Psalms 119:173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
Is any other hand more worthy of our plea for help? “Oh, Lord, I have chosen your commandments. I have chosen to put my life into your hands. I have chosen you. Who else then has to help me in my time of trouble?” Who should come to my rescue when I drown? I plead, do not turn me over to the unreliable hands of the children of man; I am your child, and I trust only your hand.”
Now is the time for you to rescue me; for from the beginning I have said, I will serve you. From the beginning I have put my livelihood in your care. From the start of my lowly birth, when you called me to the bosom of your service, I have put my dependence upon you.
Let therefore your mighty hand come down and show me its mercy. Let the food I eat be the food catered from you heavenly hand. Let the house I live in be the tabernacle of your choosing. Let my occupation be the service of your heavenly temple. The ungodly provide security for their workers, will you not do better than they?
It is the “infidel” who provides not for his own (1 Timothy 5:8), but your hand is as faithful as the dew of the morning. Your hand is the fertile land where we can rest at peace. In it is perpetual residence for the weary soul of man. In its hollow I need not care anymore, nor worry about substance or safety. I find in it life and purpose for my soul. Oh Lord, you are both the promise (Philippians 4:19) and the fulfillment.
Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
'Be strong, be strong and be strengthened!'
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
THE PURE UNPROCESSED WORD
Psalms 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
There is he that speaks about the Word and another who explains the Word. Each one presents his or her own surmising, explanation, interpretation, and logical deduction. Oh, how it must frustrate the heart of the Father of the Words; how it must sadden Him. Here He gave us the Fountain of the living water of life and yet so many just scientifically dissect and merely talk about its greatness. Here, He has given it to water-bearers to satisfy the thirst of the throngs and multitudes, and all they can do is display it and proclaim its good qualities. Oh, yes it is honored and adored, but unless that water is absorbed, taken in to become, not only part of our nature, but our nature itself, it will not have the desired effect.
So many are appointed as “Waterbearers”. They present the Water to the multitude as the solution to their problems, the healing for their diseases. They hold it up, and then go on philosophizing about the water. The multitudes come, they learn about the Water of Life, and yet they go away thirsty.
We are told to “preach the Gospel” (Mark 16:15); to “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2), and it must be His Word, not our own. Let us therefore fill ourselves of the righteousness of His Words so that they will naturally flow out of mouths to refresh the thirsty multitudes that are deceived by the mirage of the devil’s wisdom. Let us not only give them the Word as coming from a source outside of ourselves, but give them the Word become flesh, coming out of our “flesh”, or our heart; this is their only chance.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
There is he that speaks about the Word and another who explains the Word. Each one presents his or her own surmising, explanation, interpretation, and logical deduction. Oh, how it must frustrate the heart of the Father of the Words; how it must sadden Him. Here He gave us the Fountain of the living water of life and yet so many just scientifically dissect and merely talk about its greatness. Here, He has given it to water-bearers to satisfy the thirst of the throngs and multitudes, and all they can do is display it and proclaim its good qualities. Oh, yes it is honored and adored, but unless that water is absorbed, taken in to become, not only part of our nature, but our nature itself, it will not have the desired effect.
So many are appointed as “Waterbearers”. They present the Water to the multitude as the solution to their problems, the healing for their diseases. They hold it up, and then go on philosophizing about the water. The multitudes come, they learn about the Water of Life, and yet they go away thirsty.
We are told to “preach the Gospel” (Mark 16:15); to “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2), and it must be His Word, not our own. Let us therefore fill ourselves of the righteousness of His Words so that they will naturally flow out of mouths to refresh the thirsty multitudes that are deceived by the mirage of the devil’s wisdom. Let us not only give them the Word as coming from a source outside of ourselves, but give them the Word become flesh, coming out of our “flesh”, or our heart; this is their only chance.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Monday, May 28, 2007
WALK THE TALK
Psalms 119:171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
Two men who claim to have been taught the statutes of the Lord walk on the pathway of life. Though claiming the same teacher, the same doctrine, having been taught the same statutes, they walk in much different ways.
One is loud, over animated, full of words of seemed acquired great wisdom. Yet his life seems confused; his path is in a constant fog. He has difficulty staying on the straight and narrow, and when he is on it, he is not sure of it. He boasts of many deeds, but these deeds are sterile “clouds without water” (Jude 1:12). His praise of God is clamorous, loud and showy.
The other walks quietly, his words are few, measured, and of unmistaken consistency. His path is clear and determined. He has no difficulty finding the straight and narrow path of his Lord. He walks on in quiet strength, determined and with the assurance of faith. The fruits of his deeds speak for him as a testament to His claim. His praise and *“conversation” are quiet, needing no proud trumpet to be heard in the heart of the sons of man.
And now, here is my riddle: which of these two men have really learned the statutes of the Lord?
Here now is the key to my riddle: if our life would claim the scent of the Rose (Song 2:1), we must live with the Rose bush (yes, in spite of the thorns). The man who has learned the statutes of the Lord walks the clear path of the faith that owns what is hoped for, and who sees the invisible (Hebrews 11:1). We need not be loud to prove our wise learning when our daily *conversation” is consistent with the praise of our mouth.
Years of learning do not necessarily boast of wisdom. If we just ‘walk the talk’, the praise of our conversation will stand before us in the hearts of all men.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
CONVERSATION: KJV Bible note: “lifestyle”.
Two men who claim to have been taught the statutes of the Lord walk on the pathway of life. Though claiming the same teacher, the same doctrine, having been taught the same statutes, they walk in much different ways.
One is loud, over animated, full of words of seemed acquired great wisdom. Yet his life seems confused; his path is in a constant fog. He has difficulty staying on the straight and narrow, and when he is on it, he is not sure of it. He boasts of many deeds, but these deeds are sterile “clouds without water” (Jude 1:12). His praise of God is clamorous, loud and showy.
The other walks quietly, his words are few, measured, and of unmistaken consistency. His path is clear and determined. He has no difficulty finding the straight and narrow path of his Lord. He walks on in quiet strength, determined and with the assurance of faith. The fruits of his deeds speak for him as a testament to His claim. His praise and *“conversation” are quiet, needing no proud trumpet to be heard in the heart of the sons of man.
And now, here is my riddle: which of these two men have really learned the statutes of the Lord?
Here now is the key to my riddle: if our life would claim the scent of the Rose (Song 2:1), we must live with the Rose bush (yes, in spite of the thorns). The man who has learned the statutes of the Lord walks the clear path of the faith that owns what is hoped for, and who sees the invisible (Hebrews 11:1). We need not be loud to prove our wise learning when our daily *conversation” is consistent with the praise of our mouth.
Years of learning do not necessarily boast of wisdom. If we just ‘walk the talk’, the praise of our conversation will stand before us in the hearts of all men.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
CONVERSATION: KJV Bible note: “lifestyle”.
ANSWERED PRAYERS
Psalms 119:170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
There are times in life when we pray and yet our prayers seem to go unanswered. There are times when our cries seem to reach a deafened or out of reach Divine ear. There are also times when even after a long search, heavenly wisdom seems inexistent.
Could it be in those times that God does not hear our prayer? Is it plausible that He ignores our beggarly plea? Or could the treasury of heaven’s wisdom be empty?
