Based on Psalm 69:19-28
Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
When faced with trouble and pain, when feeling unable to cope; think of Jesus. Think of how he was harshly criticised when he had never done anything wrong. Think of how he was humiliated on the cross, naked and dying the death of the lowest criminal. Think of what happened to his reputation when he was crucified; his reputation was crucified with him. Think of how his beloved creations were enemies to him.
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Jesus heart was broken by the words spoken by the Jewish leaders and those he was crucified with, and nobody was there to comfort him, nobody took pity on him. It was only later that there were a few sympathetic with him, at this point there was nobody. Jesus could have decided to give up on humanity, every person he could see was rejecting the salvation he offered. He did not get any comfort from a hope of resurrection, because he was bearing our sin, and with it our hopelessness. But he went through with it, and did not save himself from the cross, even though Satan was tempting him to do so. Next time you are struggling, think of how glad you are that Jesus overcame so much, and that he has promised you the ability to do the same.
They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Jesus needed to endure the pain of the cross, and refused the painkiller he was offered. People often offer Jesus things he does not want. Jesus said his meat was to do God's will, but often people offer him the gall of lip service. People say they love Jesus and will do anything for him, but refuse to obey his commandments and condemn those that do.
Such people are condemned in scripture, they must repent or they will be lost. It is this kind of person that crucified Jesus and will persecute his obedient followers. They may have been in the Lamb's book of life before, but God will blot them out again if they do not repent. People who claim to love Jesus but deny him in what they do are the greatest reproach to him. Maybe it's time you thought about whether your lifestyle is glorifying Jesus, or making his teachings seem unreasonable.
Sunday 31 March 2013
Saturday 30 March 2013
Mockery and Reproach
Based on Psalm 69:7-18
What is a reason we may feel overwhelmed, as described in the earlier verses?
The answer is in this section.
Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
Living as God wants us to brings criticism, and sometimes we are confused and feel ashamed because society is condemning us so much. Those who are glorifying God in their lifestyle will feel this way often.
I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.
Following God's instructions can even lead to distancing from family, becoming strange and different to them.
For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
There is nothing more radical than being utterly consumed by the service of God. Try it some time, and you will find that most Christians quickly criticise you for fanaticism, legalism and a judgmental spirit. Make sure these are not true charges, if they are you are doing enormous damage to the church. But if you are truly serving God devotedly out of love and a changed heart then this psalm is for you.
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
Sincere sorrow for sin and self-discipline, mortifying the flesh, are essential; for the lack of these many will perish. Yet so often those who claim a relationship with Christ drag others back from the repentance they need because such churchgoers do not themselves share this conviction. A great mistake in the church, is the belief that every point on which another differs from me is a point on which that person is sinfully wrong. This is often perversely balanced with the belief that no teaching/doctrine of Jesus taught by the prophets is worth more than avoidance of conflict, so quietness is favoured over principle and the testimony of Jesus made of no effect. This profanity amounts to little more than paganism yet it is so easy for you and me to fall into.
I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
What would you say about someone who was so miserable that he wore a hair shirt under his clothes? Wouldn't he be mentioned in many of your conversations as an example of an extremist? Yet God relates to such a man.
God also relates to the public figure who is mocked in media outlets and by people who are having a bit too much fun. Be careful who you mock, it may be that God can relate to that person. The person does not need to be a good person. I have sometimes been offended and angry when I heard people mocking a sinner who I relate to for some reason, or care about; even though I do not share that person's sin, mocking my friend is like mocking me and I don't like it. Next time you are about to mock that weird person or that politician remember this, it's a lesson that I need to learn.
But as for me, my prayer is unto thee O LORD, in an acceptable time
Your safety, your solution, is to turn to Jesus. Turn to Jesus when you are being mocked, turn to Jesus when you are tempted to mock another, turn to Jesus when you feel like you are sinking in mud or drowning in a stormy sea, when you feel like everything is against you turn to Jesus. Jesus gave everything for you, he is all for you.
What is a reason we may feel overwhelmed, as described in the earlier verses?
The answer is in this section.
Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
Living as God wants us to brings criticism, and sometimes we are confused and feel ashamed because society is condemning us so much. Those who are glorifying God in their lifestyle will feel this way often.
I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.
Following God's instructions can even lead to distancing from family, becoming strange and different to them.
For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
There is nothing more radical than being utterly consumed by the service of God. Try it some time, and you will find that most Christians quickly criticise you for fanaticism, legalism and a judgmental spirit. Make sure these are not true charges, if they are you are doing enormous damage to the church. But if you are truly serving God devotedly out of love and a changed heart then this psalm is for you.
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
Sincere sorrow for sin and self-discipline, mortifying the flesh, are essential; for the lack of these many will perish. Yet so often those who claim a relationship with Christ drag others back from the repentance they need because such churchgoers do not themselves share this conviction. A great mistake in the church, is the belief that every point on which another differs from me is a point on which that person is sinfully wrong. This is often perversely balanced with the belief that no teaching/doctrine of Jesus taught by the prophets is worth more than avoidance of conflict, so quietness is favoured over principle and the testimony of Jesus made of no effect. This profanity amounts to little more than paganism yet it is so easy for you and me to fall into.
I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
What would you say about someone who was so miserable that he wore a hair shirt under his clothes? Wouldn't he be mentioned in many of your conversations as an example of an extremist? Yet God relates to such a man.
God also relates to the public figure who is mocked in media outlets and by people who are having a bit too much fun. Be careful who you mock, it may be that God can relate to that person. The person does not need to be a good person. I have sometimes been offended and angry when I heard people mocking a sinner who I relate to for some reason, or care about; even though I do not share that person's sin, mocking my friend is like mocking me and I don't like it. Next time you are about to mock that weird person or that politician remember this, it's a lesson that I need to learn.
But as for me, my prayer is unto thee O LORD, in an acceptable time
Your safety, your solution, is to turn to Jesus. Turn to Jesus when you are being mocked, turn to Jesus when you are tempted to mock another, turn to Jesus when you feel like you are sinking in mud or drowning in a stormy sea, when you feel like everything is against you turn to Jesus. Jesus gave everything for you, he is all for you.
Friday 29 March 2013
Was It Sacrifice If Jesus Knew...?
Based on Matthew 27:46
How was Jesus' sacrifice a big deal since he knew he would be resurrected?
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46
Here Jesus is fulfilling/quoting Psalm 22:1.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
The psalm speaks of the feeling of abandonment and despair. It was soon after speaking these words that Jesus died, though not immediately. Jesus felt forsaken by God before his death, this was the ultimate pain for the one who had been perfectly united with the Father in eternity.
