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.
'Be strong, be strong and be strengthened!'
Saturday, March 31, 2007
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:
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