I see a shepherd digging for water. He needs to satisfy the thirst of his family and of his flocks. He also needs to satisfy his own thirst. He starts digging, hoping and praying he is at the right place. All help in some way. Hope sings in the heart of everyone. An air of assurance fills the heart of the worker giving him strength. But the digging yields no water. The workers are spent, the foreman discouraged, the people and the flocks are desperate, and thirsty.
It is good to dig, to work hard and to labor in prayer. It is good to even remind God of the promises by which He bound Himself. But before digging in trying to solve our problems in our own strength; before wasting our precious energy, and disappoint the faith of all around us: we need to ask where to dig. We need to ask if we should even dig. Our heavenly Great Shepherd might tell us to hit a rock to get water. He might even tell us to even just speak to a Rock and lo, behold, waters of life will come gushing out to satisfy everyone.
Deliverance from God always comes, but it often does from outside the realm of our understanding, and from inside the realm of obedience in simple faith. This obedience makes us wise as serpents and harmless as doves. It leads our prayers to the nostrils of God, brings our petition closer to the Divine ear, and most of all, it put the riches of heaven’s treasury at our disposal.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
There are times in life when we pray and yet our prayers seem to go unanswered. There are times when our cries seem to reach a deafened or out of reach Divine ear. There are also times when even after a long search, heavenly wisdom seems inexistent.
Could it be in those times that God does not hear our prayer? Is it plausible that He ignores our beggarly plea? Or could the treasury of heaven’s wisdom be empty?
I see a shepherd digging for water. He needs to satisfy the thirst of his family and of his flocks. He also needs to satisfy his own thirst. He starts digging, hoping and praying he is at the right place. All help in some way. Hope sings in the heart of everyone. An air of assurance fills the heart of the worker giving him strength. But the digging yields no water. The workers are spent, the foreman discouraged, the people and the flocks are desperate, and thirsty.
It is good to dig, to work hard and to labor in prayer. It is good to even remind God of the promises by which He bound Himself. But before digging in trying to solve our problems in our own strength; before wasting our precious energy, and disappoint the faith of all around us: we need to ask where to dig. We need to ask if we should even dig. Our heavenly Great Shepherd might tell us to hit a rock to get water. He might even tell us to even just speak to a Rock and lo, behold, waters of life will come gushing out to satisfy everyone.
Deliverance from God always comes, but it often does from outside the realm of our understanding, and from inside the realm of obedience in simple faith. This obedience makes us wise as serpents and harmless as doves. It leads our prayers to the nostrils of God, brings our petition closer to the Divine ear, and most of all, it put the riches of heaven’s treasury at our disposal.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
THE WISDOM OF A CHILD
Psalms 119:169 Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
We will take a look at who is counted wise in the eyes of the world and when he is ; what happens when he comes onto the scene of the Kingdom of God. He arrives in great pomp and style; everything is done correctly. He has his diploma from the right denomination, his degree from the right university. His speech shows the refinement of a great theologian who can discern between doctrine and doctrine. His conversation has the style of one who is used to handling the deep Word of truth; all the prerequisites are included, none is missing. Oh, the surprise when he arrives. He finds himself in a world of people with the simple faith of “little children” (Matthew18:3). They do not regard his diploma or degree; they may not even know what a university or a denomination is.
My oh my, he steps over everyone. His language seems blurry to the simple inhabitants of the Kingdom. He even takes offense at their simplicity in handling honest and sincere truth, especially the truth of the Word of God. “Horror of horror”, he says now; “Am I now to follow the directives of this . . . child? (Isaiah 11:6), “How could he know the ways of the great Kingdom of God? What are his credentials? How could they be better than mine?”
He sits in confusion and despair by the side of the road trying to understand. He tries every key; every style of reasoning. Each and every formula of spiritual concept is tested, and found . . . wanting. He puts it all down in despair, “Have I spent all my life in the highest institutions of man only to end up in confusion?” he cries; “Yes, my child,” replies the tender voice of the Lord. All you had to do was ask, cry unto Me, and I would have put in your heart the wisdom of the ancients. I would have given you the understanding of the pure simple truths of the Holy Spirit. I would have filled you with the knowledge of My Kingdom that is not learned in the institutions of man. Haven’t you learned yet that, “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts?” (Isaiah 55:9).
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
We will take a look at who is counted wise in the eyes of the world and when he is ; what happens when he comes onto the scene of the Kingdom of God. He arrives in great pomp and style; everything is done correctly. He has his diploma from the right denomination, his degree from the right university. His speech shows the refinement of a great theologian who can discern between doctrine and doctrine. His conversation has the style of one who is used to handling the deep Word of truth; all the prerequisites are included, none is missing. Oh, the surprise when he arrives. He finds himself in a world of people with the simple faith of “little children” (Matthew18:3). They do not regard his diploma or degree; they may not even know what a university or a denomination is.
My oh my, he steps over everyone. His language seems blurry to the simple inhabitants of the Kingdom. He even takes offense at their simplicity in handling honest and sincere truth, especially the truth of the Word of God. “Horror of horror”, he says now; “Am I now to follow the directives of this . . . child? (Isaiah 11:6), “How could he know the ways of the great Kingdom of God? What are his credentials? How could they be better than mine?”
He sits in confusion and despair by the side of the road trying to understand. He tries every key; every style of reasoning. Each and every formula of spiritual concept is tested, and found . . . wanting. He puts it all down in despair, “Have I spent all my life in the highest institutions of man only to end up in confusion?” he cries; “Yes, my child,” replies the tender voice of the Lord. All you had to do was ask, cry unto Me, and I would have put in your heart the wisdom of the ancients. I would have given you the understanding of the pure simple truths of the Holy Spirit. I would have filled you with the knowledge of My Kingdom that is not learned in the institutions of man. Haven’t you learned yet that, “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts?” (Isaiah 55:9).
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Friday, May 25, 2007
NAKED INTEGRITY
May 25
Psalms 119:167-168 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. (168) I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Oh my LORD; how I love your Words, your precepts and your testimonies. I expose my heart to you. I give it to you to do as you please because I love you. I thank you for hearing, for inclining your ear to my request to answer my prayers, -- me-- the unworthy worm that I am (Psalms 22:6).
My heart, my soul and my spirit are open before you. My sins and my errors are exposed in your sight and any day my life is in your hand. A a simple breath from your mouth, a look from your fiery countenance, and life is snuffed out of me. But instead of using your excellent power against me, you use it to withdraw your righteous anger. You choose to look away from my sin and point instead to the scarlet thread (Joshua 2:18) of Your everlasting mercies.
Let the love that I bear for your Word be my judge;
Let the care that I give to your precepts be my defense;
Let the attention that I impart to your testimonies be my plea;
Let the integrity of my heart be ever before you.
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Psalms 119:167-168 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. (168) I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Oh my LORD; how I love your Words, your precepts and your testimonies. I expose my heart to you. I give it to you to do as you please because I love you. I thank you for hearing, for inclining your ear to my request to answer my prayers, -- me-- the unworthy worm that I am (Psalms 22:6).
My heart, my soul and my spirit are open before you. My sins and my errors are exposed in your sight and any day my life is in your hand. A a simple breath from your mouth, a look from your fiery countenance, and life is snuffed out of me. But instead of using your excellent power against me, you use it to withdraw your righteous anger. You choose to look away from my sin and point instead to the scarlet thread (Joshua 2:18) of Your everlasting mercies.