In Matthew 26:38 Jesus says:
My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death
Jesus is full of pain and sorrow all ready, and he has not even begun to be crucified. Jesus is already suffering intense pain not from crucifixion but because the process of sin bearing is already beginning to be attributed to him.
In the next verse Jesus prays:
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
This prayer is repeated later, demonstrating that to live a life of faith we must often commit our will and ways to the Father, not only once.
In verse 41 Jesus encourages his disciples to watch and pray so that they are not overcome by temptation. They do not watch and pray, and they are overcome by fear and confusion when Jesus refuses to resist arrest.
Be diligent and dependent on Jesus to overcome temptation and religious confusion, you can surrender your will to Jesus as often as you need to, this is the best place to start. Because Jesus went through the agony of losing his connection with the rest of the Godhead, but found it again by his divine power; he can reconnect you with God too. Jesus suffered temptation to doubt and compromise, he couldn't even be certain that he would rise from the dead. But he followed God's plan that the Holy Spirit impressed on him from the Bible, and he can give you everything you need to do the same.
How was Jesus' sacrifice a big deal since he knew he would be resurrected?
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46
Here Jesus is fulfilling/quoting Psalm 22:1.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
The psalm speaks of the feeling of abandonment and despair. It was soon after speaking these words that Jesus died, though not immediately. Jesus felt forsaken by God before his death, this was the ultimate pain for the one who had been perfectly united with the Father in eternity.
In Matthew 26:38 Jesus says:
My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death
Jesus is full of pain and sorrow all ready, and he has not even begun to be crucified. Jesus is already suffering intense pain not from crucifixion but because the process of sin bearing is already beginning to be attributed to him.
In the next verse Jesus prays:
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
This prayer is repeated later, demonstrating that to live a life of faith we must often commit our will and ways to the Father, not only once.
In verse 41 Jesus encourages his disciples to watch and pray so that they are not overcome by temptation. They do not watch and pray, and they are overcome by fear and confusion when Jesus refuses to resist arrest.
Be diligent and dependent on Jesus to overcome temptation and religious confusion, you can surrender your will to Jesus as often as you need to, this is the best place to start. Because Jesus went through the agony of losing his connection with the rest of the Godhead, but found it again by his divine power; he can reconnect you with God too. Jesus suffered temptation to doubt and compromise, he couldn't even be certain that he would rise from the dead. But he followed God's plan that the Holy Spirit impressed on him from the Bible, and he can give you everything you need to do the same.
Thursday 28 March 2013
Final Stand
Based on Psalm 69:1-6
Save me O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Have you ever come close to drowning? Losing strength and slipping under the water despite your frantic efforts. Swallowing water; the taste of a watery grave, desperate. Wishing for some way, any way to get out of the water and breathe freely again. Praying for the strength to reach land or the provision of a helping hand. The fear that there is nothing you can do to save yourself.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
Have you ever been stuck in mud? Your ruined shoes now lodged perpetually under the place where you thought firm ground was, striving to stay on your feet but unable to move them you fall and get covered in mud. You crawl back to where you left the solid ground, leaving your shoes and dignity behind. But can you imagine being stuck in quicksand? Not merely being harmlessly stuck in the mud but sinking subtly into the earth's smothering embrace. Wishing you were anywhere but here, being buried alive, going down alive into hell (the pit; see Prov 1:12), realising that you really will die, having the horrible thought that the more you struggle the faster you will go. Have you ever been swept away by waves or floodwaters? Seeing the violent wall of dirty water looming over you a moment before it takes control of your life. Trying in vain to stay on your feet, holding desperately to anything solid. Wallowing around trying to stand up only to be washed away by another wave, clutching for the solid rock and being cut all over by its sharp edges. Finding a smooth rock but unable to grip it anywhere and trying with intensity to just get that next breath.
I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Have you ever been tired of struggling? Your reflexes are still franticly trying to find anything to preserve your life, but right now some part of you just wants to give up. Something in you keeps desperately fighting, to the bitter end; but you consciously wonders "why bother?" if life is like this. Nobody is helping, not even God.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Have you ever had the feeling that everybody in a place is working against you and willing to destroy you to get what they want? Have you ever wondered why people keep opposing you without any reason and then someone explains that their reason is essentially political? Have you ever been in an organisation where you had to make an apology to someone that you didn't wrong? Falsely accused and to your shock nobody believes you. What can you say to God in a situation like that?
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
This is your last resort, your final stand when everything seems falling to pieces; and it is a solid place that you can always stand on. "I do not deserve a good reputation, or salvation from circumstances that threaten to destroy me. But there are many others who follow Jehovah God of the universe, and as a known Christian my disgrace and destruction is sure to be devastating to their faith. Please do not let anyone's faith be damaged because of me; destroy this life, but please don't let me destroy the lives of those I love." I can ask this because Jesus has given me the gift of prayer.
[To be continued]
Save me O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Have you ever come close to drowning? Losing strength and slipping under the water despite your frantic efforts. Swallowing water; the taste of a watery grave, desperate. Wishing for some way, any way to get out of the water and breathe freely again. Praying for the strength to reach land or the provision of a helping hand. The fear that there is nothing you can do to save yourself.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
Have you ever been stuck in mud? Your ruined shoes now lodged perpetually under the place where you thought firm ground was, striving to stay on your feet but unable to move them you fall and get covered in mud. You crawl back to where you left the solid ground, leaving your shoes and dignity behind. But can you imagine being stuck in quicksand? Not merely being harmlessly stuck in the mud but sinking subtly into the earth's smothering embrace. Wishing you were anywhere but here, being buried alive, going down alive into hell (the pit; see Prov 1:12), realising that you really will die, having the horrible thought that the more you struggle the faster you will go. Have you ever been swept away by waves or floodwaters? Seeing the violent wall of dirty water looming over you a moment before it takes control of your life. Trying in vain to stay on your feet, holding desperately to anything solid. Wallowing around trying to stand up only to be washed away by another wave, clutching for the solid rock and being cut all over by its sharp edges. Finding a smooth rock but unable to grip it anywhere and trying with intensity to just get that next breath.
I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Have you ever been tired of struggling? Your reflexes are still franticly trying to find anything to preserve your life, but right now some part of you just wants to give up. Something in you keeps desperately fighting, to the bitter end; but you consciously wonders "why bother?" if life is like this. Nobody is helping, not even God.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Have you ever had the feeling that everybody in a place is working against you and willing to destroy you to get what they want? Have you ever wondered why people keep opposing you without any reason and then someone explains that their reason is essentially political? Have you ever been in an organisation where you had to make an apology to someone that you didn't wrong? Falsely accused and to your shock nobody believes you. What can you say to God in a situation like that?
