THE CHILDREN OF KORAH!

THE CHILDREN OF KORAH!

Ps 84

Psalms 84:1 To the chief Musician upon Git'-tith, A Psalm for the sons of Ko'rah.

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

           This psalm is long but not too long to include because I wanted you to see the things that are contained in it. It is written like a proverb with snippets of truth like spiritual coupons clipped from some paper. They are very valuable. If you look closely you can see some of those that we have clipped and saved.

           In Numbers chapter 16 we learn that there were three main rebels in the insurrection to return to Egypt, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The earth opened up and swallowed them but the children of Korah were spared. “Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.” (Num 26:11) The family of Korah entered Israel with the rest and it seems that they were employed in the temple, perhaps as porters or doorkeepers. Second Chronicles 20:19 also indicates that they were singers. So this was a song for them regarding the temple.

           They had been spared by providence. Worthy of death yet alive, they developed a longing for the God who had spared them. They yearned to be “in church.” Verse 2 says: “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” It is the same with those of us who have been redeemed. There is a deep seated desire to be where the Word of God is preached, where songs and hymns are sung, and where God’s people congregate. I am highly suspect of those who claim to have been “spared” but have no such desire. I feel sorry for them! They have failed to receive something very special.

           Passing through the Valley of Baca, (see verse 6) they found that God provided refreshment. He made it a well and the rains filled the pools. Baca means “valley of weeping.” God had turned their sorrow into joy. They were children of the condemned yet they lived to serve and sing!

Dear Lord, let me serve and sing all the day long. AMEN

FIRM CONVICTIONS MAY COST!

FIRM CONVICTIONS MAY COST!

Eph 6:11-13

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Luke 21:14-17

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

           We live in a day when doctrinal anomalies are tolerated in many places. It is now fashionable to applaud the cooperation of those of varying beliefs. Those who demand adherence to doctrinal purity are strongly resisted. Jude indicated that there would be contention and struggle for orthodox faith. Struggle assumes opposing parties.

           The temptation to make essential things inconsequential is great. Perhaps a pastor will be tempted to install a talented leader who holds deviant doctrines because he needs the talent. He hopes that the doctrinal damage will be minimal and that the talent will help him to build his church. This is seldom the result.

           Firm resolve to adhere to doctrinal purity and godly character comes with a price. Friends and acquaintances may walk away from you branding you as intolerant and this age will tolerate anything but intolerance. Refusal to recant or ignore essential doctrines and moral principles may bar you from the highest associations but you will be in good stead with God.

Stand therefore because it will matter greatly at the judgment! You will not be asked regarding your popularity but your purity.

2 Cor 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Dear Lord, give me the courage to hold firmly to my convictions that I may be well pleasing to you. AMEN

ARE WE THERE YET?

ARE WE THERE YET?

1 Thess 5:1-6

5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

As a child, I’m sure that I drove my folks a bit crazy asking “are we there yet?” Family vacations were usually a trip “down home” since we lived in Cincinnati and were headed to Tennessee to visit relatives. It became a familiar trip and landmarks were memorized and excitedly anticipated. One such landmark was a log cabin style restaurant with a gold fish pond outside. I can’t tell you why, but that is still vivid in my mind to this day. Old highway 27 wound its way through the Kentucky hills and we anxiously anticipated the stop at this favorite spot. “Are we there yet?” we would ask. Usually the response was, “no, but it won’t be long!”

As the road of life winds its way through the hills we can make out familiar landmarks along the way. We see the wickedness of man increasing, wars and rumors of war everywhere, and an electric sense that something is about to happen. Our soul cries out to the Heavenly Father, “Are we there yet?” and His response is “No, but it won’t be long!”

We look forward to the refreshment along the way and ultimately the reunion with family members. Dear believer, it won’t be long! Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Dear Lord, we can sense that your return is near. Even so, come quickly. AMEN

THE CARNAL MIND!

THE CARNAL MIND!