Let the love that I bear for your Word be my judge;
Let the care that I give to your precepts be my defense;
Let the attention that I impart to your testimonies be my plea;
Let the integrity of my heart be ever before you.
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
LOVE OBEDIENCE
Psalms 119:166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
Throughout his life, David acknowledged his sin. Because his passions so often led him astray, he often felt that he had lost all chances of sanctity, that he had incurred the fatal results of breaking the commandments of God (Deuteronomy 27:26)),. Yet, he hoped for salvation. He hoped, but not in vain. He hoped in God; he had confidence in the great everlasting mercies of his Lord. This hope, born of his love for his Lord, was the driving force behind the doing of the commandments.
Love makes obedience a thing of joy!
To do the will of one we like to please
Is never hardship, though it tax our strength;
Each privilege of service love will seize!
Love makes us loyal, glad to do or go,
And eager to defend a name or cause;
Love takes the drudgery from common work,
And asks no rich reward or great applause.
Love gives us satisfaction in our task,
And wealth in learning lessons of the heart;
Love sheds a light of glory on our toil
And makes us humbly glad to have a part.
Love makes us choose to do the Will of God,
To run His errands and proclaim His truth;
It gives our hearts an eager, lilting song;
Our feet are shod with tireless wings of youth!
---Hazel Hartwell Simon
Oh, so many have got it wrong; so many try to use their ‘good works’, their religious obedience to commandments, to bargain their salvation from God. But can one bargain with God? Can one dress himself with the fancy clothe of good works, put on the perfume of virtue, fashion, piety, and try to fool God into rewarding them with Salvation? Nay, my friend, obedience to God is an act of love born of gratitude--not a marketing tool.
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Throughout his life, David acknowledged his sin. Because his passions so often led him astray, he often felt that he had lost all chances of sanctity, that he had incurred the fatal results of breaking the commandments of God (Deuteronomy 27:26)),. Yet, he hoped for salvation. He hoped, but not in vain. He hoped in God; he had confidence in the great everlasting mercies of his Lord. This hope, born of his love for his Lord, was the driving force behind the doing of the commandments.
Love makes obedience a thing of joy!
To do the will of one we like to please
Is never hardship, though it tax our strength;
Each privilege of service love will seize!
Love makes us loyal, glad to do or go,
And eager to defend a name or cause;
Love takes the drudgery from common work,
And asks no rich reward or great applause.
Love gives us satisfaction in our task,
And wealth in learning lessons of the heart;
Love sheds a light of glory on our toil
And makes us humbly glad to have a part.
Love makes us choose to do the Will of God,
To run His errands and proclaim His truth;
It gives our hearts an eager, lilting song;
Our feet are shod with tireless wings of youth!
---Hazel Hartwell Simon
Oh, so many have got it wrong; so many try to use their ‘good works’, their religious obedience to commandments, to bargain their salvation from God. But can one bargain with God? Can one dress himself with the fancy clothe of good works, put on the perfume of virtue, fashion, piety, and try to fool God into rewarding them with Salvation? Nay, my friend, obedience to God is an act of love born of gratitude--not a marketing tool.
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
THE TRUE EDEN OF PEACE
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
In the demanding fast-moving world of today, peace seems to be an elusive virtue. It escapes our mind and spirit, and leaves a frustration in our hearts that is all too often exposed in our daily interactions. Because of this void, households are broken or in confusion, social relationships are strained, politicians and businessmen act out of fear.
There are people who have found peace in their heart. There are some who possess the secret strength of quietness, who have found harmony with their Lord. Such people have an inner strength. Just to be around them is relaxing as their spirit radiates on ours. Their words and mannerism emanate that stillness that is so vital to our soul.
How do they do that? Do they themselves not struggle inside? Did they find a secret potion that sets them in denial of life’s struggles? Do they own a magic word that repeals all their doubts and worries? Do they live in a self-created idyllic world?
No, it is not so. They have simply turned the fight over. They have engaged the power of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) to fight for them. All they have to do is take refuge in the mighty arms of the Lord through His Words. This is the place where life’s struggles are conquered, where the lies of doubt and worries are exposed and demised. Jesus’ arms are the true Eden of peace.
And all the more, it is not in mere obedience to the Law of God that they found their peace; it is in loving that Law and embracing it fervently as we do a lover. For who can truly obey the Law in all points? We are all sinners in God’s eyes (Romans 3:23). So let’s love His Law today with all our heart and we will be finally free from the offenses of the world that so often vex us.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
In the demanding fast-moving world of today, peace seems to be an elusive virtue. It escapes our mind and spirit, and leaves a frustration in our hearts that is all too often exposed in our daily interactions. Because of this void, households are broken or in confusion, social relationships are strained, politicians and businessmen act out of fear.
There are people who have found peace in their heart. There are some who possess the secret strength of quietness, who have found harmony with their Lord. Such people have an inner strength. Just to be around them is relaxing as their spirit radiates on ours. Their words and mannerism emanate that stillness that is so vital to our soul.
How do they do that? Do they themselves not struggle inside? Did they find a secret potion that sets them in denial of life’s struggles? Do they own a magic word that repeals all their doubts and worries? Do they live in a self-created idyllic world?
No, it is not so. They have simply turned the fight over. They have engaged the power of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) to fight for them. All they have to do is take refuge in the mighty arms of the Lord through His Words. This is the place where life’s struggles are conquered, where the lies of doubt and worries are exposed and demised. Jesus’ arms are the true Eden of peace.
And all the more, it is not in mere obedience to the Law of God that they found their peace; it is in loving that Law and embracing it fervently as we do a lover. For who can truly obey the Law in all points? We are all sinners in God’s eyes (Romans 3:23). So let’s love His Law today with all our heart and we will be finally free from the offenses of the world that so often vex us.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Psalms 119:164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Jewish traditions willed that a pious man would praise God seven times a day. Twice in the morning before reading the Decalogue, and once after; twice in the evening before the same reading, and twice after; making in the whole seven times.
Any king wanting to show piety would make sure to respect these timings, but King David seemed to have had a prayer life that was much deeper than the shallow routine of rituals. This king had seen his shares of troubles. To be able to sincerely praise God for His righteous judgments, he had to have a special intimate understanding of God’s ways in his life. David left home at a young age to sing for a mad king. He later had to flee form this same insane king to protect his life. He became a fugitive from his own country, which he had saved from domination. To top it all, he lost the first son from the woman he loved, and because of his sin, the sword never departed from his house, and evil constantly rose from his family (2 Samuel 12:9-11).
How nice it would be if during the course ofa troubled day we would stop whatever it is we’re doing for a time of prayer and praise. It would change our perspective on things and give us peace; it may even help us make better decisions.
Lord, help us today to remember to praise you for your goodness, your care, your protection, your love, and your righteous judgments.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Jewish traditions willed that a pious man would praise God seven times a day. Twice in the morning before reading the Decalogue, and once after; twice in the evening before the same reading, and twice after; making in the whole seven times.
Any king wanting to show piety would make sure to respect these timings, but King David seemed to have had a prayer life that was much deeper than the shallow routine of rituals. This king had seen his shares of troubles. To be able to sincerely praise God for His righteous judgments, he had to have a special intimate understanding of God’s ways in his life. David left home at a young age to sing for a mad king. He later had to flee form this same insane king to protect his life. He became a fugitive from his own country, which he had saved from domination. To top it all, he lost the first son from the woman he loved, and because of his sin, the sword never departed from his house, and evil constantly rose from his family (2 Samuel 12:9-11).