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
This is your last resort, your final stand when everything seems falling to pieces; and it is a solid place that you can always stand on. "I do not deserve a good reputation, or salvation from circumstances that threaten to destroy me. But there are many others who follow Jehovah God of the universe, and as a known Christian my disgrace and destruction is sure to be devastating to their faith. Please do not let anyone's faith be damaged because of me; destroy this life, but please don't let me destroy the lives of those I love." I can ask this because Jesus has given me the gift of prayer.
[To be continued]
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Power
Based on Psalm 68
God is the only one who can hold each family together, and he has taken sin prisoner making us free to be obedient. God provides us with blessings and true success which bring real lasting joy; he wounds the head of the enemy. All over the world people are coming to know God, because of his power and his goodness; his love to all humanity.
Speak of God's power, that it will overcome your challenges, that is a part of faith.
God is the only one who can hold each family together, and he has taken sin prisoner making us free to be obedient. God provides us with blessings and true success which bring real lasting joy; he wounds the head of the enemy. All over the world people are coming to know God, because of his power and his goodness; his love to all humanity.
Speak of God's power, that it will overcome your challenges, that is a part of faith.
Tuesday 26 March 2013
The Rain Ripens the Harvest
Based on Psalm 67
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
We who desire mercy from God are called to show mercy. Most often mercy or lack of it is shown in my facial expression. People may not always deserve a bright smile, but have mercy on them and show one. Having a radiant face does not always happen by itself, for me it will take determined effort to cultivate a habit of a cheerful disposition. If that's what it takes, do it. If you want God to smile on you try smiling on his children. Luke 6:36; Mat 5:7; Prov 15:13
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
We need God's mercy so that we can tell everyone about God's way - embodied by Jesus Christ - the way that can save all of humanity from sickness, sin and death. Curing real diseases, saving from real sins and giving real immortality; these are the things God will give us if we follow his way. John 14:6
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
All the people should praise God, not just an elite; this principle is contrary to popular "styles" that exclude the majority of people from joining in the praise of God. This can be because the songs are too hard to sing, the lyrics may be suspect, they may be too disorderly to follow along or simply too loud (or too off-key) for people to join in. Praise should be according to truth, reverential, inclusive and orderly. We can praise God without singing, and we should do that more often. Tell each other about specific things God helped you with during the week.
O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
There will come a time when every nation on earth will be governed by Jesus, that will be a great time. Think of it; no more injustice, no more incompetent or corrupt officials! That will happen on this earth, not elsewhere; here on this earth that will be restored to even greater than edenic beauty and perfection. It will happen for all nations of earth; not just Israel, not just Rome, not just the USA, not even just Australia. All nations will be ruled by Jesus on this earth for blissful eternity. Rev 21
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
That is what we want as Christians; I mean Christians who are missionaries regardless of our profession. We so want all the people to praise God for all the wonderful things he does all the time. We so want all the people to know the love of Jesus and to join us in fellowship with Jesus among us. It's not that we are so determined to make our own organisation the biggest, but that we want the kind of friendship with everyone that we can only have with those we share Jesus with. We long for the loud cry of Revelation 14:6-7, we long for the latter rain of Hosea 6:3, we long for everyone to have the knowledge of what Jehovah is really like as promised in Habakuk 2:14. In Matthew 24:14 Jesus declares that this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world and then the end will come. These desires will be fulfilled, I don't know how, but I know they will.
Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
Is this merely describing crops of wheat and barley? In Matthew 13:39 Jesus describes the end of the age of sin as a harvest; when he will return to gather his people to be with him. When the gospel has been demonstrated in all the world, the people of earth will ripen, the righteous and the wicked will be set and determined, all will be ripe and mature in their chosen way. Then Jesus will come - not someone else's Jesus, our Jesus, the Jesus of the Bible - and will bless us, you and me, because we have been faithful. Praise the Lord, I look forward to that day, when I think of it like this.
God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
Yes, I long for that day now at last, when God will be giving us all the blessings sin has barred from us and everyone on earth, everyone in the universe will fear God alone, the rightful - and now once more the only - supreme ruler in the universe.
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
We who desire mercy from God are called to show mercy. Most often mercy or lack of it is shown in my facial expression. People may not always deserve a bright smile, but have mercy on them and show one. Having a radiant face does not always happen by itself, for me it will take determined effort to cultivate a habit of a cheerful disposition. If that's what it takes, do it. If you want God to smile on you try smiling on his children. Luke 6:36; Mat 5:7; Prov 15:13
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
We need God's mercy so that we can tell everyone about God's way - embodied by Jesus Christ - the way that can save all of humanity from sickness, sin and death. Curing real diseases, saving from real sins and giving real immortality; these are the things God will give us if we follow his way. John 14:6
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
All the people should praise God, not just an elite; this principle is contrary to popular "styles" that exclude the majority of people from joining in the praise of God. This can be because the songs are too hard to sing, the lyrics may be suspect, they may be too disorderly to follow along or simply too loud (or too off-key) for people to join in. Praise should be according to truth, reverential, inclusive and orderly. We can praise God without singing, and we should do that more often. Tell each other about specific things God helped you with during the week.
O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
There will come a time when every nation on earth will be governed by Jesus, that will be a great time. Think of it; no more injustice, no more incompetent or corrupt officials! That will happen on this earth, not elsewhere; here on this earth that will be restored to even greater than edenic beauty and perfection. It will happen for all nations of earth; not just Israel, not just Rome, not just the USA, not even just Australia. All nations will be ruled by Jesus on this earth for blissful eternity. Rev 21
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
That is what we want as Christians; I mean Christians who are missionaries regardless of our profession. We so want all the people to praise God for all the wonderful things he does all the time. We so want all the people to know the love of Jesus and to join us in fellowship with Jesus among us. It's not that we are so determined to make our own organisation the biggest, but that we want the kind of friendship with everyone that we can only have with those we share Jesus with. We long for the loud cry of Revelation 14:6-7, we long for the latter rain of Hosea 6:3, we long for everyone to have the knowledge of what Jehovah is really like as promised in Habakuk 2:14. In Matthew 24:14 Jesus declares that this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world and then the end will come. These desires will be fulfilled, I don't know how, but I know they will.
Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
Is this merely describing crops of wheat and barley? In Matthew 13:39 Jesus describes the end of the age of sin as a harvest; when he will return to gather his people to be with him. When the gospel has been demonstrated in all the world, the people of earth will ripen, the righteous and the wicked will be set and determined, all will be ripe and mature in their chosen way. Then Jesus will come - not someone else's Jesus, our Jesus, the Jesus of the Bible - and will bless us, you and me, because we have been faithful. Praise the Lord, I look forward to that day, when I think of it like this.
