O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. 18 The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. 19 We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name. (Isaiah 63:17-19)
I know God can save us from all our sins, but sometimes he doesn't seem to want to. I am frustrated at the moment because I just missed a prayer meeting because I didn't hear my alarm. I have been waking early regularly, why should I oversleep today? I hate being unreliable, my reliability is my favourite thing about myself, the virtue that it foundational to who I am. It's almost like God deliberately made me oversleep to challenge my belief in my own reliability. If you think that's a stretch, I can say I have had countless other instances like this over the last couple of years but not much before that. God wants us to trust him in everything, not our own righteousness. God wants me to be reliable on his terms not my terms. I even need to ask God if he can make me reliable, and I will do it now.
Saturday 31 May 2014
Thursday 29 May 2014
Building What Edifice?
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12)
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the city shall be built to the Lord from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner. (Jeremiah 31:38)
And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. (Amos 9:14)
Isaiah 31 is quite a chapter, well, Isaiah is quite an impressive book, but chapter 31 is one of its most impressive chapters. Coming across it here is like bumping into an old friend.
The next few verses after 38 go on to describe that the city to be built will be much bigger than Jerusalem though in the same place. This seems to be a prototype of the New Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven, there is even a reference here to the ashes of the dead, as there is in relation to the New Jerusalem.
Also the Amos reference is the New Earth, where the redeemed will be able to live life as it was meant to be, and will not be confined to a city.
So what do we make of this connection between building the old waste places and the New Jerusalem? I don't think they are describing the same thing, I think this building is more spiritual. Jesus is preparing New Jerusalem, (John 14:2) not saints. We however are called to "stand in the breach" (Psalm 106:23) and intercede for others. We are to work with the Holy Spirit to reform the church and proclaim the gospel to the world. If we are going to do this we will need to saturate ourselves in the Word and apply it to our lives. We can't just keep on business as usual, it hasn't worked in the past, why should it work today?
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the city shall be built to the Lord from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner. (Jeremiah 31:38)
And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. (Amos 9:14)
Isaiah 31 is quite a chapter, well, Isaiah is quite an impressive book, but chapter 31 is one of its most impressive chapters. Coming across it here is like bumping into an old friend.
The next few verses after 38 go on to describe that the city to be built will be much bigger than Jerusalem though in the same place. This seems to be a prototype of the New Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven, there is even a reference here to the ashes of the dead, as there is in relation to the New Jerusalem.
Also the Amos reference is the New Earth, where the redeemed will be able to live life as it was meant to be, and will not be confined to a city.
So what do we make of this connection between building the old waste places and the New Jerusalem? I don't think they are describing the same thing, I think this building is more spiritual. Jesus is preparing New Jerusalem, (John 14:2) not saints. We however are called to "stand in the breach" (Psalm 106:23) and intercede for others. We are to work with the Holy Spirit to reform the church and proclaim the gospel to the world. If we are going to do this we will need to saturate ourselves in the Word and apply it to our lives. We can't just keep on business as usual, it hasn't worked in the past, why should it work today?
Monday 26 May 2014
Stick With Your Work
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12)
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. 4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: 5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. 6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:1-6)
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. 4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: 5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. 6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:1-6)
Stick with your work.
Do not flinch because the lion roars.
Do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs.
Do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits.
Do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs.
Do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits.
Do your work.
Let liars lie.
Let sectarians quarrel.
Let critics malign.
Let enemies accuse.
Let the devil do his worst.
Let sectarians quarrel.
Let critics malign.
Let enemies accuse.
Let the devil do his worst.
But see to it nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you.
He has not commanded you to be admired or esteemed.
He has never bidden you defend your character.
He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood (about yourself)
which Satan’s or God’s servants may start to peddle,
or to track down every rumor that threatens your reputation.
If you do these things, you will do nothing else.
You will be at work for yourself and not for the Lord.
He has never bidden you defend your character.
He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood (about yourself)
which Satan’s or God’s servants may start to peddle,
or to track down every rumor that threatens your reputation.
If you do these things, you will do nothing else.
You will be at work for yourself and not for the Lord.
Keep at your work.
