EVERYDAY HEROES!

EVERYDAY HEROES!

1 Sam 17:17-18

17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah [about one bushel] of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;

18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

1 Sam 17:48-50

48 When the Philistine came forward to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.

49 David put his hand into his bag and took out a stone and slung it, and it struck the Philistine, sinking into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone.

AMPLIFIED

         Ten loaves of bread, ten cheeses [however big], and a bushel of parched corn must have weighed down the young lad as he ran to his brothers. Seldom do we even think about this aspect of the story! Perhaps he had a pack animal although the Bible does not mention it. What might a bushel of corn weigh?

         David must have anticipated a fierce fight but he entered a quiet camp and soon discovered that he had encountered a stalemated conflict. Only the voice of the Philistine thundered from the hill across the killing zone. It was irritating. It soon became too much to ignore when the Philistine mentioned the weakness of David’s God. David was enraged and determined. After some wrangling with equipment, David decided to use the only weapons with which he was familiar; a sling shot and his faith.

         So heroes are made every day. You may not feel like a superhero but people just like you are capable of marvelous things under the right circumstances. The key ingredient was David’s selfless sacrifice and his firm faith.

Dear Lord, help me to be ready to meet the challenges that might confront me today. AMEN

BE COOL!

BE COOL!

Prov 17:27

27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Prov 17:27 AMPLIFIED

27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.

In the KJV the phrase “excellent spirit” is found only three times. It is interesting that two of those times that phrase is found in and speaks of Daniel (Daniel 5:12 and 6:3). However in Daniel it refers to a superior or preeminent spirit.

Twice the phrase is coupled with the words “knowledge and understanding,” once here in Proverbs and again in Daniel 5:12. Only once, here in Proverbs, does the word “excellent” mean “chill, cool or cold” and it is joined with the words “knowledge and understanding.” I think that is way cool!

Our spirit seems to broadcast itself to others no matter what we may do to prevent it. It was that “cool” spirit that took the slave, Daniel, to the heights of leadership among his captors. He had to be cool to request special foods to eat so that he would not violate his dietary vows. Literally, he had to “be cool” and that required knowledge and understanding as well.

As a believer there are people I shun if possible even though they may claim to be Christians. I’m not being a snob; I just don’t feel comfortable around them. They seem to have a private agenda and it seems clear to me that any friendship I may develop is meant to further their agenda. I feel used and I develop an atmosphere of caution around them. It’s just not cool.

There are other “spirits” that act as magnets to me. I am drawn to them. I want to know why they are so peaceful when all around them there is so much pain. I want to know and understand the things that they know and understand. I’m curious, even envious of their spirit. I want to know where God is taking them and why. I am drawn to follow these people and learn their ways. It is way cool.

Maybe it is no more than the difference between honesty and dishonesty. Perhaps it is much more than that! I suspect it may mean that some “Christians” are simply more Christian than others. I am drawn to what I want to become. Perhaps I am even drawn to what I already am. I seek the person who can fuel my dreams.

Dear Lord, bring people into my path today that can fuel my relationship with YOU, make it stronger and not tear it down. Let me be that person to someone else also. AMEN

DON’T LET SATAN WEAR YOU OUT!

DON’T LET SATAN WEAR YOU OUT!

2 Peter 3:17-18 KJV

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

The call for courage and stamina is needed when God’s good people are overwhelmed by a constant barrage of evil all around them. The Amplified New Testament warns: “do not allow the error of lawless and wicked persons to cause you to fall from your own present firm condition.” It is Satan’s sinister plan to wear out the saints and cause them to quit.

1. QUITTING IS OFTEN A RESULT OF LONG SPIRITUAL CONFLICT!

1 Kings 19:2-4 KJV

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Can you feel the weariness of the prophet? Can you hear it in his voice as he sighs out the words “it is enough?” Those three words “it-is-enough” is from only one small Hebrew word rab which means “too much.” Too much conflict, too much effort, too little results and too much disappointment are all wrapped up in that one little word. Ultimately the prophet simply sits down under a shady tree and asks to be removed from God’s labor pool. The answer is not to quit but to rest then return.

2. QUITTING IS SOMETIMES THE RESULT OF DISAPPOINTMENT IN GOD!

Jonah 4:2-4 KJV

2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

God may decide to love those that we have chosen to hate. He may choose to bless those whom we would blast! Worse than that, He may choose to trouble us when we feel that we do not deserve the trouble. Disappointment forms and grows because we do not understand God’s purposes. We begin to think that our reasoning is better than His and we are tempted to quit. This is now the second prophet who has requested early retirement through death. “Doest thou well to be angry?”

If there is one thing upon earth that mankind loves and admires better than another, it is a brave man--a man who dares look the devil in the face and tell him he is the devil. -- James Garfield

Dear Lord, give me courage and resilience. Don’t let the devil wear me out. Let me return to my work with energy and confidence. 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

HE SUITS THE BURDEN TO THE BACK!