God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
Yes, I long for that day now at last, when God will be giving us all the blessings sin has barred from us and everyone on earth, everyone in the universe will fear God alone, the rightful - and now once more the only - supreme ruler in the universe.
Monday 25 March 2013
Don't Hold Back
Based on Psalm 66
All the people of the world are called to worship God, to sing and praise him in a way that enhances his reputation. Eventually even God's enemies will submit to his power and everyone on earth will acknowledge the justice of God.
Think about the awe inspiring things that God has done, think about all those people walking through the sea on dry land. God has infinite and eternal power, you would have to be crazy to try to rebel against him.
God allows us to go through some terrible things so that we are confirmed as qualified for eternal life. Sacrifice is necessary for this, the sacrifice of Jesus. Now we can tell people about the things Jesus has done in our lives, and how he answered us when we called.
If I decide to hold on to sin, Jehovah will not listen to me. But God has listened to my prayers, and given me great mercy.
Are there any things you are holding onto that may be sin? If you want power in prayer then join me in giving everything up to Jesus.
All the people of the world are called to worship God, to sing and praise him in a way that enhances his reputation. Eventually even God's enemies will submit to his power and everyone on earth will acknowledge the justice of God.
Think about the awe inspiring things that God has done, think about all those people walking through the sea on dry land. God has infinite and eternal power, you would have to be crazy to try to rebel against him.
God allows us to go through some terrible things so that we are confirmed as qualified for eternal life. Sacrifice is necessary for this, the sacrifice of Jesus. Now we can tell people about the things Jesus has done in our lives, and how he answered us when we called.
If I decide to hold on to sin, Jehovah will not listen to me. But God has listened to my prayers, and given me great mercy.
Are there any things you are holding onto that may be sin? If you want power in prayer then join me in giving everything up to Jesus.
Sunday 24 March 2013
Confidence in Nature
Based on Psalm 65
God will be worshipped in New Jerusalem by people from all over the world. We are struggling with iniquity - sinful attitudes - but God will get all our imperfections out of us, the easy way or the hard way.
It is such a privilege to be chosen by God, - he chooses those that have faith - we have a perfect eternity to look forward to.
God will show us awe-inspiring things, everyone's confidence comes from God, he allows even those who do not have faith to have confidence in many things.
God keeps the mountains stable, he stops storms from lasting forever, he pacifies the masses, he colours the sky at dawn and dusk in a way that causes everyone on earth to rejoice.
God makes the world habitable with rain and enables crops to grow so people can survive; animals exist and survive because of God and he allows people to depend on them for their livelihood. There is beauty and plenty in the world by nature, that is, by God's direct intervention and initiative.
But there is also evil and famine because of people and Satan; what good do we do to the world? If there were not a good God we would all be dead by now.
Creation shows the reality and also the goodness and extravagance of God; of course you can trust him.
God will be worshipped in New Jerusalem by people from all over the world. We are struggling with iniquity - sinful attitudes - but God will get all our imperfections out of us, the easy way or the hard way.
It is such a privilege to be chosen by God, - he chooses those that have faith - we have a perfect eternity to look forward to.
God will show us awe-inspiring things, everyone's confidence comes from God, he allows even those who do not have faith to have confidence in many things.
God keeps the mountains stable, he stops storms from lasting forever, he pacifies the masses, he colours the sky at dawn and dusk in a way that causes everyone on earth to rejoice.
God makes the world habitable with rain and enables crops to grow so people can survive; animals exist and survive because of God and he allows people to depend on them for their livelihood. There is beauty and plenty in the world by nature, that is, by God's direct intervention and initiative.
But there is also evil and famine because of people and Satan; what good do we do to the world? If there were not a good God we would all be dead by now.
Creation shows the reality and also the goodness and extravagance of God; of course you can trust him.
Saturday 23 March 2013
Joy in Judgment
Based on Psalm 64
Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
My life can be in danger because of my fear of the enemy, may I never fear Satan and his buddies so much that I forget God. Fear God, not Satan, not man.
Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
I can't deal with politicking, Jesus hide me from it please, I don't even want to think about it.
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will direct my eternal destiny. Watch your mouth.
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
Tall poppy syndrome goes double in the church, rise above it all the way to heaven, don't get dragged back down by weeds.
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
There is nothing like likeminded friends to encourage you for good, or evil. Do your friends lead you to good or evil?
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
The human mind is brilliant, but this brilliance is best displayed in our creativity in doing evil.
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
Going down an evil path is never safe, at any moment God may remove you from damaging other people, and then it will be all over for you.
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
When you are finally made to see the truth at the end, your own words will condemn you and you will have no friends then. This goes double for Satan.
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
God will be vindicated, everyone will see that God is just, and God is love. Those who are saved will be able to wisely review the works of God throughout Earth's history, and declare God's perfect justice and mercy.
The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
The saved will be so happy and never be tempted to doubt God again, there will be great celebration, because sin is over forever. I want to be one of the righteous, by the gift of Jesus I will be.
Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
My life can be in danger because of my fear of the enemy, may I never fear Satan and his buddies so much that I forget God. Fear God, not Satan, not man.
Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
I can't deal with politicking, Jesus hide me from it please, I don't even want to think about it.
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will direct my eternal destiny. Watch your mouth.
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
Tall poppy syndrome goes double in the church, rise above it all the way to heaven, don't get dragged back down by weeds.
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
There is nothing like likeminded friends to encourage you for good, or evil. Do your friends lead you to good or evil?
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
The human mind is brilliant, but this brilliance is best displayed in our creativity in doing evil.
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
Going down an evil path is never safe, at any moment God may remove you from damaging other people, and then it will be all over for you.
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
When you are finally made to see the truth at the end, your own words will condemn you and you will have no friends then. This goes double for Satan.
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
God will be vindicated, everyone will see that God is just, and God is love. Those who are saved will be able to wisely review the works of God throughout Earth's history, and declare God's perfect justice and mercy.
The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
The saved will be so happy and never be tempted to doubt God again, there will be great celebration, because sin is over forever. I want to be one of the righteous, by the gift of Jesus I will be.
Friday 22 March 2013
Creative Power
Who has the power to make a body from dust?
Who can make bodies into living men?
When my body becomes dust by worm or fire;
Who has the power to give me live again?
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor 5:17
The God that has the power to create my ancestor from dust and give life to a body of clay also has the power to restore me to life on the last day. The God that has the power to create new life in my corpse also has the power to create new life in my living body, to awaken and restore a hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Ask for a new heart daily.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Desire and Satisfaction
Based on Psalm 63
Oh God you are my God;
My God, not another person's, not my church's or my nation's; is he your God?