Let your aim be as steady as a star.
You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered,
wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives;
You may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends,
and despised and rejected of men.
But see to it with steadfast determination,
with unfaltering zeal,
that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being
until at last you can say, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.”
Let your aim be as steady as a star.
You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered,
wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives;
You may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends,
and despised and rejected of men.
But see to it with steadfast determination,
with unfaltering zeal,
that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being
until at last you can say, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.”
- Anonymous
I think this poem sums up Nehemiah and the people's persistence in the face of opposition. It does seem a bit unclear what the big deal was that Sanbalat was insulting the work. Big deal! Let him rant and rave, it's hardly surprising that an outsider and enemy would insult them, it's almost obligatory. The only way I can make sense of this is to remember that Sanbalat and Tobiah actually had family connections to the Jews. So perhaps they had been friends before. I know this isn't stated, but if they had been previously friends, then being insulted by them now would hurt more.
At any rate, if we are going to finish God's work on Earth we are going to need to be prepared to disregard detractors.
Saturday 24 May 2014
The Ultimate Generation
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12)
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4)
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers 'sepulchres, that I may build it. (Nehemiah 2:5)
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. (Nehemiah 2:17)
Isaiah 61 is about Jehovah making his people holy and blameless one day. The references in Nehemiah are about rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after a period of exile. One might make an analogy that God's purification of his people will be like the restoration of the wall, it will be one of the closing events of Earth's history because Jesus comes to claim us. Isaiah 61 speaks of the desolations of many generations. How can one generation heal that? By succeeding where they have failed, in reaching the world with the gospel, not only verbally but lived out in their lives.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4)
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers 'sepulchres, that I may build it. (Nehemiah 2:5)
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. (Nehemiah 2:17)
Isaiah 61 is about Jehovah making his people holy and blameless one day. The references in Nehemiah are about rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after a period of exile. One might make an analogy that God's purification of his people will be like the restoration of the wall, it will be one of the closing events of Earth's history because Jesus comes to claim us. Isaiah 61 speaks of the desolations of many generations. How can one generation heal that? By succeeding where they have failed, in reaching the world with the gospel, not only verbally but lived out in their lives.
Wednesday 21 May 2014
Reliable
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; 16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid: 17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish. 19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them. 20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed. (Job 6:15-20)
We have a lot of seasonal waterways in Australia. They are dry except after a heavy rain, and then they flow for a few weeks at the most. Job compared his brothers to this kind of river. Absent when most needed. The many stresses and passions of life can seem very important but take the time to be there for someone and you will see how much more important this is.
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; 16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid: 17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish. 19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them. 20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed. (Job 6:15-20)
We have a lot of seasonal waterways in Australia. They are dry except after a heavy rain, and then they flow for a few weeks at the most. Job compared his brothers to this kind of river. Absent when most needed. The many stresses and passions of life can seem very important but take the time to be there for someone and you will see how much more important this is.
Sunday 18 May 2014
The Fruitful Desert
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. (Jeremiah 31:12)
And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. (Ezekiel 36:35)
As the water of irrigation can change the desert into a fertile plain, so the living water of Jesus can change you and me, cold and unfruitful as we are, into loving and loveable Christians who will be used by Jesus to save the souls of many others. And don't forget: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25)
Pray for the love of Jesus.
Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. (Jeremiah 31:12)
And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. (Ezekiel 36:35)
As the water of irrigation can change the desert into a fertile plain, so the living water of Jesus can change you and me, cold and unfruitful as we are, into loving and loveable Christians who will be used by Jesus to save the souls of many others. And don't forget: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25)
Pray for the love of Jesus.
Thursday 15 May 2014
Spontaneous Maturation
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. (Song 4:15)
Isaiah 61 predicts the coming Christ and describes a bridegroom and bride preparing for their wedding, a metaphor for Jesus and his church that he will return to rescue from her oppressors and claim for his own. Jesus fulfilled parts of this prophecy, parts of it were forfeited by the Jews, but he will fulfil the rest when he returns.