HE SUITS THE BURDEN TO THE BACK!

Num 8:23-26

23 And the Lord  spake unto Moses, saying,

24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:

25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more:

26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.

1 Cor 10:13

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Ps 103:14

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

         The Jews had become slaves in Egypt. They were driven hard, mistreated and poorly nourished. God delivered them from this and established a day of rest as a perpetual ordinance among them. In all of His dealings with his people, God determined not to be a harsh taskmaster.

         The Levites could begin serving at the age of 30 (See Numbers 8:24 and 4:3) but, evidently, there was a five year apprenticeship. They would serve twenty five years and would retire from active service at age 50, at which time they would become helpers and advisors to the younger and stronger men. It was a good plan.

         I wonder if the Levites were embroiled in the same generational conflicts as ministers now seem to be. Seeing that the limitations were imposed by God I would think that simple obedience would suffice but the age of 50 is hardly a time to simply quit. In addition to that the 50-year-old Levites could tell the young guys a thing or two. I guess it is human nature. Logan Pearsall Smith once said: “The denunciation of the young is a necessary part of the hygiene of older people and greatly assists in the circulation of the blood.”

         An elderly woman was filling out an application for residency in a retirement village. She was a bit nervous answering all the questions about her health, fearing she might be refused admission. But, she finally finished the form and then signed her name and filled in the place where it asked for her current address. After "Zip" she printed firmly: "Normal for my age."

   --James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) p. 23.

Dear Lord, as I have well passed my 50^th year, help me to be a blessing to those younger ones who will begin to fill my seat. AMEN

HE UNDERSTANDS THE BROKEN HEARTED!

HE UNDERSTANDS THE BROKEN HEARTED!

Ps 69:19-21

19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

         The Psalmist had a broken heart. Things were not going well for him. It seemed the more he tried the worse were the results. Fortune had fled and calamity unpacked her bags for a long and uncomfortable stay. Every appeal for sympathy fell on deaf ears.

         The Jews believed that God was a just God and that rewards and punishments were meted out in proportion to the righteousness or wickedness of the individual. If someone were suffering then it must be punishment for some evil deed. Success was proof that one was doing the right thing and making the right decisions. Job’s three “friends” accused him of gross misconduct because of his trials and because of this prevailing thought. This was also the basis of the question of the disciples when they saw the man born blind.

John 9:2-3

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

          Because of the retribution principle, suffering had become a source of shame. Nobody cared in Psalm 69:20 because onlookers clearly thought the sufferer deserved what he was receiving. This was the case with the suffering Jesus on the cross. The crowd shouted: “He saved others but himself he cannot save!” He was offered vinegar to quench his thirst. This was simply another insult.

         Perhaps you have suffered a reversal of fortune. The more you try the worse things get. Your opinions are not popular and are thought of as outdated and irrelevant. You are mocked by those who seem to be enjoying God’s blessings. Yet, like Job, you know that your heart is right with God. Your heart has been broken and there is none to care. Take your case to Jesus who understands the broken hearted.

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Dear Lord, you know my broken heart and what has broken it. Make just my way in thy sight. AMEN

A FAMINE IS COMING!

A FAMINE IS COMING!

Amos 8:11-12

11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God , that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:

12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord , and shall not find it.

Ps 74:9

9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

         It is said that the poor of Haiti will fashion cookies made of yellow dirt. We who live just a few miles north of that impoverished country can’t understand this. But we too are in the midst of a famine and we are eating unimaginable stuff that is a poor substitute for the Word of God.

         God has given us up to our own wicked thoughts but He has left us a gnawing hunger for truth. We run “from sea to sea” or from coast to coast and we can’t find the God we crave. We sample first one new trend and then another but it does not suffice. We stand until our shoes pinch and our backs hurt clapping our hands at first one little religious ditty and then another but our hearts are not comforted. There is very little worship in our worship and there is no word from the Lord.

         We leave our church services without the wonder of God upon our faces. Soon we blend in with the rest of the crowd at the local restaurants. We do not know or remember what we have experienced. The psalmist says that we see no sign of God anywhere. There is nobody that seems to be a prophet and nobody seems to know how long this will last.

Matt 5:6

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Oh, Holy God! I am so hungry for you today. Come and satisfy my hunger and thirst. AMEN

INDICATIONS OF REVIVAL’S NEED!

INDICATIONS OF REVIVAL’S NEED!

Isa 57:15 KJV

15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

1. A feeling of being disconnected from God!

Ps 22:1 KJV

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

We sometimes feel crushed by circumstances that are beyond our control. We feel shaken like a rag doll in the teeth of some animal. We feel abandoned by God and we long to be restored to the security of His embrace.