Rom 8:5-7

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

           Even the professing believer can display what Paul calls a carnal mind which is a desire and pursuit of those things that please the flesh. It is a mindset that is void of soul and spirit and even the practices of religion tend toward the comfort of the senses. A person who consistently thinks like this is often at odds with God, even though he claims to serve God. When the church body votes “yea” he casts a vote in the negative even though he can’t give a good reason. He is simply not submitted to the thoughts and ways of the God he claims to serve. A case in point is the objection of Judas at the anointing of Jesus.

John 12:1-8

12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

           Judas, had he been in the right frame of mind, would have applauded this worshipful act but because his focus was on the value of the ointment he could not find any pleasure in the anointing. Mary, on the other hand, could only think of her Savior and his sacrifice for her. The value of the ointment, which was great, was not in her thinking. She displayed a spiritual mind; a mind in tune with the spirit.

Dear Lord, let me not consider my ointment as precious but let me pour it out in worship. AMEN

ON SECOND THOUGHT!

ON SECOND THOUGHT!

Isa 6:8-11

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate…

           Isaiah had seen the Lord in his glory and the light of that glory revealed his sin and shame. He was brought under a deep conviction of his sin. But then cleansing was applied from the sacrifice. Now, being in right relationship with God, he was able to perceive the heart of God.

           He overheard the Godhead ponder the need for a messenger and he eagerly volunteered. Perhaps Isaiah imagined that he would be able to turn the hearts of the people back to God. Perhaps there would be a great revival and he would see great success for his preaching. But it was not to be! No, Isaiah was to go and tell but they would not understand; they would not see nor perceive. They just wouldn’t “get it!”

           Isaiah now realizes he had just volunteered for a task that would be unsatisfying and wearisome. He would preach and nothing would happen; nothing would change. He could not rescind his offer but perhaps he could negotiate the terms. He asks: “Lord, how long?”

           The program of God is not always what we prefer. Like Isaiah, we are ministering in a time of great spiritual ignorance. We preach and nothing happens. People just don’t seem to “get it.” They will come to hear but they will not understand. The purposes of God are not our own. We do not always move from victory to victory but are sometimes called to a monotonous sameness that makes us clock watchers praying for an end to it.

           Verse 13 gives Isaiah enough encouragement to keep going. So we preach the truth not because people will understand but because it is the truth. We do right not because it is popular but because it is right. We persevere because it is His program and not our own.

The call of God upon the life of Paul was this…

Acts 26:16-18

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Dear Lord, let me be a faithful witness. Open the eyes and ears and hearts of those that hear that they might be converted. AMEN

GLORYING IN THE CROSS!

GLORYING IN THE CROSS!

Gal 6:14-15

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

1 Cor 2:1-2

2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

           He who is not clothed with humility will soon uncover his nakedness. God hates pride and will frustrate every attempt to promote oneself above the glory of the cross. The simple preaching of the cross has made able men of many a dullard.

           Paul certainly had much that would set him above the common man. You will find a short pedigree in the third chapter of the book to the Philippians. He was well born and well educated but he determined to know nothing but “Christ and Him crucified!” If we read the above verses slowly enough we will see why.

1. The Cross puts man in right relationship with the world!

           Paul said that the cross had crucified the world to him and had crucified him to the world. The cross ended Paul’s partnership with the world. Since the Cross the world was unfriendly to Paul and he was uncomfortable in it.

2. The Cross puts man in right relationship with himself!

           Paul spent considerable time explaining himself to the Corinthian church. Again and again he addresses the topic of glory. He was convinced that his training and upbringing would serve him well only if he focused on the cross of Christ.

Rom 12:3

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

3. The Cross puts man in right relationship with the Lord!

           This is, of course, the most important relationship. Paul said that “in Christ” neither circumcision (Judaism) nor uncircumcision (being a gentile) gives a man any advantage. All have sinned and come short of the glory (there is that word again) of God. The Jews have sinned being Jews and the gentiles have sinned as well. There is none that doeth good, no not one!

1 Cor 1:17-19

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Dear Lord, let your cross define my relationship with the world, with myself and with you. AMEN

HE SHALL SUSTAIN THEE!

HE SHALL SUSTAIN THEE!