Early will I seek thee:
Why early? Because my present influences my future, and my future needs all the help it can get. Early in the day, early in my life; seek God. That would be now, and next day must be earlier than now, I cannot repeat my life, so for my life I must seek God now.
My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee,
Not only the higher powers of the mind can long for God, but also the desires of the flesh. It is unfortunate to live in comfort, what a lack of drive to seek God that would cause! Blessed are ye poor. Let the rich man rejoice that he is made low. But what if he is not made low? :o Just a thought, if you can sell your unnecessary possessions and give your money away, then seek first the kingdom of God not seek after riches and still end up rich; praise God! Now you can give more money away. Just a thought.
In a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
My environment drives my desires, why is there pain in the world? If there were no pain would there be any regard to the horrors of sin? The environment I surround myself with impacts my desires for God.
To see thy power and thy glory so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
We hear these stories of God doing strange and amazing things, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. One day I'll see God's glory like the Israelites did in the sanctuary; and it will be worth the wait.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Better than life? I need to think about that one. But God must be very lovingly kind, and that deserves praise.
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
As long as we live we can bless God; but not when we are dead. I can lift up my hands out of excitement because of what God has done at times. But that doesn't mean I need to do it in church in order to pretend I am really holy in some mystic guru way.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
From inside to outside: fully satisfied. Only God can do that, no wonder we can praise him with joyful lips.
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate upon thee in the night watches.
Hint, hint; this is a really good thing to do. Oh, but it takes effort! Never mind, it's worth it, it starts taking less effort when some of the junk is cleared out of your mind. Replace the furniture when the house is swept and garnished. Read uplifting literature, especially before sleeping; and memorise scripture while going to sleep, if your mind is lazy like mine at least plan how you can serve God at night. But get back to the basics of prayer, Bible study and meditation on the word. Meditation means prayerful consideration, personalisation and application by the way; not anything like yoga nonsense.
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
Record and express how God has helped you; it is so easy to forget the multitudinous blessings if you make no record of them or never tell anyone about them. At least record and remember some.
My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Follow Jesus in your life by deliberate imitation by the mind through the will to the body, God is perfectly capable of empowering you to imitate Christ.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
There are people that actually want to sabotage your efforts to imitate Christ, regardless of the eternal consequences for you. Don't envy them, they are very unfortunate, no matter how successful they may appear. They may be genuinely happy and contented, but it will all come to nothing one day.
They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for the foxes.
The description of the fate of the wicked is here described clearly, death and decay. First they will die, and then they will decay, disintegrate, be consumed, be annihilated.
But the king shall rejoice in God;
Kings and priests, we will rejoice, not because we are so awesome (though we will be), but because God is so wonderful.
Every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
The greatest battle is fought over the tongue. A tongue that makes decisions and professions to the glory of God is the greatest credit to God's lovingkindess, the true nature of his character. But the tongue that lies with evil words or lies with good words will be stopped forever. There will be no wicked and blasphemous words afflicting the ears of those in the new creation paradise. Paradise will be perfect.
Oh God you are my God;
My God, not another person's, not my church's or my nation's; is he your God?
Early will I seek thee:
Why early? Because my present influences my future, and my future needs all the help it can get. Early in the day, early in my life; seek God. That would be now, and next day must be earlier than now, I cannot repeat my life, so for my life I must seek God now.
My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee,
Not only the higher powers of the mind can long for God, but also the desires of the flesh. It is unfortunate to live in comfort, what a lack of drive to seek God that would cause! Blessed are ye poor. Let the rich man rejoice that he is made low. But what if he is not made low? :o Just a thought, if you can sell your unnecessary possessions and give your money away, then seek first the kingdom of God not seek after riches and still end up rich; praise God! Now you can give more money away. Just a thought.
In a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
My environment drives my desires, why is there pain in the world? If there were no pain would there be any regard to the horrors of sin? The environment I surround myself with impacts my desires for God.
To see thy power and thy glory so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
We hear these stories of God doing strange and amazing things, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. One day I'll see God's glory like the Israelites did in the sanctuary; and it will be worth the wait.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Better than life? I need to think about that one. But God must be very lovingly kind, and that deserves praise.
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
As long as we live we can bless God; but not when we are dead. I can lift up my hands out of excitement because of what God has done at times. But that doesn't mean I need to do it in church in order to pretend I am really holy in some mystic guru way.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
From inside to outside: fully satisfied. Only God can do that, no wonder we can praise him with joyful lips.
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate upon thee in the night watches.
Hint, hint; this is a really good thing to do. Oh, but it takes effort! Never mind, it's worth it, it starts taking less effort when some of the junk is cleared out of your mind. Replace the furniture when the house is swept and garnished. Read uplifting literature, especially before sleeping; and memorise scripture while going to sleep, if your mind is lazy like mine at least plan how you can serve God at night. But get back to the basics of prayer, Bible study and meditation on the word. Meditation means prayerful consideration, personalisation and application by the way; not anything like yoga nonsense.
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
Record and express how God has helped you; it is so easy to forget the multitudinous blessings if you make no record of them or never tell anyone about them. At least record and remember some.
My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Follow Jesus in your life by deliberate imitation by the mind through the will to the body, God is perfectly capable of empowering you to imitate Christ.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
There are people that actually want to sabotage your efforts to imitate Christ, regardless of the eternal consequences for you. Don't envy them, they are very unfortunate, no matter how successful they may appear. They may be genuinely happy and contented, but it will all come to nothing one day.
They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for the foxes.
The description of the fate of the wicked is here described clearly, death and decay. First they will die, and then they will decay, disintegrate, be consumed, be annihilated.
But the king shall rejoice in God;
Kings and priests, we will rejoice, not because we are so awesome (though we will be), but because God is so wonderful.
Every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
The greatest battle is fought over the tongue. A tongue that makes decisions and professions to the glory of God is the greatest credit to God's lovingkindess, the true nature of his character. But the tongue that lies with evil words or lies with good words will be stopped forever. There will be no wicked and blasphemous words afflicting the ears of those in the new creation paradise. Paradise will be perfect.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Ultimate Security
Based on Psalm 62
Ultimately, God is the only security. Those who do not trust God and selfishly try to gain advantage over others may be strong now, but will not stand the test of time. Such people are often very friendly superficially but have little love inside.
Ultimately, God is the only security. All my hopes and dreams are founded on God, and in time of trouble I rely on him. Prestige is a delusion, and worldly ambition is pointless because they will end up as less than nothing.
Ultimately, God is the only security. What you can get out of other people is not going to help you in the end, even if you get rich without doing wrong don't value your wealthy highly. Ultimate power is in God's hands, and he also has ultimate mercy. God is just and will deal justice to every person, but everyone who puts their trust in him will receive his mercy.