It is not apparent from this text where verse 11 comes in, but when I compare it to Isaiah 58 they seem a very similar idea. So it is a promise that as surely and unstoppably as shoots come out of planted seeds Jehovah God will cause people to become righteous (doers of right) and worshippers of his name. Jesus became a man and died to make this possible, why don't you ask the Father right now to do this in you?
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. (Song 4:15)
Isaiah 61 predicts the coming Christ and describes a bridegroom and bride preparing for their wedding, a metaphor for Jesus and his church that he will return to rescue from her oppressors and claim for his own. Jesus fulfilled parts of this prophecy, parts of it were forfeited by the Jews, but he will fulfil the rest when he returns.
It is not apparent from this text where verse 11 comes in, but when I compare it to Isaiah 58 they seem a very similar idea. So it is a promise that as surely and unstoppably as shoots come out of planted seeds Jehovah God will cause people to become righteous (doers of right) and worshippers of his name. Jesus became a man and died to make this possible, why don't you ask the Father right now to do this in you?
Wednesday 14 May 2014
Phat
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25)
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13:4)
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. (Proverbs 28:25)
A lot of talk of fat here. There are other Bible references to fatness, but we'll go with these for now. I ought to mention that in ancient times personal fatness indicated wealth and food security, even health. Most people were malnourished and over-worked, so those who were actually healthy would have been considered a bit fat. There are references to some people that were very fat, that's different; the way fat is being used here is as a metaphor for health.
If you are obedient to God and care for his suffering children then your bones will be healthy: obedience to God's dietary laws will improve your uptake of calcium and strengthen your bones, and so will the joy of selfless service.
Give and it will be given unto you. If you are generous you will receive generously from God.
The life (soul) of a lazy person has many dreams but grim realities but the life of the diligent (not workaholic) is full and happy.
If you depend on yourself you will cause trouble between others and yourself, but if you depend on Jesus things will end up going well for you, though you may not understand why.
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25)
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13:4)
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. (Proverbs 28:25)
A lot of talk of fat here. There are other Bible references to fatness, but we'll go with these for now. I ought to mention that in ancient times personal fatness indicated wealth and food security, even health. Most people were malnourished and over-worked, so those who were actually healthy would have been considered a bit fat. There are references to some people that were very fat, that's different; the way fat is being used here is as a metaphor for health.
If you are obedient to God and care for his suffering children then your bones will be healthy: obedience to God's dietary laws will improve your uptake of calcium and strengthen your bones, and so will the joy of selfless service.
Give and it will be given unto you. If you are generous you will receive generously from God.
The life (soul) of a lazy person has many dreams but grim realities but the life of the diligent (not workaholic) is full and happy.
If you depend on yourself you will cause trouble between others and yourself, but if you depend on Jesus things will end up going well for you, though you may not understand why.
Tuesday 13 May 2014
The Prosperity Gospel
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; (Psalm 92:14)
It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (Proverbs 3:8)
The passage from Psalms is about those who are "planted" or grounded we might say in the house of God. The passage from Proverbs is about those who fear God and depart from evil. Is this the prosperity gospel?
Hardly, even if it was suggesting the God will make us rich for obeying him that is hardly the prosperity gospel either. The real (wicked) prosperity gospel is that by giving money to a man or human organisation I will receive more money from God through other means. It thrives off the occasional testimonies where this happens, and ignores the fact that usually the members just get poorer. People who go to churches that have the prosperity gospel are transformed into christianised gamblers, if that's you I suggest you leave.
No the real (true) prosperity gospel that the Bible teaches is that if you make Jesus your priority, obey him and disregard the things of this world that scream for your attention, you will have a strong relationship with him. Therefore you will have no reason to be afraid under any circumstances in this life or the next. In addition he will add to you a quality of life you have not experienced before, there will also be hard times, but they will seem better than the good times before you gave your life to Jesus. Unshakable joy; that is true prosperity, no amount of money can buy that.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; (Psalm 92:14)
It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (Proverbs 3:8)
The passage from Psalms is about those who are "planted" or grounded we might say in the house of God. The passage from Proverbs is about those who fear God and depart from evil. Is this the prosperity gospel?
