THE BEST TIME TO ATTEND CHURCH!

THE BEST TIME TO ATTEND CHURCH!

Heb 10:22-25 KJV

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

          It happens with frustrating regularity. Self proclaimed theologians walk away from one local church and into the foyer of another because their personal perception of things has been challenged! Some long held, but wrong, doctrine has been proven to be in error by biblical preaching. Instead of making the appropriate change in their thinking they change to a congregation and a preacher that agrees with or will tolerate their error. As a result they never grow and expand in their knowledge of the truth. Like tiny feet bound in the ancient oriental fashion, they gradually make themselves spiritual cripples and must constantly be carried.

          Just as frustrating to watch is the parade of those who abandon God when it would seem they might need him most. Perhaps their financial situation has gone sour and they are embarrassed by financial failure. Instead of running to God they run away. Perhaps their marriage is suffering turmoil but instead of running to God they run away. Many such problems might be relieved by biblical teaching and Christian fellowship but those most hungry refuse to come to the banquet. It is incomprehensible! It flies in the face of all logic!

          “The Day” is approaching! That day is the day when the Lord returns to rapture His saints and pour retribution on sinners. Oh yes, that day is at the door (Matt. 24:33). Now is the best time to attend church.

Dear Lord, thank you for the fellowship of the church. AMEN

WOUNDED BY FRIENDS!

WOUNDED BY FRIENDS!

Zech 13:6 KJV

6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

          Zechariah prophetically commented upon the spike scars in the hands of Messiah. Like a child crawling into the lap of a father or grandfather and examining his rough hands he asks: “how did you get those scars?” Jesus answers that it happened in the house of his friends. That is hard for me to hear and to receive because friends should not wound one another. Another prophet helps us to understand.

Isa 53:4-5 KJV

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

          He has always been my friend but I have not always been his friend. The wounds happened when I was lost and estranged from him. One hand held the spike and the other the hammer. In my foolishness I nailed him and in His friendship he took away my transgressions. In my anger and frustration I whipped him and in His friendship He healed all my diseases. I wept till I could not see and he bore my grief and carried my sorrow. I cast upon Him all my distraught disapproval and he gave me His peace.

          Like a little child I am now able to crawl up into His lap and say “Abba, Father, do those scars still hurt?” In my own childlike way, I know I put them there. I am overcome by remorse but He smiles and draws me close and says: “Hush, child, for those scars made you my own.”

Sweet Jesus, I am so sorry for your scars. Thank you for adopting me. I don’t want to hurt you anymore. AMEN

ARE YOU A PILLAR?

ARE YOU A PILLAR?

Gal 2:9 KJV

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

          Paul and Barnabas had gone to Jerusalem a second time to meet with the leaders there because there were some who had questioned Paul’s ministry. We see this in verses 4 through 6. When they arrived they saw James, Cephas (Peter) and John. It was clear that these were stulos which in the Greek means “to stiffen” or the base of a post or a support. They just stood out in their leadership. It was obvious. What caused these three to be so prominent?

          First, I think Peter, James and John had spent some very special times with Jesus. These three saw him transfigured in Matthew 17:1, 2. These three had been invited to “watch” while the rest slept as Jesus sweat great drops of blood in prayer. Yes, these three were the inner circle but for us there are the following considerations.

1.     Pillars must be solid! They must be made of firm stuff for they will be called upon to bear a heavy load. I think one of the things incumbent upon a pillar is that he be able to ignore his own concerns and replace those with the concerns of the church.

2.     Pillars must be upright! Any bend or twist in character will result in a fault when the earth begins to rumble beneath them. A pillar must not lean.

3.     Pillars need a sure foundation! The “Rock of Ages” is recommended for a sure footing.

I am pleased to have many “pillars” in our local church. These are men and women who are rock solid and dependable. I can count on them. Many times they are so dependable as to be taken for granted, ignored or little thanked. Yet they remain steadfast because they are not seeking recognition but stability.

