Blogger's Note: Continuing on with the chronological reading plan through the Bible this year (found in www.youversion.com for those who desire to following along). Now it's day 32 - in February, getting to know God more through His truth-filled word.
Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Exodus, Chapters 7-9 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
Exodus 7: 10-13: … [God Speaks, … Man Can’t Hear] ... 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
My Journal for Today: In my chronological reading plan today [Day 32, BTW], I’m taken to the accounts in Exodus of Moses encountering Pharaoh with one miracle event after another, beginning with the one copied above where Aaron’s staff became a snake. And if you’ve studied these miracle plagues which God used to communicate His message of deliverance through Moses/Aaron to Pharaoh, we know that each plague/miracle was a message to the Egyptian king and the people in Egypt that their gods were impotent to overcome God and His plan of deliverance. In each instance, from the simple snake illustration to other more elaborate and horrifying plagues, God was saying to Pharaoh, “You’ve got nothing to overcome Me … because ‘I AM’ !”
Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t do a similar gig in these times to show the rulers of the word that things have gotten way out of hand and that God’s people, the Church, are being enslaved by the world and Satan’s schemes? I used to wonder that early in my Christian life; but then God showed me, through HIS-STORY and His word, that we have all the truth this world needs; and we don’t need plagues and wondrous miracles to either establish or bolster our faith. We have THE MESSAGE in the established and canonized WORD OF GOD, the Bible, which carries all the truth we need to know the great I AM and to live according to His will.
Why would I, if I had a hardened heart, like Pharaoh, need anything more that the truth of 2nd Timothy 3: 16 – 17, … and Isaiah 55: 11, … and John 3: 16, … and Phil. 2: 6-11, and Romans 10: 9 – 13 to establish me in faith or to help me to decide the truth of Hebrews 11: 1, 6. I hope you know God’s communication of truth from that chain of messages from the Bible I’ve listed here. If not, I’ll leave it to you to go back, read, and meditate on them. But in a nutshell, these passages say, from God’s word (i.e., Scripture), all we need to know God’s purposes and His plan for our lives; and when we know and believe that truth, God’s love was made complete in the life , death, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, … that whomever believes in what He did for us on the cross and by His resurrection, … that one will have eternal life.
It’s all there! We don’t need any wondrous miracle or a series of plagues to know God’s message of salvation and His plan of sanctification, … do we? We have the MIRACLE of His word, His MESSAGE, to establish His plan of salvation and His plan of truth for our lives. Oh, there was a time in my life (in fact for the first 39 years) which I was like Pharaoh, … hard hearted, hearing Spirit-led Christians giving witness to God’s truth and His word, but like Pharaoh, summarily rejecting God’s message which was being transmitted to me through His word. But finally, also like Pharaoh, a series of life challenges helped me to receive and believe the truth of His message in His word. But unlike Pharaoh, I was able to humble myself and receive the truth of God’s plan for my life; and I was saved.
I hope – and pray – that anyone who might read this can allow the “plagues” of life circumstance [those are the MIRACLES] to break through and allow you to see that God wants you to get His MESSAGE, from His word, to give you the gift of His saving grace. Yes, we today do have MIRACLES – even plagues - in life to help us see and receive God’s MESSAGE; but it is the MESSAGE, from His word, which carries God’s truth, not the MIRACLES.
My Prayer Today: … Lord, I know You through Your MESSAGE of truth from Your word; and I’m bolstered to know You more through the MIRACLES of life which bring me back to Your MESSAGE. Amen
Showing posts with label God's truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's truth. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
November 2, 2011 … Proving You Are Wise
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Repeating [from yesterday’s entry] the same highlighted verse from God’s word for today’s entry, Jesus’ half-brother, James, was a pragmatist. If a Christian likely said to James that he had faith in Christ, James would have wanted to see that faith reflected in the behavior of that believer (be sure to read and meditate on James 2: 14 – 26 (linked for your study here in the NKJV), from which we get the oft quoted truth, "… faith without works is dead.”
James had the same feeling about faith that he had about the quality of wisdom which we’ll be reviewing/studying this month. In today’s highlight verse, James asks the up-front rhetorical question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” And to his rhetorical question, the practical James basically says (and I paraphrase), “Show me your answer from your works.”
For James, real wisdom – Godly wisdom – should be visible in the life of a believer in Christ by good behavior and Godly deeds. This was also the premise and truth by the poetic Psalmist in Psalm 119: 33 – 40 … [read it, again in NKJV, from this link!] … that the wisdom of God’s word and truth will be reflected in the life of the one who knows and lives by that truth.
If I were to tell you that God has a formula for living a successful Christian life, would it not be a worthy goal to seek out that formula and then to live it? Well, of course it would! And that’s exactly what James is trying to impart in James 3; and what the Psalmist of Psalm 119 is sharing in his poetry. It was what Solomon tried to share with his son in Psalms 3 – 9; and it was the message of God Himself to Joshua in Joshua 1: 8.
When are we going to listen, learn, and then live by God’s prescription and formula for successful Christian living, which is being in and living in the word of God?
When one knows and truly believes God’s word and is obedient to His will through His word, that one will be driven by a surrender to God’s Spirit and will become enabled by God’s grace to live in such a way that reflects and glorifies God. And if we lived that way, don’t you think that would be visible to others? Of course, it would; and that is the transformed life of “living sacrifice” the Apostle Paul says is the life of reasonable worship and/or service which Christians will choose to live, reflecting the will of God (see Romans 12: 1 – 2). And it was the life Jesus wanted to see reflecting His Light into the world from the life of any true believer (see Matt. 5: 16) to glorify His Father.
And reviewing these truths causes me to reflect and ask, “Is my life one of living worship? … Does my life shine forth the truth of God’s word?” And I’m forced to answer – “Not enough!”
I’ll let you do your own inventory after meditating on this devotional entry?
My Prayer Today: Lord, Your word says in Ps. 119: 40, “Behold, I long for Your precepts. Revive me in Your righteousness.“ Oh Father, help me … so that this would be my life! Amen
My Journal for Today: Repeating [from yesterday’s entry] the same highlighted verse from God’s word for today’s entry, Jesus’ half-brother, James, was a pragmatist. If a Christian likely said to James that he had faith in Christ, James would have wanted to see that faith reflected in the behavior of that believer (be sure to read and meditate on James 2: 14 – 26 (linked for your study here in the NKJV), from which we get the oft quoted truth, "… faith without works is dead.”
James had the same feeling about faith that he had about the quality of wisdom which we’ll be reviewing/studying this month. In today’s highlight verse, James asks the up-front rhetorical question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” And to his rhetorical question, the practical James basically says (and I paraphrase), “Show me your answer from your works.”
