Psalms 119:122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
The following is a true story. It is about a family who made a “heart adoption” of a teenage girl. Her mom was a drug addict who had had many boy friends, some of whom had abused her other sisters. In the course of her fourteen years, this girl had never enjoyed the safe environment of a stable family life. In order to protect herself, she adopted survival techniques; and became extremely bossy, possessive--mean. Due to lack of parenting these attitudes stayed unchecked for a long time, and she developed hard behaviors, which made it difficult for people to care for her. She went from foster home to foster home, from state facility to state facility. She was finally taken into this family with a boy 3 three years younger than her, and it was not long until her mean insecure behavior unleashed on the poor boy. At this point it is important to say here that this family had made the decision to take this trouble teenage girl into their lives and home with the boy, who voluntarily agreed to share his parents out of compassion for her, and out of gratitude for what he had.
In spite of the constant rude meanness of the girl towards him, the boy showed a remarkable ability to love. He would even feel bad for her when she was corrected for hurting him. He constantly wanted to include her when she mostly tried to exclude him. Eventually, his parents saw that his naturally jovial and happy attitude was starting to suffer. He started to become angry, vengeful and discouraged, but due to his compassion for her, he could not find it within himself to retaliate. It was time for the parents to intervene and they began to pay closer attention, and expose the proud remarks that were unleashed at their son. They started to actively defend him from the ‘oppression of the proud’, making sure that he was safe from the girl’s unloving attitudes. In turn, this exposure sparked a change in the teenage girl.
Such it is between God and us. When God sees that in spite of our hurt, in spite of our pain due to the oppression from the proud we do not try to retaliate to avenge ourselves, He Himself comes to our rescue; He becomes our avenger. e He Our command from Him is to love one another (John 13:34), to put our love in action (James 2:26), to preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15), to forgive evil done against us (Matthew 6:15), to give above and beyond what is required of us (Matthew 5:42), and to let Him take care of vengeance (Romans 12:19). No matter what happens to us in life, let us try not to avenge ourselves, but rather to stay faithful to the commandments He gave us, while allowing Him to be our standard and a shield from the oppression of the proud.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
'Be strong, be strong and be strengthened!'
Sunday, April 15, 2007
THE STRENGTH OF TRUTH
Psalms 119:121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Just like in King David’s day, we live in a time when justice and judgment are easily perverted. To stay politically functional and even relevant, today’s rulers and lawmakers have to be concerned about the opinions of men in the polls. Because they are also concerned about their legacy and their carrier, the ‘righter’ sense of justice as per God’s standards usually goes out the window because if it is ever brought out, they would be considered fanatical, or at the least politically incorrect. Politicians also need the support and backing of their political parties and sponsors if they want to continue operating. The problem is that when we have to please so many people in order to be accepted, we loose track of the truth, and in the matter of judgment and justice, it is tragic. In this case, personal opinions create distortion of truth in judgment because in order to find God’s opinion and will in any matter, we need to deny our own, or at least be willing to rescind them.
When we fight for our own truth or that of our peer-group, we put ourselves in our own hands. We feel the need to build our own ‘army’, our own protection. Our lives become dependant on our own strength and efforts. On the other hand, when we put aside all human power struggles and completely yield to the truth and justice of God, like Moses of old, with the ‘clu’” of God’s word in our hand, we inflict more damage to an empire than any full fledge army would.
Let’s fight for the truth of God. May our combat be on the side of the justice and judgment of the Almighty Creator. We will then have no need to worry. Like King David, like Moses, like Elijah, like John the Baptist, like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, we will claim God’s protection and power, challenge the ‘giants’-- the lies in our life, as well as the perverted judgment of this world. Time would fial to depict the courage of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, William Tyndale, who almost single-handedly conquered the minds of the people and politicians of their days with the truth of God, even though their lives were in constant danger and sometimes also lived in poverty. Like them, we, on the side of the truth of God, are more than a match for all the lying armies of the ungodly.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Just like in King David’s day, we live in a time when justice and judgment are easily perverted. To stay politically functional and even relevant, today’s rulers and lawmakers have to be concerned about the opinions of men in the polls. Because they are also concerned about their legacy and their carrier, the ‘righter’ sense of justice as per God’s standards usually goes out the window because if it is ever brought out, they would be considered fanatical, or at the least politically incorrect. Politicians also need the support and backing of their political parties and sponsors if they want to continue operating. The problem is that when we have to please so many people in order to be accepted, we loose track of the truth, and in the matter of judgment and justice, it is tragic. In this case, personal opinions create distortion of truth in judgment because in order to find God’s opinion and will in any matter, we need to deny our own, or at least be willing to rescind them.
When we fight for our own truth or that of our peer-group, we put ourselves in our own hands. We feel the need to build our own ‘army’, our own protection. Our lives become dependant on our own strength and efforts. On the other hand, when we put aside all human power struggles and completely yield to the truth and justice of God, like Moses of old, with the ‘clu’” of God’s word in our hand, we inflict more damage to an empire than any full fledge army would.
Let’s fight for the truth of God. May our combat be on the side of the justice and judgment of the Almighty Creator. We will then have no need to worry. Like King David, like Moses, like Elijah, like John the Baptist, like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, we will claim God’s protection and power, challenge the ‘giants’-- the lies in our life, as well as the perverted judgment of this world. Time would fial to depict the courage of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, William Tyndale, who almost single-handedly conquered the minds of the people and politicians of their days with the truth of God, even though their lives were in constant danger and sometimes also lived in poverty. Like them, we, on the side of the truth of God, are more than a match for all the lying armies of the ungodly.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
JESUS THE TEACHER
Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
How seriously do we take the Word? How much do we believe it?
We are surely saved by grace, but the lessons of our salvation are learned through experience, bitter experience sometimes.
Jesus also has a ‘No Child Left Behind’ program, and He pays the tuition fee with His blood. He teaches us lessons though His Word, and through life’s experiences, He drills us on the concepts learned. He also makes sure to get from us spiritual dividends from what He teaches us. His grading standard is the un-compromised, unadulterated Word forever established in heaven (Psalms 119:89) and He doesn’t grade on the curve. No matter what or how long it takes, we graduate.
How much easier though it would be if we would learn just by believing the course’s text, not having to drill concepts through the trials of experience. As the Jews of old, we are not always able to believe just by faith; we require a sign, the pangs of experince (1 Corinthians 1:22).
Oh how much trouble we would avoid if we only had enough respectful fear for His Word. Our soul would easily be convicted of sin big and small, just because “He said so”. Also, we would read in His words about the fate of the unsaved, and feel desperation for our friends and relatives; we would see ourselves as the proverbial Good Samaritan to our ‘neighbors’ (Luke 10:36,37) in the whole world.
“Oh my Lord, put in us a spirit of clear understanding and integrity towards your Word. Clear away the semantic fog of excuses and the doctrinal confusions. Let us once again see and understand Your words in their full values so that we may have proper respect unto them!”
2 Peter 3:9-11 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.
How seriously do we take the Word? How much do we believe it?
We are surely saved by grace, but the lessons of our salvation are learned through experience, bitter experience sometimes.
Jesus also has a ‘No Child Left Behind’ program, and He pays the tuition fee with His blood. He teaches us lessons though His Word, and through life’s experiences, He drills us on the concepts learned. He also makes sure to get from us spiritual dividends from what He teaches us. His grading standard is the un-compromised, unadulterated Word forever established in heaven (Psalms 119:89) and He doesn’t grade on the curve. No matter what or how long it takes, we graduate.
How much easier though it would be if we would learn just by believing the course’s text, not having to drill concepts through the trials of experience. As the Jews of old, we are not always able to believe just by faith; we require a sign, the pangs of experince (1 Corinthians 1:22).
Oh how much trouble we would avoid if we only had enough respectful fear for His Word. Our soul would easily be convicted of sin big and small, just because “He said so”. Also, we would read in His words about the fate of the unsaved, and feel desperation for our friends and relatives; we would see ourselves as the proverbial Good Samaritan to our ‘neighbors’ (Luke 10:36,37) in the whole world.
“Oh my Lord, put in us a spirit of clear understanding and integrity towards your Word. Clear away the semantic fog of excuses and the doctrinal confusions. Let us once again see and understand Your words in their full values so that we may have proper respect unto them!”
2 Peter 3:9-11 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
STRENGTH FROM SURRENDER
Psalms 119:119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
I was teaching a history class on World War 1 and 2 to a group of teenagers. The class led to a discussion on the responsibility of reacting when people are oppressed lest these same oppressing forces one day turn on you.
It is very interesting to see how throughout Bible history, God often thwarts His peoples’ efforts to save themselves, as through their tribulation, they develop the patience (Romans 5:3) to wait on Him to fulfill His promise to “put away” the “wicked”. Tribulation then certainly glorifies God.
What a blessed assurance and peace of mind fills the soul of the man who has conquered his own tendencies to be his own savior, to fight his own enemies, and play ‘God’ in his own life. The man who had given up such foolishness has perfect confidence. He has perfect faith to wait. He is fully convinced that at the right time, God Himself will come for him out of heaven, calling a Moses, a Gideon, or even a Samson to fight, conquer, subdue, and annihilate the oppressor of his soul.
May God bless us with this faith, this peace, and this confidence that we do not have to work it all out; we do not have to gather ‘armies’ and fight evil. God has promised that He himself will put away the wicked from the earth. Who knows how long God may be just waiting for us to cease struggling in our own might so He can help us.
Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Hebrews 11:32-34 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (33) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
ANECDOTE
A drowning boy was struggling in the water. On the shore stood his mother in an agony of fright and grief. By her side stood a strong man seemingly indifferent to the boy's fate. Again and again did the suffering mother appeal to him to save her boy, but he made no move. By and by the desperate struggles of the boy began to abate. He was losing strength. Presently he arose to the surface weak and helpless. At once the man leaped into the stream and brought the boy in safely to the shore. "Why did you not save my boy sooner?" asked the now grateful mother. "Madam, I could not as long as he struggled. He would have dragged us both to certain death. But when he grew weak and ceased to struggle, then it was easy to save him." It is when we cease from our own works and depend helplessly upon Him that we realize how perfectly able He is to save without any aid from us.
I was teaching a history class on World War 1 and 2 to a group of teenagers. The class led to a discussion on the responsibility of reacting when people are oppressed lest these same oppressing forces one day turn on you.
It is very interesting to see how throughout Bible history, God often thwarts His peoples’ efforts to save themselves, as through their tribulation, they develop the patience (Romans 5:3) to wait on Him to fulfill His promise to “put away” the “wicked”. Tribulation then certainly glorifies God.
What a blessed assurance and peace of mind fills the soul of the man who has conquered his own tendencies to be his own savior, to fight his own enemies, and play ‘God’ in his own life. The man who had given up such foolishness has perfect confidence. He has perfect faith to wait. He is fully convinced that at the right time, God Himself will come for him out of heaven, calling a Moses, a Gideon, or even a Samson to fight, conquer, subdue, and annihilate the oppressor of his soul.
May God bless us with this faith, this peace, and this confidence that we do not have to work it all out; we do not have to gather ‘armies’ and fight evil. God has promised that He himself will put away the wicked from the earth. Who knows how long God may be just waiting for us to cease struggling in our own might so He can help us.
Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Hebrews 11:32-34 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (33) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
ANECDOTE
A drowning boy was struggling in the water. On the shore stood his mother in an agony of fright and grief. By her side stood a strong man seemingly indifferent to the boy's fate. Again and again did the suffering mother appeal to him to save her boy, but he made no move. By and by the desperate struggles of the boy began to abate. He was losing strength. Presently he arose to the surface weak and helpless. At once the man leaped into the stream and brought the boy in safely to the shore. "Why did you not save my boy sooner?" asked the now grateful mother. "Madam, I could not as long as he struggled. He would have dragged us both to certain death. But when he grew weak and ceased to struggle, then it was easy to save him." It is when we cease from our own works and depend helplessly upon Him that we realize how perfectly able He is to save without any aid from us.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
THE TESTIMONY OF GOD
Psalms 119:118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
History is one of the greatest proofs of the existence of its great Planner: God. We do not need a degree in higher theology to see it. All we need to do is to look at the many fulfilled prophecies concerning the fate of certain cities.
For example, through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord said that the city of Tyre in Lebanon would be completely destroyed; that it would become as bare as the top of a rock; that her stones & debris would be cast into the sea, and that she would become a place for the spreading of the fishermen’s nets (Ezechiel chapters 26 and 30). That's exactly what happened to that city. In the seventh century BC, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came along to conquer the rich city of Tyre, but the inhabitants having been warned, fled to a little island a half a mile offshore with all their treasures & riches. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t have a navy so he couldn’t get at them. He was so angry that he destroyed the entire old city of Tyre, the great city of the Phoenicians, and left it there in ruins. Two hundred fifty years later, along came Alexander the Great with the goal of conquering that rich city. He had a navy and he wasn't going to pass up all those riches. He and his army scraped the debris of the ruins of the old city in the water and built a half a mile causeway all the way to the island where stood the new city of Tyre and captured it. Today, fishermen spread their nets on this causeway, just as the prophecy predicted.
The prophecies about the cites that God allowed to be destroyed for their sins stand forever as a testimony and warning to us and our nation of His eternal never failing Word and justice.
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
History is one of the greatest proofs of the existence of its great Planner: God. We do not need a degree in higher theology to see it. All we need to do is to look at the many fulfilled prophecies concerning the fate of certain cities.
For example, through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord said that the city of Tyre in Lebanon would be completely destroyed; that it would become as bare as the top of a rock; that her stones & debris would be cast into the sea, and that she would become a place for the spreading of the fishermen’s nets (Ezechiel chapters 26 and 30). That's exactly what happened to that city. In the seventh century BC, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came along to conquer the rich city of Tyre, but the inhabitants having been warned, fled to a little island a half a mile offshore with all their treasures & riches. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t have a navy so he couldn’t get at them. He was so angry that he destroyed the entire old city of Tyre, the great city of the Phoenicians, and left it there in ruins. Two hundred fifty years later, along came Alexander the Great with the goal of conquering that rich city. He had a navy and he wasn't going to pass up all those riches. He and his army scraped the debris of the ruins of the old city in the water and built a half a mile causeway all the way to the island where stood the new city of Tyre and captured it. Today, fishermen spread their nets on this causeway, just as the prophecy predicted.
The prophecies about the cites that God allowed to be destroyed for their sins stand forever as a testimony and warning to us and our nation of His eternal never failing Word and justice.
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A FAMINE OF GOD’S WORD
Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
O blessed assurance that comes to the soul upheld by the Creator. Truly blessed is the he who has confidence that no matter what, he will never be left nor forsaken (Hebrews 13:5).
Full confidence and trust in God lie in obedience to His statutes. How can we expect to benefit from His protection when we run outside His protective precepts? We certainly cannot claim God’s armor if we run outside of the walls of His will for our lives.
The pure Word of God is so direct, so straight, so easy to understand, but today’s semantics have blurred our understanding to its easy to define standards of right and wrong. Just as predicted by the prophet, we now have a famine of hearing the Words of God (Amos 8:11). More than ever, we need the Holy Ghost to interpret the Word in our hearts so that we understand them and be protected by His statutes again.
Only His Word, understood and empowered by the Holy Spirit in our hearts can help us find the protective walls of his statutes again. Only His Words can keep us away from the dangers of the spiritual inconsistencies and conformities that are so prevalent in the world today.
“Lord, I ask you today to make Your Word clear in my mind. Take away all the excusing arguments created by double-talk semantics, and help me to call a spade a spade in my life. Help to realize that a lie is a lie, no matter how many other people say and accept it. Help me to know that a murmur is a murmur, and a grievance unto you. That covetousness is a sin, even though accepted in our Western civilization, and that so are anger, pride and selfishness, not psychological conditions and sicknesses. Make your word clear to me again so that I can have respect unto them and be safe.”