Heb 6:10 KJV

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Dear Lord, honor all those today who honor you. AMEN

THE CALL IS TO ALL!

THE CALL IS TO ALL!

Rom 10:12-15 KJV

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

          Our annual Mission Conference is only a few days away and I find myself telling the Lord the same thing I have told Him for many years. “I am available!” If God wants me on the mission field I am willing to go. In fact there are a couple of fields to which I would quickly go but God will not release me from my present calling.

          Here Paul argues the case for missions. First, he says that there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek. In the thinking of Paul’s audience there were Jews and then everyone else. We sort the masses in even smaller segments. We see all the differences of color and continent but Paul says the same Lord is rich unto all that call upon him.

          When Paul was in Greece he discovered a very religious people who worshipped multiple deities including one they simply called “The Unknown God.” Paul argues from result to cause! Belief is essential before calling upon the Lord but first the message must be presented and heard (Romans 10:17).

          Logically, Paul says they can’t hear without a preacher and there can be no preacher unless he is sent. We can go even further and say that there can be no sending unless there is a sending authority and agency providing prayer, resources and support.

          Are you involved in missionary work? Are you available for going and telling? Are you passionate in praying for those who actually go? Are you willing to buy shares in the souls of men?

Dear Lord, as Isaiah said long ago, “Here am I, send me!” AMEN

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME!

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME!

Mark 6:34-36 KJV

34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

Mark 8:3 KJV

3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

          Ours is a busy and self absorbed world. The disciples, like me, were annoyed by the pressing crowds. Sometimes needy people can tax your resources and your patience. These are people just getting by from day to day and they are searching for some relief. These are people with whom I have little in common and they seem to want something precious from me. They want my time.

          One of the curious characteristics of Jesus was that He never seemed to be in a hurry. He took, or rather gave, time to the poor, the thirsty, the weary and the hungry. When a woman touched his garment he stopped, turned around, made contact with the woman and confirmed her healing. While sitting by Jacob’s well in Samaria, Jesus took, or rather gave, time to a woman who others had long ignored. He asked of her a drink so that he could share with her the water of life. When a blind beggar kept shouting out to him he stopped and paid attention.

Mark 10:46-49 KJV

46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

          Jesus stood still! I like that. He was stopped in his tracks by the need of this completely insignificant person. He was arrested by the person himself. Jesus gave the gift of time. How can you share time today? Perhaps you could visit an elderly and lonely person and just listen to them talk. Spend time playing with a child or visit someone in the hospital. Give the gift of time.

Dear Lord, today will be as busy as other days but help me to really pay attention to others and give the gift of time. AMEN

MERCY AND PEACE!

MERCY AND PEACE!

Ps 85:10 KJV

10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

          We need mercy. There is something lacking in us and God, who has a limitless store is both able and willing to provide relief. Mercy grows out of compassion and is manifested in real benefit. Such was the actions of the “good” Samaritan.

Luke 10:33-35 KJV

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

"Wherever the words mercy and peace are found together they occur in that order, except in Gal 6:16. Mercy is the act of God, peace is the resulting experience in the heart of man. Grace describes God's attitude toward the lawbreaker and the rebel; mercy is His attitude toward those who are in distress."

From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 340, 341.

(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

2 John 3 KJV

3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Dear Lord, many who read these words today will need your mercy. Give them both mercy and peace. AMEN

CAST ON THE RIGHT SIDE!

CAST ON THE RIGHT SIDE!

John 21:3-11 KJV

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, and hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

          Jesus had died, been buried and had risen. The hope of a quick dispatch of the Romans and a glorious restoration of an earthly kingdom had faded. Peter, who had been called away from his fishing to follow Jesus, had not been fishing commercially for about three years. Now, perhaps in a fit of despair, Peter makes a decision to return to the trade and others quickly follow his lead.

          They had fished unsuccessfully because they had cast on the wrong side of the ship. Now, that sounds silly! How can the left side be the wrong side? It was the wrong side because it was done in abandoning their call to follow Christ. Enterprises conducted in rebellion or abandonment are difficult and unproductive because they lack the blessing of God. They caught nothing.

