"And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered" (Gen. 16:6b-14).
After Hagar (Sarah's servant) conceived a child by Abraham with Sarah's consent,(don't try this at home) she looked upon her mistress with contempt. Sarah was not happy about this and began to treat Hagar so harshly that she packed her bags and ran off. While on the run Hagar was no doubt scared and alone when she stopped by a spring of water. There the angel of the Lord appeared unto her to encourage her to return to her mistress and submit unto her, with the promise that God would make of the child in her womb a mighty nation. Upon hearing this promise from God, Hagar called the Lord, El Roi meaning, the God who sees.
Notice also that the people of God also named the well were Hagar learned that God was watching over her, Beer-lahai-roi. Beer-lahai-roi means, the well of the Living One who sees me. This well became a memorial to the people of God of one of the great attributes of God that they needed to be reminded of. Like Hagar found it difficult to deal with Sarah and chose to run away, we too will be tempted to run from our problems and take what we think will be the easy way out.
I heard someone say today that we have two museums down in our hearts. One museum holds paintings, statues and historical reminders of all the bad stuff that has happened to us in our lives. Some of it are own doing and some of it not. When visiting this museum it's vital if we would benefit from it to take two tools with us. These two tools are called repentance and forgiveness. Be ready to repent of things that you have suffered because of sin in your life and be ready to forgive others who have caused some of that hurt that is found in this museum. The other museum houses all the historical reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives, all his provision, protection and the many times he has seen us through the hard stuff. In this museum we need to bring with us the tools of praise and thanksgiving as we are reminded of all that God has done for us.
We are so quit to worry about the future but so absent minded of God’s past faithfulness. If you’re like me and have a tendency to forget, try keeping a journal to recall what God has done and to record what he continues to do in your life. It’s been said, “The weakest ink is better than the best memory.” Do you find yourself in a lonely or dark place? God sees you and he wants you to know that he's with you. He will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5). Don't doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. In the hard times trust that God has a plan for your life and he will see you through.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
And the Lord came down to see...
"And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech." 8 So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth" (Gen 11:1-9).
After the judgment of the flood upon a wicked world, man by God’s grace began once again to multiply on the face of the earth. But in time man once again ceased to seek to glorify the name of the Lord, but instead sought to make a name for themselves. They set out in unity and strength in numbers to build a tower that reached the heavens. I supposed that after they built this tower they would step back and say, “Look at what we've accomplished.” Their words would become a whole lot of babel when God decided to come down to see what they had built. God wasn't impressed and he confounded their languages and scattered them throughout the earth. What does God see when He comes down to check out what you're building in your life? May all we seek to build this coming year be done in dependence upon God and for the glory of His name.
After the judgment of the flood upon a wicked world, man by God’s grace began once again to multiply on the face of the earth. But in time man once again ceased to seek to glorify the name of the Lord, but instead sought to make a name for themselves. They set out in unity and strength in numbers to build a tower that reached the heavens. I supposed that after they built this tower they would step back and say, “Look at what we've accomplished.” Their words would become a whole lot of babel when God decided to come down to see what they had built. God wasn't impressed and he confounded their languages and scattered them throughout the earth. What does God see when He comes down to check out what you're building in your life? May all we seek to build this coming year be done in dependence upon God and for the glory of His name.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Where is thy brother?
"And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass...that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground" (Gen. 4:8-10).
When Adam sinned and hid from the Lord, God called unto him saying, "Where art thou?" (See previous blog) Now Cain slays his brother and God asked him, "Where is Abel thy brother?" Just like God knew where Adam was he knew where Abel was too. God said unto Cain, "the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." Because of Cain's sin he was driven from the presence of the Lord to become a wanderer in the earth (Gen. 4:14-16). When God asked Adam, "Where are thou?" this question was in regards to Adam's personal sin against God. When God asked Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? this question was in regards to Cain's sin against his brother. Both Adam's sin against God and Cain's sin against his brother Abel affected their enjoyment of God's presence. Adam needed to be reconciled to God. God covered the shame of Adam and Eve with animal skins, which they received. These animals that were killed to cover the shame of Adam and Eve was a picture of the blood atonement of Jesus Christ. Abel needed to be reconciled with his brother. But rather than getting his heart right with his brother Abel, Cain murdered him. And as a result was driven from the presence of God.
The Apostle John wrote, "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him" (1 John 3:11-17).
According to John a unwillingness in a person to reach out to another brother or sister in love is an indication that they do not know God. Is there an offense, bitterness, or anger toward your brother or sister on your part crying out to God against you? God will not plug his ears. If you’re saved your fellowship with God will be hindered until you do your part to resolve any issue between you and another brother. If your persist in your unwillingness to do your part in resolving any issues between you and a brother or sister perhaps the reason might be that you do not know the love of God yourself. In other word you need to get saved. If you are saved and in conflict with a brother or sister you need to heed the words of the Apostle Paul, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:31-32). God asked Cain, "Where is Abel thy brother?" Perhaps God is saying to us today, “Where is (fill in the blank) thy brother? Where is (fill in the blank) thy sister?”
When Adam sinned and hid from the Lord, God called unto him saying, "Where art thou?" (See previous blog) Now Cain slays his brother and God asked him, "Where is Abel thy brother?" Just like God knew where Adam was he knew where Abel was too. God said unto Cain, "the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." Because of Cain's sin he was driven from the presence of the Lord to become a wanderer in the earth (Gen. 4:14-16). When God asked Adam, "Where are thou?" this question was in regards to Adam's personal sin against God. When God asked Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? this question was in regards to Cain's sin against his brother. Both Adam's sin against God and Cain's sin against his brother Abel affected their enjoyment of God's presence. Adam needed to be reconciled to God. God covered the shame of Adam and Eve with animal skins, which they received. These animals that were killed to cover the shame of Adam and Eve was a picture of the blood atonement of Jesus Christ. Abel needed to be reconciled with his brother. But rather than getting his heart right with his brother Abel, Cain murdered him. And as a result was driven from the presence of God.
The Apostle John wrote, "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him" (1 John 3:11-17).
According to John a unwillingness in a person to reach out to another brother or sister in love is an indication that they do not know God. Is there an offense, bitterness, or anger toward your brother or sister on your part crying out to God against you? God will not plug his ears. If you’re saved your fellowship with God will be hindered until you do your part to resolve any issue between you and another brother. If your persist in your unwillingness to do your part in resolving any issues between you and a brother or sister perhaps the reason might be that you do not know the love of God yourself. In other word you need to get saved. If you are saved and in conflict with a brother or sister you need to heed the words of the Apostle Paul, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:31-32). God asked Cain, "Where is Abel thy brother?" Perhaps God is saying to us today, “Where is (fill in the blank) thy brother? Where is (fill in the blank) thy sister?”
Monday, December 27, 2010
Where art thou?
"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" (Gen.3:8-9).
Where are you today? When God called out to Adam saying, "Where art thou" it wasn't because God didn't know where Adam was, but because he wanted Adam to think about where he was. If you call somebody for directions because you are lost, the first thing they will ask you is, "where are you?" You have to know where you are before you can get to where you need to be. A son of a Pastor asked his dad about God's leading in his life. His dad replied, "Son, keep the room clean where you are, and in God's time, the door to the next room will open." I read that in a devotional reading today and thought about the many times I've said to my sons that they could not go anywhere until they clean their rooms. My boys have a tendency to allow their rooms to get messy because it's "their room" so they think. And when people come over they can just shut the door and no one will know that their rooms are a mess. But mom knows and she doesn't want them to be comfortable sleeping a in pig sty. We have a tendency to allow areas that others don't have to know about to get messy. But even if no one else knows about it, God does. You can hide from others but you can't hide from God. He will not overlook the secrets sins in your life. And until you clean those areas up you will not experience God's best for your life. Don't expect God to open up new doors in your life until you clean up the mess where you sleep.
God cares about where you are. And no matter what the failures or spiritual successes you've had, God has more for you. As we approach the New Year it's a good time to evaluate where you are in the light of God's word. Confess any sins that God reveals to you and set some new goals for your life as God directs. May this coming year bring many blessings as you follow the Lord where ever he leads you.
Where are you today? When God called out to Adam saying, "Where art thou" it wasn't because God didn't know where Adam was, but because he wanted Adam to think about where he was. If you call somebody for directions because you are lost, the first thing they will ask you is, "where are you?" You have to know where you are before you can get to where you need to be. A son of a Pastor asked his dad about God's leading in his life. His dad replied, "Son, keep the room clean where you are, and in God's time, the door to the next room will open." I read that in a devotional reading today and thought about the many times I've said to my sons that they could not go anywhere until they clean their rooms. My boys have a tendency to allow their rooms to get messy because it's "their room" so they think. And when people come over they can just shut the door and no one will know that their rooms are a mess. But mom knows and she doesn't want them to be comfortable sleeping a in pig sty. We have a tendency to allow areas that others don't have to know about to get messy. But even if no one else knows about it, God does. You can hide from others but you can't hide from God. He will not overlook the secrets sins in your life. And until you clean those areas up you will not experience God's best for your life. Don't expect God to open up new doors in your life until you clean up the mess where you sleep.
God cares about where you are. And no matter what the failures or spiritual successes you've had, God has more for you. As we approach the New Year it's a good time to evaluate where you are in the light of God's word. Confess any sins that God reveals to you and set some new goals for your life as God directs. May this coming year bring many blessings as you follow the Lord where ever he leads you.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her" (Luke 1:31-38).
When God decided to enter the world in the flesh, He chose a lowly peasant girl to be the vehicle by which he made His entrance. Mary herself said, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden." God still delights to do extraordinary things through ordinary people. He can do the impossible by His Spirit through anyone who would pray like Mary, "Behold the handmaid (servant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."
Do you sense God calling you to do a work for him that appears to the human eye like it can't be done? Recall to your mind the great things God has already done in your life and in the lives of others. And remember the words of the Angel to Mary, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Be willing to be used of God wherever he leads you and trust his Spirit to do in you and through you what you can't.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her" (Luke 1:31-38).
When God decided to enter the world in the flesh, He chose a lowly peasant girl to be the vehicle by which he made His entrance. Mary herself said, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden." God still delights to do extraordinary things through ordinary people. He can do the impossible by His Spirit through anyone who would pray like Mary, "Behold the handmaid (servant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."
Do you sense God calling you to do a work for him that appears to the human eye like it can't be done? Recall to your mind the great things God has already done in your life and in the lives of others. And remember the words of the Angel to Mary, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Be willing to be used of God wherever he leads you and trust his Spirit to do in you and through you what you can't.
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Humility of the Incarnation
"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philip 2:1-7).
As I meditated and prayed about the implications of the incarnation I was overwhelmed with a sense of numinous awe over the profound humility that was displayed when God became flesh—when deity was clothed with humanity.
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would allow us to see the wonder of the humility of the incarnation in a way that we would be in awe of God—that we would bow before him in worship and humble adoration. And in the light of the humility of the incarnation I pray that we would learn as followers of Christ why and how we must strive in the power of the Spirit to emulate that humility.
I. The Personification of Humility:
In verses 1-4 of our text Paul was encouraging unity among the believers of the church at Philip. In order to encourage that unity Paul points to the humility of the incarnation (v. 5-8). Why? Because the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ personified humility. The incarnation (when God became flesh) is the pinnacle of the humility that true followers of Christ are to strive to emulate.
In a moment we are going to see why humility is our best friend and pride (the opposite of humility) our worst enemy. But before we look at that I want us to know that we will not reflect the humility of Christ, we will not desire the humility of Christ and we will not strive to be humble unless we appreciate—unless we are first gripped by the humility of the incarnation.
Paul desired for the Philippians to see the wonder of the incarnation. Therefore he wrote concerning Christ in verses 6-8, “Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” What is Paul saying here? He’s saying that God, the creator and sustainer of the universe set aside his divine privileges to become a servant to man—to take on the likeness of man. Understand what the bible is saying here. God didn’t quit being God to become a man. God put on the robes of human flesh and being fully God and fully man he subjected himself to man, he became a servant to man—he suffered as a man—And He died as a man on a Roman cross for you and for me.