For James, real wisdom – Godly wisdom – should be visible in the life of a believer in Christ by good behavior and Godly deeds. This was also the premise and truth by the poetic Psalmist in Psalm 119: 33 – 40 … [read it, again in NKJV, from this link!] … that the wisdom of God’s word and truth will be reflected in the life of the one who knows and lives by that truth.
If I were to tell you that God has a formula for living a successful Christian life, would it not be a worthy goal to seek out that formula and then to live it? Well, of course it would! And that’s exactly what James is trying to impart in James 3; and what the Psalmist of Psalm 119 is sharing in his poetry. It was what Solomon tried to share with his son in Psalms 3 – 9; and it was the message of God Himself to Joshua in Joshua 1: 8.
When are we going to listen, learn, and then live by God’s prescription and formula for successful Christian living, which is being in and living in the word of God?
When one knows and truly believes God’s word and is obedient to His will through His word, that one will be driven by a surrender to God’s Spirit and will become enabled by God’s grace to live in such a way that reflects and glorifies God. And if we lived that way, don’t you think that would be visible to others? Of course, it would; and that is the transformed life of “living sacrifice” the Apostle Paul says is the life of reasonable worship and/or service which Christians will choose to live, reflecting the will of God (see Romans 12: 1 – 2). And it was the life Jesus wanted to see reflecting His Light into the world from the life of any true believer (see Matt. 5: 16) to glorify His Father.
And reviewing these truths causes me to reflect and ask, “Is my life one of living worship? … Does my life shine forth the truth of God’s word?” And I’m forced to answer – “Not enough!”
I’ll let you do your own inventory after meditating on this devotional entry?
My Prayer Today: Lord, Your word says in Ps. 119: 40, “Behold, I long for Your precepts. Revive me in Your righteousness.“ Oh Father, help me … so that this would be my life! Amen
Sunday, October 16, 2011
October 16, 2011 … You Can Count On It
Passage of the Day: Romans 6: 8 – 11 … [see highlighted phrase in bold/underlined]… 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. 10 The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
My Journal for Today: When it comes to dealing with sin, this may be one of the most important doctrinal passages in the New Testament. In verse 11, Paul pronounces an exhortation, which is actually in the form of a forceful command for believers. He says, “… count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” That term “count yourselves,” in the Greek, which is also translated “reckon yourselves” in the NKJV, I’ve learned is a banking or accounting term, which we might translate as “take it to the bank” in today’s colloquial English.
However, when it comes to viewing sin in our lives, I’m afraid that all too few Christians have this “bank on it [!]” mentality from God’s truth. MacArthur implies in his devotional for this date in Strength for Today that most Christians have not put Paul’s truth of Romans 6: 8 – 11 into our heart/mind “banks;” and therefore, when have the need to bring out a payment of strength when we’re confronted with the temptation to sin, we don’t have enough in our spiritual banks to withdraw and resist the sin.
MacArthur also contends that “duty (i.e., action) is always based in doctrine;” and if we don’t have doctrine, such as the one in today’s passage, deeply “banked” in our hearts/minds, we will not be able to act upon it. How can we live unto Godliness, if we don’t know/believe that we’ve died unto sinfulness? Many times, if not most times, our inability to resist sin is based in the reality that we have not banked away (i.e., in belief) enough of God’s truth to be able to avoid the deceit of an enemy who is very powerful and will do all he can to keep God’s truth out of our heart-bank as well as our own deceit-ridden heart, which is so vulnerable to Satan’s lies.
If we truly and fully “believe that we live with [Christ],” as it says in verse 8 above, we will be able to “count [ourselves] dead to sin,” as it says in verse 11. This is to bring out the credits from our bank of doctrine (i.e., our hearts/minds) when we need them to confront evil and temptation in the world and our lives. Remember what it says in Prov. 23: 7 from the NKJV, ”As a man thinks, in his heart, … so is he.” If we don’t have the doctrine of today’s highlight passage in our minds, how do we expect to believe it in our hearts; and therefore, how will we ever become in our lives what we don’t know and cannot believe.
I hope you’re following my logic here. Our salvation is much more than eternal fire insurance. It is the power to change from selfishness to godliness. It is the reality and working out of 2nd Cor. 5: 17 AND Gal. 2: 20 … AND … Rom. 12: 1 – 2. Remember what I wrote yesterday, … that it is living in Romans 8, instead of wallowing in Romans 7 (vv. 14 – 24). It is being able to count ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ as Paul says here today from God’s word. And what the Apostle is saying so clearly here is that WHEN we can put the truth of Romans 8 in our heart bank, we will live (i.e., “be”) as we are alive in Christ, having become dead to our sin nature, which is what Paul wrote was his battle just like any Christian (in Romans 7).
Again, … I cite what it says in that verse you hopefully have memorized from Proverbs 23: 7 … As a man thinks in his heart, so is he! Well, how full is your heart with God’s truth from today’s passage which I’ve highlighted from Dr. MacArthur’s devotional? Is it full enough with God’s doctrine and truth to be able to pull out whatever you need, especially when Satan comes calling with all of his lies? And do you have enough belief credits, to take God’s truth to the bank and call on your belief to live in Christ, being dead to sin? … Tough questions; but they’re answered will all you need from today’s credits of truth, to “take it to the bank” and draw on it any time we need it to live in Christlikeness.
My fellow Christians, we can bank on the truths espoused in God’s word; and one of those is in the passage presented today. WE, who believe Christ as Savior and Lord, ARE DEAD TO SIN; and we ARE ALIVE IN CHRIST!!! Now … I say one more time … we must BANK ON IT!!!
My Prayer Today: Amen, Lord, … and amen !!!
My Journal for Today: When it comes to dealing with sin, this may be one of the most important doctrinal passages in the New Testament. In verse 11, Paul pronounces an exhortation, which is actually in the form of a forceful command for believers. He says, “… count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” That term “count yourselves,” in the Greek, which is also translated “reckon yourselves” in the NKJV, I’ve learned is a banking or accounting term, which we might translate as “take it to the bank” in today’s colloquial English.
However, when it comes to viewing sin in our lives, I’m afraid that all too few Christians have this “bank on it [!]” mentality from God’s truth. MacArthur implies in his devotional for this date in Strength for Today that most Christians have not put Paul’s truth of Romans 6: 8 – 11 into our heart/mind “banks;” and therefore, when have the need to bring out a payment of strength when we’re confronted with the temptation to sin, we don’t have enough in our spiritual banks to withdraw and resist the sin.
