with the first set of children ever born on this earth, the evil one has hated the righteous and has tried to kill him. Things have not changed very much indeed. The devil still hates those who follow God and tries to lure them away from their loyalties by using every trick in the book, and sad to say, if it were not for the eventual supernatural intervention of the Lord (Revelations 19:11), he would be succeeding. But we know the devil’s end--that he will be desolate. That his own evil will repay him and the same goes for all those who follow him in his wicked deeds against God’s people.
Let us not worry about fighting against the forces of evil. They are doomed to self-defeat. Let that be an encouragement for us; let it cheer us up. The enemy of our soul has already been defeated a long time ago by the blood of Jesus. We will surely watch him receive the full measure of his rewards hanging on the gallows of his own evil purposes (Esther 9:25).
Let us therefore just cling to Jesus. Let us obey His Words and be faithful to Him. Let us call upon His name and upon His blood of redemption shed for us, and in the end my brother, my sister, we will see total vindication.
Psalms 37:39-40 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. (40) And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
TROUBLES DON’T BREAK US
November 21
Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
The Child of God can truly count all his bones. If we earnestly keep our eyes on our Lord and Savior, neither persecution nor tribulation will be able to negatively affect any part of our soul’s basic element’s fabric. They can vex, offend and howl at us. They can tear, maim, torture and kill our flesh, but the basic structure of our soul remains intact because all they can do is affect the flesh. They cannot maim or injure our fundamental ‘bone” structure’, the skeleton of our soul, (Matthew 10:28). Jesus’ flesh was bruised and bloodied, but His physical bone structure remained intact.
Katherine Bevis illustrated this point one day when from among all the students at a well-known college, she pointed out to a young man who had to get about on crutches. He had an unusual talent for friendliness and optimism and so won the deep respect of his classmates. One day a student asked him what had caused his deformity. "Infantile paralysis," he replied briefly, not wishing to elaborate on his difficulties.
"With a misfortune like that, how can you face the world so cheerfully?" inquired his classmate.
"Oh," replied the young Christian, smiling, "the disease never touched my heart.”
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and like Peter, walk with assurance on the waters of uncertainty. Let’s keep our faith on the promises of his wonderful words and like the martyrs of old, refuse deliverance from physical anguish to attain the reward of a better resurrection. Let’s keep our heart on our crucified Lord, God and Savior, and the cares and wounds of this world will vanish in the body of His resurrection.
Psalms 35:10 All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
The Child of God can truly count all his bones. If we earnestly keep our eyes on our Lord and Savior, neither persecution nor tribulation will be able to negatively affect any part of our soul’s basic element’s fabric. They can vex, offend and howl at us. They can tear, maim, torture and kill our flesh, but the basic structure of our soul remains intact because all they can do is affect the flesh. They cannot maim or injure our fundamental ‘bone” structure’, the skeleton of our soul, (Matthew 10:28). Jesus’ flesh was bruised and bloodied, but His physical bone structure remained intact.
Katherine Bevis illustrated this point one day when from among all the students at a well-known college, she pointed out to a young man who had to get about on crutches. He had an unusual talent for friendliness and optimism and so won the deep respect of his classmates. One day a student asked him what had caused his deformity. "Infantile paralysis," he replied briefly, not wishing to elaborate on his difficulties.
"With a misfortune like that, how can you face the world so cheerfully?" inquired his classmate.
"Oh," replied the young Christian, smiling, "the disease never touched my heart.”
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and like Peter, walk with assurance on the waters of uncertainty. Let’s keep our faith on the promises of his wonderful words and like the martyrs of old, refuse deliverance from physical anguish to attain the reward of a better resurrection. Let’s keep our heart on our crucified Lord, God and Savior, and the cares and wounds of this world will vanish in the body of His resurrection.
Psalms 35:10 All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
Monday, November 20, 2006
THE DIFFERENCE
November 21
Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
About 400 years before the birth of the Messiah, the prophet Malachi prophesied that the Lord will come to purge the priests of His temple that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (Malachi 3:1-3).
‘Purging’ creates in us what fire creates in gold: it makes us better vessels for Him. Jesus had to learn obedience through the things that He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), David claimed that his afflictions taught him God’s statutes (Psalms 119:71), and the Apostles Paul and James told us to rejoice in times of tribulation and to count temptation as a joy. (Romans 5:3; James 1:2)
This is what keeps the righteous ‘righteous’--their many tribulations.
The Lord has not promised to take afflictions from us, only to deliver us from them, and as we go through them, we grow and mature!
This is the difference between the righteous and the unsaved. In times of tribulations, the righteous have the everlasting promise of deliverance, the assurance that there is an end, and that their afflictions purify them even more. The unsaved fall in their woes to never rise again.
Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
About 400 years before the birth of the Messiah, the prophet Malachi prophesied that the Lord will come to purge the priests of His temple that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (Malachi 3:1-3).
‘Purging’ creates in us what fire creates in gold: it makes us better vessels for Him. Jesus had to learn obedience through the things that He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), David claimed that his afflictions taught him God’s statutes (Psalms 119:71), and the Apostles Paul and James told us to rejoice in times of tribulation and to count temptation as a joy. (Romans 5:3; James 1:2)
This is what keeps the righteous ‘righteous’--their many tribulations.
The Lord has not promised to take afflictions from us, only to deliver us from them, and as we go through them, we grow and mature!
This is the difference between the righteous and the unsaved. In times of tribulations, the righteous have the everlasting promise of deliverance, the assurance that there is an end, and that their afflictions purify them even more. The unsaved fall in their woes to never rise again.
Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
THE ENGRAVING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
November 19
THE ENGRAVING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Psalms 34:17-18 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (18) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Jesus-Christ, in one of his most famous sermons tells us that the poor in spirit, the meek and they that mourn are blessed. He teaches us that they are blessed because through their poverty, meekness and sorrow, they have obtained the virtues that are imbedded in the spirit of righteousness (Matthew 5:3-5). Our dear lord instructs us that these people are blessed because of the humility of their spirit, and of the contriteness of their heart.
The righteousness that draws us nigh unto the Lord and the Lord nigh unto us comes at the price of the humbling of our spirit, of the drowning our ambitions, of the disillusionment of our ideals, of the failing of our strength, and of the breaking of our hearts. These all contribute to impart unto us the attitude of dependence on Him that brings us to the reality that when all is gone but Jesus, we suddenly realize that Jesus is more than enough.
Lord Jesus, when our ships come home with broken sails; when our best friends ignore me; when our dearest dreams turn to nightmares; when it seems that all is lost to no avail; help us to realize that beyond the sound of the devil’s gleeful snickering, the sweet cooing of the voice of your eternal Word engraves in our souls the principles of being ultimately yours in utter dependence to you.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
THE ENGRAVING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Psalms 34:17-18 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (18) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Jesus-Christ, in one of his most famous sermons tells us that the poor in spirit, the meek and they that mourn are blessed. He teaches us that they are blessed because through their poverty, meekness and sorrow, they have obtained the virtues that are imbedded in the spirit of righteousness (Matthew 5:3-5). Our dear lord instructs us that these people are blessed because of the humility of their spirit, and of the contriteness of their heart.
The righteousness that draws us nigh unto the Lord and the Lord nigh unto us comes at the price of the humbling of our spirit, of the drowning our ambitions, of the disillusionment of our ideals, of the failing of our strength, and of the breaking of our hearts. These all contribute to impart unto us the attitude of dependence on Him that brings us to the reality that when all is gone but Jesus, we suddenly realize that Jesus is more than enough.
Lord Jesus, when our ships come home with broken sails; when our best friends ignore me; when our dearest dreams turn to nightmares; when it seems that all is lost to no avail; help us to realize that beyond the sound of the devil’s gleeful snickering, the sweet cooing of the voice of your eternal Word engraves in our souls the principles of being ultimately yours in utter dependence to you.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
THE LITMUS TEST
November 18
THE LITMUS TEST
Psalms 34:15-16 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (16) The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? asked King Solomon in Proverbs 20:6. Anyone can claim to be righteous; anyone can claim to have God on his or her side, but it is the end that tells the beginning. Not just the end of the paragraph or even of the particular story in the chapter, but the end of the book of our life--and that end will not be until the Great White Throne judgment at the end of the Millennium (Revelations 20:11-15).
The righteous are those who has been redeemed, and are owned by the righteous Lord Jesus Christ. They shall never see death nor corruption in this world nor in the next no matter what. The remembrance of those that do evil is to be cut off from the earth, The proof, the litmus test of God’s vindication and acceptance of a man is that His ears are open unto his cry, and that He preserves them forever. Because corruption and annihilation is his fate (Revelations 20:10), the enemy of our soul loves to use the many trials and test of this life in an attempt to make us forget that.
So, redeemed by His righteous saving merciful grace, let us not fret not when we don’t see nor understand the way He leads us on. Let us not fear the many turns and curves on the mountain path. Let’s remember that we are made for God’s purpose to bring us to the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life. We need to just trust Him and follow His leading day by day.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
THE LITMUS TEST
Psalms 34:15-16 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (16) The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? asked King Solomon in Proverbs 20:6. Anyone can claim to be righteous; anyone can claim to have God on his or her side, but it is the end that tells the beginning. Not just the end of the paragraph or even of the particular story in the chapter, but the end of the book of our life--and that end will not be until the Great White Throne judgment at the end of the Millennium (Revelations 20:11-15).