2 Peter 2:1-9 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (5) And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; (6) And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; (7) And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (8) (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) (9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
O blessed assurance that comes to the soul upheld by the Creator. Truly blessed is the he who has confidence that no matter what, he will never be left nor forsaken (Hebrews 13:5).
Full confidence and trust in God lie in obedience to His statutes. How can we expect to benefit from His protection when we run outside His protective precepts? We certainly cannot claim God’s armor if we run outside of the walls of His will for our lives.
The pure Word of God is so direct, so straight, so easy to understand, but today’s semantics have blurred our understanding to its easy to define standards of right and wrong. Just as predicted by the prophet, we now have a famine of hearing the Words of God (Amos 8:11). More than ever, we need the Holy Ghost to interpret the Word in our hearts so that we understand them and be protected by His statutes again.
Only His Word, understood and empowered by the Holy Spirit in our hearts can help us find the protective walls of his statutes again. Only His Words can keep us away from the dangers of the spiritual inconsistencies and conformities that are so prevalent in the world today.
“Lord, I ask you today to make Your Word clear in my mind. Take away all the excusing arguments created by double-talk semantics, and help me to call a spade a spade in my life. Help to realize that a lie is a lie, no matter how many other people say and accept it. Help me to know that a murmur is a murmur, and a grievance unto you. That covetousness is a sin, even though accepted in our Western civilization, and that so are anger, pride and selfishness, not psychological conditions and sicknesses. Make your word clear to me again so that I can have respect unto them and be safe.”
2 Peter 2:1-9 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (5) And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; (6) And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; (7) And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (8) (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) (9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
GOD’S SECURITIES
Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy Word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
It is amazing to see how much easier it is for mankind to put his trust in man-made securities than in God’s Word. During the Great Depression in 1929, thousands who had put their trust in the securities of this world found themselves jobless, penniless, at the mercies of soup kitchens and government programs. The system obviously had failed them, but they still went on to rebuild it, and now, more than ever, the golden “calf” on Wall Street continues to lure investors to its impious feasts. Recently, thousands lost their 401K, college funds, etc to the Enron debacle, but what is even more pathetic is that these same people will continue gambling their lives, possessions and “earned wages to put it into the uncertain ‘bags’ of man’s securities Haggai 1:6.
Imagine God’s disappointment and frustration. After He had opened the Red sea, drowned the armies of the enemy, provided food from Heaven, water from a rock, and yet, at the foot of Mt Sinai, they erect an idolatrous golden calf. When will we learn to not lean on the ‘stock’ of Egypt? No matter what or who He uses as His instrument of supply, God is ultimately the one who is our great security.
The Bible tells us of a soon-coming day when under the last world dictator, one will not be able to buy nor sale without trading his faith in God for his faith in this antichrist ruler. Let us learn today to make God our hope according to His Word, and then in those days we will not be ashamed.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
It is amazing to see how much easier it is for mankind to put his trust in man-made securities than in God’s Word. During the Great Depression in 1929, thousands who had put their trust in the securities of this world found themselves jobless, penniless, at the mercies of soup kitchens and government programs. The system obviously had failed them, but they still went on to rebuild it, and now, more than ever, the golden “calf” on Wall Street continues to lure investors to its impious feasts. Recently, thousands lost their 401K, college funds, etc to the Enron debacle, but what is even more pathetic is that these same people will continue gambling their lives, possessions and “earned wages to put it into the uncertain ‘bags’ of man’s securities Haggai 1:6.
Imagine God’s disappointment and frustration. After He had opened the Red sea, drowned the armies of the enemy, provided food from Heaven, water from a rock, and yet, at the foot of Mt Sinai, they erect an idolatrous golden calf. When will we learn to not lean on the ‘stock’ of Egypt? No matter what or who He uses as His instrument of supply, God is ultimately the one who is our great security.
The Bible tells us of a soon-coming day when under the last world dictator, one will not be able to buy nor sale without trading his faith in God for his faith in this antichrist ruler. Let us learn today to make God our hope according to His Word, and then in those days we will not be ashamed.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
THE TEST OF CHARACTER
Psalms 119:115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
A man was complaining about the world’s many temptations. Whereas it is true that this world offers the glitter, the gold, and everything our soul is made to lust after, the intensity of temptation can also be aggravated by the company we keep. Indeed, if we put a large buffer zone between us and temptation, we will not have such a hard time with it.
Our senses, physical and metaphysical are sensors that bring to our heart the emotional and audio-visual input with which they are constantly bombarded. Thank God, we have a filter. This filter is called “the conscience”, and this conscience needs to be programmed and activated by the Holy Ghost. Sometimes, in fact often, the nemesis of our conscience is our own selves. Indeed, we are the ones who often fight the spiritual configuration of our conscience, and therefore end up freezing the whole machine.
Our conscience screams at us, “Get out of this relationship even though it feels good” “Do not take this job even though the money is good” “Can this friendship even though you find it fun” “Don’t spend money you don’t yet have” “Don’t read this book/watch this movie/go on this web site”. It often gives us sound counsel such as, “Talk to your spouse about this decision” “Take time with your children/ead spiritually feeding material/attend a spiritual fellowship” “Eat healthy”
It takes a person of character to buck the tide of peer-pressure and say like King David,“Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.”
“Lord, please help me to do the right things even though my senses scream out to do the wrong thing; help me to rebuke these influences that would make me break your commandment; be my strength when I am weak!”
Romans 7:14-25 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (16) If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. (17) Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
A man was complaining about the world’s many temptations. Whereas it is true that this world offers the glitter, the gold, and everything our soul is made to lust after, the intensity of temptation can also be aggravated by the company we keep. Indeed, if we put a large buffer zone between us and temptation, we will not have such a hard time with it.
Our senses, physical and metaphysical are sensors that bring to our heart the emotional and audio-visual input with which they are constantly bombarded. Thank God, we have a filter. This filter is called “the conscience”, and this conscience needs to be programmed and activated by the Holy Ghost. Sometimes, in fact often, the nemesis of our conscience is our own selves. Indeed, we are the ones who often fight the spiritual configuration of our conscience, and therefore end up freezing the whole machine.
Our conscience screams at us, “Get out of this relationship even though it feels good” “Do not take this job even though the money is good” “Can this friendship even though you find it fun” “Don’t spend money you don’t yet have” “Don’t read this book/watch this movie/go on this web site”. It often gives us sound counsel such as, “Talk to your spouse about this decision” “Take time with your children/ead spiritually feeding material/attend a spiritual fellowship” “Eat healthy”
It takes a person of character to buck the tide of peer-pressure and say like King David,“Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.”
“Lord, please help me to do the right things even though my senses scream out to do the wrong thing; help me to rebuke these influences that would make me break your commandment; be my strength when I am weak!”
Romans 7:14-25 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (16) If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. (17) Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
THE TRUE TERRORIST
Psalms 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
How many times are we assailed by bad or vain thoughts? How many times are we tempted with feelings of judgment, revenge, lust, covetousness, complaint, depression, selfishness, and pride? Jesus told us that all these negative feelings come from our hearts (Matthew 15;19); and that is why King Solomon told us Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Beloved, these are the enemies of our soul. They do more damage than any terrorist. The terrorist will harm our body, but these evil concepts will harm our soul (Matthew 10:28). Our governments can deploy anti-ballistic missiles, magnetic shields and radar protections, but they will never protect us against the real enemy of our soul. Our scientists can develop all sorts of intelligence gathering systems, they will never be able to create something that will protect us from our real enemy: ourselves.
Let us today expose this relentless enemy. Let us recognize him when he raises his ugly face, and not be foolish enough to think that we can fight him. Let us rather take our refuge and place our hope in the infallible standards of the Words of truth. Let us memorize it, and quote it to him out loud like Jesus did in the day of temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11), and see him vanish away. Even David who was as strong and courageous as he was noble, David who was one of the greatest warriors the world has ever known, he knew that the true protection of his heart laid only within the hiding place of the Word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
How many times are we assailed by bad or vain thoughts? How many times are we tempted with feelings of judgment, revenge, lust, covetousness, complaint, depression, selfishness, and pride? Jesus told us that all these negative feelings come from our hearts (Matthew 15;19); and that is why King Solomon told us Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Beloved, these are the enemies of our soul. They do more damage than any terrorist. The terrorist will harm our body, but these evil concepts will harm our soul (Matthew 10:28). Our governments can deploy anti-ballistic missiles, magnetic shields and radar protections, but they will never protect us against the real enemy of our soul. Our scientists can develop all sorts of intelligence gathering systems, they will never be able to create something that will protect us from our real enemy: ourselves.
Let us today expose this relentless enemy. Let us recognize him when he raises his ugly face, and not be foolish enough to think that we can fight him. Let us rather take our refuge and place our hope in the infallible standards of the Words of truth. Let us memorize it, and quote it to him out loud like Jesus did in the day of temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11), and see him vanish away. Even David who was as strong and courageous as he was noble, David who was one of the greatest warriors the world has ever known, he knew that the true protection of his heart laid only within the hiding place of the Word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
THE WORKS OF VAIN THOUGHTS
Psalms 119:113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
The Law of God establishes the standards of good and bad and of right and wrong. In spite of the ever-changing vain opinions of man, in spite of all his attempts to redefine moral concepts, he cannot temper with these standards; they are unchangeable.
The psalmist here states vain thoughts as being whatever is in opposition to the Law of God. The opposite of the fixed and infallible, is the wavery, the unsure and the uncertain. How vain are the thoughts of the man without God. Even man’s best and highest seems to hardly lift from the ground compared to the grandeur of thought and purpose that flies in God’s heavens. And yet, man prides himself in his sense of self-security, thinking that he can be his own insurance against God. Like Nimrod, in his vain attempt to steal the control from God, he builds a high tower of confusion thinking that he can securely climb away from God’s drowning judgments.*
In his attempt to run away from God’s control and to lead his own life, man perverts, and therefore weakens through corruption the very thought foundations of his own mind. The humanist forces at work in the world seek to indoctrinate us with vain thoughts that are contrary to the Law of God.
How many of these vain thoughts surround us? Do we recognize them? Are we even aware that these vain thoughts of pride, glory, conceit, self-ordained purpose, self-trust and self-dependence seek to conquer our minds and hearts away from the spirit of true utter-dependence on the Father? Do we denounce these thoughts to our conscience? Do they even seem right to us?
Oh Lord my God. Open my eyes that I may see, Open my heart that I may feel. Open my spirit that I may discern. Let no vain thought rule over me. Take away every one, and let me know what they are; expose them with the light of the Words of your Law.
Psalms 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
*The Works of Josephus.
Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1; Chapt 4; par 2.
2. Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, as if it was through his means they were happy, but to believe that it was their own courage which procured that happiness. He also gradually changed the government into tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power. He also said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach! and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers !
The Law of God establishes the standards of good and bad and of right and wrong. In spite of the ever-changing vain opinions of man, in spite of all his attempts to redefine moral concepts, he cannot temper with these standards; they are unchangeable.
The psalmist here states vain thoughts as being whatever is in opposition to the Law of God. The opposite of the fixed and infallible, is the wavery, the unsure and the uncertain. How vain are the thoughts of the man without God. Even man’s best and highest seems to hardly lift from the ground compared to the grandeur of thought and purpose that flies in God’s heavens. And yet, man prides himself in his sense of self-security, thinking that he can be his own insurance against God. Like Nimrod, in his vain attempt to steal the control from God, he builds a high tower of confusion thinking that he can securely climb away from God’s drowning judgments.*
In his attempt to run away from God’s control and to lead his own life, man perverts, and therefore weakens through corruption the very thought foundations of his own mind. The humanist forces at work in the world seek to indoctrinate us with vain thoughts that are contrary to the Law of God.
How many of these vain thoughts surround us? Do we recognize them? Are we even aware that these vain thoughts of pride, glory, conceit, self-ordained purpose, self-trust and self-dependence seek to conquer our minds and hearts away from the spirit of true utter-dependence on the Father? Do we denounce these thoughts to our conscience? Do they even seem right to us?
Oh Lord my God. Open my eyes that I may see, Open my heart that I may feel. Open my spirit that I may discern. Let no vain thought rule over me. Take away every one, and let me know what they are; expose them with the light of the Words of your Law.
Psalms 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
*The Works of Josephus.
Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1; Chapt 4; par 2.
2. Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, as if it was through his means they were happy, but to believe that it was their own courage which procured that happiness. He also gradually changed the government into tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power. He also said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach! and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers !
Thursday, April 05, 2007
A SAMPLE, NOT A SERMON
Psalms 119:112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
It is a sad thing that many of us are prone to preaching rather than acting. Oh, it is so easy to talk about God, to talk about service and self-sacrifice. How many preachers have beautifully constructed sermons on the virtues of a life consecrated to God. Those would want to tell me the way, or expound it to me. Let me now say to the smooth-tongued philosopher that I would prefer that one would show me the way by the example of his own personal consecrated life than one who would tell me about it. Give me any day a performer of the virtue, rather than an exhibitor.
All the more, it is so easy to serve God when life goes like a song. It is so easy to love and praise Him when the road is smooth and the weather is temperate. Let us now see what happens when the road is bumpy and the whether unfriendly. Should we be God’s fair weather friends only? Should we not go all the way in our obedience to His commandments, even of the harder commandments, those we are not so prone to obey because they tend to take us out of our comfort zone? Those like Preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), Love your enemy (Matthew 5:44), give to whosoever asketh of thee (Mat 5:42), no man can serve God and Mammon (Mat 6:24)?
Let us today make the hard decisions that confront our spiritual lethargy. Let us “perform” His statutes always, even unto the end.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
It is a sad thing that many of us are prone to preaching rather than acting. Oh, it is so easy to talk about God, to talk about service and self-sacrifice. How many preachers have beautifully constructed sermons on the virtues of a life consecrated to God. Those would want to tell me the way, or expound it to me. Let me now say to the smooth-tongued philosopher that I would prefer that one would show me the way by the example of his own personal consecrated life than one who would tell me about it. Give me any day a performer of the virtue, rather than an exhibitor.
All the more, it is so easy to serve God when life goes like a song. It is so easy to love and praise Him when the road is smooth and the weather is temperate. Let us now see what happens when the road is bumpy and the whether unfriendly. Should we be God’s fair weather friends only? Should we not go all the way in our obedience to His commandments, even of the harder commandments, those we are not so prone to obey because they tend to take us out of our comfort zone? Those like Preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), Love your enemy (Matthew 5:44), give to whosoever asketh of thee (Mat 5:42), no man can serve God and Mammon (Mat 6:24)?
Let us today make the hard decisions that confront our spiritual lethargy. Let us “perform” His statutes always, even unto the end.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
THE WORD, MINE INHERITANCE
Psalms 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
We mankind, hunger after power and possessions. We want to inherit gold, to rule over lands. What if this morning, during our devotion time, God would ask us the same question He asked King Solomon, Ask what I shall give thee (2 Chronicles 1:7)? What would we ask for? God doesn’t make empty promises. Like Aladdin’s genie, at that very moment the God who has created the universe, offers to give us whatever our heart desires and commands. As is shown us in the text of 2 Chronicles 1, this question could prove to be a real test of character.
A large sum of money could solve a lot of temporary problems for many of us. Maybe we could ask for healing from a terminal disease. In a time of war, we could also ask for the unconditional protection of our life, or of that of a loved-one. It could also be tempting to ask for an unrequited love to turn around, or for a change in what we consider a “misfortune”. Vengeance over an enemy could be desirable, or their death, or even that of an annoying business competitor.