Do we really appreciate fully the humility of the incarnation? Have you been humbled—has your pride been shattered—have you fallen on your knees in awe at the mystery and humility of the incarnation? The fact is that words are not adequate enough to express this mystery of the humanity of Christ. But thankfully God made the universe in such a way that it helps to declare to us the glory and greatness of God. (Psalm 19). In doing so they help us to better appreciate the humility of the incarnation.
In Psalm 8 the Psalmist wrote, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3-4).
When the Psalmist considered the wonders of God's creation by gazing at the night sky he was greatly humbled. And as he looked in awe at the amazing beauty of the stars and moon that God created he declared, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest (cares for) him?" David was humbled because he saw himself in the light of the glory of God’s creation. He thought, “Why would such a great and powerful God care for and be mindful of such, insignificant and tiny specks in his universe like you and me? What's even more incomprehensible is not only that God would think upon and care for man on the planet that he fashioned for us, but that the creator of the starry skies humbled himself and became a man that he might give his life as a ransom for you and for me.
The God who created the sun that warms our planet, the God who created the beautiful stars and galaxies and billions upon billions of more stars like them, is the God “who made himself of no reputation and took upon himself the form of a servant, and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the cross.”
II. The Promise of Humility:
After Paul’s describes the humility of Christ in his incarnation he writes in verse 9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philip 2:9-11).
The word “wherefore” in verse 9 connects the humiliation of Christ with the exaltation of Christ. In his humanity Christ demonstrated for us that the path to greatness in God’s eyes is humility. And of course this doesn’t only apply to Jesus but to us as well. There are great promises of God that are breathtaking and that are only realized in our lives through humility. In 1 Peter 5:6 we read, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
In Isaiah 66:1-2 we find another amazing promise that ought to motivate us to seek humility: “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”
Notice that in this scripture we find motivation and purpose for humility and that is the promise that it gets the attention of God or as one author put it, “Humility draws the gaze of our sovereign God.” What does this mean? This means that humility draws God’s gracious, undeserved, supernatural strength and assistance. James wrote, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
We will not experience unity in our churches, we will not experience more of the grace and strength of God, we will not experience answers to prayer, God will not use us in any significant way, we will not be granted any more influence from God apart from clothing ourselves with the robes of humility. This is why I said earlier that humility is our best friend and pride our worst enemy. Pride is our enemy because God resists and opposes the proud. But humility is our great friend because it draws the divine grace of God into our lives.
III. The Practice of humility:
How do we put on this essential virtue of humility? First of all we must know what
it is? Like the word love humility is not easy to define. Humility is best described and understood as it is applied in our everyday interaction with God and others around us. But before we look at how Paul describes what humility looks like in our relationship with others let me give you a simple phrase that helps me not only to know what humility is but that God’s uses to put me in my place. Humility is remembering that it’s not about me. When I shared that with my friend Mark this week he added, “even when I right.”
Do you know what pride is? Pride is making it about me. Pride (making it about me) is as I already said our greatest enemy—it’s the greatest enemy of unity in the church—to marital relationships—family relationships, relationships in general and most of all our relationship with God. Thomas Merton wrote, "To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell."
Now Paul describes the kind of humility that we are to exemplify as Christians: “Let nothing be done through strife (insisting on your own way, seeking to be first) or vainglory (To bring glory to self,); but in lowliness (humility) of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (put others before yourself) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Don’t just do things when there is something in it for you, but look out for the interest of others) (Philip 2:3-4).
The bottom line is that when we are walking in humility we recognized that it’s not about me, but it’s about living our lives in a way that glorifies and emulates the one who it is all about. And our motivation for practicing humility is recalling to mind, that although it is all about Jesus, He set aside his divine rights and privileges and humbled himself to look out for our interest—to save us from our sin.
Now that we have an idea of what humility looks like, how do we live it out? Reflect deeply on the humility of the incarnation, Renew your mind daily in God’s word, Rely upon God, and lastly Repent of all areas of pride in your life.
In Isaiah 66:2 we read, “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” The person that trembles at God’s word is
How many of you need God’s grace, God’s strength, God’s forgiveness? God’s says, “to this man will I look, event to him that is poor (humble) and of a contrite spirit…” God hears the cry of humble hearts.
As I meditated and prayed about the implications of the incarnation I was overwhelmed with a sense of numinous awe over the profound humility that was displayed when God became flesh—when deity was clothed with humanity.
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would allow us to see the wonder of the humility of the incarnation in a way that we would be in awe of God—that we would bow before him in worship and humble adoration. And in the light of the humility of the incarnation I pray that we would learn as followers of Christ why and how we must strive in the power of the Spirit to emulate that humility.
I. The Personification of Humility:
In verses 1-4 of our text Paul was encouraging unity among the believers of the church at Philip. In order to encourage that unity Paul points to the humility of the incarnation (v. 5-8). Why? Because the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ personified humility. The incarnation (when God became flesh) is the pinnacle of the humility that true followers of Christ are to strive to emulate.
In a moment we are going to see why humility is our best friend and pride (the opposite of humility) our worst enemy. But before we look at that I want us to know that we will not reflect the humility of Christ, we will not desire the humility of Christ and we will not strive to be humble unless we appreciate—unless we are first gripped by the humility of the incarnation.
Paul desired for the Philippians to see the wonder of the incarnation. Therefore he wrote concerning Christ in verses 6-8, “Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” What is Paul saying here? He’s saying that God, the creator and sustainer of the universe set aside his divine privileges to become a servant to man—to take on the likeness of man. Understand what the bible is saying here. God didn’t quit being God to become a man. God put on the robes of human flesh and being fully God and fully man he subjected himself to man, he became a servant to man—he suffered as a man—And He died as a man on a Roman cross for you and for me.
Do we really appreciate fully the humility of the incarnation? Have you been humbled—has your pride been shattered—have you fallen on your knees in awe at the mystery and humility of the incarnation? The fact is that words are not adequate enough to express this mystery of the humanity of Christ. But thankfully God made the universe in such a way that it helps to declare to us the glory and greatness of God. (Psalm 19). In doing so they help us to better appreciate the humility of the incarnation.
In Psalm 8 the Psalmist wrote, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3-4).
When the Psalmist considered the wonders of God's creation by gazing at the night sky he was greatly humbled. And as he looked in awe at the amazing beauty of the stars and moon that God created he declared, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest (cares for) him?" David was humbled because he saw himself in the light of the glory of God’s creation. He thought, “Why would such a great and powerful God care for and be mindful of such, insignificant and tiny specks in his universe like you and me? What's even more incomprehensible is not only that God would think upon and care for man on the planet that he fashioned for us, but that the creator of the starry skies humbled himself and became a man that he might give his life as a ransom for you and for me.
The God who created the sun that warms our planet, the God who created the beautiful stars and galaxies and billions upon billions of more stars like them, is the God “who made himself of no reputation and took upon himself the form of a servant, and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the cross.”
II. The Promise of Humility:
After Paul’s describes the humility of Christ in his incarnation he writes in verse 9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philip 2:9-11).
The word “wherefore” in verse 9 connects the humiliation of Christ with the exaltation of Christ. In his humanity Christ demonstrated for us that the path to greatness in God’s eyes is humility. And of course this doesn’t only apply to Jesus but to us as well. There are great promises of God that are breathtaking and that are only realized in our lives through humility. In 1 Peter 5:6 we read, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
In Isaiah 66:1-2 we find another amazing promise that ought to motivate us to seek humility: “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”
Notice that in this scripture we find motivation and purpose for humility and that is the promise that it gets the attention of God or as one author put it, “Humility draws the gaze of our sovereign God.” What does this mean? This means that humility draws God’s gracious, undeserved, supernatural strength and assistance. James wrote, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
We will not experience unity in our churches, we will not experience more of the grace and strength of God, we will not experience answers to prayer, God will not use us in any significant way, we will not be granted any more influence from God apart from clothing ourselves with the robes of humility. This is why I said earlier that humility is our best friend and pride our worst enemy. Pride is our enemy because God resists and opposes the proud. But humility is our great friend because it draws the divine grace of God into our lives.
III. The Practice of humility:
How do we put on this essential virtue of humility? First of all we must know what
it is? Like the word love humility is not easy to define. Humility is best described and understood as it is applied in our everyday interaction with God and others around us. But before we look at how Paul describes what humility looks like in our relationship with others let me give you a simple phrase that helps me not only to know what humility is but that God’s uses to put me in my place. Humility is remembering that it’s not about me. When I shared that with my friend Mark this week he added, “even when I right.”
Do you know what pride is? Pride is making it about me. Pride (making it about me) is as I already said our greatest enemy—it’s the greatest enemy of unity in the church—to marital relationships—family relationships, relationships in general and most of all our relationship with God. Thomas Merton wrote, "To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell."
Now Paul describes the kind of humility that we are to exemplify as Christians: “Let nothing be done through strife (insisting on your own way, seeking to be first) or vainglory (To bring glory to self,); but in lowliness (humility) of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (put others before yourself) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Don’t just do things when there is something in it for you, but look out for the interest of others) (Philip 2:3-4).
The bottom line is that when we are walking in humility we recognized that it’s not about me, but it’s about living our lives in a way that glorifies and emulates the one who it is all about. And our motivation for practicing humility is recalling to mind, that although it is all about Jesus, He set aside his divine rights and privileges and humbled himself to look out for our interest—to save us from our sin.
Now that we have an idea of what humility looks like, how do we live it out? Reflect deeply on the humility of the incarnation, Renew your mind daily in God’s word, Rely upon God, and lastly Repent of all areas of pride in your life.
In Isaiah 66:2 we read, “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” The person that trembles at God’s word is
How many of you need God’s grace, God’s strength, God’s forgiveness? God’s says, “to this man will I look, event to him that is poor (humble) and of a contrite spirit…” God hears the cry of humble hearts.
Where is Jesus on your Christmas list?
"And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7).
What a humble beginning for the Son of God. When Mary gave birth to Jesus she laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. No room for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Somehow Jesus, who deserved royal treatment, ended up in a barn with the animals. And the truth is that much hasn't changed. On the day that we have designated to celebrate the birth of Christ, it seems that Jesus is often on the bottom of the Christmas list. E. B. White made the point well when he wrote, "To perceive Christmas through it's wrapping becomes more difficult every year." Do you have plans to honor the Lord with family and friends? Are you helping to feed the poor? Do you make time to worship the Lord? May Jesus always have the royal place in our hearts and lives.
What a humble beginning for the Son of God. When Mary gave birth to Jesus she laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. No room for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Somehow Jesus, who deserved royal treatment, ended up in a barn with the animals. And the truth is that much hasn't changed. On the day that we have designated to celebrate the birth of Christ, it seems that Jesus is often on the bottom of the Christmas list. E. B. White made the point well when he wrote, "To perceive Christmas through it's wrapping becomes more difficult every year." Do you have plans to honor the Lord with family and friends? Are you helping to feed the poor? Do you make time to worship the Lord? May Jesus always have the royal place in our hearts and lives.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
"What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?" (Psalm 8:3-4).
When the Psalmist considered the wonders of God's creation by gazing at the night sky he was greatly humbled. And as he looked in awe at the amazing beauty of the stars and moon that God created he prayed to God, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Why would such a great and powerful God care for and be mindful of such insignificant and tiny specks in his universe like you and me?
What's even more incomprehensible is not only that God would think upon and care for man, but that he humbled himself and became a man that he might give his life as a ransom for us. The hymn writer sums it up best, "Amazing love how can it be that thou my God should die for me." Praise His Holy name!
When the Psalmist considered the wonders of God's creation by gazing at the night sky he was greatly humbled. And as he looked in awe at the amazing beauty of the stars and moon that God created he prayed to God, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Why would such a great and powerful God care for and be mindful of such insignificant and tiny specks in his universe like you and me?
What's even more incomprehensible is not only that God would think upon and care for man, but that he humbled himself and became a man that he might give his life as a ransom for us. The hymn writer sums it up best, "Amazing love how can it be that thou my God should die for me." Praise His Holy name!
God in human flesh
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1,14).