The righteous are those who has been redeemed, and are owned by the righteous Lord Jesus Christ. They shall never see death nor corruption in this world nor in the next no matter what. The remembrance of those that do evil is to be cut off from the earth, The proof, the litmus test of God’s vindication and acceptance of a man is that His ears are open unto his cry, and that He preserves them forever. Because corruption and annihilation is his fate (Revelations 20:10), the enemy of our soul loves to use the many trials and test of this life in an attempt to make us forget that.
So, redeemed by His righteous saving merciful grace, let us not fret not when we don’t see nor understand the way He leads us on. Let us not fear the many turns and curves on the mountain path. Let’s remember that we are made for God’s purpose to bring us to the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life. We need to just trust Him and follow His leading day by day.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Friday, November 17, 2006
THE ELM
November 17
Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
How simple are the instructions of the Lord. The ‘simplicity’ of the Lord is wiser than the complicated theses of men. In the previous verse, the psalmist asks how to live a good abundant life. He finds the answer in applying to his life the simplest principles ‘keep your tongue from evil’, ‘do not speak guile’, ‘depart from evil’, ‘seek and pursue peace’.
James from the New Testament of the Bible tells us that even as great ships are ‘turned about’ by a very small helm, we, as people, are also turned by a small organ: our tongue (James 3:4). It is a fact that once we learn to keep our tongue from evil and guile, we are ready to depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it. If we first we take care of our tongue, (which, let us not forget, speaks from the abundance of the heart (Matthew 12;34)), then the proper executive action takes place.
We need to be led by the words from His tongue, not ours. Therefore, starting with bringing our tongue under your control, let us depart from evil. Let us not just go around it, let’s just go away from it altogether. Let’s not just take your hands off of it, but our whole self too. Let’s not even live near it; let’s avoid it; leave it; set a great distance between us and “it” and leave no forwarding address. And do good; we need to be pragmatic, energetic, actively persevering in the good. Virtue overcomes ill. He who does good is sure to avoid evil (Romans 12:21). Seek peace; let’s not merely prefer it, but rather seek it with ardent zeal. Peace with God, peace with our own heart, with our friends, relatives and co-workers in the Lord. Let’s seek after peace as the merchantman sought after the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46).
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
How simple are the instructions of the Lord. The ‘simplicity’ of the Lord is wiser than the complicated theses of men. In the previous verse, the psalmist asks how to live a good abundant life. He finds the answer in applying to his life the simplest principles ‘keep your tongue from evil’, ‘do not speak guile’, ‘depart from evil’, ‘seek and pursue peace’.
James from the New Testament of the Bible tells us that even as great ships are ‘turned about’ by a very small helm, we, as people, are also turned by a small organ: our tongue (James 3:4). It is a fact that once we learn to keep our tongue from evil and guile, we are ready to depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it. If we first we take care of our tongue, (which, let us not forget, speaks from the abundance of the heart (Matthew 12;34)), then the proper executive action takes place.
We need to be led by the words from His tongue, not ours. Therefore, starting with bringing our tongue under your control, let us depart from evil. Let us not just go around it, let’s just go away from it altogether. Let’s not just take your hands off of it, but our whole self too. Let’s not even live near it; let’s avoid it; leave it; set a great distance between us and “it” and leave no forwarding address. And do good; we need to be pragmatic, energetic, actively persevering in the good. Virtue overcomes ill. He who does good is sure to avoid evil (Romans 12:21). Seek peace; let’s not merely prefer it, but rather seek it with ardent zeal. Peace with God, peace with our own heart, with our friends, relatives and co-workers in the Lord. Let’s seek after peace as the merchantman sought after the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46).
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
THE SECRET OF A LONG ABUNDANT LIFE
November 16
Psalms 34:11-13 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (12) What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? (13) Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Is this not the heart cry of the souls of this generation, the desire for a happy long life that sees ‘good’? ? Do not many people spend their substance on physicians for it? Is it not the yearning heard in many heart touching songs, poems and stories?
It seems to be a secret that none can find; a treasure bound in the spiritual caves of the earth. While some look for it in foul darkness, others cover it with the discouraged cloak of cynicism. Yet, the worst are those who cowardly run from it.
The psalmist-prophet tells us that keeping our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking guile are the keys leading to the secret of an abundant happy life.