What is the desire of our heart? God knows it. God already knew the answer that Solomon would give. He was the son of the Psalmist, who though wealthy, esteemed the Word of God his true riches (Psalms 119:111), and presence with the Lord his preferred inheritance (Psalms 23:6).
Are the testimonies of the Lord our preferred inheritance? Do we look for them with more value that for silver and gold (Psalms 119:72) ? If everything were taken away from us, would we feel wealthy just by our ownership of the Word? One day, everything this world offers will be taken from us, and all we’ll have left will be the wealth of Word and related virtues we have stored in our heart; how rich will we feel then?
Psalms 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
We mankind, hunger after power and possessions. We want to inherit gold, to rule over lands. What if this morning, during our devotion time, God would ask us the same question He asked King Solomon, Ask what I shall give thee (2 Chronicles 1:7)? What would we ask for? God doesn’t make empty promises. Like Aladdin’s genie, at that very moment the God who has created the universe, offers to give us whatever our heart desires and commands. As is shown us in the text of 2 Chronicles 1, this question could prove to be a real test of character.
A large sum of money could solve a lot of temporary problems for many of us. Maybe we could ask for healing from a terminal disease. In a time of war, we could also ask for the unconditional protection of our life, or of that of a loved-one. It could also be tempting to ask for an unrequited love to turn around, or for a change in what we consider a “misfortune”. Vengeance over an enemy could be desirable, or their death, or even that of an annoying business competitor.
What is the desire of our heart? God knows it. God already knew the answer that Solomon would give. He was the son of the Psalmist, who though wealthy, esteemed the Word of God his true riches (Psalms 119:111), and presence with the Lord his preferred inheritance (Psalms 23:6).
Are the testimonies of the Lord our preferred inheritance? Do we look for them with more value that for silver and gold (Psalms 119:72) ? If everything were taken away from us, would we feel wealthy just by our ownership of the Word? One day, everything this world offers will be taken from us, and all we’ll have left will be the wealth of Word and related virtues we have stored in our heart; how rich will we feel then?
Psalms 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
THE SNARES INSIDE OF US
Psalms 119:110The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
I saw a movie once called “The Thief of Baghdad”. Part of the plot was for someone to retrieve a black diamond hidden inside at the top of a hollow mountain. The brave soul attempting the feat had to enter inside the mountain through a cave and walk up a treacherous narrow pathway. On either side of the pathway sat deadly tempting traps and snares, such as treasure chests or beautiful women. They were all surrounded by deadly marshes with fierce animals. Some of the distractions were voices insulting the treasure seeker hoping to provoke him away from the straight and narrow path and into a fight.
A prince, quite sure of himself, was tempted by the golden chest, and barely made it past the beautiful woman. But when someone uttered an insult towards his family line, his pride got the better of him; he left the straight and narrow path and fell in the marshes. His servant, a humble soul, came to his rescue. He had seen the miserable vain promiscuous life of his wealthy master, so neither the gold chest nor the beautiful women tempted him. He was of low birth so he could not argue against the truth when it was told that his father was a bastard and his mother a prostitute. In the story, not only did he get the diamond, but he also rescued his foolish master.
Our life is full of such scenarios. The enemy knows our weakness for wealth, vanity and pride. He knows the snares inside of us. He has used these very elements to keep us away from God from the Garden of Eden on. Oh what protection we enjoy once we set the attitudes of our spirit in line with His. May we today enjoy it today by following His teachings of humility and live wholesome lives as outlined in His precepts.
Matthew 5:3-10 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I saw a movie once called “The Thief of Baghdad”. Part of the plot was for someone to retrieve a black diamond hidden inside at the top of a hollow mountain. The brave soul attempting the feat had to enter inside the mountain through a cave and walk up a treacherous narrow pathway. On either side of the pathway sat deadly tempting traps and snares, such as treasure chests or beautiful women. They were all surrounded by deadly marshes with fierce animals. Some of the distractions were voices insulting the treasure seeker hoping to provoke him away from the straight and narrow path and into a fight.
A prince, quite sure of himself, was tempted by the golden chest, and barely made it past the beautiful woman. But when someone uttered an insult towards his family line, his pride got the better of him; he left the straight and narrow path and fell in the marshes. His servant, a humble soul, came to his rescue. He had seen the miserable vain promiscuous life of his wealthy master, so neither the gold chest nor the beautiful women tempted him. He was of low birth so he could not argue against the truth when it was told that his father was a bastard and his mother a prostitute. In the story, not only did he get the diamond, but he also rescued his foolish master.
Our life is full of such scenarios. The enemy knows our weakness for wealth, vanity and pride. He knows the snares inside of us. He has used these very elements to keep us away from God from the Garden of Eden on. Oh what protection we enjoy once we set the attitudes of our spirit in line with His. May we today enjoy it today by following His teachings of humility and live wholesome lives as outlined in His precepts.
Matthew 5:3-10 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Monday, April 02, 2007
GOD IS FOR CHOICE
Psalms 119:109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
Each one of us owns our destiny. Each one of us has the power to choose the higher or lower path; to move by virtue or respond to instinct. At times I have wondered if perhaps this freedom of choice given to us by the Almighty may not have created more trouble than is worth. Seeing what many of us do with it, it is easy to feel hopeless and want to discard the whole thing.
Yet, as I search God’s unmistakable will, as I learn from His unfailing wisdom, my eyes finally light upon the answer. I suddenly understand and can trust the wisdom of the Creator of Life. Such are answers from God; they provoke an abundance of peace, and they comfort the heart.
It is so easy to resort to the sin of our own ways to resolve problems or sticky situations. It is so easy to lie, to cover up; to retaliate and malign in order to solve our problems. But if choice had not been given to us, if as gods (Psalms 82:6) we had not been given the ability to choose between good and evil, between obedience and rebellion, wherein could we be blessed? Without the right to choose, the wicked wouyld be controlled, but rewards for the just would also cease to exist. Now, by simply choosing the right when faced with alternatives, we own the advantage of reserving to ourselves blessings upon blessings.
May we today, in spite of opposite influences, as Bunyan’s pilgrim choose the right path; the path of His Word and His Instructions. May we do so by constantly referring to the directions He gave us in the ‘Scroll’, and deviate from it neither to the right nor to the left.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Each one of us owns our destiny. Each one of us has the power to choose the higher or lower path; to move by virtue or respond to instinct. At times I have wondered if perhaps this freedom of choice given to us by the Almighty may not have created more trouble than is worth. Seeing what many of us do with it, it is easy to feel hopeless and want to discard the whole thing.
Yet, as I search God’s unmistakable will, as I learn from His unfailing wisdom, my eyes finally light upon the answer. I suddenly understand and can trust the wisdom of the Creator of Life. Such are answers from God; they provoke an abundance of peace, and they comfort the heart.
It is so easy to resort to the sin of our own ways to resolve problems or sticky situations. It is so easy to lie, to cover up; to retaliate and malign in order to solve our problems. But if choice had not been given to us, if as gods (Psalms 82:6) we had not been given the ability to choose between good and evil, between obedience and rebellion, wherein could we be blessed? Without the right to choose, the wicked wouyld be controlled, but rewards for the just would also cease to exist. Now, by simply choosing the right when faced with alternatives, we own the advantage of reserving to ourselves blessings upon blessings.
May we today, in spite of opposite influences, as Bunyan’s pilgrim choose the right path; the path of His Word and His Instructions. May we do so by constantly referring to the directions He gave us in the ‘Scroll’, and deviate from it neither to the right nor to the left.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
THE FREE-WILL OFFERING OF PRAISE
Psalms 119:108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
It is oh, so easy to thank and praise God when everything goes right. It comes almost naturally to thank Him for the blessings that are so clear and evident. Unchallenged “thank you’s” flow from our hearts as if we were owed every blessing that covers our head. Let us now imagine another scenario to life. Suddenly, black angry clouds fill the skies; the road becomes a muddy mars; its sharp curves less protected. When our cold wet feet shod with worn out shoes ache, the grace to carry the burden seems to fade; the Heavenly Presence seems absent leaving in its stead the empty cold void of uncertainty.
It is at such times, yes it is at such times that praise becomes the free-will offering of the mouth. At such times, praising and thanking God requires a spirit of humility that utterly burns the pride of our own will and ‘intelligent’ programs on the altar of His will. It is at such times that the spirits of praise, humility and yieldedness are tested.
We then bow to Him in utter humility and profound silence; humbly, in front of the ultimate beauty and wisdom of His unsearchable will; silently, as the great Master of the universe stoops from His throne to teach us great lessons from the treasures mine of darkness, from the hidden riches of secret places (Isaiah 45:3).
Praise Him in the cold
Praise Him in the sun.
And when in the rain
From praisin' do not run.
Praise Him when you’re sad
‘ven when you’re happy
Still while crying
Let His praise still fill thee.
You know you may live,
That also you may die
But in known and unknown
His praise lifts us high.
So praise for days past
‘so for tomorrow
And if it rains on today,
Praise’ll drowns its sorrow.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
It is oh, so easy to thank and praise God when everything goes right. It comes almost naturally to thank Him for the blessings that are so clear and evident. Unchallenged “thank you’s” flow from our hearts as if we were owed every blessing that covers our head. Let us now imagine another scenario to life. Suddenly, black angry clouds fill the skies; the road becomes a muddy mars; its sharp curves less protected. When our cold wet feet shod with worn out shoes ache, the grace to carry the burden seems to fade; the Heavenly Presence seems absent leaving in its stead the empty cold void of uncertainty.
It is at such times, yes it is at such times that praise becomes the free-will offering of the mouth. At such times, praising and thanking God requires a spirit of humility that utterly burns the pride of our own will and ‘intelligent’ programs on the altar of His will. It is at such times that the spirits of praise, humility and yieldedness are tested.
We then bow to Him in utter humility and profound silence; humbly, in front of the ultimate beauty and wisdom of His unsearchable will; silently, as the great Master of the universe stoops from His throne to teach us great lessons from the treasures mine of darkness, from the hidden riches of secret places (Isaiah 45:3).
Praise Him in the cold
Praise Him in the sun.
And when in the rain
From praisin' do not run.
Praise Him when you’re sad
‘ven when you’re happy
Still while crying
Let His praise still fill thee.
You know you may live,
That also you may die
But in known and unknown
His praise lifts us high.
So praise for days past
‘so for tomorrow
And if it rains on today,
Praise’ll drowns its sorrow.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
RESURECTION COMES FIRST FROM DEATH
Psalms 119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Some think that their Christianity should spare them from the fiery trials of this life. They think that it gives them a “protégé” status with God. My, oh my! I would dare say that Christianity rather secures tribulations in this world. We may not “drink” the Lord’s cup, nor be “baptized” of His baptism (Matthew 20:22), but if we receive Him in this world, and live in Him with integrity, we shall certainly be as He was: a man of sorrow, afflicted, persecuted, reviled and martyred for the cause (Isaiah 53). He said, “The servant is not greater than his Lord” (John 15:20).
Sometimes we feel like we die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). Sometimes daily tasks and responsibilities weigh heavy on us. We strive daily in dysfunctional situations due to sickness, financial troubles, family issues, but yet, we are meant not to give up. Like King David, we have sworn ourselves to perform the commandment of the Lord (Psalms 119:106), and no matter what the cost, we will continue to the end to faithfully fulfill our responsibilities.
When we feel ourselves at the end of our rope and dying, let us call on the LORD for quickening. Let us remember that as resurrection cannot occurs if there is no death, He cannot quicken us until we have died to our own strength.
1Peter 4:12-13 KJV Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Some think that their Christianity should spare them from the fiery trials of this life. They think that it gives them a “protégé” status with God. My, oh my! I would dare say that Christianity rather secures tribulations in this world. We may not “drink” the Lord’s cup, nor be “baptized” of His baptism (Matthew 20:22), but if we receive Him in this world, and live in Him with integrity, we shall certainly be as He was: a man of sorrow, afflicted, persecuted, reviled and martyred for the cause (Isaiah 53). He said, “The servant is not greater than his Lord” (John 15:20).
Sometimes we feel like we die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). Sometimes daily tasks and responsibilities weigh heavy on us. We strive daily in dysfunctional situations due to sickness, financial troubles, family issues, but yet, we are meant not to give up. Like King David, we have sworn ourselves to perform the commandment of the Lord (Psalms 119:106), and no matter what the cost, we will continue to the end to faithfully fulfill our responsibilities.
When we feel ourselves at the end of our rope and dying, let us call on the LORD for quickening. Let us remember that as resurrection cannot occurs if there is no death, He cannot quicken us until we have died to our own strength.
1Peter 4:12-13 KJV Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
GRATEFULNESS STRONGER THAN A SWORN OATH
Psalms 119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
Can you remember the day you received the Lord? Can you remember the zealousness of your heart committing to wholesome living? Can you remember working and trying so hard to keep that commitment to consecration? What happened?
We humans know our own weaknesses. We know that whereas we should live by virtue, we often just respond to instinct. Could this be the reason why this powerful king bound himself by an oath, swore himself to perform the commandment of the Lord? Having in the past fallen (2 Samuel 11), he was aware of his own frailties. So he bound himself by his own word, in order to add weight on his commitment to perform God’s righteous Laws.
Jesus advised us not to swear (Matthew 5:34-37). But the bonds of our love and thankfulness for Him should provoke a pressure to obedience in an even more powerful, internal, and even instinctive way. These bonds of love should be stronger than the mere commitment coming from words uttered in front of witnesses under the fear of the Law.
When we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, we owe our lives to the One who has braved the fiercest hell has to offer, made the ultimate sacrifice, to save us from certain doom. Because of His sacrifice, we never have to feel even the slightest chill from the corridors of death. In all integrity, from that point on, the true spirit of gratitude owes itself to the Savior who saved us from certain death, and this debt is stronger than a sworn oath.
May we always remember the inherent promise we made, to the One who gave His life so we could have one; to the One who received death so we would get none. To the One who forsook the comfort of His own home in Heaven to roam the dusty roads of Palestine, and die as a common criminal. To the Lamb of God of God, who takes away on His cross the sin of the world, even ours, so that someday, we receive a heavenly mansion with Him, in His country, even New Jerusalem. (John 14:2; Revelations:21 and 22).
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Can you remember the day you received the Lord? Can you remember the zealousness of your heart committing to wholesome living? Can you remember working and trying so hard to keep that commitment to consecration? What happened?
We humans know our own weaknesses. We know that whereas we should live by virtue, we often just respond to instinct. Could this be the reason why this powerful king bound himself by an oath, swore himself to perform the commandment of the Lord? Having in the past fallen (2 Samuel 11), he was aware of his own frailties. So he bound himself by his own word, in order to add weight on his commitment to perform God’s righteous Laws.
Jesus advised us not to swear (Matthew 5:34-37). But the bonds of our love and thankfulness for Him should provoke a pressure to obedience in an even more powerful, internal, and even instinctive way. These bonds of love should be stronger than the mere commitment coming from words uttered in front of witnesses under the fear of the Law.
When we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, we owe our lives to the One who has braved the fiercest hell has to offer, made the ultimate sacrifice, to save us from certain doom. Because of His sacrifice, we never have to feel even the slightest chill from the corridors of death. In all integrity, from that point on, the true spirit of gratitude owes itself to the Savior who saved us from certain death, and this debt is stronger than a sworn oath.
May we always remember the inherent promise we made, to the One who gave His life so we could have one; to the One who received death so we would get none. To the One who forsook the comfort of His own home in Heaven to roam the dusty roads of Palestine, and die as a common criminal. To the Lamb of God of God, who takes away on His cross the sin of the world, even ours, so that someday, we receive a heavenly mansion with Him, in His country, even New Jerusalem. (John 14:2; Revelations:21 and 22).