Ps 55:22

22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

           The word “burden” in this verse is the Hebrew word yehab (ye-hawb) and it means: “properly, what is given (by Providence); your lot. I am reminded that, since it is providentially given, this burden is very personal. It is my burden and not yours. It may be similar to yours in many respects but it is mine alone. No man may carry my burden for he is carrying his own. He may offer a moment of relief but only the Lord can sustain.

           The word “sustain” is the Hebrew kuwl (kool) which means to measure and then to hold or to contain. The idea is that, whatever the burden, He shall make you sufficient for it. We hold out our bowl and our measure is poured out into it and contained.

           We often cry out to God in complaint because of our very own and providentially given lot. We want to drop our load and carry someone else’s burden which appears lighter. Our burden is tailor made for us; measured to perfectly fit our training and our experience but we want to trade our shovel for another man’s rake. Instead we should look to the One who can carry both our burden and us.

2 Cor 12:9-10

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Dear Lord, you have given me a full load and then you pick me up and carry both me and it. Thank you for your sustaining grace. AMEN

A DIFFERENT “3:16”

A DIFFERENT “3:16”

Eccl 3:16-18

16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

           It must first be remembered that the writer of Ecclesiastes is showing us a view through unredeemed eyes. He sees things as they are but does not apply the remedy of redemption until the very last when he says…“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Eccl 12:13-14)

           In this very different “3:16” Solomon observes that judgment is not always just and that righteousness is corrupted by wickedness. Knowledge of the law without the morality from which the law springs is tyranny. Debauchery, he observed, had polluted righteousness. It added a heavy weight to the vanity of life.

           Solomon does not, however, leave us in despair for immediately he says that there is coming a time when God will displace the unrighteous judge and will reveal the wickedness of those who present themselves as righteous. He will judge righteous judgment and will not applaud evil for having done evil well. Our laws preserve whales while killing children! When God sits upon the judgment seat man will then be able to see how beastly he has become.

Even so come, Lord Jesus, and judge righteous judgment. Rule in my heart today. AMEN

MEMORIES OF MY FATHER!

MEMORIES OF MY FATHER!

Eph 6:1-4

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

           June is not only the month in which we find Father’s Day, it is the month in which my own father was both born and died. Dad was born on June 26, 1917 and died on June 21, 2001, just five days short of his 84^th birthday. I miss him.

It is a terrible thing to be “fatherless” even when you are fully grown with children and grand-children of your own. There is a place deep inside where the memory of Dad still dwells. I can go there and review a photo album of memories. I can see how he dressed, how he walked and talked and even how he responded to troubling situations. I can see how he responded to the needs of those less fortunate while at the same time being disgusted at those who simply would not do for themselves. I can choose from the best of his character, sorting out the best of his nature and comparing it with my own. Every now and then I can see huge parts of him in the mirror. Sometimes I turn and stare half expecting him to speak to me.

           Since the commandment is to honor my father, I wonder how I might best do that today. I can’t take him to dinner or go fishing with him. He never was one for receiving gifts. I think the best way to honor my father is to assemble a list of his best qualities and emulate them. Next I think I should assemble a list of his worst qualities and forgive them and reject them.

Dear Lord, since my father is closer to you than me today, would you please give him a hug for me? Thanks!

SUSTAINABLE MISSIONARY ENDEAVOR!

SUSTAINABLE MISSIONARY ENDEAVOR!

Matt 28:18 - 20

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matt 10:7-11

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

           There is a picture in my mind, a snapshot from an old denominational tabloid, of missionaries standing on a dock before a huge ship. These were black and white people in a black and white world; dressed for Sunday school in suits and ties and not in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops. This trip was not a vacation; it was the beginning of a new life. Their belongings were stuffed into a few trunks. “Neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves; because all that they needed would be provided little by little. They would be captured by the Japanese and placed in a prison camp because the world was at war. Why is this snapshot so different from missions today?

           I have been thinking about what I call “sustainable” missionary endeavor. I am convinced that mission work is very PERSONAL and therefore moves at a slower pace than the current crowd gatherers and feeders of thousands. Feeding thousands is not wrong but it is unsustainable. Jesus fed the 5,000 because they were hungry. Some of these same people later joined in the shout to crucify him. Jesus was not a mega-event promoter. Jesus was a missionary and it required his life.