How nice it would be if during the course ofa troubled day we would stop whatever it is we’re doing for a time of prayer and praise. It would change our perspective on things and give us peace; it may even help us make better decisions.
Lord, help us today to remember to praise you for your goodness, your care, your protection, your love, and your righteous judgments.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
UNADULTERATED TRUTH
Psalms 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
What is lying? We sometimes lie to man. That’s when we deceive one another. God-fearing people try not to consciously do that. There is also the lying which we do to ourselves. It is more difficult to discern because we are creatures of excuses, and we like to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. Then there is the lying which consists in absolving ourselves from responsibility and guilt by twisting God’s words, by changing their perspective. We add or subtract to them (which we are not meant to do) in order to make them fit our purposes and human carnal mind.
The worst lie is the one that looks much like the truth. The concept and doctrine that is so diametrically opposite to the truth is easily spotted. While the righteous discerns it, he can be easily fooled by the lie that has taken the appearances of the truth. The devil uses this as a very smart and sly two-sided psychological strategy. On the one side, he appears as this creature with horns and a pitchfork, wearing red pajamas, promoting illicit sex, violence and rock music; and on the other side he comes in the disguise of a handsome smooth tongue preacher, teacher, or even in the form of a beautiful woman. He loves to take a whole lot of truth and mix it with a little of his lies. He does it using against ourselves our own tendencies to compromise in order to gratify our lust of the eyes and of the flesh.
We need to remember that the truth is a pure essence of doctrine. If it contains even a fraction of a drop of lie, it has been contaminated and it is not pure truth anymore. Rat-poisoning is 99.99% rat food with 0,01% poison, but it is fatal to the rodent.
With this in mind, let us check our heart with the truth of the pure word of God as interpreted by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Let us honestly subject our doctrine, our beliefs, our *“conversation”, our Christian practices to It’s pure truth. We will be able to concur with David, I hate and abhor lying: but thy Law do I love.
* Conversation: In the King James Bible, the word “conversation” means: lifestyle.
Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
What is lying? We sometimes lie to man. That’s when we deceive one another. God-fearing people try not to consciously do that. There is also the lying which we do to ourselves. It is more difficult to discern because we are creatures of excuses, and we like to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. Then there is the lying which consists in absolving ourselves from responsibility and guilt by twisting God’s words, by changing their perspective. We add or subtract to them (which we are not meant to do) in order to make them fit our purposes and human carnal mind.
The worst lie is the one that looks much like the truth. The concept and doctrine that is so diametrically opposite to the truth is easily spotted. While the righteous discerns it, he can be easily fooled by the lie that has taken the appearances of the truth. The devil uses this as a very smart and sly two-sided psychological strategy. On the one side, he appears as this creature with horns and a pitchfork, wearing red pajamas, promoting illicit sex, violence and rock music; and on the other side he comes in the disguise of a handsome smooth tongue preacher, teacher, or even in the form of a beautiful woman. He loves to take a whole lot of truth and mix it with a little of his lies. He does it using against ourselves our own tendencies to compromise in order to gratify our lust of the eyes and of the flesh.
We need to remember that the truth is a pure essence of doctrine. If it contains even a fraction of a drop of lie, it has been contaminated and it is not pure truth anymore. Rat-poisoning is 99.99% rat food with 0,01% poison, but it is fatal to the rodent.
With this in mind, let us check our heart with the truth of the pure word of God as interpreted by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Let us honestly subject our doctrine, our beliefs, our *“conversation”, our Christian practices to It’s pure truth. We will be able to concur with David, I hate and abhor lying: but thy Law do I love.
* Conversation: In the King James Bible, the word “conversation” means: lifestyle.
Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
QUALITY WORD TIME
Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
It is our God-given human nature to appreciate, cherish and protect the fruit of our labor more than what is simply given to us for free. In the case of Salvation, there is no doubt that it is free. There is nothing we can do to earn it; nothing we can do to annul it. It’s like birth--once it happens, we can die, but dying is in itself the proof that we once had life; the event cannot ‘un-happen’. But to be nourished and properly fed by the Word is different. It takes effort and will, and it is our responsibility to do it
The treasures of the Word are found through hard work, laboring in study and/or prayer. The first battle is to realize the need; that we cannot live without it. Next, the fight is against our daily businesses which have decreed that we don’t have time for the Word. We need to prioritize. We need to fight for the conviction that the gain of this investment will give us more wisdom than reading any other ‘how-to’ magazine; more class than any other fashion review; more entertainment than all the fiction and mystery books in the world.
Once this battle is won we finally sit down to dig for the cherished treasure. Our spirit relaxes in the arms of the Lord, but we are not used to this quiet and calm atmosphere so the devil comes in with a spirit of drowsiness and sleep. At that time the battle is to get up, to take a stand, to drink a glass of water;, take a breath of fresh air and rebuke this spiritual drowsiness. We may need to read a passage several times when we feel that it has a value and importance that eroded us in our sleepiness.
After a couple of hours, after the darkness of a great fight, the light finally comes as some truth downs on our spirit. A concept is conceived; a spiritual principle was uncovered and we are elated. We rejoice as one who has found great reward. We fought a good fight and won. The feeling is as of one who fought a great war and gets to divide the spoil with the princes--as one who searched long and hard at the bottom of the ocean and finally found the hidden treasure-- as one who has loved long and true, and whose love has finally been requited.
And oh, there is more to this idea. It is a paradox, but while we believe that what was not worth fighting for does not own much value, our lazy nature also likes easy gains. We like to rely on the processed and ‘pastor-ized’ foods (the foods already processed by our local pastor). It is the sick and weak who only eat easily chewed soft foods, because they cannot ‘stomach’ the meat of the Word in their lives. This meat of the Word only comes straight form the true shepherd, Jesus-Christ.
The personal digging and searching for the precious Word will take us to that level of understanding truth that is hard to hear; to truth that challenges every iota of comfort in our soul (John 6:60); to the true coarse barley bread of the Word.
Let us consider the quality of our Word time. As in a soldier who hones his weapon, this is the decisive factor in the outcome of the war in your life and service for the Lord. Time spent sharpening the sickle is not wasted.
Matthew 13:3-8 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; (4) And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: (5) Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (6) And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. (7) And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: (8) But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
Matthew 13:44 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.
Matthew 13:45-46 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.
Luke 15:8-9 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? (9) And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
It is our God-given human nature to appreciate, cherish and protect the fruit of our labor more than what is simply given to us for free. In the case of Salvation, there is no doubt that it is free. There is nothing we can do to earn it; nothing we can do to annul it. It’s like birth--once it happens, we can die, but dying is in itself the proof that we once had life; the event cannot ‘un-happen’. But to be nourished and properly fed by the Word is different. It takes effort and will, and it is our responsibility to do it
The treasures of the Word are found through hard work, laboring in study and/or prayer. The first battle is to realize the need; that we cannot live without it. Next, the fight is against our daily businesses which have decreed that we don’t have time for the Word. We need to prioritize. We need to fight for the conviction that the gain of this investment will give us more wisdom than reading any other ‘how-to’ magazine; more class than any other fashion review; more entertainment than all the fiction and mystery books in the world.