MacArthur also contends that “duty (i.e., action) is always based in doctrine;” and if we don’t have doctrine, such as the one in today’s passage, deeply “banked” in our hearts/minds, we will not be able to act upon it. How can we live unto Godliness, if we don’t know/believe that we’ve died unto sinfulness? Many times, if not most times, our inability to resist sin is based in the reality that we have not banked away (i.e., in belief) enough of God’s truth to be able to avoid the deceit of an enemy who is very powerful and will do all he can to keep God’s truth out of our heart-bank as well as our own deceit-ridden heart, which is so vulnerable to Satan’s lies.
If we truly and fully “believe that we live with [Christ],” as it says in verse 8 above, we will be able to “count [ourselves] dead to sin,” as it says in verse 11. This is to bring out the credits from our bank of doctrine (i.e., our hearts/minds) when we need them to confront evil and temptation in the world and our lives. Remember what it says in Prov. 23: 7 from the NKJV, ”As a man thinks, in his heart, … so is he.” If we don’t have the doctrine of today’s highlight passage in our minds, how do we expect to believe it in our hearts; and therefore, how will we ever become in our lives what we don’t know and cannot believe.
I hope you’re following my logic here. Our salvation is much more than eternal fire insurance. It is the power to change from selfishness to godliness. It is the reality and working out of 2nd Cor. 5: 17 AND Gal. 2: 20 … AND … Rom. 12: 1 – 2. Remember what I wrote yesterday, … that it is living in Romans 8, instead of wallowing in Romans 7 (vv. 14 – 24). It is being able to count ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ as Paul says here today from God’s word. And what the Apostle is saying so clearly here is that WHEN we can put the truth of Romans 8 in our heart bank, we will live (i.e., “be”) as we are alive in Christ, having become dead to our sin nature, which is what Paul wrote was his battle just like any Christian (in Romans 7).
Again, … I cite what it says in that verse you hopefully have memorized from Proverbs 23: 7 … As a man thinks in his heart, so is he! Well, how full is your heart with God’s truth from today’s passage which I’ve highlighted from Dr. MacArthur’s devotional? Is it full enough with God’s doctrine and truth to be able to pull out whatever you need, especially when Satan comes calling with all of his lies? And do you have enough belief credits, to take God’s truth to the bank and call on your belief to live in Christ, being dead to sin? … Tough questions; but they’re answered will all you need from today’s credits of truth, to “take it to the bank” and draw on it any time we need it to live in Christlikeness.
My fellow Christians, we can bank on the truths espoused in God’s word; and one of those is in the passage presented today. WE, who believe Christ as Savior and Lord, ARE DEAD TO SIN; and we ARE ALIVE IN CHRIST!!! Now … I say one more time … we must BANK ON IT!!!
My Prayer Today: Amen, Lord, … and amen !!!
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
October 4, 2011 … God Is Light … God’s Word Is Truth
Passage of the Day: 1st John 1: 5 … This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
My Journal for Today: If you’ve studied God’s word for any length of time, I’m sure you’ve noted the biblical usage of the light versus dark metaphor, often used to compare holiness to evil or truthfulness to dishonesty. Scripture also clearly refers to our Lord as “… abounding in … truth,” as did Moses in Exodus 34: 6 [NASB] , or the Psalmist referring to God as “… the God of truth” [in Psalm 31: 5], or Isaiah using the same reference in Isaiah 65: 16. Jesus, Himself, called Himself “… the way, the TRUTH, and the life (see John 14: 6).”
We, as Christians, can not only lean on the character of God as being truth and light, especially from our relationship with Christ; but we also can lean on his Word as the reflection of His truth and light. David prayed (in 2nd Samuel 7: 28), “O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, …"; and Jesus prayed (in John 17: 17), “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.“ And you may have memorized, as have I, one verse from the acrostic poem about God’s word in Psalms 119: 105, which states “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.“
Therefore, when we are looking for light in the darkness which surrounds us in the world; … when we are looking for truth when it comes to moral decisions in our life, we Christians, who believe in the absolute truth of God’s word (believing in 2nd Tim. 2: 16, 17), can KNOW, beyond any doubt, that no evil or dishonesty can emanate from God and His word (see Ps. 5: 4). Therefore, since God cannot lie (see Numbers 23: 19 and Titus 1: 2), we will always be led by His light to make decisions that are in line with God’s will and His truth when we seek His will and/or His way through His word.
This then begs certain questions. As we deal with sin in our lives (i.e., the darkness of evil and dishonesty), … do we know where to find God’s light? In other words, how well versed are we in God’s word so that we can see His light shining on the path of truth when we’re faced with the temptation of evil or in a fog of untruth? How much do we lean on God’s word to provide us with His light to straighten our path in life (see Prov. 3: 5 – 6)?
If we avoid God’s word; or if we’re unwilling to devote the time and diligence to put God’s word deeply into our hearts via memorization of His truth, how can we expect to navigate the fog of darkness from this world and the deception of our own hearts [see Jer. 17: 9 and Ps. 119: 9]?
I leave it to you to deal with those questions personally. I’ve certainly had to deal with them in my life. They were questions I faced years ago in my discipleship; and I can testify that deciding in my heart to surrender to God’s call and to pursue His word rigorously in my life (as one would find in a careful study of Psalm 119) has been the most productive life discipline in which I have ever chosen to involve myself. I pray that you will find the truth of that memorable Scripture passage, to which I referred above, Psalm 119: 9, 11, to be an incredibly powerful light, one which is God’s prescription for avoiding sin and dealing with darkness in our lives.
My Prayer Today: The more I know Your word, Lord, the more I know You and the more You light up my life. Amen
My Journal for Today: If you’ve studied God’s word for any length of time, I’m sure you’ve noted the biblical usage of the light versus dark metaphor, often used to compare holiness to evil or truthfulness to dishonesty. Scripture also clearly refers to our Lord as “… abounding in … truth,” as did Moses in Exodus 34: 6 [NASB] , or the Psalmist referring to God as “… the God of truth” [in Psalm 31: 5], or Isaiah using the same reference in Isaiah 65: 16. Jesus, Himself, called Himself “… the way, the TRUTH, and the life (see John 14: 6).”
We, as Christians, can not only lean on the character of God as being truth and light, especially from our relationship with Christ; but we also can lean on his Word as the reflection of His truth and light. David prayed (in 2nd Samuel 7: 28), “O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, …"; and Jesus prayed (in John 17: 17), “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.“ And you may have memorized, as have I, one verse from the acrostic poem about God’s word in Psalms 119: 105, which states “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.“
Therefore, when we are looking for light in the darkness which surrounds us in the world; … when we are looking for truth when it comes to moral decisions in our life, we Christians, who believe in the absolute truth of God’s word (believing in 2nd Tim. 2: 16, 17), can KNOW, beyond any doubt, that no evil or dishonesty can emanate from God and His word (see Ps. 5: 4). Therefore, since God cannot lie (see Numbers 23: 19 and Titus 1: 2), we will always be led by His light to make decisions that are in line with God’s will and His truth when we seek His will and/or His way through His word.