I recently heard a young Christian describe the incarnation (a latin term meaning to take on flesh) in the following way: "God quit being God to become man so that he might die for our sins." Now, God did become man to die for our sin but he did not quit being God when he became man. In the gospel of Matthew we read, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Let me repeat, Jesus didn't quit being God when he came to the earth. Jesus was still fully God and fully man. Jesus was the God man. God was God without being man. But there was never a time when God was a man without being God. God in the flesh was born of a virgin. God in the flesh chose to suffer and die on a cross to save us from sin. And God in the flesh rose again for our justification. Amen and Amen!
I recently heard a young Christian describe the incarnation (a latin term meaning to take on flesh) in the following way: "God quit being God to become man so that he might die for our sins." Now, God did become man to die for our sin but he did not quit being God when he became man. In the gospel of Matthew we read, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Let me repeat, Jesus didn't quit being God when he came to the earth. Jesus was still fully God and fully man. Jesus was the God man. God was God without being man. But there was never a time when God was a man without being God. God in the flesh was born of a virgin. God in the flesh chose to suffer and die on a cross to save us from sin. And God in the flesh rose again for our justification. Amen and Amen!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Joy of the Lord is your Strength
"And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength"(Neh. 8:9-10).
I received an e-mail from a lady who asked me to pray for her because Christmas is a difficult time of the year for her. She's not alone. Many feel depressed around the holidays. And because of the absence of joy many turn to booze or others means to fill the void. But turning to the wrong sources only exasperates the problem and eventually leads to more misery in our lives. Nehemiah declared that "the joy of the Lord is r strength." There will be an absence of joy in our lives when we're looking to the season for joy rather than looking to the reason for the season. We will be joyless when we are looking around and counting our problems rather than looking up and counting our blessings. On that first Christmas day the angel of the Lord said to the lowly shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord" (Luke. 2:10-11).
We also have to be aware that sin in our lives will rob us of the joy of the Lord. And the absence of joy which is found in a close relationship with God will result in weakness that leads to more sin. But thank God that we serve a God that when we sin will through his Spirit convict us of that sin that we might seek his cleansing and forgiveness. When we experience the conviction of sin and turned to God with a broken and contrite heart, our merciful God is faithful and just to forgive us of sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
In Nehemiah’s day it is said that the people wept when they heard the word of God. Why were they weeping? They wept because of the conviction of sin—because through the word they saw the holiness of God and their sin in light of that holiness. Notice that as the people were weeping because of the word of God, Nehemiah said, “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Neh. 8:10).
Weeping and morning over sin in our lives is a good thing. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). God’s Spirit bring us to mourn over sin that we might returned to God and experience his restoration, His comfort and His joy. But in Nehemiah’s day it appears that even after the people repented of their sin they continued to mourn.
I was speaking to a young Christian man today who was grieving and weeping over sin in his life. As I spoke to him I learned that he had repented of that sin weeks earlier and yet he was still morning and grieving over it. I sense that he had feelings of condemnation and weakness over his past sin. I reminded him that if he had confess his sin that God had forgiven him and that his feeing of condemnation was not of God but of the devil who the bible refers to as the accuser of the brethren. As I talked to him about God’s love, grace and faithfulness to forgive I could see joy forming in his eyes and countenance. And when he left my home is was evident that there was a renewed strength and confidence in Christ to remain faithful to the Lord.
Joy comes from not only being forgiven but from knowing that you have been forgiven. Have you made things right with God? Mourn not, nor weep for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
I received an e-mail from a lady who asked me to pray for her because Christmas is a difficult time of the year for her. She's not alone. Many feel depressed around the holidays. And because of the absence of joy many turn to booze or others means to fill the void. But turning to the wrong sources only exasperates the problem and eventually leads to more misery in our lives. Nehemiah declared that "the joy of the Lord is r strength." There will be an absence of joy in our lives when we're looking to the season for joy rather than looking to the reason for the season. We will be joyless when we are looking around and counting our problems rather than looking up and counting our blessings. On that first Christmas day the angel of the Lord said to the lowly shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord" (Luke. 2:10-11).
We also have to be aware that sin in our lives will rob us of the joy of the Lord. And the absence of joy which is found in a close relationship with God will result in weakness that leads to more sin. But thank God that we serve a God that when we sin will through his Spirit convict us of that sin that we might seek his cleansing and forgiveness. When we experience the conviction of sin and turned to God with a broken and contrite heart, our merciful God is faithful and just to forgive us of sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
In Nehemiah’s day it is said that the people wept when they heard the word of God. Why were they weeping? They wept because of the conviction of sin—because through the word they saw the holiness of God and their sin in light of that holiness. Notice that as the people were weeping because of the word of God, Nehemiah said, “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Neh. 8:10).
Weeping and morning over sin in our lives is a good thing. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). God’s Spirit bring us to mourn over sin that we might returned to God and experience his restoration, His comfort and His joy. But in Nehemiah’s day it appears that even after the people repented of their sin they continued to mourn.
I was speaking to a young Christian man today who was grieving and weeping over sin in his life. As I spoke to him I learned that he had repented of that sin weeks earlier and yet he was still morning and grieving over it. I sense that he had feelings of condemnation and weakness over his past sin. I reminded him that if he had confess his sin that God had forgiven him and that his feeing of condemnation was not of God but of the devil who the bible refers to as the accuser of the brethren. As I talked to him about God’s love, grace and faithfulness to forgive I could see joy forming in his eyes and countenance. And when he left my home is was evident that there was a renewed strength and confidence in Christ to remain faithful to the Lord.
Joy comes from not only being forgiven but from knowing that you have been forgiven. Have you made things right with God? Mourn not, nor weep for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Preachers, let the word of God do the work of God
"And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: 6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law" (Neh. 8:1-9).
In Nehemiah's day there was a mighty movement of God that was fueled by the reading and exposition of the word of God. When this movement of God began Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden box before the people that were standing outside on the street. There were no worships bands, no modern facilities, no power-point and yet the people stood attentively to hear the word of God from morning till midday. Sadly, many Christians (sitting on nice comfortable pews in modern facilities) today complain when preacher preach for more than thirty minutes. Why is there such little esteem for the word of God today? Will go home and watch football all Sunday afternoon but we can't listen attentively to the word of God for more than 30 minutes? I believe that Christian are so full of worldly forms of entertainment that their appetite for the word of God is suppressed. But rather than turning to God in prayer and his word to increase are love for God's word, we turn to worldly methods of entertainment to try to keep the folks attentive in church. Preachers have fallen into this trap and are more focused on how to entertain a crowd rather than making sure that there being faithful to the exposition of God's word.
Speaking on the difference between a bible oriented preacher vs. a entertainment oriented preacher John Piper wrote, "The entertainment-oriented preacher gives the impression that he is not tethered to an authoritative book in what he says. What he says doesn't seem to be shaped and constrained by an authority outside himself. He gives the impression that what he says has significance for reasons other than that it manifestly expresses the meaning and significance of the Bible. So he seems untethered to objective authority. The entertainment-oriented preacher seems to be at ease talking about many things that are not drawn out of the Bible. In his message, he seems to enjoy more talking about other things than what the Bible teaches. His words seem to have a self-standing worth as interesting or fun. They are entertaining. But they don't give the impression that this man stands as the representative of God before God's people to deliver God's message. The Bible-oriented preacher, on the other hand, does see himself that way—"I am God's representative sent to God's people to deliver a message from God." He knows that the only way a man can dare to assume such a position is with a trembling sense of unworthy servanthood under the authority of the Bible.”
Preacher, let the word of God do the work of God for the glory of God.
In Nehemiah's day there was a mighty movement of God that was fueled by the reading and exposition of the word of God. When this movement of God began Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden box before the people that were standing outside on the street. There were no worships bands, no modern facilities, no power-point and yet the people stood attentively to hear the word of God from morning till midday. Sadly, many Christians (sitting on nice comfortable pews in modern facilities) today complain when preacher preach for more than thirty minutes. Why is there such little esteem for the word of God today? Will go home and watch football all Sunday afternoon but we can't listen attentively to the word of God for more than 30 minutes? I believe that Christian are so full of worldly forms of entertainment that their appetite for the word of God is suppressed. But rather than turning to God in prayer and his word to increase are love for God's word, we turn to worldly methods of entertainment to try to keep the folks attentive in church. Preachers have fallen into this trap and are more focused on how to entertain a crowd rather than making sure that there being faithful to the exposition of God's word.
Speaking on the difference between a bible oriented preacher vs. a entertainment oriented preacher John Piper wrote, "The entertainment-oriented preacher gives the impression that he is not tethered to an authoritative book in what he says. What he says doesn't seem to be shaped and constrained by an authority outside himself. He gives the impression that what he says has significance for reasons other than that it manifestly expresses the meaning and significance of the Bible. So he seems untethered to objective authority. The entertainment-oriented preacher seems to be at ease talking about many things that are not drawn out of the Bible. In his message, he seems to enjoy more talking about other things than what the Bible teaches. His words seem to have a self-standing worth as interesting or fun. They are entertaining. But they don't give the impression that this man stands as the representative of God before God's people to deliver God's message. The Bible-oriented preacher, on the other hand, does see himself that way—"I am God's representative sent to God's people to deliver a message from God." He knows that the only way a man can dare to assume such a position is with a trembling sense of unworthy servanthood under the authority of the Bible.”
Preacher, let the word of God do the work of God for the glory of God.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
It's not how much you know but how much you grow.
"Then opened he (Jesus) their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:45).
I've heard it said, "I don't read the bible because I can't understand it."The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid” (A.W.Tozer). If you're saved that supernatural aide is the Holy Spirit. In addition, Paul exhorts you to, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
If you desire God's approval upon your life you must labor---you must invest time and energy to understand God's word through careful study as you rely on the help of the Spirit. If you want to understand the word you must also have the right motive. "Adrian Rogers use to say, "The way to understand the parts of the Bible you don't understand is to begin to obey the parts you do understand. Understand? When you study the bible you're not just seeking to know something but to grow to be like somebody, namely Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18).
Its not about how much you know but how much you grow. Read, Study and obey God's word.
I've heard it said, "I don't read the bible because I can't understand it."The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid” (A.W.Tozer). If you're saved that supernatural aide is the Holy Spirit. In addition, Paul exhorts you to, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
If you desire God's approval upon your life you must labor---you must invest time and energy to understand God's word through careful study as you rely on the help of the Spirit. If you want to understand the word you must also have the right motive. "Adrian Rogers use to say, "The way to understand the parts of the Bible you don't understand is to begin to obey the parts you do understand. Understand? When you study the bible you're not just seeking to know something but to grow to be like somebody, namely Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18).
Its not about how much you know but how much you grow. Read, Study and obey God's word.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Obey the light that God has already given you and he will give you more.
"And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully" (Luke 19:1-6).
Zach had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. Why did Zach receive the blessing of having Jesus as a guest in his home? Zach wanted to see Jesus so bad that he climbed up into a sycomore tree because he was too short to see over the crowd. When Jesus saw him up there he blessed his determination with more then Zach expected. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house" (v.5). Are you seeking Jesus with all your heart? “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deut. 4:29). Zach's earnest seeking resulted in an intimate life changing encounter with Jesus. Seek and you will find also.
Notice also what Jesus said in answer to the religious crowd, who criticized Him for being in Zach’s home: "And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:7-10).
Here we learn that the reason Zach sought to see Jesus was because Jesus sought Him first. Jesus was drawing Zach to himself and Zach responded. Zach didn’t just wake up one day and decide that he was going to seek Jesus. Jesus was revealing himself to him in ways that are not recorded. And Zach responded to whatever light that he was given. When we respond to the light that God gives us He gives us more light. Some Christians are not receiving more direction—more light to direct their lives, because they’ve not obeyed what God has already reveled to them. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5). Seek and you will find.
Zach had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. Why did Zach receive the blessing of having Jesus as a guest in his home? Zach wanted to see Jesus so bad that he climbed up into a sycomore tree because he was too short to see over the crowd. When Jesus saw him up there he blessed his determination with more then Zach expected. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house" (v.5). Are you seeking Jesus with all your heart? “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deut. 4:29). Zach's earnest seeking resulted in an intimate life changing encounter with Jesus. Seek and you will find also.