If we are ardently looking for the abundant life promised by the Savior (John 10:10), do we also have the courage to learn about the evil our tongue unleashes? Do we have the strength to face the guile our lips utter? Oh, but to realize that these are the things that keep away from us this life abundant. Let’s not run from their realities; let’s not cover them with an air of foolishness, but face them with the power and might of the Holy Spirit that God has promised to give us (Luke 11:13) to teach us is ways.
Psalms 19:12-13 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psalms 34:11-13 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (12) What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? (13) Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Is this not the heart cry of the souls of this generation, the desire for a happy long life that sees ‘good’? ? Do not many people spend their substance on physicians for it? Is it not the yearning heard in many heart touching songs, poems and stories?
It seems to be a secret that none can find; a treasure bound in the spiritual caves of the earth. While some look for it in foul darkness, others cover it with the discouraged cloak of cynicism. Yet, the worst are those who cowardly run from it.
The psalmist-prophet tells us that keeping our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking guile are the keys leading to the secret of an abundant happy life.
If we are ardently looking for the abundant life promised by the Savior (John 10:10), do we also have the courage to learn about the evil our tongue unleashes? Do we have the strength to face the guile our lips utter? Oh, but to realize that these are the things that keep away from us this life abundant. Let’s not run from their realities; let’s not cover them with an air of foolishness, but face them with the power and might of the Holy Spirit that God has promised to give us (Luke 11:13) to teach us is ways.
Psalms 19:12-13 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
THE GUARANTOR OF THE PROMISES
November 15
Psalms 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
The young of the pride are dependant on the hunting of the adult females to survive. They howl, moan, lament and let their hunger be known. Sometimes, their crying is long, until such a time when the female returns with sustenance. If the hunting fails, if the drought withheld the rains, even those mighty ones will have to go without and be subject to the death and disease of the common beast, as even for the mighty lion, there is no guaranty of survival.
So are the mighty and powerful of this world. If the guaranty and strength of their sustenance and power lies in their own hands and ability, from its genesis it is doomed to whither and fade. There is not a single purpose of the quiver of the pride of man that will not come to naught. Every mountain shall be brought low (Luke 3:5). The apostle James told the rich and wealthy ‘lions’ of his generation, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).
But the cry of the child of God is never in vain. His Father is at his side where, every prayer is heard, every whimper is tended to, and every wish is acknowledged. In His goodness He discards the foolish requests, or teaches us by their being granted (Psalms 106:15) and for the rest, He is be faithful to keep us alive for His purpose (1 Timothy 6:8).
In order to fulfill His promise to those who seek Him, He has protected the seed of Abraham from annihilation, famines, barrenness and persecutions through millennia. Later, that promise was fulfilled through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. So forever He will keep alive those who seek Him and His will, until His purpose be accomplished, and all good things are granted to them if not in this world, in the next. He is the guarantor of this promise.
“Cheer up, ye saints of God--there's nothing to worry about--
Nothing to make you feel afraid--Nothing to make you doubt!
Our God has never failed, so why not trust Him and shout!
You'll be glad you trusted Him tomorrow!"
Psalms 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Psalms 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
The young of the pride are dependant on the hunting of the adult females to survive. They howl, moan, lament and let their hunger be known. Sometimes, their crying is long, until such a time when the female returns with sustenance. If the hunting fails, if the drought withheld the rains, even those mighty ones will have to go without and be subject to the death and disease of the common beast, as even for the mighty lion, there is no guaranty of survival.
So are the mighty and powerful of this world. If the guaranty and strength of their sustenance and power lies in their own hands and ability, from its genesis it is doomed to whither and fade. There is not a single purpose of the quiver of the pride of man that will not come to naught. Every mountain shall be brought low (Luke 3:5). The apostle James told the rich and wealthy ‘lions’ of his generation, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).
But the cry of the child of God is never in vain. His Father is at his side where, every prayer is heard, every whimper is tended to, and every wish is acknowledged. In His goodness He discards the foolish requests, or teaches us by their being granted (Psalms 106:15) and for the rest, He is be faithful to keep us alive for His purpose (1 Timothy 6:8).
In order to fulfill His promise to those who seek Him, He has protected the seed of Abraham from annihilation, famines, barrenness and persecutions through millennia. Later, that promise was fulfilled through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. So forever He will keep alive those who seek Him and His will, until His purpose be accomplished, and all good things are granted to them if not in this world, in the next. He is the guarantor of this promise.
“Cheer up, ye saints of God--there's nothing to worry about--
Nothing to make you feel afraid--Nothing to make you doubt!
Our God has never failed, so why not trust Him and shout!
You'll be glad you trusted Him tomorrow!"
Psalms 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
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