           The plan is not only personal but it is PURPOSEFUL. “As you go, while you are going, preach!” If we want a formula then Jesus gives us one in Matthew 28. We are to GO! Mission is always a going! We are to reach all nations because mission work is one culture reaching another. We are to make disciples and to gather them into indigenous churches. We are to train leaders to become national pastors and then repeat the process again and again. In doing this we build something that will last beyond the missionary himself. This is sustainable mission work.

           Mission trips, as they have come to be called, are not wrong either but it is not sustainable missions. Many valid short term efforts give relief but do not disciple; do not establish churches. Sustainable mission work takes time; requires the investment of a life. In fact I don’t even like the term “career missionary” for it places a time limit on the effort. The missionaries standing on that dock never intended to return.

Dear Jesus, bless those life-long missionaries today. AMEN

ARE YOU EASILY OFFENDED?

ARE YOU EASILY OFFENDED?

Matt 13:20-21

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

           The word “offended” appears 25 times in the Authorized Version. The word “offend” appears another 25 times. Mirriam-Webster says that “to offend” means “to cause discomfort or pain; to hurt; to cause dislike or vexation; to annoy.” The Greek word is skandalizo from which we get our English word “scandal.”

           It is not uncommon for churches to have some members wander away, drop out or switch churches because of some real or perceived offense. Their expectations are not met or their sensibilities are bruised and they begin to distrust and disrespect their pastor or their church or even their God. When tribulation or persecution arises, by and by they are offended.

           It is amazing at how little is required to offend some. These live in “stony places” and the seed of the Word is not well rooted in them; does not go deep. Their relationship with God is of supply and demand. They demand and then expect God to supply. They form an opinion of church that is not realistic and when the church fails to meet their expectations they search for one that fits their model. Some are proud and search for a church that is worthy of them. Some are embarrassed and retreat to a church that is unaware of their situation. Some simply can’t handle the truth when it is strongly delivered. Jesus had similar problems.

Jesus was teaching at Capernaum and the teaching was hard to bear. Some said “this is an hard saying; who can bear it?” Jesus asks what I think is the saddest question in the Bible in verse 67.

John 6:60-61

60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

John 6:66-67

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Trouble tempts us to draw away but truth and trust draws us close! When we are challenged by the truth let us have the courage to inspect our lives and bring ourselves in line with that truth. Let us be humble enough to not let embarrassing things drive us away. Let us be mature enough to remain.

Ps 119:165

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Dear Lord, help me today to abide in your Word so that I will not be offended. AMEN

HE IS THE DOOR KEEPER!

HE IS THE DOOR KEEPER!

Rev 3:7-8

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

           Jesus has the “key of David.” He can open the kingdom to whomever he pleases or keep it shut. If He chooses to open a door then no man can shut it. If he keeps the door closed then no man can open it. I apply that to God’s control of what I might call opportunities.

           I need a doorkeeper who is wise enough to guide me through the most appropriate ones for me. What if I walk through a door that should have been kept closed for me? I would enter a room I should not enter. Two wrongs would be the result of my mistake. First I would be where I should not be and, second, I would not be where I should be. Paul struggled with just such decisions.

Acts 16:7

7 And when they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. AMPLIFIED

           We can only speculate about Paul’s feeling of frustration because his plans had been rejected. God had other things in mind for him. Some of the most frustrating times in my life have been spent standing before closed doors. I wonder what God is planning. Why the delay? My mind understands that God knows best but my spirit often frets. Fortunately we see Paul sufficiently yielded to God’s direction that he was able to abandon his own. Standing before God’s open door he obediently walks through it.

           We can trust God to both open and to close the doors in our life because He is holy and true! The word holy is from the Greek hagios which means physically pure and morally blameless. The word true is from the Greek alethinos which means truthful and not concealing. Whatever God has for me will be morally pure. He will not hide from me anything that should be revealed.