Notice also what Jesus said in answer to the religious crowd, who criticized Him for being in Zach’s home: "And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:7-10).
Here we learn that the reason Zach sought to see Jesus was because Jesus sought Him first. Jesus was drawing Zach to himself and Zach responded. Zach didn’t just wake up one day and decide that he was going to seek Jesus. Jesus was revealing himself to him in ways that are not recorded. And Zach responded to whatever light that he was given. When we respond to the light that God gives us He gives us more light. Some Christians are not receiving more direction—more light to direct their lives, because they’ve not obeyed what God has already reveled to them. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5). Seek and you will find.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Look for ways to be a blessing to people that really need it.
"Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just" (Luke 14:12-14).
Many today have different ideas about what the Spirit of Christmas is all about. But if Jesus is the reason for the season then Christmas is about celebrating the humble, and sacrificial acts of Jesus that began when He was conceived in a virgin's womb. How many of us get caught up in the frenzy of gift giving that has little resemblance to the selfless way in which Jesus gave during His first advent? We make financial sacrifices and max out credit cards to buy gifts for our loves ones that they don't really need. We buy last minute Christmas gifts for others simply because we found out that they're getting us something. In my opinion there's nothing wrong with buying our love ones and friends gifts at Christmas time. But is that what a true spirit of Christmas represents?
In Matthew Jesus describes the kind of giving that not only Honors him but is suppose to be characteristic of those who are going to heaven. He said, "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:34-40).
When was the last time you gave something to someone who had a real need expecting nothing in return? When was the last time you visited a stranger in a nursing home, hospital or prison in order that you might be an encouragement to them? There are a lot of lonely people, especially around Christmas time that are in need of encouragement. Jesus said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Do you desire to bless the heart of Jesus not only during this season but all year long? If you do, look for ways to be a blessing to people that really need it.
Many today have different ideas about what the Spirit of Christmas is all about. But if Jesus is the reason for the season then Christmas is about celebrating the humble, and sacrificial acts of Jesus that began when He was conceived in a virgin's womb. How many of us get caught up in the frenzy of gift giving that has little resemblance to the selfless way in which Jesus gave during His first advent? We make financial sacrifices and max out credit cards to buy gifts for our loves ones that they don't really need. We buy last minute Christmas gifts for others simply because we found out that they're getting us something. In my opinion there's nothing wrong with buying our love ones and friends gifts at Christmas time. But is that what a true spirit of Christmas represents?
In Matthew Jesus describes the kind of giving that not only Honors him but is suppose to be characteristic of those who are going to heaven. He said, "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:34-40).
When was the last time you gave something to someone who had a real need expecting nothing in return? When was the last time you visited a stranger in a nursing home, hospital or prison in order that you might be an encouragement to them? There are a lot of lonely people, especially around Christmas time that are in need of encouragement. Jesus said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Do you desire to bless the heart of Jesus not only during this season but all year long? If you do, look for ways to be a blessing to people that really need it.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
If you don't take off the mask God will do it for you
"Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops" (Luke 12:1-3).
Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. He healed the lepers and forgave the woman taken in adultery. But Jesus didn't have a stomach for the hypocrite. What's your secret life like? If a record of all the internet sites that you have visited in the last 6 months was sent to every member of your church and family, how would you feel? What do you stay up late at night to watch? Are there places that you visit that you don't want anybody to know about? God knows all about it. "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known" (Luke 12:1). You might be fooling those around you, but you're not fooling God. Your secret sins will be unconvered either in this life, which is often the case, or in the age to come. If you don't take off the mask, sooner or later God will do it for you.
Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. He healed the lepers and forgave the woman taken in adultery. But Jesus didn't have a stomach for the hypocrite. What's your secret life like? If a record of all the internet sites that you have visited in the last 6 months was sent to every member of your church and family, how would you feel? What do you stay up late at night to watch? Are there places that you visit that you don't want anybody to know about? God knows all about it. "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known" (Luke 12:1). You might be fooling those around you, but you're not fooling God. Your secret sins will be unconvered either in this life, which is often the case, or in the age to come. If you don't take off the mask, sooner or later God will do it for you.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
God became flesh in a virgin's womb to become sin on a cruel cross
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake...shall save it" (Luke 9:23-24).
What makes Christmas so worthy of celebration is not the gifts we look forward to receiving--its not all the lights that we hang---the family that we see or the good food that we eat. I enjoy all those things about Christmas. But the wonder of wonders that ought to thrill our souls is that the God who spoke the universe into existence and flung the stars into place put aside his royal garments and took on robes of flesh. The wonder of Christmas is not only that Jesus became flesh in the womb of a virgin named Mary, but that He did so in order to become sin on a cruel cross and redeem us from all iniquity (2 Cor. 5:21).
We truly celebrate the Christ of Christmas when in the light of what Jesus did for us, we deny ourselves, take up His cross and follow him.
What makes Christmas so worthy of celebration is not the gifts we look forward to receiving--its not all the lights that we hang---the family that we see or the good food that we eat. I enjoy all those things about Christmas. But the wonder of wonders that ought to thrill our souls is that the God who spoke the universe into existence and flung the stars into place put aside his royal garments and took on robes of flesh. The wonder of Christmas is not only that Jesus became flesh in the womb of a virgin named Mary, but that He did so in order to become sin on a cruel cross and redeem us from all iniquity (2 Cor. 5:21).
We truly celebrate the Christ of Christmas when in the light of what Jesus did for us, we deny ourselves, take up His cross and follow him.
Monday, December 13, 2010
err on the side of mercy and grace
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil" (Luke 6:31-35).
When I read about the attitude that Jesus said believers are to have for even their enemies, I thought to myself, "Christians sometimes have a hard time having the right attitude toward each other, let alone their enemies." We can so easily justify not being merciful unto others, especially when we forget that we are all just sinners saved by grace. O but let us not forget the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lam. 3:21-23).
It's by God's grace that I'm saved. It's by God's grace that I'm walking with God today. It's by God's grace that I'm a Pastor with the wonderful privilege to preach and teach the word of God. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Cor. 15:9-10).
I've let God down more times than I care to admit. I've failed God so many times. How dare I be so quick to write somebody off because they've disappointed me or let me down? In the light of how good God has been to me, how so very patient and merciful He's been to me, I feel like, if I'm ever going to err in my relationship with others, may it always be on the side of Grace and mercy.
When I read about the attitude that Jesus said believers are to have for even their enemies, I thought to myself, "Christians sometimes have a hard time having the right attitude toward each other, let alone their enemies." We can so easily justify not being merciful unto others, especially when we forget that we are all just sinners saved by grace. O but let us not forget the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lam. 3:21-23).
It's by God's grace that I'm saved. It's by God's grace that I'm walking with God today. It's by God's grace that I'm a Pastor with the wonderful privilege to preach and teach the word of God. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Cor. 15:9-10).
I've let God down more times than I care to admit. I've failed God so many times. How dare I be so quick to write somebody off because they've disappointed me or let me down? In the light of how good God has been to me, how so very patient and merciful He's been to me, I feel like, if I'm ever going to err in my relationship with others, may it always be on the side of Grace and mercy.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Something is wrong if you don't long for the word of God
"I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments" (Psalm 119:31).
Psalm chapter 119, which is the longest chapter in the bible, is devoted to exalting the beauties and wonders of the word of God. In this chapter the Psalmist declares how vital and valuable the word of God was to him. The Psalmist declared, "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors" (v.24). "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (v.11). "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (v.105). "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (v.97). When you read this Psalm you learn that the word of God was the Psalmist source of strength, delight, and comfort. The word of God was also his hope, guide, and power to overcome sin. The word of God was of more value to him than Gold. "He wrote, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver" (v.72).
In order for a believer today to grow spiritually He/she must have that same eager longing for the word of God. The Apostle Peter wrote in the New Testament, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1 Peter 2:2-3). I use to read this verse all wrong. I once interpreted it to mean that when you're a babe in Christ (new believer) you must read the milk (the easier to digest portions of the bible) before you get into the meat of the word of God so that you can grow. But what these verses actually mean is that all believers need to crave and desire the word of God as an infant desires milk. We must have an appetite for the word of God to grow and be spiritually healthy. A new born baby has to have milk every few hours. If you miss their feeding time they will let you know by crying until you put a bottle in their mouth. When a new born baby isn't crying for milk, something is wrong. This can be a sign of ill health. Can I tell you that when a Christian doesn't have a longing--an appetite for the word of God this is a major sign of spiritual ill health.
We were created to know God and apart from reading, meditating and obeying the word we will not grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. When Peter spoke of desiring the word of God like a baby desires milk, he followed that up with, "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Do you want to taste and see that God is good for yourself? Then you need to personally get to know God through his word. Someone said that the more you read the bible the more you will want to read it. The less you read the bible the less you will want to read. The Psalmist wrote, "I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments" (Psalm 119:31).
We can come to know God through his word in such a way that when we wake up in the morning our souls will be panting (eagerly longing) to get into the word of God to hear from Him. We will long to get on our knees to talk to Him. Let me repeat it again. We will not grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus--we will not taste and see that He is good, unless we our spending regular time in the word to get to know Him. Make time for the precious word of God.
Psalm chapter 119, which is the longest chapter in the bible, is devoted to exalting the beauties and wonders of the word of God. In this chapter the Psalmist declares how vital and valuable the word of God was to him. The Psalmist declared, "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors" (v.24). "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (v.11). "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (v.105). "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (v.97). When you read this Psalm you learn that the word of God was the Psalmist source of strength, delight, and comfort. The word of God was also his hope, guide, and power to overcome sin. The word of God was of more value to him than Gold. "He wrote, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver" (v.72).
In order for a believer today to grow spiritually He/she must have that same eager longing for the word of God. The Apostle Peter wrote in the New Testament, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1 Peter 2:2-3). I use to read this verse all wrong. I once interpreted it to mean that when you're a babe in Christ (new believer) you must read the milk (the easier to digest portions of the bible) before you get into the meat of the word of God so that you can grow. But what these verses actually mean is that all believers need to crave and desire the word of God as an infant desires milk. We must have an appetite for the word of God to grow and be spiritually healthy. A new born baby has to have milk every few hours. If you miss their feeding time they will let you know by crying until you put a bottle in their mouth. When a new born baby isn't crying for milk, something is wrong. This can be a sign of ill health. Can I tell you that when a Christian doesn't have a longing--an appetite for the word of God this is a major sign of spiritual ill health.
We were created to know God and apart from reading, meditating and obeying the word we will not grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. When Peter spoke of desiring the word of God like a baby desires milk, he followed that up with, "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Do you want to taste and see that God is good for yourself? Then you need to personally get to know God through his word. Someone said that the more you read the bible the more you will want to read it. The less you read the bible the less you will want to read. The Psalmist wrote, "I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments" (Psalm 119:31).
We can come to know God through his word in such a way that when we wake up in the morning our souls will be panting (eagerly longing) to get into the word of God to hear from Him. We will long to get on our knees to talk to Him. Let me repeat it again. We will not grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus--we will not taste and see that He is good, unless we our spending regular time in the word to get to know Him. Make time for the precious word of God.
Where is the sense of shame today?
"And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens" (Ezra 9:5-6).
While in captivity a remnant of the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. During this time it was made known that they did not separate themselves from the nations around them and began to do the same sinful deeds as those nations. But Ezra the scribe fell down before God because for the sins of his people and was so ashamed that he did not even want to lift his face up to God. Where is that sense of shame today?
I know a Pastor, who on more than one occasion has had unmarried couples that call themselves Christians approach him for prayer. "Pray for us Pastor, we are having problems," The Pastor was led of God to ask, "Are you sleeping together?" “Yes, but we are planning to get married." Really, but you are not married yet, and you're having sex but you want me to pray for you because your having problems.” God isn’t going to hear that prayer anymore than he would hear the prayer of a bank robber asking for his heist to go well. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:12). Where is the shame?