Hardly, even if it was suggesting the God will make us rich for obeying him that is hardly the prosperity gospel either. The real (wicked) prosperity gospel is that by giving money to a man or human organisation I will receive more money from God through other means. It thrives off the occasional testimonies where this happens, and ignores the fact that usually the members just get poorer. People who go to churches that have the prosperity gospel are transformed into christianised gamblers, if that's you I suggest you leave.
No the real (true) prosperity gospel that the Bible teaches is that if you make Jesus your priority, obey him and disregard the things of this world that scream for your attention, you will have a strong relationship with him. Therefore you will have no reason to be afraid under any circumstances in this life or the next. In addition he will add to you a quality of life you have not experienced before, there will also be hard times, but they will seem better than the good times before you gave your life to Jesus. Unshakable joy; that is true prosperity, no amount of money can buy that.
Sunday 11 May 2014
Water to the Thirsty
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)
I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. (Hosea 13:5)
Willow trees are known to break into water pipes with their roots and thus gain access to an unlimited source of water. In the absence of water pipes they grow near rivers, willows are more tolerant of wet ground than most types of trees and consequently they are not compromised by drought. The passage in Jeremiah is almost identical to one; And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3) In this case it is describing this man: But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (v. 2) We will discuss later about delighting in the Lord, but for now let us notice that he who meditates on God's word will begin to do God's works of love and mercy to those in need.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)
I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. (Hosea 13:5)
Willow trees are known to break into water pipes with their roots and thus gain access to an unlimited source of water. In the absence of water pipes they grow near rivers, willows are more tolerant of wet ground than most types of trees and consequently they are not compromised by drought. The passage in Jeremiah is almost identical to one; And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3) In this case it is describing this man: But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (v. 2) We will discuss later about delighting in the Lord, but for now let us notice that he who meditates on God's word will begin to do God's works of love and mercy to those in need.
Saturday 10 May 2014
Safe in the Arms
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. (Psalm 34:9-10)
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. (Psalm 37:19)
What is the point in following God? I mean really following. I mean more than just repenting and asking for forgiveness, in order to be saved. At school some people aim for a high grade out of a desire for prestige, bragging rights as it were. The majority aim to pass and just want to avoid being the last in any subject. Is there any point living the Christian life differently?
Here is one good reason. Jesus. If you want a good relationship with Jesus you will need to go to a bit of trouble to please him, just like you would in any other relationship. Can you imagine a marriage where one partner just wanted to avoid divorce and contribute nothing beyond that? It would be terrible. Do you want your relationship with Jesus to be like that?
Jesus offers to protect you from harm and provide for all your needs. He offers to prevent you from being crushed by circumstances but to raise you above them to represent the invincibility of his integrity. Jesus loves you and has gave up everything for your sake, even more than your mother did for you. Your ungratefulness cannot lessen Jesus love, but it will keep you away from him. If you are far from Jesus who will protect and comfort you then?
O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. (Psalm 34:9-10)
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. (Psalm 37:19)
What is the point in following God? I mean really following. I mean more than just repenting and asking for forgiveness, in order to be saved. At school some people aim for a high grade out of a desire for prestige, bragging rights as it were. The majority aim to pass and just want to avoid being the last in any subject. Is there any point living the Christian life differently?
Here is one good reason. Jesus. If you want a good relationship with Jesus you will need to go to a bit of trouble to please him, just like you would in any other relationship. Can you imagine a marriage where one partner just wanted to avoid divorce and contribute nothing beyond that? It would be terrible. Do you want your relationship with Jesus to be like that?
Jesus offers to protect you from harm and provide for all your needs. He offers to prevent you from being crushed by circumstances but to raise you above them to represent the invincibility of his integrity. Jesus loves you and has gave up everything for your sake, even more than your mother did for you. Your ungratefulness cannot lessen Jesus love, but it will keep you away from him. If you are far from Jesus who will protect and comfort you then?