Why wouldn't you trust an ultimately powerful and ultimately loving God?
Ultimately, God is the only security. Those who do not trust God and selfishly try to gain advantage over others may be strong now, but will not stand the test of time. Such people are often very friendly superficially but have little love inside.
Ultimately, God is the only security. All my hopes and dreams are founded on God, and in time of trouble I rely on him. Prestige is a delusion, and worldly ambition is pointless because they will end up as less than nothing.
Ultimately, God is the only security. What you can get out of other people is not going to help you in the end, even if you get rich without doing wrong don't value your wealthy highly. Ultimate power is in God's hands, and he also has ultimate mercy. God is just and will deal justice to every person, but everyone who puts their trust in him will receive his mercy.
Why wouldn't you trust an ultimately powerful and ultimately loving God?
Tuesday 19 March 2013
Secure Forever
Based on Psalm 61
God is a strong protector, he can hear us no matter where we are and keep us fully safe from Satan. Though we are sinners, God has an inheritance for us who fear his name; to live with him forever. Mercy and truth are the things that enable us to live forever. God is doing something so amazing that we will never get tired of praising him.
God is a strong protector, he can hear us no matter where we are and keep us fully safe from Satan. Though we are sinners, God has an inheritance for us who fear his name; to live with him forever. Mercy and truth are the things that enable us to live forever. God is doing something so amazing that we will never get tired of praising him.
Monday 18 March 2013
Standard Bearers
Based on Psalm 60
There are times when God seems absent, which cause us to cry out to him. Then we remember the banner of truth that has been neglected, and we rush to the standard because the old standard bearers are few and dying. Then we call, and God answers with a decree that cannot be controverted. God will bring success to his work even in the toughest city, the same God that turns away from sinners will help and empower those who fight his battles and nothing will stand before God's ultimate victory.
There are times when God seems absent, which cause us to cry out to him. Then we remember the banner of truth that has been neglected, and we rush to the standard because the old standard bearers are few and dying. Then we call, and God answers with a decree that cannot be controverted. God will bring success to his work even in the toughest city, the same God that turns away from sinners will help and empower those who fight his battles and nothing will stand before God's ultimate victory.
Sunday 17 March 2013
Brutality
Based on Psalm 59
The strength and power of the wicked and evil are far too much for us to resist. This helps us learn to trust God, who does not always kill them, not yet, but at the right time will scatter them to show himself great. When sinners are brutish it is good for God's cause, because the universe can see that Satan's ways are bad.
Ask God for help as we endure the brutality of the wicked, if we are not enduring brutality, we are not justifying God.
The strength and power of the wicked and evil are far too much for us to resist. This helps us learn to trust God, who does not always kill them, not yet, but at the right time will scatter them to show himself great. When sinners are brutish it is good for God's cause, because the universe can see that Satan's ways are bad.
Ask God for help as we endure the brutality of the wicked, if we are not enduring brutality, we are not justifying God.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Bored of Church?
Based on Psalm 58
This about those who seem to be righteous and go to church, but are wicked, being sinful in their thoughts.
You have been that way from your birth, you have always lied for instance. You ignore God's word refusing to obey it. If you do not change you will become an enemy of God's people, and God will defeat you. He will burn you like dead weeds and blow you away like dust. Become righteous, and you will have the last laugh. The righteous will win in the end because Jesus is on our side, it is worth obeying God's word in the end.
Read your Bible, start at 1 John, it will tell you what to do next.
This about those who seem to be righteous and go to church, but are wicked, being sinful in their thoughts.
You have been that way from your birth, you have always lied for instance. You ignore God's word refusing to obey it. If you do not change you will become an enemy of God's people, and God will defeat you. He will burn you like dead weeds and blow you away like dust. Become righteous, and you will have the last laugh. The righteous will win in the end because Jesus is on our side, it is worth obeying God's word in the end.
Read your Bible, start at 1 John, it will tell you what to do next.
Friday 15 March 2013
Fixed on Faith
Based on Psalm 57
Fix your heart on God, think about how he will save you from whatever you are going through; no matter how calamitous. Be ready to praise God when he rescues you.
Fix your heart on God, think about how he will save you from whatever you are going through; no matter how calamitous. Be ready to praise God when he rescues you.
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Determined Dependence
Based on Psalm 57
Mercy from God is received by those who depend on him to give it. God can be relied on to take care of those who depend on him. Even in a situation of critical danger God can be depended on to save, how much more in ordinary circumstances? Lift God up, and determine to trust him, and see what he can do.
Mercy from God is received by those who depend on him to give it. God can be relied on to take care of those who depend on him. Even in a situation of critical danger God can be depended on to save, how much more in ordinary circumstances? Lift God up, and determine to trust him, and see what he can do.
Monday 11 March 2013
To Do...
Based on Psalm 92
Things you can do on the Sabbath:
Tell people things you are grateful for from your week.
Sing songs that glorify God.
Show God's love to people.
Show God's reliability to people.
Play music with stringed instruments
Remember God's work, and how it has benefitted you.
Remember that the wicked may prosper now, but they are investing in the wrong place.
Remember that God will always be universal ruler.
Speak of evil being destroyed forever.
Speak of how much you look forward to God's kingdom.
Speak of how your experience will show God's goodness.
Things you can do on the Sabbath:
Tell people things you are grateful for from your week.
Sing songs that glorify God.
Show God's love to people.
Show God's reliability to people.
Play music with stringed instruments
Remember God's work, and how it has benefitted you.
Remember that the wicked may prosper now, but they are investing in the wrong place.
Remember that God will always be universal ruler.
Speak of evil being destroyed forever.
Speak of how much you look forward to God's kingdom.
Speak of how your experience will show God's goodness.
Sunday 10 March 2013
Salvation Through The Word
Based on Psalm 56
There are enemies that want to plunder you every day, but trust in God through his word will protect you.
They may twist your words every day and lay traps for you but God is watching and takes note of every tear you shed.
Appealing to God will bring ultimate victory over wicked enemies; thanks to the word I have access to Jehovah.
God has won my salvation from death, is it too hard for him to save me from falling into sin and living righteously?
Through meditation on the word of God, become transformed into the likeness of Christ.
There are enemies that want to plunder you every day, but trust in God through his word will protect you.
They may twist your words every day and lay traps for you but God is watching and takes note of every tear you shed.
Appealing to God will bring ultimate victory over wicked enemies; thanks to the word I have access to Jehovah.
God has won my salvation from death, is it too hard for him to save me from falling into sin and living righteously?