Once this battle is won we finally sit down to dig for the cherished treasure. Our spirit relaxes in the arms of the Lord, but we are not used to this quiet and calm atmosphere so the devil comes in with a spirit of drowsiness and sleep. At that time the battle is to get up, to take a stand, to drink a glass of water;, take a breath of fresh air and rebuke this spiritual drowsiness. We may need to read a passage several times when we feel that it has a value and importance that eroded us in our sleepiness.
After a couple of hours, after the darkness of a great fight, the light finally comes as some truth downs on our spirit. A concept is conceived; a spiritual principle was uncovered and we are elated. We rejoice as one who has found great reward. We fought a good fight and won. The feeling is as of one who fought a great war and gets to divide the spoil with the princes--as one who searched long and hard at the bottom of the ocean and finally found the hidden treasure-- as one who has loved long and true, and whose love has finally been requited.
And oh, there is more to this idea. It is a paradox, but while we believe that what was not worth fighting for does not own much value, our lazy nature also likes easy gains. We like to rely on the processed and ‘pastor-ized’ foods (the foods already processed by our local pastor). It is the sick and weak who only eat easily chewed soft foods, because they cannot ‘stomach’ the meat of the Word in their lives. This meat of the Word only comes straight form the true shepherd, Jesus-Christ.
The personal digging and searching for the precious Word will take us to that level of understanding truth that is hard to hear; to truth that challenges every iota of comfort in our soul (John 6:60); to the true coarse barley bread of the Word.
Let us consider the quality of our Word time. As in a soldier who hones his weapon, this is the decisive factor in the outcome of the war in your life and service for the Lord. Time spent sharpening the sickle is not wasted.
Matthew 13:3-8 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; (4) And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: (5) Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (6) And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. (7) And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: (8) But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
Matthew 13:44 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.
Matthew 13:45-46 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.
Luke 15:8-9 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? (9) And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
GOD’S JUSTICE OR OUR OWN?
Psalms 119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
It is understandable to suffer for the sins we know. It is even understandable to suffer for the sins we don’t know. But oh how hard it is to suffer without a cause. We try with all we have to keep the suffering away. We ‘play the game by the rules’, stay in the ‘safe zone’.
Suffering without a cause was the baptism, the destiny of Christ; we are to be baptized with the same baptism (Matthew 20:22,23). From Abel all the way to Job, David, and Jesus, the lot of the child of God is the same. To suffer without a cause is the earmark of a life touched by God; to suffer without a cause, or even, for your virtue.
How hard it is. Here we are, we obey, we give all, we praise when we feel like it and when we don’t feel like it. We fellowship, we pray, and yet, we are not spared the rod of suffering. Oh, how that hurts our sense of justice. We claim that if we were God we would know better, we would treat us better, we would be fairerallow ourselves to be subject to such an unfair treatment.
That, my friend, is the devil’s morbid sense of self-righteous justice. For How can he be clean that is born of a woman” (Job 25:4). In God’s eyes, we are dead from the minute we are born; but in our self-righteous condemned pride, we can’t help but try to bargain our lot with God using our good works. Suffering “without a cause” has the ability to cleanse us from this ungodly sense of justice born of our carnal mind (Romans 8:7).
Whatever our lot, it is in the hand of God within His perfect plan. May the blessing of the suffering he has allotted us cleanse the sin and uncleanness of our spirit, even our own perverted sense of self-righteous justice.
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
It is understandable to suffer for the sins we know. It is even understandable to suffer for the sins we don’t know. But oh how hard it is to suffer without a cause. We try with all we have to keep the suffering away. We ‘play the game by the rules’, stay in the ‘safe zone’.
Suffering without a cause was the baptism, the destiny of Christ; we are to be baptized with the same baptism (Matthew 20:22,23). From Abel all the way to Job, David, and Jesus, the lot of the child of God is the same. To suffer without a cause is the earmark of a life touched by God; to suffer without a cause, or even, for your virtue.
How hard it is. Here we are, we obey, we give all, we praise when we feel like it and when we don’t feel like it. We fellowship, we pray, and yet, we are not spared the rod of suffering. Oh, how that hurts our sense of justice. We claim that if we were God we would know better, we would treat us better, we would be fairerallow ourselves to be subject to such an unfair treatment.
That, my friend, is the devil’s morbid sense of self-righteous justice. For How can he be clean that is born of a woman” (Job 25:4). In God’s eyes, we are dead from the minute we are born; but in our self-righteous condemned pride, we can’t help but try to bargain our lot with God using our good works. Suffering “without a cause” has the ability to cleanse us from this ungodly sense of justice born of our carnal mind (Romans 8:7).
Whatever our lot, it is in the hand of God within His perfect plan. May the blessing of the suffering he has allotted us cleanse the sin and uncleanness of our spirit, even our own perverted sense of self-righteous justice.
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Friday, May 18, 2007
THE INVARIABLE TRUTH
Psalms 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
NOTE: The Hebrew text actually says: “The beginning of thy Word is truth…”
From the beginning, God’s Word has been our link with Salvation: our return to the presence of God. From the beginning, this Word promised us the final demise of the devil: the end of his power on mankind. Oh how precious are the first sweet Words of promise uttered in the Garden: And I will put enmity between thee (the serpent) (Revelations 20:2) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel (Genesis 3:15).
Day after day, event after event, we read it in the Book of God, we read it in our daily lives. Every time the enemy would lift his hand against one of God’s children, he ends up in the pit he intended for them, the victim of his own evil devices.
From the beginning, the devil has tried to separate us from God via sin. In spite of it, through the spirit of yearning and longing, we have had to learn to know God in a closer and more intimate way than we had ever known Him before. From the beginning, the devil tried to establish his justice upon us, but from the beginning, it made us all the more appreciate God’s merciful kindness. From the beginning, the devil tried to steal our loyalty to God, but from the beginning, it made us cling all the more to our Creator.
Oh, the precious and true Word of God. From the beginning it has decreed God’s sustained victory over His opponents. It has settled the establishment of His Kingdom and righteousness on the earth. It has declared the victory of mankind through the Lamb, and manifested the final demise of the devil. How can we fear, how can we doubt?
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
Revelations 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelations 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
NOTE: The Hebrew text actually says: “The beginning of thy Word is truth…”
From the beginning, God’s Word has been our link with Salvation: our return to the presence of God. From the beginning, this Word promised us the final demise of the devil: the end of his power on mankind. Oh how precious are the first sweet Words of promise uttered in the Garden: And I will put enmity between thee (the serpent) (Revelations 20:2) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel (Genesis 3:15).
Day after day, event after event, we read it in the Book of God, we read it in our daily lives. Every time the enemy would lift his hand against one of God’s children, he ends up in the pit he intended for them, the victim of his own evil devices.
From the beginning, the devil has tried to separate us from God via sin. In spite of it, through the spirit of yearning and longing, we have had to learn to know God in a closer and more intimate way than we had ever known Him before. From the beginning, the devil tried to establish his justice upon us, but from the beginning, it made us all the more appreciate God’s merciful kindness. From the beginning, the devil tried to steal our loyalty to God, but from the beginning, it made us cling all the more to our Creator.