Thursday 8 May 2014
Escaped By The Skin Of My Teeth
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. (Job 5:20 - Eliphaz the Temenite)
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (Psalm 33:19)
There is truly a promise of God in the Bible of protection. But it is interesting to see such a promise in the mouth of Eliphaz, one of Job's misguided friends. Does this make the promise void? Not at all. But it is an example of where the promise can be misapplied. Job had been faithful to God in the person of the poor, he had used his wealth to care for the stranger. Yet he endured a terrible calamity, and his friends who came to comfort him suggested that his calamity was due to some secret sin. Notice that Eliphaz, when talking about the blessings that would come from Job admitting he had sinned, relates true things, all of which were fulfilled already at the time. Job could have been killed, but God stopped Satan from doing it (Job 2:6) just like Eliphaz promised he would. So Eliphaz was not wrong, but he was misguided. Job was even then enjoying the fulfilment of God's promise in that he lived on, Job's suffering was not evidence that he had sinned particularly. God promises to give you eternal life, trials will come to the righteous and the sinner but the worst that can happen to the saved man is to be put to sleep for a while.
I fear not so much future suffering for myself, but for those I love. I give this fear to God and trust him with it.
In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. (Job 5:20 - Eliphaz the Temenite)
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (Psalm 33:19)
There is truly a promise of God in the Bible of protection. But it is interesting to see such a promise in the mouth of Eliphaz, one of Job's misguided friends. Does this make the promise void? Not at all. But it is an example of where the promise can be misapplied. Job had been faithful to God in the person of the poor, he had used his wealth to care for the stranger. Yet he endured a terrible calamity, and his friends who came to comfort him suggested that his calamity was due to some secret sin. Notice that Eliphaz, when talking about the blessings that would come from Job admitting he had sinned, relates true things, all of which were fulfilled already at the time. Job could have been killed, but God stopped Satan from doing it (Job 2:6) just like Eliphaz promised he would. So Eliphaz was not wrong, but he was misguided. Job was even then enjoying the fulfilment of God's promise in that he lived on, Job's suffering was not evidence that he had sinned particularly. God promises to give you eternal life, trials will come to the righteous and the sinner but the worst that can happen to the saved man is to be put to sleep for a while.
I fear not so much future suffering for myself, but for those I love. I give this fear to God and trust him with it.
Wednesday 7 May 2014
Jesus as Sherpa
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. (1 Thessalonians 3:11)
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. (Isaiah 33:16)
Looking at the context of Isaiah 33:16 is worthwhile, it speaks of the righteous who refuses to even see or hear evil. In verse sixteen it shows that those who are persecuted for righteousness around the close of probation will be safe in the mountains and have food and water without have to stockpile. Do not try to prepare for the last days with stockpiles or survival skills, God will provide when the time comes. Survival skill would be useful if you get lost though, just do not think they will help you in the time of trouble.
I can pray: Lord direct my way to so and so and he may answer my prayer, that is a fascinating idea.
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. (1 Thessalonians 3:11)
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. (Isaiah 33:16)
Looking at the context of Isaiah 33:16 is worthwhile, it speaks of the righteous who refuses to even see or hear evil. In verse sixteen it shows that those who are persecuted for righteousness around the close of probation will be safe in the mountains and have food and water without have to stockpile. Do not try to prepare for the last days with stockpiles or survival skills, God will provide when the time comes. Survival skill would be useful if you get lost though, just do not think they will help you in the time of trouble.
I can pray: Lord direct my way to so and so and he may answer my prayer, that is a fascinating idea.
Tuesday 6 May 2014
How God Guides Me (Part 2)
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. (Psalm 48:14)
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:24)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
The Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit is the means by which God can guide me into all truth. Not just some truth, but all truth. At least all truth that I can benefit from. God can be always guiding me and he does not change the way he does this until my death at least. When I am received into glory that is after I have been guided by God's counsel. Counsel is advice in the broadest sense. Much of the Bible is commandments but much is also advice. How does God guide me using his counsels?
Remember the power of the imagination, the consciousness of the mind. The Holy Spirit is able to bring my attention to certain truths at certain times to cause me to make certain decisions. God made me and he knows me better than anyone. I believe that since the time I gave me life to him, he has guided me through many different means. By this guidance I have escaped numerous traps that I know of, and who knows how many that I don't. I love God, he has guided me ever since I allowed him to, won't you let him do that for you?