This then begs certain questions. As we deal with sin in our lives (i.e., the darkness of evil and dishonesty), … do we know where to find God’s light? In other words, how well versed are we in God’s word so that we can see His light shining on the path of truth when we’re faced with the temptation of evil or in a fog of untruth? How much do we lean on God’s word to provide us with His light to straighten our path in life (see Prov. 3: 5 – 6)?
If we avoid God’s word; or if we’re unwilling to devote the time and diligence to put God’s word deeply into our hearts via memorization of His truth, how can we expect to navigate the fog of darkness from this world and the deception of our own hearts [see Jer. 17: 9 and Ps. 119: 9]?
I leave it to you to deal with those questions personally. I’ve certainly had to deal with them in my life. They were questions I faced years ago in my discipleship; and I can testify that deciding in my heart to surrender to God’s call and to pursue His word rigorously in my life (as one would find in a careful study of Psalm 119) has been the most productive life discipline in which I have ever chosen to involve myself. I pray that you will find the truth of that memorable Scripture passage, to which I referred above, Psalm 119: 9, 11, to be an incredibly powerful light, one which is God’s prescription for avoiding sin and dealing with darkness in our lives.
My Prayer Today: The more I know Your word, Lord, the more I know You and the more You light up my life. Amen
Thursday, February 24, 2011
February 24, 2011 … God Is True
Passage of the Day: John 3: 33 [see bold/underlined in context] … 31 "The One who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony.33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”
My Journal for Today: I present the focus verse (John 3: 33) today in the context of Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus (and all believers), where He declares that for one to believe in Jesus as the Son of God also accepts His word as the word of God [i.e., God’s truth]. And I personally do not believe that one can call himself/herself “Christian” and question the authenticity of God’s word (i.e., the Bible). But there are a lot of people claiming to be “Christian” out there who are doing just that.
If one cannot believe in the truth of God’s word in 2nd Tim. 3: 16, … that “all scripture is inspired by God,” then any writings from the Bible could be brought into question as unreliable – and the only judge as to the authority of scripture would be an individual’s interpretation as his/her own standard, not an absolute truth from God’s word. Balaam, though not a righteous man himself and one whom some scholars label as an apostate, spoke in Lam. 23: 19, “God is not a man that He should lie…;” and the Apostle Paul even more firmly declared, “God … does not lie.” (see Rom. 3: 4 and Titus 1: 2). And several times in the “upper room discourse,” Jesus taught that God’s Spirit was/is Truth (see John 14: 16 - 17; 15: 26; 16: 13).
SCRIPTURE: John 14: 16 … [Jesus] … “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.”
SCRIPTURE: John 15: 26 … [again, Jesus] … " When the Counselor comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth Who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me.”
SCRIPTURE: John 16: 13 … [once more, Jesus] … " But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
And so, because God is truth, by extension, His word, inspired by God, the Holy Spirit, becomes His living truth [again 2nd Tim. 3: 16]. We read the Psalmist say [in Ps. 119: 160], “The sum of Your word is truth,” which was echoed by Jesus in John 17: 17 … [from the prayer of Jesus for His disciples] “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
Well, you may have heard a non-believer, perhaps a declared “atheist,” deny the reality of God and/or disclaim the truth of the Bible, labeling it as interesting literature or an outright fable. However, in doing so, these “devil’s advocates” label themselves according to God’s very own truth, where it says [in Ps. 14: 1 or 53: 1), “… the fool has said, ‘There no God.’ "
Hey, … I know about such foolishness; … I used to be one of them! However, now I know, in faith, experience, and testimony, that in our speaking and living as Christians, we, who know God’s truth (in the Bible) must become witnesses of THE Living Truth, … Who, of course is Jesus (see John 14: 6b). And in living the truth in our lives, we become living torches for The Truth, glorifying God (see Matt. 5: 16) in a very dark, and ever darkening, world.
My Prayer Today: May everything I do and say, Lord, shine Your light of truth! Amen
My Journal for Today: I present the focus verse (John 3: 33) today in the context of Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus (and all believers), where He declares that for one to believe in Jesus as the Son of God also accepts His word as the word of God [i.e., God’s truth]. And I personally do not believe that one can call himself/herself “Christian” and question the authenticity of God’s word (i.e., the Bible). But there are a lot of people claiming to be “Christian” out there who are doing just that.
If one cannot believe in the truth of God’s word in 2nd Tim. 3: 16, … that “all scripture is inspired by God,” then any writings from the Bible could be brought into question as unreliable – and the only judge as to the authority of scripture would be an individual’s interpretation as his/her own standard, not an absolute truth from God’s word. Balaam, though not a righteous man himself and one whom some scholars label as an apostate, spoke in Lam. 23: 19, “God is not a man that He should lie…;” and the Apostle Paul even more firmly declared, “God … does not lie.” (see Rom. 3: 4 and Titus 1: 2). And several times in the “upper room discourse,” Jesus taught that God’s Spirit was/is Truth (see John 14: 16 - 17; 15: 26; 16: 13).
SCRIPTURE: John 14: 16 … [Jesus] … “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.”
SCRIPTURE: John 15: 26 … [again, Jesus] … " When the Counselor comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth Who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me.”
SCRIPTURE: John 16: 13 … [once more, Jesus] … " But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
And so, because God is truth, by extension, His word, inspired by God, the Holy Spirit, becomes His living truth [again 2nd Tim. 3: 16]. We read the Psalmist say [in Ps. 119: 160], “The sum of Your word is truth,” which was echoed by Jesus in John 17: 17 … [from the prayer of Jesus for His disciples] “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
Well, you may have heard a non-believer, perhaps a declared “atheist,” deny the reality of God and/or disclaim the truth of the Bible, labeling it as interesting literature or an outright fable. However, in doing so, these “devil’s advocates” label themselves according to God’s very own truth, where it says [in Ps. 14: 1 or 53: 1), “… the fool has said, ‘There no God.’ "
Hey, … I know about such foolishness; … I used to be one of them! However, now I know, in faith, experience, and testimony, that in our speaking and living as Christians, we, who know God’s truth (in the Bible) must become witnesses of THE Living Truth, … Who, of course is Jesus (see John 14: 6b). And in living the truth in our lives, we become living torches for The Truth, glorifying God (see Matt. 5: 16) in a very dark, and ever darkening, world.