          The voice of Jesus on the shore skipped along the water like a flat stone and reached the ears of the weary fishers. It was a simple question that asked whether their labor was productive. Their answer was a short and probably brusque “NO”! Try to feel the emotion and physical weariness of these skilled fishermen who had lost their edge while following a dream. “No! Nothing seems to be going well for us!” Then they cast on the right side of the ship and caught so many their nets began to break.

          Something either in the voice or the ridiculous command caused John to say: “It is the Lord!” Our truancy from our call has been discovered. Peter, fishing naked, put on clothes and swam the short distance to shore. Perhaps Peter swam to shore to “explain” why they had returned to their former lives. It seems certain that Peter encountered Jesus before the rest arrived and secured the boat and the fish. It was an uncomfortable meeting.

          What follows shortly is a breakfast of fish and questions. Jesus addresses the questions to Peter both because he was the leader and because he was more culpable in the despondent departure from ministry. Three times Jesus asks Peter if he loved him. Three times Peter responds with great admiration. Three times Peter is commanded to return to the feeding of Christ’s human flock instead of fishing.

          Our world is growing increasingly wicked as Christ predicted it would. The result is spiritual weariness, despair and frustration. Do not surrender to the temptation to retreat, retire or return to your former life.

Gal 6:9 KJV

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Dear Lord, many of your children are soul weary. The world is an evil place and we feel unwelcome in it. Help us to remain faithful to you. AMEN

MENDING THEIR NETS!

MENDING THEIR NETS!

Matt 4:21 KJV

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

          Do you ever feel as if the nets of your life need mending? Do you feel worn, frayed and full of holes? Sometimes you just have to stop fishing and mend the nets because they have become ineffective. But how do the nets become damaged?

Ø     Nets are broken by the ordinary wear and tear of fishing. They get worn out here and there by the rough handling of the day.

Ø     There is no reason to think these are bad nets. They were produced by the finest maker. There is no reason to curse them or to replace them. They just need to be mended.

Ø     Fishing is rough work at best and the handling of the tackle never gentle. Parts of the net wear away and break.

Ø     Sometimes sharp objects will cut the nets. The net has caught that which should never have been caught.

Ø     The most satisfying reason for the nets to break is because of the abundance of the catch! But though the reason is gratifying the nets are still broken and need mending.

Ø     Jesus is the net mender. The work of mending nets requires great skill. He knows how we are made and remembers how frail we really are.

Ø     Mending nets requires that the fishing momentarily cease. Once mended, the net can do a much better job.

If we bring him our lives, rent and ragged, He will mend them and make them perfect once again. It may require that we stop what has caused the wear and tear but only for a while. For those engaged in the rough task of fishing periods of rest and net mending is a necessity.

Mic 7:8 KJV

8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

Dear Lord, for all your children who today feel a bit worn and torn, mend them please. AMEN

GRACE HATH APPEARED BRINGING SALVATION!

GRACE HATH APPEARED BRINGING SALVATION!

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

This is another of my favorite portions of scripture. It makes you think. It stretches your mind. It begins with grace and ends with works! Maybe that’s the way it should be!

In the English New Testament grace is always a translation of (charis), a word that occurs in the Greek text over 170 times and in both Biblical and secular Greek it is used with far more meanings than can be represented by any one term in English. But the word has abundant use in secular Greek in the sense of unmerited favor, and Paul seized on this meaning of the word to express a fundamental characteristic of Christianity.

n     International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.

For the Apostle Paul, GRACE was defined by experience.

Acts 9:1-5

9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].  AMPLIFIED

Paul’s spiritual and emotional condition remained vile and violent. He travelled with evil authority, letters from the high priest. He was obsessed with a wicked intent, to bring believers into captivity. SUDDENLY, and without any initiation of goodness on his part, the resurrected and glorified Jesus met Paul and CHANGED him forever. That is grace!