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
THY WORD, MY LIGHT
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Who would venture out on a dark road without a light to guide the way? Who would dare cross the forest by night without knowledge of its pitfalls, marshes and ponds? And what of this world we walk in? Can we say that it is lit? Can we presume to travel this world, venture on its roads, traverse its forests without light and knowledge, and not eventually fall into pits or ravines? It is a fact that after a little while, our eyes actually get used to darkness, and seem to ‘see’. While it may feel safe, may God forbid that my eyes feel comfortable with anything but the purity of the His holy light.
Today, not tomorrow but today, let me get a hold of His blessed Word. Let it guide me by the pure light of its divine principles. Let it shine so bright on my path that it will uncover the pits covered with deceiving boughs; that it may show the seemingly innocent marshes, that it exposes the emulations hat lead to perdition.
And yet more, that its heat may burn the excuses that steal Holy conviction from my heart; that it may melt the distractions that delay obedience; that it may deny my heart the comfort of false ignorance.
Whatever I say, hear, see, think, decide, presume, propose, teach, learn, write, erase, counsel, prophecy, sing, pray, that I may bring it close, oh so close, to the light of God’s Word. That it may be fully examined like the Passover Lamb of old, before knocking the gavel of approval, the final verdict of my soul.
1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Who would venture out on a dark road without a light to guide the way? Who would dare cross the forest by night without knowledge of its pitfalls, marshes and ponds? And what of this world we walk in? Can we say that it is lit? Can we presume to travel this world, venture on its roads, traverse its forests without light and knowledge, and not eventually fall into pits or ravines? It is a fact that after a little while, our eyes actually get used to darkness, and seem to ‘see’. While it may feel safe, may God forbid that my eyes feel comfortable with anything but the purity of the His holy light.
Today, not tomorrow but today, let me get a hold of His blessed Word. Let it guide me by the pure light of its divine principles. Let it shine so bright on my path that it will uncover the pits covered with deceiving boughs; that it may show the seemingly innocent marshes, that it exposes the emulations hat lead to perdition.
And yet more, that its heat may burn the excuses that steal Holy conviction from my heart; that it may melt the distractions that delay obedience; that it may deny my heart the comfort of false ignorance.
Whatever I say, hear, see, think, decide, presume, propose, teach, learn, write, erase, counsel, prophecy, sing, pray, that I may bring it close, oh so close, to the light of God’s Word. That it may be fully examined like the Passover Lamb of old, before knocking the gavel of approval, the final verdict of my soul.
1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
LOVE THE TRUTH; HATE THE LIE.
Psalms 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
When we truly get understanding of the true doctrine of God, there are no compromises possible for us. We cannot tolerate anymore the adulterations and emulations that cheapen it. Our soul has seen he true God of Israel; it has been illuminated by the true Light and no proud pretense will ever be able to claim to take its place in our heart. Our spirit will forever be at war and opposition against those who try to imitate it, and will have the uncanny ability to find hidden lies, even under a good coat of truth. Rat poison is made up of 99% food, and only 1% poison; that 1% is all it takes to kill the rat. The strong light of God’s truth that provides us with a holy hatred of falsities, will help us find lies in the myriads of words and pictures of this modern world that vie for our loyalties, even the 1%.
These distractions make it sometimes hard for today’s child of God to stay true to the truth. We have to constantly fight to stay on the track of God’s word, and we incurs other’s wrath when we mentions truth as given in the Word of God. Remember, the apostle Paul warned us and said, “a little leaven (false doctrine) leaveneth the whole lump”. Do you have “hatred of every false way?”
The Bible tells us that times will not get better, but rather worse. That is why it is vital for us to personally stay in touch with God’s Words, interpreted in our hearts by His Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17,26). This is the only way we have to be able to stay on track of God’s truth, and that will help us identify the “man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) when he comes.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.
When we truly get understanding of the true doctrine of God, there are no compromises possible for us. We cannot tolerate anymore the adulterations and emulations that cheapen it. Our soul has seen he true God of Israel; it has been illuminated by the true Light and no proud pretense will ever be able to claim to take its place in our heart. Our spirit will forever be at war and opposition against those who try to imitate it, and will have the uncanny ability to find hidden lies, even under a good coat of truth. Rat poison is made up of 99% food, and only 1% poison; that 1% is all it takes to kill the rat. The strong light of God’s truth that provides us with a holy hatred of falsities, will help us find lies in the myriads of words and pictures of this modern world that vie for our loyalties, even the 1%.
These distractions make it sometimes hard for today’s child of God to stay true to the truth. We have to constantly fight to stay on the track of God’s word, and we incurs other’s wrath when we mentions truth as given in the Word of God. Remember, the apostle Paul warned us and said, “a little leaven (false doctrine) leaveneth the whole lump”. Do you have “hatred of every false way?”
The Bible tells us that times will not get better, but rather worse. That is why it is vital for us to personally stay in touch with God’s Words, interpreted in our hearts by His Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17,26). This is the only way we have to be able to stay on track of God’s truth, and that will help us identify the “man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) when he comes.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
BITTERSWEET WORD
Psalms 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
The Word is varied. Some of the Word consists of promises and encouragement; some of the Word consist of corrections and warnings. Some parts of the Word are doctrinal, and yet other part parts of it are threatening. Are they all sweet?
Certainly, the Word of promise and of encouragement is sweet, but what about the Word of warning, threatening and of correction?
I was talking with a young man today to whom I had to point out certain things in his life. He had a hard not taking offense at what I was saying to him, so the words that were supposed to be a blessing and an edification; “sweetness” to him, these words became a negative experience. I had to tell him that it was his choice; that it was up to his spiritual maturity to take good advice as a blessing, a tool for growth, or to chafe against it, in which case, the same word becomes to him more like bitter herbs than sweetness.
May God teach us to receive His Words, all of His Words as sweetness to our soul. The Word of encouragement for edification; the Word of warning for safety; the Word of threatening as the rod of a loving father, and the Word of doctrine as the teachings of a faithful mother. May we, by the receiving of His Word in an honest and sincere heart truly live in the land of “milk and honey” (Ex 3:8; 1 Pet 2:2).
(Romans 15:4) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
The Word is varied. Some of the Word consists of promises and encouragement; some of the Word consist of corrections and warnings. Some parts of the Word are doctrinal, and yet other part parts of it are threatening. Are they all sweet?
Certainly, the Word of promise and of encouragement is sweet, but what about the Word of warning, threatening and of correction?
I was talking with a young man today to whom I had to point out certain things in his life. He had a hard not taking offense at what I was saying to him, so the words that were supposed to be a blessing and an edification; “sweetness” to him, these words became a negative experience. I had to tell him that it was his choice; that it was up to his spiritual maturity to take good advice as a blessing, a tool for growth, or to chafe against it, in which case, the same word becomes to him more like bitter herbs than sweetness.
May God teach us to receive His Words, all of His Words as sweetness to our soul. The Word of encouragement for edification; the Word of warning for safety; the Word of threatening as the rod of a loving father, and the Word of doctrine as the teachings of a faithful mother. May we, by the receiving of His Word in an honest and sincere heart truly live in the land of “milk and honey” (Ex 3:8; 1 Pet 2:2).
(Romans 15:4) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
BELIEVER OR PHILOSOPHER?
Psalms 119:100-102 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (101) I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. (102) I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
This is the difference between a philosopher and a believer. The philosopher, from his lofty uncommitted all-seeing vantage point, acknowledges with his words the goodness and even advantages in certain virtues. The believer, humbly get down and without a word shows what he believes by the example of his lifestyle. The philosopher talk, the believer acts.
An important man was asked one day who he felt was the philosopher that influenced his life the most. Without hesitations this important politician said, “Christ, because He changed my life!” I can see virtue in wanting to acknowledge God in his life but was Christ a ‘philosopher?’ No. Jesus-Christ did not place the virtues of godliness on a pedestal to merely describe them for us. He was the very essence of the action; He was the heart of the ‘verb’ (alternate translation for “Word” in John 1); the full action in the being, the “I AM”.
One who keeps God’s “precepts” doesn’t just study and meditate on them. He doesn’t just acknowledge their wisdom and beauty while living a life estranged to them. One who keeps God’s precepts honors them; he applies their teachings to his life; he restrains his feet from the “evil way”, and he departs not from “judgment”.
Do we appreciate the virtues of God’s Word only exteriorly, in show, or are they part of our, dictating our every move? We need to decide today what we are going to be: a philosopher or a believer; a disciple or a friend.
James 2:14-21,26 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21)…(26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
This is the difference between a philosopher and a believer. The philosopher, from his lofty uncommitted all-seeing vantage point, acknowledges with his words the goodness and even advantages in certain virtues. The believer, humbly get down and without a word shows what he believes by the example of his lifestyle. The philosopher talk, the believer acts.
An important man was asked one day who he felt was the philosopher that influenced his life the most. Without hesitations this important politician said, “Christ, because He changed my life!” I can see virtue in wanting to acknowledge God in his life but was Christ a ‘philosopher?’ No. Jesus-Christ did not place the virtues of godliness on a pedestal to merely describe them for us. He was the very essence of the action; He was the heart of the ‘verb’ (alternate translation for “Word” in John 1); the full action in the being, the “I AM”.
One who keeps God’s “precepts” doesn’t just study and meditate on them. He doesn’t just acknowledge their wisdom and beauty while living a life estranged to them. One who keeps God’s precepts honors them; he applies their teachings to his life; he restrains his feet from the “evil way”, and he departs not from “judgment”.
Do we appreciate the virtues of God’s Word only exteriorly, in show, or are they part of our, dictating our every move? We need to decide today what we are going to be: a philosopher or a believer; a disciple or a friend.
James 2:14-21,26 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21)…(26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
ETERNAL DIVIDENDS
Psalms 119:97-99 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. (98) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
It has come to my attention that we live in a very strange world. Whereas machines are supposed to make our lives slower and easier, we now live a more complicated life at a pace much faster that God ever intended for us to. The irony of it is that in spite of all this mechanical help, we have less time for the important things of life than we used to. We seem to not have time for anything at all anymore, and certainly not for the type of meditation on God’s Word that make a man wise, and the results are evident in all the foolish decisions made by so many of us at all levels of society.
We live in an “instant-gratification-and-without-cost” society. We want to lose weight without dieting; fitness without exercising; wealth without working; intelligence without learning and cleanliness without scrubbing. And even more, we want humility without humiliation; to be loving not having broken; to reign not having suffered; to be patient in lack of experience; and we want to be wise without having to go through the testings of integrity that a life meditating on God’s Word offers.
This is not the way God made it. It takes time to learn, grow and mature. It takes a faithful “day and night” investment in the meditation of God’s Word to obtain a return in godly wisdom. Time invested in the faithful meditation of God’s Word returns dividends more eternal than that invested in worldly ‘stocks’.
How much is gaining wisdom from God worth for us? If it were priced, how much would we be willing to pay for it? If it were marketed, how much of our time would we invest to get the dividends of His wisdom? I have heard of people who believed it was worth all that they owned.
Matthew 13:44-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
It has come to my attention that we live in a very strange world. Whereas machines are supposed to make our lives slower and easier, we now live a more complicated life at a pace much faster that God ever intended for us to. The irony of it is that in spite of all this mechanical help, we have less time for the important things of life than we used to. We seem to not have time for anything at all anymore, and certainly not for the type of meditation on God’s Word that make a man wise, and the results are evident in all the foolish decisions made by so many of us at all levels of society.
We live in an “instant-gratification-and-without-cost” society. We want to lose weight without dieting; fitness without exercising; wealth without working; intelligence without learning and cleanliness without scrubbing. And even more, we want humility without humiliation; to be loving not having broken; to reign not having suffered; to be patient in lack of experience; and we want to be wise without having to go through the testings of integrity that a life meditating on God’s Word offers.
This is not the way God made it. It takes time to learn, grow and mature. It takes a faithful “day and night” investment in the meditation of God’s Word to obtain a return in godly wisdom. Time invested in the faithful meditation of God’s Word returns dividends more eternal than that invested in worldly ‘stocks’.
How much is gaining wisdom from God worth for us? If it were priced, how much would we be willing to pay for it? If it were marketed, how much of our time would we invest to get the dividends of His wisdom? I have heard of people who believed it was worth all that they owned.
Matthew 13:44-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
PERFECTION FROM THE PERFECT GOD
March 23
Psalms 119:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
These are the words of a man who has lived a long and rich life. Only the young, the immature, the foolish and the blind of spirit and heart can believe in human perfection without God. Answer me the question if you can. Where in this world can we find perfect love, perfect friendship, perfect peace, perfect unity, perfect freedom, perfect faith, perfect beauty, perfect philosophy, perfect life, perfect death and perfect government? Anyone who claims the title of perfection, let it come before the impartial scrutiny of the eyes of the Truth of God. Let each be interrogated by virtue and integrity; be tested by the corrupting fires of selfishness and pride. Believe me my friend, like the morning mist of a Fall’s morning in the countryside, they will vanish and be no more. The smoke screen of their pretentious beauty will dry up and leave behind the naked truth of their corrupt state.
Call me cynical? Voltaire would cringe at the statement. Is it wrong to equate perfection solely with the God of Lights, with the Perfect Father*, truth in itself?
Oh weak, imperfect and searching man wherever and whoever we are, will when will we yield to the Perfect light of the Perfect truth? When will we enjoy the perfect beauty of the perfect Creator; live a perfect life in the perfect lace; die a perfect death, for a perfect resurrection? When we have perfect rust in the perfect Word of the perfect God
James 4:14 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.
*Father: From the latin: pater, from the word “pattern”, as in “the model to follow”
Psalms 119:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
These are the words of a man who has lived a long and rich life. Only the young, the immature, the foolish and the blind of spirit and heart can believe in human perfection without God. Answer me the question if you can. Where in this world can we find perfect love, perfect friendship, perfect peace, perfect unity, perfect freedom, perfect faith, perfect beauty, perfect philosophy, perfect life, perfect death and perfect government? Anyone who claims the title of perfection, let it come before the impartial scrutiny of the eyes of the Truth of God. Let each be interrogated by virtue and integrity; be tested by the corrupting fires of selfishness and pride. Believe me my friend, like the morning mist of a Fall’s morning in the countryside, they will vanish and be no more. The smoke screen of their pretentious beauty will dry up and leave behind the naked truth of their corrupt state.
Call me cynical? Voltaire would cringe at the statement. Is it wrong to equate perfection solely with the God of Lights, with the Perfect Father*, truth in itself?
Oh weak, imperfect and searching man wherever and whoever we are, will when will we yield to the Perfect light of the Perfect truth? When will we enjoy the perfect beauty of the perfect Creator; live a perfect life in the perfect lace; die a perfect death, for a perfect resurrection? When we have perfect rust in the perfect Word of the perfect God
James 4:14 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.
*Father: From the latin: pater, from the word “pattern”, as in “the model to follow”
WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO
Psalms 119:95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
How it must grieve the heart of God when we give heed to the intimidating speeches of the enemy. Here is an example of someone who didn’t. God moved the heart of Artaxerxes the Persian king, to allow Nehemiah to go rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah had with him letters from the king concerning his assignment, protection and provision vouchers. But when he arrived in Jerusalem those who wished for the failure of this endeavor challenged Nehemiah and said, What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king (Nehemiah 2:19)? How arrogant can the devil be? He always challenges the commandment of the Lord.
When the will of the Lord has been settled and established, who is anyone, in heaven or earth to dare challenge that it will come to past?