My Prayer Today: May everything I do and say, Lord, shine Your light of truth! Amen
Thursday, August 12, 2010
2010 – August 12 – So Callous We Don’t Care
Study from God’s Word… Jeremiah, Chapter 23: 9 – 40 … Passage for Reflection: Jeremiah 23: 23 – 24 … NIV 23 "Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away? 24 Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.
My Journal for Today: For anyone who has determined that he or she has a Spirit-given gift of teaching, preaching, or prophesying, reading through Jeremiah 23 has got to be a bit unsettling. And if one holds a position in God’s Church as Pastor, Priest, Elder, or Bishop, to bring God’s messages to the people is fraught with incredible accountability.
In the days of Jeremiah there were those who called themselves “prophet;” and they spoke out as if they had THE WORD from God to the His people. But they were speaking self generated prophesies and words that the people wanted to hear, … NOT the words given to them by God as He did with Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, Joel, and others in those days. And in today’s highlighted text we see God declaring (note the emboldened words “declares the LORD” spoken three times, calling us to pay special attention) that there’s no where these false “prophets” can go to hide their untruths and false claims … from God.
In today’s world, I am amazed at what some teachers, preachers, and self-proclaimed “prophets” are spouting out to tickle the minds/hearts of those who seek after God’s truth. You know to whom I’m referring, … people like the priestess of personal power, Oprah Winfrey, or the guru of good feelings, Joel Osteen. They, and others, come across the airwaves, pronouncing words which they feel are words from God Himself; and they are likely so deluded with their prominence and popularity that they can’t see that what they teach/preach has no basis in God’s truth, i.e., from His word. And millions hear what they’re preaching and become callous to the truth. Their audience doesn’t want to hear God’s way or His will when they can hear messages of prosperity and well being from the gurus of garrulous living.
But, as today’s passage, predicts and promises, those who espouse God’s message and do not have His prophetic powers do so at the risk of great peril; and there is nowhere they can hide from The Lord’s judgment. Those of us who’ve been called – and then labeled – by the Church or by ourselves as “Pastor” or “Teacher” or even “Prophet” (though I don’t think that title is appropriate in this age of waiting for Christ’s coming again), carry a heavy burden of accountability before God to His people according to God’s word (see Romans 2: 23-24, Romans 12: 6-8; 1st Cor. 2: 15-16; 1st Tim. 3: 1-3; 1st Tim. 6: 3-5; 2nd Tim. 4: 1-5; Titus 1: 10; James 3: 1; 2nd Peter 2: 1-3; 2nd Pet. 2: 18-22]. Do you get the idea, from these many NT references from God’s word, especially noting James 3: 1 [linked], that righteous teaching is important?!!
As you can see, to be a “teacher” of God’s truth is A BIG DEAL, according to God’s word. But being a learner of God’s word is a big deal too. We who pursue God’s wisdom, way, and will from His word also have a responsibility, which as I’ve said in the past was illustrated by the way the Bereans checked out Paul’s teachings against the truth of Scripture as they knew it [see Acts 17: 10-15]. So, anytime we, who call ourselves “Christian” and believe our hearts to be indwelt by the enlightening ministry of the Holy Spirit, have a responsibility to avoid false teaching by knowing God’s word to the point we can spot a counterfeit easily by his/her false teachings.
With all that said, I pray that we’re pursuing God’s truth and are being discerning as to what we’re learning as God’s truth, always using the plumb of God’s word for our standard of truth.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, shine You light of truth upon all I learn, but especially give me Your anointing as I teach … even here in this place as I write these things daily. Amen
My Journal for Today: For anyone who has determined that he or she has a Spirit-given gift of teaching, preaching, or prophesying, reading through Jeremiah 23 has got to be a bit unsettling. And if one holds a position in God’s Church as Pastor, Priest, Elder, or Bishop, to bring God’s messages to the people is fraught with incredible accountability.
In the days of Jeremiah there were those who called themselves “prophet;” and they spoke out as if they had THE WORD from God to the His people. But they were speaking self generated prophesies and words that the people wanted to hear, … NOT the words given to them by God as He did with Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, Joel, and others in those days. And in today’s highlighted text we see God declaring (note the emboldened words “declares the LORD” spoken three times, calling us to pay special attention) that there’s no where these false “prophets” can go to hide their untruths and false claims … from God.
In today’s world, I am amazed at what some teachers, preachers, and self-proclaimed “prophets” are spouting out to tickle the minds/hearts of those who seek after God’s truth. You know to whom I’m referring, … people like the priestess of personal power, Oprah Winfrey, or the guru of good feelings, Joel Osteen. They, and others, come across the airwaves, pronouncing words which they feel are words from God Himself; and they are likely so deluded with their prominence and popularity that they can’t see that what they teach/preach has no basis in God’s truth, i.e., from His word. And millions hear what they’re preaching and become callous to the truth. Their audience doesn’t want to hear God’s way or His will when they can hear messages of prosperity and well being from the gurus of garrulous living.
But, as today’s passage, predicts and promises, those who espouse God’s message and do not have His prophetic powers do so at the risk of great peril; and there is nowhere they can hide from The Lord’s judgment. Those of us who’ve been called – and then labeled – by the Church or by ourselves as “Pastor” or “Teacher” or even “Prophet” (though I don’t think that title is appropriate in this age of waiting for Christ’s coming again), carry a heavy burden of accountability before God to His people according to God’s word (see Romans 2: 23-24, Romans 12: 6-8; 1st Cor. 2: 15-16; 1st Tim. 3: 1-3; 1st Tim. 6: 3-5; 2nd Tim. 4: 1-5; Titus 1: 10; James 3: 1; 2nd Peter 2: 1-3; 2nd Pet. 2: 18-22]. Do you get the idea, from these many NT references from God’s word, especially noting James 3: 1 [linked], that righteous teaching is important?!!
As you can see, to be a “teacher” of God’s truth is A BIG DEAL, according to God’s word. But being a learner of God’s word is a big deal too. We who pursue God’s wisdom, way, and will from His word also have a responsibility, which as I’ve said in the past was illustrated by the way the Bereans checked out Paul’s teachings against the truth of Scripture as they knew it [see Acts 17: 10-15]. So, anytime we, who call ourselves “Christian” and believe our hearts to be indwelt by the enlightening ministry of the Holy Spirit, have a responsibility to avoid false teaching by knowing God’s word to the point we can spot a counterfeit easily by his/her false teachings.
With all that said, I pray that we’re pursuing God’s truth and are being discerning as to what we’re learning as God’s truth, always using the plumb of God’s word for our standard of truth.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, shine You light of truth upon all I learn, but especially give me Your anointing as I teach … even here in this place as I write these things daily. Amen
Thursday, July 15, 2010
2010 – July 15 – Of Horoscopes and Other Nonsense
Study from God’s Word… Isaiah, Chapters 45: 14 – 48: 1-15 … Passage for Reflection: Isaiah 47: 13 … NIV 13 All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.