Through meditation on the word of God, become transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Saturday 9 March 2013
Feeling Betrayed
Based on Psalm 55
David turns to God in prayer when he is being slandered and he wants to run away from everyone.
David is especially upset because he is being slandered by a person he thought was his friend, and even a fellow believer.
This person was very friendly at first, but it was fake.
David decides to put his burden on Jehovah, that Jesus might help him keep going.
David appeals to God to throw them alive into the pit/hell of destruction, an early reference to Gehenna/the lake of fire where God will indeed punish the wicked.
We can be betrayed by fellow believers and friends, who may even slander us though they have a plastic smile initially. We do not need to put up with this, we can trust in Jesus and let him punish them without trying to get back at them.
Is there someone who has betrayed you? Do you still need to forgive and move on? You do not need to forget, you can learn from this and no longer work with that person.
David turns to God in prayer when he is being slandered and he wants to run away from everyone.
David is especially upset because he is being slandered by a person he thought was his friend, and even a fellow believer.
This person was very friendly at first, but it was fake.
David decides to put his burden on Jehovah, that Jesus might help him keep going.
David appeals to God to throw them alive into the pit/hell of destruction, an early reference to Gehenna/the lake of fire where God will indeed punish the wicked.
We can be betrayed by fellow believers and friends, who may even slander us though they have a plastic smile initially. We do not need to put up with this, we can trust in Jesus and let him punish them without trying to get back at them.
Is there someone who has betrayed you? Do you still need to forgive and move on? You do not need to forget, you can learn from this and no longer work with that person.
Friday 8 March 2013
Commitment
Based on Matthew 19:21
Is the reward God offers good enough to give up everything in this life? It certainly is, you have been blessed to be a blessing, go and use what you have received for God's work.
Is the reward God offers good enough to give up everything in this life? It certainly is, you have been blessed to be a blessing, go and use what you have received for God's work.
Thursday 7 March 2013
Answered Prayer
Based on Psalm 54
David is calling on God for help because he is in great danger. He puts his trust in God that he will save David and punish David's enemies. David looks forward to the time when he will praise God for saving him and punishing his enemies.
David's confidence comes from the fact that God has previously delivered him from all trouble and satisfied him with how his enemies ended up.
Faith is strengthened by past experiences where God has kept his promise, these experiences can be remembered in times of trouble and strengthen failing faith.
Start keeping a brief prayer journal.
David is calling on God for help because he is in great danger. He puts his trust in God that he will save David and punish David's enemies. David looks forward to the time when he will praise God for saving him and punishing his enemies.
David's confidence comes from the fact that God has previously delivered him from all trouble and satisfied him with how his enemies ended up.
Faith is strengthened by past experiences where God has kept his promise, these experiences can be remembered in times of trouble and strengthen failing faith.
Start keeping a brief prayer journal.
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Choosing Salvation
Based on Psalm 53
Those who are without wisdom deny the existence of God deep down. This results in an inability to do good, which is the default condition of human beings.
Those who are without understanding do not seek God. This results in uncleanness, which is the default condition of human beings.
Those who are without knowledge do not call on God. This results in them working iniquity, persecuting God's people and being filled with terror because of God's punishment.
From this standpoint, the Bible looks forward to God's salvation coming; Jesus won the chance for people to be freed from the prison of sin at any time in history.
Those who learn the knowledge of the gospel and call on God are transformed and saved from iniquity.
Those who gain an understanding of God's character and seek a relationship with him are transformed and saved from uncleanness.
Those who receive wisdom from God through trusting him are empowered to do good and escape the corruption of the world and abominable iniquity.
This is the salvation of the everlasting gospel.
Continue to seek God, progress is made though it doesn't always feel like it, when one seeks a relationship with God through his word.
Those who are without wisdom deny the existence of God deep down. This results in an inability to do good, which is the default condition of human beings.
Those who are without understanding do not seek God. This results in uncleanness, which is the default condition of human beings.
Those who are without knowledge do not call on God. This results in them working iniquity, persecuting God's people and being filled with terror because of God's punishment.
From this standpoint, the Bible looks forward to God's salvation coming; Jesus won the chance for people to be freed from the prison of sin at any time in history.
Those who learn the knowledge of the gospel and call on God are transformed and saved from iniquity.
Those who gain an understanding of God's character and seek a relationship with him are transformed and saved from uncleanness.
Those who receive wisdom from God through trusting him are empowered to do good and escape the corruption of the world and abominable iniquity.
This is the salvation of the everlasting gospel.
Continue to seek God, progress is made though it doesn't always feel like it, when one seeks a relationship with God through his word.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
Doeg of the Wicked Tongue
Based on Psalm 52
David was right about Doeg, who later murdered most of Israel's priests. He was a strong man, but he tried to himself look good by doing wrong. Why would anyone do that? God never stops doing good.
Doeg's greatest weapon was his tongue, which he used to make lies and here to reveal David's location to Saul. Doeg used his tongue to destroy people; with it he tried to destroy David, and he incriminated the priests. As Doeg did to others God will do to him; God will destroy him forever, this has not happened yet, but one day he will be burned up and nobody will ever hear his voice again. The tongue of the righteous will be satisfied in God's justice and deem him guilty. David puts his trust in this, even though it seems far away, and resolves to trust in the mercy of God forever, and praise him forever.
In a time of hopelessness, pursued by Saul and betrayed; David looked into the future for the time when God and righteous man will live together in harmony and put his trust in God.
In times of stress, think of the blessed hope of Jesus return; take heart and carry on.
David was right about Doeg, who later murdered most of Israel's priests. He was a strong man, but he tried to himself look good by doing wrong. Why would anyone do that? God never stops doing good.
Doeg's greatest weapon was his tongue, which he used to make lies and here to reveal David's location to Saul. Doeg used his tongue to destroy people; with it he tried to destroy David, and he incriminated the priests. As Doeg did to others God will do to him; God will destroy him forever, this has not happened yet, but one day he will be burned up and nobody will ever hear his voice again. The tongue of the righteous will be satisfied in God's justice and deem him guilty. David puts his trust in this, even though it seems far away, and resolves to trust in the mercy of God forever, and praise him forever.
In a time of hopelessness, pursued by Saul and betrayed; David looked into the future for the time when God and righteous man will live together in harmony and put his trust in God.
In times of stress, think of the blessed hope of Jesus return; take heart and carry on.
Monday 4 March 2013
Victory over Sin
Based on Psalm 51
David had committed pre-meditated adultery and murder, which did not require a sacrifice to be atoned for, according to the law it required his death. Despite this David acknowledged his sin and begged God for mercy, which he received from God. He also begged that God might wash away his transgression, sin and iniquity; not merely ignore them, but get rid of them. God did cleanse him, (1 John 1:9) and David did not commit adultery or murder again. David also prayed for a re-conversion, a new heart, the Holy Spirit anew. David was ready to use his humiliating experience to help others be converted and transformed, he prayed for the conversion of the whole city.