To keep from becoming desensitized by the world around us we must seek daily the renewal of our minds though the word of God. We must keep a short account of sins by confessing any and all sin immediately to God (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51). We must get our eyes off the filth of this world as gaze on the glories of God (2 Cor. 3:18; Hebrews 12:1-4). "One of the greatest of all evils is indifference toward all evil." O God, open our eyes to see sin's ugliness and have mercy on us.
While in captivity a remnant of the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. During this time it was made known that they did not separate themselves from the nations around them and began to do the same sinful deeds as those nations. But Ezra the scribe fell down before God because for the sins of his people and was so ashamed that he did not even want to lift his face up to God. Where is that sense of shame today?
I know a Pastor, who on more than one occasion has had unmarried couples that call themselves Christians approach him for prayer. "Pray for us Pastor, we are having problems," The Pastor was led of God to ask, "Are you sleeping together?" “Yes, but we are planning to get married." Really, but you are not married yet, and you're having sex but you want me to pray for you because your having problems.” God isn’t going to hear that prayer anymore than he would hear the prayer of a bank robber asking for his heist to go well. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:12). Where is the shame?
To keep from becoming desensitized by the world around us we must seek daily the renewal of our minds though the word of God. We must keep a short account of sins by confessing any and all sin immediately to God (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51). We must get our eyes off the filth of this world as gaze on the glories of God (2 Cor. 3:18; Hebrews 12:1-4). "One of the greatest of all evils is indifference toward all evil." O God, open our eyes to see sin's ugliness and have mercy on us.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Think before you speak
"Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia" (Ezra 4:4-5).
When Israel went into captivity God moved the heart of Cyrus the King to build the house of the Lord. It was a time of great rejoicing as many of God's people went up to Jerusalem to build the Lord's house with the support and help of the Persian King. This began a period of great revival as the people of God once again worshiped the Lord and offered sacrifices unto Him. But not long after the building began the adversaries of God's people attempted to frustrate their purpose. They managed to influence the King through false accusations and eventually the work of the house of the Lord ceased.
God forbid that our influence would be used to frustrate the plan and purposes of God in the lives of others. Oh how we need to think before we speak. The bible says "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin (does not lack sin): but he that refraineth his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19).
Before speaking to anybody about anything stop and think on this acronym based on the word THINK. Ask yourself "is what I'm about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? If what you want to say does not pass that test, put a muzzle on it. May we use our words and influence to build up others and God's work for Jesus sake.
When Israel went into captivity God moved the heart of Cyrus the King to build the house of the Lord. It was a time of great rejoicing as many of God's people went up to Jerusalem to build the Lord's house with the support and help of the Persian King. This began a period of great revival as the people of God once again worshiped the Lord and offered sacrifices unto Him. But not long after the building began the adversaries of God's people attempted to frustrate their purpose. They managed to influence the King through false accusations and eventually the work of the house of the Lord ceased.
God forbid that our influence would be used to frustrate the plan and purposes of God in the lives of others. Oh how we need to think before we speak. The bible says "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin (does not lack sin): but he that refraineth his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19).
Before speaking to anybody about anything stop and think on this acronym based on the word THINK. Ask yourself "is what I'm about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? If what you want to say does not pass that test, put a muzzle on it. May we use our words and influence to build up others and God's work for Jesus sake.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Are you doing your part so that others can do their part well?
"And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron. And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them. So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah. And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days. And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" (2 Chron. 35:15-17).
During the reign of King Josiah, his kingdom had one of the greatest passover celebrations in their history. They pulled it off because everyone did their part in service unto the Lord. What the priest couldn't do for themselves, because they were busy offering burnt offerings unto the Lord, the Levites did for them. The Levites made it possible for the priest and others to do their part in the service of the Lord and to do it well.
Many churches are struggling today because a small percentage of the attendees are doing a large percentage of the giving and serving. Far too often individuals that make up the small percentage that are doing most of the work, are also involved in more than one activity in the church. Some are involved in so many things that they are unable to do even a few things very well.
I’ve heard it said that it’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly. No one seems to be more susceptible to being involved in so many things that they are unable to do their most important duties well, like Pastors. There’s this expectation that Pastor’s need to always be available. But as one wise person said, “A Pastor who is always available isn’t worth much when he is.” In Acts we learn that the Apostles understood this principle well. In the early church period the Apostles advised the church to do the following: “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2-4). What about you? Are you doing your part in service onto the Lord so that others can focus on doing their part well?
During the reign of King Josiah, his kingdom had one of the greatest passover celebrations in their history. They pulled it off because everyone did their part in service unto the Lord. What the priest couldn't do for themselves, because they were busy offering burnt offerings unto the Lord, the Levites did for them. The Levites made it possible for the priest and others to do their part in the service of the Lord and to do it well.
Many churches are struggling today because a small percentage of the attendees are doing a large percentage of the giving and serving. Far too often individuals that make up the small percentage that are doing most of the work, are also involved in more than one activity in the church. Some are involved in so many things that they are unable to do even a few things very well.
I’ve heard it said that it’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly. No one seems to be more susceptible to being involved in so many things that they are unable to do their most important duties well, like Pastors. There’s this expectation that Pastor’s need to always be available. But as one wise person said, “A Pastor who is always available isn’t worth much when he is.” In Acts we learn that the Apostles understood this principle well. In the early church period the Apostles advised the church to do the following: “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2-4). What about you? Are you doing your part in service onto the Lord so that others can focus on doing their part well?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Do you know where your Bible is?
"And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan...And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes" (2 Chron. 34:15,18-19).
When Josiah began to reign over the kingdom of Judah, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the Law in the house of the Lord. When the word of God was read the King came under deep conviction and wept before the Lord because of the sins of his nation. Josiah's contrition brought him into favor with God and peace to his kingdom. When I read that the Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law in the house of the Lord, I had to ask myself, "What was it doing lost?" It's no wonder that the kingdom of Judah had fallen into such idolatry. They had lost track of the Word of God. Any Christian that loses track of their bible will lose track of their lives.
Like Josiah, when was the last time you wept over your sins, the sin of your nation and those around you? If you are not in the word of God regularly you will not be sensitive to sin. In fact, if you're not in the Word I can guarantee you that your heart will become callous and harden by sin. And rather than grieving over sin you’ll be reveling in it. Either your life is being transformed by the word, or it’s being conformed by the world. Do you need to find your bible? Someone has well said, “The Word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Word.
When Josiah began to reign over the kingdom of Judah, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the Law in the house of the Lord. When the word of God was read the King came under deep conviction and wept before the Lord because of the sins of his nation. Josiah's contrition brought him into favor with God and peace to his kingdom. When I read that the Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law in the house of the Lord, I had to ask myself, "What was it doing lost?" It's no wonder that the kingdom of Judah had fallen into such idolatry. They had lost track of the Word of God. Any Christian that loses track of their bible will lose track of their lives.
Like Josiah, when was the last time you wept over your sins, the sin of your nation and those around you? If you are not in the word of God regularly you will not be sensitive to sin. In fact, if you're not in the Word I can guarantee you that your heart will become callous and harden by sin. And rather than grieving over sin you’ll be reveling in it. Either your life is being transformed by the word, or it’s being conformed by the world. Do you need to find your bible? Someone has well said, “The Word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Word.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound"
"And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. Wherefore the LORD brought upon them...the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God" (2 Chron. 33:10-13).
If you ever doubted the efficacy of God's grace and willingness to forgive sin all you have to do is look at the life of Manasseh. While bound by the enemy and in affliction because of his many sins, Manasseh humbled himself and sought the Lord. It's been said that sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay. Oh, but thank God that "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Rom. 5:20).
Manasseh's repentance extended well beyond his prison bars. When Manasseh returned to his throne he did much to make right his many wrongs. After his repentance the bible says, "Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 16And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel" (2 Chron. 33:14-16).
Manasseh's repentance extended well beyond his prison bars. When Manasseh returned to his throne he did much to make right his many wrongs. After his repentance the bible says, "Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 16And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel" (2 Chron. 33:14-16).
God will not overlook our sin, but when we humble ourselves in genuine repentance he will abundantly pardon.
If you ever doubted the efficacy of God's grace and willingness to forgive sin all you have to do is look at the life of Manasseh. While bound by the enemy and in affliction because of his many sins, Manasseh humbled himself and sought the Lord. It's been said that sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay. Oh, but thank God that "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Rom. 5:20).
Manasseh's repentance extended well beyond his prison bars. When Manasseh returned to his throne he did much to make right his many wrongs. After his repentance the bible says, "Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 16And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel" (2 Chron. 33:14-16).
Manasseh's repentance extended well beyond his prison bars. When Manasseh returned to his throne he did much to make right his many wrongs. After his repentance the bible says, "Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 16And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel" (2 Chron. 33:14-16).
God will not overlook our sin, but when we humble ourselves in genuine repentance he will abundantly pardon.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Be merciful
"But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. 10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? 11 Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you" (2 Chron. 28:9-11).
Because of the idolatry of Ahaz, King of Judah and His people, God allowed him to be defeated by their enemies (Syria and Israel) as a form of judgment. But although God used Israel to judge Judah, they showed no mercy in battle. And the rage by which they slew the children of Judah reached heaven. In other words, their rage against Judah got God's attention in a negative way. In addition, Israel wanted to bring Judah into slavery. The actions of Israel against their brethren (Judah) rubbed God the wrong way. In light of the severity by which Israel dealt with Judah, God reminded Israel that they had some big sins of their own. How dare they deal so severely with Judah when they themselves had sins that they deserved to be judged for?
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). We live in a fallen world of imperfect people. There will be times when people will disappoint, hurt and offend you to the point that you become angry. There will also be times when we will be the ones doing the offending. In the same way that we would want to be shown mercy and grace when will blow it, we should also be quick to bestow mercy and grace unto others. Aren't you glad that God is so patient and merciful with you? On the other hand, maybe you’re perfect and you have the right to deal severely with others who offend you. Maybe people deserve for you to write them off. As for me I will declare, “Lord, deal with me in mercy.
The words of the Psalmist say it best: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:8-14).
May we whole heartedly heed the words of our savior, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Lord, thank you for the mercy that you bestow upon me every single day.
Because of the idolatry of Ahaz, King of Judah and His people, God allowed him to be defeated by their enemies (Syria and Israel) as a form of judgment. But although God used Israel to judge Judah, they showed no mercy in battle. And the rage by which they slew the children of Judah reached heaven. In other words, their rage against Judah got God's attention in a negative way. In addition, Israel wanted to bring Judah into slavery. The actions of Israel against their brethren (Judah) rubbed God the wrong way. In light of the severity by which Israel dealt with Judah, God reminded Israel that they had some big sins of their own. How dare they deal so severely with Judah when they themselves had sins that they deserved to be judged for?
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). We live in a fallen world of imperfect people. There will be times when people will disappoint, hurt and offend you to the point that you become angry. There will also be times when we will be the ones doing the offending. In the same way that we would want to be shown mercy and grace when will blow it, we should also be quick to bestow mercy and grace unto others. Aren't you glad that God is so patient and merciful with you? On the other hand, maybe you’re perfect and you have the right to deal severely with others who offend you. Maybe people deserve for you to write them off. As for me I will declare, “Lord, deal with me in mercy.
The words of the Psalmist say it best: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:8-14).
May we whole heartedly heed the words of our savior, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Lord, thank you for the mercy that you bestow upon me every single day.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Get out from under the wrong influence
"Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. 5 Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. 7 Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. 8 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king. 9Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in, and the captains of the chariots. 10 So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time also did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers" (2 Chron. 21:4-10).
In a previous devotional we learned that Jehoshaphat unwisely entered into an alliance with wicked king Ahab. One of the fall outs of this ill advised alliance was that Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram married one of Ahab's daughters. Now, remember that Jezebel was the wife of Ahab. If Jehoram's wife was anything like her mother Jezebel, she would be an evil influence in his life. When Jehoram became King he did not walk in the godly ways of his father and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. As a result the people of Edom and Libnah revolted from under his rule. "You'll never be over what God has put under you until you are under what God has placed over you." Get out from under the wrong influence and obey the Lord.