My Journal for Today: Sometimes, when you’re reading/studying God’s word, as through the written word of Isaiah today, you sense God’s frustration; and occasionally, as in today’s highlight passage, you can read (i.e., or hear, if read aloud) God’s outright sarcasm. And today that sarcasm is directed toward those who are foolish enough to rely on the nonsense of astrologers to see their way through the morass of life’s problems and circumstances.
Have you ever consulted your horoscope? And Dr. Smith begins today by asking his readers, “What’s your sign?” And if you’re reading here as a Christian, you’re probably like I was when I read that question, … smiling wryly and thinking, “Oh, I don’t play around with that worthless nonsense!” But we do know that the business of palm readers, psychic mediums, and astrology is a big bucks business in the world. So there are people out there who are drawn to the promise that people can follow the predictions and advice of these self-proclaimed “gurus” and find their way through the minefields of life. And my friends, for a number years, before I surrendered myself to Christ, when I realized I was spiritually weak, I was pursuing a lot of those “isms” which taught new age nonsense and the like, … not very far removed from astrology.
And very unfortunately some, who call themselves “christian,” are letting some of this new-age nonsense filter into their thought process; and they’re letting themselves be drawn into those who claim “Christ” but teach something akin to astrology. And we see it today in those who follow the “church of Oprah” or even those word of faith teachers such as Joel Osteen, teaching that man can claim, with his own word of faith, the power of God in their lives, … to be able to raise themselves up by themselves. It’s absolute NONESENSE … just as God sarcastically declares in today’s text.
But what it is in mankind that draws us to the flame of death like moths to the flame in the night? As Dr. Smith writes, “Something down deep in all of us craves special insight into ourselves and our future.” And I think the answer to that conundrum is found in the simple words about the nature of the human heart, which Jeremiah documented in Jer. 17: 9. You probably know it by heart, saying, ”The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
We are so vulnerable to a heart [i.e., our flesh] which is “desperately wicked,” (NKJV translation) yet we try to satisfy our desire to know by searching for answers within in our own human understanding. And the bell of truth rings with God, saying [paraphrased from Prov. 3: 5-6] “Trust in ME (says God) with ALL your heart and lean not on your OWN understanding.” And if and when we’re TOTALLY willing to do that, as God promises in that same passage, HE will show us the way through the minefields of life from His truth … i.e., His word.
But even Christians today, keep trying to rely on science, on their own intellect, or on political solutions to fight our way through the dark morass of life. And we keep failing, because we’re unwilling to heed the warnings of passages like today’s and others like those I’ve mentioned in my journal entry today. We simply must surrender or way to God’s way, following HIS will from HIS word; and when we do, He will show us HIS light to follow through the darkness.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, shine Your light brightly so a near-sighted child like me can see it to follow You. Amen
My Journal for Today: Sometimes, when you’re reading/studying God’s word, as through the written word of Isaiah today, you sense God’s frustration; and occasionally, as in today’s highlight passage, you can read (i.e., or hear, if read aloud) God’s outright sarcasm. And today that sarcasm is directed toward those who are foolish enough to rely on the nonsense of astrologers to see their way through the morass of life’s problems and circumstances.
Have you ever consulted your horoscope? And Dr. Smith begins today by asking his readers, “What’s your sign?” And if you’re reading here as a Christian, you’re probably like I was when I read that question, … smiling wryly and thinking, “Oh, I don’t play around with that worthless nonsense!” But we do know that the business of palm readers, psychic mediums, and astrology is a big bucks business in the world. So there are people out there who are drawn to the promise that people can follow the predictions and advice of these self-proclaimed “gurus” and find their way through the minefields of life. And my friends, for a number years, before I surrendered myself to Christ, when I realized I was spiritually weak, I was pursuing a lot of those “isms” which taught new age nonsense and the like, … not very far removed from astrology.
And very unfortunately some, who call themselves “christian,” are letting some of this new-age nonsense filter into their thought process; and they’re letting themselves be drawn into those who claim “Christ” but teach something akin to astrology. And we see it today in those who follow the “church of Oprah” or even those word of faith teachers such as Joel Osteen, teaching that man can claim, with his own word of faith, the power of God in their lives, … to be able to raise themselves up by themselves. It’s absolute NONESENSE … just as God sarcastically declares in today’s text.
But what it is in mankind that draws us to the flame of death like moths to the flame in the night? As Dr. Smith writes, “Something down deep in all of us craves special insight into ourselves and our future.” And I think the answer to that conundrum is found in the simple words about the nature of the human heart, which Jeremiah documented in Jer. 17: 9. You probably know it by heart, saying, ”The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
We are so vulnerable to a heart [i.e., our flesh] which is “desperately wicked,” (NKJV translation) yet we try to satisfy our desire to know by searching for answers within in our own human understanding. And the bell of truth rings with God, saying [paraphrased from Prov. 3: 5-6] “Trust in ME (says God) with ALL your heart and lean not on your OWN understanding.” And if and when we’re TOTALLY willing to do that, as God promises in that same passage, HE will show us the way through the minefields of life from His truth … i.e., His word.
But even Christians today, keep trying to rely on science, on their own intellect, or on political solutions to fight our way through the dark morass of life. And we keep failing, because we’re unwilling to heed the warnings of passages like today’s and others like those I’ve mentioned in my journal entry today. We simply must surrender or way to God’s way, following HIS will from HIS word; and when we do, He will show us HIS light to follow through the darkness.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, shine Your light brightly so a near-sighted child like me can see it to follow You. Amen
Monday, May 03, 2010
2010 – May 3 – Having the Inside Track
Study from God’s Word… Psalm 119 … Passage for Reflection: Psalm 119: 97 – 100 … NIV 97 Oh, how I love Your Law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.
My Journal for Today: Dr. Smith is right; and it’s not an exaggeration that “… everyone wants to be ‘in the know.’ “ Who doesn’t want to have the inside track on life supposedly offered by more education? That’s why parents push their kids to learn and to go to schools which will give them the opportunity to learn what it takes to be productive, and – hopefully – fulfilled, in this life. And the knowledge – well, at least the facts and practical information – which one can accumulate these days is proliferating at such a pace that there appears no way we can get all of what we need to be productive citizens of the world.