What if, at 86 years old, childless, and married to a barren 85-year-old wife, the Lord promised you a biological posterity as numerous as the stars of the sky and as the sand of the sea; would you believe Him? What if at 100 years old your 99 year old wife delivered a child that you were asked to sacrifice 25 years later, would you still believe that He could fulfill His promise? What if he would ask you to take a whole nation to cross the desert, would you believe that He could supply food and water for the journey? What if you had put all your hopes on the Messiah that your eyes have seen, only to see Him crucified and seemingly conquered by the world, would you still believe that He who was promised is able to fulfill His promises? What if He would ask you to roll away the stone in front of a dead stinking man who has been in the grave for four days, would you do it believing that He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:39)?
Whenever we have set ourselves to obey God’s will, to act on His Word of promise, all hell breaks lose as the wicked waits for you to destroy us. It is now time to blindly consider His testimonies even if they seem insane to all around us. It is time to put feet to our faith even if it seems irrational in the eyes of others. If you are to go to the mission filed, I say, if God shows you to go to the mission field, quit your job, pack you suitcase and go wait in the airport knowing that God will meet you there with the money and the flight. If God shows you to build a school and you don’t have the means to do it, advertise and enroll students with the assurance that God somehow will find a way to honor your unwavering faith in Him.
Jonas 2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
How it must grieve the heart of God when we give heed to the intimidating speeches of the enemy. Here is an example of someone who didn’t. God moved the heart of Artaxerxes the Persian king, to allow Nehemiah to go rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah had with him letters from the king concerning his assignment, protection and provision vouchers. But when he arrived in Jerusalem those who wished for the failure of this endeavor challenged Nehemiah and said, What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king (Nehemiah 2:19)? How arrogant can the devil be? He always challenges the commandment of the Lord.
When the will of the Lord has been settled and established, who is anyone, in heaven or earth to dare challenge that it will come to past?
What if, at 86 years old, childless, and married to a barren 85-year-old wife, the Lord promised you a biological posterity as numerous as the stars of the sky and as the sand of the sea; would you believe Him? What if at 100 years old your 99 year old wife delivered a child that you were asked to sacrifice 25 years later, would you still believe that He could fulfill His promise? What if he would ask you to take a whole nation to cross the desert, would you believe that He could supply food and water for the journey? What if you had put all your hopes on the Messiah that your eyes have seen, only to see Him crucified and seemingly conquered by the world, would you still believe that He who was promised is able to fulfill His promises? What if He would ask you to roll away the stone in front of a dead stinking man who has been in the grave for four days, would you do it believing that He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:39)?
Whenever we have set ourselves to obey God’s will, to act on His Word of promise, all hell breaks lose as the wicked waits for you to destroy us. It is now time to blindly consider His testimonies even if they seem insane to all around us. It is time to put feet to our faith even if it seems irrational in the eyes of others. If you are to go to the mission filed, I say, if God shows you to go to the mission field, quit your job, pack you suitcase and go wait in the airport knowing that God will meet you there with the money and the flight. If God shows you to build a school and you don’t have the means to do it, advertise and enroll students with the assurance that God somehow will find a way to honor your unwavering faith in Him.
Jonas 2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
ARE YOU FULLY HIS?
Psalms 119:94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
In 2005 my wife and I are adopting a teenage foster daughter. We wanted to shower her with our love and attention, and with no regards of her already late age and different biological descent, we wanted to treat her just as we have our other children in the past. Along with being a teenager in the twenty-first century, this young girl had had to bite the raw and bitter end of a difficult life for many years, which all contributed in creating an independent, willful, untrusting and cynical person, at times difficult to work with.
One night we had a discussion about trust and privileges. I asked her how she could expect me to bless her with my trust in her, when she didn’t bless me with her trust in me and my parental guidance. We were talking about certain entertainment activities. I told her that we adopted her as a daughter, but I asked if she adopted us as parents.
How much like our relationship with the Lord at times. We indignantly accuse Him of being an unfaithful ‘parent’ when all the while our adoption is one-sided; He gives us all of His heart, has already paid a high price for our adoption, and we, in our stubborn human nature, take in the blessing of adoption praying “Our Father” and continue living in our own independent ways.
At one point she said, “You have adopted me in your heart; I am your daughter now; you care for me, and I guess I am going to have to learn to trust this new world where people care for me.” In a case of a parental relationship, the child is expected to trust parents about very personal things--these include free-time activities, friends, clothing, lifestyles, and goals. Can God expect our trust in Him for the same things, and in the same way that we expect our teenagers to trust us? Do we say to God, “I am yours and I’m going to learn to trust your judgment about every facet of my life” in the same way that we expect it of our teenagers?
Have we consecrated ourself to Him and Him only, so we can in earnest full confidence claim His protection? Next time we are desperate and we need His help, let us ask ourselves if we can sincerely and earnestly tell the Lord, “I am thine, save me?”
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
In 2005 my wife and I are adopting a teenage foster daughter. We wanted to shower her with our love and attention, and with no regards of her already late age and different biological descent, we wanted to treat her just as we have our other children in the past. Along with being a teenager in the twenty-first century, this young girl had had to bite the raw and bitter end of a difficult life for many years, which all contributed in creating an independent, willful, untrusting and cynical person, at times difficult to work with.
One night we had a discussion about trust and privileges. I asked her how she could expect me to bless her with my trust in her, when she didn’t bless me with her trust in me and my parental guidance. We were talking about certain entertainment activities. I told her that we adopted her as a daughter, but I asked if she adopted us as parents.
How much like our relationship with the Lord at times. We indignantly accuse Him of being an unfaithful ‘parent’ when all the while our adoption is one-sided; He gives us all of His heart, has already paid a high price for our adoption, and we, in our stubborn human nature, take in the blessing of adoption praying “Our Father” and continue living in our own independent ways.
At one point she said, “You have adopted me in your heart; I am your daughter now; you care for me, and I guess I am going to have to learn to trust this new world where people care for me.” In a case of a parental relationship, the child is expected to trust parents about very personal things--these include free-time activities, friends, clothing, lifestyles, and goals. Can God expect our trust in Him for the same things, and in the same way that we expect our teenagers to trust us? Do we say to God, “I am yours and I’m going to learn to trust your judgment about every facet of my life” in the same way that we expect it of our teenagers?
Have we consecrated ourself to Him and Him only, so we can in earnest full confidence claim His protection? Next time we are desperate and we need His help, let us ask ourselves if we can sincerely and earnestly tell the Lord, “I am thine, save me?”
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
FAITH AND EXPERIENCE
Psalms 119:93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
In any trade apprenticeship, we can learn lessons, memorize facts and repeat elements of theory without even grasping the concepts of the teaching. The final element needed for these to become an unforgettable part of our consciousness is the practical experience.
The Words and precepts of our Lord can be read, memorized, studied, theorized, but they can also be eventually forgotten. If they are not written in our hearts with the golden pen of experience (Romans 5:3,4), engraved on our memory with the stylus of trial producing experience, These will remain words without works, clouds without rain (James 2;26; Jude 1:12). What a blessing it is to have been dead, and hear the Lord say, Come forth (John 11:43) or Khumi (Mark 5:41). These experiences, these witnesses of the grace and love of God for us can never go away, whatever man may try to do or say to us.
Except for John and Judas, each one of Jesus’ disciples died a martyr’s death. But up until the time of the resurrection, they were weak. They fled the Garden of Gethsemane in fear and Peter even denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:25). What changed them? What made them become the fearless evangelists that conquered the known world of the day? What gave them the conviction to all of a sudden be able to live and die for their message? Witnessing the resurrection. They personally experienced seeing the resurrection of Jesus. Not only had they seen him, seen the holes in His hands and feet, seen the gash in his side, but they also talked and ate with Him while He personally taught them His Words from the Old Testament. This caused the Old Words of the books, the old teachings to come alive in their hearts; an experience that could never be forgotten, much less denied.
May the Word always be an unforgettable experience in our hearts that will cause us to tell all we meet of the life-giving ways of Jesus in the first person, as a first-hand witnesses.
1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
In any trade apprenticeship, we can learn lessons, memorize facts and repeat elements of theory without even grasping the concepts of the teaching. The final element needed for these to become an unforgettable part of our consciousness is the practical experience.
The Words and precepts of our Lord can be read, memorized, studied, theorized, but they can also be eventually forgotten. If they are not written in our hearts with the golden pen of experience (Romans 5:3,4), engraved on our memory with the stylus of trial producing experience, These will remain words without works, clouds without rain (James 2;26; Jude 1:12). What a blessing it is to have been dead, and hear the Lord say, Come forth (John 11:43) or Khumi (Mark 5:41). These experiences, these witnesses of the grace and love of God for us can never go away, whatever man may try to do or say to us.
Except for John and Judas, each one of Jesus’ disciples died a martyr’s death. But up until the time of the resurrection, they were weak. They fled the Garden of Gethsemane in fear and Peter even denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:25). What changed them? What made them become the fearless evangelists that conquered the known world of the day? What gave them the conviction to all of a sudden be able to live and die for their message? Witnessing the resurrection. They personally experienced seeing the resurrection of Jesus. Not only had they seen him, seen the holes in His hands and feet, seen the gash in his side, but they also talked and ate with Him while He personally taught them His Words from the Old Testament. This caused the Old Words of the books, the old teachings to come alive in their hearts; an experience that could never be forgotten, much less denied.
May the Word always be an unforgettable experience in our hearts that will cause us to tell all we meet of the life-giving ways of Jesus in the first person, as a first-hand witnesses.
1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Monday, March 19, 2007
LOOK UP, NOT DOWN
Psalms 119:92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
How much better it is to look to God, to see him in all things. He has established the principles of life, death and resurrection in the heavens as a reminder to us of His great love and care, so why worry? If we do not look at God’s plan for us in His word, it becomes so easy to drown in the sea of cares that is our given-lot on this earth.
A burden so heavy, it threatens to bury me.
An affliction so terrible, it blinds me from amazing grace.
An oppression so dark, I cannot see the end.
All I need is to look up, and bathe in His gentle face.
They will all go, they will all flee.
The oppressor cannot stand a chance.
But with my God, yea with my King
I am back in the heavenly dance.
Oh my friend, let’s turn our head from the problems, from the troublesome reality.
Let’s rather look to His Word, it is oh, so heavenly.
Let’s find in it peace, joy and life, it’s all free.
And we will not perish with those who would rather pay the fee.
Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
How much better it is to look to God, to see him in all things. He has established the principles of life, death and resurrection in the heavens as a reminder to us of His great love and care, so why worry? If we do not look at God’s plan for us in His word, it becomes so easy to drown in the sea of cares that is our given-lot on this earth.
A burden so heavy, it threatens to bury me.
An affliction so terrible, it blinds me from amazing grace.
An oppression so dark, I cannot see the end.
All I need is to look up, and bathe in His gentle face.
They will all go, they will all flee.
The oppressor cannot stand a chance.
But with my God, yea with my King
I am back in the heavenly dance.
Oh my friend, let’s turn our head from the problems, from the troublesome reality.
Let’s rather look to His Word, it is oh, so heavenly.
Let’s find in it peace, joy and life, it’s all free.
And we will not perish with those who would rather pay the fee.
Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
HIS WORDS IN THE HEAVENS
Psalms 119:90-91 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. (91) They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
How can anyone deny the influence of God on the world of man? Whether we like it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not, whether we want it or not, we are forever bound by the laws that God has created.
We can try to prove our greatness and invent all kinds of ways to mount up to the skies, but in our inventing, we still have to submit to His law of gravity. We can modify our calendars and our methods of counting days, months and years, but we cannot change one bit the motions of the sun, moon, and stars. .
Even so, the Word of God is written in His creation and man cannot change any of it. Nations and cultures regulate their lives through them. Crops are dependant on God-given rain and sun, on the developing of the seasons. Women also cannot escape the monthly cycle of life.
Antichrist leaders and governments can attempt to destroy all the Bibles as well as every record of God’s ordinances. They can kill every man on earth who would dare to proclaim this invariable truth. They live their lives in the cities’ man made environment, and deny their eyes the wonders of the unmovable creation of God. Still, whether we like it or not, God’s Word stands we remain subject to the environment that God has created for us to live in until we acknowledges Him Lord and God of all (Romans 14:11).
Psalms 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (2) Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (3) There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (4) Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (5) Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. (6) His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
How can anyone deny the influence of God on the world of man? Whether we like it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not, whether we want it or not, we are forever bound by the laws that God has created.
We can try to prove our greatness and invent all kinds of ways to mount up to the skies, but in our inventing, we still have to submit to His law of gravity. We can modify our calendars and our methods of counting days, months and years, but we cannot change one bit the motions of the sun, moon, and stars. .
Even so, the Word of God is written in His creation and man cannot change any of it. Nations and cultures regulate their lives through them. Crops are dependant on God-given rain and sun, on the developing of the seasons. Women also cannot escape the monthly cycle of life.
Antichrist leaders and governments can attempt to destroy all the Bibles as well as every record of God’s ordinances. They can kill every man on earth who would dare to proclaim this invariable truth. They live their lives in the cities’ man made environment, and deny their eyes the wonders of the unmovable creation of God. Still, whether we like it or not, God’s Word stands we remain subject to the environment that God has created for us to live in until we acknowledges Him Lord and God of all (Romans 14:11).
Psalms 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (2) Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (3) There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (4) Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (5) Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. (6) His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
THE WORD IN THE HEAVENLIES
Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
The words of man come and go through the doors of time un-established. The wisdom of man fails to provide for the needs of our soul. How foolish it is for man whose breath is in nostrils (Isaiah 2:22) to try to lead his own way into the righteousness of God. He is like a dog who, denying his master’s guidance into unfamiliar territory, holds his own leash in his mouth.
The way to God has been established forever in the heavenlies. It has been established in a way that none can change it. They can temper with the written Word; they can comment on it to take away its “salt”; but they can never, oh no never temper with the Word that is written in the Heavenlies.
Moses instructed the people according to what he saw in a Heavenly vision (Exodus 25:9,40). Daniel was taken, in both visions and dreams, to the Heavenlies where he was shown the pre-determined future of the world (Daniel 7:1;8:1;10:5). Abraham, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the revelator, as well as many others saw the living Word of God in the heavenlies..
From the beginning God wrote the redemptive story of the world in the celestial scrolls of the stars. He did it so that man would know that his redemption was nigh, coming from Him (Genesis 1:14; Is 46:10; Psalms 19:1-6), and none can temper with that.
When we feel our earthly feet in the muddy quicksand of an uncertain humanity, we can just look up. Yes we can look up and see the unmovable, the unchangeable, the unshakable celestial realm of God. The place where man has never been but is the sole habitation of God. The place where man cannot change parameters, but would destroy his own self. We can look up and remember that His Words and promises to us are as un-temperable as what we see in the sky. Oh yes, they can temper with the meanings and of His Words, but never with the Word Itself, and praise God for that.
Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: For a good read on the Word established in the heavenlies: The Witness of the Stars, by E.W.Bullinger.
The words of man come and go through the doors of time un-established. The wisdom of man fails to provide for the needs of our soul. How foolish it is for man whose breath is in nostrils (Isaiah 2:22) to try to lead his own way into the righteousness of God. He is like a dog who, denying his master’s guidance into unfamiliar territory, holds his own leash in his mouth.
The way to God has been established forever in the heavenlies. It has been established in a way that none can change it. They can temper with the written Word; they can comment on it to take away its “salt”; but they can never, oh no never temper with the Word that is written in the Heavenlies.
Moses instructed the people according to what he saw in a Heavenly vision (Exodus 25:9,40). Daniel was taken, in both visions and dreams, to the Heavenlies where he was shown the pre-determined future of the world (Daniel 7:1;8:1;10:5). Abraham, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the revelator, as well as many others saw the living Word of God in the heavenlies..