But our original portion ends with the words… a peculiar people, zealous of good works. What about that? How do we reconcile the seemingly opposite aspects of grace and works? Well, one is the prod and the other is the product!

Put on your thinking cap because Adam Clarke explains it this way.

Jesus gave his life for the world, and thus has purchased men unto himself; and, having purchased the slaves from their thralldom, he is represented as stripping them of their sordid vestments, cleansing and purifying them unto himself that they may become his own servants, and bringing them out of their dishonorable and oppressive servitude, in which they had no proper motive to diligence and could have no affection for the despot under whose authority they were employed. Thus redeemed, they now become his willing servants, and are zealous of good works-affectionately attached to that noble employment which is assigned to them by that Master whom it is an inexpressible honour to serve.

n     Adam Clarke's Commentary

More simply put – Jesus purchased us away from a cruel and abusive master, cleaned us up, healed our wounds of abuse and gave us honorable assignments. What servant would not joyfully engage in labor for such a kind Master as Jesus? So, beginning with GRACE we engage in WORKS.

Dear Lord, thank you for purchasing me away from a cruel task master and giving me duties that are a joy to perform! AMEN

THERE IS A RIVER!

THERE IS A RIVER!

Ps 46:4 KJV

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Rev 22:1-3 KJV

22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

          What John saw in Revelation chapter 22, Ezekiel also recorded in his 47^th chapter. An angelic guide gave Ezekiel a grand tour of the city of God and the river which issued from under the threshold is a prominent feature. To the people of the arid region of Israel water is a great treasure. The character of this river is pure, clear as crystal, and it may be enjoyed as much as needed.

          This river is emblematic of God’s peace. While the sea rages and casts up mire and flotsam this river is still and deep. The mind can imagine a resting place with cool green grassy banks upon which to lounge unmolested by any trouble. He leads us beside the still waters and makes us to lie down in this green grass. This river is the peace of God’s fulfilled purpose. Every puzzle piece is securely in place and there is no question that languishes without an answer. This kind of peace is not to be found in this world except in brief moments.

          It is this kind of peace, a river of peace, which believers look forward to. We are going to that city. Here the heathen rage and mobs rant and violence fills the streets. Unsatisfied men wound and kill each other but they are unsatisfied still. On that peaceful shore there is no want or need that has not been bountifully fulfilled. There the soul rests by the river. There the nations are healed by the medicine of the leaves of the trees.

2 Thess 1:7 KJV

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

Dear Lord, give your own peace to those who are troubled today. May they enjoy peace like a river. AMEN

DO IT NOW!

DO IT NOW!

Heb 3:12-15 KJV

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Prov 27:1 KJV

27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

          I am constantly being asked to pray for one thing or another. I always plant to set aside some time to pray but am also surprised at how the list grows to an unmanageable size. I should do it now! In fact whenever a person asks me to pray for them what would hurt if we simply paused and prayed right now; on the spot?

          Many of us have great plans for tomorrow. Why, tomorrow is going to be a very busy day but also a very great day. Challenges will be met head on – tomorrow. We will bask in the warm glow of accomplishment – tomorrow. Great gains will be made – tomorrow. Why not do it now?

          Regarding the soul, we have no guarantee of another tomorrow. Our life is a vapor, a morning fog, that seems thick and full of substance but fades when the sun rises high.

Acts 24:25 KJV

25 And as he [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Dear Lord, give me the strength of character to do today’s business today. AMEN

GUARD YOUR WORDS!

GUARD YOUR WORDS!

Matt 22:15-22 KJV

15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

          The Pharisees, strict adherents to the law and personal representatives of staunch Judaism, were present to hear Jesus say it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar. If this is what Jesus would say it would strengthen their position against the Son of God. The Herodians were there to hear Jesus say that it was not lawful to pay tribute. If Jesus said these words then he would be condemned for rebellion and tax evasion.