BUT (and there’s another one of those big “BUTs”), … that’s not the goal of the Christian, is it? We’re not into the education game of life just to get more information, are we? No, as the author of the longest psalm in the Bible understood and the truth we Christians need to grasp is that there is only one source of information which gives us the “inside track” in life; and that is what we know of as the “Book of the Law,” which is what the author of Psalm 119 called what we know of as “The Bible.”
Some like the songwriter of Psalm 119 was David; but this long acrostic poetry was not really his style of songwriting. Nobody really knows the actual author of this great song of faith. But whoever it was, the dude really had an absolute love affair going on with God’s word (as he knew it); and he had somehow gleaned the insight that mining in God’s word would give him the power and wisdom he needed to live out life and have the kind of knowledge which would bring him a joy-filled, fruitful, and productive life.
Job learned that lesson too; and you can read about God teaching him this truth lesson in Chapter 28 of the Book of Job. And by doing both of these studies, you can’t miss – unless you deny it – that God’s word (all of it – see 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17) is the repository of all the knowledge and understanding which will give us what we need to live out what the Old Testament says in Prov. 3: 5 - 6 and in the New Testament in what Paul taught about God’s word in that verse I just cited above (again 2nd Tim. 3: 16-17).
Well, if this is true; and devouring God’s word gives Christians the inside track on living out our lives, why is the level of biblical illiteracy growing in epidemic proportions? Well, the answer to that lies in the nature of our spiritual enemies. And one of those, Satan, will do all he can to con us into thinking that the wisdom of the world (our second enemy) is superior and more appealing than the essence of truth in the Bible. And Satan and the world have devised a way of producing very seductive mechanisms for gleaning information in great volumes, most of which will only lead us away from THE TRUTH we really need in life – which, again, is found in the Bible. Think of all the devices these days which are out there in the world drawing our attention away from God’s truth … TV, the Internet, I-phones, I-pads, I-whatevers. And isn’t interesting that all of the latter ones begin with the letter “I,” showing us where the focus of all these mind altering devices really is – on self, which is really our worst spiritual enemy.
If we don’t make a decision to discipline ourselves to consume God’s word, taking it in with such motivation to let God transform us and move us away from Satan, the world, and our own flesh, we will become “I” junkies; and we will miss out on the one source of truth which can allow us to become productive and fruitful Christians. I know it’s not alluring to use a computer to dig into the mine of God’s mind; but it will be far more productive that using that same device to glean knowledge from the ploys of Satan in such mind altering ventures as gaming, pornography, or even worldly education.
Yes, a computer and the internet can actually become mining tools into God’s word; but the belief just has to be there to understand that the mine we need to be digging into is God’s word … not some mind-numbing place like pornography or in the news of the day from the world. I had a friend that believed that the key to his mental, emotional, and spiritual future could be found in the out-working of what Paul taught, from God’s inspiration, in Romans 12: 1 – 2; and to that I would add God’s lesson to Joshua [and all of us] in Joshua 1: 8. Hopefully you know these truths by heart; but if not go back and mediate on the direction to which they are leading; and you will learn of God leading us to use His word, … consuming it as the lover of Psalm 119 taught … so as to let God’s Spirit conform us into the image of our Lord and Savior, … Jesus, the Christ.
But each of us has to decide to pursue God’s truth through His word for His purposes; and that takes time and mind-altering discipline. Are you one who will follow me – as I’m attempting to learn/teach here – in doing this? If you do, you’re going to find what I have found; and you’ll become addicted to the pursuit of the true riches found in God’s word.
My Prayer for Today: Take me deep, Lord, into Your mind as I mine for the wisdom You have there for all willing to dig after it. Amen
My Journal for Today: Dr. Smith is right; and it’s not an exaggeration that “… everyone wants to be ‘in the know.’ “ Who doesn’t want to have the inside track on life supposedly offered by more education? That’s why parents push their kids to learn and to go to schools which will give them the opportunity to learn what it takes to be productive, and – hopefully – fulfilled, in this life. And the knowledge – well, at least the facts and practical information – which one can accumulate these days is proliferating at such a pace that there appears no way we can get all of what we need to be productive citizens of the world.
BUT (and there’s another one of those big “BUTs”), … that’s not the goal of the Christian, is it? We’re not into the education game of life just to get more information, are we? No, as the author of the longest psalm in the Bible understood and the truth we Christians need to grasp is that there is only one source of information which gives us the “inside track” in life; and that is what we know of as the “Book of the Law,” which is what the author of Psalm 119 called what we know of as “The Bible.”
Some like the songwriter of Psalm 119 was David; but this long acrostic poetry was not really his style of songwriting. Nobody really knows the actual author of this great song of faith. But whoever it was, the dude really had an absolute love affair going on with God’s word (as he knew it); and he had somehow gleaned the insight that mining in God’s word would give him the power and wisdom he needed to live out life and have the kind of knowledge which would bring him a joy-filled, fruitful, and productive life.
Job learned that lesson too; and you can read about God teaching him this truth lesson in Chapter 28 of the Book of Job. And by doing both of these studies, you can’t miss – unless you deny it – that God’s word (all of it – see 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17) is the repository of all the knowledge and understanding which will give us what we need to live out what the Old Testament says in Prov. 3: 5 - 6 and in the New Testament in what Paul taught about God’s word in that verse I just cited above (again 2nd Tim. 3: 16-17).
Well, if this is true; and devouring God’s word gives Christians the inside track on living out our lives, why is the level of biblical illiteracy growing in epidemic proportions? Well, the answer to that lies in the nature of our spiritual enemies. And one of those, Satan, will do all he can to con us into thinking that the wisdom of the world (our second enemy) is superior and more appealing than the essence of truth in the Bible. And Satan and the world have devised a way of producing very seductive mechanisms for gleaning information in great volumes, most of which will only lead us away from THE TRUTH we really need in life – which, again, is found in the Bible. Think of all the devices these days which are out there in the world drawing our attention away from God’s truth … TV, the Internet, I-phones, I-pads, I-whatevers. And isn’t interesting that all of the latter ones begin with the letter “I,” showing us where the focus of all these mind altering devices really is – on self, which is really our worst spiritual enemy.
If we don’t make a decision to discipline ourselves to consume God’s word, taking it in with such motivation to let God transform us and move us away from Satan, the world, and our own flesh, we will become “I” junkies; and we will miss out on the one source of truth which can allow us to become productive and fruitful Christians. I know it’s not alluring to use a computer to dig into the mine of God’s mind; but it will be far more productive that using that same device to glean knowledge from the ploys of Satan in such mind altering ventures as gaming, pornography, or even worldly education.