2. A feeling of being a trapped with a desire to escape!

Ps 55:6-7 KJV

6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.

3. A feeling that religion is useless and without meaning or purpose!

Isa 43:22 KJV

22 But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

Mal 1:13 KJV

13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

Sin and selfishness creates tedium with the practice of religion for which God is ultimately blamed. The cause, of course, is our own and not His. To blame God for our own dissatisfaction is blasphemy. The real cause is that our interests and the interests of God no longer agree because we have drifted from Him.

4. God loves you and is searching for you!

Luke 15:4-6 KJV

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Dear Lord, revive my spirit and restore the relationship that has been strained between us.  AMEN

OUR WRATH VERSUS HIS WILL!

OUR WRATH VERSUS HIS WILL!

James 1:19-20

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

         The Greek word translated “wrath” in both these verses is orge (or-gay) and literally means “desire.” When the desire to have it our own way contends with and challenges the will of God we become guilty. The idea is that our desire is so intense and urgent that we no longer care whether or not it conforms to God’s plans. When our desire is not fulfilled we pout like spoiled children. Any action or reaction while in this frame of mind “does not work the righteousness of God.

Prov 14:29

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

         When the prophet Nathan told King David about the stolen ewe lamb, the king became furious and demanded justice but he had, in his anger, condemned himself. His sense of right and wrong were intact but his strong desire had circumvented the righteousness of God. Because he failed to curb his desire he brought pain and folly upon his own house.

         Peter had the only sword available to the disciples in the Garden. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus Peter almost killed a man. His desire to prevent the arrest and death of Jesus did not promote the will of God for this was the very purpose for which Christ came. It is hard to put down that intense desire which boils over into wrath. We want our own way and we want it immediately. “He that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.” Wrath is exactly the opposite of what God wants to develop in us.

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Dear Lord, my own will seems right to me and your will is often hidden from me. Help me not to ruin your righteousness with my foolish wrath. Please arrange the circumstances of my life so that they work together for good. AMEN

DON’T WASTE YOUR PAIN!

DON’T WASTE YOUR PAIN!

2 Cor 1:3-4

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

1 Peter 1:6

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

         For the one who has trusted Christ as Savior, pain has a purpose. What you are now going through is actually ministry training. Do you see what Paul says in Second Corinthians? God allow all our tribulation so that we might be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. We walk through our pain, emerging from it with experience, so that we might minister to others.

         Peter agrees and says that trouble is “needed.” The word manifold is from the Greek word which means “motley or various in character and kind.” The loss of your loved one makes you able to comfort those who are hurting and alone. The hard won victory you now enjoy over a fierce addiction now makes you able to minister to those who are in bondage. The hardship you endure day after day without any victory in sight makes you able to minister to those who are in any trouble.

         But you must suffer by the rules! Acknowledge that you are angry with God and ask Him to minister to your hurt. Stop blaming others and move toward becoming thankful for your training. Lean hard upon the solid and sure nature and character of God. He loves you and is working out His best for you. This has been declared many times in the Bible. Do not doubt those words while you are suffering. Just off stage; just out of the frame of the picture of your life, stands Jesus the captain of your soul. He is making you a capable counselor. Give it time.

Job 23:10

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Dear Lord, there are many of my friends who are suffering motley and various trouble. Teach them many things in the midst of their trouble and then make them able ministers because of their trouble. AMEN

SEARED WITH A HOT IRON!

SEARED WITH A HOT IRON!

1 Tim 4:1-2

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Rom 1:28

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient [fit or appropriate].

Eph 4:19

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Prov 30:20

20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

         How sinful are we really? Do we even know? There is something called The Law of Psychological Acceptance which basically means that when we habitually tolerate sin in our minds, our senses become dulled and we no longer are able to discern good from evil. Consequently, when we are faced with choices between the two, it is just as likely we will choose evil over good without the slightest pain of conscience.

         The generations following close behind us have been taught well by us. On the playground one child will punch another and, when confronted by the teacher, say: “It was an accident!” This excuse is supposed to eliminate any possibility of punishment even though the teacher was an eye witness. What will the world be when these children are fully grown?

         David’s sin with Bathsheba started with a chance look then proceeded to include adultery and murder. There were many opportunities for repentance along the way but he paid no attention to any of them. Ultimately this sin cost him dearly with the loss of his infant son. Violence plagued his family for the rest of his life.

         Keep your “accounts” short with God. Whenever sin is discovered be quick about confessing and forsaking it. Don’t allow your conscience to become seared with a hot iron.

Dear Lord, search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me. Help me to keep my sin accounts short with you. AMEN

A LITTLE MORE TIME!

A LITTLE MORE TIME!

Josh 10:12-14

12 Then spake Joshua to the Lord  in the day when the Lord  delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord  hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord  fought for Israel.