In a previous devotional we learned that Jehoshaphat unwisely entered into an alliance with wicked king Ahab. One of the fall outs of this ill advised alliance was that Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram married one of Ahab's daughters. Now, remember that Jezebel was the wife of Ahab. If Jehoram's wife was anything like her mother Jezebel, she would be an evil influence in his life. When Jehoram became King he did not walk in the godly ways of his father and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. As a result the people of Edom and Libnah revolted from under his rule. "You'll never be over what God has put under you until you are under what God has placed over you." Get out from under the wrong influence and obey the Lord.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Fear will turn to faith when worry turns to worship
"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten"(2 Chron 20:21-22).
When Jehoshaphat was surrounded by invading armies, he led the people to seek God in prayer and fasting. In 2 Chronicles 20:1-3 we read, "It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD."
When fear got Jehoshaphat's attention he turned his attention to God and led his people to do the same. Notice how Jehoshapaht's prayer exalted the greatness of his God. He prayed, "O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee" (2 Chron 20:6-12).
Jehoshaphat's Godward focus enabled him to overcome his fear and lead his people into victory. In fact he was so filled with faith and confidence in God that he appointed the choir to lead the army into battle. And they did so with songs of worship and praise. They were so confident in the faithfulness of God to answer their prayers that they praised the Lord ahead of time for the victory that they will sure he would give them. "There is much to help us here in our daily combat for God...Let us fill the morning hour with holy song...let a psalm or hymn be part of the daily reading; let there be the confidence that God is going to bless, which cannot restrain its jubilant expression. So in all prayer, wait on God till you feel that you can praise Him for what you have asked Him to bestow" (F.B. Meyer). It's been well said that "Fear will turn to faith when worry turns to worship."
When Jehoshaphat was surrounded by invading armies, he led the people to seek God in prayer and fasting. In 2 Chronicles 20:1-3 we read, "It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD."
When fear got Jehoshaphat's attention he turned his attention to God and led his people to do the same. Notice how Jehoshapaht's prayer exalted the greatness of his God. He prayed, "O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee" (2 Chron 20:6-12).
Jehoshaphat's Godward focus enabled him to overcome his fear and lead his people into victory. In fact he was so filled with faith and confidence in God that he appointed the choir to lead the army into battle. And they did so with songs of worship and praise. They were so confident in the faithfulness of God to answer their prayers that they praised the Lord ahead of time for the victory that they will sure he would give them. "There is much to help us here in our daily combat for God...Let us fill the morning hour with holy song...let a psalm or hymn be part of the daily reading; let there be the confidence that God is going to bless, which cannot restrain its jubilant expression. So in all prayer, wait on God till you feel that you can praise Him for what you have asked Him to bestow" (F.B. Meyer). It's been well said that "Fear will turn to faith when worry turns to worship."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Don't give your heart to someone who has not first given their heart to God
"Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab"
(2 Chron. 18:1). "And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God" (2 Chron. 19:2-3).
Jehoshaphat was another one of the great Kings of Judah. But when His kingdom was experiencing safety and he increased in riches, he made an alliance with wicked King Ahab. There's something about prosperity that makes us vulnerable to making bad decisions. F. B. Meyer wrote, "Riches and abundance are dangerous things. They usually weaken our character, and incline us to worldly alliances; and it was to their subtle and pernicious influences that Jehoshaphat fell a victim. Ah! what a fall it was to hear him saying, “I am as thou art, and my people as thy people.” Well might Jehu take up the rôle which his father had filled before Asa, and protest. But let us seriously question whether, though there are good things found in us, we may not be falling into the same mistake, and sin. Are there not ways in which we say to men of the world, with whom we mix, “I am as thou art”? There is a great tendency in the present day to boast in the closeness with which we can approach the world without injury. We join in the social life, read the same books, go to the same amusements, talk of the same themes; and it is almost impossible in a drawing-room to tell the difference between the Jehoshaphats and the Ahabs. So also, in our methods of doing good. The real difficulty lies away back in our want of engagedness with Christ. It is of little use to find fault with the outward, as long as the heart is wayward. Love to the Lord Jesus is our only safeguard. The love of Christ must constrain us. Personal attachment to Christ will wean us away from this close identification with the world. But if we persist in identifying ourselves with the world, which God has doomed, we must not be surprised to find that wrath is on us from the Lord: and He will chasten us for love’s sake."
If we are not careful we can fall so much in love with the blessings in our lives that we forget the Blesser. Jehoshaphat's ultimate safety came from God, but rather than continuing to trust in Him for his security he turned to King Ahab. When we are not relying on our relationship with God for our security we will try to find it in other things and in other people. But only God can truly meet that need. Whatever we substitute for God to give us security, it will in the end result in more insecurity. Women our especially vulnerable to feelings of insecurity and when God is not meeting that need it can lead some into unhealthy relationships with other men. Don't ever give your hearts to anyone when you or that other person has not first given your hearts to the Lord.
(2 Chron. 18:1). "And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God" (2 Chron. 19:2-3).
Jehoshaphat was another one of the great Kings of Judah. But when His kingdom was experiencing safety and he increased in riches, he made an alliance with wicked King Ahab. There's something about prosperity that makes us vulnerable to making bad decisions. F. B. Meyer wrote, "Riches and abundance are dangerous things. They usually weaken our character, and incline us to worldly alliances; and it was to their subtle and pernicious influences that Jehoshaphat fell a victim. Ah! what a fall it was to hear him saying, “I am as thou art, and my people as thy people.” Well might Jehu take up the rôle which his father had filled before Asa, and protest. But let us seriously question whether, though there are good things found in us, we may not be falling into the same mistake, and sin. Are there not ways in which we say to men of the world, with whom we mix, “I am as thou art”? There is a great tendency in the present day to boast in the closeness with which we can approach the world without injury. We join in the social life, read the same books, go to the same amusements, talk of the same themes; and it is almost impossible in a drawing-room to tell the difference between the Jehoshaphats and the Ahabs. So also, in our methods of doing good. The real difficulty lies away back in our want of engagedness with Christ. It is of little use to find fault with the outward, as long as the heart is wayward. Love to the Lord Jesus is our only safeguard. The love of Christ must constrain us. Personal attachment to Christ will wean us away from this close identification with the world. But if we persist in identifying ourselves with the world, which God has doomed, we must not be surprised to find that wrath is on us from the Lord: and He will chasten us for love’s sake."
If we are not careful we can fall so much in love with the blessings in our lives that we forget the Blesser. Jehoshaphat's ultimate safety came from God, but rather than continuing to trust in Him for his security he turned to King Ahab. When we are not relying on our relationship with God for our security we will try to find it in other things and in other people. But only God can truly meet that need. Whatever we substitute for God to give us security, it will in the end result in more insecurity. Women our especially vulnerable to feelings of insecurity and when God is not meeting that need it can lead some into unhealthy relationships with other men. Don't ever give your hearts to anyone when you or that other person has not first given your hearts to the Lord.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The fellowship of the Unashamed
"And the king of Israel (AhaB) said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me...the same is Micaiah...And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so...And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their's, and speak thou good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak" (2 Chron. 18:7,12-13).
What a contrast between Ahab and Micaiah. Ahab was so filled with himself that he hated hearing any counsel or advice that did not line up with what he desired. Micaiah, on the other hand was so faithful to God's word and will that he was willing to share it even if it cost him. In fact it did cost Him. After Micaiah prophsied to Ahab that He would die in battle, Ahab said, "Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; 26 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace" (2 Chron. 18:25-26). But Micaiah did not flinch in the face of sacrifice. Micaiah's testimony reminds me of the following words written by an unknown author. It's titled "The Fellowship of the Unashamed."
"I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit
Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has
been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow
down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,
and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight
walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or
popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,
regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by
patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my
way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted,
or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the
pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of
mediocrity.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed
up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a
disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop,
preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My
colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)
The church today has too many Ahab's and not enough Micaiah's--too many who are selling out rather then being sold out for the cause of Jesus Christ. Thank God for those who will tell us the truth even if they know we would hate them for it. Let's take time to pray for those faithful men and women who stand for the truth even in the face of great sacrifice. And may we be able to say, "I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed."
What a contrast between Ahab and Micaiah. Ahab was so filled with himself that he hated hearing any counsel or advice that did not line up with what he desired. Micaiah, on the other hand was so faithful to God's word and will that he was willing to share it even if it cost him. In fact it did cost Him. After Micaiah prophsied to Ahab that He would die in battle, Ahab said, "Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; 26 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace" (2 Chron. 18:25-26). But Micaiah did not flinch in the face of sacrifice. Micaiah's testimony reminds me of the following words written by an unknown author. It's titled "The Fellowship of the Unashamed."
"I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit
Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has
been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow
down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense,
and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight
walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or
popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,
regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by
patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my
way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted,
or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the
pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of
mediocrity.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed
up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a
disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop,
preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My
colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)
The church today has too many Ahab's and not enough Micaiah's--too many who are selling out rather then being sold out for the cause of Jesus Christ. Thank God for those who will tell us the truth even if they know we would hate them for it. Let's take time to pray for those faithful men and women who stand for the truth even in the face of great sacrifice. And may we be able to say, "I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed."
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful
"Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" (Matthew. 26:36-40).
When the soul of Jesus was in deep sorrow as his crucifixion drew near, He said to His disciples at Gethsemane, "tarry ye here, and watch (stay awake) with me." Notice that as the darkest hour in history approached, Jesus desired that His disciples stay with Him in prayer. When Jesus, who was a short distance away praying, got up momentarily to come to His disciples, he found them asleep. And He says to Peter, "What, could you not watch with me one hour?" I'm going to be nailed to a cross for your sin. While on that cross people are going to mock me and wag their heads at me saying, "If you are the son of God come down from the cross." My Father will turn His face from me as I am made a curse for you. And could you not stay awake with me and pray with me for one hour? How about you? Do you not desire daily to spend at least one hour with the lover of your soul?
As I ponder the thought of Jesus anguishing in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane I'm overcome with a deep sense of Jesus' love for me. Jesus expereinced deep sorrow and suffered a cruel death on a Roman cross so that I could stay with Him and commune with Him not only in this life but for all eternity. As Jesus desired for His disciples to stay with Him he desires for me to do the same. Jesus wants me to stay with Him in prayer--to commune with him through His word--to talk with Him and listen to him. And I too long for Jesus to stay with me and to bless me with the joy of His presence. Oh as that great old Hymn puts it:
There will never be a sweeter story,
Story of the Savior's love divine,
Love that bro't Him from the realms of Glory,
Just to save a sinful soul like mine.
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful.
O isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful it is to me.
Boundless as the universe around me,
Reaching to the farthest soul away,
Saving, keeping love it was that found me,
That is why my heart can truly say;
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful.
O isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful it is to me.
Love beyond our human comprehending,
Love of God in Christ how can it be?
This will be my theme and never ending,
Great redeeming love of Calvary.
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful.
O isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful it is to me.
I love you Jesus, with all my heart.
When the soul of Jesus was in deep sorrow as his crucifixion drew near, He said to His disciples at Gethsemane, "tarry ye here, and watch (stay awake) with me." Notice that as the darkest hour in history approached, Jesus desired that His disciples stay with Him in prayer. When Jesus, who was a short distance away praying, got up momentarily to come to His disciples, he found them asleep. And He says to Peter, "What, could you not watch with me one hour?" I'm going to be nailed to a cross for your sin. While on that cross people are going to mock me and wag their heads at me saying, "If you are the son of God come down from the cross." My Father will turn His face from me as I am made a curse for you. And could you not stay awake with me and pray with me for one hour? How about you? Do you not desire daily to spend at least one hour with the lover of your soul?
As I ponder the thought of Jesus anguishing in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane I'm overcome with a deep sense of Jesus' love for me. Jesus expereinced deep sorrow and suffered a cruel death on a Roman cross so that I could stay with Him and commune with Him not only in this life but for all eternity. As Jesus desired for His disciples to stay with Him he desires for me to do the same. Jesus wants me to stay with Him in prayer--to commune with him through His word--to talk with Him and listen to him. And I too long for Jesus to stay with me and to bless me with the joy of His presence. Oh as that great old Hymn puts it:
There will never be a sweeter story,
Story of the Savior's love divine,
Love that bro't Him from the realms of Glory,
Just to save a sinful soul like mine.