Yes, a computer and the internet can actually become mining tools into God’s word; but the belief just has to be there to understand that the mine we need to be digging into is God’s word … not some mind-numbing place like pornography or in the news of the day from the world. I had a friend that believed that the key to his mental, emotional, and spiritual future could be found in the out-working of what Paul taught, from God’s inspiration, in Romans 12: 1 – 2; and to that I would add God’s lesson to Joshua [and all of us] in Joshua 1: 8. Hopefully you know these truths by heart; but if not go back and mediate on the direction to which they are leading; and you will learn of God leading us to use His word, … consuming it as the lover of Psalm 119 taught … so as to let God’s Spirit conform us into the image of our Lord and Savior, … Jesus, the Christ.
But each of us has to decide to pursue God’s truth through His word for His purposes; and that takes time and mind-altering discipline. Are you one who will follow me – as I’m attempting to learn/teach here – in doing this? If you do, you’re going to find what I have found; and you’ll become addicted to the pursuit of the true riches found in God’s word.
My Prayer for Today: Take me deep, Lord, into Your mind as I mine for the wisdom You have there for all willing to dig after it. Amen
Saturday, April 03, 2010
2010 – April 3 – Wearing the Ephod
Blogger Bill's Note: I am late posting this entry today because my computer has gone "haywire," and I cannot access internet from my PC. My laptop is also off for repair. Therefore, I had to go to my local library, where, PTL, I could get computer access to post this devotional entry and remain accountable as well as to have the satisfaction of sharing what God shared with me, through His word, this morning. Blessings in Christ and may you have a glorious Easter celebration!!! <'BB><
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Study from God’s Word…1st Samuel 22: 6 – 23; Psalm 52; 1st Samuel 23: 1 – 14; Psalm 63; 1st Samuel 23: 15 – 25; Psalm 54; 1st Samuel 23: 26 – 1st Samuel 24 – 22; Psalm 57 … Passage for Reflection: 1st Samuel 23: 9, 11 … NIV When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar, the priest, “Bring the ephod.” David said, “… Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the LORD said, “He will”
My Journal for Today: God truly had interesting and sometimes seemingly occult ways of communicating with people He favored in the times of Saul and David; and the use of the “Ephod” was one of these ways of communicating His will to the likes of a David, who was in search for God’s ways of escaping Saul’s tormenting pursuit.
When you’re under the gun, stressed out, or almost desperate for God’s will or trying to find the LORD’S ways, how do you do it? What is your “ephod?”
Certainly Dr. Smith, in his devotional for today, is right when he discusses two methods of seeking God, methods which replace – for the post-modern Christian - what the “ephod” apparently was for David. And these two are prayer and the access to God’s truth through His word. And I believe it is a combination of using both of these “ephods” which can lead Christians to find God’s will. And a personal note of witness: What I’m about to give you – my “ephods” – have been powerful for me through all these years of my Christian experience.
In fact there are a number of passages of Scripture which I use, and rely upon, giving me guidance in seeking God’s will and His ways when I’m in a quandary.
This first is Prov. 3: 5-6, which I really hope you have memorized, declaring the truth that our trust in God will direct our paths in life. If we don’t trust God – especially through His word – we’re never going to determine His will or be able to follow His way. And so, in the light of that truth and Psalm 119: 105, which declares that God’s word will light my path when I’m in some degree of darkness, I know that I can go to God’s word and find HIS way.
I also know that because of the declared truth of 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17, that all of Scripture, as we know it ( both Old and New Testament) is God breathed and will give me all I need, in its complete truth, in carrying out every good work for God’s glory. So, admonished by that truth and James 1: 5-6, I doggedly seek out the mind of God which is found in His word, in order to use it as my “ephod” in the way David used that priestly vestige to find God’s will.
And one final scriptural truth – at least for me – has never failed me in helping to find God’s way for me through life; and that is Phil. 4: 6-7, which tells us to avoid worry, taking all things to the Lord in prayer, and seeking after His peace as the way for us to determine whether He has given His blessing to any leaning [i.e., direction] we may have. As I said, my trust in all of these Scriptural truths has always been my “ephod” in life; and I hope you have yours from God’s word and through prayer which guides you as well.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, Your truth lights my way; and You’re always willing to show me Your light when I seek it. Amen
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Study from God’s Word…1st Samuel 22: 6 – 23; Psalm 52; 1st Samuel 23: 1 – 14; Psalm 63; 1st Samuel 23: 15 – 25; Psalm 54; 1st Samuel 23: 26 – 1st Samuel 24 – 22; Psalm 57 … Passage for Reflection: 1st Samuel 23: 9, 11 … NIV When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar, the priest, “Bring the ephod.” David said, “… Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the LORD said, “He will”
My Journal for Today: God truly had interesting and sometimes seemingly occult ways of communicating with people He favored in the times of Saul and David; and the use of the “Ephod” was one of these ways of communicating His will to the likes of a David, who was in search for God’s ways of escaping Saul’s tormenting pursuit.
When you’re under the gun, stressed out, or almost desperate for God’s will or trying to find the LORD’S ways, how do you do it? What is your “ephod?”
Certainly Dr. Smith, in his devotional for today, is right when he discusses two methods of seeking God, methods which replace – for the post-modern Christian - what the “ephod” apparently was for David. And these two are prayer and the access to God’s truth through His word. And I believe it is a combination of using both of these “ephods” which can lead Christians to find God’s will. And a personal note of witness: What I’m about to give you – my “ephods” – have been powerful for me through all these years of my Christian experience.
In fact there are a number of passages of Scripture which I use, and rely upon, giving me guidance in seeking God’s will and His ways when I’m in a quandary.
This first is Prov. 3: 5-6, which I really hope you have memorized, declaring the truth that our trust in God will direct our paths in life. If we don’t trust God – especially through His word – we’re never going to determine His will or be able to follow His way. And so, in the light of that truth and Psalm 119: 105, which declares that God’s word will light my path when I’m in some degree of darkness, I know that I can go to God’s word and find HIS way.
I also know that because of the declared truth of 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17, that all of Scripture, as we know it ( both Old and New Testament) is God breathed and will give me all I need, in its complete truth, in carrying out every good work for God’s glory. So, admonished by that truth and James 1: 5-6, I doggedly seek out the mind of God which is found in His word, in order to use it as my “ephod” in the way David used that priestly vestige to find God’s will.
And one final scriptural truth – at least for me – has never failed me in helping to find God’s way for me through life; and that is Phil. 4: 6-7, which tells us to avoid worry, taking all things to the Lord in prayer, and seeking after His peace as the way for us to determine whether He has given His blessing to any leaning [i.e., direction] we may have. As I said, my trust in all of these Scriptural truths has always been my “ephod” in life; and I hope you have yours from God’s word and through prayer which guides you as well.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, Your truth lights my way; and You’re always willing to show me Your light when I seek it. Amen
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