Herod was at this very time at Jerusalem, whither he had come to hold the passover. Jesus, being of Nazareth, which was in Herod's jurisdiction, was considered as his subject. Herod himself was extremely attached to the Roman emperor, and made a public profession of it: all these considerations engaged the Pharisees to unite the Herodians, who, as the Syriac intimates, were the domestics of Herod, in this infernal plot. (From Adam Clarke's Commentary)

          Jesus created both the mind and the tongue and He used them with great skill. The penny bore the stamp of Caesar and should be returned to him but all things belonged to God. Religious involvement in civil issues are always a danger because both Pharisees and Herodians are always standing by.

Col 4:6 KJV

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Dear Lord, give me your wisdom today in answering questions. AMEN

WHERE IS HE THIS MORNING?

WHERE IS HE THIS MORNING?

It is often true that the God I love seems to have taken the day off. He is far away from me or, if He is near, has chosen to sit silently by while I pray. He sometimes gives no indication that He is with me.

For the careless there would be no need or reason to search for Him but for the lover there can be no calm of soul until He is found and communion restored. Such is the occasion of the maiden in Solomon’s Song.

Song 3:2

2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

The Commentary of Keil & Delitzsch suggests that this is a dream since such a night search would have been immodest for a maiden. She is not searching with feet and eyes but with her whole heart. There is such a longing for him that her sleep is disturbed.

The maiden is a type of the church because she is the “bride” and longs to be joined to her husband, Christ. Oh, how dry is the church where Christ is not evidently felt. Yet Christ allows this apparent absence to test the church’s love. Do we continue in formal and unsatisfying ritual or do we fall upon our faces and beg for His presence and power? The answer reveals the true heart of that church. If we seek Him we will find Him when we search for Him with all our heart.

Song 3:4

4 It was but a little [I hadn’t searched long or far] that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go…

Ps 63:1

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; AMEN

IT’S STILL GRACE!

IT’S STILL GRACE!

Rom 11:6

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Rom 4:4-8

4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Here is how the Amplified New Testament reads.

Rom 4:4-5

4 Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).

5 But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God). AMP

"Grace" in this sense is an attitude on God's part that proceeds entirely from within Himself, and that is conditioned in no way by anything in the objects of His favor.

n     From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.

Titus 3:3-7

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes [were once thoughtless and misled] foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Expanding a bit on the difference between WORKS or LABOR and GRACE we can conclude that grace brings what Jesus called “soul rest.”

Matt 11:28-29

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Jesus invited those of His day who were entangled in a system of “duties for favor” to come to Him, to exchange their heavy burden of keeping laws and ordinances for His own easy yoke. It was a new concept and would have to be learned and reviewed often because it is contrary to our nature. The end result would be “rest unto your souls.”

Soul rest never excuses sin because grace has appeared! Paul felt compelled to correct this error. Some of the Romans, thinking that they understood grace, concluded that if they continued to sin it would strengthen the working of grace in their lives and honor God as the giver of grace. Their thinking was severely flawed.

Rom 5:20

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Rom 6:1-2

6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Dear Lord, today I will work for you not because I must but because I can. Thank you for your amazing grace! AMEN

YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT!

YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT!

Gen 4:8-10 KJV

8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Eccl 8:11 KJV

11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Num 32:23 KJV

Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

          I suppose that Cain thought he had not only satisfied his anger by spilling his brother’s blood but that he had safely disposed of all the evidence. But Abel was missing and there was no one to watch his flock while Cain tilled his garden. Moreover, there was an insolent edge to the response of Cain.

          The consequences of a person’s sin are often felt by others rather than himself.  A husband bears the burden of a wife who spends more than he earns. She spends. He is in debt. The prodigal reveled in riotous living while the anxious father mourned the loss of both son and fortune but the pig pen was waiting for the son.

          God absolutely forbids that sin go unpunished. The Supreme Authority of the universe gave his only Son as a sacrifice and a substitute for sin. Sin will either be punished at the cross or at the judgment. There is appointed a day of retribution and, though sin remain hidden for a lifetime, the end of life will declare it and demand payment.