Oh, the precious and true Word of God. From the beginning it has decreed God’s sustained victory over His opponents. It has settled the establishment of His Kingdom and righteousness on the earth. It has declared the victory of mankind through the Lamb, and manifested the final demise of the devil. How can we fear, how can we doubt?
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
Revelations 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelations 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
TIS GRACE AND GRACE ALONE
Psalms 119:159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Throughout his life long pleading, begging, praying, David had a single yearning and request: salvation. He lived his life longing for the promised restoration of his spirit, for his soul’s return in the presence of the Lord. David also intensely desired the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, and to the best of his ability and knowledge, he devoted his physical and spiritual strength to that purpose. He longed to live in the presence of the Lord; he had a deep love and appreciation for His precepts. David was not perfect though; he willingly acknowledged his sin, and he did not make his claim to Salvation by presenting his own self-deserving goodness to God. He solely depended on God’s lovingkindness.
We have yet to discover the depths of His love, the marvelous bounty of His grace. There were two thieves on Calvary crucified with Jesus. They were crucified for the sins they had committed on the earth. The law of the land had no power to either forgive or regenerate; they had to pay for their sins with a cruel death, and even then, it would not redeem their soul. In his unrepentant and hardened spirit, one of the thieves tried to use Jesus to absolve his punishment, but the law is an unforgiving taskmaster; it holds “death” as the “wages of sin” (Romans 6:23), and it has to be paid in full. The other thief knew his sin but he had faith in the merciful lovingkindness of the Master. He did not have the possibility to get baptized and do great works for Jesus. He did not have the opportunity to learn to understand the theological depth of Jesus’ role on the earth, he was fastened to a piece of wood bound to die within the next few hours. All he could bring to Jesus was the gift of his repentant and believing heart, and that was enough for Christ to pay his debt (for the law required the payment) and He said to him, “today, thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 43:23).
This is all Jesus needs: our repentant believing yielded heart. He wants to control and lead it; he wants to make His inhabitation in it. We cannot deceive him by presenting the works of our flesh. No work of man can be brought forth in exchange for the grace of His presence. All He needs is our heart fully yielded to Him so He can do the “works” through us.
Like the thief on Calvary, let’s be accepted of Him solely depending on the grace of His lovingkindness. That is our only hope.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Throughout his life long pleading, begging, praying, David had a single yearning and request: salvation. He lived his life longing for the promised restoration of his spirit, for his soul’s return in the presence of the Lord. David also intensely desired the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, and to the best of his ability and knowledge, he devoted his physical and spiritual strength to that purpose. He longed to live in the presence of the Lord; he had a deep love and appreciation for His precepts. David was not perfect though; he willingly acknowledged his sin, and he did not make his claim to Salvation by presenting his own self-deserving goodness to God. He solely depended on God’s lovingkindness.
We have yet to discover the depths of His love, the marvelous bounty of His grace. There were two thieves on Calvary crucified with Jesus. They were crucified for the sins they had committed on the earth. The law of the land had no power to either forgive or regenerate; they had to pay for their sins with a cruel death, and even then, it would not redeem their soul. In his unrepentant and hardened spirit, one of the thieves tried to use Jesus to absolve his punishment, but the law is an unforgiving taskmaster; it holds “death” as the “wages of sin” (Romans 6:23), and it has to be paid in full. The other thief knew his sin but he had faith in the merciful lovingkindness of the Master. He did not have the possibility to get baptized and do great works for Jesus. He did not have the opportunity to learn to understand the theological depth of Jesus’ role on the earth, he was fastened to a piece of wood bound to die within the next few hours. All he could bring to Jesus was the gift of his repentant and believing heart, and that was enough for Christ to pay his debt (for the law required the payment) and He said to him, “today, thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 43:23).
This is all Jesus needs: our repentant believing yielded heart. He wants to control and lead it; he wants to make His inhabitation in it. We cannot deceive him by presenting the works of our flesh. No work of man can be brought forth in exchange for the grace of His presence. All He needs is our heart fully yielded to Him so He can do the “works” through us.
Like the thief on Calvary, let’s be accepted of Him solely depending on the grace of His lovingkindness. That is our only hope.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
DO WE JUST WATCH AS THEY DRIVE THE NAILS?
Psalms 119:158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
I heard this song about a carpenter who finally decides to retire. As he ‘hangs up his hammer’ he says, “I don’t want to drive another nail”. His sweet wife though knows that her husband is not through; that he still has something to reckon with. On an Easter morning she drags him to a service where the preacher talks about the nails in Jesus hands. The old carpenter gets convicted of his sins against the Lord and proclaims again, “I don’t want to drive another nail”.
Our spiritual sickness of indifference and confusion laid the healing stripes (Isaiah 53: 5) on Jesus’ body. Our sins drove the nails of transgression into our Savior’s hands and feet. Our shallow mockery pierced his head with a crown of thorns. Our defiant arrogance pierced His side with a spear of contempt. Once we repent from our wrong doings and acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior, He forgives us these sins and comes down from the cross to live in our hearts forever. Each day that passes though, the indifference, the confusion, the sins, the mockery, the defiance and the arrogance of the transgressors add to the stripes, the nails and to the piercing of Jesus.
How can we watch transgressors so hurt our dear Savior and not grieve? How can we, for the sake of social acceptance take part of daily mockeries at the Spirit of Righteousness? How can we “walk in the counsel of the ungodly”, “stand in the way of sinners”, or “sit in the seat of the scornful” (Psalms. 1:1) and not feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit telling us, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5).
My dear friend, let not our heart be so hardened. Let not our spirit become so familiar with the defiling of the Holy Spirit, that it blurs the difference between the “bride” (Revelations 21:2) and the “whore” (Revelations 17:1). Let not our heart feel so ‘’t home” in this world that the transgression of the ungodly doesn’t cause us to grieve.
Jeremiah 9:1 Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.
Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.
I heard this song about a carpenter who finally decides to retire. As he ‘hangs up his hammer’ he says, “I don’t want to drive another nail”. His sweet wife though knows that her husband is not through; that he still has something to reckon with. On an Easter morning she drags him to a service where the preacher talks about the nails in Jesus hands. The old carpenter gets convicted of his sins against the Lord and proclaims again, “I don’t want to drive another nail”.
Our spiritual sickness of indifference and confusion laid the healing stripes (Isaiah 53: 5) on Jesus’ body. Our sins drove the nails of transgression into our Savior’s hands and feet. Our shallow mockery pierced his head with a crown of thorns. Our defiant arrogance pierced His side with a spear of contempt. Once we repent from our wrong doings and acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior, He forgives us these sins and comes down from the cross to live in our hearts forever. Each day that passes though, the indifference, the confusion, the sins, the mockery, the defiance and the arrogance of the transgressors add to the stripes, the nails and to the piercing of Jesus.
How can we watch transgressors so hurt our dear Savior and not grieve? How can we, for the sake of social acceptance take part of daily mockeries at the Spirit of Righteousness? How can we “walk in the counsel of the ungodly”, “stand in the way of sinners”, or “sit in the seat of the scornful” (Psalms. 1:1) and not feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit telling us, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5).
My dear friend, let not our heart be so hardened. Let not our spirit become so familiar with the defiling of the Holy Spirit, that it blurs the difference between the “bride” (Revelations 21:2) and the “whore” (Revelations 17:1). Let not our heart feel so ‘’t home” in this world that the transgression of the ungodly doesn’t cause us to grieve.