           Today you may approach a closed door but do not try to open it yourself. Wait for the door keeper. If he opens a door for you, even though it may be a door to a mysterious and fearful room, obediently walk through it. He knows what He is doing.

Dear Lord, thank you for keeping the doors of my life. Help me to not fret impatiently before the closed doors. Give me the strength to walk through those doors that you open for me. AMEN

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

John 10:1-4

10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

           Do you like your name? It’s surprising how many people don’t like the name they were given. But God likes your name and has it memorized. When he thinks of you he thinks of you by name! When Moses approached the burning bush on the back side of the desert the voice of God called out to him using his name.

           Today the Creator of Heaven and Earth knows you well. He knows not only your name but He is aware of your location and your circumstances. He knows your pain and what makes you happy. The secrets of your heart are not hidden from Him.

           As we spend time with Him we learn his voice and we learn to trust Him and to follow Him. His daily provision becomes routine. He is not a God far off but a God who is as close as the beating of our heart. He has already paved the way for this day. “When he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them.” (Verse 4)

Dear Lord, thank you for leading the way throughout this day. AMEN

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES!

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES!

Ps 23:5

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

           This verse expresses, through symbolism, great truths. The picture is of a great banquet lavishly prepared by one who is not in the least taxed by the preparations. Every dainty and every delight are present on the table. The enemy is nearby watching but unable to eat from the table because he has been uninvited and unable to reach me with violence because I am safely guarded.

           Today many troubles may come your way but the greater troubles will be kept at bay by a guarding God. You are very blessed by a God who traded His Son’s life for yours. Though you are imperfect you are favored and given portions of the inheritance of the Prince. One might thing it would have been better to remove the enemy but he is still present. My table is a treat for me and a taunt for him.

Ps 23:6

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me [“run after and chase me”] all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Dear Lord, you are the Host of my table and my personal Guard. I am loved with a prejudice and preference. Today I will rest in your provision and your protection. Thank you Lord! AMEN

HIS THOUGHTS!

HIS THOUGHTS!

Ps 10:4

4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Isa 55:7-9

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

           It is early morning and I struggle to gather my thoughts. The smell of strong coffee helps a bit and the sound of a train passing through our town sets the mood. It is quiet and I wait for God to speak to my spirit.

           I am a shepherd first of all and I mentally count my sheep. I think of the vast majority of the flock who manage to navigate from pasture to pasture. I think of the sick and long to pour into their wounds oil and wine. I think of those who are entangled in the briars and long to set them free and brush the brambles from their fleece. Mentally I embrace them and sniff the sweet aroma of sheep. I pray for green pastures and sweet waters where my flock might find rest. This is the shepherd’s life and I am born to it and love it. I am reminded of the shepherding thoughts of the Great Shepherd and I am greatly comforted for the day.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Dear Shepherd of my soul let my thoughts agree with yours today. AMEN

SWEET REASONABLENESS!

SWEET REASONABLENESS!

Phil 4:5-7

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Greek word for “moderation” in our text is epieikes (ep-ee-i-kace'); and means appropriate, (by implication) mild: gentle, moderation, patient. (From Strong’s Concordance)

The word epieikes is of very extensive signification; it means the same as epieikeia, mildness, patience, yieldingness, gentleness, clemency, moderation, unwillingness to litigate [go to court] or contend; but moderation is expressive enough as a general term. "Moderation," says Dr. Macknight, "means meekness under provocation, readiness to forgive injuries, equity in the management of business, candor in judging of the characters and actions of others, sweetness of disposition, and the entire government of the passions."

· from Adam Clarke's Commentary

This word is used ONLY ONCE in our English New Testament! It is coupled with the idea that the Lord is returning soon … actually at hand or at the door. So it is explained in the Amplified New Testament.

Phil 4:5

5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. AMPLIFIED

The idea is not so much CONTROL but of YIELDEDNESS. To yield to a force greater than myself is surrender. To yield to a force equal to me is strategic. To yield to a force weaker than myself is grace!

Today you may be forced to yield to a force greater than yourself. Perhaps it will be an illness or circumstance beyond your control. You may also have an occasion to yield to an equal to show courtesy to another. You may also have an opportunity to yield to someone weak, perhaps a child or someone handicapped. This is grace. This is sweet reasonableness.