The Holy Spirit can only bring the truth to your attention if you know it, so learn your Bible.
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. (Psalm 48:14)
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:24)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
The Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit is the means by which God can guide me into all truth. Not just some truth, but all truth. At least all truth that I can benefit from. God can be always guiding me and he does not change the way he does this until my death at least. When I am received into glory that is after I have been guided by God's counsel. Counsel is advice in the broadest sense. Much of the Bible is commandments but much is also advice. How does God guide me using his counsels?
Remember the power of the imagination, the consciousness of the mind. The Holy Spirit is able to bring my attention to certain truths at certain times to cause me to make certain decisions. God made me and he knows me better than anyone. I believe that since the time I gave me life to him, he has guided me through many different means. By this guidance I have escaped numerous traps that I know of, and who knows how many that I don't. I love God, he has guided me ever since I allowed him to, won't you let him do that for you?
The Holy Spirit can only bring the truth to your attention if you know it, so learn your Bible.
Monday 5 May 2014
How God Guides Me
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalm 25:9)
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalm 32:8)
How much do I want the guidance of God! God promises to guide me if I care for his poor. God promises to guide my judgment (my decision making faculties) if I am meek (if I am willing to be influenced) and to teach me the road (way) I should go. God will not give me orders or push me in the direction he wants, he will teach and guide me so that I learn to make right decisions on my own. Perhaps it is only the very weakest Christians that God props up with the crutch of signs and wonders. A very intriguing thought.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalm 25:9)
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalm 32:8)
How much do I want the guidance of God! God promises to guide me if I care for his poor. God promises to guide my judgment (my decision making faculties) if I am meek (if I am willing to be influenced) and to teach me the road (way) I should go. God will not give me orders or push me in the direction he wants, he will teach and guide me so that I learn to make right decisions on my own. Perhaps it is only the very weakest Christians that God props up with the crutch of signs and wonders. A very intriguing thought.
Sunday 4 May 2014
Your Money Or Your Life
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: (Isaiah 58:10)
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. (Proverbs 28:27)
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)
I'm feeling very happy at the moment. Not happy because this morning I finally got up really early but because of the reason I was able to get up. God can give joy, he can also provide sources of joy. God can also provide financially, which is a much smaller thing. The passage about the rich young ruler was one of those that changed my life a few years ago. If Jesus had told the ruler to give him all his money we would be tempted to miss the point. A particular person or group getting all your money is not the point, but rather that you give without reservation. Get in the habit of giving. If your money is stopping you from being saved get rid of it, give it to charity, no need to bother the church with it. The church only needs money from pure souls given cheerfully for the work of Jesus Christ on this Earth. I don't mean faultless people, I just mean that if your salvation is being compromised by money, then give it to the poor, not the church. Don't make Jesus look like he is at fault for your sin. Money does not bring security, especially in these days of financial crises. Jesus brings security, get rid of anything else that competes with Jesus for the role of security guard. That said, we don't need to be financially irresponsible to be saved I think.
I'm doing my electronic tithes and offerings today, may God give me wisdom to give to those who most need it and will use it best.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. (Proverbs 28:27)
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)
I'm feeling very happy at the moment. Not happy because this morning I finally got up really early but because of the reason I was able to get up. God can give joy, he can also provide sources of joy. God can also provide financially, which is a much smaller thing. The passage about the rich young ruler was one of those that changed my life a few years ago. If Jesus had told the ruler to give him all his money we would be tempted to miss the point. A particular person or group getting all your money is not the point, but rather that you give without reservation. Get in the habit of giving. If your money is stopping you from being saved get rid of it, give it to charity, no need to bother the church with it. The church only needs money from pure souls given cheerfully for the work of Jesus Christ on this Earth. I don't mean faultless people, I just mean that if your salvation is being compromised by money, then give it to the poor, not the church. Don't make Jesus look like he is at fault for your sin. Money does not bring security, especially in these days of financial crises. Jesus brings security, get rid of anything else that competes with Jesus for the role of security guard. That said, we don't need to be financially irresponsible to be saved I think.
I'm doing my electronic tithes and offerings today, may God give me wisdom to give to those who most need it and will use it best.
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