Jeremiah 9:1 Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.
Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
TO SHARE IN THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
Psalms 119:157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
David was a godly man. He was godly because of his great love for God, his great faith in God, and because of great repentance from his sins. His heart was truly yielded to the heart of God and he did not resist the correction of the Almighty. Yet, in spite of all these great virtues, he had many enemies.
These enemies were not only foreign people, nations and armies, but were also counted among his own friends and kin (Psalms 41:9; 2 Samuel 15:4). His life seems to have been a constant struggle from within and from without. Why is it that such a man who gave his all to God found very little peace during his lifetime?
The same happens today in the world. Jesus said so. How can we, even today. Expect people who reject him to receive us. How can we expect acceptance from a world that crucifies Him daily? Why should the “prince power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) to leave us, the “seed of the woman” (Revelations 12:17), alone when he knows that we are a daily threat to his kingdom? We need to truly appreciate any moment of peace in this world; to consider it a treat that He has Himself foregone while in ministry here. Jesus is certainly better to us that he was to Himself while He was on earth.
There is yet another question to be asked. If our life seems to roll along like a song without much of a fight; If the societies of the world easily accept us as one of their own; do we share in the fate of Christ? If our virtue counts no enemy; if we find it easy to get along with all; if our own kin never would rise against us (John 15:25); do we truly share in the fate of our Lord?
The life of every true child of God in history is marked with physical and spiritual persecutions. It is so because every true child of God is a witness to God’s power, and therefore a threat to the devil’s kingdom. In the Greek, the word ‘witness’, is also the word “martyr’. There is no true witness that is not also a martyr for the cause of Christ.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
2Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
David was a godly man. He was godly because of his great love for God, his great faith in God, and because of great repentance from his sins. His heart was truly yielded to the heart of God and he did not resist the correction of the Almighty. Yet, in spite of all these great virtues, he had many enemies.
These enemies were not only foreign people, nations and armies, but were also counted among his own friends and kin (Psalms 41:9; 2 Samuel 15:4). His life seems to have been a constant struggle from within and from without. Why is it that such a man who gave his all to God found very little peace during his lifetime?
The same happens today in the world. Jesus said so. How can we, even today. Expect people who reject him to receive us. How can we expect acceptance from a world that crucifies Him daily? Why should the “prince power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) to leave us, the “seed of the woman” (Revelations 12:17), alone when he knows that we are a daily threat to his kingdom? We need to truly appreciate any moment of peace in this world; to consider it a treat that He has Himself foregone while in ministry here. Jesus is certainly better to us that he was to Himself while He was on earth.
There is yet another question to be asked. If our life seems to roll along like a song without much of a fight; If the societies of the world easily accept us as one of their own; do we share in the fate of Christ? If our virtue counts no enemy; if we find it easy to get along with all; if our own kin never would rise against us (John 15:25); do we truly share in the fate of our Lord?
The life of every true child of God in history is marked with physical and spiritual persecutions. It is so because every true child of God is a witness to God’s power, and therefore a threat to the devil’s kingdom. In the Greek, the word ‘witness’, is also the word “martyr’. There is no true witness that is not also a martyr for the cause of Christ.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
2Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Monday, May 14, 2007
THE JUDGEMENTS OF HIS MERCY
Psalms 119:156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Is the fight discouraging? Does the way seem long and hard? Do others seem to have an easier path? Does it all seem unjust? Others felt also that way, like Job, Abraham Jacob, and David; and they all had the confidence to contend with God.
What does a relationship with God look like? What is He to us? Is He that great distant ruling potentate? Is He so far from our heart that His commands seem cold and unreasonable? Is He like the rulers of this world who exercise authority over the children of men, or like the gods of the heathen who only require sacrifices and care not for the welfare of their followers? And tell me now, does such a high and haughty god provoke religiosity? Does it feed our spiritual ego?
In life, who are the people with whom we have the faith to plead our cause, to ask for mercy, to plead for reprieve and forgiveness? Is it with the stranger, the governor or the blind justice of the land? No my friend, it is from our friends, from those closest to us, those of whom we trust the love. Those may be the ones we argue with the most because we have faith in their love for us, that they will forgive, even our contentions.
So my friend, we do not need to be unnecessarily ‘religious’. We can leave that for those whose gods cannot speak nor hear nor feel. We can leave that for the people who do not want a living god who will reason and talk with them; or even a god who will go as far as getting involved in their lives. Yea, leave the religious attitude to them who want to place there god on a shelf in a shrine outside their home.
Like the patriarchs of old, we can plead our cause, demand His mercy, claim His promises. He loves to hear His Children contend for His love and care, wrestle with the angel for His blessing. He loves to prove Himself to be the God of their salvation beyond and above all circumstances.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Is the fight discouraging? Does the way seem long and hard? Do others seem to have an easier path? Does it all seem unjust? Others felt also that way, like Job, Abraham Jacob, and David; and they all had the confidence to contend with God.
What does a relationship with God look like? What is He to us? Is He that great distant ruling potentate? Is He so far from our heart that His commands seem cold and unreasonable? Is He like the rulers of this world who exercise authority over the children of men, or like the gods of the heathen who only require sacrifices and care not for the welfare of their followers? And tell me now, does such a high and haughty god provoke religiosity? Does it feed our spiritual ego?
In life, who are the people with whom we have the faith to plead our cause, to ask for mercy, to plead for reprieve and forgiveness? Is it with the stranger, the governor or the blind justice of the land? No my friend, it is from our friends, from those closest to us, those of whom we trust the love. Those may be the ones we argue with the most because we have faith in their love for us, that they will forgive, even our contentions.
So my friend, we do not need to be unnecessarily ‘religious’. We can leave that for those whose gods cannot speak nor hear nor feel. We can leave that for the people who do not want a living god who will reason and talk with them; or even a god who will go as far as getting involved in their lives. Yea, leave the religious attitude to them who want to place there god on a shelf in a shrine outside their home.
Like the patriarchs of old, we can plead our cause, demand His mercy, claim His promises. He loves to hear His Children contend for His love and care, wrestle with the angel for His blessing. He loves to prove Himself to be the God of their salvation beyond and above all circumstances.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
THE DIFFERENCE
Psalms 119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
Oh my friend, what is the difference between the saved and the unsaved, between the righteous and the wicked, and between the son and the stranger?
Thus it is my friend. Will the child who lives close to the bosom of his father fret? Will he be afraid of the bully?
The saved, the righteous, the sons, have their eyes on their Lord and Father. They keep their eyes upon His and thus enjoy perfect peace. The devil and his cohorts can scream, screech, saber-rattle all they want. They can elevate their towers, strengthen their battering rams, display all their fancy weapons in attempts to scare the righteous. God will laugh at their pretentious attempts, and His children will not be moved. They know it; one look from their father and the pride of the wicked vanishes away, it burns and melt like candle wax (Job 40:9,11-12). So let us not fear when the devil tries to show off. Let us not fret when he comes with his lies amplified with the hot air of deceit. We can simply rebuke Him in the name of our Lord Jesus and watch him vanish away.