          Charles Haddon Spurgeon once said: “Coals of fire cannot be concealed beneath the most sumptuous apparel, they will betray themselves with smoke and flame. Neither can pet sins be long hidden beneath the most ostentatious profession of faith; they will sooner or later discover themselves, and burn sad holes in a person's reputation. Sin needs quenching in the Savior's blood, not concealing under the garb of religion.”

Ps 90:8 KJV

8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

Heb 4:13 KJV

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Dear Lord, forgive us of our sins and remind us that we can’t hide them from you. AMEN

WHAT KIND OF LOVE?

WHAT KIND OF LOVE?

John 11:1-6 KJV

11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

          This section of scripture is rich with information. Here we learn of Bethany, “the house of dates,” so named because of the beautiful date palms that were plentiful there. It has come to be known as el-Azariyeh or “place of Lazarus.” It sits on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives about two miles from Jerusalem. It was a place of safety and retreat for Jesus.

          Next we learn a bit of history about Mary in verse two. Mary was the very one who poured out the expensive ointment and then wiped the Lord’s feet with her hair. She was more inclined to sit at those anointed feet than to rattle in the kitchen with her sister Martha.

          The next bit of information is learned only by checking on the specific meaning of the word “LOVE.” In verse three we see that a message was sent to Jesus which said: “Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick.” The word “lovest” here is the Greek word phileo which indicates a fondness for a friend.

          In a teaching moment for the disciples, Jesus explained in verse four that Lazarus’ sickness was not unto death but for the purpose of glorifying the Son of God. With that statement made the disciples probably thought Jesus would go immediately to heal Lazarus but that was not the case. Jesus lingered where he was for another two days. What kind of love was this?

          Again in verse five we must check the original language for the specific meaning of the word “LOVE.” Whereas in verse three it was said that Jesus loved, or was friends with, Lazarus, now we learn that Jesus loved these three with the highest form of love. The love of verse five is agape love. He loved Mary for her devotion, Martha for her service and Lazarus for providing a safe place for him but this love was the love that issued forth from God. This was redemptive love.

          It is this love relationship that makes verse six so hard to understand. Why would Jesus linger and lounge about for an additional two days while Lazarus was sick? Because the raising of Lazarus is so familiar we already have our answer. But what about the strange actions of those whom we love and those who love us? Are there times when it seems that their actions do not match the love they claim to have for us? Yet love waits for the answer. Love holds things together that do not make sense.

John 15:9 KJV

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Dear Lord, in those times when your actions are hard to understand, I know that you love me. AMEN

NO BEAUTY!

NO BEAUTY!

Isa 53:1-6 KJV

53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

          Yesterday we mentioned Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth which, in the Hebrew, means “a shoot” or “a sprout.” I find that interesting in light of verse 2 above. The seed of the woman, the tender plant and root out of a dry ground, grew up in a town whose name means sprout. How intricate is the Lord in communicating His mind to us.

          Today we see that Jesus was ordinary! In all the art work that depicts Him there is an attempt to make him stand out visually. He stands taller, more physically perfect and handsome than any others in the crowd. We can pick out Jesus in any painting or film we see. Often there is a halo of glory around his sweet head. Even as an infant on the straw he is depicted as glowing and his tiny hand poised in that strange blessing posture of thumb touching the fourth finger. But Isaiah says that we probably would not be able to pick him out of a crowd. He was ordinary. Isaiah does not use the word ugly but he rejects the word “beauty.”

          There is a spurious letter by Publius Lentulus written to Emperor Tiberius that describes the beauty of Jesus but it is generally rejected. No, I think Jesus was very ordinary. Most of us are a bit uncomfortable in the presence of great beauty as if we have no right to share the same space with one whose features are so perfect and fair. I think Jesus was ordinary.

Phil 2:6-8 KJV

6 [HE], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Thank you, Jesus that you were made like me so that I might be made like you! AMEN