Dear Lord, let me live today in the light of your soon coming. AMEN

DESCRIBE YOUR GOD TO ME!

DESCRIBE YOUR GOD TO ME!

           Let’s say I walk up to you on the street or, more likely in the mall, and tell you that I am desperately interested in finding the true God. I am, however, very confused and would like you to help me find the one true God out of all the possibilities swirling around me. I tell you that you look like the kind of person I would like to become and I want to find your God. Please describe your God to me.

           Now, before you begin a soliloquy of memorized characteristics, remember that I want to know your very own description and perception of Him. Who is He and what is He to you personally. OK, go!

           It’s not so easy is it? Not because you can’t do it but because you find yourself embarrassed at your own definitions. Your relationship with a personal God seems weak and selfish. Perhaps you have subscribed to the “Santa Claus” God who looks the other way when you sin and gives you stuff when you pray. Is this the kind of God you want to present to this desperately seeking person? Let me see if I can help by sharing portions of the Bible.

1. GOD IS NEAR – NOT FAR AWAY!

Deut 4:7

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

2. HE IS THE ONLY GOD!

Deut 6:4-5

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Acts 4:11-12

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

           If you think about it, monotheism is the only method that makes sense. If God is God then He stands alone. It is called “The Law of Exclusion.” God, if He really is God, excludes all other competitors.

3. GOD IS HOLY!

Ps 99:9

9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

           The root word for “holy” indicates One that is pure, clean, moral and sacred. He should not, therefore, be thought of or treated like “one of the guys,” or the “man upstairs!” He does not run with me – I am invited to travel with Him. He does not bend to my fashion – I am challenged to change my garments and make them white in the Blood of the Lamb!

Eph 4:22-24

Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

4. HE IS A GOOD GOD!

Ps 100

100:1 A Psalm of praise.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

1 Peter 3:15

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Dear Lord, let me not squeeze you into my hand made mold but let me know you and serve you as you truly are. AMEN

A FORM OF GODLINESS!

A FORM OF GODLINESS!

2 Tim 3:1-5

3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

           Why do we see such corruption in our world today even among professing Christians? Their behavior can be found in verses 2 and 3. They are selfish, pompous and irreverent. They are undisciplined, rebellious and disrespectful. Yet they cling tenaciously to their cloak of religion and react in mock horror at any suggestion that they are less than the best kind of Christian. These take the lead in churches and religious organizations so that their followers become even more grotesque in their piety than themselves.

           The phrase “having a form of godliness” begs a closer look. The Greek word for “have” means “to hold.” I get the idea from the language that one may hold something loosely so that it may be occasionally put down again. I don’t want to hold a system of belief. I want to be held by it!

           The Greek word for “form” is morphosis and means “appearance or semblance.” I get the idea from the particular construction of this word that the form of worship held by these irreverent followers of faith is actually a cover or façade.

2 Tim 3:5

5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. AMPLIFIED NEW TESTAMENT

Three things are needed to combat being swept up by this system of worship which is only a shell. Constant vigilance and personal inspection is needed to insure that these three things are part of our character. They are…

1. INTEGRITY!

           There must be a congruency between what we profess and what we practice! Find yourself a trusted partner and give that person permission to challenge you whenever they see a discrepancy between your faith and the facts of your behavior. Perhaps another word would be “authenticity!”

2. SIMPLICITY!

           The Amish celebrate “plainness.” Without adopting their extremes, perhaps we should adopt their simplicity.

Ps 131:1

131:1 A Song of degrees of David.

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

3. INNOCENSE!

Matt 18:3

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

           Children are free from the avarice and ambition that we adults have developed through the years. They are as happy with a handful of pretty gravel as they are with a handful of gold nuggets. They have not lost the wonder of a sunrise nor have they polluted it with industry. In Christ’s economy the most distinguished Christian is the one most humble.

Dear Father, keep me from becoming inconsistent in my faith. Let me not become a phony. Keep me simple and real. AMEN