David asked for his sins to be fully removed, he did not want to merely be forgiven, he wanted to be transformed.
Sincere repentance will desire transformation in order to stop sinning, it will beg for sins to be fully removed. God will answer this prayer, and transform the penitent's life in the timing that they can handle.
Ask for victory over the sin that God is convicting you of, and believe that he will not only forgive you but give you victory. Persist in asking for victory over that sin, don't get tired of asking. (Luke 18:1-8)
David had committed pre-meditated adultery and murder, which did not require a sacrifice to be atoned for, according to the law it required his death. Despite this David acknowledged his sin and begged God for mercy, which he received from God. He also begged that God might wash away his transgression, sin and iniquity; not merely ignore them, but get rid of them. God did cleanse him, (1 John 1:9) and David did not commit adultery or murder again. David also prayed for a re-conversion, a new heart, the Holy Spirit anew. David was ready to use his humiliating experience to help others be converted and transformed, he prayed for the conversion of the whole city.
David asked for his sins to be fully removed, he did not want to merely be forgiven, he wanted to be transformed.
Sincere repentance will desire transformation in order to stop sinning, it will beg for sins to be fully removed. God will answer this prayer, and transform the penitent's life in the timing that they can handle.
Ask for victory over the sin that God is convicting you of, and believe that he will not only forgive you but give you victory. Persist in asking for victory over that sin, don't get tired of asking. (Luke 18:1-8)
Sunday 3 March 2013
God Coming in Glory
Based on Psalm 50
One day God will come to Earth, burning everything with fire. God will exercise judgment and those who dwell above will agree that God is right. God will gather to himself those who have accepted his covenant based on a sacrifice. God does not care so much about blood sacrifices, he wants his people to put their trust in him. Those who pretend to follow God but disregard his word and break his commandments, imagining God in their own image will be destroyed unless they begin to glorify God by correcting their behaviour.
God will come to Earth as described here when Jesus returns in glory.
Publicly thank God for what he has done and trust him to provide and conquer, while being careful to keep his word.
I praise God he answered many prayers by providing a willing church group to start a CARE Group and he answered my prayer last night by empowering me to stop plucking on my hair.
One day God will come to Earth, burning everything with fire. God will exercise judgment and those who dwell above will agree that God is right. God will gather to himself those who have accepted his covenant based on a sacrifice. God does not care so much about blood sacrifices, he wants his people to put their trust in him. Those who pretend to follow God but disregard his word and break his commandments, imagining God in their own image will be destroyed unless they begin to glorify God by correcting their behaviour.
God will come to Earth as described here when Jesus returns in glory.
Publicly thank God for what he has done and trust him to provide and conquer, while being careful to keep his word.
I praise God he answered many prayers by providing a willing church group to start a CARE Group and he answered my prayer last night by empowering me to stop plucking on my hair.
Saturday 2 March 2013
The Worth of Valuables
Based on Psalm 49
Here is a message for the whole world to hear. We have a source of courage that those who put their trust in money do not have. No riches or power in this world can stop you from dying some day, and everything you have achieved reducing to nothing. You will rot and be forgotten. But death will not hold me because God will accept me, so I do not envy those who are prosperous in this world, because I will live to enjoy God's blessing forever.
People who think they can save themselves are deluding themselves because eventually death will take them. Only God has the cure for death and he will cure all those that trust him.
Intentionally change your thinking to see the rich in their true light, and faith in God for the riches that it truly is. Ask God to help you do this, and meditate on his word so he can transform you through it.
Here is a message for the whole world to hear. We have a source of courage that those who put their trust in money do not have. No riches or power in this world can stop you from dying some day, and everything you have achieved reducing to nothing. You will rot and be forgotten. But death will not hold me because God will accept me, so I do not envy those who are prosperous in this world, because I will live to enjoy God's blessing forever.
People who think they can save themselves are deluding themselves because eventually death will take them. Only God has the cure for death and he will cure all those that trust him.
Intentionally change your thinking to see the rich in their true light, and faith in God for the riches that it truly is. Ask God to help you do this, and meditate on his word so he can transform you through it.
Friday 1 March 2013
Genesis of Marriage
Based on Genesis 2:18-25
Verse 18
Just as God is not one person but one trinity in perfect union, Creation would not have been good if man had been left alone. Though some of us enjoy being alone, we must not over-indulge in solitude, but make an effort to befriend others, for our own good and for theirs.
Verses 19 to 21
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Romans 8:24
In the experience of every one of his sentient creations, God desires to develop a trust in himself that is necessary for the eternal stability of the universe. Adam realised by naming the animals that he had a need that only God could provide for, which God did provide by making a woman from his own body. All human beings, (even the first two) have been related, the need for family is one of the most important needs which helps people learn to trust God.
Verse 22
It is particularly helpful to remember as a young person, that God can create a mate from nothing if necessary. Do not compromise God's counsel in trying to provide a mate for yourself, trust in God, he can create one if necessary.
Verse 23
Love poetry has a long and glorious history.
Verse 24 to 25
Marriage is a good thing but it entails separation and unification; separation from parents and unification into a new family. Marriage includes things that are unique and special within its boundaries that would be shameful outside marriage.
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:33
It's good to be married but not the meaning of life, relax and please God and whether you ever get married or not, you will have joy. If you are married, read here that you must take care to please your spouse.
Verse 18
Just as God is not one person but one trinity in perfect union, Creation would not have been good if man had been left alone. Though some of us enjoy being alone, we must not over-indulge in solitude, but make an effort to befriend others, for our own good and for theirs.
Verses 19 to 21
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Romans 8:24
In the experience of every one of his sentient creations, God desires to develop a trust in himself that is necessary for the eternal stability of the universe. Adam realised by naming the animals that he had a need that only God could provide for, which God did provide by making a woman from his own body. All human beings, (even the first two) have been related, the need for family is one of the most important needs which helps people learn to trust God.
Verse 22
It is particularly helpful to remember as a young person, that God can create a mate from nothing if necessary. Do not compromise God's counsel in trying to provide a mate for yourself, trust in God, he can create one if necessary.
Verse 23
Love poetry has a long and glorious history.
Verse 24 to 25
Marriage is a good thing but it entails separation and unification; separation from parents and unification into a new family. Marriage includes things that are unique and special within its boundaries that would be shameful outside marriage.
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:33
It's good to be married but not the meaning of life, relax and please God and whether you ever get married or not, you will have joy. If you are married, read here that you must take care to please your spouse.
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