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful.
O isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful it is to me.
Boundless as the universe around me,
Reaching to the farthest soul away,
Saving, keeping love it was that found me,
That is why my heart can truly say;
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful.
O isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful it is to me.
Love beyond our human comprehending,
Love of God in Christ how can it be?
This will be my theme and never ending,
Great redeeming love of Calvary.
Chorus
Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful, wonderful.
O isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful,
Wonderful it is to me.
I love you Jesus, with all my heart.
Monday, November 29, 2010
How to have a Thanksgiving dinner with Jesus
"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Mat. 25:37-40).
Recently, a friend shared with me a blessing that He received from having a homeless man in his home for Thanksgiving. This man, who was born in another country and came to the USA a few years ago, shared with my friend that the Thanksgiving dinner he had in his home was the first one he had ever had since coming to the USA. Upon hearing this my friend was overcome with divine joy. Jesus said that what we do to the "least of these" we do to Him. In other words what my friend did for the homeless man he was doing to Jesus.
The Psalmist wrote concering being in the Lord's presence, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalms 16:11). Through the loving act of my friend he was welcoming another guest (Jesus) to the dinner table. And the joy my friend experienced was the sweet fellowship of Jesus Christ.
Recently, a friend shared with me a blessing that He received from having a homeless man in his home for Thanksgiving. This man, who was born in another country and came to the USA a few years ago, shared with my friend that the Thanksgiving dinner he had in his home was the first one he had ever had since coming to the USA. Upon hearing this my friend was overcome with divine joy. Jesus said that what we do to the "least of these" we do to Him. In other words what my friend did for the homeless man he was doing to Jesus.
The Psalmist wrote concering being in the Lord's presence, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalms 16:11). Through the loving act of my friend he was welcoming another guest (Jesus) to the dinner table. And the joy my friend experienced was the sweet fellowship of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Is God finding in us what He is looking for?
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars" (2 Chron 16:9).
These are the words of the prophet Hanani unto King Asa when he enter into an alliance with the King of Syria. We learned in a previous devotional that what made King Asa a great King was that he relied upon God even when facing insurmountable odds. But later in his reign when the King of Israel came against him he turned to the King of Syria for help. In fact he took the silver and gold from the treasury of the House of the Lord and gave it to the King of Syria to persuade him to become his ally. By doing so he gained the support of the king of Israel but forfeited the support of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was in that context that the Prophet Hanai spoke the words, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towrd Him." When Hanani spoke of God showing himself strong on behalf of those with a perfect Heart he did not mean a sinless heart. Hanai did not have a perfect heart not because he wasnt sinless but becasue he failed to rely upon God.
It seems to me that many churches today are relying on and spending lots of money on things like technology, modern facilities and programs but very little time and energy is given to corporate prayer. Big buildings and slick programs don't impress God. But a church that regularly gathers together to cry out to God in fervent prayer to do what only he can do is a church that God delights to show Himself strong on the behalf of. May God find what he is looking for in our churches namely hearts that our perfect toward Him.
These are the words of the prophet Hanani unto King Asa when he enter into an alliance with the King of Syria. We learned in a previous devotional that what made King Asa a great King was that he relied upon God even when facing insurmountable odds. But later in his reign when the King of Israel came against him he turned to the King of Syria for help. In fact he took the silver and gold from the treasury of the House of the Lord and gave it to the King of Syria to persuade him to become his ally. By doing so he gained the support of the king of Israel but forfeited the support of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was in that context that the Prophet Hanai spoke the words, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towrd Him." When Hanani spoke of God showing himself strong on behalf of those with a perfect Heart he did not mean a sinless heart. Hanai did not have a perfect heart not because he wasnt sinless but becasue he failed to rely upon God.
It seems to me that many churches today are relying on and spending lots of money on things like technology, modern facilities and programs but very little time and energy is given to corporate prayer. Big buildings and slick programs don't impress God. But a church that regularly gathers together to cry out to God in fervent prayer to do what only he can do is a church that God delights to show Himself strong on the behalf of. May God find what he is looking for in our churches namely hearts that our perfect toward Him.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
How to bring God into your fight?
"And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee" (2Chrn.14:11).
Asa was one of the few great Kings of Judah. One of the keys to his greatness was that he relied upon His God. When Asa faced an insurmountable foe he looked to His God in prayer for help. There our at least three elements to how Asa's dependence upon God led to victory over his foes. First, Asa cried unto the Lord for help recognizing that little is much when God is on your side. Prayer brings God into the fight. Secondly, Asa was victorious because he rested on His God. In other words he was not carrying all the weight of what he was facing on his own shoulders, but leaned on His God to support it. Thirdly, Asa identified His cause with God's cause and fought for the glory of His name.
We will be victorious in our lives when we too recognize that although we our weak, through prayer we bring God on our side of the battle field. When facing what might seem like insurmountable odds we must lean upon God while we seek to bring glory to his name in all that we do for Him.
Asa was one of the few great Kings of Judah. One of the keys to his greatness was that he relied upon His God. When Asa faced an insurmountable foe he looked to His God in prayer for help. There our at least three elements to how Asa's dependence upon God led to victory over his foes. First, Asa cried unto the Lord for help recognizing that little is much when God is on your side. Prayer brings God into the fight. Secondly, Asa was victorious because he rested on His God. In other words he was not carrying all the weight of what he was facing on his own shoulders, but leaned on His God to support it. Thirdly, Asa identified His cause with God's cause and fought for the glory of His name.
We will be victorious in our lives when we too recognize that although we our weak, through prayer we bring God on our side of the battle field. When facing what might seem like insurmountable odds we must lean upon God while we seek to bring glory to his name in all that we do for Him.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Grace of Contentment
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:5-6)
One key virtue that ought to stand out in the life of every Christian is the characteristic of contentment. You will not be an effective witness for Jesus Christ unless it is evident to those around you that in spite of your circumstances you possess a thankful and contented heart. Paul wrote that a believer ought to be "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding (overflowing) therein with thanksgiving" (Col 2:7). God's desire for you is that your life overflows with thanksgiving.
The key to a blessed life is not about finding the perfect spouse, the perfect situation or the perfect circumstances. The key to a blessed life is having the right attitude no matter what situation we find ourselves in namely an attitude of contentment. Thanksgiving flows from a heart of contentment. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow I want to share with you some truths to help you learn the secret of contentment:
I. The Problem of Covetousness:
The author of Hebrews writes, “Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without covetousness…” Covetousness is the opposite of contentment. A covetous person always wants more than what he or she has. It’s been said that when little is not enough nothing will ever be enough. Many people are deceived into thinking that they need more to be happy. That's a trap. If what you have is not enough what makes you think more will ever be enough. Solomon wrote, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Ecc. 5:10).
CCovetousness isn’t the answer to true happiness and contentment, it’s the enemy. Covetousness draws us away from the source of true contentment the leads to thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
Paul teaches us here that great gain is not found in having more money so that we can buy more things. You are rich—you have great gain when you possess godliness with contentment. Don’t allow the pursuit of money to draw you away for the source of true joy and contentment, namely pursuing God and walking with Him. Don’t ever go after money and material things to find happiness and contentment. And don’t ever go hard after money and material gain and the expense of pursuing hard after God.
The love of money will lead you away from the source of real joy and contentment and down a road that leads to misery and destruction.
II. The Power of Contentment:
The author of Hebrews gives the secret to a blessed life: He said that rather than being covetous, he wrote "be content": He said, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:” (Hebrews 9:5).
Contentment is a choice. It’s not based on circumstances and comforts. We can choose to be content. Choosing to be content is choosing to change our attitude. “Contentment has little to do with position and everything to do with your disposition.” And in order to change our attitude we need to change the way we think. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philip. 4:11-12).
The contentment that we can have through Christ is powerful because it doesn’t depend on our circumstances but on Jesus who strengthens our hearts and ministers to us the grace of contentment. We live in a world that bombards us with messages, advertisements and images that are designed to make us feel dissatisfied and discontent. And as a result we too often begin to focus on what we don't have rather than on the many blessings that we do have. We get so preoccupied with what we don't have that we fail to enjoy what we do have.
How does Jesus strengthen our hearts and fill them with the grace of contentment? Well, rather than thinking and focusing on what we don't have we need focus on what we do have and be thankful to God. And don't just focus on the things of this life that you should be thankful for but on the riches that we have in Christ--think on the promises of God--think on the spiritual blessing you have in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:15-19). And it’s in that process of focusing on the many blessings that we have in Christ and actually offering unto God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that God begins to pour out the grace of contentment into our hearts (Philip. 4:6-8).
III. The Promises of Christ:
Notice the reason that is given for why we can be content with what we have: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Someone said, “I rather know the baker than to have a warehouse full of bread.” Oh no matter how little or how much we have today we can be content today—and we ought to be so very thankful today because the bread of life—the God of the universe promises that he will be with us—that he will never leave us nor forsake us.
When God makes a promise we can count on it—we can stand on it—we can find hope and comfort through it. And because of the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us the author of Hebrews writes, “...that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper I will not fear…”
Martin Lloyd Jones said, “Do you realize that most of your unhappiness is the result of you listening to yourself more than talking to yourself.” Oh, when you are listening to yourself and feeling discouraged, dissatisfied or fearful you need to stand on the promises of God. And through those promise you need to learn to boldly preach to yourself and encourage yourself in the Lord. “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man or anything else will do unto me.”
The author of Hebrews writes, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
God will channel to us the grace of contentment as we offer unto him our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Let’s take some time not only during this thanksgiving holiday but continually to focus on the goodness of God, the blessings of God and the promises of God. And let us offer unto the Lord the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving with the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto his name.
One key virtue that ought to stand out in the life of every Christian is the characteristic of contentment. You will not be an effective witness for Jesus Christ unless it is evident to those around you that in spite of your circumstances you possess a thankful and contented heart. Paul wrote that a believer ought to be "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding (overflowing) therein with thanksgiving" (Col 2:7). God's desire for you is that your life overflows with thanksgiving.
The key to a blessed life is not about finding the perfect spouse, the perfect situation or the perfect circumstances. The key to a blessed life is having the right attitude no matter what situation we find ourselves in namely an attitude of contentment. Thanksgiving flows from a heart of contentment. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow I want to share with you some truths to help you learn the secret of contentment:
I. The Problem of Covetousness:
The author of Hebrews writes, “Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without covetousness…” Covetousness is the opposite of contentment. A covetous person always wants more than what he or she has. It’s been said that when little is not enough nothing will ever be enough. Many people are deceived into thinking that they need more to be happy. That's a trap. If what you have is not enough what makes you think more will ever be enough. Solomon wrote, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Ecc. 5:10).
CCovetousness isn’t the answer to true happiness and contentment, it’s the enemy. Covetousness draws us away from the source of true contentment the leads to thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
Paul teaches us here that great gain is not found in having more money so that we can buy more things. You are rich—you have great gain when you possess godliness with contentment. Don’t allow the pursuit of money to draw you away for the source of true joy and contentment, namely pursuing God and walking with Him. Don’t ever go after money and material things to find happiness and contentment. And don’t ever go hard after money and material gain and the expense of pursuing hard after God.
The love of money will lead you away from the source of real joy and contentment and down a road that leads to misery and destruction.
II. The Power of Contentment:
The author of Hebrews gives the secret to a blessed life: He said that rather than being covetous, he wrote "be content": He said, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:” (Hebrews 9:5).
Contentment is a choice. It’s not based on circumstances and comforts. We can choose to be content. Choosing to be content is choosing to change our attitude. “Contentment has little to do with position and everything to do with your disposition.” And in order to change our attitude we need to change the way we think. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philip. 4:11-12).
The contentment that we can have through Christ is powerful because it doesn’t depend on our circumstances but on Jesus who strengthens our hearts and ministers to us the grace of contentment. We live in a world that bombards us with messages, advertisements and images that are designed to make us feel dissatisfied and discontent. And as a result we too often begin to focus on what we don't have rather than on the many blessings that we do have. We get so preoccupied with what we don't have that we fail to enjoy what we do have.