From the beginning God wrote the redemptive story of the world in the celestial scrolls of the stars. He did it so that man would know that his redemption was nigh, coming from Him (Genesis 1:14; Is 46:10; Psalms 19:1-6), and none can temper with that.
When we feel our earthly feet in the muddy quicksand of an uncertain humanity, we can just look up. Yes we can look up and see the unmovable, the unchangeable, the unshakable celestial realm of God. The place where man has never been but is the sole habitation of God. The place where man cannot change parameters, but would destroy his own self. We can look up and remember that His Words and promises to us are as un-temperable as what we see in the sky. Oh yes, they can temper with the meanings and of His Words, but never with the Word Itself, and praise God for that.
Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: For a good read on the Word established in the heavenlies: The Witness of the Stars, by E.W.Bullinger.
JESUS, THE QUICKENER OF OUR FAITH
Psalms 119:88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
As of verse 81, this psalm follows a litany where the author seems at wit’s end, even dying. To read this as pure poetic language would wrong his intent to describe a condition.
The only way for us to be able to withstand and keep the faith to such an extent of suffering without cursing God (Job 2:9), is to claim on His lovingkindness to grant us more life. Life is hard for many of us. We wish things were different. We yearn that this sickness, which affects our lives in ways we didn’t plan, would just disappear and go away. We wonder why our finances are not steadier, or even more abundant. We complain that we never have the time we want to indulge in a certain hobby or study. We grow in to mid-life and we realize the many mistakes with our children and we blame ourselves for the results. We feel that life passed us denying us the dreams our youth dared to dream; that it’s all here to stay, and there is nothing we can do about it. Thus, we are lead to bitterness, discontentment and subconsciously, to a loss of faith.
I have known many who have let the difficulties of life eat away at their faith in spite of God’s absolute love for them. I notice it because it happened to me. During my regular prayer time one morning in 1992, it dawned on me that I had let a 16 year old battle with asthma slowly but surely rob me of my belief that God loved me as much as anyone else. I realized that the end of that road was in the statement Job’s wife gave to him: Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. This realization led me to a desperate prayer of repentance, examining the motive of my faith in my Lord and King.
The only way to keep safe from this cunning device of the enemy is to, with a sincere and honest heart, ask God to, in his lovingkindness, give us the life and strength without which we are not even able to keep the commandments of His mouth.
Let us not allow the enemy to use the daily disappointments of life to rob us from the faith Jesus has purchased for us at such a high price. Let us hang on to it whether we understand or not, see or not, feel or not, believe or not, receive or not.
Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
As of verse 81, this psalm follows a litany where the author seems at wit’s end, even dying. To read this as pure poetic language would wrong his intent to describe a condition.
The only way for us to be able to withstand and keep the faith to such an extent of suffering without cursing God (Job 2:9), is to claim on His lovingkindness to grant us more life. Life is hard for many of us. We wish things were different. We yearn that this sickness, which affects our lives in ways we didn’t plan, would just disappear and go away. We wonder why our finances are not steadier, or even more abundant. We complain that we never have the time we want to indulge in a certain hobby or study. We grow in to mid-life and we realize the many mistakes with our children and we blame ourselves for the results. We feel that life passed us denying us the dreams our youth dared to dream; that it’s all here to stay, and there is nothing we can do about it. Thus, we are lead to bitterness, discontentment and subconsciously, to a loss of faith.
I have known many who have let the difficulties of life eat away at their faith in spite of God’s absolute love for them. I notice it because it happened to me. During my regular prayer time one morning in 1992, it dawned on me that I had let a 16 year old battle with asthma slowly but surely rob me of my belief that God loved me as much as anyone else. I realized that the end of that road was in the statement Job’s wife gave to him: Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. This realization led me to a desperate prayer of repentance, examining the motive of my faith in my Lord and King.
The only way to keep safe from this cunning device of the enemy is to, with a sincere and honest heart, ask God to, in his lovingkindness, give us the life and strength without which we are not even able to keep the commandments of His mouth.
Let us not allow the enemy to use the daily disappointments of life to rob us from the faith Jesus has purchased for us at such a high price. Let us hang on to it whether we understand or not, see or not, feel or not, believe or not, receive or not.
Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
JESUS, THE PRICE
Psalms 119:87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
Jesus is better to us than He was to Himself when He was on earth. Even in extreme human suffering, He always makes a way for us to ‘escape’ that we may be able to bear it (I Corinthians 10:13).
Christian martyrs had that supernatural way of ‘escape’. When Polycarp was being burned at the stake, the flames surrounded him in glory. When young and frail Blandina was ready to die under Roman torture, she encouraged her brethren not to lose faith. Under excruciating torture and death, Christians were smiling and still able to comfort others. As he was grossly and falsely accused, gnashed upon and stoned by his enemies, Stephen was comforted by a vision of His Lord in His glory (Acts 7:55-60).
Jesus on the other hand had to pay the full price in order to fully atone for the sin of mankind. He had to pray the full price because He was the full price. He had to die the lonely God-forsaken death of the sinner, crying and searching for a God that seemed to have forsaken Him (Matthew 27:46).
To not “forsake” His precepts is a way of life. If we easily abandon the instruction of the Lord in these days of small trials and tribulations, what makes us think that in the day when believing in God will incur the curse of the world upon us—even to the denying us our daily necessities— we will be able to keep the faith and not deny Him?
Oh LORD; only your supernatural grace can help us to see you when all is dark; hear you ‘midst hellish shouts; feel you though you seem far; gain you though all seems lost.
Hebrews 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; (25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Jesus is better to us than He was to Himself when He was on earth. Even in extreme human suffering, He always makes a way for us to ‘escape’ that we may be able to bear it (I Corinthians 10:13).
Christian martyrs had that supernatural way of ‘escape’. When Polycarp was being burned at the stake, the flames surrounded him in glory. When young and frail Blandina was ready to die under Roman torture, she encouraged her brethren not to lose faith. Under excruciating torture and death, Christians were smiling and still able to comfort others. As he was grossly and falsely accused, gnashed upon and stoned by his enemies, Stephen was comforted by a vision of His Lord in His glory (Acts 7:55-60).
Jesus on the other hand had to pay the full price in order to fully atone for the sin of mankind. He had to pray the full price because He was the full price. He had to die the lonely God-forsaken death of the sinner, crying and searching for a God that seemed to have forsaken Him (Matthew 27:46).
To not “forsake” His precepts is a way of life. If we easily abandon the instruction of the Lord in these days of small trials and tribulations, what makes us think that in the day when believing in God will incur the curse of the world upon us—even to the denying us our daily necessities— we will be able to keep the faith and not deny Him?
Oh LORD; only your supernatural grace can help us to see you when all is dark; hear you ‘midst hellish shouts; feel you though you seem far; gain you though all seems lost.
Hebrews 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; (25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
I WILL TRUST. . .
March 14
Psalms 119:86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
Often following God’s will and God’s Word leads to receiving harassments, from friends, persecutions from authorities, or even just to bad blood between relatives. When these things continue for a long time and seem to have no resolve, we are then tempted to wonder if God is really with us, helping us and protecting us as He should. Sad to say, there are even cases when people end up blaming God for the troubles that are caused by devil inspired men.
But now I will say:
In spite of the lion’s teeth, you are faithful;
In spite of the calumny, you are faithful;
In spite of the lying tongue, you are faithful;
In spite of the penury, you are faithful.
In spite of the heavy load, you are faithful;
In spite of the injury, you are faithful;
In spite of the poor abode, you are faithful;
In spite of the devil’s glee, you are faithful.
I am so confident of God’s love and purpose for our lives, that I am persuaded that whatever He does, and/or allows to happen to us, is for a good purpose, designed for our eventual good, and for the fulfilling of His perfect will.
May God help us to understand the roads He takes us through and all its bad weather, pot holes, flat tires, dangerous curves, blind bends, and careless drivers with the eyes and understanding of His spirit.
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.
Psalms 119:86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
Often following God’s will and God’s Word leads to receiving harassments, from friends, persecutions from authorities, or even just to bad blood between relatives. When these things continue for a long time and seem to have no resolve, we are then tempted to wonder if God is really with us, helping us and protecting us as He should. Sad to say, there are even cases when people end up blaming God for the troubles that are caused by devil inspired men.
But now I will say:
In spite of the lion’s teeth, you are faithful;
In spite of the calumny, you are faithful;
In spite of the lying tongue, you are faithful;
In spite of the penury, you are faithful.
In spite of the heavy load, you are faithful;
In spite of the injury, you are faithful;
In spite of the poor abode, you are faithful;
In spite of the devil’s glee, you are faithful.
I am so confident of God’s love and purpose for our lives, that I am persuaded that whatever He does, and/or allows to happen to us, is for a good purpose, designed for our eventual good, and for the fulfilling of His perfect will.
May God help us to understand the roads He takes us through and all its bad weather, pot holes, flat tires, dangerous curves, blind bends, and careless drivers with the eyes and understanding of His spirit.
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.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
‘PITS’ OF ALL KINDS
March 13
Psalms 119:85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
Cain couldn’t rejoice at God’s blessings and acceptance of his brother. Because he felt rejected, he had to kill Abel in order to justify himself to his own conscience. It is a proud man who consciously wishes ill will upon another. It is an equally conceited man who cannot rejoice at God’s blessing upon his brother.
The proud makes his candle shine brighter by snuffing that of his brother. He also thinks that he elevates himself by making another fall. It’s pathetic how the devil, whose downfall was pride (Isaiah 14:13-14), can so easily convince mankind to follow his dandy bad example.
The law punished the digging of pits that caused injury or death to either a human or a beast of burden, even if it wasn’t done on purpose (Exodus 21:33-34). But is digging a physical pit the only way to make a man fall?
If we know of a pit somewhere disguised as a temptation, and in our lethargy we do not do something to keep a brother or a sister from falling into it, are we not in a sense ‘digging a pit’ for them?
If someone doesn’t know the Lord and is therefore condemned to the pit of hell, if because of our indifference we do not do our best to bring the Gospel to them, aren’t we in a sense ‘digging a pit’ for their souls?
When we claim to be Christians but yet are not watchful of our sample or ‘conversation’, and because of our disobedience others get a negative or wrong impression of the One we represent, aren’t we ‘digging a pit’ where they might fall?
As Christians, we are keepers of the brethren within the fold and of those without the fold. May we not in our pride, disobedience, lethargy and indifference ‘dig pits’ for our brothers and sisters.
Ezekiel 3:17-19 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. (18) When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (19) Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Psalms 119:85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
Cain couldn’t rejoice at God’s blessings and acceptance of his brother. Because he felt rejected, he had to kill Abel in order to justify himself to his own conscience. It is a proud man who consciously wishes ill will upon another. It is an equally conceited man who cannot rejoice at God’s blessing upon his brother.
The proud makes his candle shine brighter by snuffing that of his brother. He also thinks that he elevates himself by making another fall. It’s pathetic how the devil, whose downfall was pride (Isaiah 14:13-14), can so easily convince mankind to follow his dandy bad example.
The law punished the digging of pits that caused injury or death to either a human or a beast of burden, even if it wasn’t done on purpose (Exodus 21:33-34). But is digging a physical pit the only way to make a man fall?
If we know of a pit somewhere disguised as a temptation, and in our lethargy we do not do something to keep a brother or a sister from falling into it, are we not in a sense ‘digging a pit’ for them?
If someone doesn’t know the Lord and is therefore condemned to the pit of hell, if because of our indifference we do not do our best to bring the Gospel to them, aren’t we in a sense ‘digging a pit’ for their souls?
When we claim to be Christians but yet are not watchful of our sample or ‘conversation’, and because of our disobedience others get a negative or wrong impression of the One we represent, aren’t we ‘digging a pit’ where they might fall?
As Christians, we are keepers of the brethren within the fold and of those without the fold. May we not in our pride, disobedience, lethargy and indifference ‘dig pits’ for our brothers and sisters.
Ezekiel 3:17-19 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. (18) When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (19) Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Monday, March 12, 2007
HE IS OUR VENGEANCE
March 12
Psalms 119:84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
We are all ‘old’. We don’t even know how old we are. Our time may be up tomorrow, or even today.
Life has its share of troubles. We may wish for a little reprieve before dying. We may pray God for a time of peace before the end. We may even wish to see vengeance on those who hurt us without a cause. When John was taken to the dimension of the spirit, he was to be informed about the future of the world. He saw the souls of the Christian martyrs who in his own time had been killed for the name of God. Even they were impatient. They were demanding of the Lord for the judgment of those who caused them so much hurt and pain (Revelations 4:2; 6:9-11).
We may feel old, poured out; given out and abused. The virtues of brokenness may pour out freely from our shattered vessel but in all this let us remember this one thing. That though our Lord uses situations and people to afflict his people and bring them closer to Him, we can rest assured that every weight of trouble attributed to us is carefully measured; that not one ounce is added onto us unnecessarily. We also have the assurance of the visitation of those who dare to afflict God’s children.
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
Psalms 119:84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
We are all ‘old’. We don’t even know how old we are. Our time may be up tomorrow, or even today.
Life has its share of troubles. We may wish for a little reprieve before dying. We may pray God for a time of peace before the end. We may even wish to see vengeance on those who hurt us without a cause. When John was taken to the dimension of the spirit, he was to be informed about the future of the world. He saw the souls of the Christian martyrs who in his own time had been killed for the name of God. Even they were impatient. They were demanding of the Lord for the judgment of those who caused them so much hurt and pain (Revelations 4:2; 6:9-11).
We may feel old, poured out; given out and abused. The virtues of brokenness may pour out freely from our shattered vessel but in all this let us remember this one thing. That though our Lord uses situations and people to afflict his people and bring them closer to Him, we can rest assured that every weight of trouble attributed to us is carefully measured; that not one ounce is added onto us unnecessarily. We also have the assurance of the visitation of those who dare to afflict God’s children.
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
GLORIOUS WRINKLES
March 11
Psalms 119:83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Bottles were made of skins. When in storage, they were hung in a tent, not far from the fire pit. Smoke tanned them and they grew black and sooty. Heat dried the moisture out of them and gave them wrinkles and an old worn-out look. The dried wrinkled worn-out face of a man is testimony of his acquaintance with fiery trials of sorrow, suffering, pain, and to his familiarity with emotional turmoil.
A spy caught in enemy territory suffers torture. His enemy will stop at nothing in his attempt to get the man to yield the precious information. Because of this, spies-to-be go through intense training that also includes torture, in order to raise their threshold of pain.
God trains and tests us in very much the like manner: by allowing the devil to throw his fiery darts at us in the form of trials and tribulations. He allows the devil to send us hurt, emotional pain such as deaths, sicknesses, loss and disappointment. He allows all the things that would make us doubt the love of God. He wants to see what it would take to make us forget the statutes of the Lord, to say’“ uncle’ to Satan, and yield up our precious saved soul to rebellion, disobedience and sin. But in the end, he only hangs himself; turmoil tends to strengthen the Christian as he clings all the closer to his Lord for protection.
How much does it take for us to yield our heart? What is our threshold of pain; of hurt; of disappointment; until in disgust, we reject the statutes of our precious Lord?
Throughout the ages, so many martyrs have suffered in order to preserve the precious name and the precious doctrine of the Word of God. They have suffered until they became like a bottle in the smoke, but through all their suffering, they did not forgot His statutes.
Does our face show the wrinkles of a life troubled for the sake of our Lord? We need not try to hide them; we need not be ashamed of them. Let us show them to the world and tell their story one by one. Let each one be a testimony of the marvelous bounty of the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Psalms 119:83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Bottles were made of skins. When in storage, they were hung in a tent, not far from the fire pit. Smoke tanned them and they grew black and sooty. Heat dried the moisture out of them and gave them wrinkles and an old worn-out look. The dried wrinkled worn-out face of a man is testimony of his acquaintance with fiery trials of sorrow, suffering, pain, and to his familiarity with emotional turmoil.