It is not the same with the unsaved, the wicked and the stranger to the household of God. He does not have the protection of the Creator to keep him safe. He does not have the assurances of the Words of the Lord to comfort him. He does not have the securities of the arms of God to envelop him. He is scared of death and of the dark. He needs constant reassuring. He has to rely on potent medicines and drugs to find peace of mind and quietness of spirit. He is scared of his own shadow; he lives in constant fear and confusion because he seeks not God’s statutes.
Let us now learn to rest in the arms of God; to go to sleep there and let Him fight the darkness that would want to conquer us. May the sunshine of His Spirit burn the chaff, the dross; may it bring us light, warmth, strength and perfect peace.
Proverbs 11:19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Oh my friend, what is the difference between the saved and the unsaved, between the righteous and the wicked, and between the son and the stranger?
Thus it is my friend. Will the child who lives close to the bosom of his father fret? Will he be afraid of the bully?
The saved, the righteous, the sons, have their eyes on their Lord and Father. They keep their eyes upon His and thus enjoy perfect peace. The devil and his cohorts can scream, screech, saber-rattle all they want. They can elevate their towers, strengthen their battering rams, display all their fancy weapons in attempts to scare the righteous. God will laugh at their pretentious attempts, and His children will not be moved. They know it; one look from their father and the pride of the wicked vanishes away, it burns and melt like candle wax (Job 40:9,11-12). So let us not fear when the devil tries to show off. Let us not fret when he comes with his lies amplified with the hot air of deceit. We can simply rebuke Him in the name of our Lord Jesus and watch him vanish away.
It is not the same with the unsaved, the wicked and the stranger to the household of God. He does not have the protection of the Creator to keep him safe. He does not have the assurances of the Words of the Lord to comfort him. He does not have the securities of the arms of God to envelop him. He is scared of death and of the dark. He needs constant reassuring. He has to rely on potent medicines and drugs to find peace of mind and quietness of spirit. He is scared of his own shadow; he lives in constant fear and confusion because he seeks not God’s statutes.
Let us now learn to rest in the arms of God; to go to sleep there and let Him fight the darkness that would want to conquer us. May the sunshine of His Spirit burn the chaff, the dross; may it bring us light, warmth, strength and perfect peace.
Proverbs 11:19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Psalms 119:153-154 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. (154) Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
The prosecutor of this world has come to the throne of the great Judge of all (Job 1:6-12). He has found fault, he has found wickedness in us. He expounds the case before the God of the universe remembering every element. He *twists facts like the wick of a candle; he supports his case with false witnesses (Matthew 26:60).
We now appear before the throne of the Eternal Judge. What do we plead? Will we bring before Him our fleshly works to prove the goodness of our heart? Will we justify our case with a show of religiosity? Will we show Him unjust in proclaiming that we do not deserve the worst of all punishment (Psalms 51:4)?
Guilty, yea we should plead guilty. There is no other plea for us. How can he be clean that is born of a woman? (Job 25:4). From the foundations of the world, before we were even created, we were born to be found guilty . . . and by His grace, to be justified.
Oh, what a comfort we have in a Defense Attorney who has himself conquered the death of guilt. What a relief, what a sigh to know that we have One who stands for us as the standard (Isaiah 59:19) of God’s Word of grace and **mercy. Let our attorney battle with the lying prosecutor; let our defender prove him to be the liar that he is. Surely, we will not be absolved of our mistakes nor from our sins--justice will be served--but as a tender and wiser older brother, Jesus will take upon Himself the price of our foolish youthful pranks and deliver us from “the snare of the fowler” (Psalms 91:3).
Psalms 91:2-4 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (3) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. (4) He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
*The word “wicked” comes from the twisting of a candle ‘wick’.
** Mercy: Undeserved forgiveness.
The prosecutor of this world has come to the throne of the great Judge of all (Job 1:6-12). He has found fault, he has found wickedness in us. He expounds the case before the God of the universe remembering every element. He *twists facts like the wick of a candle; he supports his case with false witnesses (Matthew 26:60).
We now appear before the throne of the Eternal Judge. What do we plead? Will we bring before Him our fleshly works to prove the goodness of our heart? Will we justify our case with a show of religiosity? Will we show Him unjust in proclaiming that we do not deserve the worst of all punishment (Psalms 51:4)?
Guilty, yea we should plead guilty. There is no other plea for us. How can he be clean that is born of a woman? (Job 25:4). From the foundations of the world, before we were even created, we were born to be found guilty . . . and by His grace, to be justified.
Oh, what a comfort we have in a Defense Attorney who has himself conquered the death of guilt. What a relief, what a sigh to know that we have One who stands for us as the standard (Isaiah 59:19) of God’s Word of grace and **mercy. Let our attorney battle with the lying prosecutor; let our defender prove him to be the liar that he is. Surely, we will not be absolved of our mistakes nor from our sins--justice will be served--but as a tender and wiser older brother, Jesus will take upon Himself the price of our foolish youthful pranks and deliver us from “the snare of the fowler” (Psalms 91:3).
Psalms 91:2-4 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (3) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. (4) He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
*The word “wicked” comes from the twisting of a candle ‘wick’.
** Mercy: Undeserved forgiveness.
Friday, May 11, 2007
HIS ETERNAL TESTIMONIES
Psalms 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Oh Lord, the world and its vanity can vanish away; thy testimonies are founded forever.
My friends and their fickle ways can bid me leave; thy testimonies are founded forever.
Of this we can rest assured: the world was not founded on temporal material elements. It does not rest on wooden beams and cement foundations. Nails and glue do not hold it; nor is it sawn together like a garment. Wheels and gears activated by uncertain fuel powers do not hold it in space nor make it turn. It is only and solely the sureties of the testimonies of God that hold it all together.
Look at the earth, would we be afraid to build on it something so heavy that it cannot hold it? Would an excess of population bring it down? Can we build something so high that it could hinder its revolutions in space?
Nay my friend; but the testimonies of God are founded on His immutable eternity. A sparrow does not fall, neither does a hair of our head without His permission (Matthew 12:29; Luke 12:7).
We can rest assured in the surety of God’s testimonies. We can rest assured that what He has said He will perform (Numbers 23:19); that what He has created He will nurture and protect (Zecheriah 2:8); that what He has given He will not take away (Romans 11:29); and that the One who never lies gave us the promise of His presence (Hebrews 13:5).
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Oh Lord, the world and its vanity can vanish away; thy testimonies are founded forever.
My friends and their fickle ways can bid me leave; thy testimonies are founded forever.
Of this we can rest assured: the world was not founded on temporal material elements. It does not rest on wooden beams and cement foundations. Nails and glue do not hold it; nor is it sawn together like a garment. Wheels and gears activated by uncertain fuel powers do not hold it in space nor make it turn. It is only and solely the sureties of the testimonies of God that hold it all together.
Look at the earth, would we be afraid to build on it something so heavy that it cannot hold it? Would an excess of population bring it down? Can we build something so high that it could hinder its revolutions in space?
Nay my friend; but the testimonies of God are founded on His immutable eternity. A sparrow does not fall, neither does a hair of our head without His permission (Matthew 12:29; Luke 12:7).
We can rest assured in the surety of God’s testimonies. We can rest assured that what He has said He will perform (Numbers 23:19); that what He has created He will nurture and protect (Zecheriah 2:8); that what He has given He will not take away (Romans 11:29); and that the One who never lies gave us the promise of His presence (Hebrews 13:5).
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
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