         Joshua was involved in a task that needed to be completed before the sun went down. It was literally a life and death situation so he spoke to the sun to stand still and God heard and answered him. What an understatement to say that there was not a day like that before it or after it.

         Lately I have felt the need to shout at the sun. Activities and responsibilities often force us into a crisis of time. There is much to be done and not much time in which to do it. I doubt that God feels as panicky about the situation as I do. I doubt the sun will stand still for me but I do think God will give me the grace to accomplish the things needed.

         Maybe you have a job in which there is rapid change and urgent need. I have heard it said that work either expands or contracts to fill the time allotted for it. God is faithful in helping you to accomplish today’s tasks. Ask Him for grace and efficiency in your work then praise Him for the accomplishments.

Ps 71:16

16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

Dear Lord, there is much to do today. My appointments and my assignments belong to you. AMEN

THIS OLD HOUSE!

THIS OLD HOUSE!

Eccl 12:1-7

12 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

         Tennessee Ernie Ford used to sing an old gospel song called This Old House. In his deep booming voice he would say “I aint got time to oil the hinges nor to mend the window panes.” He was talking about the house which is our body. In like manner the preacher of Ecclesiastes gives his strong recommendation to consider God while we are young.

         In verses 3 – 7 we read one of the most imaginative descriptions of old age and death found anywhere in literature. The Bible Exposition Commentary describes a house that is falling apart which finally turns to dust. Look at some of the metaphors used for the aging process.

keepers of the house — Your arms and hands tremble.

strong men — Your legs, knees, and shoulders weaken and you walk bent over.

grinders — You start to lose your teeth.

windows — Your vision begins to deteriorate.

doors — Either your hearing starts to fail, or you close your mouth because you've lost your teeth.

grinding — You can't chew your food, or your ears can't pick up the sounds outdoors.

rise up — You wake up with the birds early each morning, and wish you could sleep longer.

music — Your voice starts to quaver and weaken.

afraid — You are terrified of heights and afraid of falling while you walk down the street.

almond tree — If you have any hair left, it turns white, like almond blossoms.

grasshopper — You just drag yourself along, like a grasshopper at the close of the summer season.

desire — You lose your appetite, or perhaps your sexual desire.

long home — You go to your eternal [long] home and people mourn your death.

(from The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001-2004 by Warren W. Wiersbe. All rights reserved.)

         Charles Spurgeon once said: “Youthful sins lay a foundation for aged sorrows.” The warning is clear and brings us back to the very beginning of chapter 12 which says “Remember, zakar (mark so as to be recognized) now thy creator in the days of thy youth.” Establish your relationship with the Lord now and do it with such intensity that the “evil days” will not shake your faith.

Dear Lord, teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. AMEN

SEPARATION IS ‘OUR’ RESPONSIBILITY!

SEPARATION IS ‘OUR’ RESPONSIBILITY!

2 Cor 6:14-7:1

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

These days it is hard to tell a Christian from an unbeliever in everyday practice. You have to observe the subject closely for signs of Jesus. Because salvation is by grace, perhaps we are failing to understand that separation from evil is OUR responsibility. It is true that we have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb but that makes us unfit to continue some of our former practices.

THE REASONS FOR PERSONAL PURITY!

Quite simply, since our new birth there is no longer any “concord” or “communion” and therefore should be no yoke and no fellowship. The word “concord” is from the Greek word sumphonesis (soom-fo'-nay-sis) which forms the base for our English word “symphony.” We no longer play the same tunes because we have a new score sheet and a new Conductor for our lives. Can you imagine the percussion section stubbornly playing the score from the William Tell Overture while the rest of the symphony is playing a lullaby? There would be no agreement in tempo or tune. Why, then do so many professed believers harmonize so well with the world and the Devil?

The word “fellowship” in verse 14 is the word “sharer” or partner. It indicates a union of purposes and emotions and further indicates the enjoyment of one another’s company and companionship. Why are there so many who say they are believers but dislike the company of those in the church?  It seems they consistently prefer the company of the unsaved.

THE REASSURANCE OF HIS PROMISES!

2 Cor 6:17-18

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Ø God has chosen to dwell in you

Ø there should be an altar of prayer in you

Ø there should be worship in you

THE RESPONSE OF A FAITHFUL HEART!

2 Cor 7:1

7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

So…what are we going to do with these promises? God has promised to be our Father and to make us His sons and daughters. What are we going to do with that information? How should we respond?

Ø Live like a member of the family! Develop and display godly family traits.

Ø Become personally responsible for your own purity. Cleanse yourselves.

Ø Perfect (practice and improve upon) holiness in the fear of (respect for) God.

Dear Lord, I can’t expect you to keep me pure when I habitually and carelessly practice impurity! Work with me as I work to cleanse myself.  AMEN