A spy caught in enemy territory suffers torture. His enemy will stop at nothing in his attempt to get the man to yield the precious information. Because of this, spies-to-be go through intense training that also includes torture, in order to raise their threshold of pain.
God trains and tests us in very much the like manner: by allowing the devil to throw his fiery darts at us in the form of trials and tribulations. He allows the devil to send us hurt, emotional pain such as deaths, sicknesses, loss and disappointment. He allows all the things that would make us doubt the love of God. He wants to see what it would take to make us forget the statutes of the Lord, to say’“ uncle’ to Satan, and yield up our precious saved soul to rebellion, disobedience and sin. But in the end, he only hangs himself; turmoil tends to strengthen the Christian as he clings all the closer to his Lord for protection.
How much does it take for us to yield our heart? What is our threshold of pain; of hurt; of disappointment; until in disgust, we reject the statutes of our precious Lord?
Throughout the ages, so many martyrs have suffered in order to preserve the precious name and the precious doctrine of the Word of God. They have suffered until they became like a bottle in the smoke, but through all their suffering, they did not forgot His statutes.
Does our face show the wrinkles of a life troubled for the sake of our Lord? We need not try to hide them; we need not be ashamed of them. Let us show them to the world and tell their story one by one. Let each one be a testimony of the marvelous bounty of the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
WAIT TILL THE LIGHT COMES ON
March 10
Psalms 119:82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
May our eyes never behold the Holy Word out of religious duty. May we never insult the Holy Ghost by not adding sincere reflection to our reading of the Word. When we read the Word it should fill us, comfort us change us, mold us, encompass us, bless us, strengthen us, lead us, teach us, enlighten us, make us, recreate us, incarnate us. If it didn’t, we should read again what we read and not stop until we are blessed just like Jacob fought the angel and did not let go of him until he was blessed (Genesis 32:24-30). This is the Word of God we are talking about; the Word by which God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them.
Here is an anecdote to illustrate the point:
“One late afternoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wanting to be alone, I entered a strange cathedral & sat down amid the silence & semi-darkness. It was a gloomy place at that hour. The stained glass windows were especially forbidding. Presently a caretaker approached me, & thinking he wished me to leave so that he could lock up, I started to go. "Oh no," he whispered, "don't go until the lights come on!" So I waited. The room became darker, the shadows deepened, the windows were ugly & repelling & I wanted so much to leave. Then suddenly the street lights came on in full & the whole scene was changed!
What a transformation! I thought I had never seen such exquisite colouring, such Heavenly suggestiveness as the windows gave forth in their wonderful colouring! Everything was enhanced with unearthly beauty that fed my soul, & I wanted to capture & keep it forever!
Then I thought of the darkness which had shrouded many times my spirit, & how inexplicably it can vanish with the joy of the Lord coming in & His light flooding the soul. "The Lord will lighten my darkness!" I had learned a secret from that old caretaker, yes I had!--Don't go until the lights come on!”—
Francis E. Seaworth
Oh my dear one, how many times have we prayed and not waited for the answer? How many times have deprived ourselves of the comfort He had prepared for us? Let us not rise from your prayer time ‘until the lights come on’.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Psalms 119:82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
May our eyes never behold the Holy Word out of religious duty. May we never insult the Holy Ghost by not adding sincere reflection to our reading of the Word. When we read the Word it should fill us, comfort us change us, mold us, encompass us, bless us, strengthen us, lead us, teach us, enlighten us, make us, recreate us, incarnate us. If it didn’t, we should read again what we read and not stop until we are blessed just like Jacob fought the angel and did not let go of him until he was blessed (Genesis 32:24-30). This is the Word of God we are talking about; the Word by which God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them.
Here is an anecdote to illustrate the point:
“One late afternoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wanting to be alone, I entered a strange cathedral & sat down amid the silence & semi-darkness. It was a gloomy place at that hour. The stained glass windows were especially forbidding. Presently a caretaker approached me, & thinking he wished me to leave so that he could lock up, I started to go. "Oh no," he whispered, "don't go until the lights come on!" So I waited. The room became darker, the shadows deepened, the windows were ugly & repelling & I wanted so much to leave. Then suddenly the street lights came on in full & the whole scene was changed!
What a transformation! I thought I had never seen such exquisite colouring, such Heavenly suggestiveness as the windows gave forth in their wonderful colouring! Everything was enhanced with unearthly beauty that fed my soul, & I wanted to capture & keep it forever!
Then I thought of the darkness which had shrouded many times my spirit, & how inexplicably it can vanish with the joy of the Lord coming in & His light flooding the soul. "The Lord will lighten my darkness!" I had learned a secret from that old caretaker, yes I had!--Don't go until the lights come on!”—
Francis E. Seaworth
Oh my dear one, how many times have we prayed and not waited for the answer? How many times have deprived ourselves of the comfort He had prepared for us? Let us not rise from your prayer time ‘until the lights come on’.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Friday, March 09, 2007
THE WORD THAT SAVES
March 9
Psalms 119:81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Even though it had never rained before, Noah obeyed a Divine verbal word telling him to build, on dry land, a barge that would protect him from a worldwide flood (Genesis 2:5-6; 6:13). His belief in this Divine Word eventually became the key to his salvation from the destructive deluge.
In his old age, his wife equally old and barren, Abraham believed a Word telling him that he will be the ancestor of many nations. God counted Abraham’s belief in His Word for righteousness (Genesis 15:2-6).
The children of Israel who believed God’s Word given by the first mediator Moses, put the blood of an unblemished lamb on the doorposts of their houses. They were thus spared the judgments of the angel of death that visited Egyptian’s households (Exodus 12).
The generation that fearlessly obeyed the Word of God to conquer Canaan in spite of the size of its inhabitants received the Promised Land for an inhabitation (Joshua 1).
The people of simple faith who received Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God benefited of the miracles and virtues freely given to mankind by the Almighty (The Gospels).
Everyone who believes in, and receives the Word of God Jesus-Christ is rescued from the curse incurred by the breaking of the Law, and saved from the vials of the Wrath of God that are to be poured upon a rebellious generation (Galatians 3:10,13; Revelations 16)
From the beginning, salvation has always been through simple belief and acceptance in the Word.
“Oh Christian, do we accept this simple truth? Do we, in sincerity and integrity of heart, bequeath and relinquish all controls? Do we realize that our salvation is solely dependant on our acceptance of His word? That no amount of self-restraint against sin, of adherence to religious rituals, or of self-improvement techniques is of any credit towards our salvation? That it is solely based on our belief and acceptance of the word of God that saves us from ourselves and from the wrath to come?”
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Note: Believe: In the original Greek, “believe” is “Pisteu” meaning: “to drink in”.
Psalms 119:81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Even though it had never rained before, Noah obeyed a Divine verbal word telling him to build, on dry land, a barge that would protect him from a worldwide flood (Genesis 2:5-6; 6:13). His belief in this Divine Word eventually became the key to his salvation from the destructive deluge.
In his old age, his wife equally old and barren, Abraham believed a Word telling him that he will be the ancestor of many nations. God counted Abraham’s belief in His Word for righteousness (Genesis 15:2-6).
The children of Israel who believed God’s Word given by the first mediator Moses, put the blood of an unblemished lamb on the doorposts of their houses. They were thus spared the judgments of the angel of death that visited Egyptian’s households (Exodus 12).
The generation that fearlessly obeyed the Word of God to conquer Canaan in spite of the size of its inhabitants received the Promised Land for an inhabitation (Joshua 1).
The people of simple faith who received Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God benefited of the miracles and virtues freely given to mankind by the Almighty (The Gospels).
Everyone who believes in, and receives the Word of God Jesus-Christ is rescued from the curse incurred by the breaking of the Law, and saved from the vials of the Wrath of God that are to be poured upon a rebellious generation (Galatians 3:10,13; Revelations 16)
From the beginning, salvation has always been through simple belief and acceptance in the Word.
“Oh Christian, do we accept this simple truth? Do we, in sincerity and integrity of heart, bequeath and relinquish all controls? Do we realize that our salvation is solely dependant on our acceptance of His word? That no amount of self-restraint against sin, of adherence to religious rituals, or of self-improvement techniques is of any credit towards our salvation? That it is solely based on our belief and acceptance of the word of God that saves us from ourselves and from the wrath to come?”
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Note: Believe: In the original Greek, “believe” is “Pisteu” meaning: “to drink in”.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
GIVE ME A SOUND HEART, LORD
March 8
Psalms 119:80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
More important than owning piety and religion; more important than calling on God and praying in the ‘right way’; more important than attending the right Church, from the right denomination with the latest doctrinal fad, is the gift of a sound heart. One of the most important gifts we can ask from God is that of a sound heart.
When the heart is not sound, everything else goes wrong. Our mouth offends; our head thinks perversely and negatively; our feet follow after evil and our hands destroys that which we even try to build. On the day that everything is weighed in the balance, we will then feel the shame of a sick heart (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
But when the heart is sound, everything else goes right. Our mouth speaks with grace and salt; our head processes maturely; our feet follow the Lord, and our hands work to edification. On the day when every man’s work is made manifest, to us then will belong the long awaited “Well done!” from a pleased and grateful Lord (Matthew 25:21).
“Oh Lord, make my heart wholesome and sound. Can it be made so? Can it be sound if I subject it to worldly influences? Can it be wholesome if it be subjected to the elements of wrath and disobedience of this world? Should I expect you to rip the ungodliness, to purge the stain from it? No, I will come to you Lord and voluntarily yield it. I will come an kneel in front you and allow you, beg you with the will that your, even your Holy Ghost has put within me to take away from me the heart of stone, and give me the promised sound heart of flesh with your Law written on it (Ezekiel 26:36; Jeremiah 31:33).
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Psalms 119:80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
More important than owning piety and religion; more important than calling on God and praying in the ‘right way’; more important than attending the right Church, from the right denomination with the latest doctrinal fad, is the gift of a sound heart. One of the most important gifts we can ask from God is that of a sound heart.
When the heart is not sound, everything else goes wrong. Our mouth offends; our head thinks perversely and negatively; our feet follow after evil and our hands destroys that which we even try to build. On the day that everything is weighed in the balance, we will then feel the shame of a sick heart (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
But when the heart is sound, everything else goes right. Our mouth speaks with grace and salt; our head processes maturely; our feet follow the Lord, and our hands work to edification. On the day when every man’s work is made manifest, to us then will belong the long awaited “Well done!” from a pleased and grateful Lord (Matthew 25:21).
“Oh Lord, make my heart wholesome and sound. Can it be made so? Can it be sound if I subject it to worldly influences? Can it be wholesome if it be subjected to the elements of wrath and disobedience of this world? Should I expect you to rip the ungodliness, to purge the stain from it? No, I will come to you Lord and voluntarily yield it. I will come an kneel in front you and allow you, beg you with the will that your, even your Holy Ghost has put within me to take away from me the heart of stone, and give me the promised sound heart of flesh with your Law written on it (Ezekiel 26:36; Jeremiah 31:33).
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
LET JESUS CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS
March 7
Psalms 119:79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
When we submit ourselves to an ungodly lifestyle, we forfeit the privilege of wholesome friends with whom we had sweet healthy fellowship. It leaves us in partnership with the dregs of society, partying with those who know the end of their road is near, and who live the careless life of those who are dying.
At that point in time, it becomes hard to make a full turn around of repentance. These friends, who are actually enemies of our soul, cling onto us like leeches. In their misery, they desire our company, because our victory in climbing out of their pit exposes all the more their inexcusable defeat.
If we desire a real turn-around back to godliness, we need to pray for God to intervene. Former godly friends are now disillusioned with us. They feel they have been betrayed; their friendship can only be won again by sacrifice after sacrifice of humility. The trust that they once gave us by faith has now to be regained by works, so to speak. We need to pray for God to bring us new friends; friends of His choosing.
Friendship is a very sensitive subject; we feel that to choose friends is perhaps one of our exclusive rights, but a good question to ask ourselves is:
Would I let Jesus be in charge of choosing who my friends should be?
May we desire, all our lives through, the fellowship of those who fear God, of those who know His testimonies. May we live a life that attracts the right kind of friends. Remember, flies are only attracted to foul odor.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Psalms 119:79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
When we submit ourselves to an ungodly lifestyle, we forfeit the privilege of wholesome friends with whom we had sweet healthy fellowship. It leaves us in partnership with the dregs of society, partying with those who know the end of their road is near, and who live the careless life of those who are dying.
At that point in time, it becomes hard to make a full turn around of repentance. These friends, who are actually enemies of our soul, cling onto us like leeches. In their misery, they desire our company, because our victory in climbing out of their pit exposes all the more their inexcusable defeat.
If we desire a real turn-around back to godliness, we need to pray for God to intervene. Former godly friends are now disillusioned with us. They feel they have been betrayed; their friendship can only be won again by sacrifice after sacrifice of humility. The trust that they once gave us by faith has now to be regained by works, so to speak. We need to pray for God to bring us new friends; friends of His choosing.
Friendship is a very sensitive subject; we feel that to choose friends is perhaps one of our exclusive rights, but a good question to ask ourselves is:
Would I let Jesus be in charge of choosing who my friends should be?
May we desire, all our lives through, the fellowship of those who fear God, of those who know His testimonies. May we live a life that attracts the right kind of friends. Remember, flies are only attracted to foul odor.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
DARE TO CONFRONT
March 6
Psalms 119:78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
How many children of God today, like David, are subjects to the wrath of the proud? What is the justification for this wrath? Is there one?
Is it because these persecuted ones dare to confront the ways of man; they challenge the humanistic values of modern society? Could it be that they expose moral decadence; propose the absolutes of God as a solution? Or is it because they have the audacity to think outside the status quo?
‘Pride’ in its rebellion does everything it can to obliterate the ways of God and promote the ways of man. Whenever it is challenged, without even a justifiable cause, it rebels with perverse venom against the bearers of convicting truth. In its denial of God’s Word, pride also forgets that it has no future because: it is the meek that will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) while he will be ruled with a rod of iron in the millennial reign of Jesus-Christ(Revelations 19:15).
Oh, that God’s righteousness would be given a voice, what would she say? Wouldn’t she say:
“Fear not little flock it is my Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32)?”
“That the meek shall delight themselves in an abundance of peace (Psalms 37:11)?”
“That if you suffer with Him you shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12)?”
For these tribulations are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
May not only ourselves, but also our children resist the voices of the ungodly. May we take refuge in the tower of your Words, Jesus. Soon, the double-edged sword out of your mouth will establish your righteousness on earth as the waters cover the sea. In that day, the evil persecutor will be no more, and your children will rejoice in an abundance of peace (Psalms 37:11)
1 Peter 3:16-17 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (17) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Psalms 119:78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
How many children of God today, like David, are subjects to the wrath of the proud? What is the justification for this wrath? Is there one?
Is it because these persecuted ones dare to confront the ways of man; they challenge the humanistic values of modern society? Could it be that they expose moral decadence; propose the absolutes of God as a solution? Or is it because they have the audacity to think outside the status quo?
‘Pride’ in its rebellion does everything it can to obliterate the ways of God and promote the ways of man. Whenever it is challenged, without even a justifiable cause, it rebels with perverse venom against the bearers of convicting truth. In its denial of God’s Word, pride also forgets that it has no future because: it is the meek that will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) while he will be ruled with a rod of iron in the millennial reign of Jesus-Christ(Revelations 19:15).