How does Jesus strengthen our hearts and fill them with the grace of contentment? Well, rather than thinking and focusing on what we don't have we need focus on what we do have and be thankful to God. And don't just focus on the things of this life that you should be thankful for but on the riches that we have in Christ--think on the promises of God--think on the spiritual blessing you have in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:15-19). And it’s in that process of focusing on the many blessings that we have in Christ and actually offering unto God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that God begins to pour out the grace of contentment into our hearts (Philip. 4:6-8).
III. The Promises of Christ:
Notice the reason that is given for why we can be content with what we have: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Someone said, “I rather know the baker than to have a warehouse full of bread.” Oh no matter how little or how much we have today we can be content today—and we ought to be so very thankful today because the bread of life—the God of the universe promises that he will be with us—that he will never leave us nor forsake us.
When God makes a promise we can count on it—we can stand on it—we can find hope and comfort through it. And because of the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us the author of Hebrews writes, “...that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper I will not fear…”
Martin Lloyd Jones said, “Do you realize that most of your unhappiness is the result of you listening to yourself more than talking to yourself.” Oh, when you are listening to yourself and feeling discouraged, dissatisfied or fearful you need to stand on the promises of God. And through those promise you need to learn to boldly preach to yourself and encourage yourself in the Lord. “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man or anything else will do unto me.”
The author of Hebrews writes, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
God will channel to us the grace of contentment as we offer unto him our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Let’s take some time not only during this thanksgiving holiday but continually to focus on the goodness of God, the blessings of God and the promises of God. And let us offer unto the Lord the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving with the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto his name.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The faith that God rewards
"And he did not many might works there because of their unbelief" (Mat 13:58).
When Jesus went into his hometown he preached the word of God with authority and did mighty works. But the people that were familiar with him and his family were skeptical of him. In fact the bible says that they took offense at him. In other words they had an attitude that said, "Who does he think he is coming into town thinking he can preach to us?" We know his family and he's nobody special." Because of this attitude Matthew wrote, "And he did not many might works there because of their unbelief." Notice that their lack of faith, which resulted in them not experiencing many mighty works, was due to their low view of who Jesus was.
There are many today that believe that faith is nothing more than positive thinking. They believe that if you just believe it you can achieve it. But true faith is as good as its object. True faith is not faith in faith. The quality of your faith is not about how much faith you have in your own faith. The quality of your faith is dependent upon what you think about Jesus. The reason that the people in Jesus' hometown didn't experience the mighty works of Jesus was not because they failed to claim them by faith but because of their inadequate view of Jesus. They saw him not as the son of God but as just an ordinary man. The faith that moves mountains is a faith the has a high and holy view of God. The author of Hebrews wrote, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). The faith that God rewards is not a faith that sees God as a glorified Santa Clause who grants every wish on our Christmas list. The faith that God rewards is the faith that diligently seeks God for who He is. The reason that many churches and Christian are not experiencing the mighty works of God is because of their low view of who God is. When we begin to see and know God for who he is we will trust him to do in us and through us what only He can do. Paul wrote, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
Do you desire a faith that will experience the mighty works of God? Get in the word of God in order that you might get to know the God of the word. The more you know Him the more that you will love Him. And the more you love Him the more you will trust Him. And the more you trust him the more you will obey Him. True faith is not about getting God to do what we want. True faith leads a person to trust God in order that he might do his mighty works through us to the glory of His name.
When Jesus went into his hometown he preached the word of God with authority and did mighty works. But the people that were familiar with him and his family were skeptical of him. In fact the bible says that they took offense at him. In other words they had an attitude that said, "Who does he think he is coming into town thinking he can preach to us?" We know his family and he's nobody special." Because of this attitude Matthew wrote, "And he did not many might works there because of their unbelief." Notice that their lack of faith, which resulted in them not experiencing many mighty works, was due to their low view of who Jesus was.
There are many today that believe that faith is nothing more than positive thinking. They believe that if you just believe it you can achieve it. But true faith is as good as its object. True faith is not faith in faith. The quality of your faith is not about how much faith you have in your own faith. The quality of your faith is dependent upon what you think about Jesus. The reason that the people in Jesus' hometown didn't experience the mighty works of Jesus was not because they failed to claim them by faith but because of their inadequate view of Jesus. They saw him not as the son of God but as just an ordinary man. The faith that moves mountains is a faith the has a high and holy view of God. The author of Hebrews wrote, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). The faith that God rewards is not a faith that sees God as a glorified Santa Clause who grants every wish on our Christmas list. The faith that God rewards is the faith that diligently seeks God for who He is. The reason that many churches and Christian are not experiencing the mighty works of God is because of their low view of who God is. When we begin to see and know God for who he is we will trust him to do in us and through us what only He can do. Paul wrote, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
Do you desire a faith that will experience the mighty works of God? Get in the word of God in order that you might get to know the God of the word. The more you know Him the more that you will love Him. And the more you love Him the more you will trust Him. And the more you trust him the more you will obey Him. True faith is not about getting God to do what we want. True faith leads a person to trust God in order that he might do his mighty works through us to the glory of His name.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
God is watching over me.
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing (cooper coin)? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:28-31).
I've been fearful of the future from time to time. But God is faithful to remind me that I am secure in his hands. The God of the universe knows my name and everything about me. And nothing that is happening to me or will happen to me will ever catch my God by surprise. "Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency meeting? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan's lies of fear, discouragement, and despair" (Adrian Rogers). The following words to that old hymn, "His eye is on the sparrow" is a great encouragement to me:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
God is watching over me. Amen!
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing (cooper coin)? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:28-31).
I've been fearful of the future from time to time. But God is faithful to remind me that I am secure in his hands. The God of the universe knows my name and everything about me. And nothing that is happening to me or will happen to me will ever catch my God by surprise. "Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency meeting? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan's lies of fear, discouragement, and despair" (Adrian Rogers). The following words to that old hymn, "His eye is on the sparrow" is a great encouragement to me:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
God is watching over me. Amen!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
If you're not progressing you're regressing
"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (2 Chron. 12:14).
I remember reading a story about a married couple that went out on the ocean in their boat. Robert and Glenda decided to go for a swim. While they were swimming, the current changed and they drifted from their boat. They tried to swim back to the boat, but ht current was too strong and Glenda was not a strong enough swimmer. Robert decided to keep swimming to the boat and come back for her while Glenda floated. Robert made it back to the boat but was not able to find her. He search and search until He realized he was running out of gas. He was forced into having to make the decision to return to the shore or risk running out of gas and not be able to rescue his wife. Thankfully, the following morning the coast guard found Glenda floating in the ocean alive and well. Later, it was discovered that Glenda had drifted 15 miles from where she first began to float. Christian, you are in a battle. The current of this godless culture is strong and flowing in the opposite direction that you must go. We can't afford to just go through the motions.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philip. 3:14). If we are not progressing in our walk with God we are regressing. If we are not seeking hard after God we are drifting farther and farther away from God and the life that He intends for us to live. Prepare your heart to seek the Lord.
I remember reading a story about a married couple that went out on the ocean in their boat. Robert and Glenda decided to go for a swim. While they were swimming, the current changed and they drifted from their boat. They tried to swim back to the boat, but ht current was too strong and Glenda was not a strong enough swimmer. Robert decided to keep swimming to the boat and come back for her while Glenda floated. Robert made it back to the boat but was not able to find her. He search and search until He realized he was running out of gas. He was forced into having to make the decision to return to the shore or risk running out of gas and not be able to rescue his wife. Thankfully, the following morning the coast guard found Glenda floating in the ocean alive and well. Later, it was discovered that Glenda had drifted 15 miles from where she first began to float. Christian, you are in a battle. The current of this godless culture is strong and flowing in the opposite direction that you must go. We can't afford to just go through the motions.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philip. 3:14). If we are not progressing in our walk with God we are regressing. If we are not seeking hard after God we are drifting farther and farther away from God and the life that He intends for us to live. Prepare your heart to seek the Lord.
Wisdom and Success
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end" (Proverbs. 19:20).
Some time ago I read the following statement and found it to be rather humorous:
Teenagers: tired of stupid parents?
Act now! Move out -
get a job -
pay your own bills.
Do it while you still know everything!
The truth is that teenagers are not the only ones that act like they know it all. Adult Christians also suffer from the same malady. And this is a serious problem because God uses the wise counsel of others to help bring us to where He wants us to be. Paul wrote, "Be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17). Success in the Christians life is not about how talented, smart or gifted you are. Success in the eyes of God is about understanding what God's will is and walking in it. Wise and successful Christians know that they don't know it all and seek wise counsel.
Some time ago I read the following statement and found it to be rather humorous:
Teenagers: tired of stupid parents?
Act now! Move out -
get a job -
pay your own bills.
Do it while you still know everything!
The truth is that teenagers are not the only ones that act like they know it all. Adult Christians also suffer from the same malady. And this is a serious problem because God uses the wise counsel of others to help bring us to where He wants us to be. Paul wrote, "Be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17). Success in the Christians life is not about how talented, smart or gifted you are. Success in the eyes of God is about understanding what God's will is and walking in it. Wise and successful Christians know that they don't know it all and seek wise counsel.
Friday, November 19, 2010
God will never accept an alibi for our sin.
"Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak" (2 Chron. 12:6-7).
Due to King Rehoboam's sins, God revealed to Him through the prophet Shemiah that he was lifting His hand of protection from him as the King of Egypt came against Israel. But after hearing the prophet Shemaih's propetic words, the King and the princes of Israel humbled themselves saying, "The Lord is righteous." And as a result of the humility that they showed God granted deliverance. When they humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is righteous" they were in essence saying, "God your right and were wrong. We deserve what we got coming to us. We are to blame."
Recently, someone I know, who is fighting an addiction to drugs and alcohol relapsed. After he relapsed he tried to blame the pressures that He said others we're placing on him for his decision to use. God is a God of grace and mercy. When we come to Him for salvation through Christ he will save us and accept us. But although God accepts us just as we are He loves us to much to leave us there. When there is unconfessed and unforsaken sin in our lives God will chastise, correct and discipline us as any loving father would a wayward child (Hebrews 12). God's discipline is designed to bring his children to a place of repentance where once again they can begin to experience God's favor and blessing. One of the keys to genuine repentance of sin is humility. Like King Rehoboam and the princes of Egypt, we must humble ourselves saying "The Lord is righteous." In other words when we truly humble ourselves before God in genuine repentance for our sin we take full responsibility for it. We acknowledge that God is right and we're wrong. We don't blame God or anyone else for the wrong decisions that we make. God will never accept an alibi for our sin. But when we humbly confess our sins we can count on the fact that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Due to King Rehoboam's sins, God revealed to Him through the prophet Shemiah that he was lifting His hand of protection from him as the King of Egypt came against Israel. But after hearing the prophet Shemaih's propetic words, the King and the princes of Israel humbled themselves saying, "The Lord is righteous." And as a result of the humility that they showed God granted deliverance. When they humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is righteous" they were in essence saying, "God your right and were wrong. We deserve what we got coming to us. We are to blame."
Recently, someone I know, who is fighting an addiction to drugs and alcohol relapsed. After he relapsed he tried to blame the pressures that He said others we're placing on him for his decision to use. God is a God of grace and mercy. When we come to Him for salvation through Christ he will save us and accept us. But although God accepts us just as we are He loves us to much to leave us there. When there is unconfessed and unforsaken sin in our lives God will chastise, correct and discipline us as any loving father would a wayward child (Hebrews 12). God's discipline is designed to bring his children to a place of repentance where once again they can begin to experience God's favor and blessing. One of the keys to genuine repentance of sin is humility. Like King Rehoboam and the princes of Egypt, we must humble ourselves saying "The Lord is righteous." In other words when we truly humble ourselves before God in genuine repentance for our sin we take full responsibility for it. We acknowledge that God is right and we're wrong. We don't blame God or anyone else for the wrong decisions that we make. God will never accept an alibi for our sin. But when we humbly confess our sins we can count on the fact that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)