Oh, that God’s righteousness would be given a voice, what would she say? Wouldn’t she say:
“Fear not little flock it is my Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32)?”
“That the meek shall delight themselves in an abundance of peace (Psalms 37:11)?”
“That if you suffer with Him you shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12)?”
For these tribulations are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
May not only ourselves, but also our children resist the voices of the ungodly. May we take refuge in the tower of your Words, Jesus. Soon, the double-edged sword out of your mouth will establish your righteousness on earth as the waters cover the sea. In that day, the evil persecutor will be no more, and your children will rejoice in an abundance of peace (Psalms 37:11)
1 Peter 3:16-17 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (17) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Monday, March 05, 2007
HE CAME TO US WHEN WE COULDN’T GO TO HIM
March 5
Psalms 119:77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
“Oh my Lord, my strength is small. It is not even within me to come to you, for I am a weak and unworthy servant. So in your tender mercies, you have come to me; You have journeyed to me because you knew that I couldn’t journey to You.”
“You knew I was so near death in my iniquity. You knew my weakness and my fault. Yet I remember that day when unexpectedly you manifested yourself in my sight. I was on my wondering way, searching for answers in dung heaps of corruption; searching for love in pools of indifference. The world had closed the book on me; life escaped me. From Your lofty place you saw me. You saw me not as one who was wrong but as one who was lost. At that very moment, in your tender mercies the decree came out, “that he may live”. As a bridegroom coming out of His chamber, that rejoiceth to run a race (Psalms 19:5), you mounted your white horse and You came to find me in the desert place of my desolation; you and you desired to take away my shame and make me your bride.”
“You daily nursed me with your Words; you brought me back to life. Your tender mercies caressed my heart; You imparted hope within me. The milk and honey from under your tongue (Song Of Songs 4:11) dropped in me as nourishment to one who was ready to die. Your very own blood replaced the life that I had lost (Leviticus 17:11)”
“How could your law not be my delight? How could anything else pretend to bring joy and satisfaction to my rescued heart? Thank You (could these earthly words even dare to express my gratitude?) for coming to me, loving me, taking me into you heart, for making the journey towards me when I couldn’t come to you.”
Ezekiel 16:4-6 And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. (5) None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born. (6) And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
Psalms 119:77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
“Oh my Lord, my strength is small. It is not even within me to come to you, for I am a weak and unworthy servant. So in your tender mercies, you have come to me; You have journeyed to me because you knew that I couldn’t journey to You.”
“You knew I was so near death in my iniquity. You knew my weakness and my fault. Yet I remember that day when unexpectedly you manifested yourself in my sight. I was on my wondering way, searching for answers in dung heaps of corruption; searching for love in pools of indifference. The world had closed the book on me; life escaped me. From Your lofty place you saw me. You saw me not as one who was wrong but as one who was lost. At that very moment, in your tender mercies the decree came out, “that he may live”. As a bridegroom coming out of His chamber, that rejoiceth to run a race (Psalms 19:5), you mounted your white horse and You came to find me in the desert place of my desolation; you and you desired to take away my shame and make me your bride.”
“You daily nursed me with your Words; you brought me back to life. Your tender mercies caressed my heart; You imparted hope within me. The milk and honey from under your tongue (Song Of Songs 4:11) dropped in me as nourishment to one who was ready to die. Your very own blood replaced the life that I had lost (Leviticus 17:11)”
“How could your law not be my delight? How could anything else pretend to bring joy and satisfaction to my rescued heart? Thank You (could these earthly words even dare to express my gratitude?) for coming to me, loving me, taking me into you heart, for making the journey towards me when I couldn’t come to you.”
Ezekiel 16:4-6 And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. (5) None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born. (6) And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
THE WORD, HIS MERCY
March 4
Psalms 119:76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
The LORD intended for His Word to be the Good News of His merciful kindness. He wants it to be His letter to us, to tell us that He loves us. To tell us that He loves us so much that He made provision for the payment of our debt towards God; that he has “provided Himself a lamb for the sacrifice”. Why is it then that for so many, the Word seems to be an instrument of condemnation? Yes, the Word is also an instrument of purge and cleaning, but not out of proud anger and condemnation, but rather in a spirit of righteousness. The Holy Spirit gently convicts us and the Word diligently cleanses us. It is all done within the parameters of the ‘merciful kindness’ of God. Yes, we do not deserve any of this beautiful attention we get from the Father of all things. Yet He takes time for us wretched creatures that we are, and treats us as if there was only one of us.
“According to your Word, Lord, treat me in your gentle Spirit.
According to your Word, Lord, be patient with my sinful way
According to your Word, Lord, help me, soft and lowly sheep
According to your Word, Lord, uphold me when I go astray.
According to your Word, Lord, do not condemn me when I fail
According to your Word, Lord, lift me up even from the grime
According to your Word, Lord, the blood of atonement prevail
According to your Word, Lord, yes my soul is forever thine.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalms 119:76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
The LORD intended for His Word to be the Good News of His merciful kindness. He wants it to be His letter to us, to tell us that He loves us. To tell us that He loves us so much that He made provision for the payment of our debt towards God; that he has “provided Himself a lamb for the sacrifice”. Why is it then that for so many, the Word seems to be an instrument of condemnation? Yes, the Word is also an instrument of purge and cleaning, but not out of proud anger and condemnation, but rather in a spirit of righteousness. The Holy Spirit gently convicts us and the Word diligently cleanses us. It is all done within the parameters of the ‘merciful kindness’ of God. Yes, we do not deserve any of this beautiful attention we get from the Father of all things. Yet He takes time for us wretched creatures that we are, and treats us as if there was only one of us.
“According to your Word, Lord, treat me in your gentle Spirit.
According to your Word, Lord, be patient with my sinful way
According to your Word, Lord, help me, soft and lowly sheep
According to your Word, Lord, uphold me when I go astray.
According to your Word, Lord, do not condemn me when I fail
According to your Word, Lord, lift me up even from the grime
According to your Word, Lord, the blood of atonement prevail
According to your Word, Lord, yes my soul is forever thine.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
JESUS, THE TRUE FRIEND
March 3
Psalms 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
It is true that a man is known by the company he keeps. It is also true that a man is known by the type of people who part from him.
Our friends are people that we consciously choose to bring closer to our heart and to our lives. We want to bring them closer to us because they provoke us to godliness. Sadly though, for many people today, the way to choose friends has much more to do with how they make them feel than with a true and honest evaluation of their virtues. They tend to choose friends from the muddy slough of ‘Sans Scrupules’ (without scruples) where people use the soiled waters to hide their imperfections. The ‘friends’ from that filthy slough make people feel good; they feel flattered and elevated in their own eyes. The dirt on these ‘friends’ does not pose a challenge to people. They call it progressive, wise, tolerant, of great discernment and virtue. This creates a “blind leading the blind” situation, and both shall surely fall into a ditch (Matthew 15:14).
How much better it is to choose friends from the clear and true waters of “Lake Faithful”; their clarity will certainly expose any dirt clinging to our souls and thoroughly wash it clean. The waters of this Lake may be hard, but there is no mistaking in the faithfulness of their purity.
Oh, how precious is the friend that is not afraid to tell a truth; how valuable to our spiritual maturing it is to have someone dear to our heart who is faithful to tell it to us like it is. When two friends are secure in their affections, there can be such strength between them, a love bound that even the devil cannot separate.
Amidst all our acquaintances, let us make Jesus our best friend. He is not afraid to tell it to us like it is. Let us have such confidence in His love for us that we know that it is in faithfulness that He afflicts us, as a proof of true love for us, just as a good and true friend should do. .
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Psalms 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
It is true that a man is known by the company he keeps. It is also true that a man is known by the type of people who part from him.
Our friends are people that we consciously choose to bring closer to our heart and to our lives. We want to bring them closer to us because they provoke us to godliness. Sadly though, for many people today, the way to choose friends has much more to do with how they make them feel than with a true and honest evaluation of their virtues. They tend to choose friends from the muddy slough of ‘Sans Scrupules’ (without scruples) where people use the soiled waters to hide their imperfections. The ‘friends’ from that filthy slough make people feel good; they feel flattered and elevated in their own eyes. The dirt on these ‘friends’ does not pose a challenge to people. They call it progressive, wise, tolerant, of great discernment and virtue. This creates a “blind leading the blind” situation, and both shall surely fall into a ditch (Matthew 15:14).
How much better it is to choose friends from the clear and true waters of “Lake Faithful”; their clarity will certainly expose any dirt clinging to our souls and thoroughly wash it clean. The waters of this Lake may be hard, but there is no mistaking in the faithfulness of their purity.
Oh, how precious is the friend that is not afraid to tell a truth; how valuable to our spiritual maturing it is to have someone dear to our heart who is faithful to tell it to us like it is. When two friends are secure in their affections, there can be such strength between them, a love bound that even the devil cannot separate.
Amidst all our acquaintances, let us make Jesus our best friend. He is not afraid to tell it to us like it is. Let us have such confidence in His love for us that we know that it is in faithfulness that He afflicts us, as a proof of true love for us, just as a good and true friend should do. .
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Friday, March 02, 2007
IS YOUR LIFE A TESTAMENT OF HIS GRACE?
March 2
Psalms 119:74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
One who fears God rejoices when he sees another God-fearing person blessed by the Almighty. He takes strength in the knowledge of his friend who, by the sheer help of the grace of God, has surmounted untold difficulties. It stands to him as a firm reminder that this very same grace is available to them also.
Is our life a living testament to others of the grace and bounty of God? Can it be used to showcase His abundant mercies to cause rejoicing in those that fear (respect) Him?
But we say, “If God wants my life to witness His abundant mercies, it is in up to Him to ensure that through it, people can tangibly see and feel Himm. He needs to answer my prayers by healing me, feeding me and making sure that my children are safe”.
Somehow Jesus knows that that just won’t do the trick. He knows that He can feed us with miraculous food, heal our diseases and that of our children, even resurrect the dead, and still, we will not be won to His mercies. Some went as far as being guilty of blasphemy, saying that God’s care of them through Jesus was actually to be credited to Baalzubub as in the case of the blind and dumb devil-possessed one (Matthew 12:24-34). Even in the Garden of Eden, a place where mankind was miraculously supplied for with not a worry in the world, man did not acknowledge God’s mercy and preferred the fruits of his own ways. The same thing also happened with the Children of Israel in the desert between Egypt and Canaan: whereas God fed them with heavenly manna and quenched their thirst with water from a rock, still they doubted and preferred the bread of slavery.
Here is the lesson for us today: God’s mercy is not that He doesn’t allow trials and tribulations to come unto us, but in that He is ever so present with us when they happen.
It is the ungodly who have their eyes on the corrupt temporal elements of the world, who equates God’s mercies with wealth comfort and security. The Godly man who fears (respects) God rejoices as he sees the grace of God within Him. He receives the grace to trust beyond reason, to believe beyond the possible and to endure beyond measure, all the while, projecting an unshakable faith in the omnipotence of the God that lives within the confines of his heart. May God help us, by this attitude of faith to provoke rejoicing in the heart of our spiritual family.
1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Psalms 119:74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
One who fears God rejoices when he sees another God-fearing person blessed by the Almighty. He takes strength in the knowledge of his friend who, by the sheer help of the grace of God, has surmounted untold difficulties. It stands to him as a firm reminder that this very same grace is available to them also.
Is our life a living testament to others of the grace and bounty of God? Can it be used to showcase His abundant mercies to cause rejoicing in those that fear (respect) Him?
But we say, “If God wants my life to witness His abundant mercies, it is in up to Him to ensure that through it, people can tangibly see and feel Himm. He needs to answer my prayers by healing me, feeding me and making sure that my children are safe”.
Somehow Jesus knows that that just won’t do the trick. He knows that He can feed us with miraculous food, heal our diseases and that of our children, even resurrect the dead, and still, we will not be won to His mercies. Some went as far as being guilty of blasphemy, saying that God’s care of them through Jesus was actually to be credited to Baalzubub as in the case of the blind and dumb devil-possessed one (Matthew 12:24-34). Even in the Garden of Eden, a place where mankind was miraculously supplied for with not a worry in the world, man did not acknowledge God’s mercy and preferred the fruits of his own ways. The same thing also happened with the Children of Israel in the desert between Egypt and Canaan: whereas God fed them with heavenly manna and quenched their thirst with water from a rock, still they doubted and preferred the bread of slavery.
Here is the lesson for us today: God’s mercy is not that He doesn’t allow trials and tribulations to come unto us, but in that He is ever so present with us when they happen.
It is the ungodly who have their eyes on the corrupt temporal elements of the world, who equates God’s mercies with wealth comfort and security. The Godly man who fears (respects) God rejoices as he sees the grace of God within Him. He receives the grace to trust beyond reason, to believe beyond the possible and to endure beyond measure, all the while, projecting an unshakable faith in the omnipotence of the God that lives within the confines of his heart. May God help us, by this attitude of faith to provoke rejoicing in the heart of our spiritual family.
1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
WE ARE THE PRIDE OF HIS EYES
March 1
Psalms 119:73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Whether it be a wood carving, the confectioning of a piece of jewelry, the painting of a picture, the writing of a book, or the composing of a piece of music, we are jealous over the works of our hands. We care to protect it, we try to improve it, and above all, we are proud of it. While projecting a humble spirit, we show it off to people and can’t help bragging about it. This is a part of our very nature and making.
God, who made us in His image, feels the same way about us, His creatures. He made us with love and care by His own hands. He fashioned each part of every one of us to the specifications of His perfect image. Here is where to find everything there is to learn about God. Here is where to understand the great principles of His Spirit, the components of His Majesty. The secrets of God’s wisdom are imbedded in the composition of our physical and spiritual make-up.
Every part of our body, the seen and the unseen, has its function. If we are to make the most of them, it behooves us to use them wisely. It is for this purpose that like a responsible technician or engineer, the Lord has written a manual for us, His creation. If we carefully study our Bible and understand what it tells us on how to properly use and maintain every part of our body, our spirit, in essence our soul, we will avoid hurting others and ourselves, we will get good mileage of our body.
May God help us to understand the instructions given us in His precious book; to not understand them as restraining commandments, but as a guide and manual to health and happiness. He loves and cares for us; He is jealous over the works of His hands. As we wouldn’t want someone to one of our ‘creations’, do we have the right to mar, break, impair or spoil the creations of God?
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Psalms 119:73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Whether it be a wood carving, the confectioning of a piece of jewelry, the painting of a picture, the writing of a book, or the composing of a piece of music, we are jealous over the works of our hands. We care to protect it, we try to improve it, and above all, we are proud of it. While projecting a humble spirit, we show it off to people and can’t help bragging about it. This is a part of our very nature and making.
God, who made us in His image, feels the same way about us, His creatures. He made us with love and care by His own hands. He fashioned each part of every one of us to the specifications of His perfect image. Here is where to find everything there is to learn about God. Here is where to understand the great principles of His Spirit, the components of His Majesty. The secrets of God’s wisdom are imbedded in the composition of our physical and spiritual make-up.
Every part of our body, the seen and the unseen, has its function. If we are to make the most of them, it behooves us to use them wisely. It is for this purpose that like a responsible technician or engineer, the Lord has written a manual for us, His creation. If we carefully study our Bible and understand what it tells us on how to properly use and maintain every part of our body, our spirit, in essence our soul, we will avoid hurting others and ourselves, we will get good mileage of our body.
May God help us to understand the instructions given us in His precious book; to not understand them as restraining commandments, but as a guide and manual to health and happiness. He loves and cares for us; He is jealous over the works of His hands. As we wouldn’t want someone to one of our ‘creations’, do we have the right to mar, break, impair or spoil the creations of God?
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
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